Category: Projects

Chirp Chirp Quilt

Quilting and Sewing



At last, I’ve finished the Chirp Chirp quilt.  The quilting is done and binding is on.


I quilted it in a diamond pattern, much like the Rouenneries quilt I finished earlier in the year.   Rather than quilt over the bird, I quilted around the applique area.  This quilt is much smaller and therefore was much easier to quilt.  I’m happy with the overall outcome.


I embroidered my initials and the year beneath the tree branch, just for fun.


I changed my mind about the binding at least ten times, and then at the last minute discovered I had just enough of the Kona bone to make a binding and went with that.  I’m so glad I did.  It gives a beautiful crisp edge to the quilt, and provides the contrast I wanted.


For the backing I used a beautiful cotton-linen blend from the Rural Jardin collection by French General.  I think this fabric is especially beautiful.  I felt drawn to the rich, deep blues in this collection.  I love the subtle red, white and blue color scheme, making it a perfect summer quilt for my home.  Of course, the birds don’t hurt, either.


Measuring 52 by 40 inches, this is a great size for my younger children to snuggle with.   It was a simple and enjoyable project which I hope will be used and enjoyed for a long time!


Hopeful Homemaker

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Perfection

Entertaining

In the three years we’ve lived in our home, we’ve had overnight guests more than 50 times.  I’ve always wanted to have a trademark treat that I leave in my guest room for our guests when they come.  I’ve tossed several ideas around and have done a few things here and there, but never struck on something that was simple, practical, economical and uniquely me.


Well, now I’ve got it.  My lavender shortbread cookies are my trademark treat.  Everyone loves them, and it’s my own recipe.  I can make them in advance and have them ready for my guests.  So, I’ve been fiddling with them a little bit, and now they’re perfect.  Introducing my new and improved lavender shortbread.


Being smitten with all things “bird” for the past year or two, they’re now bird shaped cookies.


Bird shaped lavender cookies, dipped in milk chocolate.  I decided to try vanilla flavored as well.  It’s delicious.

And since I’m always craving lavender lemonade at this time of year, I decided to formulate a lemon coating as well.


Oh my, they’re good!  Now I’ve got three different flavors that my whole family loves, all ready to share with our guests.


Oh, but that’s not all.  I’ve had so much fun playing with some of these ideas that I also tried making these lavender bites.


Candy coating, lavender shortbread middle.


They’re so pretty and yummy it made me giddy when they turned out just how I hoped.


So, if you’re among those who have stayed with us before, it looks like you need to come again!  Or ask really nicely, or have a birthday or something like that so I’ll make you some.

I’ve got a long road to travel before I’m as organized as I’d like, but it sure feels good to do the little things sometimes.

Isn’t life fun!

Hopeful Homemaker

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Beauty in Monotony

Musings on Life and Beauty, Quilting and Sewing

Most projects  have steps that are fun and some that are necessary but really not enjoyable.  Basting quilts are, for me, necessary but not very fun.  Who likes kneeling on the floor to put a couple hundred safety pins through three layers of fabric?


As I basted my Chirp Chirp quilt, I straightened up for a minute to rest my back and my eyes fell on my basket full of safety pins.

Beautiful.  And the whole exercise was changed.

Today I wish you a glimpse of unexpected beauty in some monotonous activity.

Jennifer

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