BURLAP & LACE TABLE RUNNER TUTORIAL

Supplies: (for a finished size of 16" x 48")

1 1/2 yards burlap, cut to 16" x length of table plus six inches  (I made my table runner for my dining room table which measured 16" wide by 48" long).
3 1/2 yards white lace
2 pkgs (3 yds. each) of 1/2 inch white double folded bias tape

Zigzag stitch, or serge all sides of the burlap runner.  This will stop any fraying and unraveling.   

 Lay the burlap runner on a flat surface.  Align lace to one side of the length of the runner. 

Position the edge of the burlap and lace into the fold of the bias tape, and pin in place.  Sew bias tape (with the burlap and lace sandwiched in place) approximately 1/8" from the inside edge of the bias tape.  Repeat process for other side (length) of the burlap runner.  

Please note that there is no lace placed on either ends of the runner.

 Trim the lace and bias tape to be flush with the end of the burlap runner.  Your done!

Its a simple, quick and cheap table runner perfect for any table top.

DILL PICKLE RELISH RECIPE

Take advantage of this years harvest.

Some of these...

...makes a batch of this.   Dill Pickle Relish

DILL PICKLE RELISH    (Makes 12 pints)

6 cups cucumbers (chopped)
2 cups red bell peppers (seeded and chopped)
2 cups onions (chopped)
2/3 cup pickling salt
6 cups water
4 cups cider vinegar
1 cup sugar (optional)
2 Tablespoons mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 chili peppers (minced) (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill weed (or 1/3 cup dried dill weed)

Wash and chop (I pulsate mine in small batches in a food processor) the cucumbers, red bell peppers, onions and celery and place a extra large bowl.  Add pickling salt and water and let soak 3 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water and drain well again (I squeeze out most of the remaining water with my hands).

Bring vinegar, sugar and remaining ingredients to a boil in a large pan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add drained, chopped vegetables, and return to a boil.  Reduce to simmer and continue (stirring occasionally) until the relish reaches the desired consistency -- about 15-30 minutes (this also depends on how much liquid you personally like in your relish).

Ladle into clean pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space.  Wipe jar lip clean. Close with hot caps (prepared per manufacturer recommendation), and process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

Store in cool dry place.

PERSONAL QUILT SHOP HOP

This past weekend, my little cousin Colleen got married to her best friend, Ian.  It was a beautiful outdoor vintage wedding.  I loved witnessing this joyous event, and I got to spend time with family who I haven't seen in years.  The wedding was held in northwestern Washington, and it is normally a six hour drive across the state (without hitting any of that retched Seattle traffic).

So, while on the west side, I decided to take advantage of stopping at a few quilt shops.

FIRST STOP:  Aunt Mary's Quilt Shop in Smokey Point, WA.

I arrived here shortly after they opened.  This is a really cute shop with lots of fabric choices, great displays, lots of quilt samples, and a large open class room. The owner was extremely friendly, and helpful. When I told her I was on my own mini-shop hop, she drug out a map and directed me to other neighboring shops that were open on a Sunday.

 NEXT STOP:  The Quiltmaker's Shoppe in Arlington, WA.

A quaint shop divided by several themed related rooms. At the entrance (besides the cash register and cutting table) you will find all their notions, embroidery kits, and the newest arrival of fabric. Through a doorway to the right, you will find the holiday themed fabric, racks of quilt books, an array of solid fabrics, and pre-cuts. In a small middle section of the shop, you would find a large selection of batiks (which I believe is their specialty). There were two back rooms. One room was devoted to novelty and children fabrics, and the very last room was devoted to their classroom.  The shop was alive with anxious customers purchasing their newest block-of-the-month.  It was a fun place to visit.

LAST STOP: Keepsake Cottage Fabrics in Bothell, WA.  I drove into the little village shopping area, and was pleased I choose this shop as my last stop.  This place was absolutely adorable and inviting.  Outside was all their sale fabric, and a sitting area to rest your tired feet (or patient men waiting on their female companions). Inside the shop were rows and rows of fabric --- almost overwhelming. The bolts of fabric were divided by designers and color themes. My brain was in overdrive that I forgot to take a picture of the inside of the store.

I spent at least a hour browsing the shelves and stacks of fabric bolts trying to find that "perfect" fabric. I took some time to look at most of their quilting books in hopes of finding a new project.  In the end, I only purchased a few yards of Moda's Glamping fabric (as I loved the line when I first saw it at Market).

As I left, I bid a farewell to the "Welcome Committee" outside their shop, and started driving back over the mountains towards home.  It was a very GREAT (world-wind) weekend full of Family, Fabric and Fun!!  

Here is a picture of my finished pillow case that I made out of fabric I purchased during my own personal quilt shop hop.

A TRUE BASEBALL FAN!

Per my daughter's request, I whipped together a little outfit for a friend of hers who just had a little girl.  She asked that I make the baby an outfit (out of a Onesie) that she can wear to all her daddy's baseball games this season.  I think it turned out pretty cute!  Hope she likes it! 

HEART POT HOLDER TUTORIAL

I have never made a big deal out of the Valentine's holiday. Normally, I give my husband or children a little token gift and a card to let them know I love them.  I tend to keep it simple.  

This year and in the spirit of Valentines Day, I made each of my children a heart pot holder.  I can see each of them rolling their eyes when they open their gifts, but its the thought that counts, right? Better yet, its homemade and made specially for them by their mother! (LOL!!)

I found the tutorial on Pinterest (via www.aspoonfulofsugar.com)  It was a very quick project and I had all the materials on hand.  Sew, in light of Valentines Day, I thought I would also share a little token gift with you.  A tutorial!

HEART POT HOLDER TUTORIAL

Materials:

4 fat quarters of quilting cotton

quilt batting (such as Warm & Natural)

Insul-Bright batting

Red felt or wool

Pot Holder Template

1.   Cut the fabrics, as follows:

• 2 hearts from Fabric 1 for the front of the pot holder (Red floral fabric, shown below)
• 1 heart in Fabric 2 for the lining of the pot holder (Tan fabric, shown below)
• 1 heart in Fabric 3 for the back of the pot holder (Large print floral print on tan fabric)
• 2 hearts in quilt batting.  Cut one of these hearts in half as pictured below
• 1 heart in Insult-Bright batting

Using the small heart template, cut

• 1 heart in red (or pink) felt or wool

Cut two rectangles, measuring 2 1/4 x 8 inches from Fabric 4 (red fabric) for the binding on the front of the pot holder.

                       

 

2.  Press the two red floral hearts in half with the wrong sides facing together.  Place a piece of batting inside each red heart (using the batting heart that has been cut in half).

To create a binding strip, press the fabric rectangles in half lengthwise.  Unfold, and fold the edges into the center, and press. Fold in half so that you have a binding strip that measures 8 inches by 9/16 inch.

                       

 

Pin the binding strip to the inside edges of the red hearts and stitch in place.  Trim the ends of the binding strip flush with the heart formation.

Pin the felt (or wool) heart in position.  Blanket stitch the heart in place.

3.  Position the red hearts on top of the pot holder lining (tan) and pin in place.  Stitch around the outside of the pot holder using a basting stitch and a scant seam allowance.  Press.

4.  Trace the quilting pattern (i.e. 2 heart shapes) onto the back of the pot holder using a water soluble or heat soluble pen.  Pin the back of the pot hold to the Insul-Bright and batting hearts.

Quilt the heart design on the pot holder back.  Remove the soluble pen markings.  Baste around the outside of the backing with a scant seam allowance only to hold the three layers (i.e. backing, batting and Insul-Bright) in place.

                           

 

5.   Pin the pot holder back and front together with the right sides facing.  Stitch around the outside of the pot holder leaving a 3 inch gap one side (preferably not on the curve) for turning.  Clip curves.

Turn the pot holder out the right way through the opening.  Machine or hand stitch the opening closed.  Press.

6.   Top stitch around the outside of the pot holder using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Press.

The heart pot holder pattern is suitable for beginner sewers and can be made in less than 2 hours.

CANDIED GINGER

Right after Thanksgiving, I had my mother bring me back a large piece (a little over a pound) of ginger which she is able to pick up for a very reasonable price at a local farmers market in northern California.  Here in the  Northwest we pretty much have to give up our first born or our right arm for a chuck of ginger root.   I really do not understand how you can buy this flavorful spice for $.25/lb. in California, but here at home they charge us (on average) $2.33/lb.  Talk about price gouging!

It's not the prettiest thing, but I love the flavor you get from this robust root.  I use it a lot in my cooking, but this lovely piece is going to be transformed into candied ginger!

I peeled it (or scrapped it using the end of a tablespoon).

I sliced it thin.

I boiled the crap out of it until it was tender.

Then, I candied it until it turned into a luscious and spicy treat!

If you can't find the time to make your own candied ginger, you can buy it pre-made at your local specialty grocery or health food store for about $16.00/lb.  

          CANDIED GINGER

1 lb. ginger root

5 cups water

Approximately 1 lb. sugar

Spray a cooling rack with nonstick spray and set it in a cookie sheet lined with parchment or foil.

Peel the ginger root (with spoon) and slice into 1/8 in. slices using a mandolin.  Place sliced ginger into a 4 qt sauce pan with the water and set over medium high heat.  Cover and cook for approx 35 minutes or until ginger is tender (It took mine 45 minutes this time).

Transfer the ginger into a colander to drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.  Weight the ginger and measure out an equal amount of sugar.  Return the ginger and 1/4 cup of ginger water to the pan and add the sugar.  Set over medium high heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.  Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar syrup looks dry, has almost evaporated and begins to crystallize, approximately 20 minutes.  Transfer the ginger immediately to the cooling rack and spread to separate the individual pieces.  Once completely cool, store in airtight container.

PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI

Remember I told you about a scrumptious new cocktail I stumbled across while staying at the Hyatt Regency in Houston for the Quilt Market? A Pumpkin Pie Martini!  That cocktail was so embedded into my brain, I had to reconstruct it so I could share with my family and close friends.

While my mixology is not exact, it is pretty darn close!   I thought I would share my recipe with you just in case you wanted to give it a try over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

3 oz. vanilla vodka

1 oz. pumpkin cream liqueur (I used the brand Pennsylvania Dutch) 

1/2 oz. Frangelico

Shake over ice, pour into appropriate glass, add a small dusting of Pumpkin Pie spice (i.e. mixture of cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg), and top with whipped cream.

                                                                             Cheers!

JUICING TOWARDS A NEW ME

About a month ago, a friend introduced me to the video:  Eat, Sick, and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross.

http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com

I was tired of fighting the ongoing belly budge and my weight escalated out of control when I was limited to using those dad-gum crutches.

I was immediately intrigued with a diet consisting of solely fruits and vegetables, and if those people in the video could do it, so could I!  We already had a Breville Juicer, so I pledged to try juicing for a full ten days to cleanse my body and to get myself moving forward towards weight loss.  Since my hubby also has a few pounds to lose and he wanted to be supportive, he joined in on my new eating crusade.

Green Juice

Day 1:  Labor Day, September 3rd.   No more coffee. No more soda. No more sugar.  No more fat.  I juiced breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The first day I was tired, lethargic, and had a massive headache.  My husband indicated he was feeling fine, and perhaps, I had a case of the flu.  I ended up going to bed that first day at 6 p.m. and only woke to my alarm blaring at 5:45 a.m. the next morning. 

Day 2:  While I did not feel tired or lethargic any longer, I still had a headache and I broke down and took two Advil when I arrived at work.  Otherwise, it was going to be a very long day.  I again juiced my breakfast, lunch and dinner.   When I arrived home from work, I found my hubby in bed as he was not feeling well.  That confirmed it.....we were detoxing.  We both had felt like crap, but we were told it only takes a few days for the cleansing process and to starting feeling better.

Day 3:  Much better!  Now, I had my favorite juice recipes, and this new lifestyle was going to be a kick in the pants!  Well, at least for me.  My hubby lasted one more day and threw in the hat.  While he no longer juiced (he could not stomach the taste of my juice concoctions), he strictly ate raw fruits and vegetables for the next week to be supportive.

Day 4-10:  I did not miss a beat.  I did not miss my morning coffee.  I did not have any particular cravings.  I did, however, just want to chew something every now and then, so I would have a handful of carrots or an apple each afternoon or evening for "dessert".   But in the end, I lost a total of 10 pounds in 10 days, and I feel great. So much so, that I am continuing on with juicing for breakfast and lunch, and I am going to have a sensible dinner each evening on my continued quest to my weight loss.  I would like to drop another 5 pounds to be at a comfortable weight....for me!! 

I purchased most of our fruits and vegetables from Costco, and I had a friend who was kind enough to let me rummage through her garden every few days.   It is not a cheap lifestyle, as you really go through the produce.

While the first two days on this cleansing diet scared me a little, I plunged forward and took each day as it came.  Today, I feel real good and I am excited to continue onward and conquer the battle of the budge!

Here are my favorite recipes: 

Breakfast Smoothie:  Juice 2 oranges, 2 apples and 1/2 pineapple and then blend it (in a blender) with 1 frozen banana.  YUM!!!

Green Juice:   Large handful of spinach, 1 cucumber, 1 small zucchini, 1/4 lemon, 6-8 mint leaves (this was the key ingredient for taste), 2 carrots, and 2 apples.  While it did not look too appetizing, it tastes pretty good!

Yam O'Jamma:   1 sweet potato, 1/2 pineapple, 6 carrots 

I'll keep you updated!!

SALSA VERDE

I'm up to my ears in produce and not wanting any to go to waste.

This past weekend I tackled about 10 lbs. of tomatillos and I made a vat full of salsa verde.   I peeled and roasted the tomatillos along with a sizable amount of onions, jalapenos and garlic.

Once the vegetables were cooked and wading in a pool of juices, I pureed all the ingredients into a small chunky salsa with added cilantro and other herbs and seasonings.  I made a delicious pan of chicken enchiladas with this aromatic and tasty green sauce, but we inhaled the dish before I even thought of snapping a photo.  Oh well.  I ended up packaging and freezing the rest into several containers for future winter time enjoyment.

It was yummy!!

TIN MAN

The cutest thing caught my eye recently!  The Tin Man, and it was yard art!!  Granted it was nailed to the side of a shed, but it grabbed by attention. Somebody was real creative and imaginative.  The body is made from recycled cans.  The hat is a funnel and tin clipped in the shape of a heart is bolted to his chest.  The picture doesn't do it justice!  I'm going to have to get me one (or make it)!