Trimming my HSTs a few at a time!
Living off Lasagna leftovers this week, yum!
One of the the sweet kitties at animal shelter.
Today I love the..
Smell of: New bodywash
Sound of: Cavs sountrack
Taste of: Five Guys!
Sight of: Green leaves and trees
Feel of: Evening nap
Good Things about Today:
- Last day of classes!
- Did so well on my management science test I don't have to take the exam!
- Adopted out a milestone kitty at shelter today, he had been there since Nov '08!!
- I have nice handwriting today :)
Friday, April 30, 2010
Favorites
1. scrappy rainbow, 2. Fabric containers, 3. Pinwheel Quilt Along Week #8 Block #6, 4. OSB preview, 5. 115.365 Sampler Stitchery, 6. Untitled, 7. April Pretty in Pink Bee - log cabin center, 8. 1940s quilt from Canada, 9. HEXAGON PATCHWORK CHARM
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday
Completed my Sugar & Spice collection! SO happy! :D
Finished the Hope Mini Quilt! I love how it turned out!
Working on my Flying Geese Vintage quilt!
Packaged and sent out the blocks for the 3x6 Mini Bee!
George looking oh-so handsome!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Soothing lotion
Sound of: Harry Potter 6
Taste of: Biscotti
Sight of: Fabric!
Feel of: Comfy futon
Good Things about Today:
- Fabric arrived today!!
- Hardest exam just got easier!
- Only 1 more week of school!
- Making sewing progress!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Pyrex Series: Promotional Patterns
I have been procrastinating writing this post because Promotional pieces are the most difficult to understand. So instead of trying to talk about every different promotional piece that we know exists, we'll cover some of the basics!
There are a few patterns that did not have full sets of pieces like the common patterns but had multiple items. These are Pink Daisy and Snowflake. Both patterns were used on Space Savers, Oval Casseroles, Divided Dishes, and Open Bakers. The Pink Daisy are all the same but the Snowflake included white on turquoise, turquoise on white, white on black, and even black on yellow.
There are numerous promotionals in the round casserole size. This Red Hearts Casserole is a 473 and the Zodiac Casserole is a 475. The Red Hearts Casserole is one of my favorites!
One of the most popular sizes that promotional items came in is the 043 Oval Casserole size. As I talked about last week, it is my favorite size! There are so many patterns made in it and they don't take up much space! There were also some promotional patterns in the larger 045 size as well. The casseroles on the left are Daisy, Pink Stems and Tulip. The casserole on the right is Sage Scroll.
There were a few different chip and dip sets made, all of which are promotional items. This Balloons set, owned by Twin72 is one of my favorites! Love that color! There are also a few bowls in promotional patterns, like this Medallion Bowl.
There are quite a few promotional divided dishes. This is the Barbed Wire Divided dish. The Terra pattern isn't exactly a promotional pattern, but it wasn't made in many pieces. There are some casseroles, handleless mugs and mixing bowls. It is difficult to find them in good condition.
Some promotional pieces are actually made in regular patterns. This promotional pattern is part of the Friendship line. There are also promotional Butterprint and Gooseberry patterns. Finally, one of the most coveted promotional sets, the New Dots Mixing Bowl Set. This set belongs to _sirkus_ over on Flickr. This is easily one of the most expensive sets!
For much much more information on Pyrex and especially on promotional items, head on over to the Pyrex Love website. :)
There are a few patterns that did not have full sets of pieces like the common patterns but had multiple items. These are Pink Daisy and Snowflake. Both patterns were used on Space Savers, Oval Casseroles, Divided Dishes, and Open Bakers. The Pink Daisy are all the same but the Snowflake included white on turquoise, turquoise on white, white on black, and even black on yellow.
There are numerous promotionals in the round casserole size. This Red Hearts Casserole is a 473 and the Zodiac Casserole is a 475. The Red Hearts Casserole is one of my favorites!
One of the most popular sizes that promotional items came in is the 043 Oval Casserole size. As I talked about last week, it is my favorite size! There are so many patterns made in it and they don't take up much space! There were also some promotional patterns in the larger 045 size as well. The casseroles on the left are Daisy, Pink Stems and Tulip. The casserole on the right is Sage Scroll.
There were a few different chip and dip sets made, all of which are promotional items. This Balloons set, owned by Twin72 is one of my favorites! Love that color! There are also a few bowls in promotional patterns, like this Medallion Bowl.
There are quite a few promotional divided dishes. This is the Barbed Wire Divided dish. The Terra pattern isn't exactly a promotional pattern, but it wasn't made in many pieces. There are some casseroles, handleless mugs and mixing bowls. It is difficult to find them in good condition.
Some promotional pieces are actually made in regular patterns. This promotional pattern is part of the Friendship line. There are also promotional Butterprint and Gooseberry patterns. Finally, one of the most coveted promotional sets, the New Dots Mixing Bowl Set. This set belongs to _sirkus_ over on Flickr. This is easily one of the most expensive sets!
For much much more information on Pyrex and especially on promotional items, head on over to the Pyrex Love website. :)
Giveaway Winner!
Congratulations to Amanda! You are the winner of the vintage goodies pack! Thank you to everyone who entered! I really enjoyed reading everyone's favorite thrifting finds and dreams!
I'll be posting this week's Pyrex Series post in a few hours, so stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday
*Don't forget to enter the giveaway here! It's open until tonight at 10:00pm EST!*
Making a mini quilt from the Hope Market Tote Pattern.
Found an alternative to the Gypsy Gripper, for $13 less at Aldi!
George is enjoying our sunny afternoon.
The Pyrex post is probably going to be a little late today, or possibly tomorrow. We're off to the Cavs playoff game tonight so I won't be back until late!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Spring!
Sound of: My Name is Earl
Taste of: Biscotti
Sight of: Fabric
Feel of: The Sun
Good Things about Today:
- Got out of Macro Econ early!
- Finished piecing a mini quit
- Going to the CAVS game tonight!!
- George has been a good bunny today :)
Making a mini quilt from the Hope Market Tote Pattern.
Found an alternative to the Gypsy Gripper, for $13 less at Aldi!
George is enjoying our sunny afternoon.
The Pyrex post is probably going to be a little late today, or possibly tomorrow. We're off to the Cavs playoff game tonight so I won't be back until late!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Spring!
Sound of: My Name is Earl
Taste of: Biscotti
Sight of: Fabric
Feel of: The Sun
Good Things about Today:
- Got out of Macro Econ early!
- Finished piecing a mini quit
- Going to the CAVS game tonight!!
- George has been a good bunny today :)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Toasted Coconut Biscotti
I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes! For biscotti, it's quick and easy! It is perfect for dipping in coffee and in my favorite, milk.
It will continue to be a little quiet in this space for the next two weeks. This is the last week of classes with exam week coming up next week. It shouldn't be too bad this semester, but it will definitely be busy! I still plan on posting, but it will be a little sporadic!
Toasted Coconut Biscotti Recipe
1 3/4 c flour
3/4 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
1/8 t nutmeg
3/4 c sugar
1 t vanilla
2 large eggs
1 cup toasted coconut
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Spread coconut on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This can be done while the oven is heating, just be sure to check on it every few minutes.
3. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
4. Beat sugar, vanilla, and eggs with a mixer or in a large bowl until thick.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and coconut to the wet mixture.
6. Pour out the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Spray a little cooking spray on your hands and shape into a log shape. Flatten a bit.
7. Bake for 40 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Slice into ½ inch (or so) slices.
10. Transfer to a cooling rack and put back in the oven to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
NOTES
*Be careful when toasting the coconut, it burns easily!
*I don’t keep nutmeg around because I hardly ever use it. I used a little Allspice instead and it tastes fine.
*You can bake the biscotti the second time on the original cookie sheet if you want. The advantage of cooking it on a cooling rack is that it bakes it on all four sides for extra crisp!
It will continue to be a little quiet in this space for the next two weeks. This is the last week of classes with exam week coming up next week. It shouldn't be too bad this semester, but it will definitely be busy! I still plan on posting, but it will be a little sporadic!
Toasted Coconut Biscotti Recipe
1 3/4 c flour
3/4 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
1/8 t nutmeg
3/4 c sugar
1 t vanilla
2 large eggs
1 cup toasted coconut
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Spread coconut on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This can be done while the oven is heating, just be sure to check on it every few minutes.
3. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
4. Beat sugar, vanilla, and eggs with a mixer or in a large bowl until thick.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and coconut to the wet mixture.
6. Pour out the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Spray a little cooking spray on your hands and shape into a log shape. Flatten a bit.
7. Bake for 40 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Slice into ½ inch (or so) slices.
10. Transfer to a cooling rack and put back in the oven to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
NOTES
*Be careful when toasting the coconut, it burns easily!
*I don’t keep nutmeg around because I hardly ever use it. I used a little Allspice instead and it tastes fine.
*You can bake the biscotti the second time on the original cookie sheet if you want. The advantage of cooking it on a cooling rack is that it bakes it on all four sides for extra crisp!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sewing, Chili, and a Giveaway!
I thought since I've been having such good luck finding vintage fabrics and things lately, it was only fair to share! So I'd like to kick off my first giveaway! For a chance to win this collection of vintage patterns, fabrics, and notions please leave a comment on this post! Tell mw about your favorite thrifting find or what you dream of finding :) I will pick a random winner Wednesday morning! The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, April 27th @ 10:00 PM EST! Good luck!
Finished up the potholders for the 2010 Great Potholder Swap!
Love having Cincinatti Chili to eat on during the week!
Finished up the potholders for the 2010 Great Potholder Swap!
Love having Cincinatti Chili to eat on during the week!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Favorites
1. Red and Aqua Bee (2) - March Block, 2. Pinwheel for Jane, 3. Flock of triangles quilt, 4. fabric collection - vintage scandinavian, 5. { geometric squares quilt }, 6. red and aqua bee quilt strips, 7. potholder swap 2010, 8. Lazy Geese in the Forest, 9. Colors
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday!
Finished making a little quilt out of vintage blocks.
Finished up another block for the 3 x 6 Mini Bee :)
Found this cool vintage fabric for $1!
George sleeping under the box flap :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Spring!
Sound of: Jack Johnson
Taste of: Strawberries
Sight of: Finished mini quilt
Feel of: Spring!
Good Things about Today:
- I secured a PAID internship for this summer!! :)
- Finished up a few things on my to do list.
- No class tomorrow until 4:30!
- Warm and beautiful day!
Finished up another block for the 3 x 6 Mini Bee :)
Found this cool vintage fabric for $1!
George sleeping under the box flap :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Spring!
Sound of: Jack Johnson
Taste of: Strawberries
Sight of: Finished mini quilt
Feel of: Spring!
Good Things about Today:
- I secured a PAID internship for this summer!! :)
- Finished up a few things on my to do list.
- No class tomorrow until 4:30!
- Warm and beautiful day!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Pyrex Series: Common Patterns
The next few weeks of The Pyrex Series is going to deal with patterns. This week's focus is on "common" patterns. I say common reluctantly because not all of these patterns are necessarily all easy to find. They are however all pretty standard in the sizes they came in and were not promotional so were made in decent quantity.
There were two different versions of the Butterfly Gold Pattern. The first version is much more common than the second, and one of if not the most common pattern produced. The difference between the two is a slight difference in color and the actual design is slightly different.
Spring Blossom Green is another one of the most common patterns. Both Spring Blossom Green and Butterfly Gold had lines or Corelle dishes that coordinated, making them extra popular. There are two versions of Spring Blossom Green. The first is the most common. The second has a lighter color of green on some of the pieces and a different design.
Autumn Harvest and Woodland were both produced near the end of vintage Pyrex production. Both are considered somewhat newer patterns. Autumn Harvest has red and orange pieces while Woodland has two different shades of brown. Both often have "safe for the microwave" stamps on them.
Colonial Mist and Early American are both fairly common patterns. Early American has gold details on some of the pieces.
Snowflake Blue is the only "common" pattern that I have never owned a piece of! This photo is from my good friend Twin72 on Flickr! I think this is simply by chance however, plus it's not really my style! I have to limit myself a little or I'll run out of room! Both patterns are generally considered pretty common.
As with the majority of the patterns, both Gooseberry and Butterprint have many pieces that have alternating colors. There are some promotional pieces of Butterprint along with the standard items. I am pretty sure that neither Butterprint nor Gooseberry has oval casseroles.
Daisy and Verde both are a little different. Daisy has pieces with opal lids as well as soild colored mixing bowls and another pattern on the cinderella bowls. Verde also has opal patterned lids along with solid casseroles, mixing bowls, and refrigerator dishes.
Both Horizon Blue and Friendship have solid colored pieces intermixed with the pattern pieces. Friendship can be somewhat hard to find because it is a popular pattern.
Town & Country and Square Flowers have solids mixed with patterned pieces as well. This can often make it hard to determine which set a solid pieces comes from.
Finally, there is Forest Fancies and old Orchard. Forest Fancies as far as I know, is all the same color/pattern, the speckled brown. The Old Orchard has a few solid pieces in brown by the majority of the pieces are orange.
For much much more information on these patterns and many of the promotional patterns and pieces, head over to the Pyrex Love website!
What is everyone's favorite pattern?
There were two different versions of the Butterfly Gold Pattern. The first version is much more common than the second, and one of if not the most common pattern produced. The difference between the two is a slight difference in color and the actual design is slightly different.
Spring Blossom Green is another one of the most common patterns. Both Spring Blossom Green and Butterfly Gold had lines or Corelle dishes that coordinated, making them extra popular. There are two versions of Spring Blossom Green. The first is the most common. The second has a lighter color of green on some of the pieces and a different design.
Autumn Harvest and Woodland were both produced near the end of vintage Pyrex production. Both are considered somewhat newer patterns. Autumn Harvest has red and orange pieces while Woodland has two different shades of brown. Both often have "safe for the microwave" stamps on them.
Colonial Mist and Early American are both fairly common patterns. Early American has gold details on some of the pieces.
Snowflake Blue is the only "common" pattern that I have never owned a piece of! This photo is from my good friend Twin72 on Flickr! I think this is simply by chance however, plus it's not really my style! I have to limit myself a little or I'll run out of room! Both patterns are generally considered pretty common.
As with the majority of the patterns, both Gooseberry and Butterprint have many pieces that have alternating colors. There are some promotional pieces of Butterprint along with the standard items. I am pretty sure that neither Butterprint nor Gooseberry has oval casseroles.
Daisy and Verde both are a little different. Daisy has pieces with opal lids as well as soild colored mixing bowls and another pattern on the cinderella bowls. Verde also has opal patterned lids along with solid casseroles, mixing bowls, and refrigerator dishes.
Both Horizon Blue and Friendship have solid colored pieces intermixed with the pattern pieces. Friendship can be somewhat hard to find because it is a popular pattern.
Town & Country and Square Flowers have solids mixed with patterned pieces as well. This can often make it hard to determine which set a solid pieces comes from.
Finally, there is Forest Fancies and old Orchard. Forest Fancies as far as I know, is all the same color/pattern, the speckled brown. The Old Orchard has a few solid pieces in brown by the majority of the pieces are orange.
For much much more information on these patterns and many of the promotional patterns and pieces, head over to the Pyrex Love website!
What is everyone's favorite pattern?
My Sewing Area
Since it was a perfect Spring day yesterday, I figured it was about time I did a little spring cleaning! Yesterday I tackled my sewing area. I recently reorganized my fabric stash but after picking up a large amount of vintage fabric from the thrift, things needed a little rearranging. My apartment may not be that big, but I do have a dedicated sewing/crafting area, which I use everyday! It's right in the main room though, so it's important that I keep it looking nice.
Part of the messiness was caused by vintage sheets! I just finished cutting up all 80 sheet FQs for the vintage sheet swap and there were scraps and unfolded sheets everywhere! It was time they get a designated place. So I shuffled around some of my vintage goodies and cleared a space for my vintage sheet and vintage fabric collection. Now it's all out in the open so I can look at it every day! :)
I don't think I shared my vintage fabric jackpot here! This past weekend I picked up a ton of vintage fabric from a local thrift store. In addition, two weeks ago my Mom let me go through her vintage fabric stash. Let's just say my collection of vintage fabrics has doubled (probably tripled) in the last two weeks! This photo shows about 90% of my collection. There are a few more prints in great yardage stored away.
Watch out later today for the next Pyrex Series post! If you're new to the Pyrex Series, click here.
Part of the messiness was caused by vintage sheets! I just finished cutting up all 80 sheet FQs for the vintage sheet swap and there were scraps and unfolded sheets everywhere! It was time they get a designated place. So I shuffled around some of my vintage goodies and cleared a space for my vintage sheet and vintage fabric collection. Now it's all out in the open so I can look at it every day! :)
I don't think I shared my vintage fabric jackpot here! This past weekend I picked up a ton of vintage fabric from a local thrift store. In addition, two weeks ago my Mom let me go through her vintage fabric stash. Let's just say my collection of vintage fabrics has doubled (probably tripled) in the last two weeks! This photo shows about 90% of my collection. There are a few more prints in great yardage stored away.
Watch out later today for the next Pyrex Series post! If you're new to the Pyrex Series, click here.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday Stash: My Favorite Prints
Sugar & Spice by Robert Kaufman
Mocca & Arvika by Alexander Henry
A few JoAnn's prints.
Nigella by Amy Butler
I thought I'd pull out a few of my favorite fabrics today! :)
Mocca & Arvika by Alexander Henry
A few JoAnn's prints.
Nigella by Amy Butler
I thought I'd pull out a few of my favorite fabrics today! :)
The Pyrex Series: Favorite Size
I had a really hard time deciding what my favorite size dish is! It seems to change all the time. For now, the 043 Oval Casserole dishes are my favorite. There were many promotional dishes made in this size, many of which are my favorite!
This is my number one, most favorite piece of Pyrex. I love the beautiful pink color and the white design reminds me of Orla Kiely. I received this beauty in a trade a few months ago and I just love it! This piece is often referred to as Stems.
I love the modern pattern on this one. This casserole is also a promotional casserole referred to as Tulip. I love the bright candy color of this one!
This piece is dear to my heart! Apart from being bright and cheery it has sentimental value as well. My Mom bought this piece for her sister as a wedding present. When I started collecting, by Aunt gave it to me! :)
There weren't many pieces made in the Pink Daisy pattern but the oval casserole is one of them! I just can't resist the pink!
Another floral themed casserole! I love how much the black tulips pop on the white and it's just another fun, modern design!
Part of the reason I love this size is because of the wonderful patterns for this size. However, it is also a very handy size! It's perfect when you're only cooking for one or two! They also stack and store really nicely. If you turn the lid upside down, you can easily place another one on top of it! :)
What is your favorite size of Pyrex?
This is my number one, most favorite piece of Pyrex. I love the beautiful pink color and the white design reminds me of Orla Kiely. I received this beauty in a trade a few months ago and I just love it! This piece is often referred to as Stems.
I love the modern pattern on this one. This casserole is also a promotional casserole referred to as Tulip. I love the bright candy color of this one!
This piece is dear to my heart! Apart from being bright and cheery it has sentimental value as well. My Mom bought this piece for her sister as a wedding present. When I started collecting, by Aunt gave it to me! :)
There weren't many pieces made in the Pink Daisy pattern but the oval casserole is one of them! I just can't resist the pink!
Another floral themed casserole! I love how much the black tulips pop on the white and it's just another fun, modern design!
Part of the reason I love this size is because of the wonderful patterns for this size. However, it is also a very handy size! It's perfect when you're only cooking for one or two! They also stack and store really nicely. If you turn the lid upside down, you can easily place another one on top of it! :)
What is your favorite size of Pyrex?