Hello Out There!

I'm popping in to say hello and do a little catching up!  I have had the busiest year I can ever remember so I'm just going to do a little photo review.

I started a secret and special project in March and here it is in June.  

I've started making my own soy scented candles with recycled items that I thrifted.  I save money, shipping and using petroleum wax.

I did a lot of gardening with Mr. Fun this spring/summer.

I received a tabletop Solo stove for my June birthday.  How cute is this?

We were gifted this fabulous windmill from friends because their HOA would not allow it.

We had family from Oregon join us for a Danish breakfast.

Rich had lots of great sails on his boat, Manitou.

I went to wedding in NC with my oldest and best friends.

I went to Maine Quilts and Wendy and I went to the Botanical Gardens and met the Trolls!!! 

I was the Chairperson for my guilds quilt exhibit.  It was a TON of work, but it looked great!

Wendy and went to the AQSG seminar in Portland Maine.  We ran the silent auction.   Another huge job, but we had fun together.

I made Study Challenge quilt based on her eagle quilt in this photo.

It was not selected to travel......which was a little heartbreaking, but I have gifted it to Wendy and her family.

We had a great family time at the Durham fair.  WE love the demolition derby.

My two quilts won top marks 

In other news, my son, Andrew had 4 hospitalizations this year!   It started with Appendix and then a series of Diverticulitis infections.  

In early December he had surgery and we are hopeful all is fixed up now.

Among and in between all I had the most quilt teaching and traveling since before covid.  A lot of that can be seen on my instagram feed.

I am so grateful for all of the ups and downs and arounds this year.  

My last finish for  2025:  Tree Lot.  Made with blocks I won at modern guild made by guild members.

Have a Merry Little Christmas

See you Next Year for a quilt recap.

xoxo

Dear Doreen!

What a wonderful visit to Virginia and the Centreville Quilters Unlimited Guild.  I stayed with long time blog friend, Aunt Reen, in her beautiful country home.   She wrote a sweet post about the visit here.

Doreen and I quickly became great friends and we truly are kindred spirits.  She is the sister I wish I had.  Maybe I'll adopt her.

Here is Doreen's incredible Modern Dear Jane quilt.  She is internationally known for her incredible and innovative 13 month DJ program.  She has guided hundreds of women to compete this amazing quilt. 

 This quilt was selected by Brenda Papadakis for the Special Dear Jane Exhibit at the Vermont Quilt Festival in 2013.  Here is a link to see some of the incredible quilts.

Doreen hosted her sewing bee while I was there and they were an amazing group of talented and friendly ladies.   Here are just a few photos from show and tell.

 As usual I got so into the quilts that I forgot to take more photos - darn!!

The Hex workshop was great.  Look how hard they are all working learning the whip stitch.

After all our events were over, we celebrated Friday the 13th at a charming local pub.  I miss you already Doreen!

Quiltyfolk is a fabulous magazine and you can get the first issue reprint here.   They are also offering single issues at half price, with free shipping with new subscriptions.   Christmas is coming...... 

 I'm off today for the ASQG Seminar in New Hampshire.  I used my old stamping supplies to make labels for my centerpieces.  It was easy and fun.

Have a great week!
xo

Cake and Quilts Sturbridge Village

I love cake and last week while my son, Andrew, was visiting he requested The Bubble Room Orange Crunch Cake.   Do yourself a favor and click the link to their website.  You will see right away why I like the place!

(recipe on bottom of post)

Despite the snow, ice and wind the New England Regional Chapter met at Sturbridge Village for an  American Quilt Study Group day.  Wow, that was a lot of links, but I'd like to encourage you to join this National organization.

From the Sturbridge collection, made by: Susannah Howard 1879.

My heart stopped when I saw this Pride of Iowa 4-block.  Sorry for the bad iphone photo - I was having a mild heart attack.

Wow - these berries were nearly round but securely attached.  I need to step up my game!

My favorite room

What a sweet little doll bed and paper doll set.

It was great to see the group again including Cynthia of Wabi-Sabi and to finally meet Wendy, the Constant Quilter in person.  We had a funny adventure through the snowy village :)   They both have great posts on the day too.

Despite or because of the horrid weather, the feeders have been very busy!   Poor little Gold Finchs.

Check out this look.  She seems to be saying what are you doing here?

 Just waiting my turn.....I'm freezing out here!

Last Chance Charlie to win Diane's book or my stencil.

Thank you for all the comments on your quilting stories.  I've enjoyed reading each one.    Click here to enter the giveaway, I will  pick a winner on Saturday.

xo

**The only change to the recipe is that I make my own buttercream frosting with butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla - then I added the zest.**

Ingredients

Crunch layer

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (actual recipe) or 1/2 cup slivered almonds ( actual recipe)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Cake

• 1 Pillsbury Plus yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons grated orange peel
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil

Frosting

• 1 pillsbury ready to spread vanilla frosting
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 tablespoons grated orange peel
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Directions

1. : Combine crunch layer ingredients. Press 1/2 into each bottom of 2 greased and floured 8" or 9" pans.
2. : In a large bowl, blend cake ingredients at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 mins at high speed. Pour into pans.
3. : Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes Cool 10 minutes Remove from pans and cool completely.
4. : In small bowl, mix frosting & topping. Fold in lemon & orange peels.
5. : Place one layer, crunch side up, on plate. Spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining layer, crunch side up. Spread top and sides with remaining frosting.