Monday, March 28, 2011

Do you remember when....

as a child the mere site of a new box of 64 count crayola crayons could set my heart a thumping....cracking it open, selecting that first color....so many colors to choose from. It was heaven!



now... my heart starts beating faster when I catch a glimpse of this....




oh how I wish that this arrived in my mailbox... I would create some amazing new designs .... too bad christmas is so many months away!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Project Quilting - the Final Challenge

I have been playing along a bit in some of Kim's Project Quilting challenges and decided to try the final challenge ... we had to use a large print and a stripe or plaid!

I decided to take inspiration from some of the gorgeous modern quilting photos I have seen on flickr and other quilting blogs and decided to use some of my favorite martha Negley geranium print with kona white cotton. As some of you may know I am new to the quilting world and each foray into quilting teaches me something new!

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I originally thought I would create a series of 12" blocks for a table runner... made my first, made my second...laid them next to each other - didn't like the proportions so I sliced one of them in half - or thereabouts, and attached it to the first block!
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see..I had just learned something - you don't HAVE to create a quilt in a series of blocks - mine became much more free form .. I sliced and chopped and added new bits and bobs as I went along.
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For the stripe requirement, I cut a stripe fabric along the bias to make my quilt binding and I also quilted it using a series of linear lines that created a striped effect on the tablerunner.

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more pics can be seen on flickr

and stop by Kim's Blog to see all the entries and cast your vote for your favorite!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Delicious Dinner Idea!

I had to share last nights recipes with you as my 8 year old said "If you make this everyday I will eat it!"

From Bon Appetit - the asparagus on the cover caught my eye!



Ingredients

* 12 ounces fettuccine or penne
* 3 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped
* 1 1/4 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
* 2 cups shelled fresh green peas, blanched 1 minute in boiling water, drained, or frozen peas (do not thaw)
* 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced, white and pale green parts separated from dark green parts
* 2 garlic cloves, pressed
* 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
* 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided

I also added some thinly sliced chicken breast for a bit more protein!


Preparation

Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.
*
Meanwhile, cook pancetta in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon drippings from skillet. Add asparagus to drippings in skillet; sauté 3 minutes. Add peas, white and pale green parts of green onions, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
*
Add vegetable mixture, 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, dark green parts of green onions, 1/2 cup Parmesan, cream, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon peel, half of parsley, and half of basil to pasta. Toss, adding more cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle pancetta, remaining parsley, and basil over. Serve, passing additional Parmesan cheese.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

New for spring!

I have been listing some delightful new spring offerings for women & girls in my etsy shop...

Serenity Garden came about as a customer request from a customer...



she also inspired Strawberry Fields



and for the big girls - 2 new yoga waist skirts...also the result of custom orders from a customer headed to Hawaii on vacation!


Celadon Garden
.. also avail in girls sizes :)



and to be listed later this morning.... Meadowsweet yoga waist skirt




Pop over to the shop and check them out! Have an idea for your own custom - let me know and we will work on something special just for you!