December 2007 Archives
As I gave thanks for these amazing people this morning, I thought perhaps you might like to learn more about some of the groups we connect with. There are so many that are truly inspiring.
Sew...from time to time...I will feature links here on the blog. Today I would like to introduce you to the East Mountain Quilters of Costa Rica group. "These are native Costa Rican "mountain women" in the purest sense who have accomplished so much in just under 5 years' time quilting together."
http://www.emqcostarica.com/about_us.html
If you are part of a group (in the US or around the world) and your group would like to be featured here, please let me know more about your group.
Check out the deals and snag a bargain at the Year End Inventory Clearance Sale before they're gone.
I just finished making him two REALLY NICE ones using First Choice Boxers pattern by Timber Lane Press.
These are Nick's first "handmade" boxers! True, they're not "subtle" or "subdued" and he won't be able to wear them while on duty. But they will be great for after hours and off time, don't you think?! I hope he loves them.
Click thumbnail images to view larger image in a pop up window.
This was the 2nd time I have made boxer shorts using this pattern. I made some for Jeff about a year ago and he LOVES them, so I thought Nick might like some for Christmas.The pattern is not difficult, but intermediate sewing skills are recommended. If you are an advanced beginner and confident you could probably manage this pattern without too much difficulty AS LONG AS you feel comfortable going slowly, step-by-step following the written instructions and illustrations. Attention to detail is a MUST.
For me, securing the 4 channel sport elastic (pinning it on) is probably the most challenging part. Even that part is not difficult if you follow the tips provided in the pattern. Flat-felled seams are used throughout (instructions are provided), giving the finished boxers a professional look and comfortable feel to the wearer.
I LOVE knowing that I'm making a quality product and that the boxers turn out looking like the picture on the pattern front.
I'll be wrapping Nick's boxers in the morning and send them along with a hearty selection of requested Christmas cookies and assorted miscellaneous personal items.
Click here if you'd like to read more about this pattern, available at SewThankful.com
As of this writing, I have sewn two of the various designs myself and both experiences produced amazing finished products that I am very proud to wear, use and show. Click here to see my Wonder Wallet. Click here to see my Miranda Bag.
I am so pleased that Sew Thankful started stocking Lazy Girl patterns a few months ago!
If you've never tried a Lazy Girl Pattern, you may not know Joan Hawley. Let me introduce you.
Joan Hawley began sewing at a young age. She started out making her own clothes and home dec furnishings. Joan says a friend introduced her to the world of quilting years later, taking her to her 1st quilt shop. She says she didn't know quilt shops existed until then.
Joan
started Lazy Girl Designs in 1997 in response to the customer comments she heard
while working in a quilt shop. She started by designing projects specifically
requested by customers but she soon turned her attention to creating projects
that suited her own sensibilities.
When
asked about her focus on purses and bags Joan says:
"...what can I say?
Have you ever found the perfect purse?
Does a single perfect purse exist, or is perfection achieved through a
collection of purses that when combined, meet all of our needs? I don't know.
I guess since I'm still designing them for myself, my collection is
incomplete. Or my definition of
perfection changes over time. I have
discovered that there is a little 'Lazy' in most of us. I have fun with my designs and I hope you do,
too."
Snowball Cookies
Simply delicious buttery pecan cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (real) vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar set aside - to be used
for rolling cookies after they come out of the oven
Directions:
These cookies taste
best at least one day AFTER baking.
The group utilized a variety of Lazy Girl Designs patterns.
The results are absolutely STUNNING! Click here to take a look (opens a new window) and be sure to scroll all the way down.
If you're looking for a stuffy, snooty instructor this video is NOT for you. Dawn is a relaxed, easy going, encouraging instructor that makes learning ENjoyable. Put on your PJs, grab your favorite chocolate, pop in the DVD and get ready to have a blast!
Dawn shows new patterns and clear examples for
how to develop your own free motion quilting style. It's unbelievable to
me how much is included for the price! There's 87 minutes of relaxed, fun and encouraging instruction.
My favorites (at the top of my
list to try) are: Dwirling, Wonky Feathers, Pebbling and Bananas...but there's
so much more! Want to see a sample? Watch the video clip below (posted with permission):
The Pajama Quilter Reloaded DVD is now available at Sew Thankful. Click here to learn more...
As I've mentioned on a couple occasions, both Jeff & I were also both active duty in our previous lives. Having served, we understand the commitment, service and sacrifice that is truly the heart of our freedom.
An internet friend recently sent me this link. The idea is profoundly thoughtful and it doesn't cost any money...no one is asking for donations that I can tell.
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php
This holiday season, while you are out and about...if you have the inclination, let someone know you are grateful for their service. It costs you nothing but a simple thank you gesture can mean so much.
Click here for a printable PDF -- this file requires a RECENT version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for FREE at adobe.com.
Gingersnap Cookies
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated white sugar (for rolling
dough balls)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, molasses
and egg in a large mixing bowl.
- In 3 separate additions to the creamed mixture,
sift flour, baking soda salt ginger and cinnamon. Make certain to mix dough completely.
- Form dough into 1" - 1 ½" balls.
- Roll dough balls in granulated sugar until
evenly coated.
- Place sugar-coated dough balls on un-greased
cookie sheet. Make certain to space
2" - 3" between balls of dough.
- Bake approximately 10 minutes. Centers should still be soft
looking.
- Cool slightly before removing from cookie
sheet.
- YUMMMY...enjoy at least 1 warm cookie sample.
Hint: Gingersnaps have a tendency to
get crunchy after they cool and begin to age. I like them crunchy to dunk in coffee. But if you prefer to keep gingersnaps
somewhat soft, it is helpful to store them in a sealed plastic container with a
slice of bread. The slice of bread will
become hard/stiff...but it will help the cookies remain soft.
The boys LOVE squeezing, twisting and hugging this super squishy Santa made from Yo-Yos.I made a few changes--of course--from the pattern directions. I made "scrappy red yo-yos" instead of all one multi-red print as suggested. I used white flannel for his beard. I used dark blue wooden beads for his eyes. I used a lighter print for the cuffs of sleeves and pants instead of natural muslin. I also tucked some white poly batting under his hat and then pulled it forward to create his hair. I like Santa with a full head of fluffy white hair.
The pattern is NOT difficult at all and Santa is absolutely ADORABLE!! This sweet Santa will be sure to become a family heirloom.
He does take some time to make unless you have a stack of red yo-yos in the right sizes already made up. Now, having done one, I see how I could probably make 3 or more in the same or even less time the next time but that probably won't happen until next summer. Perhaps I should mark the calendar to start making red yo-yos in July.
I was smitten with the sweet yo-yo Santa on the cover and knew I just HAD to make him. Well...I DID! I finished him last night and can't wait to take a few pictures to show you. I should have them ready and here on the blog later this afternoon.Interested in this pattern? Check it out at Sew Thankful.
