Do you have 10 minutes???

Yes.. well then you have time to make these Christmas treats.

Seriously - these are the easiest Christmas cookies I have ever made. I love to bake for Christmas each year. I have my list of usuals - you know.. things I make year after year.

But this year - I found something new. And OH MY.. they are GOOD. Bonus is that they are NO bake!!

This is what you need:

1 brick of Vanilla Almond Bark

1 package of Oreo's (control yourself.. I know how tempting these can be. Leave the milk in the fridge!)

Spinkles (red, green and/or a candy cane)

The two eager "Helpers" are totally optional. But let me just say - they had a blast making them. It was the perfect treat to make with kids because they could do all the work and they loved it!

1. Melt your Vanilla Almond Bark

2. Dip your Oreo about 1/2 way into Almond Bark

3. Lay on wax paper

4. Sprinkle with colored sugar or a crushed candy cane (the candy cane is my favorite).

5. Allow to cool.

6. Eat all before going to bed Arrange on a plate and give to the neighbors.

YUMMY!!

Pin It

Christmas Tree Skirt.. revisited

I have a confession..

Decorating for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do! But wait.. that's not my confession.

Last year I made a tree skirt for our tree... I have a thing for pinwheels. Also.. not my confession.

So this year.. as the husband lugged in all the Christmas bins... I stood there, all giddy.. like a kid waiting to open presents. I couldn't wait to pull out my tree skirt from last year. It was the first thing I went for.

No.. It wasn't the Santa (above) that my Mom made in ceramics (circa 1976) that has been under our Christmas Tree since I was a kid... and it wasn't the handmade ornaments from my kids.. or the wall hanging my little guy made me last year with his handprints.. Nope.. now I feel really guilty!! There - that's my confession..

Look at our doggie..  The site of the tree skirt made her happy too! She could finally rest after seeing it under the tree.

So let me just say.. if you are a quilter and you haven't made a Christmas Tree skirt for your tree.. WHAT on earth are you waiting for??!! It really makes the tree.  And if you have made one.. I'd love to see a picture of it! Either email me.. or leave a link in the comments so everyone can come have a look. Pin It

How many do we need??

With Christmas and the Holiday's fast approaching - my list of "To Do" items doesn't seem to be shrinking as fast as I'd like it to.

Last December - Bobbi and I hosted 2 Friday Night Sew-in's for the month. The goal was to motivate and encourage everyone to work on all those projects we want to finish for the Holiday's.

Wouldn't it be nice to sit back before Christmas and say "I made everything I wanted to this year!"

With that said.. are you all up for 2 FNSI's in December this year? Or are you all caught up on your holiday items? huh?...you aren't even close?? yeah.. that's what I thought!!

So I have put a poll up on my sidebar to give everyone a chance to voice their opinion. Tell us what you think - we are listening! Pin It

Happy Thanksgiving!!

What was once this...

will very soon become this...

YUMMY!!! I'm cooking the full meal today - and I love every minute of it. I love hosting Thanksgiving!

My guests will be here soon and they are sleeping over for a few days too.. so the laughter will go on.. and on..

Enjoy the day with family and friends.. because that's what it's all about! Pin It

Christmas complete...

Wouldn't that be nice if I actually could say "Christmas complete".. as in all the shopping done? Wishful thinking on my part.. I've barely begun.

But I did finished the Christmas Wall hanging and wanted to share some of the completed pictures.

I quilted this one by hand and couldn’t be happier with the results.

I also added buttons as the holly berries to give it dimension.

The fabrics for the main body are from the "12 days of Christmas" group by Henry Glass. The binding is from the line “Fruitcake” by Basic Grey for Moda.

I wasn’t sure about my binding choice – I had initially planned on going with a green binding. But I’m glad I went with what I did.

Next – I plan on making a Mantle Quilt that coordinates with this wall hanging. Let’s hope it looks as good on the mantle as it does on paper!

Pin It

Family...

We have been in our new house for 2 months now. I am still decorating.. and unpacking. There.. I admit it. I still have quite a few boxes that need to be opened.  

I wanted to hang some of my favorite pictures of my kids in our dining room. But it felt like something was missing. The wall needed “texture”. I contemplated a shelf, but couldn’t find anything that I liked without buying all new frames. And let’s be honest, that wasn’t in the budget.

So on my way home yesterday – it hit me! Well, it didn't really "hit" me.. but the idea came to me for a small quilt!!

When I walked in the door – I went straight to my sewing room and got to work. I used 100% scraps (which is always a plus) from my recent table topper project. The fabric is “Gobble Gobble” by Deb Strain for Moda.

And here is another admission – I’m not a fan of the hand sewing portion of binding a quilt. I know.. I know.. a lot of you say this is your favorite part. But I think you are crazy. I don’t dislike it as much as I did when I first started quilting.. but it’s still not my favorite.

So when I saw this idea for a scrappy binding in Camille’s Book “Simplify” which I told you about a few posts ago – I was determined to give it a try. You use a 1 ½ inch strip of fabric and I love it! It was quick.. and after I washed it to give it that scrappy look - I was hooked.

I can’t stop looking at my new ‘wall’.. I love how it looks. Now I need to dig deep for some self control so I don’t have mini quilts hanging on every wall of the house. It was so fun to make.

I guess sometimes we all need those projects that offer quick results to spark our creativity and keep us sewing! I think I need a mini quilt in the bathroom.. maybe in the laundry room.. the kitchen... somebody stop me!!

Pin It

And the Winners are.....

This is very exciting for Bobbi and I this month. Why? Well, this is our very first "sponsored" FNSI Giveaway. As we mentioned in the FNSI signup post - this Giveaway is sponsored by Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister Designs. They were kind enough to send us a nice little bundle of fabrics for us to pass along to some lucky quilters!!

And this time - instead of 2 winners, we have 4 winners!! 2 on my blog and 2 on Bobbi's.

All winners are selected using Random.org.

My first winner is #105 - Geniene from "Renny and Me and Isaac too". She was up until 3am sewing with us on Friday Night!! Way to go!

Prize #1

My second winner is #63 Marie from "The Watermelon Diva".


Prize #2

Ok winners - send me your mailing address and I will get the prizes in the mail to you!

Thank you to everyone who participated! I know I was able to get so much done this month and I couldn't have done it without you guys. 

Now go on over to Bobbi's blog and see who her winners are!!  

Pin It

FNSI Results - my first "soon to come" pattern!

I had a very productive day and night last night for the Friday Night Sew-in.

I started my day by going to two quilt stores with a new friend. Her name is Kathy and she's so sweet. She's fairly new to the quilting scene - but she's well on her way to a full blown addiction.

Then I sat down early in the evening and started to sew.. sew.. sew..

This is a Christmas wall hanging that I have been working on lately..

And all I have left to do is the hand quilting which I will be working on tonight with a nice fire going.. probably watching Spongebob on the TV. What can I say.. I have youngens.. Spongebob usually consumes our TV.

I'm hoping to make this into my very first pattern! What do you think?

I just need time.. so it will probably be available in the late spring.. just in time for next Christmas.

Pin It

Bookworm!

A few years ago I discovered one of my all time favorite quilting books. I pick it up every now and then for inspiration. Every time I look at it, something new jumps out at me. Material Obsession... Not only the title of the book but also a condition that I struggle with daily.

But.. last week, Bobbi over at Crafty Vegas Mom (the best cousin EVER!!) sent me a little b'day gift.

This has seriously become my new favorite.. Both these books are a must have for your Quilting Library. I've been carrying this new one around with me from room to room as I do chores. And.. any chance I get to sit.. I'm thrumbing through it.

This book has so many adorable and easy quilts to make. The instructions are great - and I love how she has little tips throughout. Kinda reminds me of the books for "dummies". Very beginner friendly! And all using precuts. Which is something I have way too much of... wait - is that possible? Can you have too much fabric?

If you have a quilter on your Christmas List.. this would be a perfect gift for them. Or maybe Mrs Claus could buy herself one give one to you! Pin It

Are you ready for the best night of the week?

Yes.. I'm talking about Friday Night!! It's the November Friday Night Sew-In this Friday!

As always - I'm so ready!! I have quite a few projects that I'm working on and just might be pulling an "All Nighter".

Ok.. now if you know me at all. you know how funny that is. I'm not an "All Nighter" kind of girl. Well, maybe back in my 20's, but that was a totally different kind of 'sewing' (wink wink)

Anyway.. I'm an early riser! In fact, most people know that they should never call me after 9pm.. cuz I'm usually asleep - or well on my way.

But I do stay up for the Friday Night Sew-in.. and occasionally when I'm on a roll.. I do stay up late.

So - on Friday.. after I make dinner (from a box I'm sure), do the dishes, pick clothes up off the floor, get my husband and kids settled with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.. I will be sitting down with all of you and tapping into the left half of my brain for some creative fun!

And if you haven't signed up yet.. click here! What are you waiting for.. you'll be glad you did it! Pin It

Twisted Table Topper

Ok.. remember recently when I showed you the Twister Tool? If not.. you can read about it here.

I finished this small table topper using the Mini Twister and some Charm squares.

I love how it turned out and it was super quick to make. I've actually had it done for a few weeks but never got around to showing you until now.

I'm thinking this little tool would make a great Friday Night Sew-in prize in the future! Maybe December.. I'll have to see what I can come up with. Pin It

I was featured!! Check it out!

I received an email recently from Heather over at Quilt Story. She asked if they could feature one of my quilts on their blog. Naturally, I couldn't say no.

I decided to let Heather choose which quilt she wanted to feature and she picked a good one that I made for one of my Arizona friends. 

Click here to read all about it.. but be prepared to stay awhile.. it's hard to stop reading all the great Quilt Stories! Pin It

This should be a Screensaver!

Well - we got more snow. I hope you aren't tired of seeing snow pictures!? But after living in the desert southwest for over a decade... we can't get enough of the snow right now. I'm sure that will change.. oh.. around January or so!

And this time it is so beautiful. And when you stand outside.. it's quiet and peaceful. No cars.. no noise.. that is until one of my boys throws snow in his brothers face. Then there is laughter and a few tears mixed in.. followed by me or their Dad saying "Shake it off buddy." It's all good.

These first pictures have really bad lighting - but it wasn't easy taking pictures of the scene out the window. Just couldn't get the lighting right to do the view justice. But hopefully you can get the idea.

This first is out our living room window...

 And here is out the dining room window...

 And this is over the kitchen sink.. Kinda makes you want to stand there and do dishes huh?

Here is my oldest in the snow.. look how content he is..

 And my little guy.. building a mini snowman.

 And here is the view out my sewing room window. I had 3 visitors while I was sewing yesterday afternoon. We put the regular corn out there for them and also some apples as a special winter treat.

 Now for the best pictures..

This was on the way to take my boys to school this morning. I kept pulling over to take pictures.. needless to say - they were getting frustrated with me. But my oldest son did say "Wow.. this should be a screensaver." And I couldn't agree more!!

 How would you like to live down this drive way?!!! I wish I did.. stunning!

Hopefully you are enjoying winter in your part of the world! Or Summer for those of you across the Equator. Pin It

Alive and kicking..

I'm here..

I'm alive..

I've been sewing and creating..

But my connection to the internet.. well, that's another story! Who knew that getting High Speed Internet in the boondocks was such a challenge? This city girl had no clue!

It's also impacting my "city kids" Our oldest misses the internet and last night I made soup and sandwiches for dinner.. I served him his sandwich on a paper towel. His response "Um.. is this a part of our new primitive lifestyle? Serving a sandwich on a paper towel?"

Made me laugh.. and then I replied "If a plate is what you want.. then dishes is what you will do." He giggled.. then enjoyed sandwich as is.

Soon - the satellite dish will be up on the roof and this challenge will be resolved... and I will have pictures and stories to share.

I promise!

Pin It

Lefse... it's what's for Dinner!

Lefse! Have you ever had it? Heard of it? Wanted to try it?

It's a Norwegian/Scandinavian thing. Always around during the Holidays.. YUMMY!! It looks a lot like a tortilla - but it's made from potatos.

I have wanted to make it myself for quite a few years now. But getting all the 'equipement' is harder than I thought. Buying it all new is too expensive for my thrifty blood. So I've been on the hunt at garage sales, used stores.. etc. Still no luck!

So I borrowed the griddle from a friend - she shamefully uses it just for pancakes *gasp*!!

The recipe is from my Sister in Law's - Mother in Law (did you follow that?). It is by far the best lefse I've ever tried!!

Some of the other equipment (besides the griddle) needed are as follows:
Grooved Rolling Pin
Pastry cloth and stocking for the Rolling Pin
Long Tapered stick for turning the lefse
brush for cleaning flour off the griddle between baking.

Now the only thing I actually have is the griddle - but like I said it's borrowed (and she needs it back this weekend). The rest.. I just improvised.

Here are the ingredients that you need:

 8 Cups Potatoes (mashed)
2/3 cup Mazola Corn Oil
2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Carnation Milk
3/4 cup Sugar
3 cups Flour

Start by boiling your potatos in water. Then mash them. Measure out 8 cups and place into a bowl.

Then add the Oil, Salt, Milk and Sugar.

 Allow this mixture to cool completely. Or leave in fridge over night.

 When ready to bake - add your 3 cups of flour and work in with your hands.

Then scoop out a ball and roll out on a floured surface. The size of the ball depends on how big you want each piece of lefse to be. Try to roll as thin as possible.

Also - cold dough is easier to work with so keep in the fridge if you need to.

 Next, place on a hot griddle. I found that 350 degrees worked the best for me. The griddle is dry - no oil of any kind on the griddle. Lefse is baked, not fried.

If you see bubbles - gently poke them to let the air out.

 When bottom is slightly browned.. flip

 When both sides are browned - remove and allow to cool.

But if you are like me.. you can't wait and you spread the butter on while it's warm.

Then sprinkle with sugar.. roll...

 I like to cut mine in half...

 And eat.. Ooooohh.. it's so GOOD!!!!

Making lefse is worth all the work involved.. trust me!

Lefse freezes well. In fact, some lefse lovers claim it's best when frozen and thawed.

There are recipes calling for instant potatoes, but lefse purists consider this blasphemy. Some lefse lovers consider eating lefse with brown or white sugar blasphemy, too. There are many ways to eat it - and everyone thinks that the way they eat it is the only way it should be eaten. And I'm one of those people. I firmly believe that it should be eaten with Butter and White Sugar only!!

But if you are even considering going to the trouble of making your own, you already know how you like it! Pin It