Kempenfelt Quilter's Guild Tinners Project

1.  My Tinner...  "Quilter's Espresso"

This project is challenge to our guild starting in February.  To participate, each person must make a central quilt block and choose a theme.  My choice is coffee.   I had purchase this great coffee print fabric, thinking I'd make myself an apron out of it, but was inspired to use it for this project instead.

We were also to make a label for participants to sign and place it all in a tin with 1m of main fabric and some fat quarters of coordinating prints.  At the meeting, our tins are all assigned a number and each month we take home the next higher number.  Mine was assigned #6, so next meeting I will take home tin #7.  Each month we are to add two border strips.  We will be told how wide they are to be made and what quilting technique.  We are to use  some of the fabric supplied in the tin and add some of our own.  The tins will be passed around 5 to 6 times and at the end we all get our own back to keep and finish off as desired.  I am hoping to use mine as a wall hanging in the kitchen.

I started with my label first. 
It gave me some inspiration for the main block.



This is my general plan for the central block.
I liked the idea for the awning along the top to give
the impression of a cafe.  The pattern pieces are copies 
of the printed fabric enlarged 400%.



I ended up making the fabric behind the word coffee
smaller than originally planned.  Because of this, I added
the striped edge to the side to give the block easier
dimensions to work with.

Finished block is 14.5" square.

A note of appreciation to fellow quilters. 
That and the inside of the tin was sticky and I wanted to cover it. 

My tin ready to send off.

When assembling the 4 pinwheels for December's block, I found out that I had joined the half triangle squares of one block together so that it spun in the opposite direction to the rest.  Rather than take the block all apart, it was easier to make  another one.  So now I have a spare pinwheel block.  Perhaps I will be able to find a use for it in the final quilt assembly. 



December's BOM
pinwheels



Oops!  An extra block, fins go in wrong direction.

January's block was far more difficult than the others.  It used a combination of techniques from the previous months blocks.  Somehow I made my seams just  a smidgen smaller than they should have been.  Now the final block  measures 17 by 17 instead of 16.5 square.  My points turned out perfect and I don't want to take it apart.  Perhaps I can make some adjustments when the final quilt top is assembled.  It was suggested that you do some featured quilting or applique in the large  triangle areas.  Hmmm.... will wait until more of the mystery is unravelled until I decide.  I am wondering about appliqueing a prairie rose, just because the quilt is titled A Prairie Sampler. 



January BOM
Diagonal Four Patch



Why make just one?

I enjoyed making my first small comfort quilt so much that when asked to join the ladies on Fridays, I jumped at the idea.  We meet every other Friday at Grove United Church in Barrie, Ontario, Canada to make comfort quilts to cover the isolettes in the neonatal unit in Royal Victoria Hospital.  We sew/quilt from 10am to 3:30pm and accomplish lots.  I am meeting more quilt guild members and have learned new tips, techniques and ideas. 

1   Some of them have been how to make half triangle squares by overlapping two fabric strips together, right sides facing, sew down both sides, center your ruler's 45 angle on the seam and rotary cut the two sides, flip open and press.  Then cut the next triangle form the opposite seam and alternate along the strip.

2  How to quilt as you go to make up the quilts even faster.  Joan showed me how to do the backing in squares, with one inch seams which you fold over in the front and top stitch down to look like sashing in the front.

3.  When sewing on bias when you come to a corner instead of stopping a quarter inch from the edge, turn the quilt and sew the seam along the 45 degree angle to the corner.  Then turn the corner fabrics as usual and continue along the next seam.

4.  During one of their meetings last year each person was asked to bring in 1m of fabric.  They cut that piece of fabric in half, put one half in their bag under the table and passed the other half to the left.  Then everyone took that half of fabric, cut it in half  again, kept one piece and passed the other to the left again.... and so on until everyone  had some of each fabric, but in different proportions.  The challenge was to make a quilt using all of those fabrics.  They were allowed to supplement with other fabrics two, but must use all the fabrics from the exchange.  Sounds like fun!

So far I have been to two sewing days and have made up the following two quilt kits.  This farm scene print quilt used a diagonal 4 patch pattern which was easy to do... a little more time consuming than the teddy bear one I made after it.  These were both made in January.

I loved the bight border print and simplicity of  this Teddy Bear quilt kit.  The wording on the border reads... "Everything in !"  How true.  I hope some child will come to love it as much as I had fun making it.

More sewing/quilt projects from December

20.  A Half Apron for Katelyn

Katelyn and I spent part of a day, designing and sewing this half apron for her.  It was a fun Mother/Daughter time.  The star print on the ruffle is her favourite of the two fabrics.  I had fun making the ruffled heart pocket.  I don't think the apron is particularly functional, but it's cute!

21.  A Binder Cover

I made this quilted cover for my friend Trudy, for her 50th birthday.  I put some clear page protector sheets inside with a few patterns.  I also added a crib/craft sized pkg of warm and natural quilt batting.
I purchase the printed quilt panel 2 years ago and was just looking for the right idea for its use.  This cover turned out quite fun.  I have enough panel pieces left over to make two more binder covers.  Hmm... I'd like to make one or two for myself.

22.  Pink Purse for President's Challenge

At my first guild meeting, back in September, our president issued each member a challenge... to make a quilted item out of fabrics that matched the paint chip card in the sealed envelop that was placed on our seats at the start of the evening.  My original impression was that the pinks were outdated and that I'd never find anything to match.  Well, I was wrong.  The first store I walked in to had these two floral fabrics that had all the paint chip colours in them.  I designed this purse based on a wool one I saw in a library book.  I have made so many changes to it, that I don't think it qualifies as the same purse any more.  I believe, I can confidently call it my own design.  I added the pinwheels and stitched around some of the flowers in the fabric so that it would qualify as a quilted item, not just sewn.  I also added a cell phone pocket and a zippered pocket.

Although I did not win the Viewer's Choice at January's guild meeting, I have a cheery pink purse for spring and summer!  The paint chip card was a neat idea to use for selecting colours that will go well together.

The Next 2 Blocks

So I still don't have a clue as to what the final quilt will look like, but my curiosity is stirred.  I'm finding it a challenge to select fabrics when I don't even know which blocks go next to each other.  It is also liberating to have to let go of my control over design and colour selection.  Who knows how this quilt will look when completed?  It really is a mystery.



October BOM
Tree

November BOM
Four Patch / Broken Dishes



Sewing Projects for December

15.  More Receiving Blankets

I fell in love with this penguin Christmas fabric and made this receiving blanket for my new nephew Gideon.
I also loved the frog fabric.  This one went to a co-worker of my daughter's.

16.  Knitted Baby Socks

I just love knitting these things... especially if the yarn is patterned.  Its always a mystery as to how the sock will turn out.

17.  Large Purse

This was a Christmas gift for my sister-in-law, Rebeka.  It is large enough to double as a diaper bag if she wishes, but not baby enough to look like one.

18.  Sugar Loaf Purses / Bags

I made two of these cute purses / Cosmetic Bags for Gifts... one to match Rebeka's purse, and the other as a Birthday gift for my neice.  I filled it with a package of Skittles, some Skittles flavoured Lip Smackers, some small Toblerone chocolates and a gift card.  What fun!  She loved the fabric.

19.  Baby Slippers

I came across a free pattern on the internet to make these baby slippers.  I had fun making them for my new nephew, Gideon.  I made a size 0 which just fits snuggly if he has thin socks on.  I will be making him another pair in a larger size.  Note to self... make at least a size 1 for newborn gifts.

I've reached my Decluttering Goal of 50 bags but the job's not Done!

Today, with the 3 us tackling the basement for 1 1/2 hours we were able to rid ourselves of 5 bags of garbage and 3 boxes of stuff for Habbitat For Humanity.  Steve dismantled his model railroad... smashed it to smithereens!  We also got rid of old painting supplies, some counter top laminate and old tools, nuts, screws, bolts, etc.

The thing is, now I've already gone past my goal of 50 bags of stuff, but the decluttering is only about 1/2 done.  Now I have to rethink this one... double or nothing?... well double it anyway... aim for 100 bags decluttered... sounds like a good idea... after all I don't turn 50 for another 2 1/2 years!


Reached my goal of 50 bags today!
Decluttered 53 bags so far ... now aiming for 100!

Yea! We're Going to Vegas!

On Monday night, my husband I had a "meeting" to book our next vacation.  He still has some vacation time to use up and while we wanted to go somewhere warmer, we weren't enthused about going to the Caribbean during hurricane season.  We both have always wanted to see the lights of Vegas (hey, I grew up in a small northern city far from any big cities) and marvel at the wonder of the Grand Canyon.  Now it looks like we will do both.

I must admit that I'm a little nervous about it all.  Neither of us have been in an airplane since our Honeymoon 23 1/2 years ago.  Now we have booked flights with a stopover both ways (4 flights in all!).  Up until now, I've always booked our hotels through Expedia mostly.  This time we were booking flights, hotel rooms, car rental, theatre tickets (Phantom of the Opera), travel and medical insurance all at once!  It was a little overwhelming to say in the least!  It actually was quite easy to do on Expedia, but I am still a little anxious and second guessing myself...  I'm usually more slower paced and methodical when it comes to vacation planning.  We plan to leave in a couple of weeks!  Yikes!... I mean Yea!  I think.

More New Foods

5.  Shanghai Bok Choy and Baby Bok Choy

Our family tried Baby Bok Choy about a year ago and loved it!!!  This time when I went grocery shopping, I bought Shanghai Bok Choy.  We loved this one also!  I can't say if I noticed a difference between the two, but both are great!  This is the recipe that I use.

2 lbs Bok Choy
1 cup chopped bacon
2 cloves garlic
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb sliced leeks
salt and pepper to taste

1.  Clean and prepare the bok choy.  Set aside in two groups, leaves and stems.  (If you cook bok choy too long it becomes bitter.  The leaves cook faster than the stems, so I remove the stems and slice them like matchsticks.)

2.  In a wok or large skillet, over medium heat add olive oil, chopped garlic, mushrooms, leeks and bacon.

3.  When the leeks and mushrooms are about half cooked, add the bok choy stems.  Cook for 2 min.

4.  Add bok choy leaves and cook for another 2 min.  (avoid over cooking the bok choy).

5.  Season with pepper and salt to taste.

Serve as a side with rice or rice vermicelli if desired.


6.  Fennel and Anise

As far as I can tell, there isn't really any difference between these two.  But we love them both.  This vegetable has a mild licorice flavour which is really great in a stir fry.  I have also found many recipes for fennel on allrecipes.com.  One of the best is "Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage and Fennel".

Making Progress

Now we're actually able to move around in 2 out of 3 rooms in the basement.  Our progress is clearly visible.  On Saturday we spent another hour down in the dungeon and removed another 10 bags of stuff... 3 garbage bags, boxes of religious books of my Dad's, old sports equipment, some unused craft items, bag of clothes, boots... etc.  Why on earth do we hold on to that stuff???  It's amazing me at how quickly we can actually get rid of it if we don't allow our emotions to get in the way.  Anyway, more of it is gone and I feel soooo much better!

Decluttered 46 bags so far ... aiming for 50!

8 bags worth... GONE!

On Saturday, my husband, son, and I were able to tackle some more cleaning in the basement.  This time ... the tool section... scattered all over the floor... duplicates, triplicates... etc.  Not any more.  They are neatly put away back on the shelves or hanging from the wall.  Surplus, outdated / antique tools have been donated.  Are we foolish?... Maybe.  But now there is room to actually walk on the floor... that has gotta be worth something!

Decluttered 36 bags so far ... aiming for 50!

Yeah! It's Done!

Yup... it's finally done.  Actually, this Comfort Quilt has been completed for nearly two weeks... all except for the label, that is.  We were encouraged to put a personal message on the label and I just needed time to ponder what to say.  I finally got my inspiration from a baby card I saw in the drug store while hunting for an anniversary card for friends.  The wording is not exactly the same, but I liked the idea of tying in how baby quilts can be used to bring comfort.  I got around to sewing it on this afternoon... just in time for the Kempenfelt Quilter's Guild meeting tomorrow night!

Goal # 26 of 50 Completed!

Goal #7 Make a cookbook of family favourites

I started to make a family cookbook about 2 years ago and had all but 9 pages left.  I needed it make it one of my 50 goals or it may have never been completed.  What a shame that would have been.

 

 

 

I just got the books in the mail on Tuesday and am excited to see them in print.

As I look through the completed book, there are two distinct page layout styles... so its not hard to tell which pages I started off with and which recipes were added towards the end.   Oh well, it wouldn't be me if it were consistent from start to finish. lol

This cookbook is 61 pages in total and has 76 recipes.  I ordered the books from artscow.com and am pleased with the results.

Perhaps I will start another cookbook using the newer / healthier recipes that I have been collecting... we'll see.

Goal # 7 0f 50 Accomplished ... at last!!!

Family Photo Shoot

One thing I regret as the kids were growing up is that we did not take many family photos.  To book a portrait sitting requires planning ahead and I'm much to spontaneous of a person for that.  So as a result most of our family pics are of a spontaneous nature... hey we're all here... lets snap a quick photo.

Fortunately, our daughter, Katelyn, is very much interested in photography.  She is the one who made this goal become a reality.  On August 29, 2010, a Sunday afternoon, she suggested that we pack a picnic and go to a park to take family photos.  She picked a location which is part way between home and University residence so that we could drop her off afterwards.  Thus, we ended up at a wonderful location... Bronte Creek Provincial Park near Burlington, ON.



Favourite Family Photo


The weather was perfect and we were all in a fun cooperative mood.  Katelyn had fun setting up the tripod and running into the shots.  The park used to be a farm at one time and had some apple trees. 

My goal was to take the best of those shots and make a photo book.  I had two of them printed by Artscow.com and got them using free credits plus the cost of shipping from Hong Kong to Canada.  The whole order came to less than $20 Canadian!  Amazing deal!  Great quality books too!

Goal # 6 of 50 Accomplished !

Sewing Baby Gifts

14.  Double-sided Receiving Blankets

I know several expectant mothers and thought I should restock my stash of receiving blankets.  They seem to be really appreciated as gifts.  They are two-sided; made of soft, warm flannel; and are large ... about one square metre.

Between yesterday and today, I made these four...

I love the expressions on the frog faces.... so happy!

3.  Snow Peas
 

  Although I have had snow peas served to me in restaurants before, they are not something I've ever bought and prepared.   These particular snow peas looked so good, I couldn't resist.  We all ended up liking them very much and I would definitely do them again. 

  Stir fry them in 1 Tbsp canola oil, 1 Tbsp butter or margarine for about 8 minutes until tender crisp.
Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed in half a cup cold water, 1 pkg chicken OXO, and 1/2 tsp sugar.  Cook for approx 3 - 5 minutes until sauce thickens.


4.  Beets
    
  A friend of mine gave me some beets from her garden last week.  After battling a flu bug for the past 5 days, I finally got around to eating them today.  I have only tried them once before... last year... also from the same friend's garden.  I found a different recipe for them this time... and while they tasted OK... I think they will remain a once a year vegetable for us.

  Wash beets thoroughly.  Cut of roots and stems.  Boil covered with water for 40 minutes.  Rinse in cold water and rub off skins.  Heat 1 chopped onion  in 1 Tbsp butter, until tender.  Add 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp honey, grated lemon zest,  and grated ginger root.  Add sliced beets and heat for approx. 5 minutes.

Prairie Sampler Block of the Month Quilt

When I joined the Kempenfelt Quilter's Guild two weeks ago, they were starting a mystery block of the month program that members could sign up for a $5 fee.  I've never done a BOM quilt, nor have I done a mystery one.  Every time I've come across a mystery quilt on line, I've always peeked ahead to see if I liked it or not.  This time I'm just determined to blindly leap in... enjoy the process... and just wait and see how it turns out.

The final quilt is supposed to fit together like puzzle pieces.  It has a Prairie Sampler theme.  The first block we had to make is a windmill.  We were to make 4 blocks and join them together.  I worked on mine from start to finish today.  Total time was about 4 hours.  That includes having to take apart one block and redoing it... the windmill blades rotated in the opposite direction... something we weren't cautioned about in the pattern.  Guess I'll have to pay closer attention.

I'm not really sure what direction I'm taking with the colour scheme... except that I like the scrappy look... I find it more interesting to look at than just a few fabrics.  So far I am using fabric that I already have in my stash.



SEPTEMBER 2010 BOM - windmills



Adventurous Taste Buds

The start of 50 new foods...

1.  Okra

I have been in the habit of trying new foods for about a year now.  Generally I pick something at the grocery store, write its name down, and look up recipes on the net when I get home.  Okra was one veggie that I did in reverse.  I read about its nutrient value in a magazine, looked up and printed out recipes, and went to the grocery store, only to find out that they didn't carry it.  I did some more research and found out that it is very popular in the Southern states of U.S.A. 

When I went to Florida last may, I tried deep fried breaded okra as a side dish in a restaurant.  It was good, but its preparation method was not part of my new healthy lifestyle... so I only ate it the one time.  Two days ago, I was doing some grocery shopping for my daughter in Hamilton  (a 1.5 hour drive south from where I live in Ontario, Canada) when I came across some okra in the produce section.  I picked out 10 pods for my family to try.  Even the cashier had to ask me what they were... she hadn't a clue... had to ask me how to spell it.

When researching cooking methods, there was all kinds of advice on how to cook the okra so that it wouldn't be slimy... ewwwww... this stuff gets slimy?... Now I'm really not sure about it.  But I bought it, so I better try it... right?

I washed the okra.  Dried it thoroughly.  Cut off both ends.  Drizzled a little lime juice on them.  Fried them for about 20 minutes in my electric frying pan with a little Canola oil, some pepper, basil and tarragon (just because they're my favourite spices). 

The end result was not slimy (I understand that's mostly because I did not slice the pods) and tasted alright.  Just mediocre... no rave reviews from my family... they did politely eat them... and promptly informed me that they liked many other nutritious vegetables better... that we didn't need to add okra to our regulars list... or maybe even our ever again list!

But, hey, we gave it a try. 


2.  Sweet Dumpling (Heart of Gold) Squash

So I thought we'd be super adventurous and try two new foods today... both the okra and sweet dumpling squash.  I thought this squash looked inviting... both because of its stripey pattern and its unusual shape... these are just Thanksgiving decorations... right?... apparently not... they're for eating too!

This vegetable came with a bright pink sticker on the bottom with a recipe printed on it.  Sounded good... we'll give it a try... saves me a step of having to hunt for a recipe... besides it's printed on the label so it's got to be good... you'd think... we have to disagree.  While we were OK with the taste of the squash, I would definitely hunt for a different recipe.  After cooking it for more than 1.5 hours the potatoes were still raw and the milk ran all over.  Fortunately I had the foresight to precook the ground beef or I doubt any of it would have been safe to eat.

I will include the recipe from the label, just so that you know what NOT to make.
"Cut out stem end of squash and remove seeds.  Fill cavity with diced potatoes, onion, hamburger, salt and pepper.  Fill with milk.  Set in roaster pan with 2 cm of water.  Bake for 1 hour or until squash is soft.  Top with cheese slice before removing from oven."

My husband ate the squash skin and all.  The rest of use used a spoon to eat the fleshy part.  Is it OK to eat the skin?  Lots of fibre there!