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Saturday, December 19, 2015

Always an Adventure


Not much new in my neck of the woods,
well, except my neck of the woods has changed!
I am back in Texas for the winter months.

During my travels, I had a 5 hour layover,
so  I entertained myself by listening to an audio book
and making some hexies to use later.


I really wanted to try out this tutorial
so made a pillow.
Such fun!
If you haven't already tried it,
and like working with hexies,
I suggest you add it to your list of things to make next.

I put a zipper in the back
with a tutorial recommended by SewFreshQuilts
It was so easy peasy, I'll always finish my pillows this way!

I have been pet sitting my crafty daughter's 
3 dogs and 3 cats for a week.
It has been an interesting adventure,
to say the very least.

Hope you are on an interesting adventure
of your own!
My new motto:  Make it fun!

~karen




Thursday, December 3, 2015

Just Sayin'


During the summer of 2012,
after I made and entered the Dresden Plate quilt
that's in my header picture
into a quilt challenge,
I thought to take the block a step further


and add two more borders.

Then I thought to stitch an embroidery design in the center
in place of the Dresden Plate,


as pictured here on Nola's Just Rambling blog in Dec. 2013.
I've made a couple each year to gift family and friends
as pillows and wallhangings.

Imagine my surprise when I was scrolling through 
a well known designer's site the other day 
and found it on her blog as a new pattern she launched 
just this past October 
on her site and in her Etsy store. 



I'm sure the embroidery design she uses in her center is her own.   
I don't have an artistic bone in my body, and, 
except for the word ring, 
I either borrowed someone else's embroidery design, 
or used a Dresden Plate.

I realize it's a simple little pattern and anyone could have dreamt it, 
that there really isn't anything exclusive about it.  I was just surprised.

Either great minds think alike, 
or, as they say, 
imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I'm not a skilled and talented designer,
but once in awhile I apparently come up with a good idea.
Just sayin'.

Have a wonderful, funderful day!
~karen


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Virtual Cookie Exchange Blog Hop, Day 1





The same day I was harvesting mint
before we experienced a killer frost,
Carol, at Just Let Me Quilt,
 introduced her Virtual Cookie Exchange Blog Hop.

I was quick to jump in
because I knew I'd be making my favorite cookies.


Although not your traditional holiday cookie,
Fresh Mint Butter Cookies
would be a yummy addition to that cookie plate 
that you gift your neighbors each year
(not everyone likes chocolate and nuts!)
or perfect to serve for a Christmas Tea gathering.

Or, perhaps you could nibble a few
while you are sitting quietly,
making your list,
and checking it twice!



Fresh mint?  In winter?
Most grocery stores carry fresh mint 
in the produce section year round.
At the very least, 
you'll want to save this recipe
for your summertime baking!


Fresh Mint Butter Cookies

1-1/2 cups flour                              1 egg
1/8 tsp. salt                                     2 TBS milk
1/2 tsp. baking powder                  4 TBS chopped fresh mint
1 stick butter                                  1/4 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup sugar

Cream butter.  Gradually add sugar.  Add egg, milk, vanilla, and beat thoroughly.

Mix dry ingredients together with chopped mint.  Add to dough.  Let chill overnight.

Drop by teaspoonful 2" apart on greased cookie sheet at 350 for 
10 - 12 minutes.  (I use parchment paper.)

Makes 3 dozen, rolls out great with a little extra flour, and freezes well.




They are good to the last bite!

Hope you enjoy making,
and eating,
my Fresh Mint Cookie recipe.
Be sure to visit the other blog hoppers for more delicious,
and probably better,
cookie recipes!