Pots and Pins

Quilt Group Friday...

Let's play True Confessions, shall we?  I'll go first:  I don't want to be one of those people - you know, those people who whine about the sun and the heat, but apparently I am...and it's hot here, stinkin' hot...but here's the worst part of being one of those people...we have air conditioning.  I know, I know!  I have nothing to complain about...yet I do because when I open the front door to the furnace and walk outside to my car or walk to the mailbox...I melt.  I'm a 76 degree kind of gal...could go as high as 78 but then that's it, I'm done.  DONE.  D.O.N.E.!  For 11 months of the year it's cool/cold/freezing here so when it get hots I can't breath!!  I'm like a mole coming up from the ground into the light!!  The sun is KILLING me!!!  I'm a weather whiner.  There, I said it.  I whine about the weather, it seems to be one of my talents as I'm quite good at it.  I feel so much better now, having gotten that off my chest!  Now it's your turn...while you think of what you're going to confess, let's look at some quilts...

The color for our charity blocks this month was yellow...and since there were only 6 of us at our meeting we only had 6 blocks!  When it gets hot here people leave town...they escape to cooler climates, at least, that's what I want to think because who wants to be hot and miserable in a strange place?!?

These quilt blocks speak to me!  Nay, they scream!  Stephanie made these - all of those leaves are sewn to an interfacing and then turned right-side-out and pressed onto the backing so they have a nice, crisp, finished edge.  Stephanie started to machine applique the leaves onto the squares but her machine wasn't cooperating and she was thinking she would finish them by hand!  AND get this...Stephanie said she was going to DONATE this quilt!!!  As in GIVE IT AWAY!!  Well, we all had a fit!  This is not the kind of quilt you give away!!!  So Helen made her an offer she couldn't refuse...she volunteered to finish machine appliqueing all of the blocks as long as Stephanie agreed to keep the quilt!  Stephanie reluctantly agreed...but really, how could anyone give away something so wonderful!?!  Stephanie made this out of charm packs...two or three of them!  Yours truly came home and ordered three Americana charm packs from Missouri Star Quilt Company  because I'm so smitten with this quilt that I decided I needed one for myself!

Helen was looking through her stash and happened upon this great little circle quilt she made a while back...now, how could one forget something like this?!?!  It's crazy colorful and fun - Helen said she is going to hand-quilt it, which must mean she has some good movies she wants to watch!  Speaking of, there is nothing on TV but reruns...so what good movies have you watched lately?!?

This is what Helen has been working on lately - a "kitchen-sink-scrap-quilt."  Just look at how tiny some of those pieces are!!!  I can't say I have ever saved any pieces that small...my trash can would probably make a whole bunch of scrap quilts!  Helen has amazing patience...or a love for crazy, not sure which, because I would have to be crazy to make something like this!

 

Michelle made this quilt.  Michelle is Helen's daughter so the thimble didn't fall far from the spool.  Helen brought this to show us - I love the border fabric and the Irish Chain block is a bit different - the square in the middle is larger, see?  Love that subtle little change.  Michelle used to be in our group, so seeing what she's been doing was fun for us.

This is another one of Michelle's creations.  She used Helen's scraps to make this beautiful top - is this Paris Flew Market fabric?  Looks familiar - and it just screams Princess, no?

Denise made this top and it's all paper-pieced!  She is the wizard of paper-piecing!!  If I remember correctly, Denise and her friend scored big on Aunt Gracie fabrics at a garage sale and these fabrics were from that find!!  Way to go Denise!  I wonder if she'll keep this or give it to her grand-daughter?

Denise unfurled this huge Jar Quilt at our meeting and told us she bought it at a garage sale for $4.00.  That's right, FOUR DOLLARS!  And here's the kicker...Claudia, who used to be a member of our group, was the one who sold it!!  It was sold all pinned and ready to be quilted!  I talked with Claudia a few days later and she told me she just needed to get it out of her house - she was never going to finish it so it made her feel good to know it was going to a good home.  It will make a great picnic quilt!  Or even a bed quilt because it's huge!  I remember when Claudia made this quilt - she shopped for "food fabric" for quite a while - check out the border, it's pieced with 2-inch squares all the way around! 

That's it...time for your turn at True Confessions...in the meantime, hope you're finding ways to stay cool because no one likes weather whiners except other weather whiners - it's a very exclusive club!

Chocolate, Fruit and Nut Bites...

There is no other explanation for this post than this:  These are dangerously delicious.  Aaaand addictive.  Aaaand fun to make.  Aaaand they are the most wonderful surprise to find in the bottom of your purse or the glove box of your car or your nightstand or wherever you think to stash them.  Aaaand...IF you are dieting, or pretending to diet or you just need a little fix...these will fit the bill without truly side-lining everything because hello?!?  they have fruit and nuts!!  You can use semi-sweet chocolate if you choose, but if you use a dark chocolate, well then, that's a game changer!  These go from a really good snack to a healthy good-for-you power treat!  Just think of all those antioxidants that will be coursing through your veins lending superhuman strength so you can leap tall building in a single bound!

 

 Dried apricots are a favorite, so I make sure I always put those on first - but you can use whatever dried fruit you like.  In this batch I used dried blueberries, cherries, dates and apricots.  Don't over do the fruit because you need to leave room for nuts!  I used pecans but almonds work great and really, any nuts will do.

Once the chocolate is melted in the microwave, the fruit and nuts are added - these could not be easier!  And you can use whatever fruit and nuts you like - so really, this is a personalized treat!  (When chocolate is melted without being tempered it takes a really long time to firm back up so you don't have to work quickly, you'll have plenty of time to add whatever fruit and nuts you want.)

One batch makes about 20 to 22,  depending on how big you make them.  Unlike most things where bigger is better, in this case, think smaller - they will be prettier and really, 3 or 4 bites is just the right amount for an emergency dose of chocolate.  And these make lovely gifts for your chocolate loving friends - who also happen to like fruit and nuts!

Chocolate, Fruit and Nut Bites - Pots and Pins

12 oz. really good semi-sweet or dark chocolate

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

1/2 cup dried blueberries

1/2 cup dried dates, chopped

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup pecan pieces (or you can use whatever nuts you like)

Put chocolate in a microwaveable bowl in microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds.  Remove and stir.  Return to microwave for an additional 30 seconds, remove and stir until melted completely and smooth.  On a sheet of parchment, spoon out a heaping tablespoon of chocolate and swirl into a circle, about 2 inches across.  Add dried fruit pieces and nuts, pushing into chocolate gently.  (I make 4 circles at a time, add the fruit and nuts to them, then make 4 more, etc., until chocolate is gone.  Don't ask me why, it's just what I do!)  Allow to set until chocolate is firm and completely cool, about 1 hour.  Keep in plastic bags/container to keep fresh, or wrap individually.  Makes about 20 to 22. 

 

Beet Hummus...

The mister has a new hobby...it might even be called a sport because it's interactive...he displays a full range of motion and it's repetitive, loud, and it gets him all worked up!  He calls it setting.  Setting, while similar to sitting, is not the same...oh no...setting requires arm movement, pointing, eagle-eyed spotting, well, here, let me show you a few pics of the mister in action...

 

The mister sets in his chair on the deck in the evening and when a plane flies overhead or maybe just a finch, or if he sees an unusual cloud formation, he yells for me to come and see it, "Hurry up you're going to miss it!"  I drop whatever it is I'm doing, rush outside to see him pointing in one direction or another, and usually hear him snarl,  "You missed it."  He has way more fun setting than anyone I know.  He's quite taken with this new game - due to the beautiful weather we've been having, the mister has been outside setting every night for weeks...the monsoons can't return quick enough for me!

Occasionally though, I will join the mister for a round of setting.  As long as the mister has a full glass, he's happy to set, but me?  I need something more enticing...I need the crunch of salty chips or crisp veggie holding a nice scoop of Beet Hummus!  This is my new go-to-snack - it's not only delicious and healthy but it's dang pretty!! 

Beet Hummus - Pots and Pins

2 cans (15 oz.) sliced beets, drained (I opted to use canned beets to save myself the time it takes to cook and peel fresh beets - but if you've got time, use fresh!)

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced (if you want more of a garlicky taste, add more!)

juice from one large lemon

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Put beets, garbanzo beans, garlic and lemon juice in food processor and process for 10 seconds.  With food processor still running, slowly add olive oil and process for about 10 seconds.  Season with salt and pepper to taste, pulse a few times, adjust seasonings if needed.  Makes a little more than 2 cups.  Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, celery and carrots sticks and sliced cucumber.

Won't the mister be surprised when he see his Father's Day gift tomorrow?!?!  He wanted some Seahawks/Mariners/US Open paraphernalia...sad for him...he's getting a Crock Pot, which just so happens to replace the one he broke...karma, it's a #$%&!

New Sewing Machine and Quilt Group Friday...

16 years ago I bought a new Pfaff...I pinched myself the whole way home and have loved that machine ever since!  It gave me countless hours of joy - and it really never had any issues...until last week when I somehow broke the timing.  The mister was with me when I went to take my sweet little mechanical friend in for repairs...he said he would wait in the car but I made him come in with me because in the past, when I've taken my machine in for cleanings, the sales lady has kept me there for what seemed like hours trying to talk me into trading in my machine for a newer, better, more expensive model...I knew the mister would never allow that!  We would be in and out in 5 minutes - that was the plan.  But as you know, whenever the mister is involved, things don't go according to plan.  While I was filling out the repair form, the mister wandered over to look at the machines, and right on cue, the sales lady swooped in..."Her machine is old, you need to get her a new one!  She loves to quilt, she needs a machine with a long neck, here, let me show you!"  And that was all it took...before I had finished filling out my form, the mister was yelling at me from across the room, "Come look at this, this will solve all your problems!"  Well, I didn't know I had problems - and how would HE know I had problems, I mean, if I did?!?!  Ten minutes later - yes TEN minutes, the mister carried my new machine out the door...beaming that he had gotten such a great deal...the machine was half price, and they gave him $$$ for my old machine and since he bought the floor model they took off another $500!!!  (Of course, my antennae are on full alert - the mister never does this kind of thing willingly...so he's probably feeling guilty for something HE did...believe me, I am on the case!)

Since my old machine was a Pfaff, I got another Pfaff - I kind of know how they work and my brain is in no condition to conquer a new and different machine!  This one will take some getting used to as there isn't a lever to manually lift the presser foot - nope - have to push a button to lift it up and put it down...but I'm getting the hang of it.  It also has an automatic cut feature - so no need for scissors!  And it threads itself and it has a bobbin warning light so I'll know when I'm about to run out...golly-gee-whiz-it-sure-is-a-purty-thang...and it's RED!  The mister asked if it would last me until I die...the sales lady said I should get at least 15 years or so out of it, so I guess I've only got 15 years to live!  Good to know. 

I've been negligent in posting pics of quilts from my last two quilt group meetings - but it's because we have only had a few quilts and I forgot!  But, those quilts are definitely worth showing so here you go:

This month we were supposed to make blue blocks - this is what everyone came up with - they will be sewn together in some fashion and then the quilt will be donated to charity.

Every month we're also making red, white and blue blocks that will later be assembled into quilts for American Hero Quilts - this month produced some great blocks!

These antique blocks were a find!  And I think Jenny found them - or maybe Lori, she always finds the good stuff!  Won't they make a beautiful quilt?

Can't remember who made this Christmas quilt - but the square in a square block is always so appealing to me - especially with the fussy-cut centers.

This quilt has a very sad story - Stephanie made this quilt for the family of a Marine who was killed in Afghanistan - it's made from his fatigues.  I'm sure they will treasure it.  Semper Fi.

This looks like a "Marsha Quilt" but I can't remember if it is or not!?  It's sure cute - and what an easy pattern - might have to make one of these for my Elsa!

These are another round of American Hero blocks - and I LOVE The feet/shoes in this pic!  The blocks pictured above were from the month before - these blocks were from May...speaking of, where did May go?!?!?  Can it really be the middle of June!

Kareena's Crayon quilt top is finished - now it's off to the quilters!  Isn't it adorable?!?!  I know my Elsa would love this...I just need some time...

Marsha gave Jenny a dress panel  - and this is what Jenny did with it - super cute!  Marsha also gave me a dress panel and it's folded nice and neatly on top of my "to-make-pile"...again, just need to find some time!

That's it - I'm all caught up with quilt stuff...except for the one I'm working on now - just need to quilt it on my NEW MACHINE with the LONG NECK!!!  I'm giddy with excitement!  This quilt is for my sister, the one who is younger but looks older - it's her birthday present - I'm such a good sister!  Here's a sneak peek:

 Happy Birthday Joni!!  It will be in the mail and on it's way very soon!

The View Spot...

Last night just as I was boarding the Dream-land Express, I remembered I didn't put the stew away.  I rolled over and asked the mister if he would go put it away but as I was asking, I realized he wouldn't do it right...it was in the Crock-pot and it needed to go in the refrigerator in the garage and it needed to be on a hot-pad before being set on the glass shelf...just too many steps for one man.  Never-mind, I told him, I'll do it and he said, "You don't think I can do it by myself?"  And there it was - an opening as large as the Grand Canyon just waiting for me to dive in!  No, of course I don't think you can do it!!!  I KNOW you can't do it!!  That's what I said in my head...but out loud, to the mister, I said, "Oh silly me, of course you can do it!"  Then I rolled back over, bit my tongue, closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

This morning the mister walked into the nerve center and said he had a confession to make...it slipped...he tried to catch it but the Crock was hot...all over the garage floor...but not to worry, he cleaned it up.  Oh joy.

 I waited until I had finished my  breakfast before donning my haz-mat suit to clean up his "cleaned-up" mess.  I opened the door to the garage and the lovely aroma of my beef stew greeted me...the onions, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, with just a hint of garlic and thyme - it was all there in little bits and bobs - smeared on the front of the fridge, on the floor and even on the grill of the mister's car.

 I thought about drawing a chalk outline of a body in the redding-brown color the stew left on the rug in front of the fridge but that seemed a bit juvenile, curiously though, it was not too juvenile of me to write stewed to death on the mister's car with a little help from Bon Ami...I make myself laugh...

This is where I'll be today...in my view spot.  Last year at the end of summer I dug out a little more room, put in a few more pavers and made my little spot a bit larger.  I can now fit 4 chairs in my view spot - enough for visitors.  Feel free to drop by, after sitting for a spell we can walk into the garage and I can show you the scene of the crime.