"Simply Fun" Ready to Put Together

Here's how my latest project is looking. I am sewing the rows together now. This quilt is HUGE. You cannot see the bottom because it is laying on the floor. If you are interested in making this quilt, give the Whistle Stop Quilt Shop a call (see link on left nav bar). They can set you up with the pattern and maybe even a kit.

My Funny Valentines

Here are the 2 sweetest Valentines in the world. McKenna's Dad got her a candy necklace. Two of her favorite things: jewerly and "tay" as she refers to candy. We had "tay" all over the floor for days.

Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

This Indian-themed delight is packed with protein. The texture is creamy even without the coconut milk and light yogurt. You can make this as a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and using chicken stock. I can find almost all organic ingredients to make this in the Raleigh-area. The recipe is very forgiving and flexible, so feel free to experiment. If you are tired of cabbage soup, consider this recipe as your new go-to “diet” soup. (If Mulligatawny soup doesn't ring a bell, think Seinfeld's Soup Nazi episode. )

2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small package (or ½ cup) unsweetened shredded coconut (this can be found near the frozen strawberries in your supermarket)
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ tablespoons sea salt (may be omitted)
4 medium cloves of garlic minced (or equivalent pre-chopped garlic)
1 ½ grated ginger (can use pre-chopped jarred or ginger paste in a tube)
1/3 cup water
1 package (about 1.5 pounds) all natural ground chicken breast (optional for veg version)
7 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth
1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes soften in microwave or precooked, fork mashed (also can use a small can or organic sweet potato puree)
1 large ripe banana, fork mashed mashed
1 can lite coconut milk
8 ounces low fat plain yogurt or sour cream
Handful cilantro leaves
Minced cilantro leaves for garnish

Heat butter and olive oil until bubbly in a large Dutch oven. Add chopped onions and tomato paste. Sauté until onions are transparent. Add coconut and dry spices. Cook for 4 minutes while scraping bottom of the pan. Add onions, ginger and water. Mix. Add chicken and cook to opaque. Add broth stirring after each cup. Add mashed sweet potato, banana, coconut milk and cilantro. Process with an emulsion blender, food processor or regular blender. Add in yogurt or sour cream and pulse to desired consistency. Consider cilantro, yogurt and crushed peanuts as a garnish.

Kaffe Fasset 9-Patch

I am progressing with the mystery qult. Here is how the 9-patches look on there on.

Making Quilt Labels with A Laser Printer

The ideas are endless for creating a quilt label using your laser printer. The technique is simple. First cut a 8-1/2 x 11 piece of freezer paper. You can measure it or trace around a piece of your regular printer paper and cut it out. Next, iron the freezer paper on muslin. Cut the muslin to the exact size of the freezer paper. Get your label design ready to print and simply feed the fabric with backing through the printer as you would a regular piece of paper. And, there you have it!

There are many ideas for the label design. First, you don't have to make the label the full size of the freezer paper. You can cut it down to make several labels or any shape, like a flower. By scanning in pictures of the quilt recipient or the quilt artist, you can really get a custom look by having a photo on the label. Get creative by using different fonts, clip art and on line photos.

You can use this technique to create picture blocks, too!

Can't Help But Get A Little High Tech in Here

Web 2.0
Here's something worth watching ... describes quickly and creatively the development of some aspects of the web and where things seem to be going.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE

Second Life
If you want to have some fun, be creative and do a little "gaming", check out Second Life. It's a virtual reality world where you can meet like-minded individuals and participate in some interesting group of activities with folks from around the world. My take on this new world is that is it Warcraft come to the office. There is no cost to participate (unless you want to dress up -- you'll understand what I mean later). This is suppose to be the way of the future so pick your avatar's name and identity carefully. I did not see a quilting interest group in Second Life yet, but I plan to be the first! If you are looking for me in Second Life, just ask Anjolie Raymaker.
http://www.secondlife.com

Recipe for a Tote Bag from Super Eggplant

This is a simple set of instructions with lots of pictures for a reversible tote bag to hold all your quilting supplies.
http://www.supereggplant.com/archives/000216.html

Favorite "Simply Quilts" Episodes

I hate to admit it, but I have become addicted to Simply Quilts. I record episodes on my DVR and have a good time forwarding through commercials and stuff I am not interested in. There have been several projects I would enjoy working on and thought you might too.

Gaggle of Geese
For any beginner quilter, you might find a lot of neat lessons from Linda Ballard's "Gaggle of Geese" quilt show on Simply Quilts. Check out the episode if you can. (The Simply Quilts website provides streaming video so you can watch from your PC now!) It makes this quilt seem simple and do-able -- even for a novice.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/crafting/article/0,1789,HGTV_3352_1396322,00.html

Really Fine Curved Piecing

Barbara Barber demonstrated a curved piecing technique on Simply Quilts that I thought was do-able for an advanced beginner. Take a look at the sharp corners and other instructions on the link below. The finished quilt is a true work of art.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/crafting/article/0,1789,HGTV_3352_1393944,00.html
(Photos courtesy of Simply Quilts website.)

Scrappy Flag
I really liked this American Flag quilt from designer Gloria Smith. The project appears to be simple and we can all use a quilted flag! The gold fabrics really added a nice aged character. The instructions for this project can be found at http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_quilting_occasions/article/0,1789,HGTV_3304_1389747,00.html

How to Make A Design Wall

All you need is a flannel backed plastic picnic tablecloth. Simply tack next to the wall by your sewing machine and grab your blocks as needed. All the lay outs you see on my blog are from taken from photo on my own "desgin wall" made from a new flannel backed tablecloth.

Kaffe Fassett Log Cabin

I am still working on the Mystery Quilt. I've just finished up 48 log cabins which I laid out on my design wall as if it were a quilt. What do you think? I would like to see more variety of values to give it interest. I have a lot of left over fabrics and I have note decided what I want to do with it yet. I don't think I will be making this. Check out Kaffe Fassett's Red Courthouse Stairs. Now that is worth making!

I just asked my dad if he could dig up an old velvet crazy qult my grandmothers made for my parents. I would like to rework it and add some damask, silk, satin and beads. Put it on the list of things to do!

CURRENT LIST OF QUILTS I PLAN TO MAKE
1. Must make dad's Christmas Quilt (hopefully can deliver by father's day). This is Kaffe Fassett's handkerchief squares pattern -- all stripes. Well it should be an experience. I am using the very last of the now discountinued fabrics as seen in the book which I purchased from Glorious Color. If they are out, I am really going to be in trouble if I cut something wrong. I have decided to totally go in another direction from the instructions in the book and do it my own way. I will let you know how it goes. I will soon be searching for some chartruese thread as that is the key color doe the center of the block -- how fun!
2. Kaffee Fasset Rice Bowls - Mindy and I plan to make this as a project. Hoping we can knock it out in a day if we get organized and precut.
3. Kung Poa Sue - I cannot wait to get back to some nice, fun applique!!!
4. Deena's Wish - This may be my new master bedroom spread. Looking forward to work on a traditional Aunt Grace.
5. Finish my sampler from my beginning quilt class.
6. Roses patten I bought over a year ago at the Whistle Stop after seeing the sample on the wall.
7. Wedding Ring with posy applique. I think this pattern and the one above and below are out of the same quilt boot from Black Mountain Quilts. I'll try to post a picture some time.
8. Serendipity Charm pack quilt -- already have the fabric for the one.
9. State Flowers Quilt - the entire reason I started quilting in the first place!
10. Jesse' Wedding Quilt - thank God I have an entire year to work on it! I cannot wait to get started on this one! Joe and I agree the quilt I selected for her, looks just like her. It's so pretty and I am excited to make it for her!
11. Funky quilt for the beach house.
12. Bunnies Love Chocolate
13. Baltimore Bunnies Album Quilt
14. Nathan's College Quilt - I promised Virginia I would make Nathan a quilt for when he leaves for college. By the time I finish all of the above, I might be ready to start this one. I hope I keep my interest in quilting up to get all this done!

Clue 4 of Mystery Quilt Complete

This post is for Claudia. I am ready for the next step but taking a brief hiatus to work on the living room curtains, which I hope to have done by next week.

McKenna's Wardrobe

Wanted to show the Grandma how much McKenna has enjoyed some of her Christmas clothes. We all say THANKS for making me the most stylish kid in pre-school.

Blue Eyes

McKenna & Mom

Check out the big girl's purse. She is ready to shop!

"MaMa's Quilt"

I made this quilt for my wonderful grandmother, Lillian. Here is the unquilted version. It looks even better quilted.







The pattern name: Polka Dots
The pattern source: Summertime, By Black Mountain Quilts
The NAME of your quilt: A quilt for Ma-ma
When I found the stack of fat quarters more than 6 months before I started this quilt, they reminded my of my grandmother some how. I can’t say specifically what it was but I think it was the pink and brown combo. I also thought the pattern looked like something I would have found in her closet. The modern nature of the design looked like her style too.
Date you started the quilt: August 2006
Date you finished the top: August 2006
Date you finished the quilt: January 2007
Who pieced it: Rhonda Weaver Warren
Who quilted it: Rhonda Weaver Warren
Is there a label or identifying mark? Yes. Bottom “For Ma-ma, With Love, Rhonda, 2006”
Where was it made? Zebulon, NC, Franklin County
Who/what was it made for: Lillian Edna Scruggs Collie, my maternal grandmother, always “Ma-ma” to me. My bestest friend through my entire life.
Was there anything special going on in your life at the time you were working on it? My grandmother has been in and out of the hospital and nursing home over the last year. I wanted to give her something she could wrap around herself like a warm hug from me. One day my friend will no longer be with me, but I can keep this quilt that I made for her and think of her arms around me and her always encouraging words and never ending support. She and Pa-pa have made so many hand made items for me, I am glad I can give her something I put my heart in making. This was my favorite set of fabics.
How was it constructed: Machine pieced, appliquéd and quilted.
Size of quilt: Double, 56” x 86”
Main colors: pink, brown, aqua, pea green, yellow (love these colors!) on white-on-white
Fabric Information: The fabric is from the “Charm” collection by Amy Butler. It was purchased in January 2006 at the Whistle Stop as a fat quarter bundle. I had no idea what I was going to do with the fabrics. It made me happy to take them out from time to time and look at them. The always made me think of Ma-ma. One day I went into the Whistle Stop and saw that Connie had made this same quilt and had it hanging the window. I knew right then that is what I was going to do. I think the circles showcase the fabric, and I prefer this for such pretty designs. looked long and hard for the white background. I found 2 new quilt shops along the way. I ended up with a dot sunflower white-on-white and I could not be happier. I used about 3 yards of heat and bond for the appliqué. It was simple and fast, clean and bright. I like it!
Batting information: 100% cotton.

McKenna's Quilt

This quilt was mace for a very special person, my sweet daughter, McKenna.






The pattern name: Snowball Quilt
The NAME of your quilt: McKenna’s Quilt
The pattern source: Whistle Stop Quilt Shop
I really wanted to learn to quilt, but one day I realized I may not have any children to pass the quilt on to, so I put away my dream. One day I stopped by the quilt store to look around and learned that they were teaching a “how to sew” class. I signed up but it was cancelled. I came back in to get my money back and the store owner, Connie, asked if I wanted to sign up for the beginning quilting class instead of getting my money back. She said they were making a snowball crib size quilt. I almost started to cry because I knew I would not have a child and it just hurt me to even look at the cute little quilt. Once I became pregnant with McKenna, I realized I would have to have a reason to quilt. I took a beginners one day class in which I learned to make a 9-patch and snowball. That day I bought Connie’s snowball pattern. I could not find the Dick and Jane-style fabrics I really wanted so I decided to do something to match McKenna’s room, and I loved the 30’s vintage fabric. I went to the Whistle Stop
Date you started the quilt: February 2006
Date you finished the top: June 2006
Date you finished the quilt: August 2006
Who pieced it: Rhonda Weaver Warren
Who quilted it: Rhonda Weaver Warren
Is there a label or identifying mark? “Made for McKenna, With Love, Mommy 2006.” It started out before I realized I did not want to embroidery all this: “Handmade with all my love for my daughter, McKenna, By Mommy, 2006.” Where on the quilt is it? Bottom Right Corner
Where was it made? Zebulon, NC, Franklin County
Who/what was it made for: McKenna Anjolie, baby quilt
Was there anything special going on in your life at the time you were working on it? I was spending “0” personal time. My long bathes and favorite TV shows went to the weigh side when the baby was born. All free time was spent loving and caring for McKenna. I really wanted to make this quilt and found time to do it. I woke up very early on the weekends and worked on it late at night.
How was it constructed: Machine pieced, appliquéd and quilted.
I actually upgraded my machine to make this quilt. I tease that this is the most expensive baby quilt ever made because I upgraded over $1000 to buy the Pfaff embroidery machine that would allow me to make the classic snowflake style quilting used in some of the blocks.
Has it won any awards? Just accolades from my friends and family who now actually think I can quilt any thing and want me to enter it in the state fair although I know it is full of the mistakes of a first time quilter. I am glad they see it as perfect.
Size of quilt: Crib
Main colors: Raspberry, pink, white
Fabric Information: 100% cotton vintage 1930’s reproduction. The raspberry fabric includes a little Scottie dog jumping over a fence which inspired the Scottie appliqués. The much of thread, ribbons around the dog’s necks and buttons came from my mother’s sewing box. I want to try to put something of hers in every quilt I make.
Batting information: 100% organic cotton, ¼” thick

"Olivia's Bears" Quilt

I made this quilt for our friends Cara and Andy and their beautiful new baby, Olivia Michelle. This is a picture before it was quilted. I created the pattern and figured out all the cutting measurements. The next time I make some one a baby quilt I don't think I will make it as scrappy as Olivia's Bears. Although I like scrappy and was so excited about all the different reproduction fabrics, I bet most people like things a little more middle of the road.

The pattern name: Olivia’s Bears
The pattern source: Self made
Date you started the quilt: September 2006
Date you finished the top: December 2006
Date you finished the quilt: January 2007
Who pieced it: Rhonda Weaver Warren
Who quilted it: Rhonda Weaver Warren
Is there a label or identifying mark? Olivia Michelle Domer, 12~21~07
Where was it made? Zebulon, NC, Franklin County
Who/what was it made for: Celebrating the birth of Olivia Michelle Domer
Was there anything special going on in your life at the time you were working on it? This was a very busy time of year. I had a big business trip to Hong Kong between Christmas and New Year’s and it seemed to make Christmas come so much faster. I wanted to give my dad and grandmother quilts for Christmas, plus Olivia was scheduled to be born at the same time. I still have not started by dad’s!
How was it constructed: Machine pieced, appliquéd and quilted.
Size of quilt: Crib
Main colors: Green, yellow and pink to match the colors of her nursery.
Fabric Information: All the fabrics are 1930-40 reproductions purchased at the Whistle Stop Quilt Shop in Selma, NC. They are all 100% cotton Aunt Grace. My favorite fabric is on the bear in the lower left corner. The bear in the fabric is carrying Christmas trees and I thought this was a perfect fabric for a Christmas-time baby. The yellow fabric with the “ant blossoms” is called Rocky Mount, which happens to be the town I was born in. It was the sight of a large cotton mill (where my grandfather worked), which may be the reason for the fabric’s name. I used thread in making this quilt that came from my mom’s old sewing box. The green was from a high school uniform. I ran out of green thread when I was embroidering the name.
Batting information: 100% organic cotton.

"Mystery" Quilt

Here is how my mystery quilt is looking so far. I have A LOT more work to do but I am so excited about how it is turning out, I could just quilt it right now!

Winter Warm Up Retreat

This past weekend was the Whistle Stop Quilt Shop's Annual Winter Warm Up Retreat. It was so much fun. Here is a photo of the Inn at Celebrity Dairy where the retreat was held, as well as the "mystery quilt". There are about 500 pieces in the star field alone.

Snowy Day in Zebulon

First Post

Hello, This is my personal blog to show my family and friends what's up here in Zebulon, NC.