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

at s.o.t.a.k. handmade.

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

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

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!

December 1

Kris at Kris Loves Fabric

Selina at Selina Quilts

Karen at KaHolly (you are here)

Deonn at 3^rd Degree Bakery

December 2

Colette at What About Rheema?

Carla at Creatin’ In The Sticks

Velda at Granny Can Quilt

Mary Ellen at That’s My Home

Karen at Sugar Free Quilted Designs

December 3

Beth at One Old Goat and Her Little Farm

Carol at Just Sew Quilter

Theresa at Bumbleberry Stitches

Brenda at Brenda’s Quilt Blog

Pat at Quilting Quietly

December 4

Linda at Food Storage Moms

Susan at Super Mom – No Cape!

Kathy at Just Quilt it

Lindsay at Lin's Kitchen

Carol at Just Let Me Quilt