So close...and yet so far...

My Christmas quilt, Frolic is moving along...not completely at a snails pace...but not speedily either? 

I've been working on the largest panel, The Christmas Village, and it's taken a good amount of time.  It's a tricky piece because it's 50.5 inches long.  Which is a lot of fabric that you have to hold folded up in your hands.  And then to try and sew!  Uhhhggg!  Painful.  The other problem is that parts of the trees and tall buildings extend above this panel into the panel above.

But it's not that simple, no it isn't.  Because I can't sew that upper panel until I've completed this lower panel due to the large and unwieldy size...so let's just say, I had to get creative.

The instructions say to sew as much of the lower panel as possible before sewing on the top panel.  Okay.  So this is what I did to help make it more manageable.  After I got my pieces in place and ironed on (I am using fusible web), I folded up the side that I wasn't working on.  So instead of twisting and turning 50.5 inches, it was more like 10.  Much easier.  I then sewed it a bit at a time, folding and refolding the excess fabric, on both sides as I went.  Beware of piercing your flesh due to excess pins all over.

Notice how parts of this are hanging off the top.  That's what I'm talking about.  Tricky.

I simply sewed up to a point where I felt I could safely fold down the tops and not have them get caught in the sewing machine when I sewed the other panel on.  Worked great!  I cut it a little close a few times.  Phew!

The other difficulty I had was, it's seriously thick with the fusible web.  Not only am I sewing through 4 or 5 layers of fabric at times, but then you also are sewing through the adhesive...while holding onto 50.5 inches of unwieldy quilt panel!  I had to be creative.  The Mister wonders why I prick myself so much with the needle.  Because you're supposed to.  How else am I supposed to know if the needle is in the right position and ready to shift upwards?  Huh?  He is concerned for the health of my pricking finger.  It's pretty rough and calloused.

Buildings are mostly tacked down and looking cute.  Time for snow...another tricky situation...

There are snow banks that go up and down around the buildings and trees.  Some things are placed higher than others, so I didn't want to run into the situation where my snow didn't go high enough.  I cut out a large piece of my snow fabric and pinned it on, making sure that it was high enough everywhere!

With my pattern as a guide, I drew on where I wanted my snow to bank and proceeded to cut.

I think sewed it on using my sewing machine.  This is really a mutli-sewing-method project.  turn under applique, machine applique, and blanket stitch by hand.  It's okay, you don't hardly notice a difference.  It all looks cute.

Now sew the upper panel.  Do you see those blank green spots.  That's where the tops of trees and buildings go.

Pin down your tops and start praying...as you can see this is where I went a touch too close to the top. But it worked out.  Then pray that when you iron your seam allowance flat that you will also iron your tops in the correct spot.

Here is everything hanging on my project wall.  Sorry it's so dark, it's down in the basement.  But as you can see I now have the bottom panel all sewn together.  Now I just have to add the embellishments and faces on the snowman and I will be 1/3 done with the top.  I mean, come on!  That's amazing!

Quilting with excitement.  Christmas is coming!

Thanks for reading!

Heather

You better watch out, you better not cry...

That's right, gotta get working on the never-ending Christmas quilt.

Here's some shots of what I have done so far...by the way, I love making this with the bright, spring colors.  It's unusual for Christmas, but so darn cute!

I have been working on this...for two years now...It's called Frolic and while I really really like it, I had no anticipation of finishing it this year...or in the next decade due to my chosen applique method.  I was doing what is called freezer paper applique.   Too slow!  Too much work.  And...

I wasn't loving how it was turning out. I am not an accurate enough turn-under appliquer to keep going with this method.  As you can see from the above picture, that's a panel I get to remake...because...yeah, not awesome.

Luckily I took a class and it reminded me that Fusible Web Applique is a better option.  It's easy.  It looks exactly like you cut it out.  So, even though I was half-way done with the quilt, I was changing my sewing method.   Everything from this point onward, is fusible web applique...and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to leave it like that.  Half fusible web applique and half freezer paper applique...and I think I'm okay with it.  We'll see. 

I believe in sewing for fun.  I know that if I have to remake every panel I will have anger issues towards it, and it won't be fun. So, I have to resign myself to having it half and half and only fix the ones that I completely hate.  Like the one above...unless I decide I have to fix them all...to be determined.

So, that's some of what I've already made...get ready in a bit to see the new, and I hope, better ones!  SO EXCITED!  Oh, and by the way...60% sure this may be ready by this Christmas.  Cross fingers.

Thanks for reading!

Heather

Rainbow Pico de Gallo

Got tomatoes...you should make some delicious and healthy, homemade pico de gallo.  Forget the fact that something so good for you...goes on chips....which then in turn makes it less healthy.  It's just so yummy!

In my garden, I try to mainly plant heirlooms.  I feel more connected to the gardening heritage this way.  I feel like these seeds have been treasured and handed down through generations.  So, there's something special about them.  Besides the fact that they taste better than any tomato you will ever buy in a grocery store...hands down.  The Mister hates tomatoes...unless they are grown in our family plot.  Store-bought tomatoes have almost zero flavor and the texture is so rubbery.  A home-grown heirloom tomato is overflowing with flavor and bursts in your mouth with juicy goodness.

The only problem with homemade pico de gallo is...the chopping.  There is a ton of chopping involved.  And somehow, my kitchen always turns into a disaster zone when I make it.  There's tomato juice running down my arm and dripping onto the floor.  Bits of onion and pepper escape when getting chopped and hide under the cutting board.  Cilantro gets strewn every directions and clings to my cabinets...so, just be aware that making this will take you a bit more time than you think.  Because you've got to chop everything fresh!!!  But it's worth it.  Especially if you can convince The Mister to clean up because...he loves you doesn't he?  And didn't you make him the tastiest dinner ever?  Eyelash flutter, flutter, flutter...ahem...

Heirloom Rainbow Pico De Gallo

A giant pile of freshly picked, ripe heirloom tomatoes.  Some of the variety I have here are Green Zebra, Black Cherry, Yellow Plum and Fox Cherry
1/2 to 1 onion, any variety will do
1/2 to 1 jalapeno pepper.  I had some Padron peppers and so I chopped a couple of those along with 1/2 of a jalapeno. 
1 bunch cilantro
1-2 limes, including the lime zest of one of them.  I know, the zest right?  Oh, it makes such a difference.  Do the zest part, you won't regret it.
garlic salt
salt and pepper

***Remember, before we get started, make this how you like it.  If you like more onion flavor...bump up the onions, if you don't like cilantro, ditch it.***

Chop up your tomatoes.  As I was mostly using cherry variety, I quartered mine.  This is a larger chop than you will usually find in pico de gallo, but it was so good!  Put in a medium bowl.
Dice your onion.  I would say that I typically like a proportion of 2/3 tomato to 1/3 onion.  Add to bowl.
Chop up your peppers.  Watch this.  If you don't like too much spicy, get rid of the ribs and seeds...but don't touch any sensitive body parts until after you've washed your hands with soap and water...even then, be careful.  Add to bowl.
Chop up your cilantro quite fine.  Add to bowl.
Zest your lime.  Add to bowl.
Squeeze in the lime juice from one lime.  Depending on how juicy it is, you might not need the other one.
Add salt and pepper to taste...but not too much salt because you are also going to add some...
Add garlic salt to taste. 

Taste.  Does it need more salt?  Lime Juice?  Onion?  Go ahead and add it now.  Taste again.  Now taste again and this time do it with a chip.  It is very important to get the seasoning right with pico de gallo.

Enjoy and devour...maybe on some...

Homemade nachos. 

Here's a quick recipe for homemade nachos using Heirloom Rainbow Pico de Gallo

Corn chips
Taco meat
cheddar cheese
nacho cheese...yes both kinds
pico de gallo
guacamole
sour cream

Okay, so what you do is this...

Make your taco meat.  I just brown the beef.  Add some black beans or kidney beans or both, including their juice.  Taco seasoning and simmer.  You want to reduce the amount of liquid so you don't get soggy nachos.

Throw your chips on a baking sheet.  Top with shredded cheddar.  Broil on high for a minute or until meltsy. 

Portion chips onto individual plates.  Drizzle with some melted nacho cheese.  Top with some taco meat.  On top of the taco meat put a large scoop of pico de gallo, some homemade guacamole and some sour cream. 

Eat and enjoy the good end of summer tomato life.

House Haunts by Heather...Inspiration Cafe

Welcome to the Inspiration Cafe. It's Heather this week, and I am so excited to get you inspired to do something....sewing.

Halloween is almost here. I know,  don't blink or anything. That is why I am taking the time today, in September, to help you get some Halloween decor ready before Halloween...because that's how I typically make decorations for holidays.  Once they are over I get things done and then can't use them until the following year.  So, we're getting started early.

I felt my house needed some haunts.  Kinda like Halloween groupies.  They hang around giving my house some ambiance, make us feel a little spooky...make my kids need to have the hall light on all night while they sleep...you know, things like that.  I also wanted to give you two options.  One you can make with a sewing machine and one to make by hand with a needle and thread.  Both are easy and cute....and they take very little time. Which for me, counts for a lot when it comes to making decorations.  I love to get inspired and be able to make something in an hour flat.

Sewing Machine option

1. Get some fabric. Whatever fits your Halloween style. I am using old lady mauve's and Grandpa grays because of this ghastly wall hanging.

2.  Cut alternating strips of fabric.  Anywhere from 2" wide to .75" wide.  And sew them together.  I wasn't too concerned with the length, as long as they were at least 8.5" long...I knew that I would trim it up later.

3.  Make a ghostly shape.  I roughly cut a piece of white fabric and just made sure it would basically fit and then cut it into a sperm...I mean, spirit shape.  The Mister just has a dirty mind.

4.  Start stitching around the edge of your ghost.  This is a rough-edge project so don't worry about turning the edges under...you want it to look a bit ragged.  I found that sewing around the edge 3 times produced the look I was going for.

Then draw on the face.

5.  Now you've got to fill in the eyes and mouth.  I went straight down all the way across and then started a zig zag up and down.  You don't want it to be completely solid....keep going until you like the look.   You also want to sew around the edge to give the mouth and eyes a defined look.

6.  Add a border around the whole thing.  And voila.  Now, I actually made mini quilts out of my House Haunts, so I sandwiched them with batting and another layer of fabric.  Then threw on the binding.  You do to whatever level you feel confident with.

I made two haunts using this method.  The Mister says this one is better.  I like the first one best.

Hand Sewing Option

1.  Cut a block of fabric to size.  This was 8.5" x 8.5".  Cut out your ghostly shape.  As you can see, I just chose a fabric that I liked.  No sewing involved...yet.

2.  Outline it using 2 strands of embroidery floss in your needle.  I found that outlining it twice with embroidery thread was perfect versus 3 rows with the sewing machine.

3.  When hand sewing the eyes and mouth, I found it was easier to break the ovals up into about 3rds for the vertical lines.  Then sew horizontally and slantwise across it to start filling it in.

4.  Make sure to outline around them for a nice defined shape.  Throw on a border around the edge if you want.  You can totally hand sew a border on.  I cut mine purposely wonky.  Just make sure you put your front sides together and do an even running stitch across.  Then press.  All good!

Now welcome your house haunts home...don't mind my pink walls.  My sewing room is the kids former play room.

Happy Halloween in a month and a half.

Thanks for reading.

Heather

True Love...Dessert Bar Style

I have loved these bars for a long time.  Ever since I was in...we'll just call it...college...and my roommate brought these to my folks house for dinner one Sunday.  She claimed she had made them herself, and ohhhhh, the cries of joy that sang from the rafters that day.  Alas, she didn't make them herself.  She worked at Starbucks and brought them from the pastry case.  Every Christmas season Starbucks brings these little beauties out and I am in heaven.  Beans and Brews for coffee and teas...Starbucks for Cranberry Bliss Bars.

So, a few weeks ago when I was asked to bring dessert for a family function, I immediately thought about re-creating these!  My bro-in-law is allergic to chocolate, oh, the horror.  So, I typically try to make something that he can eat.  My husband's family thought they were the best dessert ever in the history of the world!!!  Or pretty darn close to the best dessert ever  and my brother-in-law who, many times has to forgo dessert, was over the moon for them.

I got the recipe from this website and only changed it a bit.  I even went so far as to buy the correct size pan for these, 10 x15.  Who has a baking pan that size?  Unthinkable.  Next time though I will just use my 9 X 13.  They might be a bit thicker, but not by much.  Also, go buy the orange extract that it calls for.  I know, I know, I didn't have it on hand either but, by golly, it's an important part of this recipe!  Do it.  I mean it.

Cranberry Bliss Bars...Starbucks knock-off
adapted from Cookin' Diva on Food.com

Bars
2 Sticks butter, softened
1 C. Brown Sugar
1/3 C. Sugar
3 Eggs
2 tsp. Orange Extract
2 C. Flour   Plus a tiny bit for coating the cranberries before they go in the batter
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp ground ginger (next time I'm going to put finely diced candied ginger in it...oh yeah)
3/4 C. Dried Cranberries
3/4 C. White Chocolate Chips

Frosting
3 oz. Cream Cheese, softened  (you can buy exactly 3 oz of cream cheese in your dairy section. Perfect.  Because if you're like me, you are never going to use the rest of the huge block of cream cheese and it's just going to sit in your fridge taking up space for a good few weeks until you wise up and toss it.)...ahem...
2 Tbl. Butter, softened
3 C. Powder Sugar
1/2 tsp. canola or veg oil

Topping
1/3 C. Dried Cranberries, chopped
Grated orange peel.  Just grate the entire orange using a micro-plane zester...use all the zest
1/3 C. White Chocolate Chips
1/2 tsp. canola or veg oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. 

Prepare you baking dish by first spraying it all over with non-stick spray.  Then cut a piece of parchment so that it fits perfectly in the pan.

Prepare your bars by mixing your butter and sugars in a mixer until nice and fluffy.  Approximately 5 minutes.  Add eggs and orange extract and mix until just blended.  Add the remaining dry ingredients except for the cranberries and mix until just combined.  Place your cranberries and white chocolate chips in a small bowl and put about a tablespoon of flour in and coat completely.  (By doing this step, you are going to prevent the cranberries and chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the pan...it's important.  Do it.)  Once you have coated with flour, fold chips and cranberries into your batter.

Spread batter in your prepared pan and cook for 18 to 28 minutes, depending on pan size, until very lightly browned.  You don't want to over cook this otherwise it will be too crumbly.  Make sure a toothpick comes out clean.  Set aside and cool completely.

Time to make the frosting.

In mixer, combine cream cheese and butter until nicely mixed and fluffy.  Add orange extract and powder sugar and mix until fluffy.  You may need to add a Tbl or so of milk if it's too thick.  Spread over cooled bars.

Now for the topping.

Sprinkle cranberries and orange zest on top of the frosting.

Combine the oil and white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds at a time until the chocolate is just starting to melt. Stir until completely melted. Drizzle over the top of bars. Allow the chocolate to harden before cutting.

If you want to be like Starbucks, cut into triangles. Devour on sight. My family loved these. The Mister couldn't stop eating them. Please, if you want a non-chocolaty dessert that's sure to please, this is the ticket. Because, well, white chocolate doesn't really count as chocolate...right?  Right, it has no cocoa in it, so not chocolate.

So pretty, and so yummy.

They were so good that I couldn't even center the camera properly, I just wanted to gobble these down.

Thanks for reading!

Heather

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If you like this recipe, check these out:

Dirty Chai

Heath Bits Toffee Butter Cookies

Triple Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies with Fresh Cranberries

 

Lemon Lime Creamy Dream Bars