Grandchild ill & New Bernina

Bummer! Oldest grandchild is sick today and it doesn't look good for tomorrow. I have so many plans, meetings, etc. this week! There is a funky flu going around that his Momma brought home from work. I have had a flu shot and am hoping nothing is coming my way.

I have made an exciting purchase-a Bernina Nova 900. Plain Jane, mechanical but decorated with red stunning portable machine. It has a wrap-around case. Rare devil as it was built for only three years. It's foot pedal looks like a red mushroom. It's on its way from California. Didn't do Ebay, found another great source for buying sewing related things. Also met a lovely lady from whom I purchased this machine.

Foodie

I just added the Southern Plate box to my sideline. I am a proclaimed foodie and Christy Jordan is a phenomenal cook. Her insight to many things, her kids and recipes highlight my day. So I thought I would share with you.
Today she shared a recipe about baked French toast with cream cheese and strawberry preserves. Who wouldn't enjoy that one! She, herself, doesn't eat as her recipes dictate but she does share her heritage. I love to use some of her recipes for special occasions. Check out her articles. She recently had her mother write several columns and they are worth reading, no matter who you are.
Have a great one.................

Tater Chip Quilt Pattern

Has anyone tried this yet? If you can find Charm paks on sale and jelly rolls too, you can make a very quick, inexpensive quilt. Cutting is easy and it is quick to sew. I'll let you know how quick as I am making the queen size version. Will follow up with using some 1930's repro prints just to use them up. That way, I can buy more!
Let me know your experience with this pattern.

The George

George is a sitdown longarm quilting machine--20" throat, awesome speed, uses any kind of good quilting thread. I had so many people inquire about him before I bought the guy. Now, everyone is so busy and leery, that no one's come to visit him. He came with a big red bow on his box and is set up ready to quilt like crazy. I hope people don't think I'll cram him down their throats, because I don't do that. Quilting machines are expensive. If anyone buys one, it should suit their needs and wants perfectly. You need to do the "Happy Dance" when you're home alone with your machine. Anyway, I'm enjoying the heck out of him. If anyone wants to keep him company, I'll let you!

Welcome 2012

Happy New Year! Despite some physical impedence, I am making progress in setting up the sewing studio so that it maximum use can be had.
We are also making progress in shedding pounds, not just in getting rid of fabric and excess sewing machines, but from the body. Anyone else making such a resolution?
Enjoying the new kitchen and the fabulous Bertazzoni stove. Just ordered some more red accents to go with it.
Making sure lots of fabric is being used up this year. Quilts, aprons, etc are on the design board.
And, do you own a Keurig machine. Have one in the studio and just made an awesome Earl Grey tea with it.
I leave you with one saying: Be kind. It works.

Aprons & Wallhangings

I had to make an apron for Halloween. It's made from a vintage-style print filled with jack-o-lanterns, bats and moons. I've backed it with some orange fabric filled with "eyes"--multiple rings of white, black, lime green, purple. Gaudy and just right!
Culling the sewing room yielded some great finds--two autumn and Halloween kits meant to be completed using the fusible web method of application. It's been great fun working on them. They'll be finished with a great edge-stitch found on my Pfaff.  Great traveling projects as I'm often waiting for hubby during jazz festivals. I call them "Hurry Up & Wait" Festivals. After performing, he's trapped by many people wanting to talk. I leave him to them and go back to motor home. Now I have a fun thing to do! We'll be in Montana. Going a little early to see what's left of Glacier Nat'l Park. I've heard there's no glaciers to be seen. The camera's coming along to verify this.
And, a trip to the Wheat Montana store----love their flour and I've heard the baked goods to be purchased there will be worth the trip.
And,  a trip to the local quilt shop--duh. What kind of mischief could I possibly get into there?

Halloween is coming

We're getting fired up here for Halloween. Still some sewing projects remain to be finished and lots of baking. We're doing pumpkin cakes and pumpkin bread. I've already some Apple caramel jam. Yes, it's better than apple butter, which is sacred stuff here! Must be off now. Too much to do.