A little Bee Tweet

First thanks for all the kind comments! I've been lame getting back to everyone -so I'll say it now Thank You! It totally makes my day knowing that you are out there reading and getting just as excited about sewing as I do!

Second, now that the 1/4 circle quilt is done, I've been playing catch up!
Just in time, I finished Leigh's blocks for our BeeTweet. Her request was blocks like this quilt by Nettie.

Just like every month prior, it was a new block for me! I mean kinda-I've done plenty of log cabins, but this was just a little different being a 1/4 log cabin.

Leigh sent a great color pallet-and some super great fabric (I *might* have kept two tiny pieces of some fabric). She asked for one 12 1/2 inch block, but she sent so much fabric I just kept sewing...


They were really easy to stitch together-fun to play with the different colors and prints.


And, I still added my favorite thing to add when piecing...super small and cute and makes me laugh a little. Just because.


Leigh! These are in the mail to you...

5-HTP Squared

My entry for The Modern Quilt Guilds Showcase at The International Quilt Show.


I've been wanting to  make this quilt forever.
Finally, about a month ago I sat down and sketched it out.
My friend Elizabeth showed me how to make my own template for the quarter circle and then how to actually sew a decent curved seam! She was a great teacher...After practicing for a bit I was super confident in get my curves spot on! (Thanks Elizabeth!) Then, I worked with my friend Jill to create a custom plastic template. Which made it so easy to cut out.


The quilt is made out of all Kona solids. The linen back ground is Essex Yarn Dyed Cotton Linen. It's a DREAM to sew with. I'd love to always have that stuff on hand! The binding-polka-dot! I love a polka-dot frame. It's Kei Dots, and I've been hording it for a year.


Quilting went pretty well. I took the time to make every straight line before I quilted it-which took longer then actually quilting it! The texture is amazing. Though, I wont let anyone else touch it but me!

My tips for good straight line quilting:
1. Mark
2. Loosen your presser foot tension
3. Increase your stitch length
4. Go slow
5. Make sure your quilt sandwich is super flat

I'll know at the end of March if it's been accepted! This was such a fun and rewarding quilt to make. I love learning new skills-I'm really actually proud of myself!

I have two more quilts designed using this same template. There's a debate about this being a Drunkards Path block. Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe one day I'll take the time to look it up...for now, it's a 1/4 circle! :-)

Sweet and Salty Cookie Date Balls

Well, not really cookies, but that's what I tell my kids.
They're like a Lara Bar, but in a ball. They are gluten free, vegan and almost sugar free.

MaryAnn a fellow PMQG member brought them to one of the potlucks.
I couldn't stop eating them.
But her's had figs.
Jason HATES figs. (I know he's crazy)

So here's what I did.
(I get everything in the bulk section at the grocery store)

2 cups of pitted dates
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup craisins
2 cups roasted almonds
1/4 cup chocolate chips
splash of vanilla
pinch or so of salt

Using a food processor or really good blender chop up the almonds, chocolate chips and salt.
Pour into a bowl.


Next, add the cherries, craisins, dates and vanilla. Process until it turns into a ball
Add to the almond mixture. (looks like I put the salts with the dates-it doesn't matter where is goes, just don't forget it!)




This part is super messy for your hands, but it will be worth it.
Kneed like you would bread. Smash it all together until combined.
 



Using a small ice-cream scoop, form balls and place on a cookie tray.


Stick in the fridge until firm.


Eat. Don't feel guilty-nuts and dates are really good for you! (Just don't eat the whole batch!)

Shrove Tuesday-Aka Pancake Day!

Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is observed mainly in English speaking countries, especially Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States but is also observed in the PhilippinesGermany. Shrove Tuesday is linked to Easter, so its date changes on an annual basis. and
In most traditions the day is known for the eating of pancakes before the start of Lent. Pancakes are eaten as they are made out of the main foods available, sugar, fat, flour and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent.

No, this really doesn't apply to me.
I grew up LDS/Mormon.
But, hello! Pancakes.
And, even though I'm not super religious, I do always try to give up something for Lent. Just because it seems like a good challenge ever year....Hopefully this doesn't offend anyone, it's done in good spirit!

So, back to pancakes. Our breakfast lately have been green smoothies. Which the kids LOVE. In fact, Zeke didn't want pancakes today he wanted a "green mothie". Once he saw the chocolate chips though, he was sold.

Gluten Free Chocolate Shrove Pancakes.

• 7 oz AP GF flour mix (I use this)
• 1 oz really good unsweetened coco powder
• 4 oz sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of  baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of Xantham gum (I shouldn't eat this but, well I did today)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 8 oz buttermilk
• 2 oz oil 
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon of almond
• Splash of coffee (not necessary, but Ina Garten always says coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate, so I do it)
• Chocolate Chips

Mix the dry, add the wet, mix until combined.
This mixture is THICK.


Add some butter to your pan (be generous-I use about a tablespoon for 10 pancakes) on medium.


Pour on the mix
Add the chips
Flip when ready


Sprinkle with some powder sugar.


Eat.
 

If you are GF you'll think you are eating donuts. 
You are welcome!

On a side note, do you know when I respond in the comments to your comments? I've done it a few times. It's so much better for me, but if it's not for you, I'll email! And thank you, for all of your kind comments. I love hearing from you!

QuiltCon-The Modern Quilt Guild

Have you heard? The Modern Quilt Guild is having it's first quilt conference and show!
I'm so excited for it...Not only to learn new things but to also meet my online friends!
So happy too that it's going to be Austin, Texas, February 21-24, 2013. I'm all for some much needed sunshine that time of year!

Sign up here for the news letter.


Will I see you there?