SEW DAY!

This is chapter #2 of the post where these girls began their sewing journey. After a quick lesson in our church basement at the beginning of last month we set a date for a full day of productive sewing at The Strawberry Patch during Christmas vacation. Two precious doll quilts (front and back shown) are the result; that, and the happy look of accomplishment on these adorable faces! I hope that as time goes by these girls will look back and remember the fun that we had today, and how enjoyable a day spent sewing can be.

Life is Good!

doll quilts: 21" X 17"

Happy Birthday, Honey!

My husband is on the right, that's Jay North (Dennis the Menace) on the left; they both were visiting Tweetsie Railroad at the same time a few years ago. Today is my husband's birthday, I have a couple of surprises planned for him. I hope he likes it as much as a trip to Tweetsie! Happy birthday, honey!

Life is Good!

The Happy Family

Here's the holy and happy little family; their "Bethlehem" photo and one from more modern times; namely Christmas night (time flies... a day later could be mistaken for 2000+ years!!)! We enjoyed a white Christmas for Gregory's first one; a memory maker if there ever was one! The snow, while beautiful, did impact our travel plans and we didn't get to the Capital City for a Christmas celebration with the rest of the family, that has been put on hold temporarily. Kyle received a leaf blower and put it to good use at our house yesterday morning. This snow was wet and heavy; the weighted branches were bending down to touch the driveway. Don't you just love it... a tool that will do double duty; and a boy (always will be that to me) man who just needed to get outside and play with his new toy? No leaves? Not a problem!

Life is Good!

Merry Christmas!

The day is here... time to sit back and relax. Warm wishes for a peaceful and blessed Christmas from me to you!

Hot Cocoa Mix
10 C dry milk powder
4 3/4 C confectioner's sugar
1 3/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
1 3/4 C powdered non-dairy creamer

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Makes 15 C mix, enough for 45 servings.

For 1 serving: place 1/3 C Hot Cocoa Mix in a mug, add 3/4 C boiling water and stir thoroughly to dissolve. Top with whipped cream or a few marshmallows, if desired.

Today, and always...
Life is Good!

The Best Gifts Are Homemade

I created this very distinctive pair of socks for my daughter-in-law. She loves socks that don't match. Once a month I disinfect my front-loading washer by running it empty with 1/3 C of bleach and a hot water rinse. I was folding the clothes from the dryer when I discovered only one gray sock. "oh, no" "oh, how great!" I thought. Yep... that disinfecting cycle wasn't empty after all, and the "missing" sock was no longer gray with black and white flowers, it will live out the rest of it's life as a beige sock with brown and white blooms. I am so clever. Is it any less of a homemade gift if it was created accidentally especially for her from me at the very last minute? Nah, she'll love it... it's exactly as I planned it! Merry Christmas, honey!

Oh, yeah; speaking of socks, and the last minute... (always my BEST minute) I needed three gift card holders. Christmas prints (vintage, at that) to the rescue, that ol' fabric stash never lets me down! I traced a pattern from a coloring book; it was just the right size; I added some coordinating cuffs, et voilà!

Life is Good!

The Tale Of Two Mangers

This is the tale of two mangers, the one where the grandparents are torn. There are two beautiful babies; both portraying Jesus. One manger is a hundred miles away in the Capital City and the second one is close by. Each baby is to be wrapped and placed in a manger, in their own church, on the same day; Christmas eve. To be chosen to portray this member of the holy family is honor for the families, yet a dreadful dilemma for the grandparents. You've heard the oft-asked question: "what would Jesus do?"; in this case the question can be modified... "what are the grandparents of two Jesus-babies to do?" To choose to see one and not the other is nearly impossible; will it be baby Jesus the girl or baby Jesus the red-head? They cannot attend both, the services are scheduled too close together and the distance is too far; they need super-powers, or a private jet.

Life is Good!
...choices are hard...

Bee Merry

The Bee gathered on Monday night right here at Chez Goodneedle for some Christmas cheer, gift exchange, and a movie! Pictured here are friends, fellow quilters and some bloggers (and would-be bloggers); to name a few: Salem Stitcher, Designer Stitches, Nane, Quiltkeemosabe, and Quiltteacher. If you look closely you will see one of the group wearing her Snuggie "Plush-wrap". I think she thought I'd object after a recent post, however I called her bluff... I'm totally OK with wearing them inside the house, anyone's house! We had a great evening, it wasn't until we sat down and began talking (never a problem) that I realized how long it's been since I've spent time with this group. With the new babies, the injuries in the family that required attention, visitors and various and assorted commitments my life has been crazy-busy all fall! I broke out the special stash of wine I had collected and reserved for my quilting friends, brewed some Christmas coffee and we ate, laughed and opened/traded/stole gifts while thoroughly enjoying each others company. We especially missed those two members who were unable to attend. I can't wait to gather together again; until then, may your gatherings Bee merry and your stitches be even and often!

Life is Good!

Do You Remember?

In case you didn't see 60 Minutes on Sunday night, Lesley Stahl presented this story; it was fascinating! Five individuals, including the actress Marilu Henner, were interviewed about their amazing ability to endlessly recall almost every day of their lives! This gift, termed 'Superior Autobiographical Memory', is being researched with truly surprising results; the scientists have only recently discovered the possible link between enlarged areas of the brain and this rare knack for recall. After watching this piece I admit to feeling sad when I think about how much I've forgotten! This blog will need to suffice as my external memory, at least until they invent a memory stick that works for human beings!

Life is Good!

Dear Snuggie Wearer,

I saw you, wearing your Snuggie and dashing into Costco the other day. I'm not sure you read the rules when you bought your Snuggie, contrary to what you may think it is NOT outerwear! Do you have any other coats, jackets or wraps that open down the back? No you don't, that ought to tell you something right there. I know it was cold, wet and slushy the day you decided to top off your parka with your Snuggie and go shopping, let me suggest that you add heavier layers underneath your jacket so that your Snuggie won't get all wet and dirty dragging through the puddles in the parking lot. (Which, brings me to another point, but this one isn't your fault: despite the way they're described, one size doesn't fit ALL!) Look at this photo that advertises your beloved Snuggie, they're made to be enjoyed at home, with a date, playing backgammon.

Sincerely,

'Tis the season, and I still have a LOT to do; namely, more correspondence. Next, a letter to the lady who was wearing her flannel Christmas pajamas (albeit cute!) out to shop for groceries at Trader Joe's... seriously, is anyone so busy that they can't pull on a pair of jeans before they leave home?

Life is Good!

Halos And All!

We attended a preschool Christmas program in the Capital City yesterday, call it "type casting" if you would like... Mason was an Angel! He wasn't the bold, deliberate, messenger-type but more of a watchful and contemplative angel! And then there was his sister, waiting in the wings; not for her chance to be a preschool angel herself in a few years; no, but to portray baby Jesus, in a manger, just a few short days from now!

Regarding Lucy Ann's stable debut, her parents are hoping she's been focusing on the words to Away In A Manger... "the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay"... however, judging from her sleepy demeanor yesterday, I'd say they have little to worry about. Call me biased, as far as this Nana is concerned, angelic behavior is all in a day's work for my grandchildren; don those halos!

Life is Good!

To The Point

Every once in a while a product comes along that works so well, and lives up to it's reputation so commendably, that it is simply too good not to recommend. I order my quilting threads from Superior Threads and had recently read about their domestic machine needles in their newsletter. I am familiar with titanium needles and how well they perform for the embroidery machine, I decided to purchase some of these Topstitch needles for piecing just to try them out. I have been sewing with these needles for the last month and, in my humble opinion, it's the best needle I have ever used. The stitches are perfect and the needle stays sharp and precise, even after a marathon day of sewing! I bought size 80/12 for typical quilting weight cotton fabric, the needle appeared to be large when I removed it from the package, but the results are perfect and the stitches so pretty that I haven't questioned my choice! I have included, below, the product description as it appears on Superior's website:

Titanium-coated Topstitch needles for all domestic machines. Titanium-coated needles have been available for longarm and industrial machines for many years but these are the first titanium-coated Topstitch style needles made for home machines. Superior Threads (USA) and Organ Needle Company (Japan) have applied the latest technology of titanium-coated needles to the Topstitch style for home machines. Because these new titanium-coated needles have an ultra thin coat of titanium nitride they will stay sharper longer and outlast any current Topstitch needle on the market.

Why Topstitch? The Topstitch needle is the most common needle type used and recommended by professionals and educators. We recommend the Topstitch for piecing, quilting, embroidery, appliqué, and construction. These needles are available in four sizes to accommodate all thread types, including metallic threads. The Topstitch needle has a larger eye and deeper groove. It is often referred as the MAGIC NEEDLE. It really does make a difference in your sewing experience.

Life is Good!

The Train To Where?

We watched this movie last weekend, Mason was mesmerized. After the movie concluded he played with his train on the floor. My husband asked Mason who was on the train, "people" he replied. "Where is the train going?", my husband queried... "Ninevah" was his response! Of course. Where else?

Life is Good!

T-minus 2 Weeks And Counting...

Are you a list maker? I am, it's the only way I can stay on task, plus there's something satisfying about checking off jobs when they're completed.

1. Christmas cards~ DONE
2. 500 papers cut for candle wrapping~ DONE
3. Gifts wrapped~ hmmm, that can wait; I need some sewing time...
4. Sanity preserved~ DONE!

Life is Good!

Christmas Chocolate

When we lived in Switzerland we could buy Christmas Chocolate at this time of year. These milk chocolate bars, by Lindt, were deliciously mixed with cinnamon and coriander and quickly became a family favorite. I cannot find them here, maybe the Swiss know that they are just too yummy for export! We left Europe and moved back to the U.S. in the summer of 1999, I had forgotten all about this seasonal treat until my daughter reminded me about Christmas Chocolate the other day. I suggested to her that maybe it just seems more delicious in the remembering because we can't find it now, but she assures me that is not the case! Her own sweet memory has prompted her to create a cookie with these flavors, she's experimenting with recipes this weekend. I can't wait to hear about (and taste) the results!

Life is Good!

A Full House

Yesterday was the annual Quilt Ministry tea and luncheon, we've been at it for ten years; making quilts for those in need and enjoying each other's company through food, fun and fellowship. The turn out was a record, counting myself there were twenty here at the house for lunch; what a terrific way to kick off the next ten years. More dedicated hearts and hands means more quilts, thanks be to God!


Chicken Spaghetti (serves a crowd!*):
2 T butter
1 C chopped onion
1 C chopped celery
1 (14 oz. can) chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz.) chopped tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel mild)
1 can (4.25 oz.) chopped black olives
1 jar (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms
1/2 C sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 C chopped, cooked chicken
2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 box (16 oz.) angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
3/4 C Panko bread crumbs
1 T melted butter

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 13" X 9" pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and add onion and celery, cook until tender (4-5 minutes).
In a large bowl combine onion mixture, broth soups, tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, sour cream and salt. Stir in chicken and cheese. Add pasta, stirring gently to coat. Spoon into prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over top of casserole. Bake for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.

* 10-12 servings, (although I can serve 15-16 women from one dish)... there is a LOT of food in this! I think that the indicated number of servings would be more accurate when men are eating too.

Life is Good!