jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

Lone Star Party! {a finished quilt}

February 20, 2017 jennifer Quilting and Sewing

Who wants to party alone? In this quilt, the lone star officially has friends, and I love the way they look together. Like a sky full of stars, the lone star party is an improv collection of seven different sized lone star blocks.

With a white background, the quilting is difficult to photograph but I love how Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting interpreted my request for movement between the stars.

She also quilted each star beautifully.

It’s gorgeous and I’m grateful for such beautiful quilting.

I used a Melody Miller print for the backing and another Cotton and Steel print for the binding.

As I mentioned when I shared the quilt top , this idea had been in my head for a long time. It is so gratifying to bring a mental picture to life and have it work the way you hoped. This quilt is a new favorite for sure!

For more lone star photos, including my detailed step-by-step tutorial for making a lone star of your own, visit my lone star page . You will also find a free PDF with cutting instructions to make lone star blocks in 8 different sizes. It’s a bold, dramatic block that is a lot of fun to play with!

Thanks for visiting!
Jennifer

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Cranberry Granola

February 16, 2017 jennifer Breakfast

Last month I spent a wonderful morning with a couple of dear friends making granola. As the snow fell outside we chatted and learned a new recipe. I liked it so much that I stopped at the store on my way home so I could make a couple more batches before my kids got home from school! I’ve made it several times since then, and it’s become a new favorite.

Cranberry Granola 6 cups old fashioned oats 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup pecan pieces 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut 1 cup frozen cranberry concentrate (check labels to get 100% juice and find the one that has the most cranberry juice in it. I could only find blends but they’ve worked fine) 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 1 Tablespoon cinnamon 1 cup dried cranberries In a large mixing bowl combine oats, almonds, pecans and coconut. Set aside. In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup cranberry concentrate, brown sugar and cinnamon. *Don’t mix the concentrate with water – just scoop it straight from the container into your pan. Heat to a simmer to fully dissolve sugar. Pour over oats mixture and stir until evenly coated with the juice mixture.

Cover 11×17 cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread granola evenly over pan and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in cranberries. Return to oven for 8-10 minutes or until granola begins to look golden brown.

{Your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes.}
Cool on cooling rack and transfer to airtight container.

My kids love to snack on it plain or eat it with milk. My favorite way to eat it is with a scoop of plain greek yogurt and fresh berries.

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Big Charming Quilt

February 15, 2017 jennifer Quilting and Sewing

I’ve had a mini rainbow on my bed all winter long. We added a quilt for another layer of warmth this winter, and on the gray days it’s warmed my heart to see these bright colors.

The pattern is Big Charming by Denyse Schmidt, and it’s made with one of the large charm packs from her solids collection. I love the simplicity of this quilt, a pop of color surrounded by solids. For the solid I used Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Steel. I love the texture of the yarn dyed linen, and the quilt has been the perfect weight on cold nights.

Modern Loops is the name of the quilting design and I love the simple beauty it adds to the quilt. I’ve been reflecting this week on how fortunate I am to live in a world with such beauty and color, both natural and man-made. When I get to sew with these lovely fabrics I sometimes feel a little emotional – I am so grateful for the color and beauty in my day to day life!

I hope your day is filled with beauty, and that you have eyes to see it clearly. We are so blessed!