STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  8.125 yards

 Fabric used year to date  21.375 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  12 yards

Net used 2017  9.375 yards

Thanks to completing my spinning spools quilt, I am well on my way this year, until my next order of backing fabric arrives!  

I pin-basted two more baby quilts this week, and have completed all the "stitch in the ditch" quilting.  Now I just have to get on with the rest of the quilting in each.

Yesterday was spent in the kitchen.  I made cranberry sauce - I have a great recipe for cranberry ginger cookies, and never have enough sauce leftover when we have a turkey, so I made this batch just for cookies!  I also made a pot of calico beans to take to our neighbours' Superbowl party today, along with some French onion bread.  I made a batch of granola bars, and some raspberry coconut bars to take along for those with a sweet tooth.  DH and I aren't great football fans, but we have fun with the gang, and enjoy watching the commercials each year, and eat lots of food that we only indulge in at Superbowl.

Check out all the progress shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  0 yards

Net used 2017  0 yards

I'm following Judy's lead, and starting the year with a clean slate!

I've been keeping track since 2011, and my grand total used in the past 6 years is 683.875 yards.  During 3 of those years, quilts shops in my area closed, and had awesome sales that I just couldn't resist.

 

I'm busy cooking my turkey today, along with sausage dressing, giblet gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and rutabaga casserole.  Good thing we only eat this once or twice a year!  Our cousins are coming to stay for the next 3 days, so I thought it would make for easy leftovers.....

I finished my zigzag blocks yesterday, and need to plan the layout before stitching them together.  I'll have to see what I have for backing fabric, as I will soon have 3 lap quilts ready to quilt.

Happy 2017, and check in with Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  122.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  88.75

 

I'm still struggling with my cold and cough!  I don't think I was totally better and have been a bit sick since February.  I'm on the uphill side of it this time, and my cough is almost gone.

 

I've been working on my guild's BOM project.  I finally stitched tht top together, and then planned the borders (my choice).  I used a border from Judy's book "60 Pieced Quilt Borders Mix & Match", adjusting the size to fit my quilt.  I only have one more border to stitch, and then the top will be complete.  Now I just have to find the energy..... 

I'm catching up on the laundry today and making a pot of soup.  We hope to visit our grandson and family next weekend, but I don't want to take my germs along.  They've had a tough time with illnesses, since my DIL returned to work and grandson to daycare.

Check out all the progress shared at Judy's blog, http://www.patchworktimes.com/2016/05/15/stash-report-may-15-2016/

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 13.75 yards

Fabric used year to date 134.5 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date 63.75 yards

Net fabric used 2015 70.75 yards 

Here's my "Kiss in the Corner" quilt, finished and ready to find a new home.  My 2 inch strip bin has only a few small bits of yellow left.  I found it surprising that I had used so many different yellow fabrics over the years!  Now I just have to decide which project comes next.....

My kitchen smells wonderful today - a batch of pumpkin muffins cooling on the rack, and 2 loaves of cinnamon fruit bread almost ready to come out of the oven.....

Check all the progress shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

SOME SMALL FINISHES

I couldn't wait to get my sewing machine set up again.  My guild's community quilts group had been asked for some premie quilts for our hospital's NICU , only 24 inches square.  I prepared 3 tops and backs, then I called our committee head, to ask what if any, batting was being used.  Since this is new for our group, they were making samples using different layer and battings, but needed one made with poly batting.  They will be sent to the NICU so that they can decide which type they prefer.  I quickly quilted one of the three tops, and stitched binding to the small quilt.  I delivered it to the committee head at our guild executive meeting last night, and they will be delivered to the hospital on Friday.

While organizing all my fabric returning to my sewing room, I found some extra block parts from my mystery quilt.  I was able to made 4 blocks, so I decided to make 2 snap bags for our upcoming quilt show.  I found the extra matching fabric to make the pull tabs and lining, and pulled out my serger to clean-finish the final seams, so they are ready to go!

Next on my agenda is to complete some chicken soup.  We picked up 4 whole chickens, and I cut them into parts for the freezer, saving most of the skin and remaining bones with meat attached.  On Tuesday I simmered the stock and then strained it into some containers, and picked the meat from the remains.  Yesterday, I removed the fat from the stock, so it is ready for all the extras - yummy vegetables and herbs.  DH and I enjoy homemade soup for lunch most days, and I like to control the fat and salt content, while making tasty soup!    

I also plan to pull out some of my novelty prints to make luggage tags - another requested item for the quilt show boutique.  While looking, I'll set aside any large enough pieces for pillow cases for my southern quilt group's pillow case day next February.  This should help with my stash numbers!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I decided to add a narrow yellow border to the panel, then use the narrow stripe of the matching border print for the second border.





I spent my sewing time yesterday making flying geese in 4 different colours.These are sewn together, and will be the third border, followed by the wide stripe of the border print.


I'll be happy when this is together, as it waited much too long in my stash!
I spent the morning making split pea soup from my Mother's recipe.  I had a ham bone waiting in the freezer, along with some diced leftover ham to add.  It smells wonderful, and will be dinner tonight along with toasted English muffin bread.  I read on another blog about making this in the oven, but I make mine in the microwave.  It cooks in 6 minutes, and is wonderful toasted!

Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  208.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  54.875 yards

Net used 2014    153.875 yards

 

No changes for me this week.  I've been busy stitching Part 3 of Grand Illusion with Bonnie Hunter.  I also received all the pictures taken at my northern guild's annual Christmas dinner, so I was busy writing the post and updating the block of the month page as well.

I've been busy baking bread - 2 loaves of whole wheat on Friday, 2 white on Saturday and 4 cinnamon fruit bread today.  It smells awesome in my house!  I also made a batch of carrot ginger soup, ready for the freezer.  I love to have meals in the freezer for those days when I'd rather sew than cook.  Actually, every day is one of those, but usually I cook!

We're planning an outing tomorrow, cousins are arriving on Tuesday, and my southern quilt group is having their annual pot luck Christmas lunch on Wednesday - when will I find time to sew?

Check out the stash reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date  147.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  47.125 yards

Net used 2013  102.375 yards  

Not much sewing progress this week, BUT, my new sewing machine arrived on Wednesday!  I spent the afternoon playing with all the features.  Since DH made my sewing table, I find it awkward using a machine sitting on a table!  I now have my sewing table altered to fit the larger footprint of my new baby.  At the same time, DH made a large drop-leaf section that I can raise when I am machine quilting.  It is all painted and installed, ready for use tomorrow!

 

I've spent most of today in the kitchen.  I made a large batch of carrot ginger soup.  It has been blended smooth and is now in the refrigerator for tomorrow.  It is one of those recipes that always tastes better the second day.

Then I sat and cleaned and chopped all the yellow beans.  After cooking them, I made the mustard sauce, then simmered the beans in the sauce before canning them in jars - mostly large ones, but a couple of smaller ones to give away.

Now I have an apple crisp baking in the oven.  It will be great with vanilla frozen yoghurt for dessert.  Thank heavens dinner is simple - leftover jambalaya and fresh green beans!

 

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date  147.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  35.5 yards

Net used 2013  114 yards  

No yardage to claim this week, but I have made 58 of the 80 scrappy split 9-patch blocks!   Using blocks that are split diagonally between light and dark are fun to play with.  DH will help with the twisting and turning.  My 2 1/2 inch leftover strip stash is shrinking.  (Most were from leftover binding, which I press flat and save.)

Since this is our least expensive time for electricity, yesterday I baked bread, gingersnap cookies and simmered the turkey carcass to make the broth.  I picked the meat off the bones and refrigerated it overnight, then skimmed off the fat this morning before adding all the veggies and herbs.  I have containers that hold 2 servings, so most of it will end up in the freezer.

 

We woke up this morning to find cool air!  We were fortunate to miss most of the thunderstorms, hail and high winds that took out electricity to many areas, and the high heat and humidity is gone for a day or two, we hope.  DH and I took advantage of the cool air to do some maintenance on our gardens.  Our green bin will be pretty full this week!

 

This morning, I also chopped some onions, and shredded some carrots to add to the green split pea soup that I'm also making today.  I had two ham bones in the freezer, just waiting for their turn to make delicious soup, and since it is cooler today, it is a perfect day for making soup.  I also used a dry rub on some ribs last night and they are waiting in the refrigerator.  I'll make my sauce and put them in the oven for 2 or 3 hours this afternoon.  This will also make several meals that can go in the freezer, after we sample them for dinner tonight.

 

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

COOKING AGAIN

I think I'm on the mend - I'm feeling much better this morning.....

I began by mixing and kneading the dough for 4 loaves of whole wheat bread - its currently rising in the microwave.  I place a glass measuring cup of hot water in the microwave, then heat it on HI for 1 minute.  Then I place the bowl of covered dough inside and close the door.  The moist warm air in the microwave makes the dough rise quickly.

Next I decided to make some black-eye pea and ham soup.  I had packages of diced ham in the freezer, and I just had a fancy for this soup.  It is simmering and is almost ready to chill and package for later consumption. 
The link to the recipe is found on my recipe page!

GETTING SETTLED

While I've been unpacking clothing, supplies, kitchen, groceries etc.  We bought 4 whole chickens, so I cut them into pieces, and made my chicken stock with the bones, skin and leftover pieces.  The parts are packed, listed on my freezer inventory and placed into the freezer in the shed.  The stock is chilling in the refrigerator, and I picked all the meat from the bones.  
My sweet DH has been working much harder cleaning outside!
He has washed all the summer pollen, dust and grime from the outside of my sunroom, as well as the carport and the screenroom on the front of the house.  He even washed the screens, and took the carpet out to wash away the summer soil.

This morning, he worked very hard, taking all the buildings for the garden railroad, and putting them in place.  He then washed all the walls in the sunroom and vacuumed the floor.  I helped clean all the windows, and washed down my cutting table, sewing table, etc.  Then he scrubbed the floor, so everything is nice a clean for me to set up my sewing room!!!!! 

The wicker chairs are awaiting visitors, and my cutting table needs to be unfolded.  

I'm cooking chicken wings in mushroom sauce for dinner.  The wings are browned, onions and green pepper sauted, and the sauce poured over to simmer for a while.  This is a favourite meal that my Mother always made, and I make it whenever I buy whole chickens - I refuse to pay the high price for wings, when I can buy the whole chicken for less $/pound!  Frugal in the little things, so I can have more money for quilting!

This will be served with rice, salad and either steamed carrots or butternut squash.  Yum!
 
I received some sad news today.  A member of my quilting guild has passed away.  Susan was my first contact with quilting when we moved back to Kingston.  She ran a Project Linus day, and I enjoyed meeting other quilters and helping to complete the many tops that arrived that day.  She also gave me the information about the Limeston Quilt Guild, and I became a member.  She was a wonderful quilter, and will be missed by all. 

A BUSY DAY

I began by entering all my receipts into Quicken, taking time to categorize all the spending over the past weekend.  I love being able to track our spending, and check to see how much money we have at a glance.  I guess there is a book keeper hiding inside me.

I've spent the rest of the day sewing!  I've been working on my "Sing a Happy Song" blocks, and I'm liking the way they are turning out!  Of course, I switched up the colours, so mine doesn't look at all like Judy's beauty..... 

There are six blocks with this colour green in step 2 - they will be the inside blocks in the final layout.

 There are fourteen blocks with this colour green in step 2 - these will be the perimiter blocks.  
I'm am serious about using stash, and didn't have quite enough in either piece to complete the quilt top, so I decided to be creative!

I have all the half square triangle blocks completed for the pieced corner units, and I have all the background triangles cut, (mine in bright lemon yellow), ready to stitch together tomorrow.  After these are stitched onto the step 2 blocks, I'll be adding the sashing strips and cornerstones.  
My plan is to make the final wide border from the print fabric used in the centre four patches.  

Now I had better figure out what we're having for dinner.  Eating out for the past few days has spoiled me already.  I'll have to rummage through the refrigerator to see what veggies will accompany the fish I remembered to remove from the freezer a while ago!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

I finally finished my Baltimore quilt this week, so I can count the fabric!!!!

Used this week 20.25 yards

Used year to date 173.75 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 53.875 yards

Net Used 2011  119.875 yards

I have two single bed quilt tops and backings prepared, as a gift for BFF's granddaughters, but she is coming over this afternoon, so I can't work on them until tomorrow.  She has also commissioned me to make 6 place mats and napkins to use as a wedding gift, so we'll be combing my stash for just the right fabric when she arrives.

I have 4 loaves of whole wheat bread heading to the oven, and with DH's help, there is a giant pot of fruit chili sauce simmering on the stovetop!

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog.

COOKING DAY

I spent the morning chopping vegetables to add to my giant batch of minestrone soup.  Mine is a northern Italian recipe, with beans - some of which are blended to thicken the soup.  It will make a good dinner tonight, then the rest will head to the freezer.

When DH and I went to the market yesterday, they had wonderful, fresh yellow beans.  So DH cleaned and cooked the beans, and I made the sauce for the mustard bean pickles.  This is a favourite of our whole family. I managed to make 6 jars, 2 for us and 2 for each of our DS's as well.

Then we proceeded to make some "blue plum" jam, sometimes called prune plums.  I make my jam in the microwave, using a recipe I found in a library book many years ago.  It makes small batches, each using 2 cups of fruit and 1 1/2 cups of sugar.  It isn't as sweet as most jams, and we love to taste the fruit.  We ended up with 5 smaller jars of jam - lots for us for a couple of years.

Getting Ready for Sunday Dinner with Friends

Here's my loaf of braided Italian bread, ready for dinner guests.

 And here's the lemon meringue pie for dessert.  I love lemon pie, but don't make it unless it will be eaten quickly.  I use an oil pastry, made with canola oil, as I find it bakes well as a pie shell, and doesn't seem to get as soggy as regular pastry.
The stock and the roux are made, and onion, celery and green pepper chopped fine, and two pounds of shrimp. scallops and crab are waiting to become a pot of etoufee.  I'm serving it over rice, with steamed broccoli.  Can't wait!

Fruit Salad - Top Completed

After stitching the top together, I added a 1 inch finished border in the darker green colour, so the points would float away from the next border.  The purple border is only 1/2 inch wide, finished, then I completed the top with a 3 inch border of the fruit fabric.  I like to use the original fabric in the border to show what it looked like before it was stacked and whacked!

Unfortunately, I'll be putting this away for a while, as we are having company for the next few days.  DH's cousins always stay for a short visit whenever they are passing by.  They are heading north for Christmas with family, back to the land of snow.  I baked pumpernickel bread yesterday, to be used in sandwiches, and this morning I'm making Pasta Fagioli Soup with Spinach.  I soaked the beans overnight, and rinsed them this morning, then let them cook while we were having breakfast and reading the paper.  The soup is simple and has just a few ingredients; Italian sausage meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, pasta, red wine, Parmesan and spinach.  I plan to serve it for dinner tomorrow, as they called and are bringing steaks for tonight. (They always empty their refrigerator and bring all the leftovers to us!)  I also made a batch of pastry yesterday, so plan to make some tiny mincemeat tarts for dessert.  DH baked some ginger cookies, and I still have some rolled oats shortbread left, so we should have enough goodies to eat.
My quilt group meets this afternoon,  so I have to get my "stuff" together.  I take my mat, extra cutters, rulers, as most only have the basics, an iron (when the group gets bigger, we have an extra couple of irons and ironing boards set up.), books, patterns, etc.

I baked this wonderful fresh peach cake on Friday morning, and this is what is left!  Thanks to Judy for the great recipe.  Our friends that helped in the indulging asked for the recipe!  You can find it here.

 I've been scanning our large collection of slides into the computer, and ran across this picture today.  I made this smocked peasant blouse for my niece in 1977!  Hopefully, I'll find a picture of her wearing it!  I have been trying to scan a group of about 20 slides  every day, before I get busy with other things.  The slides were not in any order, as DH culled them before I began two years ago.  We are trying to reduce the amount of "stuff" in our home.  When I finish with the slides, I'll begin on all the old photos.  That should take another 3 or 4 years!