Tasty Tuesday - Parmesan Chicken

This easy Parmesan Chicken recipe has become our new favorite this summer.  It is so easy I can literally have it ready from prep to table in well under an hour.  With just 4 ingredients I almost always have what I need on hand.  It has become my new company dish.  When College E's BFF came to visit I sent her back with the leftovers.  She was very glad to have something new instead of the slim pickings in the summer campus dining room.

This recipe came from a magazine, which I left no identifiers on either side of the torn out page.  Here is the original.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

from Hellmann's

Place 4 chicken breast halves in a single layer in a greased pan.

Mix together:
1/2 cup Hellman's mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Spread over chicken breasts.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Bake 20 minutes at 425F.


I have started making a double batch even if it is just the 4 of us, because it is great as leftovers as well.

I forgot the bread crumbs the last time I made this and my family liked it just as well.

Unfortunately we ate it all up before I remembered to take a picture.  It was yummy!

Hexagons on the Walls

I have been sewing enough that my Leader & Ender project has moved forward a bit.  I got another hexagon finished - the pink flamingo hexagon in the upper left.

Hexagons are encroaching upon the BOM blocks!

I stood on the chair so that I could reach to pin some up high and lay around with the layout a bit.  I think there is another yellow and another orange cut.  Then the last 4/6th block I will cut after I decide what color it should be.

Linking up to Small Quilts and Doll Quilts to show what we are working on.

Stash Report

I did not do very well this week.  College E wanted to go thrifting.  My favorite little store had some amazing deals.  I know I had just told myself that someone else might want that great deal and I could leave it there, but it didn't work this week.  One of the volunteers even said, "I knew you'd be back!"

 Fabric In:  Not all of it was fabric, but it was all useful and "a great deal".

Unopened packages of double wide binding! $0.25/each

Iron - on interfacing/stabilizer.  3 yd / $0.50

Whites & neutrals & a fun fabric for a burp cloth.

The deals were so good I have to tell you.  The turquoise sheep was 1/2 yard for $0.25.  The solid white was just shy 1 complete yard for $0.25.  The white on white was one yard exactly for $0.50.  The dark brown was 2.8 yards for $0.50.  The best deal of the day was the beige 10 yards 15 inches complete and uncut for $2!!  I say I have plans for all of it, but you know how that goes.  If I end up giving it away no great loss either.


Fabric Out:
Finished and bound the Carpenter's Star.  I counted out the backing last week, so this week I can only count out the binding.  0.36 yards

I like this design a lot.

Recovered a little stool, which I will post about later this week.  0.25 yards

This stool got a complete makeover.

There were a few other odds & ends, but I was busy sewing and not keeping track so they will get reported another week.


Fabric Purchased since last report: 15.84 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 71.51 yards

Fabric Acquired since last report: 0 yards

Fabric Acquired YTD: 22.65 yards

Fabric Used since last report: 0.61 yards
Fabric Used YTD: 105.27 yards

Total: 11.11 yards destashed

My numbers took a hit, but I think the fabric stashed will be very useful.  Overall I am sewing more and using more, so I am not too worried.

Don't forget to check out the July Giveaway to see how you can help me get a cute piece of  fabric out of the stash!  A winner will be chosen on Monday!!

Kate over at Life In Pieces has challenged us to try to stitch 15 minutes each day.  I was a busy bee this week getting things finished, preparing samples for my sewing class, and a few more items to sell at the Market Fair.  I even got a good start on the next quilt in the "needs to be quilted" queue.  Going great guns on that and then ran out of thread.  White!  Of all colors to run out of.  Oh well.  No deadline on that one, so no need for the longish trip to buy more thread.

Days stitched since last report: 7/7
Days stitched this year: 193/209
Success Rate: 92%


Linking up to QuiltPaintCreate and Life in Pieces to keep accountable.

Carpenter Star is Finished

I was so close to being finished that I pushed through yesterday to get the binding on.

The sun is coming up over the clothesline.

I had used up all the polka dot fabric, so had to find something else for the binding.  There wasn't enough of the handkerchief or the woven squares fabric, so I went with the blue with tiny white details.  It is the exact same color of blue as the polka dot border and backing so it works well.  

Corner detail

I like the thickness of the quilt since it will likely go on the floor for baby to play on, but it was a bear to work with.  I think I'll stick with my Florida thin battings from now on.

Receiving the first morning's rays of sunlight.

This was a commissioned quilt and isn't due until October, but it is good to have it off my plate.  I would definitely make this design again.

Linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Busy Hands Quilts to show off finishes. 

Thankful Thursday

Sewing + Teaching = Joy !!

I am so very thankful that my hobby blends well with my God-given talent.

I have immensely enjoyed the opportunity to experiment with teaching a sewing class this summer.  I have taught sewing before so it wasn't a brand new experience, but with the exception of sewing projects in the classroom I have not taught sewing here in the United States.  I didn't know if there was in interest and I am not good at marketing myself.

A few of  the ladies grace the opening pages.

When we lived in Guatemala I had a group of women and teens (from a children's home) who came to my house to learn to sew.  We made baby quilts that the church gave to each baby when they were dedicated in church to represent the spiritual covering of the church over each baby. 

A received our first quilt in 1997.  Her first quilt was stolen from the public bus, so we made her another.

Over the years we made hundreds of baby quilts of all colors and styles.  As the abilities increased the designs became more complicated. When we got new women in the group the designs got a bit easier again.  The color combinations depended on what fabrics had been donated.  My favorites were always when someone donated a box of little scraps.  I just love scraps!

Four sisters and their quilts!

As the women really learned to sew and I could tell that they would use their skill either for income or to serve others I gave them a machine.  My favorite story was of one woman who lived in a small village and immediately started making quilts for babies born in her community.  When we left Guatemala I made sure that all the remaining machines & fabric were placed in good hands.  It had all been donated, so it was the right thing to do. 

Three generations.  My MIL, me, Little S working on Grown Up R's Quinceanos Quilt in 2008.

When we left Guatemala one young woman in the group made a photo album of as many kids as she could find and took their picture as big kids (the oldest was 13!!) and paired it with the photo taken when they received their baby quilt and a message from the parents.  As precious as that album is, it is hard to look at because I cry every time.  This post is taking me down memory lane and I had to go back and look at it and include a few of those photos.

Fast forward to 2018.  O is an amazing seamstress, with great attention to detail.

Yesterday was the last day of my experimental summer sewing class so it reminded me of other sewing experiences in the past.  It also makes me think about the next step on this sewing adventure and there are so many ideas that it is keeping me awake at night!  I still don't have a job lined up for the upcoming school year, but I keep applying as openings become available and remain hopeful.  Maybe sewing in the schools needs to make a comeback!!

Thankful today for the women of all ages with whom I have been able to share the love of sewing.

Tasty Tuesday - Carolina Delights

Grown Up R discovered this recipe when we were still living in Guatemala.  It met all the requirements for our recipes back then - no boxes, no bags, no cans and no packages.  It did require some of our well hoarded peanut butter, but it was worth the sacrifice.  Since we could only cook from scratch all of my church lady cookbook recipes using the above mentioned boxes, bags, cans and packages were just not possible for us.  I actually used a lot of my grandmother's recipes from the depression since they were very basic.

Back to the Carolina Delights.  They cook over the stove and then set up in the refrigerator.  Ready in a few minutes almost. Warning - They are very sweet!

You can't stop with just one!

Carolina Delights

Juanita Peek

2 c white sugar
1/2 c milk
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c butter
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 c peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats

In a medium saucepan combine the sugar, milk, cocoa, and butter.
Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil.
Boil for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peanut butter until smooth.
Stir in cooking oats.

Drop spoonfuls of batter onto sheets of greased wax paper.  Let cool.

Mmmmmm!!

We prefer to spread in a greased 13 x 9 and let cool in the refrigerator, then cut in 1" squares.

Store in an airtight container.
Makes 5 dozen plus.

Design Wall Monday

I actually have something on the design wall this week.

A few more hexagons!

I added 2 blocks to the next hexagon quilt.  The pink in the upper right and the 4/6 yellow in the lower left.

I need 8 whole blocks and 2 4/6 blocks in total, so I am making progress.  Several of the colorful large triangle sections for the next hexagons are finished and I just need to add the last white little triangles, so I am getting closer.  I have been making these as my Leader & Ender project, so there is no rush.

Linking up to Small Quilts & Doll Quilts to show what we are working on.

Stash Report 072218

Fabric In:  Not a bit.  I even drove past all the thrift stores on an errand, but it was pouring down rain and I had a very heavy load of bathroom tile in the back of the van (dealing with mold, yuck) so I was already driving super cautiously and I didn't want any extra stops.

Fabric Out:
I got the Carpenter Star quilted so I can count the backing fabric out.  It was the same polka dot as the border and one of the star points.  Now it is all gone except for a few small scraps.  I get sad to see favorites get used up, but that is the point of using the stash, right?  2.5 yards out for backing

Almost finished

I thought I would get more sewn this week because Little S was away on a mission trip with her youth group, but household things and a migraine got in the way.  I am satisfied with the carpenter star progress though and the reality is there was a lot of time and prep involved in the quilting of that.


Fabric Purchased since last report: 0 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 55.67 yards

Fabric Acquired since last report: 0 yards

Fabric Acquired YTD: 22.65 yards

Fabric Used since last report: 2.5 yards backing
Fabric Used YTD: 104.66 yards

Total: 26.34 yards destashed

Slow and steady.  I am headed in the right direction and that is the important thing.  Little S is away again this coming week at a church camp, so I will try to be more productive!  College E heads back soon, so I am also trying to take advantage of every moment I can with her.

Don't forget to check out the July Giveaway to see how you can help me get even more fabric out of the stash!

Kate over at Life In Pieces has challenged us to try to stitch 15 minutes each day.  I was able to sew every day.  The quilting of a quilt is not my favorite part and is tedious, so I worked at in in spurts each day.  Every little bit moves a project forward!

Days stitched since last report: 7/7
Days stitched this year: 184/202
Success Rate: 91%


Linking up to QuiltPaintCreate and Life in Pieces to keep accountable.

Friday Finish 072018

I have a near finish.  I got the carpenter star quilt sandwiched on Tuesday.  The batting is thicker than what I usually use and it gave it great texture.  I used a variegated blue thread for the blue sections and cream for the background.  I used my walking foot for the straight lines.

I love the walking foot.

I tried some free motion shapes in the small background triangles. 

Some curves to work with all the straight lines.

For the oval in the larger background triangles I marked the oval first since I didn't think I could free motion that. The oval was large enough that I could use the walking foot for sewing it and an echo line inside and outside of it.

Echo stitching around oval

I need to finish up the borders, but that will be more straight lines and should get done today with no problem.

Lots of texture.

This is a commissioned quilt.  It isn't due until October, so I way ahead of the game.  Woo hoo!

Linking up to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday and Busy Hands Quilts to show off (near) finishes!

Thankful Thursday

Last week for my sewing class that meets at the library I procrastinated and didn't get the project picked out until the last minute. 

Since the students didn't all have time to get their supplies I brought a variety of fabrics from my stash for them to choose from.  I am so thankful to be able to do that.   I have enough fabric that I can share liberally.  Much of it was given to me or purchased at an amazingly low cost, so I can give it to others without worrying.  I am glad to be able to do that.

I am thankful for people who give me fabric trusting that I will do something with it - use it or share it.  I am thankful for my favorite thrift store that sells fabric within my price range!  I am thankful for my handful of clients who look to me to create just what they need.

Plenty of quilting cotton!

God is good and I have the fabric and supplies that I need - in abundance!


So today's Thankful Thursday is dedicated to all the people and places who keep me supplied!

Reusable Makeup Wipe Tutorial

My daughter asked for these, then her sister, then their Besties.  There are a lot of tutorials out there and there are lots for sale on Etsy.   I was hesitant to put my own tutorial out, but since it seems to be readily available already I don't think I'm stepping on any toes.

Miaismine asked how I made them so here goes: 

Cut 2 3" flannel squares for each wipe.

cut 2 3" squares

 I like to cut a 3" x 6" piece when fabric allows.

OR a 3" x 6" rectangle

Match squares wrong sides together.  If using 6" x 3" fold in half wrong sides together.

wrong sides together

Sew around the edges with a blanket stitch, close zig zag or whatever your machine can do.  Even a double line of straight stitching would do the trick.

sew around with a finishing stitch, curving the corners

I don't sew the squared corner, but curve as I go around the corner.  This came about from trial & error.  By cutting the curve first I still had to cut again when I trimmed and it was harder to sew when the curve was already cut.

trim and ... done!

Trim as needed, trim off the corners.

Voila!!



Wash with like colors in a lingerie bag.

These become more absorbent after they are washed.

I saw sets ranging from 12 - 24 wipes on Etsy.  How many you need depends on your laundry situation.  I only made 16 for College E, but I will make her a bunch more before she heads back.

Hope you like this tutorial.

Tasty Tuesday - Hamburger Buns

This recipe has become a favorite.  It really is just as easy as running to the store and picking up a package of buns, but they taste so much better and they are great as leftovers for breakfast - almost like an English muffin.

I originally saw a post on Patchwork Times linking to these homemade hamburger buns from Taste of Home.  I tried it and sure enough - as advertised.  40 minutes from start to finish and delicious. 

It had been a while since I made them, but for 4th of July I found the recipe again and whipped up a batch.   I have been trying to use my new stand mixer at least once a week and this recipe worked great in the mixer instead of by hand.

Homemade buns for the 4th!

I got distracted on the 4th of July and they rose an extra long time, but that allowed us to add extra toppings to our burgers!  Everyone raved. 

So I made them again this weekend for sloppy joes.  Since we had a smaller crowd I made just half a batch.  I still formed 12 buns, but they were a smaller.  More like a slider bun.  Perfect.  I was in a hurry because College E had to get to work and I had gotten a late start.  Sure enough 40 minutes from start to finish.

Straight from Taste of Home -

40-Minute Hamburger Buns

40-Minute Hamburger Buns Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Prep: 20 min. + resting Bake: 10 min

1 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add oil and sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the egg, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let rise. Divide into 12 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place 3 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
• Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Bake at 425° for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Test Kitchen Tip

Want a heartier sandwich? Divide the dough into 8 portions instead of 12, then shape anyway you like.

These are ultra customizable. We like to add sesame or poppy seeds. Just brush warm buns with butter and add your favorite toppings.

This recipe can also be used for slider buns or rolls. Divide dough into 24 pieces, and bake until golden brown.

To add a golden sheen, whisk one egg yolk with 2-3 teaspoons water, then brush buns before baking.

Nutrition Facts

1 bun: 195 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

Originally published as 40-Minute Hamburger Buns in Best of Country Breads

Design Wall Monday 071618

The wall is clear and the floor is clear.  I got several odd sewing jobs done on Sunday afternoon, so Monday I could start with a clean slate.

Project #1 - Turned an old baby blanket with 2 monograms into 4 small loveys with monograms for 2 other sons.  Great idea for dividing a single blanket into a memory for several children.

My monogram font (bottom row) is different, but the client is still happy.

Project #2 - Monogrammed towel for College E's Bestie.  Since the machine was out, this was easy.

Same font - it's the only one I have, but it works!

Project #3 - Identifying scarf for Grown Up R's nervous dog.  I thought this was a great idea so people know what to expect when they approach her out on a walk.  This has potential as an item to make for the craft fair.

No doubts about this dog's personality!

So now I will take my clear conscience at getting these odd jobs done and use the clean floor to layer/sandwich the baby quilts that need to be quilted and get going on them since the sewing table top is clean as well.

Linking up to Small Quilts & Doll Quilts to show what we are working on.

Stash Report 071518

A balanced last few weeks I think.  Some sewing, some other crafts. Some fabric in and some out.

Fabric In:  I hadn't been thrifting in a while, but College E and I were on the hunt for something specific so we headed to our favorite places.  We didn't find what we were looking for, but she found a fantastic deal on a GoPro camera that was on her dream list and I, of course, found some fabric.

Fabric In

Since I had recently touched every piece of fabric I own I knew what colors I could use and that helps make a decision.

Folded & Measured

I also saw that some pieces I didn't choose were picked up by the lady

behind me in line.  That was a good reminder to me that just because it is a good deal does not mean that I need to be the one to buy it.  11.61 yards

Fabric Out:  I have had some small finishes in preparation for the craft show.
I have been busy making reusable makeup wipes.  2 sets for the girls' Besties, which got away without photos and 6 sets to sell.  1.9 yards

Reusable make up wipes.

Then I moved on to flannel burp clothes.  The ulterior motive being that I had to cut the larger pieces from the flannel, so I could then use the scraps for makeup wipes.  5.25 yards

Large flannel backed burp cloths.

It is kind of funny that just a few weeks ago when I cleaned and organized my sewing room I didn't know what to do with all the flannel.  Now I am working my way though it.

In our class this week we made fabric bins from the tutorial from Birch Fabrics.  They were a lot of fun and just the right level of difficulty.  Some students brought their own fabric, but I provided for others (since I didn't have the plan until the last minute).  I am thankful that I have enough fabric to be able to share freely.  3 bins got out the door without a photo, but they were super cute too.  2.8 yards out

Mediums and Smalls

Fabric Purchased since last report: 11.61 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 55.67 yards

Fabric Acquired since last report: 0 yards

Fabric Acquired YTD: 22.65 yards

Fabric Used since last report: 9.95 yards 
Fabric Used YTD: 102.16 yards

Total: 23.84 yards destashed

Movement in both directions, but not in such a way as to upset the balance too badly.  I am shocked to see that over 100 yards has already been moved out this year.  Even though it wasn't all sewn it is still the right direction.  I am hopeful that I can keep sewing steadily for the remainder of the summer.

Don't forget to check out the July Giveaway to see how you can help me get even more fabric out of the stash!

Kate over at Life In Pieces has challenged us to try to stitch 15 minutes each day.  I was in the sewing room almost every day the past 2 week.  The other days I focused on finishing up scrapbooks.  Good progress on both sewing and scrapbooks, so I am satisfied.

Days stitched since last report: 12/14
Days stitched this year: 177/195
Success Rate: 91%


Linking up to QuiltPaintCreate and Life in Pieces to keep accountable.

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for like-minded friends.  Even though I had known this person for a few years, she turned into a friend at school this year.  I felt like one of the kids making a new friend!

Before

At nearly the last minute she had the idea to make pajama pants for her daughter's birthday party.  Not just make the pajama pants, but have the kids make them.  She knew who to call.  I am willing to try almost anything.

Getting some initial instruction.

It was a little bit crazy, but a lot of fun.  Four girls each ended up with a finished pair of pajama pants.  Depending on their age, some were able to do almost all the work themselves.  Others did more than enough to be able to say they made them themselves.

Birthday Girl practicing sewing a straight line.

I am so glad that my friend had the idea and trusted me enough to run with it. 

Ta Daaaaa !!!!

Now I have another sewing idea/project to add to my repertoire.

Fabric Bins

The lesson for this week's sewing class came from Birch Fabrics -  fabric bins in three sizes.  Super cute and only straight line sewing.

Tracing & Cutting

The recommendation in the tutorial to trace the pattern out on heavy paper was a good one, especially when working with a class.  I used poster board and they were sturdy enough to be handled repeatedly and traced easily.

Trimming the Pellon away from the seam allowance.

Each student chose the size that fit their fabric and that worked perfectly. 

Careful 1/2" seams.

For this class they had to do the tracing and cutting themselves, which is a skill in itself.

Pressing open the seams.  

The girls especially love to iron.  Today they learned that ironing on the Pellon and ironing open the seams are very different than ironing out wrinkles. 

The last stitching line!

Coordinated bin and shirt!

In the end we got to see the small, medium and large variations.  Our mother/daughter team made matching nesting bins - very cute!

4 of the 6 bins made.

Teaching this class has been a really fun experiment for the summer.  We will see what it turns into for the Fall. There are lots of ideas floating around.