Hearts Around Table Topper

Scrappy reds are so pretty, and I really like these fabrics with their burgundy and cream colors.  What better motif for scrappy reds than hearts?   This table topper with its hearts facing different ways makes a wonderful centerpiece and everyone has the same view.  Its finished size is about 28 inches square. Start by cutting …

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What’s in YOUR Closet?

January, a new year and good time to do some sweeping out of the old.  This is a perfect time to do a closet clean out.   In a book by the Simplicity pattern company, the statement is made that most people only wear 10% of their clothing 90% of the time.  After years of watching …

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Starting seeds inside

Every January, my mind goes to starting seeds for the spring.  I cannot tell you how many years I have done this, most of the time failing miserably. Either I plant the seeds too soon, or the seedlings get root rot, or never come up at all.  It is why the owner of my local …

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Feather Boot Camp

Quilting feathers.  Is there any other quilting motif that excites us and terrifies us at the same time?  Whether you use a sit down domestic machine or a longarm, feathers can be challenging.   They come out wonderful, or are full of hot dogs and potato chips.  Wait, you are laughing right now aren't you!  Hot …

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New Year’s Good Luck Lunch – Jumpin’ John

It is said that you should do on New Year's Day what you want to do all year long.  So, I played today, did some sewing and crafting, a little creative cooking, and left the laundry alone.  I have a new quilting design in the works and I started on it today.  Here's a sneak …

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New Year’s Eve Fun

There are all sorts of traditions for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  One I have done for many years, and few others seem to know about, is hiding money outside.  I have no idea where it came from.  My mother did it so I do too.  It involves hiding some money outside on …

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December Block of the Month 2014

Ever have one of those times where you just cannot get motivated to finish something? That is how I felt with this last block for the Block of the Month for 2014.  First of all, I did this local quilt store's block of the month club so I could work with batiks and see what …

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Christmas Tablescape and an Appetizer recipe

Whether the celebration is on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the perfect menu needs a pretty setting.  This year I set my table with the Lenox Holiday Tartan china I inherited from my mother.  Red placemats embroidered with green holly leaves and cutwork are at each place, with matching napkins in holly berry metal napkin …

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Holiday Tour of Inns Part 3

This is the last of the Holiday Tour of Inns posts.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing the inside of these wonderful Victorian era homes.  Out in Laurel Park, on top of the mountain is the Echo Mountain Inn.  Just look at the view behind this charming village. The unusual wrought iron railing is decorated …

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Holiday Tour of Inns Part 2

More ideas today from the Holiday Tour of Inns, a day of open houses at local bed and breakfast historic inns.  In the downtown area there are three inns.  The Inn on Church is a block off Main Street. On the front porch was a tree dedicated to finding homes for dogs and cats at …

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