Projects Archives - Page 187 of 217

Thank you, Sis Boom!

August 31, 2010 jennifer Quilting and Sewing

Imagine my total surprise when I received an email saying that I’d won some fat quarters from Sis Boom, by Jennifer Paganelli.
There are few things better than an unexpected package to make your day. Talk about cute! I’ve always loved her designs, but didn’t have any of these prints. They will be fun to mix into new projects.

I’m looking at them wistfully, wishing for some time to sew.

I am craving creativity.
Sometimes life is so intense that every minute must be spent just working to make our family function. Now is one of those times.

Still, I’m longing to MAKE something!

Long sigh.

Back to the laundry.

Jennifer

2 comments fabric

Chirp Chirp Quilt

August 5, 2010 jennifer 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

2 comments quilting

Perfection

July 27, 2010 jennifer 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.