New Work Space

I recently relocated my work space to a new room.  It is no small task to take an entire room of sewing and work space down to only part of a room.  One must be organized and minimalistic.  I was quite surprised to find that my new work space is not only functional it is quite efficient.  I wonder if less space is sometimes best?
New Work Space:

Old sewing room: can you say clutter???

They grew on me...

This is the finished product of the Hot Pink and White Polka Dot Clutches.  If you remember, I ordered this fabric from China as a special order for a bride who wanted 8 of them as gifts for her bridesmaids.  They turned out quite nice and rather elegant.  Funny how fabrics that I would not necessarily choose myself turn out to be rather stunning in the end.  This project definitely helps to broaden my fabric horizons.

Hot Pink and White Poka Dot Clutches

A few weeks ago I got an order from a bride who wanted 8 clutches for her bridesmaids. I was so excited about my first bridesmaid clutch order, and I actually ended up getting another order just a few days later! 
Anyway, this bride found fabric online that she wanted me to use, and I ordered it for her.  The fabric was from China, and I was a bit nervous about my first international purchase, but it went very smoothly, and the fabric arrived quicker than I expected.  It is a cotton fabric, but it is soft and almost silky and very high quality.  The hot pink and white poka dots didn't appeal to me at first, but after putting the clutches together, the fabric is starting to grow on me.  I love that the poka dots vary in size, and I have never seen a design quite like this fabric.  I have all the clutch bodies finished and they are just waiting to be adhered to their silver clasp frames.  I thought they looked so pretty all lined up on my cutting table this evening.

Jackies Chicken/Turkey Pot Pie

So I am not much of a cook, I can cook, but it is just not a priority in my life.  I do enjoy cooking, when I find a good recipe that is fun to make.  This is one of my most favorite recipes that I got from my mother-in-law.  It is easy and fun to make, and it is yummy!  I also like to vary the recipe and switch up the ingredients from time to time.  You can use Chicken or Turkey for this recipe.

Jackie's Chicken/ Turkey Pot Pie
1 1/2 Cup Mushrooms sliced
1-3 Carrots- chopped into small pieces
1/2 Cup Onion chopped
1/2 Cup Celery Chopped
1/2 Stick Butter
1/3 Cup Flour
1 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
1 1/2 Cup Milk
4 Cups Cubed Chicken
1 Cup Frozen Peas
1 tsp Salt
Other seasonings to taste
(Optional ingredients: Broccoli, frozen spinach)

In a Large Skillet Saute Butter, mushrooms, Carrots, Onions, Celery, and Garlic (broccoli) until tender.  Sprinkle with Flour.  Stir in Milk and Chicken Broth.  Bring to Boil for 2 minutes until thickened.  Add Chicken, Peas, (frozen spinach), salt, and other seasonings.
Pour into Greased 2 Qt Baking Dish 
Top with Bisquits (see recipe below)
Bake @ 350 degrees for 20-25min (make sure biscuits are cooked)

Baking Powder Biscuits  (taken from a 1933 recipe)
2 Cups Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
4 Tbspn Butter cut in cubes
1/2 tsp Salt
About 3/4 Cups Milk

Mix Dry ingredients, cut in butter (using your hands works really well).  Slowly add milk to right consistency.  Knead for 30 sec.  Roll into "tube" and cut discs to place on top of pot pie mixture.

Sorry I have no pictures of this right now, but trust me, it is yummy and easy!!


 

Pineapple Pay It Forward

A few weeks ago my friend Chris posted a message on her Facebook Page entitled Pay it Forward.  She said that anyone who commented on her post would receive a special handmade gift from her.  Then those people had to post the same Pay It Forward message on their Facebook pages, and give special handmade gifts to those who commented.  Becuase I love giving and recieving handmade gifts, this challenge was right up my alley.  Well, I have not gotten around to making my gifts yet (we have the rest of the year to complete the challenge).  But Chris has diligently finished her gifts, and she gave me mine today!  I was so surprised when she presented me with this beautiful and expertly made Pineapple Quilt block.  She used the foundation piecing technique to make this beautiful little block. She also promised to teach me how to foundation piece, which I am very excited about.  I think this will need to be our next sewing day project. Thank you Chris for such a gift of love, it will be cherished forever!

A Productive Day

Today was a "sewing day" with my dear friend, Chris.  It had been months since our last sewing day, so we were long overdue!  I love sewing days becuase I can be productive while catching up with a good friend.  I also love sewing days becuase they are totally inspiring and I always learn something new.  Thank you Chris for spending the day with me!! 

Bridesmaids Clutches

Lately, I have been making more clutches. I have had two larger orders from brides for clutches for their bridesmaids.  It has been really exciting to work with brides and create something for their special day!
I have made a some other clutches in a slightly different style as well.
Here are a few of my offerings...