Book Talk

To celebrate getting the border sewn on to my millefiori quilt, I decided to read a book--all the way through without stopping to sew anything. And I picked just the right one: Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. If I had wanted to put it aside to sew, I don’t think I could have.

This is the best book I’ve read for at least a year. It’s one of those stories that almost reads itself. You don’t feel like you reading but just enjoying an enthralling story. The pages fly by, and you’ve finished the book way before you’re ready to leave those wonderful but broken characters.

The main character, Eddie (Edward) Adler, at the age of 12, survives an airliner crash. The crash claims 191 lives, including his parents and older brother. For the next six years, Edward struggles to carve out a place for himself in a world without his family. The story is heartbreaking and at the same time uplifting. 

If you’re looking for a good book to read to usher in Autumn, I recommend this one highly.

Happy Fall, Y’all.

 

This Was Not Easy

I can’t even remember how long I’ve been attempting to attach the top to the outer border pieces. It has been a nightmare.

My first, and maybe biggest, problem was that I could not find a space large enough to work on this humongous piece. I didn’t know it was going to be so big. It’s 105” x 85”, or something like that. I measured it many times and got many different measurements. The Millefiori book was written in French (with English translation), and all measurements were metric. Being totally metrically challenged, I didn’t know what size anything was. I did go to the computer and convert the centimeters to inches at one point, but then I lost the paper with the conversions and just gave up. It’ll be whatever size it turns out to be, I decided. Little did I ken that size would be practically big enough to cover Mars.

I put all the tables in my sewing room together, but that still wasn't quite as big as the quilt top. Also it severely limited my walking and working floor space. 

Starting out, I was flummoxed because the joined rosette piece was hard to line up with the border pieces to make a rectangle. After a couple of days of measuring and pinning and remeasuring and repining, I decided I had it straight and began appliquéing the rosette piece onto the border. After several days of that (two or three, I think), I had it all together. But when I checked to see that everything was as it should be, I found I had a four-sided polygon that in no way added up to a rectangle.

It wasn’t quite this wonky, but it definitely could not pass as a rectangle.

For a day and a half, I thought and thought about whether I should take the entire border off and start over or try to fix it by adding pieces to make a rectangle. I finally decided on the latter. But the trouble wasn’t over yet. I still had to figure out what size pieces to add and where to add them. After a couple of missteps, I think I finally have it. I have some wonky diagonal seams that don’t show in the photo, but I’m sure a quilt show judge will find them with no problem.

In hindsight, I should have done what some others have done and appliqué the rosette unit onto a solid piece of fabric. That way the piece would have been squared up from the get-go. But I didn’t have enough of the border fabric that I’d chosen to do that, so I decided to cut the borders. And as Elvis would say, “That’s when the heartaches begin."

I’m still considering appliquéing a few EPP stars or blossoms in the border. After quilting, which I am going to have my long-arm quilting friend do, I will border it with either a brown or the dark blue of the pentagon inner border--unless I change my mind.

I want it known right here and now that there is no amount of money that would entice me to do this again,

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/20/2020, Judy Cloe said ...

Congratulations on a job well done. It looks fantastic. You deserve a medal for this masterpiece

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On 09/20/2020, Kathy said ...

It is so beautiful. Each and every rosette is gorgeous. A once in a lifetime project. You should be very proud!

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On 09/20/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Applause, applause for your fine workmanship, diligence, and persistence! What a tribute to yourself, my friend!!

Happy dancing for you. :)

Hugs!

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On 09/20/2020, Bonnie said ...

Holy cow! It is really beautiful, and mind-boggling about all the handwork involved. My lips are sealed about the not-quite-perfect rectangle, and I bow down in admiration to your hours & hours of dedication.

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On 09/20/2020, Rose said ...

It is beautiful. It makes me think of a garden of gorgeous posies.

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On 09/24/2020, Jeanne Horacek said ...

Congratulations on the completion of this massive quilt. It is a true work of art and I admire your tenacity! I'm fairly certain that I wouldn't ever finish, but end up with scraps in a bucket! A year from now you will look at it and be amazed that you created such a beautiful piece. Now go enjoy yourself, you deserve a treat!

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Still Working

I’m getting very close to having the outer border attached to the quilt top. Just have the bottom to go. Then, if my hands and determination endure, I’m going to make some stars and/or flowers to sprinkle in the border. This darn thing might actually be finished before I am.

In the last week and a half, I have done four Zoom meetings: quilt bee, book club, church service and quilt guild. Next Monday, I have a family Zoom scheduled with sister, offspring, nieces, and nephew. I’m getting so comfortable with Zoom, I’m not sure I’ll be ready to go back to in-person meeting--if we ever actually reach a point where we can do in-person meetings safely.

I pray that everyone is safe and well from the hurricanes, virus, and fires. Our country is going through so much trauma and tragedy, it’s hard to know what to pray for first.

And can you believe September is already halfway done?

BE SAFE!

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/15/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

More applause at your wonderful progress in attaching the quilt center to its outer border - and it is only the middle of September! You go, girl!!! You remind me of "The Little Engine that Could" with "I think I can, I think I can" and you ARE succeeding. I stand in awe of you. :)

Hugs!

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On 09/18/2020, Sandra said ...

That quilt is breathtakingly beautiful. I admire you for undertaking such a work intensive project!
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Hummingbird Cake

The recipe I use came from a Southern Living cookbook. This is, btw, the most requested recipe in Southern Living magazine history.

Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups chopped bananas
Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preparation

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.

Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. Store in refrigerator.

Nutritional Information
(Which you probably had rather not know)

Calories: 642
Fat: 34.2g
Cholesterol: 71mg
Sodium: 312mg

Peachy Peach Cobbler

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup self-rising flour
2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup milk
4 cups fresh peach slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Melt butter in a 13 x 9 pan. Combine flour and 1 cup of sugar. Add milk to dry ingredients and mix well. Pour batter over butter in pan. Bring 1 cup of sugar, peaches, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Pour peaches over batter. Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

Crocheted Stuffed Hearts

Stitches Used:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
decrease: Join 2 sc stitches to make one
increase: stitch 2 sc into 1 sc space

Materials:
*any yarn, any weight (mine are made from worsted weight acrylic yarn)
*crochet hook recommended for yarn (I used size H)
*embroidery needle for weaving yarn tails

Finished Size:
depends on yarn and hook (mine are approximately 5" x 6" after stuffing.

Tips:
The heart begins at the bottom point. After working each row, count stitches to be sure you have the correct number.

Heart 1:
Work 3 chains plus 1 turning chain (4 chains). This is your foundation chain.

Work all stitches in both loops, front and back.

Row 1: 3 sc then make 1 turning chairn; turn work. (There is a single turning chain at the end of each row, and you always turn your work at the each of each row.)

Row 2: One increase in first sc, sc in second sc, and another increase in last sc. Total stitches in row is 5. Make 1 turning chain and turn work.

Row 3: One increase in first sc, sc to last sc, increase in last sc. Total stitches in row is 7. Make 1 turning chair and turn work.

Row 4: Repeat as Row 3, increasing in first and last sc. Total stitches in row is 9. Make turning chain and turn work.

Row 5: Repeat as Row 3, increasing in first and last sc. Total stitches in row is 11. Make turning chain and turn work.

Row 6: sc in each stitch across (no increases). Total stitches in row 11. Make turning chain and turn work.

Row 7: One increase in first sc, sc to last sc, increase in last sc. Total stitches in row is 13. Make turning chain; turn work.

Row 8: Repeat as Row 7, increasing in first and last stitch. Total stitches in row is 15. Make turning chain; turn work.

Row 9: Repeat as Row 7, increasing in first and last stitch. Total stitches in row is 17. Make turning chair; turn work.

Row 10: sc in each sc across (no increases). Total stitches 17. Make turning chain; turn work.

Row 11: Increase in first sc. sc in next 17 stitches. Increase in last sc. (This is your last increase.) Total stitches in row is 19. Make turning chain; turn work.

Rows 12, 13, and 14: sc in each sc across; no increases. 19 stitches in each row. Make turning chain at end of each row and turn work.

Row 15a (starting right lobe of heart): 9 sc, chain 1 and turn.

Row 16a: One decrease (sc first 2 stitches together. To see how to decrease in single crochet, go here.)  Sc in remaining stitches. Total of 8 stitches in row. Make turning chain and turn work.

Row 17a: Decrease in first 2 sc. Sc across to last 2 stitches. Decrease in last 2 sc. Total stitches in row 6. Make turning chain; turn work.

Row 18a: Work as Row 17. Total stitches in row 4. Make turning chain; turn work.

Row 19a: Make 2 decreases. Tie off yarn. Snip yarn and weave in tail on back side of heart. (Right lobe is finished.)

Row 15b (starting left lobe of heart):  Make a slip knot on hook. On right side of heart, sc in 9th stitch from left side. (There will be 1 unused sc in middle of row 15a.) See photo below.

 

Row 16b: Sc in first 7 sc, then do a decrease in last 2 stitches.Chain 1 and turn. Total stitches in row is 8.

Row 17b: Work 1 decrease in first 2 sc. Sc in next 4 sc. Work 1 decrease in last 2 sc. Total stitches in row is 6. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 18b: Work 1 decrease in first 1 sc. Sc in next 2 sc. Work 1 decrease in last 2 sc. Total stitches in row is 4. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 19b: Work 2 decreases. Total stitches in row is 2. 

Finishing first heart: Starting where you finished last decrease, sc around outer edge of heart. (Work 2 sc in the psace at end of each row. Sometimes it's hard to find the right space; just do your best and try not to make more than 1 sc in any one space.)

When you reach the tip of the hear, do 3 sc in 1 stitch to make a point. (Stitch your 3 sc increase into the middle stitch of your original 3 sc in first row.)

When you reach the cleavage of the heart, do a decrease (combine 2 stitches into 1) to gather it in a bit.

When you reach the starting point, tie off and snip yarn, and weave tail in on back of heart.

Your first heart is complete.

Heart 2: Work same as Heart 1

Joining Hearts 1 & 2 and Stuffing: With back sides of hearts facing, please Hearts 1 and 2 together, matching raw edges. Use a pin to hold in place if needed.

Starting on one side of joined hearts, work 1 sc in each pair of sc around heart to join the two hearts. Five or six stitches before reaching the starting point, stop stitching and stuff heart with polyester fiberfil (or stuffing of your choice). When heart is stuffed, finish working sc to the starting point. Tie off yarn and snip. Weave yarn tail into edge of heart.

Finishing: See photos above to embellish your heart. Add ribbon hanger, yoyo, button, charms, bows, or whatever you choose. I used a hot glue gun to attach my embellishments.

People Crackers Doggy Treat Recipe

Here's the recipe for the doggy treats from my December 22, 2007 post.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/4 sunflower kernels, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup corn syrup or molasses
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons oil (I use olive oil)

Mix all ingredients. Add more milk if needed; dough should be firm.

Roll dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Use cookie cutter (any shape you like) to cut out treats.

Bake at 35o degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.

If you want the treats to be harder, leave them in the oven with the heat turned off for an hour.

Pillowcase Instructions

Click on instructions to enlarge.

 
 

Another Week of Handwork

At last all the blue pentagons are added. It took longer than I thought it would. I had to take a couple of days off to let my hands recover. 

Tomorrow I’m going to try to arrange the tables in my sewing room to have a large enough surface to work on the outer border. A friend has offered her kitchen island and I have thought of going up to the church and using some tables there. But if I can get what I have here to work, it will be a lot easier. So I’m going to try that first.

Still Zooming. Yesterday was quilt bee meeting, which we did by Zoom. And today my book club met via Zoom. Next Monday will be the first meeting of the 20-21 guild year. The plan is to do guild with Zoom for now. I don’t know how that’s going to work since it’s a large group, more than 100 members. I’ll report on that next week.

Time to start supper. Today it’s going to be chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/08/2020, Robin Anderson said ...

This very stunning. You have a lot of patience to do this. It’s just wow!

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On 09/09/2020, Kathy said ...

Can't wait to see the next border! Just beautiful!

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On 09/09/2020, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

Looking good! Let us know how the zoom guild meeting goes with the large group. Our guild has suspended meetings until at least January 1.

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On 09/11/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Lovely! Wishing you the stamina to successfully do the outer border to your satisfaction.

Thanks for doing the necessary fiddling so I can again comment!

Hugs!

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On 09/12/2020, Stephani in N. TX said ...

Love it, love it, love it.

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On 09/13/2020, Pat said ...

Beautiful and amazing quilt!
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Pumpkin Pound Cake with Caramel Sauce

PUMPKIN POUND CAKE

2 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. sugar

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 eggs

1 c. vegetable oil

2 c. mashed pumpkin (fresh cooked or canned)


Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a tube pan. 

Mix all dry ingredients together. In a large bowl, beat eggs slightly, then add oil and mashed pumpkin. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix well till smooth. No need to beat with mixer.

Pour batter into greased and floured tube pan. Bake for 1 hour or until pick stuck into center of cake comes out clean. Cool.

CARAMEL SAUCE

1 1/4 c. dark brown sugar

1/2 c. unsalted butter

1/2 cup whipping cream

Melt butter and sugar over med.-low heat, stirring constantly. When mixture has come to a slow boil, remove from heat and slowly stir in cream. Stir for about 3 minutes till smooth and creamy. Mixture will thicken slightly as it cools. Pour over slices of Pumpkin Pound Cake.
To reheat sauce, place in microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 15-30 seconds.

                                                                            --Susan Cleveland
                              
                                                                             Nov. 3, 2008

Santa Fe (Taco) Soup Recipe

2 lbs 93% lean ground beef

2 large white onions, chopped

2 pkgs dry ranch dressing

2 pkgs taco seasoning

1 small can green chiles, drained

1 - 16 oz can kidney beans

1 - 16 oz can pinto beans

1 - 16 oz can black beans

1 - 16 oz can diced tomatoes

1 - 16 oz can rotel tomatoes

1 - 16 oz cans white shoepeg corn

1 - 16 oz can yellow corn

2 c. water (I use 1 c chicken stock and 1 c beef stock when I have them)

Garnishes:

Sour Cream, Green Onions, Black Olives, Shredded Cheese, Tortilla Chips or Corn Chips

Shuffle Star Pattern

Click on each pattern piece below and print. Tape them together matching the line marked "3rd cut" to form the entire block pattern. Take your printout to a copy shop or print shop (QuikCopy, Kinko's, etc.) and have them enlarge it until the entire block measures 10 1/2 inches.

PIECE 1

 

PIECE 2

Shuffle Stars Instructions

Below are instructions for the Shuffle Star Blocks. The instructions makes two blocks.

Go here to find a copy of the pattern.

Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe

      Susan's Sour Cream Pound Cake

2 sticks butter (or margarine)
3 cups sugar
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add sour cream and mix until incorporated.

Combine baking soda and flour. Add to the creamed mixture alternating with eggs, beating each egg one at a time. Add vanilla and almond. Pour mixture into a greased and floured (or sprayed with cooking spray) 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 325 degrees.*

*I cover the top of my cake with foil after 1 hour to keep it from getting too brown or burning.

Sunbonnet Santa

  

Suzie Q's Brunswick Stew

Ingredients:

4-5 Chicken Breasts
1 large onion (chopped)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen yellow corn*
2 cups frozen baby limas*
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. hot sauce
4 large potatoes (diced)

*You can substitute canned for frozen.

In a large stew pot, place chicken breasts and cover them with water. Cook on medium low heat for about an hour till chicken is tender. Remove chicken from stock and cool to touch. If chicken is not boneless, remove bones at this time. Shred or chop chicken and return to stock.

Add next 9 ingredients and return to a slow simmer. Cover and cook for at least an hour.**

Add potatoes and return to slow simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes.**

**These are minimum cooking times. You really can't cook this stew too long, just so you have it on a slow simmer.

I have also made this stew with a combination of meat: chicken, pork, and beef. It's good either way.

White Chicken Chili

  White Chicken Chili

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts (I like to use skinless, boneless)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
2 (14 oz) cans chicken broth
3 (14 oz) cans great northern beans
2 tsp. cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
*1 large jar Paces Picante Sauce (or your favorite salsa)

Bake chicken breasts at 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool then chop into small pieces.

Saute chopped onion and garlic in olive oil.

In a large dutch oven or stew pan, combine all ingredients. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour.

*The picante sauce gives the stew a bit of a pink tinge. If you prefer, omit the picante and use one jar of chopped chili peppers instead.