Mini Pin Cushions

I saw these mini pin cushions at the quilt fair and had to get the pattern. You can use scraps or charm packs. Isn't it just the cutest thing. I love it - even if my lines are not straight. The author calls them Tuffets and you can find out more about her at Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.

Quilt Fair

The Glendale Quilt fair was this past weekend. When we arrived we were given a map and we quickly went to the info desk where someone helped us figure out where my quilts were hung. Two of them were listed as being in the center section of the main hall. We started down the aisles looking for the quilts. The first one we spotted was at the end of one of the main rows. It was Z's pirate quilt. It was in a great spot with lots of traffic. It was so amazing to see one of my own quilts hung up.

Next we found the theme quilt. It was also hanging in a great spot in a high traffic area. I actually saw a women take a picture of it while I was standing there. I was too shy to speak up and say that it was my quilt. I just stood silently by smiling to myself.

Grandma's quilt was in the least visible area. It was in a side room with two chairs in front of it. This was a bit of a disappointment but it was still in the show and it was beside one of the most popular vendors. The rest of the fair was great. I bought some fabric I needed. I got two great patterns, one for a quilt and one for the cutest pin cushions I have ever seen. I tried out two brands of sewing machines. One was the Babylock which was completely computerized and sewed like butter. I also tried a Pfaff which I did not like as much. I was hoping to win a machine in the raffle but I was not so lucky. It was a lot of fun to check out all the quilts and see new techniques. Next year's theme is the Wild West. I can't wait.

Orchids

When we moved into our house over 1 and 1/2 years ago a good friend gave me an orchid plant from Trader Joes. It had one flower which was beautiful and then promptly dropped off and I was left with just a plant. I watered the plant regularly, sometimes with run off water from when I made broccoli or spinach. Then last month the plant began to bloom and bloom. I now have 10 orchid flowers on this little treasure. It is so beautiful. I love orchids. I visit the orchid green house every time we go to our local arboretum.

To have my own little orchid plant, from Trader Joe's no less, in my kitchen to look at every day is such a joy. And there are still unopened buds. So there will be more flowers. The stem has become so heavy that I have to lean it on another plant for support. I just had to share as I don't know how long I will have the company of these amazing flowers.

String Quilting

I saw this project on a blog months ago and have been wanting to try it. I started a stash box and began filling it. I finally was able to squeeze out a few minutes to try it and I loved it. You can see a great demonstration on this site and gets lots of tips and ideas. But here is my little version.

I used an 8 inch foundation piece. I drew the lines using a pencil. The total space is 1 inch so I lined up the 1/2 inch mark on the diagonal. Then I flipped the square around and did the same thing on the other side.

Line up the first strip on the line, right side facing down. Then sew 1/4 inch in. I think this part is really important because this center line is going to be the part that makes your X's or diagonals when you start matching up your blocks. After sewing the first piece on iron it down.

Here is my stash box. Use pieces between 1 to 2 inches.

Keep sewing all your pieces on until you have a complete block. This is the bock from the back. Then trim the block to size. This was my favorite part. I was so excited to turn the block over and see the squared up block.

Here is a completed block. The tutorial recommends using different sized pieces and saving those chunky pieces for the corners. I really enjoy doing this and was very excited when I got four blocks completed and put them together. Then I showed it to DH. "I don't like it" he said. "I like everything else you have made but I don't like this." Hhmm. Not sure I will make a full quilt out of this now. But it is a fun way to use up your stash.

Quilts for Kids

This is my second Quilts for Kids quilt. I named it Happy Dog. My first one is already (hopefully) on its way to child in need.

I made the whole thing in about two days. But then my machine broke and I had to take a long break while I waited for my machine to be fixed. Then one of the boys got sick and then I got sick and then we were so busy. Well that is how life goes. But anyway I finished it yesterday.

My machine is back. I was so lonely without it. My family is healthy. I finished this quilt and am excited to start a new project called String Quilting.

Chocolate Fondue

When my boys were 2 there was this huge movement in my twins club about hiding vegies in the food. We were all exchanging recipes and buying Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Every night I was pureeing vegies and storing them in my freezer. After I while I just moved onto something else. Well one of my boys is on a vegie strike. So I pulled out the Deceptively Delicious cookbook and whipped up some Chocolate Fondue this afternoon. All I have to say is yum, yum. Anytime I can eat chocolate is a great day. And I usually eat about 2/3 pieces a day. To be able to justify the chocolate consumption is even better. This fondue has avocado and carrot puree. The photo is of my striker when he was 2 1/2.

Chocolate Fondue

1 tbl margarine
1/2 cup avocado puree
1/4 cup carrot puree
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
dipping items such as fruits and vegies

Melt margarine over low heat. Add in rest of ingredients and whisk until smooth. Serve warm.
Recipe from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.

Money Jars

I picked up these cute jars at the dollar store. Using some cricut vinyl I made these money jars for my Mother of Multiples Mother's Day Brunch raffle. They came out so cute I may have to make some for myself.