Saturday, July 19, 2014

Christmas Quilts

Two Christmas quilt tops nearly done.  Yay!  It's hard to believe when the temp outside is a sweltering 99 degrees that God will give us back our winter weather, but I'm sure by Christmas, California will be a shivering 70 degrees, maybe even 65.  Brrrr!  



This red quilt still needs more blocks added to make it a decent-size throw.  I really like the black pinwheels emphasized in the middle of each block.  This pattern came from the Missouri Star Quilt Company.  Visit Jenny Doan on YouTube to see how to make the Serendipity quilt.  This project makes two quilts.  This one is my favorite of the two.


This is actually a large quilt I started a couple of years ago.  Although it was an easy design, I found making this quilt to be tedious because I didn't want any like colors to be in the same block.  

I do not remember the name of the fabric series I used, but the colors were really lovely.  

Lucy seems to be quite at home on either quilt.  She's not feeling well, so I am spoiling her rotten and keeping her close by me.  The vet has no idea why she is so sick, and the treatments we have tried are not making any improvements.  

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Fresh Strawberry Cake

I love Pinterest!  And I particularly love it when I find a craft or recipe that is really spectacular.  For a special treat, try making the Fresh Strawberry Cake from The Country Cook.  This is one of the easiest cakes and is SO delicious!!  I have made it twice since finding it, and both times it has been a winner. 


The recipe uses fresh strawberries added to a yellow cake mix.  What makes this cake so yummy is the Jell-O added.

This cake smelled so good while it was cooking that I had to sneak a bite when I first took it out of the oven.  Heavenly!

I frosted the cake with the cream cheese icing (recipe included), but truthfully I like mine better plain.

Treat yourself and visit Brandie Skibinski at www.thecountrycook.net 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Easy Felt Christmas Stocking

Christmas will be upon us before you can say boo, and I am starting now to avoid my usual holiday frenzy.  I decided to make everyone quilts again this year because I have some new members in my family who have never had a quilt from me.  Although the quilts will not be their main gift (far from it!), I have some fun ideas for the themes.

As a rule, we do not do Christmas stockings, however, years ago I created a little stocking from one piece of felt.  At that time I didn't sew much, so I used glue or sewed them closed with a blanket stitch, which made them a super easy project.  If you find yourself in need of an easy little stocking, perhaps for a classroom project, or as a gift topper, this should fit the bill.  I used felt, but I think it would work just as well with paper.  Whether or not you choose to sew by machine or hand, or just glue it shut, is up to you.


1.  You will need one square of felt, ruler, scissors, and a pen.  







 
2.  Optional.  If you would like a hanger for your stocking, measure and cut a 1/2-inch strip from one of the short sides of the piece of felt.  Set strip aside.
 3.  Fold felt piece in half, short ends together.  At one end at both corners, measure about an inch from the side and bottom as shown. 

From the opposite end, measure about 3 inches down and mark on the open side. 
4.  Using the marks you made as your guide, draw the shape of a boot as shown, stopping at the mark you measured 3 inches from the top.

Sew on your line. 

Cut around shape of boot, leaving a 1/8 inch seam allowance.

You can turn stocking inside out if you prefer or if your markings show too prominently, but I like the raw-edge look.




5.  Fold the top portion of the boot down. 

For hanger:  Cut 5 inches from strip.  Fold in half and pin strip inside stocking approximately an inch down from folded cuff.  Sew in place. 



6.  Embellish your stocking as you like.  I chose to cut a couple of holly leaves and sew on red "berry" buttons.




These little stockings would make the perfect wrapping for a  gift card or a bag of homemade fudge. 

Thursday, July 10, 2014

A Visitor in My Garden

It has been so hot and dry here lately I am surprised anything is stirring.  I know when the temperature reached 108 degrees, I was lounging in the pool.  But it seems there are some that don't mind the heat so much, especially in the early morning.  Look who came calling.