Projects and UFO’s and cooking
We are still sheltering in place here in Northern California. All this time at home finds me knee deep in sewing projects, UFO’s and cooking in the kitchen – all the things!
I wanted something easy and fun to do in my sewing room, so I decided to catch up with the Silver Linings Free Sew Along with Jacquelynne Steves. You can still sign up for this one and it’s perfect for beginners. This will be a small project that includes twelve 6″ blocks with optional embroidery squares to add in. The first three blocks have been released and I finished them in a few hours. I’m using my stash of Tamara Kate fabric from Michael Miller.
I just completed an embroidery project that kept my hands busy while watching TV in the evenings. This turned out so cute; I love anything with dandelions. This is a free pattern available at All People Quilt.
I’m working on a video for my Versatile Face Mask pattern. This is proving to be a very time consuming project as I have very limited skill or knowledge of video editing. I spent one day on filming and now it’s day six of editing. Ugh.
I have so many UFO’s to pick from, it’s hard to decide where to start. I was inspired by my sister, Cindy, when she showed up with her Splendid Sampler quilt top ready for quilting. It’s such a beautiful collection of blocks all made from her scraps.
So… I had to dig out my blocks and see what I could make of it. I didn’t get very far; I just laid them all out and took a picture! Now they’re back in the box waiting for the next time I visit. My blocks include just as many from the Patchsmith’s Sampler Blocks as the Splendid Sampler Blocks, and they’re a very bright collection of both.
Now into the kitchen we go. I have been experimenting with homemade granola recipes and I’ve come up with one that I LOVE. It’s my version of one that my daughter picked up at the Farmer’s Market. It’s loaded with pecans, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds and coconut with maple syrup to sweet it up. I also added sunflower seeds thanks to an idea I got from my friend, Linda H. who shared her granola recipe with me. I would be happy to make a blog post with my maple pecan granola recipe if anyone is interested. I eat it almost every morning for breakfast on top of greek yogurt and fruit.
It’s berry season here, and over the holiday weekend I had an excess of ripe strawberries and blackberries that needed to be used. I made triple berry jam with the addition of raspberries, and since I was in “jam mode”, I made apricot jam from last summer’s frozen apricots. We are flush with jam once again! I always end up sending jars of it to my grandchildren in Texas. They keep me in business!
Speaking of grandchildren… my oldest granddaughter, Amelia, just graduated from preschool! She had a virtual graduation ceremony which could only take place at home and in her pajamas, of course. I made her a card this morning and sent it off in the mail with a little gift (and some jam).
We just celebrated Memorial Day weekend in the US, and it was super quiet and relaxing. I spread out my favorite red, white and blue quilt on the front lawn and had a cocktail there with Mr. Crafty Quilter. Cooper never misses an opportunity for a quilt photo. I made that quilt in…. I don’t know because there’s no quilt label (shame on me). But I think it was in 2010. It was in American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, and the pattern is now available for purchase here. My stars are all a little different from the original pattern, but it’s a beautiful quilt and one of my favorites for picnics.
I also had my Star Spangled Heart wall hangings out on the porch table. This pattern is available in my Etsy shop here.
That’s a taste of what’s been cooking at my house. I hope you’re all staying safe and positive. This has been a long 2-3 months for everyone, and I know there’s real hardship and struggle out there. Try to find the silver linings, there are many. And keep a sense of humor…
Please post your maple pecan granola recipe. It sounds yummy.
I was looking at the store cereals (on the island with limited supply) and so disheartened by the high sugar! Look forward to seeing your recipe. I now have a vat of strawberry and rhubarb which will keep me in fruit for awhile! Love seeing your blocks, but think you needs a bright lattice. Wonder about grouping them in 4 or 6 or even 16 so you don’t have to do so much lattice. I loved my teal lattice and think that might not be a back choice with these blocks. Good luck when you get to it! I have one I am determined to start soon….on my design board for toooo long.
I would love the granola recipe! And thanks for the chuckle with the Back to the Future photo–I haven’t seen that one before 🙂
I love it that you enjoy crafting in its many forms … and yes please, do share your granola recipe … it is porridge in winter and granola in summer for me … and as others have mentioned, finding a good healthy recipe that is not too sweet is a gem.
Warmly,
Patricia
Yes, we would love your granola recipe! Love reading your blogs ; )
I would love you to share your granola recipe. You are a wonderful grandmother too!
I would love to see your granola recipe. The pic of granola as part of your breakfast looks so yummy. Great to see you working on a number of UFOs. We all have more than we like to admit….
Yes to the granola recipe. I have yogurt, fruit and granola frequently for breakfast and it’s hard to find good granola at a reasonable price commercially.
I am also doing the Silver Linings Sew along. Loving it and love your emails. Since you are in Northern California I’m wondering if you know someone in the Redding area that does long arm services. I just moved to this area and have not been able to find anyone. Thanks for any input you can give me.
I would love the recipe for the granola
I’m not sure how I recently came upon your blog, but I really loved everything that you posted. I too, would appreciate your posting your granola recipe. Thank you.
So fun!! I would love to be making homemade jams. what’s the easiest one to make?
Hi Julie, first of all, I love your website and blog, and enjoy all of your posts/emails. I would be very interested in a post with regards to the recipe for your Maple Pecan Granola. I love North Carolina. We live in the North Georgia mountains. We have several relatives in NC, but we absolutely love to vacation on Ocracoke Island. It is such a magical place with the national seashore park and the native horses running free. For me, the icing on the cake is the fact that there are no high rises on the island and you have to take a ferry over to the island.
Ooohhh yes… I’d love it if you shared your granola recipe! Please do!!!
You are certainly keeping busy! Trying something new like video editing is commendable! I’d love your granola recipe. All the ones I’ve tried have so much sugar.
I too, would love your granola recipe Julie. It’s hard to find a healthy one.
I would love to have you post your granola recipe.
Yes, please on that granola recipe!
Wow. You are an inspiration for me.
Have been making your masks. Great pattern. Easy to make. Your quilts and embroidery are beautiful. Thank you. Be safe.
Thanks for all the inspiration you provide from embroidery to blocks to masks to food. Please do share the granola recipe. I make ours, but yours sounds much more interesting.
i would love to have your recipe for granola – it’s so hard to know just which one of the many are really good…….
Julie, would love your granola recipe. Thank you
I love your mask pattern, make them often. I wore it for 6 hours while traveling on a plane and it was so comfortable. Thanks for sharing
Hahaha – your closing photo is funny as I just finished watching Back To The Future I, II, III. I have a boatload of recorded movies to watch in the evening when I am burying threads or knitting scarves. I love granola and hope you do publish a recipe. As always, thank you for all the information you share and your creativity.
Would LOVE a blog on your granola recipe! Thanks!
Beautiful quilting. Love the colors. Congratulations to EmÃlia, on her kindergarten graduation. Lots of projects , from February to May. Inside home, with the sewing machine, as my friend. Older granddaughter graduated from College, her sister from High School, virtual graduation too. Enjoy the summer. And keep on sharing tuts and showing us your projects. Be safe, from OH . Mattie
Fun seeing what you’ve been working on. I would love to have a copy of your granola recipe. It sounds wonderful! Cooper is so handsome. He reminds me of the Brittany Spaniel we had when I was growing up. Amelia is such a doll! Congratulations to her on her pre-school graduation.
Todo lo que veo esta lindo….me gustaria participar en los bloques.
Q hago para hacerlo.
saludos
Yes I would love to have your granola recipe. It sounds yummy and healthy. Robin
Julie, my mouth is watering for jam!! lol I love making it. But apricot- aaahhhhh!!!
So many wonderful topics today. Love them all, as usual!
Your sister is talented too!
I don’t know anything about making videos but your last one was great.
Julie,
Your hand embroidery is beautiful! I try but mine is not so good 🙂
Maybe I need more practice?
Thanks for the projects you post for us.
Thank you so much for sharing all your lovely projects, tips and advice with us! Your granola looks awesome and healthy. Would appreciate it if you would please share your recipe. Thank you.