XMAS GNOME WH IS DONE

 Hooray, I finished the "Xmas Gnome" WH on Nov. 10th.

But first let's visit an old WH I made in 2006 and gave away.  It's one I wish I had kept so today I re-sketched the pattern so I can make it in my favorite technique, Replique (upside-down applique).

This is "Partridge in a Pear Tree" from way back when (2006) and is normal applique.  I hope to get one made for myself before Xmas.

Here is the newly finished "Xmas Gnome."  He measures 16 by 18.5 inches.  Perfect for my door.

Today I am choosing fabrics for another sketch, "Friends Sledding."

As you can see, I have more projects to do than I have time but I really enjoy finding new ideas and sketching patterns.  It keeps me off the streets.

Have a good day my friends.

SNOOPY WH IS DONE

The first WH I finished with Snoopy, is this one on my door.

This one has a quote of "Todays Plan, Do Nothing! And if I Finish Early: Nap!"

It measures 12 by 15 inches and I hung it on my door.  I have several others planned.  But in between there are some winter ones that need finishing.

Have a good day.

NEW DISPLAY AREA

 I prepared a new display area in my hallway outside my apt. door.

This gives me more room to showcase my projects.

The long view.  As you can see I make good use of the utility carts and the walker.

The long board at the far end.

I like this new arrangement.  I can showcase more of my wall hangings with this method. 

Onward and upward.

This is my new pressing corner behind my sewing machine.  It makes it so much easier and handier to press the small things. The night light in the extension outlet lets me know if and when my iron is on.  I can just turn Off the switch at the outlet and when I see the light is out, I know my iron is off.  Safer method, I think.

Stay safe my friends.  Til next time....

wishing you all good days!

Casper the Friendly Ghost is finished.

 I finally finished my WH of Casper the Friendly Ghost.

Here he is, my darling Casper.  He measures 12 1/2 by 14 3/4 inches.  I didn't want to add anything specific to make one think of Halloween since I want to use Casper all thru the seasons.

Now I have a decision to make.  What to finish next.

This is my Wall of WIPs which I arranged after all my shifting and tossing and rearranging this month.  I wanted a better place to work my sewing projects.

What to do next?  The mini-quilt has been waiting for about 3 years to get done.  Then there is the Gnome project in Xmas fabrics.  

This little guy is Oscar, who I have the pleasure of dog-sitting now and then when his person has Physical Therapy or Doctor Appointments.  

I also want to take some sketches of him and maybe do a Wall Hanging of the little guy.  He's so adorable.

I also adore the blue Smurfs so I worked a sketch while watching a cartoon on TV the other day.  I need to think about working him into a Wall Hanging.

How about Snoopy sitting in a chair......

Or Snoopy taking his ease in a hammock?

I have other Snoopy sketches, too.

It's decisions like these that make me smile.

I am not sure what will be next, but you can be sure I am back at my sewing machine so something will be under the presser-foot soon.

Wishing all a good day.

"

"BABY ITS COLD OUTSIDE"  is finished.  It measures 16.5 by 16.5 inches square.

Its a winter door hanging so can be used from Nov thru Feb.  I have Xmas Door Hangings I can use for December.

I have also been sketching.

This one is a rabbit and a mouse sledding down a snowy hill.  The sketch is done and the numbers added.  I will be pulling fabric for this one next week.  It's another that can be used throughout the winter months.

This horse is a Carousel horse.  I love Palomino horses so I chose this color scheme.  I have its accoutrements to add but I think I know what I want.  The horse is tacked down as you can see. 

For the rest of the day, I am going to take it easy from sewing and read, read, read.  

Have a nice weekend.

CAROUSEL HORSE SKETCHES

 I thought I would sketch some carousel horses.  They are a favorite of mine so I tried a few.

Here are a couple of the six I sketched.  From these smaller versions I can make a larger pattern any size I want.

Here is the result of one of them, a Carousel Stander.  This will make a horse about 12 inches square.

I will pull fabrics for this sometime this week.  For today, though, I will be doing some reading.  Four books of the Mrs. Pollifax series of mysteries arrived this morning.  Now I have the whole set of 14 books.  

I also need to start a new jigsaw puzzle today since I finished the last one yesterday afternoon.

Have a good day my friends.

Baby Dragon N Friend Door Hanging is complete.

 I know, I know, its been a while since I posted.  I just haven't been very productive in the quilting department.  Today I have a new door hanging to show you.

Here he is.  "Baby Dragon n Friend" has finally arrived.  This measures 13.5 by 16.5 inches and its finally complete in Sept. 2025.  It was on the shelf for much too long, now its on my front door.

 I have not been idle.  I have been sketching many things lately.  The latest subject I love is Snoopy.  Yes, he's so cute and I think I can make a few of him with cute little sayings for my doors.

But first, this project which I take to Craft Mornings here every Thursday.  I needed something to work on by hand and was getting tired of crocheting dish cloths.  

This is my Victorian Lady.  I've done it all hand applique and then added laces to it.  It's not quite finished.  I need to add borders and then I will work hand quilting it on Thursdays.  I really need a hand project or two to keep busy.

Now its on to Snoopy drawings.  Its back to machine Replique for me, my favorite method of making wall hangings.  I started this one first.  I love the background fabric.  Its a favorite. 

In this drawing he's sitting in a chair.  

In a hammock.

I have a few ideas for these, but nothing definite chosen for the sayings as yet.

With fall coming on I hope to keep my sewing mojo on track. I have some winter ideas floating in my head as well.  I drew a rabbit and his buddy a mouse sledding.  I think that will be the next project.

Now my friends, I will end this post.  I hope you enjoyed my pictures.

Have a nice day and a wonderful fall season.

MY PINK IRIS GARDEN IS FINISHED.

It took me quite a while to get this finished, but I did it.  My "Pink Iris Garden" is hanging on my door at last.

PINK IRIS GARDEN.

It measures 20 by 22 inches.  It took me months.

Now I am working on my "Baby Dinosaur n Friend."

I took it to Morning Crafts this week for an opinion.  What should I add to the upper right-hand side, maybe a butterfly?  My neighbor suggested a dragonfly.  How appropriate.  So that will be added by next week, I hope.

Wish me luck.  Have a good day.

EASTER EGG TREE WH IS DONE

 I finished it just in time for Easter.  This is my door hanging, "Easter Egg Tree" 14 by 19 inches.  

I added a little fairy on the left by an egg.  Fairies are a favorite of mine and I often add them to my works.  I am pleased because now I can work on other things.  I have my "Pink Iris Garden" WH to finish and I am working on a baby dragon with friend rabbit WH.  I adore baby dragons.

It's very spring-like today hitting the 60sF and sunshine.  Love this weather.  

Have a good day.

CARDINAL WH FOR A FRIEND.

 I FINISHED A CARDINAL WH FOR A FRIEND WHO WANTED IT FOR A GIFT FOR HER COUSIN.

THIS IS THE CARDINAL  IT MEASURES 14 BY 16 INCHES.  

I HAVE FINALLY STARTED TO SEW FOR SPRING.  I ALSO WORKED ON AN EASTER EGG TREE FOR MYSELF.

I HOPE TO HAVE IT DONE IN TIME.

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE.

E-Z -UNIVERSAL 4-LAYER CASSEROLE

 ITS SO E-Z AND YOU CAN USE WHATEVER YOU HAVE ON HAND AND GET A NICE MEAL FROM IT.

THIS ONE IS 4 LAYERS OF GOODNESS. THIS RECIPE IS FOR AN 8 BY 8 OR  9 BY 9 DISH.  FOR THE LARGER 9 BY 13 DISH, DOUBLE THE INGREDIENTS. 

INGREDIENTS...

BUTTER OR SPRAY YOUR DISH.

LAYER ONE:

MEAT

1/2 TO 3/4 LB. YOUR CHOICE OF PRE-COOKED MEAT.  BROWN GROUND BEEF WITH ONION AND BELL PEPPER IF YOU DESIRE.  THE SAME FOR GROUND SAUSAGE MEAT.  BE SURE TO DRAIN IT.  DICE COOKED CHICKEN BREAST OR THIGHS AND TURKEY OR COUNTRY SPARE RIBS OR PORK CHOPS WHICH WILL WORK TOO.  YOU WANT ENOUGH TO COVER THE BOTTOM OF YOUR DISH.

LAYER TWO: 

YOUR STARCH

6 OZ. EGG NOODLES OR  8 OZ PASTA AS IN ELBOWS OR SHELLS.  PRE-COOK THEM TO AL DENTE STAGE AND DRAIN.  YOU CAN ALSO PRECOOK 2-3 DICED POTATOES, ADDING SOME MELTED BUTTER AFTER THEY'RE COOKED AND DRAINED. JUST POUR THE POTATOES OVER THE MEAT IN YOUR DISH. 

LAYER THREE:

YOUR LIQUID MIXTURE

IN A SMALL BOWL, CHOOSE 1 CAN OF CREAM SOUP AS IN CREAM OF CELERY, CHICKEN, OR MUSHROOM SOUP.  ADD 1/2 CAN MILK OR BROTH.  AN ADDED OPTION:  ADD 4 OZ. SOUR CREAM TO ADD TEXTURE AND CREAMINESS.  STIR TOGETHER.  POUR OVER THE NOODLES EVENLY. 

ATOP THIS LAYER ADD YOUR SEASONINGS AS DESIRED.  SOME GARLIC AND ONION POWDER, SALT, BLACK PEPPER, AND EVEN PAPRIKA.  WHATEVER YOU PREFER.

LAYER FOUR:

YOUR CHEESE TOPPING.

4-6 OZ. SHREDDED CHEDDAR, COLBY, MONTEREY JACK OR MOZZARELLA.  YOU WANT A GOOD MELTING CHEESE.  IF NONE ARE ON HAND, YOU CAN EVEN USE AMERICAN CHEESE SLICES.  BREAK THEM INTO THIRDS AND LAY THE SLICES ACROSS THE DISH EVENLY.

BAKE IN PREHEATED 350-DEGREE OVEN FOR 25 TO 30 MINS. OR UNTIL CHEESE IS MELTED.

OPTIONS:

YOU WANT VEGETABLES?  YOU CAN ADD DEFROSTED FROZEN AND DRAINED AND RINSED (TO WASH OUT EXCESS SALT) OR CANNED VEGETABLES LIKE PEAS, CARROTS, CORN NIBLETS, OR GREEN BEANS.  JUST POUR SOME OVER YOUR STARCH LAYER.

I USED CHICKEN, EGG NOODLES, CREAM OF CELERY SOUP,   AND CHEDDAR CHEESE FOR MINE.  IT WAS DECLARED EXCELLENT BY 2 NEIGHBORS WHO TESTED IT.

AN OPTION:  INSTEAD OF CREAM SOUP ADD A 14 OZ CAN OF DICED TOMATOES.  

THE BEST THING IS YOU CAN TWEAK THIS ANY WAY YOU DESIRE.  AND ITS EASY TO MAKE.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR CASSEROLE.

I FINALLY STARTED A COUPLE OF WALLHANGINGS.

 YES, I AM BEGINNING TO SEW AGAIN.  SO FAR I HAVE CHOSEN FABRICS AND STARTED TACKING TWO OF MY PROJECTS.

THIS IS A CARDINAL A NEIGHBOR WANTS AS A GIFT FOR HER FRIEND.  SHE WANTED TO COMMISION THE ITEM BUT I DO NOT DO COMMISSIONS.  TOO MANY IFS ANDS AND BUTS WHEN ONE PAYS FOR A WORK.  THEY DON'T LIKE THIS OR THEY WANT TO CHANGE THAT.  I TOLD HER I WOULD MAKE A CARDINAL FOR HER AND SHE COULD TAKE IT OR NOT.  MY GIFT TO HER.  I HAVE GIVEN OTHERS AWAY TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS HERE.  I DON'T MIND WHEN I HAVE THE TIME AND THE ENERGY.  NO PROMISES.

THIS IS FOR ME, AN EASTER EGG TREE.  LUCKILY EASTER ISN'T UNTIL APRIL 20TH THIS YEAR SO I HAVE TIME TO MAKE IT.  THERE WILL BE DIFFERENT SMALL-PATTERNED EGGS HANGING FROM THE BRANCHES, SORT OF A DRESDEN PLATE LOOK.

I HAVE ANOTHER, WATERNG CAN OF TULIPS WITH A BUNNY BESIDE THEM BUT THAT CAN WAIT.  ITS A GOOD ONE FOR SPRING AND I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO USE IT FOR THAT PURPOSE.

THAT'S IT FRIENDS.  WISH ME LUCK GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING OF SEWING AGAIN.  

SNOW, SNOW, AND MORE SNOW

ITS FEBRUARY.   WE HAVE BEEN GETTING MORE SNOW.  THIS YEAR IT SEEMS THAT TWICE A WEEK WE GET FROM 2 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW HERE IN SOUTHERN MAINE.

LAST YEAR IT WAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT STORY WITH ONLY ABOUT 3 STORMS OVER 3 INCHES.  WHAT A CHANGE.

I HAVE BEEN IDLE FOR THE MOST PART.  I COOK EVERY WEEK AND ENJOY SHARING MY CASSEROLES WITH MY NEIGHBORS.  BUT AS FOR SEWING, ITS BEEN ON HOLD FOR A LONG WHILE NOW.  I JUST DO NOT HAVE THE URGE TO SEW LATELY.  I HAVE 3 PROJECTS ON THE DRAWING BOARD FOR SPRING, BUT HAVE YET TO START THEM BEYOND THEIR SKETCHES.

THAT'S IF FROM ME TODAY.  I HOPE TO POST MORE SOON.  HAVE A GOOD DAY. 

LATEST QUILT DESIGN IS A BLUEBIRD

SPRING IS COMING.  I NEED TO GET SOME SPRING WALL HANGINGS DONE.  FOR THIS PURPOSE I AM DRAWING SOME BIRDS.

THIS IS BY BLUEBIRD SKETCH....

I WILL BE CHOOSING SUITABLE FABRICS FOR THIS ONE.

I ALSO DREW A RED CARDINAL .

MAY WAIT FOR FALL TO WORK ON THAT ONE.  ITS MORE A WINTER ONE.

I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED.

ENJOY YOUR DAY.

YES, I'M STILL HERE.

 I KNOW IT'S BEEN AGES SINCE I POSTED.

I HOPE TO POST MORE OFTEN IN FUTURE.  MY POSTS THESE DAYS WILL BE LIMITED TO RECIPES AND QUILTING.

AND YES I AM POSTING IN CAPS, NOT TO YELL, BUT FOR A FEW OF MY FRIENDS WITH VISION ISSUES.  THE CAPS MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO READ MY BLOG.

I AM INTO EASY RECIPES WHICH MEAN A LOT IN CASSEROLES AND SOUPS.  I HAVE TRIED A FEW LATELY AND HAVE ADDED THEM TO MY RECIPE BOX.

THE NEXT TIME I TAKE PICTURES OF MY DISH, I WILL POST IT.

MAINLY I SHOULD TELL YOU THAT MOST OF MY BEST DISHES COME FROM YOUTUBE COOKS: THE HILLBILLY KITCHEN, MEME'S RECIPES, AND CATHERINE'S PLATES.  THEY DO GOOD WORK.  YOU SHOULD CHECK INTO THEIR SITES AND WATCH SOME OF THEIR RECIPES IN ACTION.  

I WILL BE SEE YOU AGAIN SOON.