MY FIRST SHABBY QUILT

 

One of the crafts that I wanted to attempt was making a quilt.  I'm sure my Grandmother worked on at least 100 during her 80 odd years at the church quilting get togethers.

I wanted this quilt really to reflect what I love the most.  Since I love all things shabby, I found some coordinating patterns.  But I'm jumping ahead of myself.

I was so hesitant to start, so I did a bit of research.

In order to make a quilt on the machine, one very important sewing attachment is a neccesity.

 It is called a Walking foot.



I know you might be saying, "Wow, that is costly!"  However, when you see how this attachment helps move the triple layer of fabrics(bottom layer, batting and top layer) you will understand that it is worth every penny.  I have made two quilts now and hopefully start my third-a patriotic quilt this summer.



Somehow this walking foot holds all three layers in place while you sew your seams so they don't bunch up.  It is a good purchase.  It also attaches easily to my machine.

Three other items needed for easy cutting of the fabric.  They are a rotary cutter, a rotary cutting ruler and a rotary cutting mat. It did take a very long time to cut all my squares out, however, if I had to use a scissors, it would have taken much longer.
 



With these three tools and reading directions, it was a breeze to cut the fabrics.  This next step is so important.  I did wash all my fabrics prior to cutting to cut down on shrinking once the quilt was washed.



 

Once all the fabrics were cut out, it was a game trying to put a puzzle together.  As with many of my craft projects, it works with whatever is pleasing to your eye.



 

One non-traditional fabric that I used was this puffy fuchsia pink blanket material.  I love the bumpiness of the dots.  It was a bit more challenging to sew with because it is a bit stretchy, but I love the overall look in the end.



Aren't these beautiful colors and patterns? 

My leftover strips were incorporated into this throw pillow for the bed.(still unfinished in this picture)

 

 Once I had the top of the quilt all sewn together, I took a trip to JoAnn Fabrics to get advice on what type of batting to purchase.  Little did I know that there was more than one kind.  When I put the quilt top up on the table, a few 'quilt pros' came up to the table and were in awe of the colors.  I didn't want them to look too closely in case they saw errors.  One lady even asked what company I bought the quilt fabrics from. I bought the fabrics from Shabby Fabrics, but they do not carry the collection anymore.  Free Spirit Quilting Fabric Company still carries the Barefoot Roses collection.

 

This is the description that comes straight from that website.

 

Barefoot Roses

Barefoot Roses by designer Tanya Whelan of Grand Revival is a sophisticated, pretty, fresh and modern approach to old fashioned style. Tanya's flea market chic aesthetic comes through in Barefoot Roses, which has a relaxed, "collected over time" feeling. Classic roses in large, medium and small scales form the base of the collection rounded out by typically vintage motifs of ticking stripes and dots all rendered in fresh, clear colors. Versatile colors that include soft vintage greenish blues, fresh grass greens, and summer sky blues allow for combinations that range from pale and subtle to vibrant and happy.

 

 So back to the batting.  The best kind of batting to use is cotton batting.  It does give the quilt a warmer feel when completed.  It is more expensive, but when you are going to such trouble to make a good product, you might as well listen to the experts.

 

 

Because the fabric does not come large enough to make the other side of the quilt, I decided to make larger squares of the same fabric and sew them together.  Before this step,  I took the middle square to Embroid Me and had them embroider our initials on them.  For less than $15.00, it really adds some luxury to the finished product. 

 

 

 A close up of the initials.

 

I bought extra of the blue and white polka dot material to create a binding for the perimeter of the quilt.

 

Though we don't use this quilt often, it is the go-to one if we are really cold at night.

Throwing a few patriotic pastel silk pillows compliment the pinks and the blues in the quilt.

I even had enough fabric left over to make a lap quilt for my sister-in-law when she was going through a major illness.



 

Here is a close up of 11 different fabrics used in this project.



This corner of quilts gives great color and joy to all who enter.

 

The middle quilt was made by my dear friend Tara.



PATRIOTIC VALENTINE CARD

Valentine's Day is always special in our house.  Making it more personal is the fact that Mr. Thrifty was a soldier.  Finding Patriotic Valentines are challenging.  I found this one years ago and made this Valentine for the Mr. 

This frame hangs by my bathroom sink as a reminder of my Valentine.

Getting ready to make yet another Valentine for this year found me scouring the Internet once again.

I found these two components on the Internet in the Valentine images category.  I printed both off.  The tag was placed on my patriotic paper.  The stamped letter was glued onto a dimensional silver frame. 

 

 The gold brocade card ribbon was the perfect accent for the front of the card.

 

I think home made cards are so much more memorable.  Try one of your own for this Valentine's day.
 

NEW YEAR'S DAY TRADITIONAL PORK AND SAUERKRAUT

I want to catch you up on an amazing recipe that I make every New Year.
 

I  begin this post from my kitchen testing on New Year's Eve.  I know must people are  interested in going out and celebrating, but not in our house.  As a matter of fact, my husband's family always celebrates the incoming New Year with a meal consisting of pork and sauerkraut, which eaten, was to bring good luck for the coming year.  Superstitions aside, I researched online to find a good hearty meal to start out the New Year.  This recipe is a compilation of various recipes

 

I made this dish the morning  of December 31st,  so come  January 1st, all I had to do was preheat the oven, place the dish in and let it cook.

 

OK, back to my New Year's Pork and Sauerkraut recipe that can be made any day of the year.  This is comfort food at its best. 
 

So let's get to work.

 

INGREDIENTS

 

 4 lbs. sauerkraut, rinsed well and drained 
      

 8 country ribs or 8 pork chops(I used pork chops this time.) I have used the country ribs and 
        prefer the ribs over the chops, however, I couldn't find ribs at the store this morning.
.       
7 pieces of good bacon, diced

2 lg. red delicious apples, sliced

1 lg. sweet onion, diced

1 teaspoon of each placed in a dish and mixed:  garlic powder, paprika and black pepper

   I need to digress for a moment.  When at home this Thanksgiving, we went through Mom's house and divided things.  One of the things I loved the most was this piece of vintage crockery.

This crock has been used from my grandmother to Mom and now to me.  Notice all the well worn cracks in the bowl.  Ironically, the bowl does not leak.



I used canned sauerkraut this time.  As long as it is rinsed well, I don't think it matters.

 

 

The sauerkraut is rinsed and drained in a colander in this very bowl.

It is very important that you rinse the sauerkraut well in a colander and drain.  This takes a lot of the salt of the kraut.  Set aside to drain.

 



Cook the diced bacon in a large frying pan.  When cooked, remove the bacon and leave the bacon grease.  Add the onions.  Sprinkle a  pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar on the onions.  This step helps caramelize the onions.  Sauté until soft and add cooked bacon and drained sauerkraut back into the pan.  Stir until combined.  Layer into casserole dish.

Next, layer thinly sliced apples on top of the sauerkraut mixture.



Take your 3 spices:  garlic powder, paprika and black pepper.  Mix them and rub on all sides of the meat.

 

 

Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil into the frying pan.  Brown meat on both sides.

 

 

Layer on top of sauerkraut mixture.

 



Top with foil and seal well.  Bake at 350 for 90 minutes.



Adding homemade mashed potatoes and a vegetable will finish the meal.  I recall while visiting Germany that I could find a meal so fine in a small Gaststatte.  Enjoy your own European experience right at home tonight.

 



CONQUERING QUILT STAINS

Be prepared.  This is not a pretty post.  It deals with the realities of life.

 

Tough stains are hard to tackle.
 

While cleaning Mom's house out, my sister offered me one of the quilts. I believe that my Grandma gave it to Mom when she was married.

The problem with this appliqued quilt was that it was marked with 3 urine stains that were very old.  Some of the young grandchildren must have taken a nap on this fine quilt and had an accident to boot.

 

Another view.

 

 

The first step was to do some research on stain removing products.  

Most sites suggest  using a product called Nature's Miracle.

  Generally, this product is used for pet stains.  I purchased this bottle at Pets Mart for $10.79 which included tax.
  In this case, I thought urine was urine.  It was worth a try.

The following description comes directly from the Nature's Miracle website.

This advanced oxygen infused, bio-enzymatic formula deeply penetrates to eliminate organic stains and odors including urine, feces, vomit, food, blood, dirt and grass. Removes pheromones and destroys odors on contact to break the re-soiling cycle. Advanced formulation dries faster than the original to minimize tracking. Safe for use around children and pets.

Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer is specially formulated for cats to eliminate tough urine and spraying odors. It contains an enzyme-producing bacteria that breaks down urea and uric acid crystal to get rid of yellow stains and residue. Apply directly to any surface to trap and permanently remove stains and odors.

I didn't realize that normal stain fighters would not deactivate these uric acid crystals.  I learned something new everyday.

The first step was to test the fabric to make sure that it would not harm the fibers in the quilt. I skipped this step because I was so desperate. Instead, I jumped right in with soaking the stains with the solution.  After letting it set for 5 minutes, I took an old toothbrush out and began rubbing the stains in a circular motion.  I then squirted the entire area with liquid Oxyclean(my own idea thinking that a booster might help) and let it sit for 30 more minutes.  Finally, I put the quilt into the washing machine and set the machine to heavy soil, but left it on a warm temperature cycle.  I didn't want to use hot water, because that normally sets stains. Once the cycle was finished, I laid out the quilt to air dry .

  As you can see the top left hand corner stills has some discoloration.

   But, did you notice how much whiter the quilt looks?

 

 So back to work. I repeated the entire sequence again.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, what do you think? 

 

Focus on the area that the nail file is pointing to.  There is a slight stain, but you have to look for it. I must admit, this product did remove about 98% of the stain.  With a very close eye, you can see a faint trace of the stain.  The camera does not pick it up.

 

 

 While laying the quilt on my round kitchen table, I could envision  a spring luncheon using this quilt as a tablecloth.  Now that's an idea!  I never thought that I could ever use this quilt again, but I am so happy with the results.  I mean, I am really happy!

 

But for now, the quilt will remain on the quilt stand that my Dad made.

 

Aren't these color patterns delicious?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of color was introduced into this plain corner complimenting the rose botanical prints.

 

Next time, you have stained bedding, try Nature's Miracle. 

( I have not been paid for my opinion on this product.)

 

 

ANNIE SLOAN PARIS GREY DISTRESSED URNS

 I picked these two urns up at a flea market.  They were filled with dried topiaries at the time. I hauled them out of the storage bin and got ready to create some magic.  They were very heavy and appeared to be made of brass.  I bought them for $5.00 for the pair.

 

 

 Aren't they beauties?  They had the same lines as my trophy like lamp base.

 

 

 

 After a good cleaning, I painted them with Annie Sloan Paris Grey Chalk Paint.

 

 

 

 These urns received 2 coats of paint.

 

 

 For the fall, I inserted faux pumpkins in the bases.

 

 

They needed a bit more character.

 

 In order to use them for my Christmas decorations, I wanted to distress them a bit.  Taking a 200 grit sandpaper, I lightly rubbed the embossed edges of the urn revealing some of the brass finish.

 

 

Adding a large glass ornament, found for $3.99 after the last Christmas season closeout at Home Goods and a faux bough of evergreen and pine cones completely changed this urn from fall to winter. 

  

 

 

 

Leaving the trophy painted lamp with Annie Sloan Paris Grey and white paint paired with the urns perfectly.

 

 

 

This completes decorating for the Christmas/winter Great Room.  

 



ESTATE SALE ODDS AND ENDS DESSERT SERVER

 

 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

 

Having a wide variety of handmade sweets over the holidays allowed me to come up with a very frugal, but beautiful way to serve them to friends and family that would drop in.

I have acquired quite a stash of odds and ends of silver plated pieces from numerous estate sales over the years.  The funny thing is that about 10 years ago the pieces started showing up at  Goodwill.

Those days are over when women had to carve out an afternoon to polish their silver.

                                                                                                       
Nowadays, many home stagers don't even polish the silver.  The antiqued patina is quite the in thing.

                                                          
Here is a picture of a group of items that I purchased on the last day of an estate sale.  Everything totaled a whopping $5.00.

                                  
For the holidays, a fun way to plate cookies got me thinking about all of these pieces. I went to my junk drawer and pulled the gummy tacky that I once used in the classroom to hold up papers on the wall.

      I needed a quick project to display my Christmas cookies this year.  This took about 3 minutes to put together.  Here are the following pieces that I pulled from my stash.

                                               
This platter was a trophy for a Women's golf league.  It doesn't matter that the medallion sticks up on the tray.  It will be covered by a candy dish.  The beautiful  engraving designs will show.

                                                                       
Two candy dishes.......................

                                  

And one package of Loctite Mounting Putty found at Walmart.

                                                        
Apply three dabs of putty on the top of the base candy dish. Place medallion platter on top.  Press together firmly so they adhere.

                                                    
                             Apply three dabs of putty on underneath of  the second candy dish.

                                        

                                                                  The finished tower.

                                                                    

                                                              Plate the sweets with a holiday pick.

                                                                     

                                                                        

                                                             
     This is such an elegant display to show off those treasures that belonged to strangers from long ago.

So get out those leftover Christmas cookies out and make your own cookie tower.  The silver plate pieces will really let your visitors know that their hostess puts out the 'best china' when they arrive.