Quilt completed!

I do a little bit of quilting now and then.  I don't consider myself a quilter like my good friend Carol.  She eats, sleeps and breaths quilting...living for that next fabric fix.  I tend to quilt in small spurts...but we do share that love of fabric which results in visits to the amazing "Marshall's Dry Goods" in Batesville, AR. 

I currently live in the Midwest, but make the trek south every chance I get to avail myself of the good company and amazing quilting machine and of course to stock up on fabrics.  My last trip I managed to complete a quilt I had pieced ages ago with an Asian theme.

 

Here is the finished quilt hanging in my room.  Since we lived in northern japan for 8 years, I have my bedroom decorated with things from my time there. 

 Yes, that is a torii, which is a gate found at the entrance to most Shinto Shrines.  

If you are wondering what in the world that is doing in my house...well...I love hgtv which led to a surprise room makeover when my husband was out of town...but that is another story haha

Chicago Adventure

Spent the weekend in Chicago!  An amazing city with so much to see and do.  Highly recommend the GO Pass...attractions can be expensive and add up quickly.  With the pass we saved both money and time...no waiting in lines!  

Parking costs are high so park early for the best rate--$15 for the day, then take the public transport to your destinations. Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will need them!

The sky deck is a must see!  

Sailing on the Tall Ship Windy with pirate Dave.  There are many options for a boat tour but we went with  this old fashioned sailing ship and were treated to colorful pirate tales.  I love that the crew included children in the raising of the sails and firing of the canon!

Field Museum...wish we'd had more time there!

Planetarium!  We spent the day visiting as many  places as we could fit in! 

We were in Chicago to put a family member on an international flight and managed to fit in a day touring.  I would definitely go back just to spend more leisurely time seeing everything.   I often see great airfares to Chicago and now I will pay a little more attention when I see those and look for an opportunity to go back!   

Mug Mats Galore

Love this small looms that can be used for weaving mug mats.  These are a great beginner project!  Fairly quick to make and a nice introduction to weaving.

A mug mat with a cup and some assorted teas makes a nice gift!

Weaving Myself Ragged

 

Have loved working on this red, white and black rug!  


 

Time for Tea

"Tea is the magic key to the vault where my brain is kept". 

                --Francis Hardinge

Morning tea with strips of toast...nothing better to start the day!

Ahhhh, lemon scones...just put a little yellow coloring in half of the icing to make them pretty.

This is a basic oatmeal scone recipe and I used confectionery sugar with a few tablespoons of coffee and a little cream to make the icing. 

Weaving a Chair Mat

My husband made this fantastic loom for me.  I used loops of tshirt material and the stretchy fabric makes a comfortable but durable pad for my folding chair.  

For some strange reason folding chairs have traditionally been an ugly brown color.  I wanted to use one to put at my sewing machine so I spray painted it white and added the woven chair mat.  I'm really pleased with how it came out!  

Mashed Potato Bar

A while ago I came across the idea for a mashed potato bar while watching a wedding  program.  They put out a roaster full of mashed potatoes and trays of favorite toppings.  Margarita glasses were supplied so people could fix their potatoes but be able to walk around and talk and eat rather than having to juggle a plate or find a place to sit.  

I loved this concept and started collecting the brightly colored plastic margarita glasses for this purpose.  Last week we decided to give it a test run with our family.  I peeled a bag of potatoes and after making our favorite mashed potato recipe, I put them in the crockpot to keep warm.

I am a vegetarian so I chose mostly vegetable toppings and some veggie cheese, but the possibilities are endless.  You could invite a group and ask people to bring their favorite toppings.  Fun!!