There is a great picture on my good old computer that is now incompatible with Blogger of the Pink Chalk Studio's Mail Sack bag I made this weekend. Really, the tan and pink bag with is sprightly striped lining is hanging in the flowering crab and looking quite dashing. Unfortunately, my antique computer operating system is no longer supported by Blogger, so if you'd like to see my lovely new bag, you'll have to join me at Nancy's Sewing Weekend next Thursday and Friday. My bag will go everywhere I go, and if you're there, I'll certainly be happy to show it off for you.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Possibilities
Sometimes things have to sit for a bit to tell me what will come next. This quilt top, for example, seemed like a really good idea when I started it several years ago. By the time it got this far, however, it seemed to have lost its charm and was set aside to wait for further inspiration.
It's waited and waited and finally, maybe, there's a glimmer of possibility. There's not enough of the tone-on-tone fabric that alternates with the little hour-glass squares for a full border, and a contrast border just seems too heavy somehow for what was intended to be a soft-looking little nap quilt. There is, though, a yard of a lovely soft print that would coordinate well with the feel of the quilt that could be incorporated into the border. And then there are those yo-yo's made with many of the same reds that are in the quilt and some of the same or very similar greens that might work for vines and leaves. Yes, there's hope. Not a definite plan, but hope.
In the meantime, however, there are always hexagons for putzing. These, too, lack a defined destiny, but they are starting to add up to possibilities of their own. I originally thought that when I had 20 flowers made, I would devise a plan for a quilt. Now that I have 18 made, I think I'll do some serious planning when I have 35. 
Until then, which might be a while, I'll just keep stitching.
It's waited and waited and finally, maybe, there's a glimmer of possibility. There's not enough of the tone-on-tone fabric that alternates with the little hour-glass squares for a full border, and a contrast border just seems too heavy somehow for what was intended to be a soft-looking little nap quilt. There is, though, a yard of a lovely soft print that would coordinate well with the feel of the quilt that could be incorporated into the border. And then there are those yo-yo's made with many of the same reds that are in the quilt and some of the same or very similar greens that might work for vines and leaves. Yes, there's hope. Not a definite plan, but hope.
In the meantime, however, there are always hexagons for putzing. These, too, lack a defined destiny, but they are starting to add up to possibilities of their own. I originally thought that when I had 20 flowers made, I would devise a plan for a quilt. Now that I have 18 made, I think I'll do some serious planning when I have 35. 
Until then, which might be a while, I'll just keep stitching.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
To everything there is a season?
Most years at this time the all-consuming happenings here revolve around this
The woods are tapped and all the kids make it a point to come home during the few weeks of intense maple syrup production. We love helpers who will pitch in to pick up sap
And help fuel the fire for the long hours it takes to cook the sap into maple syrup. 
Even Daisy puts in her fair share of time watching the evaporator.
Even Daisy puts in her fair share of time watching the evaporator.
Most of all we love seeing the sparkling finished product lined up and ready to hold us over for another year of sales, gifts and just plain good eating.
This year, though, all these things are just sweet memories. Between March's 70-degree days and Paul's ankle that will not allow him to tramp around out in the woods, the usual highlight of our spring is just a sweet memory. Good thing we still have about 20 gallons of syrup on hand to get us through until the next maple season!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Everything but the kitchen sink
A guest post by Alyssa.
For those of you following VVG and are saddened the dearth of recent posts there, it is because I am busy working, working, working for pay - not a lot of cooking, cooking, cooking or blogging, blogging, blogging. But last weekend, I was sick of all the work and decided to take on a creative project.
I had strict parameters for this project. First, it had to be a project that I could finish from start to finish in one afternoon. Second, I could not run out to buy any supplies. You see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (my mom created a monster!!) and in the last year I've acquired a great deal of fabric supplies. I live in a small apartment. I don't have room for copious amounts of supplies!
But, after completing this project, I now have room for many, many more supplies.
You see this pouf?
Pretty nice, huh?
You'll never believe what's inside.
I used Butterick 5230 for my pattern, but after reading the construction methods, abandoned ship because the finish would have looked, well, awful. Luckily, I found this post from Better Homes and Gardens about how to finish the pouf more to my liking. Aside from the better construction methods, step #10 came in particularly handy when I was stuffing my mammoth pouf.
You see, the Butterick pattern did not specify how much poly-fil to use for the project. So I bought 3 -20oz bags thinking that would cover it. How wrong I was. I stuffed all three in, and barely filled half of this pouf. So, upon the suggestion of BHG, I went digging in my closet and found two - not one, but two! - 18" down pillows that I wasn't using. I wrestled those, much like this cowboy wresting the calf, into the pouf via an 8" hole. Yee-haw!!
Still, not full.
So, I went digging again. I found some old long underwear from my college days and stuffed about 8 shirts and pants into the pouf.
Still, not full.
I put in all the scraps from any project I've done in the past year, including a couple of muslin dresses and skirts.
Still, not full.
I dug up two old queen sized sheets and crammed those in.
Still, not full.
I found an Elmo Halloween costume and added that to the pouf.
And finally, the pouf was full. With pretty much everything except the kitchen sink.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Piles of progress
Here it is -- a week's worth of progress (mostly early mornings before getting ready for work) on this flying geese quilt. All the light geese are finished and sewn together in groups of four. All the dark geese are pieced, paired in twos and waiting patiently to become sets of four. Once those sets are done, the lights and darks will be paired to make 12" blocks that will be easy to maneuver for the best color and fabric distribution. 
Not only will the layout be easier, but since I absolutely hate working with long strips, the piecing will be more to my liking as well.
Karl and Alissa were here for a short visit today. In the back of my mind, this quilt was for them. When Alissa expressed her agreement to that notion, my excitement over its completion grew even more. Another week of early mornings. Maybe an evening or two, and some weekend time, and I'll have this pieced. It is such a thrill to let quilts happen!
Not only will the layout be easier, but since I absolutely hate working with long strips, the piecing will be more to my liking as well. Karl and Alissa were here for a short visit today. In the back of my mind, this quilt was for them. When Alissa expressed her agreement to that notion, my excitement over its completion grew even more. Another week of early mornings. Maybe an evening or two, and some weekend time, and I'll have this pieced. It is such a thrill to let quilts happen!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Leaving it to destiny
Do you ever have an idea that seems not to let go? Keeping fabric around as long as I do might explain that to some degree, but that is beside the point. This wonderful leaf print - about 2 yards of it - has been with me longer than I care to admit. In all those years, I've tried a couple of ideas with it, but never to my satisfaction. I knew, all along it seems, it should be part of a flying geese quilt. But flying geese were always so putsy, I never wanted to commit. Now that I've learned to make flying geese in a much more efficient (and much less wasteful) manner, it seemed time to finally get this wonderful fabric into a quilt.
Unfortunately, a few sample blocks set on the fabric in the manner I've envisioned for all this time, left me sorely disappointed.
Not be be deterred and convinced that the contrast between the blocks and leaf print was too stark, I made a few blocks substituting a dark background for the light. A step in the right direction maybe, but still not all that impressive.
And so I let the idea simmer while I made a pot of coffee and threw some clothes in the washer. With a fresh cup in hand, it occurred to me that dropping the long-held notion of having the leaves serve as dividing strips might be the answer. Covering that one row of leaves with flying geese provided my answer. The leaves weren't meant to be stripes -- they were meant to be a frame.
All the pieces are cut for a throw-size quilt. (I had a day of vacation on Friday and managed to get a ton of cutting and marking done.) In fact, all the light background geese units, as well as a good portion of the dark units, are completed. I'm not kidding you or myself: this won't be done in a week. But what's the rush? These leaves have been waiting a long, long time to meet their destiny.
Unfortunately, a few sample blocks set on the fabric in the manner I've envisioned for all this time, left me sorely disappointed.
Not be be deterred and convinced that the contrast between the blocks and leaf print was too stark, I made a few blocks substituting a dark background for the light. A step in the right direction maybe, but still not all that impressive.
And so I let the idea simmer while I made a pot of coffee and threw some clothes in the washer. With a fresh cup in hand, it occurred to me that dropping the long-held notion of having the leaves serve as dividing strips might be the answer. Covering that one row of leaves with flying geese provided my answer. The leaves weren't meant to be stripes -- they were meant to be a frame.
All the pieces are cut for a throw-size quilt. (I had a day of vacation on Friday and managed to get a ton of cutting and marking done.) In fact, all the light background geese units, as well as a good portion of the dark units, are completed. I'm not kidding you or myself: this won't be done in a week. But what's the rush? These leaves have been waiting a long, long time to meet their destiny.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Anniversary Waltz
The Anniversary Waltz, a flannel quilt for Kit and Violet is finally finished. I picked it up from the longarm quilter last weekend and finished the binding this morning. After taking Paul to the doctor where his cast was removed and replaced with a walking cast, I was excited to have a lovely winter day to catch a few quilt pictures outside.
You may recall the mention of following a couple quilting blogs. Those blogs have artsy photos of quilts. Lately many of those photos have been outside, even in the snow. If they can do it, so can I, right?
Did I mention that this quilt is flannel? And big? And heavy? Giving it a good shake to have it billow out before gently fall to the earth in a perfect fashion didn't work so well.
Not factoring in this morning's brief snow didn't help. Fresh wet snow. A heavy flannel quilt. Big old footprints all around the quilt to disturb the pristine (at least in my imagination) setting.
So it's settled, I am not a photographer. But I am a quilter who is very excited to give her son and daughter-in-law a quilt made with lots of flannel ... and lots of love.
You may recall the mention of following a couple quilting blogs. Those blogs have artsy photos of quilts. Lately many of those photos have been outside, even in the snow. If they can do it, so can I, right?
Did I mention that this quilt is flannel? And big? And heavy? Giving it a good shake to have it billow out before gently fall to the earth in a perfect fashion didn't work so well.
Not factoring in this morning's brief snow didn't help. Fresh wet snow. A heavy flannel quilt. Big old footprints all around the quilt to disturb the pristine (at least in my imagination) setting.
So it's settled, I am not a photographer. But I am a quilter who is very excited to give her son and daughter-in-law a quilt made with lots of flannel ... and lots of love.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Warning
That opened bag of marshmallows in your cupboard ... the marshmallows that are probably from last summer, but you tell yourself no, it can't be that long ... belong in the garbage. They will not just puff up nicely when you think you'll finally use them up in some some Rice Krispy treats. They will turn into a clump of marshmallowy glue. Adding butter in hopes of transforming the gooey mass into a pliable, even suitable marshmallow base for the the snap, crack and pop will not work. Aggravating your already tender tennis elbow by stirring in just a cup or two of Rice Krispies will not be worth your while. You will not be making treats. You'll be making gluey sweet glop. I'm just saying ...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
It all takes time
This may not look like much, but it is a week's worth of English paper pieced hexagons, all basted and ready to inspire the next batch. I'm not really sure what direction these will take in the end, but it will take a lot more of them to get very far.
These, too, are not going very far just yet. 
The orange cast will probably go this week and be replaced with a longer-term version. I'm going to try my hardest to keep working on the hexagons for as long as Paul is laid up. It really is nice to sit with him in the evening with my handwork while we watch a movie together. He's turned down my offers to teach him to knit. So, it's just me with needle in hand and both of us hoping this healing thing goes well. After all, the past week's subzero temps and tonight's freezing rain will fade away in due time and make way for maple syrup time. And crutches in the woods simply won't do.
These, too, are not going very far just yet. 
The orange cast will probably go this week and be replaced with a longer-term version. I'm going to try my hardest to keep working on the hexagons for as long as Paul is laid up. It really is nice to sit with him in the evening with my handwork while we watch a movie together. He's turned down my offers to teach him to knit. So, it's just me with needle in hand and both of us hoping this healing thing goes well. After all, the past week's subzero temps and tonight's freezing rain will fade away in due time and make way for maple syrup time. And crutches in the woods simply won't do.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Oh hex
The day started out with intentions of cutting a few dozen hexagons to try out these 2-inch hexagon papers I found at Antoinette's quilt shop in Plover. The papers are printed freezer paper pre-cut shapes. (Yes, I could cut my own shapes from freezer paper, but I know I won't.) Just press them to the wrong side of fabric, leaving 1/4" seam allowance around each, cut and baste for perfect hexagons. The shapes are can be used repeatedly -- until they no longer stick.
As I was saying, the idea was to cut a few dozen hexagons just to have a handwork project available for whenever the mood strikes.
I had just finished ironing the shapes to fabric when the kitchen door opened and Paul yelled for me. So much for the hexagons. So much for his farm chores.
The next five hours were spent in urgent care (without any handwork) while Paul went about the business of having his fractured ankle treated.
There will be another trip to Marshfield later this week to see the orthopedic surgeon. Paul will be on the injured list for a couple of months. The poor guy is going to go crazy. Our sons will do double-duty with their jobs and the farm. I'll go to work. When I'm home in the evening with my uncharacteristically housebound husband I'm going to do handwork -- piecing hexagons -- while dreaming up ways to help him stay on this side of the sanity line.
As I was saying, the idea was to cut a few dozen hexagons just to have a handwork project available for whenever the mood strikes.
I had just finished ironing the shapes to fabric when the kitchen door opened and Paul yelled for me. So much for the hexagons. So much for his farm chores.The next five hours were spent in urgent care (without any handwork) while Paul went about the business of having his fractured ankle treated.
There will be another trip to Marshfield later this week to see the orthopedic surgeon. Paul will be on the injured list for a couple of months. The poor guy is going to go crazy. Our sons will do double-duty with their jobs and the farm. I'll go to work. When I'm home in the evening with my uncharacteristically housebound husband I'm going to do handwork -- piecing hexagons -- while dreaming up ways to help him stay on this side of the sanity line.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Oh, so close
The finish of Kit and Violet's flannel quilt is finally near. The final borders are going on today, but you won't see the quilt until it's all finished. I'm hoping to get it to the long-arm quilter next weekend, and then, at last, to the happy couple.
On the way to the finish line, there were a few bumps in the road. One of those was the backing fabric. This quilt measures about 92x108" -- no small little lap quilt indeed. A quilt this size requires about 9 yards of backing fabric. If you've been to a quilt shop lately, you know that's a tidy little investment, so I opted to shop for a bargain that would still meet my fabric quality standards. My quest took me to Connecting Threads where I found a small floral flannel in what looked like a suitable color to coordinate with the top. I should have trusted the color description, which was mint. Instead I went by price and a hunch that it wouldn't be a bright mint. I was wrong. It was a bright, springy mint. Fresh as toothpaste. Definitely wrong for this quilt. Nine yards of wrong. Even at the bargain sale price, it was still nine yards of a terrible color for this quilt.
Welcome Rit Dye (I find it in the grocery store's detergent aisle). Rit Tan is a miraculous little box of fixing that I've used it on several quilts and fabrics that were just too bright for my purposes. It took two boxes this time, but 9 yards us a lot of fabric.
The original toothpaste-fresh color is obvious in the strip here. The background fabric is the mint flannel after two rounds of Rit Tan. The foreground is the border fabric for the quilt. You'll probably agree the the new subdued mint is a pretty little print that will coordinate nicely with the mood and color of the quilt. I've said it before; I'll say it again: I love Rit!
On the way to the finish line, there were a few bumps in the road. One of those was the backing fabric. This quilt measures about 92x108" -- no small little lap quilt indeed. A quilt this size requires about 9 yards of backing fabric. If you've been to a quilt shop lately, you know that's a tidy little investment, so I opted to shop for a bargain that would still meet my fabric quality standards. My quest took me to Connecting Threads where I found a small floral flannel in what looked like a suitable color to coordinate with the top. I should have trusted the color description, which was mint. Instead I went by price and a hunch that it wouldn't be a bright mint. I was wrong. It was a bright, springy mint. Fresh as toothpaste. Definitely wrong for this quilt. Nine yards of wrong. Even at the bargain sale price, it was still nine yards of a terrible color for this quilt.
Welcome Rit Dye (I find it in the grocery store's detergent aisle). Rit Tan is a miraculous little box of fixing that I've used it on several quilts and fabrics that were just too bright for my purposes. It took two boxes this time, but 9 yards us a lot of fabric.
The original toothpaste-fresh color is obvious in the strip here. The background fabric is the mint flannel after two rounds of Rit Tan. The foreground is the border fabric for the quilt. You'll probably agree the the new subdued mint is a pretty little print that will coordinate nicely with the mood and color of the quilt. I've said it before; I'll say it again: I love Rit!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy Mess of Memories
I'd be very happy to take another year like 2011 (without the lousy governor), thank you very much. Having a real Christmas tree again was the the start of the happy ending. Since a real tree was a health concern the past few years, having one this year became a symbol of the happier, healthier times we hope will continue.
When our kids were young, each one was allowed to pick out one new ornament for the tree every year. Of course a few tree-crashes and years of use means not all have survived, but the ornaments still hold plentiful memories for me. Even better, the kids were pleased to find some of their favorites when they were here for our Christmas celebration over the weekend. After seeing some beautifully ornamented trees in other people's homes, I briefly considered changing my tree-decorating approach. The themed trees are lovely indeed and ever so tempting -- especially those color controlled schemes. But once I started hanging one memory after another, I knew there would never be one here.
I love our happy mess of ornaments that reflect each of our different tastes as the years went by. All the cows Jane sent for years ... the "baby's first Christmas" ornaments ... my personal favorite: Mama Bear, Papa Bear and five baby bears all lined up in a bed ... the nursery rhyme ornaments Mom sent when the kids were little ...the crocheted satin balls Grandma Ruesch made ... the 4-H projects made by Alyssa ... the sometimes reluctantly made projects by the boys ... the single surviving red ball from our first ever tree ... even the angel the kids selected many years ago ... all of them combine to make one happy mess of a tree.
Our Christmas tree .. and the passing year ... leave me feeling just as pleased as the jolly snowman Jeannine stitched on the cutest-ever pillow.
Happy New Year!
When our kids were young, each one was allowed to pick out one new ornament for the tree every year. Of course a few tree-crashes and years of use means not all have survived, but the ornaments still hold plentiful memories for me. Even better, the kids were pleased to find some of their favorites when they were here for our Christmas celebration over the weekend. After seeing some beautifully ornamented trees in other people's homes, I briefly considered changing my tree-decorating approach. The themed trees are lovely indeed and ever so tempting -- especially those color controlled schemes. But once I started hanging one memory after another, I knew there would never be one here.
I love our happy mess of ornaments that reflect each of our different tastes as the years went by. All the cows Jane sent for years ... the "baby's first Christmas" ornaments ... my personal favorite: Mama Bear, Papa Bear and five baby bears all lined up in a bed ... the nursery rhyme ornaments Mom sent when the kids were little ...the crocheted satin balls Grandma Ruesch made ... the 4-H projects made by Alyssa ... the sometimes reluctantly made projects by the boys ... the single surviving red ball from our first ever tree ... even the angel the kids selected many years ago ... all of them combine to make one happy mess of a tree.
Our Christmas tree .. and the passing year ... leave me feeling just as pleased as the jolly snowman Jeannine stitched on the cutest-ever pillow. Happy New Year!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Fresh baked bread
You may already know that last winter's weekends revolved around a concerted effort in bread baking. All that fell by the wayside over summer and fall when the weather and work simply don't cooperate with my best intentions.
It was last year's deer hunting season that triggered all this. When serving the hunters -- a collection of family and friends -- some topnotch venison stout stew, I warmed up two loaves of grocery store bread. The hunters loved it and asked if I made it. Slightly embarrassed by the confession of being a complete failure at all things bread, I decided then and there to change that. I've had some success, some chewy challenges and a lot of wondering how women did this for large families all the time. Of course, after a few days of feeding 8 or so hungry hunters, I wonder how women of large families got anything done without modern conveniences, especially a dishwasher.
My most recent bread baking endeavors were inspired by the King Arthur flour blog. I have this wonderfully aromatic Maple Oatmeal bread rising right now. Yesterday produced some plain white loaves, also from the King Arthur site. Despite misreading the recipe and adding a tad too much flour, the loaves came out very well. One disappeared with last night's ham supper. The other will go with tonight's leftovers. With two kinds of soups, a bit of ham, a bit of turkey, and some other odds and ends to clean up, my weekend of cooking will come to an end. Fresh bread will complement it all.
Speaking of bread reminds me that while Evan was staying with Alyssa two and three years ago, he sometimes baked bread to pass the time in her apartment. That was a tough time for him, for Alyssa and for all of us. But somehow, baking helped Evan get through the long boring days of doctor visits, tests, and more doctor visits and tests. Grandma's rye bread and ginger cookies were his favorite recipes and they must have done something more than just lift his spirits. After more than four years and two bone marrow transplants, Evan finally received word that he is considered to be in full remission from Hodgkins. By sheer coincidence, I spent Thanksgiving weekend cooking and baking, including his favorite ginger cookies. And why not -- it appears that it's all good medicine.
It was last year's deer hunting season that triggered all this. When serving the hunters -- a collection of family and friends -- some topnotch venison stout stew, I warmed up two loaves of grocery store bread. The hunters loved it and asked if I made it. Slightly embarrassed by the confession of being a complete failure at all things bread, I decided then and there to change that. I've had some success, some chewy challenges and a lot of wondering how women did this for large families all the time. Of course, after a few days of feeding 8 or so hungry hunters, I wonder how women of large families got anything done without modern conveniences, especially a dishwasher.
My most recent bread baking endeavors were inspired by the King Arthur flour blog. I have this wonderfully aromatic Maple Oatmeal bread rising right now. Yesterday produced some plain white loaves, also from the King Arthur site. Despite misreading the recipe and adding a tad too much flour, the loaves came out very well. One disappeared with last night's ham supper. The other will go with tonight's leftovers. With two kinds of soups, a bit of ham, a bit of turkey, and some other odds and ends to clean up, my weekend of cooking will come to an end. Fresh bread will complement it all.
Speaking of bread reminds me that while Evan was staying with Alyssa two and three years ago, he sometimes baked bread to pass the time in her apartment. That was a tough time for him, for Alyssa and for all of us. But somehow, baking helped Evan get through the long boring days of doctor visits, tests, and more doctor visits and tests. Grandma's rye bread and ginger cookies were his favorite recipes and they must have done something more than just lift his spirits. After more than four years and two bone marrow transplants, Evan finally received word that he is considered to be in full remission from Hodgkins. By sheer coincidence, I spent Thanksgiving weekend cooking and baking, including his favorite ginger cookies. And why not -- it appears that it's all good medicine.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time to cozy in
While driving down Blueberry Road last night, just before 6:00, it occurred to me that the beautiful autumn sky will be much darker at the same time next Friday. Luckily, my camera was close at hand so I could share the view with you. Regrettably, the light had faded too much for my trusty point-and-shoot camera to capture the line of Black Angus cattle at the edge of the corn field. (I love the color of ready-to-harvest corn: not quite tan; not quite gold and find myself drawn to it in many of my projects.) 
That sky absolutely begs for rye bread rising and warm fall flavors on the menu. Such a dining experience didn't happen last night, but it will tonight for Evan's birthday dinner. Cabbage and squash and stuffed steak rolls with fresh rye bread. Maybe even a pumpkin cake. All the colors and flavors of autumn.
First though, a quick update on the flannel quilt progress. The rest of the blues are cut, thanks to some good old tunes.
I'm using an actual pattern for this quilt and am doing fairly well at really sticking to the directions instead of my usual, "let's just see what happens" method. I think this is going to be beautiful in the blues and browns. Just wait until you see the floral border fabric that will pull the entire quilt together-- it's smashing! The pattern is "Christmas Past" from Primitive Gatherings' Primitive Christmas Book. Every single design in this inspiring book begs to be made, which is what I say about everything Primitive Gatherings publishes. And, now that I think about it, another trip to Menasha may be in order before this fall leads too quickly into winter. Maybe even a side trip to Penzey's in Appleton. Time to get out the calendar and plan because it won't be long before it's more appealing to stay home and cozy.
That sky absolutely begs for rye bread rising and warm fall flavors on the menu. Such a dining experience didn't happen last night, but it will tonight for Evan's birthday dinner. Cabbage and squash and stuffed steak rolls with fresh rye bread. Maybe even a pumpkin cake. All the colors and flavors of autumn.First though, a quick update on the flannel quilt progress. The rest of the blues are cut, thanks to some good old tunes.
I'm using an actual pattern for this quilt and am doing fairly well at really sticking to the directions instead of my usual, "let's just see what happens" method. I think this is going to be beautiful in the blues and browns. Just wait until you see the floral border fabric that will pull the entire quilt together-- it's smashing! The pattern is "Christmas Past" from Primitive Gatherings' Primitive Christmas Book. Every single design in this inspiring book begs to be made, which is what I say about everything Primitive Gatherings publishes. And, now that I think about it, another trip to Menasha may be in order before this fall leads too quickly into winter. Maybe even a side trip to Penzey's in Appleton. Time to get out the calendar and plan because it won't be long before it's more appealing to stay home and cozy.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Midwest Living
It usually bothers me a bit when holiday magazine issues are on the stands and in my mailbox even before Halloween. Not so this year when Midwest Living arrived. 
Although it may look out of place with my harvest colored accessories, it was a delight to receive because right there on page 26 is a little article about my daughter. Of course it is a tribute to Alyssa and her blog to be contacted by the magazine after reading the post about last year's baking party. More importantly though, the publication of Grandma Ruesch's date pinwheel cookie recipe along with the story speaks to the special relationship the two of them shared.
Grandma, even though she reveled in grandchildren, would not have accepted any credit for inspiring Alyssa's caring spirit and success in the kitchen; she was far too humble for that. Anyone who knew both of them, however, knew that baking together was just one of the ways they worked and shared with each other. They really were a good team. Midwest Living brought all that home right in my mailbox. What a welcome holiday gift!
Although it may look out of place with my harvest colored accessories, it was a delight to receive because right there on page 26 is a little article about my daughter. Of course it is a tribute to Alyssa and her blog to be contacted by the magazine after reading the post about last year's baking party. More importantly though, the publication of Grandma Ruesch's date pinwheel cookie recipe along with the story speaks to the special relationship the two of them shared.
Grandma, even though she reveled in grandchildren, would not have accepted any credit for inspiring Alyssa's caring spirit and success in the kitchen; she was far too humble for that. Anyone who knew both of them, however, knew that baking together was just one of the ways they worked and shared with each other. They really were a good team. Midwest Living brought all that home right in my mailbox. What a welcome holiday gift!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Progress is progress
In my mind, I would have half the blocks for this quilt made by now. In reality, I have not quite four. (Each of these stars will be the center of a larger block.)
Not exactly my goal, but progress is progress. With more blocks in various stages of assembly and just a bit more cutting to do because I finally found my way to Wisconsin Rapids yesterday afternoon for three more blue flannels, I could still make my Christmas deadline. What I need is a full quilting day, which I don't see on the horizon any time soon. What I do see is the clock ticking and telling me to get to work. Again. Quilting will have to wait. Again.
Not exactly my goal, but progress is progress. With more blocks in various stages of assembly and just a bit more cutting to do because I finally found my way to Wisconsin Rapids yesterday afternoon for three more blue flannels, I could still make my Christmas deadline. What I need is a full quilting day, which I don't see on the horizon any time soon. What I do see is the clock ticking and telling me to get to work. Again. Quilting will have to wait. Again.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Little things
Some things need little or no explanation. Last Sunday's Pie Day is one such thing.
This Sunday turned into Puppy Picture Day as Amos and his pups vie for Evan's attention.
This Sunday turned into Puppy Picture Day as Amos and his pups vie for Evan's attention.
Amos and some of the pups size each other up
while Paul and I convince Cleo to show off her pretty puppy blue eyes.
Hope your beautiful fall weekends are this good!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A great start
A beautiful day in Central Wisconsin means baling hay for all the men -- including sons, nephew, and friends -- around here. And if there are men baling, I'm cooking. Auntie Pat's Outdoor Pot Roast (made indoors), oven roasted potatoes, corn and spinach-apple salad with maple dijon dressing . Ice cream and molasses cookies for dessert. The cookies are supposed to be iced, but driving twenty miles for the missing icing ingredient was simply not appealing, so a sprinkle of Turbinado sugar before baking seemed a reasonable substitute. 
Earlier in the week, my friend Jenny and I made a lunch break run to Kat's Curiosities. I must have mentioned this wonderful little shop before ... it really is one of my all-time favorite places. Just a cozy little shop that offers the perfect mid-day treasure hunt with its happy mix of new and vintage items. This is the little gem I snapped up on our most recent visit.
I pictured it as the perfect knitting box for the sweater I'm working on (Alyssa's is done and in her possession; the current project is a cardigan for me), but changed my mind this afternoon. Thanks to my easy meal preparations, I was able to get half the fabric cut for a queen size flannel quilt today. My metal picnic basket turned out to be the perfect storage bin for the pieces.
It's doubtful that much more flannel will get cut tomorrow since it's Violet and Barb's Great Apple Pie Making Day, but cutting a little every day before work will get me piecing this beauty by next weekend. Today was a great start.
Earlier in the week, my friend Jenny and I made a lunch break run to Kat's Curiosities. I must have mentioned this wonderful little shop before ... it really is one of my all-time favorite places. Just a cozy little shop that offers the perfect mid-day treasure hunt with its happy mix of new and vintage items. This is the little gem I snapped up on our most recent visit.
I pictured it as the perfect knitting box for the sweater I'm working on (Alyssa's is done and in her possession; the current project is a cardigan for me), but changed my mind this afternoon. Thanks to my easy meal preparations, I was able to get half the fabric cut for a queen size flannel quilt today. My metal picnic basket turned out to be the perfect storage bin for the pieces.
It's doubtful that much more flannel will get cut tomorrow since it's Violet and Barb's Great Apple Pie Making Day, but cutting a little every day before work will get me piecing this beauty by next weekend. Today was a great start.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Puppies and pumpkins
Many people try to squeeze in vacations in August and September. I work. Too much. And get cranky. Too cranky to blog. Then there is a breather and life starts looking pretty good again. Of course, some things help that along. Like puppies.
Evan and Ned raise Leopard Curs, handsome hunting hounds who are also friendly, loyal pets. They have six adult dogs and now six puppies. Evan brought this tub-o-pups in the house the other night while Poppy, their mom, took in a little exercise.
We weighted each puppy on the kitchen scale. These two little white guys were the largest and the smallest at five pounds and three pounds. The one on the right reminds me of the Buster Brown shoe dog, so I call her Buster. Her big brother is Chunk.
Next we have Cleo on the left, who looks a lot like her mom. On the right is Pete, who is the spittin' image of his dad.
And finally we have little Susie and Jed who look much like Belle and Orville, two of the other resident hounds. Actually, I don't have naming rights to any of them; that will go to their new owners. Or, if there is one who stays here, Evan and Ned get the naming rights. I can only hope that one of my favorites gets to stay in spite of my protests about too many dogs.
And now for the pumpkins ... If you've seen the current issue of Country Living magazine, you've seen the beautiful decoupaged pumpkins on the cover. It was love at first sight for me. The magazine's directions suggest photocopying fabric to cover the pumpkins. Since our printer is not much of a color copier, I opted to just use fabric. For this one, I cut strips approximately 3" wide, tapered the top and bottom of each strip as I applied it, and loved the results.
Of course, doing one wasn't enough. This brushed cotton was torn into strips -- I thought the torn edge would add some charm -- and applied in the same manner.
Once these are dry, I'll give another thin coat of Modge Podge before deciding on varnish. (Did you know that there is an entire blog devoted to Modge Podge? It's true. Check out Modge Podge Rocks for a little decoupage inspiration.) I found the pumpkins at Michael's, used about 1/3 yard of fabric, a sponge brush and matte finish Modge Podge. It was a great way to spend an hour or two and get into the spirit of my favorite season of the year.
Evan and Ned raise Leopard Curs, handsome hunting hounds who are also friendly, loyal pets. They have six adult dogs and now six puppies. Evan brought this tub-o-pups in the house the other night while Poppy, their mom, took in a little exercise.
We weighted each puppy on the kitchen scale. These two little white guys were the largest and the smallest at five pounds and three pounds. The one on the right reminds me of the Buster Brown shoe dog, so I call her Buster. Her big brother is Chunk.
Next we have Cleo on the left, who looks a lot like her mom. On the right is Pete, who is the spittin' image of his dad.
And finally we have little Susie and Jed who look much like Belle and Orville, two of the other resident hounds. Actually, I don't have naming rights to any of them; that will go to their new owners. Or, if there is one who stays here, Evan and Ned get the naming rights. I can only hope that one of my favorites gets to stay in spite of my protests about too many dogs.
And now for the pumpkins ... If you've seen the current issue of Country Living magazine, you've seen the beautiful decoupaged pumpkins on the cover. It was love at first sight for me. The magazine's directions suggest photocopying fabric to cover the pumpkins. Since our printer is not much of a color copier, I opted to just use fabric. For this one, I cut strips approximately 3" wide, tapered the top and bottom of each strip as I applied it, and loved the results.
Of course, doing one wasn't enough. This brushed cotton was torn into strips -- I thought the torn edge would add some charm -- and applied in the same manner.
Once these are dry, I'll give another thin coat of Modge Podge before deciding on varnish. (Did you know that there is an entire blog devoted to Modge Podge? It's true. Check out Modge Podge Rocks for a little decoupage inspiration.) I found the pumpkins at Michael's, used about 1/3 yard of fabric, a sponge brush and matte finish Modge Podge. It was a great way to spend an hour or two and get into the spirit of my favorite season of the year.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Sisters Sewing Weekend
While most weekends are good simply because they are weekends, last weekend was something really special. Paul drove me to Menasha, Wisconsin on Friday morning (approx 85 miles from here) to meet my sisters. Jane and family were visiting from California and we sisters had cooked up a great plan. Jane's husband and sons went up to Rhinelander with our brother Jon's family while she stayed behind to join Jeannine and me in a great sewing weekend. Jeannine and Jane drove up from Racine and we all gathered at the Primitive Gatherings Quilt Shop in Menasha (on Racine St, coincidentally).
What a lovely place. All three of us sew, but have slightly different interests. I am almost exclusively a quilter. Jeannine does not enjoy quilting but does almost every other type of sewing you can imagine from garment sewing to draperies; she especially enjoys the handwork of wool applique. Jane also loves all things sewing. With her training as an interior designer, she has a practiced eye for beautiful fabrics and designs. And Primitive Gatherings offered something for us all. Naturally, we showed our appreciation by buying a few things.
After a nice lunch in Menasha accompanied by some good old sisterly hilarity, we headed toward Jeannine's home in Racine. But first we stopped at this great place on Watertown Plank Road. (It was supposed to be my job to document our weekend, but I was too busy touching all the beautiful fabrics to remember to ask permission to take pictures.) Jeannine was right. This is a great store. Once again, a few things were purchased by all.
Then to Racine where we began working in earnest to complete two projects that Jane could take home with her. Jane and I worked on cutting the fat quarters she purchased in Menasha into five inch squares so they could be incorporated into a quilt made from the charm pack she also bought. We all worked on making silk yo-yo's for a purse Jane wanted. She had purchased the book and fabrics back home in California and really wanted to make this project. I've made yo-yo's before. Quite of few of them actually. But I had never made silk extra large yo-yo's with beaded centers. And I didn't make all that many this time. My fair share, I think, but not one more than that. At any rate, in no short order, we had Jeannine's otherwise lovely dining room looking like this. (By the way, that is French Lemonade from Aldi's in the glasses --not G&T -- and it is delicious!)
On Saturday morning we made a quick run to Sew N Save in Racine -- another great store -- to find backing for Jane's little quilt. Luck was on our side as we found a piece in the sale section that was absolutely perfect.
During all this production, there were breaks aplenty to peruse our little stack of inspiration nearby. It's probably no surprise that we sisters share the same enthusiasm for gathering ideas for future projects. (Yes, I am showing off some of Jeannine's fine work here. Not just the wool pillow folks, she also upholstered the sofa!)
By Sunday afternoon, the silk purse was well underway. Jeannine worked to complete that before Jane and Roger and boys left for home on Wednesday. I know it was beautiful because all the pieces for it were, and because our mom called to tell me it was absolutely gorgeous!
Paul came to Racine to pick me up at brother Greg's house where we were treated to a great Sunday afternoon picnic and the chance to meet little Gracie. Love at first sight for one and all.
Here are Jane and Jeannine with the finished quilt. (Yes, I did cut myself out of the photo. Bad hair and closed eyes and it is my blog.)
Jane was so pleased with her quilt. It was such fun for her from shopping to pairing squares to helping with the binding. She is her most relaxed and satisfied self with fabric and needle. We all signed a label for the back of the quilt as a reminder of our weekend together.
Jeannine and I are so grateful for our time together. We thank Roger and the boys for allowing us to have our little sister all to ourselves for three days of their week-long visit. And we will keep praying that Alzheimers' hold on Jane will slow down enough to allow us another wonderful Sisters Sewing Weekend.
What a lovely place. All three of us sew, but have slightly different interests. I am almost exclusively a quilter. Jeannine does not enjoy quilting but does almost every other type of sewing you can imagine from garment sewing to draperies; she especially enjoys the handwork of wool applique. Jane also loves all things sewing. With her training as an interior designer, she has a practiced eye for beautiful fabrics and designs. And Primitive Gatherings offered something for us all. Naturally, we showed our appreciation by buying a few things.
After a nice lunch in Menasha accompanied by some good old sisterly hilarity, we headed toward Jeannine's home in Racine. But first we stopped at this great place on Watertown Plank Road. (It was supposed to be my job to document our weekend, but I was too busy touching all the beautiful fabrics to remember to ask permission to take pictures.) Jeannine was right. This is a great store. Once again, a few things were purchased by all.
Then to Racine where we began working in earnest to complete two projects that Jane could take home with her. Jane and I worked on cutting the fat quarters she purchased in Menasha into five inch squares so they could be incorporated into a quilt made from the charm pack she also bought. We all worked on making silk yo-yo's for a purse Jane wanted. She had purchased the book and fabrics back home in California and really wanted to make this project. I've made yo-yo's before. Quite of few of them actually. But I had never made silk extra large yo-yo's with beaded centers. And I didn't make all that many this time. My fair share, I think, but not one more than that. At any rate, in no short order, we had Jeannine's otherwise lovely dining room looking like this. (By the way, that is French Lemonade from Aldi's in the glasses --not G&T -- and it is delicious!)
On Saturday morning we made a quick run to Sew N Save in Racine -- another great store -- to find backing for Jane's little quilt. Luck was on our side as we found a piece in the sale section that was absolutely perfect.
During all this production, there were breaks aplenty to peruse our little stack of inspiration nearby. It's probably no surprise that we sisters share the same enthusiasm for gathering ideas for future projects. (Yes, I am showing off some of Jeannine's fine work here. Not just the wool pillow folks, she also upholstered the sofa!)
By Sunday afternoon, the silk purse was well underway. Jeannine worked to complete that before Jane and Roger and boys left for home on Wednesday. I know it was beautiful because all the pieces for it were, and because our mom called to tell me it was absolutely gorgeous!
Paul came to Racine to pick me up at brother Greg's house where we were treated to a great Sunday afternoon picnic and the chance to meet little Gracie. Love at first sight for one and all.
Here are Jane and Jeannine with the finished quilt. (Yes, I did cut myself out of the photo. Bad hair and closed eyes and it is my blog.)
Jane was so pleased with her quilt. It was such fun for her from shopping to pairing squares to helping with the binding. She is her most relaxed and satisfied self with fabric and needle. We all signed a label for the back of the quilt as a reminder of our weekend together.
Jeannine and I are so grateful for our time together. We thank Roger and the boys for allowing us to have our little sister all to ourselves for three days of their week-long visit. And we will keep praying that Alzheimers' hold on Jane will slow down enough to allow us another wonderful Sisters Sewing Weekend.
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