New Beginnings

Have you guys noticed that there seems to be a need to slow down, step back and really re-evaluate?  I've noticed it on blogs I read, in those who are my church family and personally.  I was so excited about starting a blog and hopefully helping someone out there in this big-o world we live in.  I don't know it was necessarily a need for someone out there to be reading it as much as it was a need I had to feel like I was helping in some small way.  My two lovely babies aren't really babies anymore so their needs are fewer than they had been when they relied on me for everything.  "Is dinner ready" and "Can you help me with this math" are about the extent of hands-on daily needs that they have.

But, then, everything from our master bedroom and bathroom got moved into my quilting room for a remodel that was supposed to be "quick" but which has turned into "will this ever end???"  I was forced into a "You can't quilt right now" time-out that I didn't think I had earned for bad behavior but that God must have felt was necessary.  Sometimes jumping into passions in our lives isn't what He knows is best for us, regardless of how much we think it is.

So, I've been thinking a lot about what it is that God knows is best for me.  I've prayed a lot.  I've been silent.  I came to the conclusion that the world doesn't need another "helping" blog.  All the tips and tricks are already out there somewhere, on other blogs with beautiful quilters who have so much more to offer.  I'm so totally cool with that.  God has gifted them with audiences and talents.

Bottom line.  I don't think I'm supposed to be  blogging.  I may open that "Home Ec, let's learn to make pie and quilt" classroom.  I may just continue to make quilts as donations and gifts.  I know whatever it is, I want to be used by God to help make this world a better place.

Thank you for reading my blog while I had it.  I appreciate it more than you'll ever know!!!

As for this month's give-away, comment number 1 was randomly selected BUT then I decided since this was my last give-away, why not send everyone a fabric gift?  Soooo, I'll be sending an email to everyone who left a comment since last month and be surprising everyone with something I pick out from my stash.

Many blessings on all of you.  I pray that your lives are blessed with love and kindness and that we all choose to shower those around us with love and kindness as well!

Jennifer

UPDATE:  I've tried to contact those who left comments last month.  I haven't had much luck, so please send me an email if you'd like me to have your email so I can communicate about sending you a gift!  I may be reached at:  mortyman1@earthlink.net

SuperMomNoCape - you ROCK.  I appreciate your thoughts more than you know! 

Off to QuiltCon and X blocks prepared

Anyone else out there headed to Austin this week for QuiltCon?  I'm so excited because I get to take a class with Katy Jones of I'm a Ginger Monkey.  She always makes me laugh when I read her blog so I'm hoping it'll be a fun day learning and laughing with her.  I've read she's going through a divorce so I hope to give her a big-o Oklahoma hug!

Here's the X block I'm working on for the Irish Chain Twist Quilt-A-Long.  I gotta tell ya, I've never done a quilt-a-long before (there is SO much I haven't done before in the quilting world) and it's kinda cool to go at a slow pace.  I usually pick a quilt I'm working on and I work on it until it's done.  That can be both exciting and boring.  This is awesome because I can do little snibbits of this quilt for Beautiful Face (my nickname for my daughter) and go back to other quilt-stuff, like the swap for my guild or the black & white for my son.  See, I can work on a bit of each and mix it up enough to keep it exciting!

I loved how these looked like little sailboats before I ironed them open.  Too cute!

I have got to include just a few pics from a sunrise from late last week.  Guys, I can't begin to express how overwhelmed with love I feel when I wake to mornings like this.  God is up there making the day just so beautiful.  I try to carry that beauty with me all day.  It's too easy to get caught up in the "yucky" rather than remembering that He doesn't want us unhappy, mad, angry.  He wants us to love and to see the beauty in everyone around us.  Hard to do sometimes, but I work on it. daily.

 

Wow! You guys Rock!

You know, I think it's absolutely amazing that there are people out there that take the time to write nice things.  Like the commenters who congratulated Kathy for winning the recent give-away while leaving a comment for this month's give-away.  There's so much yucky in the world that it really brightens my day when I read such nice things :)

Here's what I've gotten done lately.  A few more blocks for my son's quilt:

Six for my guild's swap (each month six blocks are due):

This week's assignment for the Irish Chain Twist Quilt-A-Long:

I wanted to show you something that I learned this week.  Do you see in the photo below on the left where the 2 blocks are a bit smaller than those black & white ones on the right? 

We were told to use a scant 1/4" seam on our guild swap blocks.  I was working on those blocks and got used to using the smaller seam measurement and then started working on the black & white hst blocks.  I kept using the smaller seam and got bigger blocks!  It's something to notice because putting the smaller with the bigger in a quilt would turn out to be a big old pain!  I might just re-do those two blocks but dang I hate re-do's. 

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If you don't mind, I'm going to close with a prayer for the 21 Christian men who were beheaded by Muslim terrorists this weekend in Libya for no other reason than their religion.  I pray for those men, for their families, for the terrorists to seek forgiveness and turn to God and for God to help us all.

Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

And The Winner Is....

Today is the day that all of those blogs who were offering give-aways during the 2015 Grow Your Blog event select their winner.  Since there aren't any rules to this fun event, I've entered everyone who left a comment anywhere on my blog rather than just those who left one in the posting about the event.  I was hoping to give more of you awesome commenters a chance to win :)


And the winner is #25.  Congratulations Kathy E of Sparkles, Sprinkles and Everyday Crap!  I've sent you an email asking for your details!  If you hop over to Kathy's blog, you'll note that she's new to quilting SO I pray that this fabric will be used to make an awesome quilt and help her expand her talents!!


I really enjoyed the aspect of a give-away, soooo I'm going to do it monthly!  It makes me feel good to give of what I've been blessed to have.  To that end, this month's give-away is: 2 charm packs of Moda's High Street by Lily Ashbury. 

Everyone who leaves a comment, starting with today's comments and going through the 14th of next month, will be eligible. 

Thanks again to Vicki for hosting this awesome Grow Your Blog event!  I had only just started my blog and because of Vicki's kindness in including me, I've had over 100 visits!  That's truly amazing!

Have a blessed day!

Amen!  I totally feel God's power within me daily.  I pray for those that don't have a personal relationship with God because without it, I have no idea how I'd function!  He gives me strength.  He gives me grace when I mess up.  Which I do.  Often.  He loves me.  What else do I need?

xPlus Block

I attended my first quilt guild meeting last night!  Woo hoo!  It was really fun to meet others who share my love of quilting.  We started a swap last night so I was happy to have found the group at just the right time.  It'll be an 8 month commitment, making 6 blocks each month.  I hope that my new sewing skills are up to the challenge.  It's a weird feeling, making blocks for others, and feeling the responsibility of making something that will be found acceptable.  I'm a bit nervous but I'm keeping with my attitude to push myself this year!

Here's the first block I did as a practice today.  We're supposed to use scraps but since I haven't been quilting as long as many of the others who are participating, mine may turn into less scrappy.  This one is made from scraps.  It's not really acceptable because the points all don't meet up and see how the left side of the "plus" is longer than the right side??  Um.  Not too good.  It'll be turned into a coaster or maybe I'll keep it to add to those that I receive from the swap.  What do you think?

Have a blessed day!

February 9

 

This is such a powerful verse to me.  And, um, I don't think I can explain it any better, so I'm going to ask you to head over to the post for this verse and see what April has written.  I absolutely agree with her words, and pray each day that I will be less focused on what I think I want and more focused on God.  He gives me everything i NEED (and very often everything I want). 

Irish Chain Twist Quilt-A-Long

 

This week's assignment was to cut all of the fabric for our quilt.  Wow!  That's the first time I've cut everything in preparation for a quilt.  I'm making a 60" x 70" quilt so I had a "few" cuts to make.  It probably took me an hour and a half with a few interruptions.  I think using pre-cuts (like Charm packs or Layer Cakes), tends to make us lazy.  I'm not sure I dislike lazy :)

I'm making this quilt for my daughter so she selected the fabric.  She chose pink and grey with sashing of blue and a white background.  I think she did a good job.  I think it'll all go really well together.

There's still time to join in the fun if you're interested.  There are prizes for the weekly "assignments" (like this week is a $15 gift certificate for Green Fairy Quilts which is one of my favorite places to get pre-cuts).  Just head over to Happy Quilting to get all of the details! 

A Nametag Finish

My quilt guild meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, which means I needed to finish up my nametag.  I made a few variations and even made two lanyards before I decided to use a Marmalade mini charm to design something.  This is what I started with this afternoon.

Add a little hand embroidery...

Here's the back.  I added two mini charms to use if I'm given cards.  I'm planning on wearing my nametag when I go to QuiltCon in Austin this month so hopefully that'll come in handy:)

After quilting and binding..

And add the lanyard for a finish!

I'm really happy with the finished nametag because it really represents me and where I'm at with my quilting.  I'm doing the massive hst quilt project so doing the pinwheels will remind me of that.  And, I added my name too close to the edge so when I added the binding it almost cut off the "c" in "Ec."  BUT, that's where I'm at with my quilting.  I'm not that good yet.  That's ok.  I'm a work in progress, and I'm learning.  And, I love the learning of it all.  That's pretty much how I view life.  Once we stop learning, and wanting to try new things, what's left? 

February 8

This is exactly where I'm at in my life right now.  My daughter is 12 going on 20 with a mouth and attitude to match.  She loves me BUT everything I do is wrong.  I am quite positive I had her same attitude with my own mother.  I have really been practicing this verse, holding my tongue and really trying to see things from her eyes.  It's the only way I know of to glorify God AND strengthen my relationship with my precious daughter. 

February 3

Peggy at peggyapl.blogspot is so talented!

There's a song on Air1 called "Hello, My Name is" by Matthew West.  It is my absolute favorite song that gets played on the radio.  Here are the lyrics, in case you've never heard the song.

Hello, my name is regret
I'm pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I'm the whisper inside
That won't let you forget

Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I'll drag you right back down again
‘Til you've lost all belief

These are the voices, these are the lies
And I have believed them, for the very last time

Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I've been saved, I've been changed,
And I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it's true
Just take a look at my life

What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King

Notice the last part comes almost directly from scripture?  That is what I love about Air1.  I know the songs my kids are hearing are going to be good influences.  Even if they don't like it when I sing along :)

Love..Faith..Hope

I am so excited to have finished this quilt top last night.  It started out as a quilt my daughter was going to make for me.  She abandoned it when I pointed out that she was sewing her seams at 1/2" rather than 1/4".  She gets so frustrated with me when I criticize; anyone else get that from their daughters??

Rows needing to be connected.

I added three rows of solid fabric from the Boho line.  I cut "Love," "Faith" and "Hope" from extra layer cake squares and added them to the solid rows.  It's super long at over 7 feet but it'll cover hubby and me when we actually get to snuggle together on the couch. 

I used red thread to sew the words onto the solid rows.

The words will eventually fray but that'll add to the look, I think.

I'm going to add white borders to the sides but not the top just to make it a little wider.  This quilt really will go well with our living room; we've got all of these colors represented.  I can't wait to get it finished. 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8

Quilt-A-Long

As if I didn't have enough going on already, I've decided I'm going to add my name to the list of participants in Melissa's Irish Chain Twist Quilt-A-Long.  Since 2014 was my first year of quilting, I learned everything by watching videos and trial-&-error.  2015 is my year to join in and get out!  I'm joining my local guild, I'm going to QuiltCon in February and I'm going to join quilt-a-longs!  I'm determined to push myself and learn as much as I can:)

 

I'm going to do a Lap size (60"x70") in a Scrappy design.  I think my version will be made using greys, yellows and white.  I can already imagine snuggling with Hubby under the quilt while we watch some HGTV!

 

Here's her layout.  Won't it be a beautiful quilt?  

There's still time to join in if you're interested.  Jump over to Happy Quilting and get all of the details!  

A Lanyard for a Nametag

My quilt guild is having us make nametags to wear at each meeting.  I've never actually been to a meeting (yet) but I want to be ready for February's so... I started by making a lanyard.  It was pretty easy.  I used scraps that were about 2 1/2 inches wide and sewed them together in one long strip.

Then, I ironed the seams, pressing them open to create less bulk.  Isn't my ironing board cover crazy in color?  It's bright and cherry, but it does interfere with pictures :(
 

Here's a close-up of seams open

Then, I folded the whole long piece in half and finger pressed it so I could see where the half-way mark was.  I folded each side up/down to that mark and ironed.  I folded the halves together and sewed down the open side and then back up the closed/fold side.

I put my fabric through the clip and then sewed the two ends together.  The clip I selected was from Hobby Lobby and has another clasp that will allow me to add my nametag once it's quilted (that'll be another post).  This was so fun and easy.  It probably took me more time to select the fabric than to actually sew and iron it all together!  Are you that way too?  I could spend hours picking through fabric!

Here's the sunrise from this morning!  What a GREAT day it'll be:)

I will walk by faith even when I can not see.  ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7

January 30

Nightly, when I say my prayers, many loved ones and those mentioned in church whom I don't know, are brought by me to God.  But, special, very specific prayers are always given to those who say to me that they know for certain that God doesn't exist.  Those individuals whose blogs I encounter that say they are non-believers.  Actors and actresses who think they are so wise because they've been paid to play entertaining roles who use their platform to deny God.  I pray for those souls who, to me, are truly lost.  God seeks those individuals, hoping that they'll turn to Him.  I believe it pains Him that they are so certain and so stubborn.  He loves me, and other followers, for sure.  But, it's those that deny Him that He desires. 

Blood Orange Tart

Start with an easy tart shell

Thinly slice your Blood Orange and set on paper towels to dry out a bit

Serve to Happy Hubby :)

Much like Meyer Lemons, we only see Blood Oranges in Oklahoma from late December to early February.  This is another recipe I have been making since we lived in California, when I could get Blood Oranges so much more often.  Hubby looks forward to this time of year, when he gets to eat Tart for Breakfast!

Here's the yummy recipe:
Sweet Dough: 

• 2 1/2 cups a.p. flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 T butter
• 2 eggs

Combine your dry ingredients in a food processor.  Pulse 3-4 times to mix.  Cube your butter (with as little handling as possible to avoid warming the butter) and add to the dry.  Pulse until you see the butter uniformly mixed throughout.  Add the eggs and mix until it becomes a dough.  Divide into 2 pieces and wrap in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.  Certainly, you can make ahead by a few days or even freeze for later use.  After 30 minutes, remove one of the pieces from fridge and roll out.  I use a 9-in tart pan with removable bottom.  Make sure to take dough all the way up the sides.  Prick all over with a fork and return to fridge for another 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 375.  Line tart shell with aluminum foil and beans and bake for about 24 minutes (looking for golden brown).  Cool completely.

Pastry Cream:

• 1 1/2 cups milk (I use skim.  You can use full fat or whatever you have on hand)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup a.p. flour
• 1 tsp vanilla or orange extract

Simmer milk in a medium-sized sauce pan.  Whisk the rest of your ingredients in a bowl.  Once the milk comes to the point where there are tiny bubbles around the edge, remove from heat and slowly add to the egg mixture.  This is tempering.  You're trying to warm the egg mixture slowly to the temperature of the milk.  Make sure you're whisking the egg mixture while adding the milk so you don't cook your eggs.  When all the milk is nicely mixed in, return the whole mixture to the sauce pan and bring to a boil.  You must stir the whole time, or you'll burn your lovely cream!  Simmer for 1 minute once you reach a boil.  Transfer to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface of your pastry cream and refrigerate until cold.

Assembling your tart:
In our family, I usually cut individual pieces of the tart shell as it is going to be eaten.  If I put the Pastry Cream on the tart shell all at once, since it will be eaten over a week, it'll get soggy and yucky!  It's easier to cut a piece of tart shell, whip up the chilled Pastry Cream (just with a spoon to loosen it up a bit) and cut a fresh Blood Orange each day than serving Hubby something less than yummy!  You might be serving this as dessert to more than one person, so grab your cooled tart shell, spoon your Pastry Cream onto the shell and top with thinly sliced Blood Oranges. 

Enjoy!

Thank You ... and progress

Let me begin by thanking all of you lovely bloggers who stopped by my blog yesterday and left such nice comments!  I know that you have lots to do in life, and thousands of other blogs to consider, so I am humbled that you stopped by during the Grow Your Blog event and took a moment to stay :)

I am making progress on my quilts.  It's slower than I'd like but that's life.

Daughter's

Son's

Another I'm working on. 

Have a blessed day!

Meyer Lemon Juice

Please tell me you've heard about Meyer Lemons?  They are so much sweeter than normal lemons.  I had a Meyer lemon tree in my backyard when we lived in Los Angeles, and I got so spoiled.  Since they are only available in Oklahoma from late December to late January, I always make sure I stockpile enough to get me through the year.  Steps are so easy...

Gather supplies

Zest your lemons and freeze separately

30 minutes of work for a year's supply of sweet goodness

• Make sure to label your zest.  Add 1/2-1 tsp to your recipes to add extra lemon flavor.  It'll darken a little and you might confuse it with orange zest if you forget to label!
• I stick my jars in the back of the refrigerator.  I've followed these procedures for years and we've never had moldy juice or any other concerns.  I have canned the juice so it could be stored in a cupboard but found this method to be quicker and just as effective (if you have the refrigerator space).
• For $10, I have enough juice to make a year's worth of lemon goodies: lemon chicken, lemon curd, chicken piccata, salmon, buttermilk pie, etc.

January 26th

I love the idea that we can get all dressed up in our worldly clothes to face the day BUT we can WEAR what's most important to God: love.  God doesn't care if we have the newest fashions.  He wants us to show the people we encounter each day lots of love.  Pretty easy :)