tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75716069826198258682024-03-13T08:30:38.982-07:00Sew SquareKathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-35773667432116893662014-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:002014-08-08T08:00:03.566-07:00"Dress Me Up!" Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw this tutorial on Dear Stella Designs <a href="http://dearstelladesign.com/2014/04/dress-me-up-tutorial-modern-handcraft/" target="_blank">here</a>, and I immediate hunted down some of this Wee Gallery Wild fabric on Etsy, which was the only place I could find it. I love, love, love the cuteness of these little critters. <br />
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I did changed the pattern a little by adding a little zipper pocket to the back of the quilt for the clothes that go with the quilt. Honestly, it's not my best zipper effort, but I have a pile of WIP that I want to finish before baby #2 arrives mid-September. <br />
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As Little Man gets older, I think he will really enjoy this quilt. I really enjoyed the quick quilting I did, and I think it came out so well.<br />
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To make the clothes I traced the various animals, then photocopied the outlines so we could sketch the clothes out, then cut them out. The tomato pig is my favorite. We'll gradually be adding to the wardrobe of these little guys as time goes on.<br />
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<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-80632438959317187212014-08-07T11:13:00.001-07:002014-08-07T11:13:27.437-07:00First Canning of the SeasonWell, it wouldn't be canning season if I didn't burn myself. Little Man was napping and I seized the opportunity to process the pickling cucumbers that came in my CSA share on Tuesday. I'm trying a new dill pickle this year, because I can't find the recipe from last year, which really bums me out because it was FANTASTIC!! I hope this new one turns out, if it does, I will post a link. It should be salty with just a hint of sweet, which is what I love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickles ready to go into the water bath.</td></tr>
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As I sit here I can hear my lids popping. I always feel so accomplished when I hear that sound!<br />
<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-25727564088138528012014-07-22T14:37:00.000-07:002014-07-22T14:37:27.653-07:00Elk Grove Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love this Elk Grove fabric by Jay-Cyn Designs for Birch Fabrics. It is adorable and the color palate is wonderful. I made this little quilt up for my new nephew. Being pregnant myself, I'm a little late (he's already almost 4 months old!), but hopefully he will love it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love the way the appliquéd circles came out. I wasn't sure if I should quilt around them, but I think it was the way to go. It gives the quilt really nice texture.<br />
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I used the cheater quilt block fabric from the Elk Grove line for the backing.</div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-33671604957785690372014-06-17T21:43:00.001-07:002014-06-17T21:43:13.773-07:00Getting OrganizedI've been pinning cleaning chore schedules and checklists for a while now. I've tried out a few, but they never really fit because our house is so small. I finally created my own, laminated it, and taped it to the inside of one of my kitchen cupboards. I use a dry erase crayon (stollen from my almost 2 year old), and check things off as I do them. It really helps me keep focused while I'm cleaning, and it seems to go faster.<br />
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Here is my new chore checklist:<br />
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And now I have to actually go do some work...</div>
<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-32624574032692347512014-04-21T15:40:00.003-07:002014-04-21T15:53:15.773-07:00Chalkboard Mugs and Mug Rugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a fun time making up these cute mug rugs out of Cream and Sugar by Ampersand Design Studio for Windham Fabrics. I think they turned out fantastic and I'm a little disappointed that I didn't keep any for myself. I used some thermal Insul-Bright batting. I have heard from friends and family that they work great.<br />
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I also took some mugs I found for less than $2 from Crate and Barrel outlet and painted them with porcelain chalkboard paint. I think the combination turned out great!<br />
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And here are some pictures of my one year old trying to climb the cabinets to pull them off the counter!<br />
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<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-24561047389408678172014-01-27T13:37:00.000-08:002014-01-27T13:37:13.105-08:00Quilted Christmas StockingsI have finished the stockings for David and Little Man. I think they turned out pretty good. I did not manage to finish my own stocking by Christmas, but now I have an entire year to get that done!<br />
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I used the Thimble Blossom Merry pattern, with a few alternations to make it go together easier, and hopefully hold up better. For example, I used interfacing in the stocking cuff to give it a thicker feel more similar to the rest of the stocking. Otherwise, it just seemed too flimsy to me.<br />
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I was also really excited to use my machine's bar tack stitch for the hook loops. That's one I don't get to use very often!<br />
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<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-61017033858626973172013-12-07T20:09:00.000-08:002013-12-07T20:09:39.416-08:00The BEST Caramels Ever…No, Really. EVER.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, it's a bold statement. But really, truly, these are the best. In our family, we pretty much consider Fran's Salted Caramels to be the best out there. They are made here in Seattle and when we took my mother-in-law into their shop by Pike Place she thought we were in a jewelry store. They are wonderful.<br />
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However, my husband is now of the opinion that these are the best caramels he has every had. I have to say, I'm pretty in love with them, too. <br />
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It started with a recipe in the <a href="http://beta.deseretbook.com/Savoring-Seasons-Our-Best-Bites-Cookbook-Sara-Wells/i/5081120" target="_blank"><i>Our Best Bites - Mormon Moms in the Kitchen Cookbook</i>.</a> I took their recipe and instead of using 2 cups of light corn syrup I used 1 1/2 cups of light corn syrup and 1/2 cup dark corn syrup. The addition of the dark corn syrup results in a richer flavor. Add to that some rich bourbon vanilla from Trader Joe's and some lovely pink sea salt and voila!<br />
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I dipped half of the caramels in dark chocolate, which I prefer. I think my husband likes the plain caramels better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use this large mixing bowl for everything!! Here it is sitting in a pan of water melting chocolate. Please excuse my messy stove!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty!</td></tr>
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<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-78362417886177790082013-12-05T17:56:00.000-08:002013-12-05T18:01:30.121-08:00Little Man's First Trip to the Tree Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We took Little Man to the Tree Farm Thanksgiving Weekend. He absolutely loved it. I had no idea he would be so into it. He kept trying to wander off into the trees on his own. As a kid, we always cut down our own tree. This was the first time my husband has ever done something like this and I think that he loved the experience, as well. It was quality family time. Definitely a new tradition for our little family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hunt is on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found it! Unfortunately, I was so excited I didn't take this from another angle, so we have this giant house in the background. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll notice I brought some ground protection along for the husband. He was impressed. It's not my first rodeo.</td></tr>
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<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-88927631011360483992013-12-05T00:21:00.003-08:002013-12-05T00:21:25.359-08:00Hexies Are Coming AlongI have my pieces put together. It was a lot of hand sewing, but very enjoyable. It has been a while since I had a sewing project where I could sit on the couch and watch TV with my husband while working. <br />
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Back of the basted hexes.</div>
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Paper Removed. Now to do some cutting.</div>
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<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-48703338061600028922013-11-01T00:29:00.003-07:002013-11-01T00:29:54.787-07:00Get Your Hexie On<div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Halloween is officially over and I'm ready for Christmas! Here is a little preview of my first hexie project. Stay tuned to see what I'm making.</span></div>
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Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-72479122813248689782012-10-31T00:01:00.001-07:002012-10-31T00:06:00.699-07:00Baby Burp ClothsSince I'm finally over my morning sickness and subsequent pneumonia, I've really been wanting to start a sewing project for the baby. I came up with this burp cloth pattern when my sister was pregnant with my nephew. The pattern is fun and simple.<br />
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The finished product came out fantastic. I love that these clothes are so big, they cover a lot of area.<br />
(Post originally created in May, but being pregnant kind of put my mind on other things).Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-3262910491466662682012-04-14T19:01:00.003-07:002012-04-14T19:01:40.381-07:00Homemade Soft Pretzels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a craving for some Auntie Anne's pretzels, but really didn't want to leave the house. I found this recipe from <a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/352/Aunt_Annies_Soft_Pretzels13849.shtml" target="_blank">CDKitchen</a> online and it turned out really well. <br />
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A few things I changed in this recipe based on the suggestions in the comments were to double the brown sugar and add 3 tablespoons of melted butter to the wet ingredients when making the dough. I have to say that these were the best homemade soft pretzels I've ever had.<br />
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I made half cinnamon and sugar and half with rock salt. <br />
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Ready to bake</div>
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Fresh out of the oven.</div>
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Salted pretzels. So pretty and so tasty!</div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-30139916792870013292012-01-28T23:05:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:26:50.448-08:00ChirstmasTree Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I did not get to making my tree skirt before Christmas, but with the week off, I decided to tackle this project. Using the Small Plates pattern from Elizabeth Hartman's <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/the-practical-guide-to-patchwork.html" target="_blank">The Practical Guide to </a>Patchwork, I came up with this 25 block mini quilt. Rather than making a round skirt, I went with a square shape. If I were to do this again, I think I would work on making the quilting a little tighter and perhaps in a less loopy pattern. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of it around a tree since I finished it after Christmas.<br />
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One of my favorite squares. I love these owls.<br />
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Tree skirt back.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-54975640145293427132012-01-04T22:40:00.000-08:002012-01-13T11:53:17.918-08:00Christmas Gift Recap #2 - Homemade Vanilla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year my husband's family does a stocking-stuffer exchange. Each gift must be $10 or less. This year we decided to make our own vanilla. The idea came from a link I found here at <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2011/09/holiday-neighbor-gift-homemade-vanilla-extract.html" target="_blank">Whipperberry</a>. My husband was in charge of label design, I think that what he came up with is beautiful. Here are a few tips we found and some ideas for where to source things:<br />
-Whipperberry suggests vodka as the alcohol, we used vodka in some and bourbon in others, if I were to do this again I would just go with the bourbon, it has a richer smell and comes out darker immediately, which is think is more aesthetically pleasing.<br />
- We sourced our bottles from an online company, <a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/index.aspx" target="_blank">Specialtybottles.com</a>, which actually turned out to be located in Seattle, so shipping was super cheap. They have a wonderful selection in all shapes and sizes, I would definitely recommend them.<br />
- Our labels are printed on velum and we used a spray adhesive to attach them to the bottles.<br />
-We did not strain our vanilla, we both decided that we like the little bits in there.<br />
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I'm pondering homemade grenadine for next year....yum!<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-41708402102405760032012-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:002012-01-04T22:33:29.309-08:00Christmas Gift Recap #1 - Cameron's CapeMy two year old Nephew has recently developed an imagination. It is awesome, he runs around making his dinosaurs roar (while telling them not to bite), pretending he's a gorilla and changing his stuffed animals diaper. It is so fun to watch. We all think he's the most amazing child ever, of course. How many just 25 month olds do you you know who can say "Stegosaurus" and "Triceratops", while identifying them correctly from the pile of dinos in front of them?<br />
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For Christmas I made Cameron his own superhero cape. I had plans for some kind of utility belt, but things got busy at the end of the year and I didn't get to make it. That's in the past though...I'm just going to celebrate my success on this one.<br />
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This picture shows the back of the cape. With the help of my husband, who drew the flames for me, I was able to applique this black C on to the silver fabric with double sided Heat N Bond.<br />
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In this picture he's saying "Fire. Hot." He immediately knew that these were flames.<br />
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Here he is wearing the cape, a perfect length for now, and as he gets taller.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYiO46rBvfE/TwFPASvMGKI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ZRUjXthkEqQ/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYiO46rBvfE/TwFPASvMGKI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ZRUjXthkEqQ/s640/IMG_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-48032264861921188012012-01-01T22:16:00.000-08:002012-01-16T20:29:35.927-08:00Happy New Year - Resolution #1... (Advent Quilt)Post more.<br />
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I took the week between Christmas and New Year off this year and it was awesome. I don't think I've had that many days off in a row since I started my job four years ago. I managed to finish my Advent Calendar Quilt (started 2 years ago), and I am super happy with the way it turned out. I have also started a square tree skirt.<br />
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The Advent Quilt pattern is from a <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/07/elizabeths-fabric-focus-christmas-in-july-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">SewMamaSew</a> post that Elizabeth Hartman of <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/" target="_blank">OhFransson</a> did for them a few years ago. I think that I got the fabric in a Christmas fat quarter bundle at some point. This is the first real machine quilting that I have ever done, which was very exciting, in a really dorky way. The feed dogs on my machine don't lower, so I just unscrewed the plate covering them and took them out while I was doing the quilting. This actually worked very well. When I was done I just screwed them back in and everything was good to go.<br />
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Applique detail.<br />
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Quilt back<br />
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I have seen these garlands around, but never got around to making them until recently.<br />
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I made up my own pattern, the top of the triangle is 7 inches, each side is 9 inches. Cut two triangles for each flag and sew, right sides together. Turn and press, making sure to clip the tip of the triangle to get a clean point. <br />
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I used one package of double fold bias tape to form the garland. The bias tape can hold 12 to 13 triangles spaced 1 & 1/2 inches apart.<br />
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When you're finished you get a lovely garland. Take it out for every celebration, or give it as a gift!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSG5NvSlCyg/Tjo44bH20WI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/s2VRdUA-mHw/s1600/P1020259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSG5NvSlCyg/Tjo44bH20WI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/s2VRdUA-mHw/s640/P1020259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqVqRF6ZyQ/Tjo4utCcjHI/AAAAAAAAAJw/BiLMb_mtRZ8/s1600/P1020258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqVqRF6ZyQ/Tjo4utCcjHI/AAAAAAAAAJw/BiLMb_mtRZ8/s640/P1020258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-20276210859455505582011-06-25T19:39:00.000-07:002011-06-25T19:39:00.581-07:00Grandma Wilma NoodlesI recently made these egg noodles - Grandma Wilma style. We used them in homemade Chicken & Noodles, YUM!<br />
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You'll notice they are extremely yellow, this is because we used our backyard chicken eggs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWndIdd_xOs/TgP5LUyySXI/AAAAAAAAAJc/SUx6BbyXwrM/s1600/P1020150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWndIdd_xOs/TgP5LUyySXI/AAAAAAAAAJc/SUx6BbyXwrM/s640/P1020150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-31732949051111977512011-06-23T19:38:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:38:04.849-07:00Grandma Quilt Squares Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZYveA2M0iY/TgPxB1-KfhI/AAAAAAAAAJA/35SXmxLtbHI/s1600/P1020151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZYveA2M0iY/TgPxB1-KfhI/AAAAAAAAAJA/35SXmxLtbHI/s640/P1020151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I have recently found a bag full of quilt square that my Grandma Natsuye in Hawai'i made years ago. This is not the traditional Hawaiian quilt patterns, but something that all my Japanese grandmas made. I love that they're so colorful and scrappy. They're not focused on a fabric scheme and there are multiple textures and weights to the fabric. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66vrQDlkK4E/TgPxNXicV8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/vaVTgsHXYBM/s1600/P1020152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66vrQDlkK4E/TgPxNXicV8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/vaVTgsHXYBM/s640/P1020152.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is only one square like this in the bag. I plan on making enough in this patter for a quilt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdjRO3Gvnx8/TgPxuxCSQ7I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/QcE6jfqDCwA/s640/P1020156.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When she passed away my father brought them home for me, along with her crochet needles and a few other crafty things. Growing up we always had quilts from one grandma or another around the house, even now I have a quilt from another "grandma" in Hawaii on my couch. It's so old that its fraying and I burned one corned of it on the stove in college while heating up (I had the flu at the time).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My understanding is that these are all made from scraps Grandma Natsuye got from the fabric store. I plan on saving all of my scraps to be able to make squares like this that are really patchy and scrappy. I colorful way to use up remnants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TTOCrEMR5k/TgPxYySssBI/AAAAAAAAAJI/4eYukU4UWpg/s1600/P1020153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TTOCrEMR5k/TgPxYySssBI/AAAAAAAAAJI/4eYukU4UWpg/s640/P1020153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Below is a picture of the pin-wheel pattern baby quilt Grandma Natsuye made me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXXI2i5pt7w/TgP3zfk3PpI/AAAAAAAAAJU/lidASwzt-38/s1600/P1020157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXXI2i5pt7w/TgP3zfk3PpI/AAAAAAAAAJU/lidASwzt-38/s640/P1020157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I love the detail here...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jE9KACSD0K4/TgP4CLM-GAI/AAAAAAAAAJY/_f7SR3m0b-4/s1600/P1020159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jE9KACSD0K4/TgP4CLM-GAI/AAAAAAAAAJY/_f7SR3m0b-4/s640/P1020159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-5756406417986013142011-05-06T22:58:00.000-07:002011-05-06T22:58:27.860-07:00Amigurumi - Crocheted Cuteness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No-Face Lion</td></tr>
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</div><div>If you are not familiar with Amigurumi allow me to introduce you. Amigurumi are small knitted or crocheted stuffed dolls/animals/inanimate objects, etc. Originating in Japan, amigurumi are cute and fun to make. Last Christmas my husband gave me <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amigurumi-World-Seriously-Cute-Crochet/dp/1564778479/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204582195&sr=8-1">Amigurumi World</a> by Ana Paula Rimoli. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'd like to introduce you to some of my new amigurumi friends.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This is Sardonic Turtle, he was the first pattern I completed and I put one of his safety eyes on a little too tight. I that if he had eyebrows one of them would be raised...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPrzj83wUZ4/TcTdLiqAMtI/AAAAAAAAAI0/3g0A_-LMPkk/s1600/P1020135.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPrzj83wUZ4/TcTdLiqAMtI/AAAAAAAAAI0/3g0A_-LMPkk/s400/P1020135.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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This little owl didn't turn out as well as planned, my yarn selection was somewhat limited....<br />
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</div><div>The pattern for the lion at the top of the page calls for a face, but I like him with just the eyes...He seems a little more solemn this way.</div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-40629966282782925342011-05-05T00:19:00.000-07:002011-05-05T00:19:06.291-07:00Cinco de Mayo Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iwKn76POQg/TcJNugaWbYI/AAAAAAAAAIs/wIJqSwv5kog/s1600/P1020131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iwKn76POQg/TcJNugaWbYI/AAAAAAAAAIs/wIJqSwv5kog/s400/P1020131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Happy Cinco de Mayo! I made churros and I have to say that they're pretty amazing. This recipe was surprisingly easy and simple. I found the recipe here: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/churros/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/churros/Detail.aspx</a> (vegan).<br />
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A few thoughts:<br />
-Piping the dough is much easier when the dough is still warm<br />
-I piped the dough onto some wax paper first, this gave it time to firm up and it was much easier than piping directly into the hot oil (as suggested in the recipe). This also helps keep the churros straight, instead of all curly.<br />
-Be careful not to get too much of the cinnamon and sugar on the churros. If there is more than a light sprinkling its too intense (even for my sugar loving husband).<br />
-The amount you see here is 6 batches of this recipe, so keep in mind that it doesn't make much.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2pIPqG5Dw0/TcJNHYdJqvI/AAAAAAAAAIc/giWM09WiscI/s1600/P1020127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2pIPqG5Dw0/TcJNHYdJqvI/AAAAAAAAAIc/giWM09WiscI/s400/P1020127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDpG_sjKcmo/TcJNjoQt3UI/AAAAAAAAAIo/utq-bdbztws/s1600/P1020130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDpG_sjKcmo/TcJNjoQt3UI/AAAAAAAAAIo/utq-bdbztws/s400/P1020130.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-9509588698436689272011-04-16T23:38:00.000-07:002011-04-16T23:39:14.820-07:00Pretty in Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've started a new quilt...Without finishing any of my others... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFJfV0mih1M/TaqJ2hZAyRI/AAAAAAAAAIY/3P-ZfTo1jIs/s1600/P1020123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFJfV0mih1M/TaqJ2hZAyRI/AAAAAAAAAIY/3P-ZfTo1jIs/s640/P1020123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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This "Mosaic" style is one I saw on <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2011/03/finished-mod-blue-mosaic-quilt.html">Oh Fransson</a>, I think it looks amazing. I have found the technique to be fun and surprisingly quick for all of the sewing, cutting and pressing required. I think that perhaps I have cut the pieces a little too small, but overall I really like what I've done so far.<br />
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I'm not sure yet what color I'd like to use around the blocks in the void space. I'm thinking about a rich chocolate brown, hopefully that won't be too dark.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-56026389954893874762011-04-02T22:55:00.000-07:002011-04-02T22:55:00.237-07:00Doughnut DisasterEarlier this week I tried to make homemade doughnuts. I don't know what I was thinking. They did not turn out well at all. The dough was weird and sticky and took a lot more flour than it should have, which of course meant that they were too heavy. It also seemed like my yeast never really took off. It was a fresh jar, but it just didn't get very foamy. Disaster.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad flat doughnuts </td></tr>
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Now that I have failed I am determined to make a good doughnut. Perhaps I can achieve this in the coming months. If anyone reading this has a good doughnut recipe, please let me know!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-64501944957090345722011-04-01T22:55:00.000-07:002011-04-01T23:42:04.326-07:00Spiderweb Blocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE5MbCxr6gI/TZa5syv07cI/AAAAAAAAAIA/zzH92tWqM4Y/s1600/P1020117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE5MbCxr6gI/TZa5syv07cI/AAAAAAAAAIA/zzH92tWqM4Y/s640/P1020117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm working to finish this spiderweb block lap quilt this week. I've had it sitting in pieces in the 2nd bedroom for months. The fabric is Moda Mod Green Pod Free to Grow by Robert Kaufman. It was so colorful and exciting that I couldn't resist. Although, now that I'm seeing it all together it seems a bit aggressive...I'm sure it will be great from a distance.<br />
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I'm at the block assembly stage. Once that is complete I plan to take the plunge and quilt it myself, something I've been avoiding because I'm so intimidated by it. My friend Cortney has invited me over to work on it and for a little coaching (she is assembling two twin size quilts for her girls...Quite a project!).<br />
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It's also my goal to start a sheet quilt for the bed soon...something lightweight and easy for summer. <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/">OhFransson!</a> has a great pattern. She is amazing.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571606982619825868.post-38540136013313017892011-03-19T16:20:00.001-07:002011-04-01T23:05:38.970-07:00Shopping BagI have a new favorite bag pattern. It's great and fits those plastic bag hangers at the grocery stores, so clerks like them too. The pattern can be found at <a href="http://www.keykaloupatterns.com/product/easy-reusable-grocery-bag">Keyka Lou</a>. I've made this twice as a gift (4 bags total), they're simple to make and look fantastic. It's difficult to tell in this photo, but they are very spacious. Below are the bags I made for Madison's birthday in earlier this month. Happy Birthday Madi!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzC_DCU7NL8/TZa77NcK8PI/AAAAAAAAAII/M1fg14eoXuc/s1600/P1020106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzC_DCU7NL8/TZa77NcK8PI/AAAAAAAAAII/M1fg14eoXuc/s640/P1020106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03205101174893580265noreply@blogger.com0