Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday. It's the first one since he died last August. He was a wonderful man. Here is he and my mom on their wedding day, January 11, 1947.

Happy Birthday Dad! I miss you and love you!

Sweet P

Two FInishes On My Weekend

I was a busy girl on my weekend.

Yesterday morning I finished my Corcra Cloak. These photos are not the best. We had to keep an eye on Mr. E while taking them. This photo shows me wearing the cloak with the hood up.

Here is a photo of just the back of the cloak.

I've also been working on PJ pants for Mr. E. So far I have finished one plaid pair. I love this fabric. It was a line of fashion fabrics called British Frenzy we had at the store. The fabric washed up great with no wrinkles and very little shredding of the exposed edges.
I have two more pairs of PJs that need the hems and waists sewn in and one pair of pants that only need a hem. The pattern is from Sewing for Boys. I love this book. I've read quite a few good reviews of the book and I agree with all of them. If you have little boys in your life, and you sew, you need this book.

I haven't forgotten about my pantry organization. My studio closet reorganizing just took over for awhile. I'll be working on the pantry again soon.

Until next time,
Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

Mr. E was confused on Monday night because Grampa wasn't here. We took him outside and this is what he started doing:

I'll be back later with sewing and crochet finishes. I have been busy the last few days.

Sweet P

More Studio Organizing

I made more progress on my studio re-organizing this morning.

The closet is close to getting full.

I found the top of the work table.

And the day bed is made.

I sorted through my yarn bags under the day bed this morning. I have filled the four Skubb shoe bags I bought two weeks ago and put all of them in the closet. One bag holds baby yarn, two bags hold yarn I received in swaps and the last one holds my stash of Sunflower Yarns. The Lingo bags are under the bed. They have acrylic and other miscellaneous yarn purchases stashed in them. I pulled out about 5 or 6 crochet bags that are oh, so close to being finished and put them in the pine cart. Some of them only need an hour or two to finish.

After contemplating what to do about my fabric WIPs I have created a plan:

1. If I absolutely love the project, I am keeping it.
   
2. If the WIP is from a swap, I am keeping it.
3. If most of the blocks are sewn together or the top is nearly done, it has gone into the donate pile.
4. If the fabric is stashed together for a specific project, but not cut, the fabric is going into my general stash pile.

I used this plan to sort through the picnic basket of WIPS and it works. Now I only have one large tub of WIPs to work through.

There are six more organizing/decluttering projects I want to do in the studio:

1. Our artwork that had been in the basement needs to get hung in the basement or stored down there.
   
2. There is still one more closet to clean and perhaps have Rick build out.
3. My bookcase is overflowing. I will probably be getting rid of my quilting books, just have to decide how.
4. I need to figure out where/how to store my embroidery kits and tools.
5. I have a small stand that will be leaving the room and the pine cart is taking its place.
6. I need to revamp my studio wall where I hang tote bags, scarves and other hanging objects.

Not sure on the timeline for these projects. At least the room is presentable and usable for now.

BTW, thanks for the encouragement to draw the cauldron and the swirls. I am thinking about it.

Sweet P

I Want To Make This . . .

Do you see the gorgeous piece on the right? The boiling cauldron with all the colorful swirls? I want to stitch it. I want to stitch it using counted canvas stitches.
I do not want to pay $16.95 for the magazine! Even when I can use a 40% or 50% coupon I'm not sure I want to buy the magazine. Anyone know where I can find a similar pattern?

Sweet P

Studio Closet Update

Well, I just spent about two hours putting items into my new closet space. Not quite done, but I'll share my progress.

For starters, here is what the closet looked like before it was emptied. The two plastic carts at the bottom will find a new use storing Mr. E's toys. One at his house and one here. The white pine cart is going elsewhere in the studio and will also be used for Mr. E stuff. We are keeping the shelving for now in case we want to use it in one of the other closets.

Here it is with the new shelves installed and ready to be filled.

From left to right on the floor: a tub of fabric WIPs, a table top easel, my sewing machine in its travel case and a picnic basket full of Christmas fabric. On the next shelf, (L to R), there is a small basket of WIPs, a container of batting and interfacing scraps, a pattern box and two baskets of yarn.
Next are the remaining shelves top to bottom. On the top are photo boxes, family mementos and a couple of fabric WIPs. The next shelf is currently holding all non-cotton fabric. Next shelf has all cotton fabric on the left and WIPs on the right. The next shelf has eight boxes of fat quarters and charms, a container of polka dot fabric, a box of buttons and trims, a box of assorted bindings and another small stack of interfacing. The two purple shoe bags on the right contain more yarn. On the left bottom shelf you find my floss and embroidery thread containers. On the right is a container of crochet WIPs and one more basket of yarn.
I still have a stack of home dec fabrics to sort through that will end up on the non-cotton shelf. I have three or four bags of yarn under the bed that may find a home in the closet as I still have two purple shoe bags to use. I need a basket for fabric pieces smaller than a yard, but larger than a fat quarter. I have one the perfect size and I'm going to ask my carpenter to cut off the handles as it's too tall for the shelves. It will probably go on the shelf with my floss and threads.

In the process of sorting and sifting I had the opportunity to clean out the cupboard space in my work island. It now holds all my paper crafting and scrapbooking supplies. On the top left shelf is a stack of scrapbook papers and a container of items for Mr. E's scrapbook. On the right are scrapbooks and boxes of cards. The bottom shelf has a basket of embellishments, a basket of stamps and ink, a box of decorative scissors, my Prismacolor pencils and a box of clay.
There is still a lot of organizing and rearranging to be done. A little bit each day will get the room into a place that will be shared by me and Mr. E.

How do you decide how to get rid of WIPs? I couldn't make the decision to throw away or donate many of my WIPs. I know I will never make them. I just don't know what to with them. Thoughts or comments?

Sweet P

If You Need Me . . .

I'm working with this pile today. . .

Our carpenter is coming over tonight to build out one of my studio closets with wood shelves tonight. When he is done I will have five shelves that will be 57" by 22", one high shelf: 57" by 12" and floor space will be 18" high.

This is what the space looked like before I emptied it out on Saturday

Hopefully I'll have an update on it later this week.

Sweet P

Tropical Storm Irene

We survived Tropical Storm Irene on Sunday with food and fun. We lost power from 1 pm on Sunday until 5:45 pm on Monday evening.

Before the power was gone I made another batch of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffin Minis. Hotel Man has dubbed them Dema-kins. I changed up the batter this time. I added 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to it. I filled 12 mini cupcake tins then added 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa to the remaining batter. They were delicious this way. Next time I make them I'm going to skip dipping them in butter and cinnamon sugar and try a different topping.

A couple hours after we lost power mommy, daddy and Mr. E came over. They brought over Monopoly and we started a game. Mr. E wanted to be included in the game.

Instead I remember I purchased Candyland last Christmas for $1 and quickly retrieved the game from the game closet. He and I sat at his little table across from the big table and played the game. Well, at least, he looked at the cards and found the matching colors on the board. He knew how to follow the Candyland trail too.

I managed to sneak in two more Amazing Color squares during the day too, Squares A7 and A8.

Last month I stitched a Critron Shawl for myself. You need to a member of Ravelry to see the pattern. I used Fitzwilliam Yarn from Sunflower Yarns in Coral. The pattern is nothing but single stitches. After a while it got boring so I often put it down and worked on something else.

I though the edge was a boring so I stitched a simple Picot stitch to finish it off.

That's what's happening around here. Tomorrow night Hotel Man and I are going to the New England Patriots final pre-season game. On Friday he has to fly to Chicago for the day and I'm hanging out in Boston by myself. For the weekend we will be at the Deutsche Bank Golf Championship. It's become our annual tradition to spend the weekend there. Last year I brought a small crochet project with me to work on one day while sitting on the 11th green. This year I'm bringing yarn to stitch washcloths.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Sweet P

Recipe for Brunswick Stew

I had a couple requests for the Brunswick Stew recipe. Here it is. I'll be back later with stitching updates.

Brunswick Stew
From Light Cooking for Two

4 - 4 oz. chicken breasts, skinned and boned
2 c. water
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 c. cubed potato
1 c. sliced celery
1 c. chopped onion
1 14.5 oz. can no-salt-added whole tomatoes
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen Lima beans, thawed
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. hot sauce

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until chicken is tender.

Remove chicken from broth; skim fat from broth, reserving broth. Remove and discard bay leaves. Shred chicken and return to Dutch oven. Add potato and next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Yield 2 quarts. Serving Size 1 cup.

To Freeze: Place 2 cups stew in each of 4 heavy-duty, zip top freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month.

To Serve 2: Thaw one bag in refrigerator or microwave oven. Place stew in saucepan and cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.

I generally freeze 1 cup single serving portions as this is often our work lunch meal.

Happy Cooking!

Sweet P

Power Cooking

Ethan, mommy and I had a power cooking session this morning.

First we started a pot of Brunswick Stew.

This will be frozen into single servings for lunches.

Then we filled the crock pot with Chicken Taco Soup for dinner tonight.

Then we made of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffin Minis.
These were simple to make and super delicious.
I may never buy Munchins again!

Even my taste tester agrees about the muffins.
He had to show me his hands when he was done with his first muffin!

And, last, but not least, we had lunch. Mr. E is a Special Agent Oso fan and we surprised him last night with his own Agent Oso bear. Oso sat at Mr. E's table with him and Mr. E shared his lunch with him (see the potato chip in front of Oso?)

What did you do today?

Sweet P (and mommy and Mr. E and Special Agent Oso)

Amazing Color, More Squares and Staying Organized

I've stitched three more squares on Amazing Color this week: B3, B4 and B5. This project is still proving to be fun and challenging at the same time.
I thought I would share how I am keeping organized for this project. After all, the pattern squares are printed twelve to a page, six on each side, plus there is a blank grid page for marking off squares as you stitch them and a page of threads and directions. That means keeping track of about 20 pages. So, I have repurposed a covered notebook I made a few years ago and it's working out well for me.
On the inside of the notebook there are pockets. This is where I keep a pen, pencil and a few needles. I bought a zipper pencil case at the dollar store and keep threads in it until I need a specific thread.
The pattern pages are kept in plastic sleeves. I'm only using five sleeves so there a few pages visible at a time. On each square I have written in what thread to use since I am not using her original colors but an alternate set of threads.
I bought a set of bobbin pages for storing threads as they are needed. As you can see in the photo I have used 14 of the 27 colors so far. The DMC colors are in the two left rows and the Weeks Dye Works threads are on the right. I will probably separate the two sets once I use enough colors to finish up one side or the other.
How do you keep your projects organized?

Sweet P

Let's Talk Breakfast and Starting my Pantry List

Welcome to my first post on building my pantry list. When I was trying to decide how to build my pantry list I said to myself, "Why not start with the first meal of the day?" Seems logical to me, doesn't it? I can't recall reading any books or articles on building pantry lists that talk about including breakfast in your planning. Yet, breakfast is the first meal of the day. It can make or "break" the rest of your day.

I'm a breakfast eater. I have to eat within 15 minutes of getting out of bed or my day doesn't go right at all. First activity in the kitchen is brewing a pot of coffee made from freshly ground coffee beans. I get my coffee beans from Boca Java. The coffee beans are roasted to order and my order of 7 bags is delivered to me every 7 weeks. Since we started ordering from them in 2003 I have only run out of coffee once and that's because I forgot to plan ahead for holiday company.

A few of my favorite mugs

I am not a fan of flavored coffees like Caramel Kiss or Hazelnut or Blueberry. I prefer bold, dark roasts with a shot of cream. Speaking of creams I started mixing my own liquid creamer a few months ago and love it. Here's the recipe:

Liquid French Vanilla Cream
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk (this is the only way I add a touch of sweetness to my coffee)
2 1/4 - 2 1/2 cups milk (I use whole milk)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pour ingredients into a blender and give them a whirl. Store in the refrigerator.

I have used cinnamon extract and almond extract for part of the vanilla extract. They were a nice addition, but not something I do all the time.

This creamer is also great for iced coffee. When a pot of coffee is finished brewing I pour myself a cup ( and hubby, if he's up) and then pour the rest into a thermal carafe. If there is any coffee left by the end of the morning I pour it into a pitcher in the fridge. If I want an iced coffee I use the coffee from the fridge with the flavored cream. It's yummy!

Enough about coffee . . . what do we eat for breakfast? I have to have toast or bagel or an English muffin or a muffin with my coffee. When I work early in the morning I'll have that for breakfast, then when I make the bank run I'll often stop at McDonald's and buy an oatmeal. Hubby is not a breakfast eater during the week. He survives on coffee until lunch time.

Sundays are big breakfast day in our house and that's the day hubby cooks breakfast. We'll have bacon, eggs, toast/bagel and baked beans. Once in a while I'll make Buttermilk Pancakes. This is the best recipe for making pancakes and like the recipe says, you can make them ahead and keep them in the fridge.

Mr. E helping me make pancakes

Mr. E is here for breakfast on Tuesday mornings. He has become a "toast and orange juice" boy. He likes to choose between butter or peanut butter on the toast. He will also ask for a "nana" if I have them on the counter.

We are not cereal eaters anymore, although once in a while hubby like to have a bowl for breakfast.

Now to start building my Pantry List. I'm not sure yet where the list is taking me or what it's final form will be. So, for now I will list every ingredient for making the breakfasts as described above. Who knows how the list will evolve over the next few weeks.

• coffee (delivered every eight weeks)
• whole milk
• sweetened condensed milk
• pure vanilla extract
• half and half (for hubby's coffee)
• sugar
  
• bread/bagel/English muffin/muffin
• cream cheese
• peanut butter
• spreadable butter
  
• oatmeal
• dried cranberries
• brown sugar
• dry cereal
  
• eggs
• bacon
• baked beans
• unsalted butter
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• kosher salt
• buttermilk
• vegetable oil
• pure maple syrup
• orange juice
• bananas

Wow! That's a lot of items for the first meal of the day. I already know several of them will be used throughout the day and won't be repeated. But who knows what else will show up on the final list.

What do you usually eat for breakfast?

A Food Discussion

I'm a foodie. I like food. I like to grocery shop. I like to cook and bake and eat.

This was our dinner last night: Espresso Rubbed Sirloin, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Corn and Bean Salad and Honey Grain Bread.

Can someone explain to me when and why grocery shopping and cooking became a chore and a hassle? I'm tired of reading articles and books written with the promise of easier shopping and cooking if you follow a few simple steps.

I recently purchased The Stocked Kitchen book. The premise of the book is a good one. Let us provide you a list of food to keep in your pantry and freezer and we'll give you a book of recipes to cook from that food. There is one line in the book that intrigues me: you should treat your family like they are a guest in your house for dinner. What an awesome philosophy. It's the best line I've read about cooking for your family.

I intend to start building my own pantry list built around our favorite recipes. Would you like to join me in the process? I think it would be a fun way to work through the couple months to get ready for the holidays.

Let's make every meal a special meal in our homes.

Sweet P

Projects from July

While looking my photos today I realized I made a couple of projects for a friend's wedding and hadn't shared them yet.

We have this awesome fabric in the store. All of us love it. I decided to make a new vacation bag for me before we went on vacation. I took the time to fussy cut the fabric so there is a bird on the front of the bag:

And the other bird on the back.

I ordered silk dupioni from the Silk Baron and had a friend sew me a dress for the wedding. From the leftover fabric I stitched a matching clutch,

With a fun lining!

Hubby was the best man and here we are all dressed up for the wedding.

The shawl was made from a remnant of a Simply Silky fabric from the store. It matched the dress perfectly.

Sweet P

Amazing Color - 4 Squares Added

Since last Thursday (mostly the last two days) I've stitched four more Amazing Color squares. I am constantly amazed at how a black and white stitch diagram comes to life with colorful floss. This project is almost, I repeat, almost better than eating chocolate!


Sweet P

Mr. E's Race

The other night Mr. E and Grampa raced on the deck before dinner.

I'm not sure who won, but I know Ethan slept for 10 hours that night!

Sweet P

Recession Swap Goodies and a New Crochet Project

Last month I participated in a Recession Special swap on Ravelry. The goal was to spend less than $15 on the package that was to include something handmade, yarn from your stash and one goodie. Let me show you what I made for my partner.

First I made this washcloth using Lily Sugar 'N Cream cotton yarn.
The pattern was designed by a friend on Ravelry.

Then I made three more washcloths with the same yarn.

She asked me to sew her something so I made her a knitting needle case with butterfly fabric.

My swap partner sent me a pair of purple knitted socks.

And here is the rest of her package: homemade strawberry jam, hand spun yarn and note cards.

I started a new crochet project on Saturday. The Ruadh Shawl has been speaking to me ever since I saw the pattern on Ravelry. I'm not a fan of red so I went in search of a plum heather. I found the perfect yarn in my store: Bernat Satin in Plum Mist Heather. I'm name my shawl Corcra, the Irish word for purple. I started the cable edging on Saturday and am already half done with the edging. It's a fun project so far.
My stitching muse is still calling to work on Amazing Color and I've promised her that I will work one skein of yarn in the shawl and then stitch a square or two. It can be hard work listening to my different muses.

How do you listen to your Muses?

Sweet P

Amazing Color - 3 Squares Added

I'm loving this project. I may not put it down until I finish it! I've stitched three more squares since Tuesday. So far I have used seven of the 27 colors. I love the color combos so far!
Now I must it down for a few minutes while I tidy up the house. Hotel Man comes home tonight and I want the place to look presentable.

Do you have plans for the weekend? I have a girl's night scheduled for tomorrow night. We are going to see Wizard of Oz at a local park. I do work and my "weekend" isn't until Monday. Then I plan on doing a deep clean of the house.

The mudding and skimming is almost done in the basement. It will be time for a few more update photos next week. Stay tuned!

Sweet P

Amazing Color - The Beginning

Back in May I finished my first counted canvas project: Tahiti by Needle Delights. I still have not framed it. Maybe someday that will happen.
Then I bought another one of her designs, Amazing Color. Yesterday I decided to start it while Mr. E was napping. I finished one of the 216 squares, A1. Each square is one inch in size. It took me about an hour to stitch it.

Between making dinner and another 30 minutes I was able to stitch square A2.

This project could be addicting. Each square is it's one mini project. Just the right size when I want to feel like I stitched a complete project.

Who knows how long it will take me to make it. If each square does take an hour, that's a lot of time spent stitching. I'm OK with the time, though. After all, I am a Process creator.

Are you working on any new projects?

Sweet P