Pages

Monday, July 8, 2013

Mow a Little, Sew a Little

It's been difficult trying to keep up with the lawn.
Now that the rains have slowed, it's a little easier.
I bought a self-propelled mower
and can mow twice as much in half the time.
But the mower is very heavy.
 
In order to accomplish everything on my list for the day,
I mow a little,
then come in for a break
and sew a little.
 
A few quick pics
of projects in the works.
 
 
A Grandparents' Quilt
 
 
Soon to be a lavender sachet.

 
Almost a bag.
 
And a finish.
 


The quilt I made
for my friend's husband with leukemia.
Sadly, he took a sudden turn for the worse,
and passed away (more or less) unexpectedly
only 3 days after recieving this warm embrace.
 
Rest in Peace, dear man.
 
***
 
Got mint?
Here's a tried and true recipe for you!
 
 
 
                                 Fresh Mint Butter Cookies
 
1-1/2 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 C sugar
 

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

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

Drop by tsp. 2" apart on greased cookies sheet at 350 for 10-12 min.

Makes 3 doz.   Rolls out great for use with simple cookie cutters.


One last thought. 
The mosquitos are out!
They don't like lavender.
 
I keep a bottle of lavender lotion at the back door,
and a tin of solid lavender lotion in my backpack.
 
Have a great day!
 
***

16 comments:

Lynn said...

Fun seeing all the peeks from your projects. Those hexagons look so pretty. I'm sorry to hear about your friend sometimes making a quilt for someone is comforting for the giver as well as the receiver.

Tammy said...

Your talents never cease to amaze me...your quilts are so beautiful! I'm glad you were able to surround your friend's husband with such a comforting work of art on his final days. I'll be trying the lavender out for sure, since the mosquitoes are particularly drawn to me and my son. Take care!

Sheila said...

Lovely work Karen, the quilt is beautiful , so sad it didn't get to be enjoyed by your friend but I am sure it will bring comfort all the same. I didn't know that about lavendar , good to know and I will keep some handy as well.

TexWisGirl said...

i'm so sorry for your friend's loss! so glad you were able to send him a loving hug...

grammie g said...

HI Karen...Busy, busy, busy my Mom used to say keeps you out of trouble, but I could get in trouble just being busy!!
So kind of you the things you do for others, and this quilt is a, wonderful example of that !!
Thanks for the tip of using lavender, I have some blooming in the garden right now!!

Grace

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I didn't know they didn't like lavender - I must remember to plant some next year in pots and keep all around the porches!

Fiona said...

A lovely quilt about your friend.... I'm sure the family is very happy to know what a precious gift you gave to their loved one...
Awesome little projects for you rest from mowing time... that little birdie fabric caught my eye... and thanks for the heads up about lavender for mosquitoes... we get them a lot here...
Hugz

hetty said...

Love your projects in the works. Good to know about the lavender and mosquitoes. Thanks.

Lois Evensen said...

Those mint cookies look fantastic. :)) Love the needlework, too.

Abby and Stephanie said...

I think your friend will now find comfort in this very special quilt.

Linda Reeder said...

The mosquitoes have been bad here. If I smear myself with lavender lotion, will they leave me alone! It smells so much better than mosquito repellent.
our quilt projects are lovely.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Love your projects.....mow/sew sounds sounds perfect...LOL

Carrie P. said...

If I was mowing the yard and then sewing a bit I would have to take a shower each time. It is so humid here. You stand outside and you sweat.
I am lovein" that hexagon sneak peek.
So sorry to hear about your friend.

Sondra said...

SO sorry to hear about your friend passing, at least he got to enjoy his gift for 3 days.
Lots of projects keep us busy and keep our mind sharp so ENGAGE yourself with as many as you can handle!!
I have one of those self propelled mowers too, it goes FAST, so I feel that it drags me around...lol

Just Ramblin' said...

So sorry about your friend and that he didn't get to enjoy the quilt for a longer time. Such a kind and tender gesture on your part to make and share something so lovely and comforting. I don't have mint, but would really like to find some and try your recipe. Thanks for the heads up on the lavender. Will have to get some lotion while out and about. Love all your projects. BTW were you able to download the last three letters of Jenny's? I couldn't get them to download for some reason. Oh, well, probably won't use them that often. Nola

Paula, the quilter said...

I need to try the lavender hint, thanks, especially since I need to go pick it. Maybe if I run out and grab a handful and schmear it on exposed areas and then commence to clipping the flowers. Hmmm...