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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Play-Doh

Musings on Life and Beauty



Play-doh.

It’s great stuff.  Kids love it, it’s inexpensive and it promotes creativity.   There are so many reasons to like it.

I hate it.  I try not to feel that way, but as it gets broken into tiny pieces, tracked all over my kitchen and into the carpet, my stress levels go through the roof.    I am not a good play-doh mom.

Not anymore.

It’s all about location.


Play-doh is now an outdoor only activity at our house.  It’s a win-win arrangement.  They get to play with it all they want and I don’t find it all over my house.

They’re happy.  I’m happy.

Hello, Play-doh.

Why didn’t I figure this out years ago?

Hopeful Homemaker

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Orange Strawberry Tart

Desserts



Have you ever seen a strawberry tart that didn’t look delicious?  It’s one of those summertime desserts that always tempts me.  A hybrid of a couple of other recipes, this one packs some surprise flavor:  a touch of orange.

Begin by making my basic shortbread crust .  Allow to cool completely.


Spread about 1/3 cup of orange marmalade over the cooled crust.


In a separate bowl, whip 16 ounces of heavy whipping cream with 1 tsp. vanilla and powdered sugar to taste (I used about 1/3 cup).  Reserve 1/4 cup whipped cream.  Spread the rest of the whipped cream over the marmalade, bringing it to the edges of the crust.


Slice 1 pound of rinsed strawberries into bite sized chunks and toss with 1/2 cup orange marmalade.


Gently place strawberries on top of whipped cream, then garnish with remaining whipped cream in the middle.


Isn’t it beautiful!   Serve immediately.


Trust me, it’s as tasty as it looks.  A perfect treat for a warm summer night.


Orange Strawberry Tart Crust:  1 batch Hopeful Homemaker’s Basic Shortbread Crust Filling:
1 cup orange marmalade 16 ounces heavy whipping cream 1 tsp. vanilla 1/3 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar 1 pound strawberries Prepare shortbread crust and cool completely.  Spread 1/3 cup marmalade over crust.  Whip cream, adding vanilla and powdered sugar.  Spread whipped cream over marmalade, reserving 1/4 cup.  Rinse and slice strawberries.  In a small bowl, toss strawberries in remaining marmalade.  Carefully spoon strawberries onto tart.  Garnish with remaining whipped cream.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!

Hopeful Homemaker

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