This is Not a Resolution

I NEVER make New Year's resolutions, because I just feel like making resolutions is a recipe for failure. I feel the same way about goal setting sessions. Does that make me an underachiever? Whatever- that's my philosophy.

However, I do have a goal for 2011. It is a quilting/crafting goal. There are so many different and unique quilting techniques out there and I know that there is no way that I can ever try them all. But there are a few that I have bookmarked to accomplish. My goal this year is to make them happen. I've already started, with pinwheels. And so far I love them! They are so fun and quick. I'm using this tutorial and it's a revelation. You really should go check it out.
(photo from Kate Conklin)
I bought this quilt pattern with some money from Christmas. I'm excited to try curved piecing and what could be better than a quilt inspired by the sea! (photo from My Three Sons)
I think cathedral windows are so striking. And I'm all about not reinventing the wheel so I'm looking forward to any hints I can get. I'm even branching out into other mediums. I was invited to join a card group with some ladies at my church, and although I do very little with scrapbooking or paper crafting I decided that I'd like to try it out. I've committed to a year of making cards. This is my card for February's meeting, and I have to admit that I love how it turned out.

One last new endeavor for me this year is smocking. A friend volunteered to teach me how to smock a dress for Kennedy. My previous ventures into clothes making have not gone well so I'm a bit nervous. But my friend promised me that it was doable so we'll see how it goes.

So here's to not making resolutions but still having a plan in mind to get a few things done this year!

Just Add Milk and Cookies

I know that this project is either very early or very late depending on how you see the world. But I just had to make one of Jodi's mug rugs for Santa. This project was really fun and came together quickly. Now I want to go and make a few more, but how many does one family need? I can't wait for Kennedy to be old enough to write Santa a letter to slip in that little pocket.I used some of my Riley Blake, Be Merry fabric that I've been hording since last year. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to put some Night Before Christmas on the back of Santa's little rug. Also, note to self- next Christmas buy a mug and saucer to match, instead of a pink plaid one you've had since grade school.

Unrelated FYI- I posted some quilted note cards into my Etsy shop, so if you are looking for a unique card to send to the quilter/fabric lover/anyone in your life check them out here.

Ready for the Month of Love?

In the shop now.

The Bibs are Cute, but the Model is Cuter

Come check out the newest shop additions.

Christmas Crafting Wrap-Up

Just a quick post to document my Christmas crafting.

For Kennedy:
I looked everywhere for a cute 1st Christmas ornament but was disappointed with the selection. So I made my own. The rattle is felt with hand embroidery- and let me just tell you that was a bugger embroidering such small letters onto felt.
I also had a selvage from some Alice Kennedy fabric laying around. I was saving it for something special, and then I thought- hey she needs a selvage ornament, so that's what I made.
Hopefully she'll appreciate these some day (right now all she wants to do is slobber on them)!
This stocking matches two that I made for Travis and me a few years ago. Looking at it now I'm a little disappointed. I feel like it needs something more... any suggestions?

For my Aunt Karen:

I made a bunch of selvage ornaments for my aunt. Her husband passed away a few months ago and she was looking for something to give to those who had helped her. She has traditional tastes, so went looking for all my red and green selvages.

For a Friend:

A few days before Christmas my friend asked me if I knew how to embroider. Well, yes I do. She has 5 kids (whose names all start with J) and she wanted their names embroidered on their stockings. I sat down and whipped these up (sorry I only have a picture of 2 of them). My friend really liked them and I enjoyed the project, so win-win.

I guess that is about it. Watch for a shop update in the next week! And Happy New Year!

A Few Quilts

Over the past few months I have finished a few quilts but haven't posted them yet. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to-

Quilt Number 1:

Snowball blocks made from a random assortment of polka dot fabrics (mostly from my mom's stash).

I made this quilt for a Boy Scout Auction on Labor Day. Polka dots are all so cute, so it was fun to put a bunch of random fabrics together. I quilted it in a straight line diagonally through the blocks. I was mildly disappointed by how much it fetched at auction, probably barely covered my costs, but I guess that isn't the point of giving. And I do know the lady who got it was overjoyed with it. The backing is purple with little stars. And I love that binding material- purple background with bright colored polka dots.

Quilt Number 2:

Wild Things pattern made with Arcadia fabric.

This one has been in the works for almost two years. It was quilted by a gentleman that my mom knows who recently purchased a quilting machine and wants some practice and is willing to do it for free! And in truth he's done a really good job on both quilts I've had him quilt for me.

And a pretty wild back for a Wild Thing quilt. Just used what I had on hand.

Quilt Number 3:

Snowball blocks made with Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas

I love this fabric! And the snowball blocks were fun to make, even if they don't really look like snowballs. This quilt was also done by my mom's friend for free. I asked for a patterned that mirrored the poinsettia's in the border and I like the way it turned out (click on it for a closer view).

The back is some fa la la flannel that is oh so soft.

So there ends my quilt show for today.

Divineness Sugar Cookies

I know that there are hundreds of sugar cookie recipes out there, but I really wanted to share this one because they are some of the best ever! It's the frosting that really does it- particularly the almond and coconut flavoring. So without further ado- Divineness Sugar Cookies!

(sorry for the distant picture, please just ignore the store bought Oreos, and focus in on those yummy aqua frosted rounds)

Divineness Sugar Cookie

1 pound butter
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

mix and then add

5 1/2 - 6 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda

Roll dough into paper roll size log and wrap in wax paper. Put into fridge for 1-2 hours.

Cut slices 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.


Divineness Frosting

1/2 cube butter
1/2 cream cheese bar
5 cups powdered sugar
evaporated milk (to get right consistency of frosting)
1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring
1/4 teaspoon coconut flavoring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Frost cookies and Enjoy!

Here's hoping your holidays are merry and bright!