ANOTHER SMALL FINISH

I completed the Autumn Runner, using the leftover half-square triangles from a previous project.  I added narrow  green borders, and the same leaf print that formed the back of the autumn basket quilt.

 I outlined all the leaves with free motion stitching, using some gold metallic thread.  The rest of the runner was stitched with invisible (monofilament) thread, stitching in the ditch.  It finished 15.5 x 32 inches.

This will also be donated to my guild for the boutique at the quilt show next June.

A SMALL FINISH

Since I was machine quilting today, I thought I'd take some time from my big project to complete a small item or two. 

 The hot pad is layered with some "Insul-bright" batting, along with a layer of cotton batting, to protect the table from heat.

 With the fabric I had available, I was only able to make 3 place mats!  Two will go to DS2 & future DIL, and the third will be donated to my guild's boutique at next June's quilt show.
I outlined the daisy motifs with free motion stitching.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I'm still pin-basting the monster quilt, but I did do a bit of sewing this week.  

 The piece on the left is made from the corner cut-offs from the Autumn Basket quilt.  Still trying to work out borders, and I want to incorporate some of the autumn leaf print as well.
On the right is two 60 degree placemats and a hexagon piece that will be a hot pad to match.  I'm sure many of you recognize this fabric.  I only had a small piece in my stash, and decided that it was time to use it!
Check out everyone else's progress this week, at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 3.75 yards

Used year to date 149.5 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 52.375 yards

Net used 2011  97.125 yards

I finished the autumn basket table centrepiece in time to add it to a housewarming gift for DS2 and future DIL on Saturday.

We had a lovely drive to Kitchener, and finally met future DIL's mother.  We managed to chat, but mostly using her older daughter as interpreter.  Her English is limited, and my Russian is non-existant!  We still managed to share lots of information - we're both moms and want the best for our youngest children - what else matters!

Head over to Judy's blog to see how others' are doing this week.

PIN BASTING PLUS!

I've been basting another large quilt.  My table is small, so I do it in sections, with DH helping to roll it up and move - it gets quite heavy.  My table is placed up against a wall - that is why I roll the already pinned parts.

 Last night I baked the three layers of the carrot cake I'm making for the August birthdays.  I have to make the orange cream cheese frosting to finish it off.  I picked up a cake carrier and I'll use it to transport the cake, then it will be part of DS2's birthday gift - he loves to bake, and is often transporting a cake etc. to share with friends and family.
My last job is to make the pasta and chick pea salad with broccoli and tomatoes (I'll be using lots of grape tomatoes from my prolific plant!)
I was reminded to take along some of the leftover apron fabric so future DIL can add pockets.  I'll add a new apron to the Christmas list - one with pockets!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

When I was helping my friend with her Christmas presents last week, I saw a pattern that someone had given her, and thought it would make a good housewarming gift for DS2 and future DIL.  Unfortunately, it was a copy of a copy of a copy, so I am unable to give credit for the pattern, other than it was called "May Baskets".
I decided to make this in fall colours, so I found a beige background with gold stars, a dark brown for the baskets, a dark green for the stems & leaves and rusts and orange colours for the flowers.

  I also found an awesome autumn leaf print to use as the back and binding - it has all the colours that I used in the front!

Check out Judy's blog to see what others are creating this week!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  3.375 yards

Fabric used year to date  145.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date 52.375 yards

Net used 2011  93.375 yards

A small gain this week, but at least a gain.  I used some fabric lining the 2 Christmas stockings that will be donated.  I also used fabric making handles and a bottom for the tote bag made from a leftover section of a quilt.  My small "Posies" quilt required added borders and backing as well as binding to finish.  I'm so happy to finally use the blocks that were removed from a quilt, so they can go on and live a happy life.

Check out how others' stashes have fared this week 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.

ONE DOWN AND ONE TO GO

I finished the tote bag, made from the section removed from the quilt.  I was fortunate to find some of the dark green fabric - just enough to make the handles.

 I fused a double layer of "Peltex" to make a firm bottom, and covered it with a pink print.  I slip-stitched the ends inside the bag.  I decided that it would be too tall with all the "borders" exposed, so I decided to turn the large pink border inside, to form a facing.  I machine stitched the edge, then slip-stitched it to the inside of the bag.  The handles were top-stitched, with lots of reinforcing to hold them secure.
I still had 12 blocks remaining in a long strip, 2 blocks wide.  I decided to take it apart to make the centre of a baby quilt.

(Sorry for the slightly blurry picture!)  I covered the seam in the back with a folded strip of the fabric planned for a border, and stitched it down by hand, after inserting a small piece of batting.  The batting will be held in place when I re-quilt in the ditch, as well as along some of the shapes.  I had to remove some stitching so that I had access to the seam allowance to sew it together.
 I found this pink and brown print in my stash, along with a green that had the right tones for the quilt.  I plan to use the same green for binding.  Now I have to add backing and batting the perimeter of the quilt - a little tricky, but not impossible!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

 

I didn't manage to get to my sewing room for the past week while I was recuperating, but I did find some leftover yarn, so I made some mitts of various sizes.
 Since I wanted  to get back to sewing a bit yesterday, I decided to attack some items that had been hanging around the room for a long time.  Several years ago, I made a Christmas tree skirt for someone, from a pre-quilted panel.  There were stockings printed in the corners, but she didn't want them.  I had cut the stockings out and stitched them, and all they needed was a lining and a ribbon for hanging.

 10 minutes of work and the stockings are ready to donate to my guild's boutique at the next show.

Many years ago, my SIL's friend asked me to make a quilt for her Mother.  They chose the pattern and the colours, and I made a quilt to fit her double bed.  Several years later, her Mother had to move into a nursing home, and wanted to take her too large quilt with her.  It was returned to me, and I removed two rows of blocks the length of the quilt, and stitched it back together again.
These two rows, with border on each end, had been residing in my sewing room, taunting me to do something with them.  Last night I sat and removed the stitching and cut the two ends off, and I plan to re-purpose it as a tote bag.  I still have 12 blocks to play with.....
When I removed them from the quilt, they lost a bit of batting and backing, so I'll have to think of a work-around......
Check out everyone's design walls this week at Judy's blog. 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 142.375 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 52.375 yards

Net used 2011  90 yards

Still recuperating from whatever ailment hit me last week.  I did spend some time in my sewing room this morning, completing some Christmas stockings that I found partially done - they'll probably be donated to my guild's boutique for the quilt show next June.

DH and I spent an hour or so in the garden right after breakfast.  I usually do a bit every day, but after a week of neglect, it couldn't wait any longer.  Of course it was overcast and humid to the point of almost raining.  We managed to dead head all the flowers, and do some basic clean up, but the rest will have to wait for another day.

I began making a huge pot of Chicken Gumbo yesterday morning.  I have to get it back on the stove, make the roux, and get it finished in time for dinner tonight.

Had fun with my friend yesterday afternoon.  We managed to get two table runner tops completed, and they are just waiting to be basted.  Binding was also prepared for each as well.  She finished the binding on the previous runner, and we trimmed the batting and backing in preparation for the hand sewing.  DH and her better half finished installing the hardwood, and we had a lovely steak dinner, with corn on the cob, mushrooms and onions, and fresh cucumber from her garden.  After returning home, we managed to watch TV for about an hour, then DH and I crashed for the night.

No matter how anxious I am to get things done, I've learned to listen to my body, and when it tells me to sit down, or drink some water, I pay attention.

Check out Judy's blog to follow everyone's progress this week.

QUILTING WITHDRAWAL

It has been almost a week since I set foot in my sewing room, and I'm having serious withdrawal!  Still  on the comeback trail from whatever nasty bug messed with my system.

I planned to sew today, as DH got the go-ahead from his doctor to resume normal activities (his vision tested 20/20 after his cataract surgery, and he can't wait to get the other eye fixed).  He is off helping a friend install hardwood flooring in the master bedroom today, so I thought I'd head down and play for a while.

Then last night my best friend called, to ask if I'd like to come over this afternoon, after she is finished work, and do some more work on her Christmas presents, so of course, I said yes!
So I guess that will count as sewing, although just not mine!

DH and I took a trip to Watertown NY yesterday, did some shopping, had lunch out, etc.  They have a new Joann's opened since we were through in the spring, so I thought I'd browse a bit.  I found the new store bright and airy, but it seemed to be missing some of the essentials that I have come to look for at Joann's.  Checked out their Christmas fabrics, but found them expensive, and they didn't seem to be as good a quality as I'm used to......  Now I can't wait until we head south for the winter, so I can do some online shopping at some of my favourites.  Some sites don't ship to Canada, and I dislike dealing with the customs brokers, who add their fee to the usual customs fees and taxes.  Oh well, I guess this helps to keep my stash from growing even more than it has over the past few years!  

DH just applied for our medical insurance coverage for the winter months, so I guess I should begin rounding up some projects to take south - have to keep using stash whenever possible!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

I finally managed to finish the quilting on "Pushin' Up Spring", even though I have been bothered by some kind of "bug".  I've been fighting a fever and stomach issues all week, and didn't even go to my sewing room for the past two days.  I'm hoping I'm on the upward swing now.

Fabric used this week  21.75 yards

Used year to date  172.375 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date  52.375 yards

 Net used 2011  90 yards

 Each block has curved background stitching, but curving in various directions.

The stars, formed by the block corners received a simple curved quilting design.

The star border has a hearts and feathers design, and the rest has some SITD with monofilament thread.  The large outer print border has a large stipple quilting to finish it off.

This is the overall quilt, just laid on my living room floor.  I'll try to get a better picture in the next day or two.
Check out everyone' stash reports at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Another week of no apparent progress!

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 52.375 yards

Net used 2011 68.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to see how everyone else is progressing.

I did manage to get my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt basted, but then I decided to do the alterations on my future DIL's two formal dresses before I rearranged the sewing room.  Both are black and beaded, but the one that I thought would be most difficult proved to be the easiest to take in.  It had a handkerchief hem, but the original was serged with a rolled hem, so when I shortened it, I did the same.

The second dress had a beaded over-top that was stitched into the side seams in various places.  Took a while to figure out how to take it in!  Good thing I splurged on an Ott light with a built-in magnifier, as I needed it to carefully remove the stitching on these black dresses.  I still have to hem the second dress, then I'll be on to quilting!

DH is doing fine 2 days after cataract surgery.  His biggest problem now is that his glasses are impossible.  He still needs them for his left eye, but can see quite well without them using his right eye.  Now he has to wait 4-6 weeks before he can get replacements.  He is following his instructions from the doctor, with just a couple of gentle reminders from me.

HOME ALREADY

DH was home in time for lunch!  We have to return this afternoon to see the doctor.  This is usually done the next day, but since it is Saturday.......
 

WE'RE OFF

We're headed to day surgery for DH's cataract operation this morning.  Have to check in by 9:15, and surgery scheduled for 10:45.  Usually you have to return the next day for a check, but we have to hang around so the doctor can do it later today.
I've packed some knitting and two books, along with my lunch and water bottle.  Hope they  have the area air conditioned, because I don't do well in the heat, and we have heat!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My design wall is empty!  I have one quilt waiting for pin-basting.....

 and another his still having borders sewn onto it.   Don't know where the time goes......

 Just think of how many "used" yards I'll be able to add to my stash report when these two are quilted.
Check out what others are working on at Judy's blog.

We spent yesterday afternoon with our Godson's middle sister.  She is attending Sea Cadet camp for 6 weeks at Royal Military College.  We were able to sign her out for the afternoon, and had a wonderful visit.  I also fed her well - the meals at RMC are wonderful, but they had just returned Saturday from a 5 day field exercise, eating MRE's.  They are good, but lack fresh fruit and vegetables.  She enjoyed picking and eating the grape tomatoes from my tiny garden, and I just happened to be baking bread, so we all had a slice warm from the oven.

Finally heard from DS2.  They had a couple of slower unpacking days, but their new bookshelves from Ikea arrived on Saturday, so that meant that they were able to unpack some of the multitude of boxes full of books!  They are trying to get into a routine, and are having fun blending their eating habits and schedules.

DH is scheduled for his cataract surgery on Friday, and we just had a call with the appointment this afternoon to have the eye scan that measures for the replacement lens.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  120.63 yards

Added this week  15 yards

Added year to date  52.375 yards

Net used 2011  68.25 yards

My three 5 yards of clearance fabric lowered my number this week, 

but I hope to have a quilt completed soon.  My version of "Pushin Up Spring" is just waiting to be pin basted, and I am adding the borders to my Oriental "Baltimore Bliss" quilt, made from blocks I completed over the winter.

DH is scheduled for cataract surgery on Friday, so I plan to make the most of the early part of the week - then I have to make sure he follows after-care orders!

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

FORGOTTEN BLOCKS!

Since I couldn't move forward on my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt until the backing fabric was washed, I decided to plan the layout for another applique project that I had worked on over the past winter.  The pattern is called "Baltimore Bliss" and is found here.

Block 11

 

 

Block 12

These were hand appliqued using a wash-away stabilizer, and I recently spent some time adding a bit of machine stitched embroidery to each block.  Here is the border fabric that inspired the colours in the quilt blocks.

 I enjoy designing in EQ7.  I imported pictures of each of the finished blocks, and then added a picture of the border, so I could see the actual border in place!  Too much fun!
Since I was able to wash and dry the backing, along with the 15 yards of fabric that I recently purchase, I'll be spending the rest of the morning at the ironing board.

BORDERS COMPLETED

I managed to get the borders completed and pressed, then pieced the backing fabric.  Now I am waiting to wash the backing, along with the three 5 yard pieces of fabric that arrived from Connecting Threads.

 This shows the two fabrics chosen for borders 2, 3 & 4.  The blue print was left over from the backing fabric used on a quilt for DS1 & SDIL.

Here it is attached to the quilt.  Wish I had a better place for photography!  DH thinks that the borders "tone down" the scrappy floral applique blocks.
Since our electricity is billed by "time of use", I have to wait until after 7pm to wash and dry the fabric.  For those of you unfamiliar with "time of use", our electricity is billed at three different rates, depending on the time of day, and the rates differ seasonally as well.  The lowest rates are between 7pm and 7am, along with all day Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays.  This means that I usually plan all my laundry and baking for the weekend, and has changed my menu planning as well.  The medium rate starts at 5 pm during the summer season, so I don't plan any long-cooking or oven meals during the week.
The plan for the "time of use" billing was to reduce the amount of electricity everyone uses, especially during peak periods, but as far as I can see, all it has done is increase everyone's bills!

BACK TO QUILTING

My future DIL gave me a wonderful birthday gift that I have used several times already!

 This is an LED flashlight, pen sized, that has a magnetic ring around the light, and extendable handle - GREAT for picking up pins!!!!

 Here it is extended, doing a fine job!
I managed to get the second border cut and sewn onto my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt top yesterday, and hope to get the remaining two borders added today.  I haven't decided what to use for the binding yet - I'm sure I'll find something in my stash.
DH decided to vacuum and shampoo the carpets in our office today.  This is a job I usually do, so I'm feeling just a little guilty....but just a little!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

 

 I took a quick snap of the quilt centre with the first border added just before heading out of town!  I decided to continue the stars formed at the intersections of the blocks into the border to continue the design.  I have chosen two more fabrics to add more borders, but have to do some measuring to make sure I have enough before cutting!  Still trying to use my stash.  I hope to get this one finished when I return home so I can add all the fabric to my stash report! 

See what everyone is working on by linking to Judy's blog.

More unpacking on Sunday.  DH helped DS2 assemble a microwave stand that has a lovely glass-door upper cabinet with beadboard lower cabinet.  They have a fairly large kitchen for an apartment, but the building is 40 years old, so is not built for modern kitchen equipment.  I helped unpack the boxed pantry items and found a few necessary items so we could continue.  Thanks to DS2, who made a database of all his belongings as they were packed, listed with box name, so finding particular items is easy!

After lunch we went shopping - first to find an extra towel bar for the bathroom, and a chrome shelving unit for their storage area. Then we headed to the grocery store and stocked them up with 2 shopping carts of basics!  Back to the apartment and while the "girls" unpacked the groceries, the "boys" began to install the vertical blinds for the patio door.  We had to quit before they were completely finished as we were meeting a family friend for dinner.  We've know her since she was 2, and she recently graduated from the University of Guelph.  She plans to begin work on her Masters' degree in September.  She has turned into a wonderful young lady!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

"Second verse, same as the first!"  Nothing new to report since last week.  My parcel from Connecting Threads arrived at the post office, but I couldn't pick it up until after 1pm on Friday, and by then I was well on the way to Kitchener, following a Uhaul truck!

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 37.375 yards

Net used 2011  83.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to check on others' progress.

DS2's move went smoothly.  His fiancee's father and sister were there to help too, so we took a shorter time than planned to get all the boxes and furniture off the truck, and by the time we left, the bed was made, curtains were up in the bedroom and the shower curtain was hung!  She was looking a little overwhelmed by the number of boxes that have to be unpacked, as she's had very little experience with moving.  DS2, as part of a military family, has moved many times, so for him it was just another move.
The first thing he did after signing the lease and inspecting the apartment was present her with her ring!

MOVING DAY APPROACHES & FINAL BLOCK FINISHED!

The truck is being picked up at 6pm tonight for DS2's move to Kitchener.  He is hoping a few of his gaming friends arrive later to help with box/furniture loading.  We've been running around the house finding little things to add to the "last minute box" too.

His fiancee and her Dad have been to the apartment a couple of times.  It has been repainted, carpets cleaned, and appliances cleaned and serviced.  She took about half of her boxes over already, and last night checked to see if the phone was working.
This morning, her Mother announced that they were going shopping to stock the refrigerator, but she thinks she just wants to see the apartment before they move in......  She is having serious empty nest feelings, as her other daughter has been apartment hunting as well, and plans to move to Toronto soon!
We'll be heading out,  hopefully by noon on Friday, then the big "move in" begins Saturday at 9:30-1:30 (they had to book one of the elevators, so it could be put on service, just for them).
I'm so excited for them, but sad to see DS2 leaving again.  It has been wonderful to get to know him as an adult.  He's worked very hard to move forward with his life, and begin a new career, helping others.
I finished the final applique block for "Pushin' Up Spring" last night, so I hope to get the top pieced today.

Pushin' Up Spring Block 12

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This is the bottom half of the quilt - my design wall is short because of the height of the basement ceiling!  I started work on the final block last night!

 Block 9 has violet flowers.  The darkest looks less black than in the picture, and the medium petal has metallic gold accents.

 Block 10 almost looks Christmassy--I added an additional green to this block.

 Block 11 has paisley and polka dot petals!  This has been too much fun, choosing all the fabrics for the flowers.  
Since I have decided to make this without sashing, I think I have to plan something special for the borders!  Better get to work!
Check out everyone's creations at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date 37.375 yards

Net used 2011 83.25 yards

My numbers are still looking pretty good.  I did order some clearance fabric this week, but I won't count it until it arrives.  I did some work on two applique quilts, but since I don't report the yardage until they are complete, I have nothing to report.  

I quilted number 4 of the 5 baby quilts for my community quilts group, and have begun on number 5, but another one was added to my list on Thursday.

We went to a BBQ/housewarming/thank you party yesterday.  Our friends' neice bought her first house this spring, and DH along with her uncle, her Dad and a friend of ours repaired and re-shingled the huge roof.  She has MS, and travelled to San Diego to undergo the "liberation" treatment.  Her health has improved remarkably since the treatment, and we are hopeful that this will continue.  She was unable to take most of the drugs prescribed to MS patients, so her symptoms were advancing quite rapidly before her treatment.  So far it has been worth all the fundraising to pay for her treatment!

Check out how others are making out in their quest to shop their stash, by visiting Judy's blog.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Hope everyone is having a great day.  We're staying home today - more packing and then a BBQ dinner.  DS2 finished his hours for his internship on Thursday, so now is finally free to head to Kitchener.  The final packing is always hard - all the little forgotten items that go in a "miscellaneous" box.
I managed to pin baste two more baby quilts yesterday, and hope to get the third one ready to sew today.  I only had 2 left from the 5 that I was asked to quilt, and then I had a phone call asking if someone could drop off another panel in need of quilting.  It saved me a trip, as I had 3 others completed to hand in.  Once I get these finished, I hope to get back to work on my own projects!
 

FAMILY VISITORS

DH has two cousins who have a farm about 1 1/2 hours from us.  They raise alpacas, and currently have a herd of 30.  One of the cousins had to come to Kingston for a medical test, and the hospital requires that she stay nearby for 24 hours.  So they are staying with us overnight, amid boxes and packing confusion.  
We're looking forward to having a nice visit and getting caught up on all their extended family news.  We usually see them at family reunions, and it is so difficult to have any quality time with anyone.  Their uncle and aunt are staying the the critters - always the most difficult thing to arrange when you have to be away from the farm.
The brought a small thank-you gift....

A bar of alpaca felted soap!  Here is a picture of one of their babies

 

Pesto Recipe

I had some requests for my pesto recipe.  I can't find the link to the one I use, but here is one that is similar.  Click here.

My recipe uses the same method, but also includes some Italian parsley and slightly different amounts of the same ingredients, and is by the same chef, Michael Chiarello.   The blanching is a pain, but the results are wonderful!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Here's 8 of the 12 "Pushin Up Spring" blocks.  Block 9 is about half stitched, and the last three are prepared - pattern traced onto the back of the block ready for back basting, and fabrics chosen.  Now to find some quiet time to stitch.
Here's a close-up of Block 8

DH keeps asking "What are you making this quilt for?"  As if you need a reason to make a quilt!
I have also begun the embellishment stitching on the 12 applique blocks that I completed over the winter.  The pattern I used was "Baltimore Bliss" by Fat Cat Patterns.  I actually had to head to my local quilt shop, Quilt and Stitch, to pick up some thread - didn't have the right colour in any of my 4 thread caddies!  I saved my receipt, as they collect them at my guild, and get shop credit toward book purchases for the guild library.
See what other quilters are working on at Judy's blog here.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

I managed to use 3 yards this week - 2 to make my Trifecta purse, and the 3rd yard was gifted to my friend to make a Christmas tablerunner.
She spent Wednesday morning in my sewing room, basting and quilting the runner we made at her home last week, and completing another runner, as well as basting and quilting it.  She also did the quilting on the fabric for a binder cover.  She has been unable to find a walking foot for her vintage Kenmore machine - so she does all her machine quilting here.  She is trying to get some Christmas gifts finished as they are heading out to visit distant family in 2 weeks, and she wants to take their gifts along.  When she returns we'll be working on some more  runners, as well as a couple of small quilt projects.

Used this week   3 yards

Used year to date   120.63 yards

Added this week    0 yards

Added year to date    37.375 yards

Net Used 2011    83.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to see everyone's stash report this week.

BAKING DAY

Since we have "time of use billing" for our electricity, weekends, which are charged at the lowest rate, have become the baking/laundry days each week.
So far today DS2 & I have made a dozen bran with raisin muffins, a dozen orange blueberry muffins, 

a sour cream coffee cake, 

and a pound cake, which is currently baking.  DS2 plans to make a large pan of turtle bars after the pound cake is finished.

I noticed that my basil was getting a bit leggy, and a few stems were trying to bloom, so I harvested 3 packed cups of leaves, and made some fresh pesto - looking forward to dinnertime!  I use a recipe that I saw on TV, with the basil and parsley being blanched for 15 seconds, then chilled in ice water before processing.  It keeps the bright green colour and doesn't affect the taste at all.  Later in the season, I'll freeze some for use over the winter. 

I MADE A PURSE!

My favourite purse for travel was looking a little worse for wear, and I decided to replace it - easier said than done!  I finally found a pattern I liked, called Trifecta from Studio Kat Designs.

 My outer fabric is a sandy beach print, with a tan interior and green accents.  I chose to add the pocket to the front - handy for keys, pen etc.

It has a magnetic closure, and two large pouch areas, with a centre zippered area as well.

 I chose to add the "core insert" into the zippered area, with space for cards on the side - probably my library card, etc.  I made the zippered core, so that I'll have another safe place to stash stuff!

With the purse opened up, you can see all the different areas to stow items.  I like to be organized.  It is very versatile for a smaller purse (9" x 10" x 5").
The pattern was interesting to make, and the instructions were fairly easy to follow.  I'll make this again, but with a little more creativity next time.  I also plan to find a "purse zipper" as well - much better than the regular one that I used, as it would have two zipper pulls, closing in the centre of the purse instead of at one side.