Sunday Fun Day!

Finally found a way to hang my temporary design wall (aka flannel backed vinyl tablecloth). I've tried painter's tape, packaging tape, duct tape, and push pins. Seems that heavy cans of tomatoes and iron toy sewing machines are the best solution. Now I have no excuse not to vacuum my studio. I usually put my blocks on my design floor.

I attended World Quilt Florida right here in Orlando a few weeks ago. There were some interesting quilts and I had a little fun with the fabric vendors. I found some deals at the Pineapple Fabrics booth. Kaffe Fassett shot cottons and woven stripes on the left and a bundle of fun retro, novelty prints.

Charm squares!

Caught these in a sale.

I made a quilted planner cover for the quilting calendars our guild ordered. This is the outside. I fell in love with this retro comic book fabric. It's from Alexander Henry and called "Home Sewing is Easy." There's a second version, too.

Here's the inside. Skull and scissors crossbones and polka dots. Of course. The orange biz card holder is too small, but my cards fit in vertically.The polka dots are pockets.

Thats a zipper there! Easy peasy. I can cram all kinds of writing instruments in there.

Here's the planner installed. Now to schedule some sewing time!

I acquired a few books over the holidays.

Just look at that paella! We went to a paella party at Rene's house. Lots of fun company! Not only was the paella delicious, but th chef made appetizers and desserts to die for. We rolled ourselves out of their house! So fun and so good!

I have a Hungarian mushroom soup planned for lunch. It's so cold here. I'm changing up the recipe and adding in some celery, carrots, and the white wine I steeped the oyster mushrooms in. I'll use white mushrooms too. I'm in a cooking mood today, so no telling what gets made. 

Finished 20 Purse Strings blocks in pinks, yellows, and oranges. I wish I had made the 15" blocks, but I chose 12". I loved My Quilt Infatuation's color scheme, so I stuck with that. It's a fun and easy block and now I have 320 half square triangles from the trimmings. And yeah, I'm sewing those together. Scrappy, crazy, goodness.

On to more projects! And food! Have a great week!

Sleepy Sunday

Just flew back from the west coast. It was my first visit to California. Too bad it was for work and I didn't get to sight see. We did walk to the Lure Fish House the first night we were there. The seafood was some of the best I've ever eaten and ceviche to die for.

I enjoyed seeing all miles of desert on the way to LA. Beautiful. Not a bit of green anywhere. So interesting. Now I know why my lips were chapped the entire time.

If I had to work all week, at least it was at the Four Seasons hotel in Westlake Village. Here's the view from my room. The hotel was gorgeous and they took such good care of us. Great food, pampering, and luxurious accommodations. There was a chandelier in my room and a telephone and TV in my huge bathroom. I could definitely get used to someone tidying up my room during the day and turn down service at bedtime. I spotted Katie Holmes in the hotel lobby (we made eye contact and smiled, then I privately freaked out in the elevator). Yeah, I'm cool. And I heard that Britney Spears, a Kardashian, and someone from the Bachelor were also in residence, but I didn't see them.

One of the only other times I ventured off property was for an event at Ventura Farms. Ventura Farms is a private, 2,000 acre farm specializing in horse breeding, botanical gardens, and exquisite monolithic boulders found at the River Kwai and transported to the property. Our company hosted a "Night on the Lawn" one evening and we were able to stroll the grounds, eat a delicious dinner, and end the night with a spectacular, musical light show among the boulders and orchid house. Amazing.

While I was off gallivanting working, I added one more toy sewing machine to my collection. This one came in the original box with all the bells and whistles. I really love this one!

Instructions booklet, needles, and I have no idea what that metal thing on the right is? Screwdriver thingy? Maybe I figured it out!

It also came with this pre-printed fabric for making doll clothes. Look at the fox collar at the top center! Too bad dolls scare me or I'd have to whip up some clothes for them. Hmm...wonder if they would fit Bones? Halloween is coming up.

Just a little baked goat cheese, roasted red pepper and garlic I whipped up for lunch. It really couldn't be easier. I didn't have fresh thyme, but it was still delicious. I used a dried Mediterranean spice mixture in place of the thyme.

The best part about this dish? These garlic gloves roasted in olive oil. Not only mild and yummy, but a wonderful air freshener for your home. Yankee Candle, call me. I have lots of ideas.

Lunch is served. Pretty sure the parsley counts as a vegetable. Right?

Sunday Stash #84

Remove child before washing. Excellent care instruction. I love funny garment tags.

I saw this one a long time ago. Has College Boy written all over it.

Two more toy sewing machines arrived in the mail. I love this red one by Kay-an-ee. It came with an ancient spool of boilfast Coats & Clark's thread. I wonder if I should start naming these little things like I name my sewing machines? The seller said this machine belonged to her Aunt Jane, so that's an easy one.

This little black number was made in Germany. The decals are fun and it's a sturdy little thing. Inspector Gadget wants to clean it up, so no telling what it will look like once it gets its makeover.

That extra day off for the fourth of July holiday gave me a little time to shop online. I found a good sale at Quilt in a Day. They were giving away some of the stuff. Well, practically. Eleanor Burns was one of my first quilting "teachers," so I like to support her company. And by teacher, I mean her books, television shows, and videos.

It's Sunday, let's go sew!

Michael Miller MQG Challenge

Well, I've started the challenge. I had no idea where to go with these fabrics, so I made wonky log cabins at our last Sew Day. I may have blatantly ripped off this idea from a guild buddy. I really love this fabric collection. Fun, citrus-y colors and plenty of orange. I took a peak at the finished projects on the Modern Quilt Guild's website. Creativity galore! The Orlando Modern Quilt Guild gals did a great job as well. I have 20 days to meet the deadline, but if I miss it, no biggie.

Got a little bug and decided I wanted to own toy sewing machines. I know. Here's the first little one I acquired. Isn't it sweet? It really works too! That is if I could see to thread the needle. These silly little things are expensive. I may already be over this bug. Maybe. That's my siggy block for V. It only measures 3.5" square, so you can see how small this 1970s Little Gem sewing machine is.

I grilled some King Crab legs. I'll grill anything, won't I? They're slathered in a sauce of olive oil, butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning and lime juice. Pretty darn good.

Hollywood and I went to the produce market and grocery store. She made me buy all the things she loves. I think she was hungry. When we got back we started boiled peanuts (that's a habanero pepper in them), and fried okra and green tomatoes. Then she wanted salad caprese and Chicken Parmesan. I tried this quickie recipe with spinach. Easy! I guess I should be happy Hollywood's favorite foods have graduated from blue box mac 'n cheese and cosmic brownies.

Our Marketing team meeting included imbibing hand crafted cocktails and happy hour snacks. Someone has to do it.

Yeah, that's what I thought too. But it's true, to market something, you have to try it yourself. Maybe I should work for a travel agency, or quilt shop.