my scrappy cabin quilt

Here are my photos of my scrap squares. Or should I say square. I made my second square over the weekend. I really am enjoying it! I have two bags of scraps now. One of fabrics to use, and one that I have used already. I am trying not to use the same fabric twice. Which is difficult for me if it is a favorite print. And I am also trying to just reach into the bag and use whatever fabric that I grab. This, I am not as good at. I pulled out a burnt orange color that looked awful next to the palest pink. So, I switched it. I know, I'm a rebel.

If you want to start your own quilt, check out Melly for their tutorial. Those girls made some good directions. And now they are talking about doing a scrap swap. Which I will definitely do. Check it out if you would like to join me!

his pride, her prejudice

Or is it her pride and his prejudice? I finally watched the last installment on PBS. Soo good! Even though I have seen it like 3 times of this version with Colin Firth. I still love it. Especially all of the underlying meanings of words, and those looks that could kill (his first proposal). Oh yes, and unrequited love. That is my favorite, the angst of love. And there is always the person that is not who they seem! Jane Austen is really good at that.

Next week on PBS is Emma. Remember Gwyneth Paltrow in that part? "I hate George! I love George!" Or is it John? Isn't it funny how you remember certain parts of movies? and that is how I always think of Emma now. Gwyneth has such a good British accent that I didn't realize she was an American for the longest time, duh!

Ok, my real favorite all time movie. This is the one that I never tire of and watch it quite often, when nothing else will do, and is a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Bridget Jones' Diary. Bridget is so awkward and always does the wrong thing, not at all like Elizabeth Bennett. But it makes me cringe and laugh all the way through it. The book is just as funny too. I laugh out loud when I read it, which has been awhile.

I hope you catch some of this Jane Austen movie fun on PBS. Now every Sunday night when I am putting my kids to bed I go "Oh! It's Sunday night, Masterpiece Theatre!" Yah!! I know, my life is very simple that this is what I get excited about!

pillowcase update

OK, so I didn't win the pillowcase challenge. It wasn't for a lack of trying. I think I sent in pictures of 5 different things. But a few of them were made with more than one pillowcase, or some other fabric. So they were disqualified, bummer. But, after I read the rules again, I got it and finally sent in something made from just one pillowcase.

To see the things that I made, and the one that won check this out on flickr. The winner is Elizabeth of Oh, Fransson, she made a really cute lunch box with some little extras in it that make it really special and original. I am so glad to finally see what everyone else made. The suspense was killing me!

carver delights

The Dessert Extravaganza is Saturday night and I thought I would share the recipe that I am entering in their dessert contest. It is from one of my favorite cookbook's "How to Be a Domestic Goddess, baking and the art of comfort cooking" by Nigella Lawson. You should get this one if you don't already have it, my other favorite is the Silver Palate cookbook. I got that one as an engagement present and I still use it (18 years later). So here is Nigella's Peanut Butter Squares what my husband says I should call Carver Delights after the inventor of peanut butter, George Washington Carver.

she says:

If you've ever eaten Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, you'll recognize these homespun versions of them. And if you discount melting the chocolate (which in any case the microwave can do) there is no cooking involved. You may think that seeing how the dough is made - just peanut butter, butter, and sugar - might put you off eating them. Sadly not.

for the base:

scant 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar

scant 1/4 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

for the topping:

7 ounces milk chocolate

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 9-inch square pan, greased

Stir all the ingredients for the base together until smooth. I use the paddle attachment to my mixer which my children love operating, but a bowl and a wooden spoon will do the job just as well. You will find, either way, that some of the dark brown sugar stays in rubly, though very small, lumps, but don't worry about that. Press the sandy mixture into the brownie pan and make the surface as even as possible.

To make the topping, melt chocolates and butter together (in a microwave for ease, for a minute or two on medium) and spread on the base. Put the pan in the refrigerator to set. When the chocolate has hardened, cut into small squares - because, more-ish as it undeniably is, it is also very rich. Makes approximately 48.

wished I lived in Australia

I have mentioned Melly & Me quite a few times. I hope by now you have checked out their blog. I met these two sisters when I was with my sister in Houston. I love their designs, their inspiration, and their love of fabrics. I thought they could be an inspiration to you too!

So today I am going to make my first scrappy cabin quilt square. I think that housecleaning is going to have to wait yet again! It looks like such a fun way to use up all of those little pieces of fabric that I have been saving. I'll try to be a good girl and keep you posted!

honest abe

Yesterday when I picked up William from kindergarten this is what all of his class was wearing. I love seeing the crafts that these teachers come up with, and this one I haven't seen before. Now I can say that I kissed Abraham Lincoln! Happy President's Day!

more fabrics and notions

I just came home from a drive up the hill to Auburn. A woman named Christy called me and had a bunch of vintage fabrics and notions that she thought I would be interested in. You bet that I was! So, we met in Auburn in front of the cutest quilt shop, Cabin Fever. I bought some new fabric there too. Did you ever here me (or anyone else) ever say that I wasn't going to buy more fabrics until I had used up at least some of what I already have. It is an addiction. Is there rehab? No, I don't think so, just support groups. Where everyone gets together to sew and admire each others fabrics!

Look at all of the fun stuff I got! Well, look at two of the things I bought. Yah! Celebrate with me! I can't wait to finish writing and run upstairs to start cleaning all of my goodies. I even got a little something for my Molly. This cute pot holder with a little girl face. It is perfect for the pretend kitchen that I made for her.

I looked at Melly and Me today. They have the prettiest quilt to make with all of those fabric scraps. They use the most vibrant colors, I would love my whole house to look like this, with a white background. I don't quilt, but they have a great tutorial that makes it looks so easy that I just might. Maybe this will inspire and motivate me to make a little quilt for the fibertastic event. hmmm...

fibertastic!

Fibertastic!

fiber arts showcase and sale

Saturday, March 8th

3 p.m. - on

next door to the Coffee Garden

2904 Franklin Blvd. Sacramento

I'll be there with some fun, new items. I have some great vintage fabrics that I have been holding onto and I will be bringing some special new items that aren't yet available on my website. I hope to see you there!

dessert extravaganza

Since we moved to Lincoln at least one of my beauties have been going to the Community Christian Preschool. And they have this annual fund raiser called the Dessert Extravaganza and Auction. And as parents we are asked to donate cookies, cakes, candies, and desserts of any kind. But the catch is that we make two. One for everyone to sample, and one to sell. So this is the great idea behind the event. For a $20 ticket you can come and taste as many of these (homemade usually) treats as you like. After you have tasted everything, you then vote on your favorite one.

I thought for sure Jeff would have won last year! He made this great dessert that tastes like an Almond Joy. My husband has been into baking for years and really loves it. But I think this year I am going to bring the dessert. I have this fun and easy recipe from Nigella Lawson (love her!) that tastes just like a Reese's. It's from her Domestic Goddess cookbook (love it!). I'll have to share the recipe with you and a picture. : )

Isn't this a great fund raising event idea! We have a really good time. I think they even have milk to drink. Which is just perfect.

I will also be making something for their auction event. My "bonne nuit" doll bed. I haven't made one in a while. But they are a lot of fun for me to make. I get to paint the bed, find the perfect mix of vintage and new fabrics, and cut out paper dolls. They take a lot of time for me to put it all together, but when it's done, I am so proud of my work! My last one was auctioned off for $160. That made me even more proud. I am so happy that someone loved it so much to pay that much money for one. And that money goes to the preschool. Even better.

Lincoln's Sixth Annual

Dessert Extravaganza

and Auction

Saturday, February 23rd

6:30 p.m. at the Pavillion at McBean Park

new look

I just had to do it! I went exploring and found something new. My blog layout has been changed, that all! This look seems a little bit softer on my eyes. I like it, what do you think?

Last night I made some plane reservations on Southwest to fly to Tuscon. My sister Judith lives there and her husband Dan is retiring from the Air Force. So, Q and I will be going for the big event (party) for six days. I am really looking forward to it. It will be great seeing my sisters again. Mary (living in N.D.) will be there too. And who knows what craziness we will get into. Probably just a lot of shopping and hopefully see a movie! Yes, we girls live on the wild side. Oh yah! I forgot, there will be margaritas!

My question for you is this: What do you get a 40ish guy for a retirement present that isn't so predictable? Let me know, I need your help. I will be leaving in March. Thanks!

sunny day

It is finally a sunny day! Yesterday was sunny too, but then it rained so hard last night. My husband got up to go to work this morning and his car was frosted over. Crazy weather. He had to scrape the frost all off and then his car wouldn't start. He will be working a half day today. Right now he is running to a shop to buy a new battery.

Did you watch football yesterday? I did. Mostly the commercials! Love those, except the one's that are really sexist. Like Victoria's Secret. They really are just soft porn. Just my opinion.

Anyway, I wish I was sewing on Sunday instead. I visited my favorite fabric shop on Saturday. And spent 3 hours there. Emma and Sharon keep me not only supplied in some cute fabrics, but they inspire me and motivate me. Thanks girls! I left with some cute vintage patterns and cute (of course) baby flannel. I hope to make a new coat for my Molly made out of some barkcloth that I bought in Alameda. It has some fabulous, huge blue flowers on it. And Sharon showed me just the pattern that I was looking for. Except that it is a pattern for a jumper. I will need to modify! That should be interesting and fun to see when it is done. Hopefully in time for Easter.

Well, back to sunny day! I was able to take some pictures, finally, of some new shirts that I have made. All one of a kind and made with vintage fabric yo-yo's and vintage buttons. I made 5 different ones, size 2T - 5T. I hope to post them on my etsy shop today. Enjoy!