Look What I Made!

This weekend was spent at a quilt retreat working on several phd's and stepping out of my comfort zone.  While auditioning the layout of the string blocks several guild members suggested I add a little drama by adding black sashing and cornerstones. I have always avoided sashing with cornerstones so I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and inserted sashing with cornerstones. I hope to finish the piano key border and have the top quilted within the next few months.

A month for Birthdays and Homecoming!

December 2011 is the month for birthday's and homecoming! This month I will celebrate my 45th birthday, my son, Jacob, will celebrate his 21st birthday and will return home on the 17th after attending a semester at the American University in Washington, DC. I'm excited to hear about his adventures in our nation's capitol and his intership in Congresswoman's Gabrielle Gifford's office.

Pin Cushion Swap

This month I am participating in the guild's Christmas pin cushion swap. Our task is to make a pin cushion  - one we would love to use in  our own sewing room. I spent several days surfing the web and pinterest for ideas and finally decided on two patterns.

One is a dressform and the other is a two-tier cake. I absolutely love both of these pin cushions and do not know which one I will include in the swap. I found tutorials for both of the pin cushions at www.thediydish.com.

Recycled Vase Project

Here is another recycled craft project. Vases are a very cheap and cardboard is very assessible. I want to try this project very soon.

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/44743/how-to-turn-recycling-into-a-beautiful-vase

Recycled Newspaper Basket

I came across this link for making a recycled basket from newspapers. Now, I just need to find the time to begin the project.

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/47658/the-times-they-are-a-changing-how-to-make-a-basket-from-a-newspaper

I found an interesting website with crafting with recycled items and much more.

http://www.chicaandjo.com/

My son's first car.

It is not possible that my son should be driving.

Whirly Gig Quilt for Baby Boy

I made this quilt for Emerson, a co-worker's new grandson.

Flying Geese Quilt

My latest quilt was made for the daughter of a co-worker who is expecting her first child. I made this flying geese quilt using the one seam pattern. A video explaining the block can be found here: http://quiltingonabudget.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-seam-flying-geese-blocks.html

Omelet in a Freezer Bag

I love cooking and really enjoy learning new technique. I learned how to cook an omelet in a zip lock freezer bag several years ago while attending outdoor leader training in boy scouts.

Yesterday I was in the mood for an egg sandwich and did not want to dirty any dishes....I remembered the omelete idea and here is the beginning and end result of my sandwich.

Recipe:

1 freezer zip loc bag

1 egg (or more if hungry)

other desired ingredients - cheese, milk, cheese, bacon, sausage, etc.

Place all ingredients into freezer zip loc bag and mix well. Remove all air from bag and place in boiling water. Let cook - usually at least 7-10 minutes for one egg and additional time for more than one egg.

To serve: open bag and cut down each side and lay bag open and fold egg over once and place either on a slice or bread or on plate. Enjoy.



As you can see this egg sandwich was very easy and no mess.