First Fathers' Day

I just had to post this picture!

After a nice family lunch in honor of our family's fathers.... the newest father had to get a few things for their new house.  I thought it would be appropriate to document Baby Madison's first Home Depot run!  New dad, Steve, said, "Wow!  It's weird walking around in here with a stroller!"

 I just chuckled... thinking ahead... it won't be long before she'll be running around and he'll be wishing she was still sleeping in a stroller while he shops!

One week old- now a few ounces more than her birth weight.  Sleeps all day, cries all night!

OK... now that I have your attention with the baby pictures.... here's my annual warning about social media and vacations. 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.... think about what you post on Facebook and what you Tweet!  It's so popular for vacationers to post their travels AS they happen... but be aware that you may have a reader who is not a friend.  I know, I know... you say that only your friends can read what you post.  That's not entirely true.  One of my family members Googled her name and came up with a recent (private) FB post.  And then you say you don't have your address posted.  Well--- I'm no computer genius or private detective, but if you have an active FB page or blog, I can probably figure out your name and general location and from posts and pictures, I could probably find your house.  Don't tell people your house is empty!  Post about your adventures after you get home.  We can wait a few days to hear about your awesome trip.  Be safe!  Come home to everything as you left it- dirty dishes and all!

Super Simple Baby Blanket

I made (and am in the process of making) several baby quilts for my new granddaughter.  The one I'll show you today was SOOOOOO simple!!!  

I went to the store ('cause I don't sell this stuff in my shop) and found some cute owl fabric in a plush fabric that I knew would go well in her nursery.  I just got 1/4 yard of it.  Then I got 1/4 yard each of lots of other plush, soft, fuzzy stuff that would coordinate.  These are all different brands- sort of like Minkee fabric.

 Then I cut it into the largest squares I could get out of the 1/4 yard cuts, allowing for some straightening.  I think I ended up with 8" squares.  It doesn't matter- just as long as they are the same.  At this point, my sewing area was covered in fuzz.  This stuff sheds BIG time!  Some people use a walking foot- I used a ton of pins.  It's super slippery.  I just sewed them in long strips, then sewed the strips together.  You just HAVE to go slowly- and use lots of pins.  Then I had a little date with the lint brush.  Don't wear black when you make one of these.  I used a piece of yellow flannel for the back.  No batting- it's super heavy as it is.  I put the top and the backing right sides together, stitched all around the outside leaving an opening to turn.  When it was turned right side out, I stitched all around the edge on the right side.... then did a little tack stitch with the machine at each intersection of blocks.  (Kind of like tying the quilt, but with the machine).

It's not an heirloom quilt.  I wanted it to be something my DIL can throw in the floor and the baby can make messes on and can be thrown in the washer.  It's to be "loved"... not protected. 

See the trees on the nursery wall?  Baby's mom and I did them ourselves!  We projected a tree onto the wall and sponged over the projected picture.  I really like how they turned out.  What a memory THAT day was!  To see the trees on the wall, you had to have the room dark.  Envision a very pregnant woman and her old mother in law in a dark room with sponges full of paint.  It's a fun memory.

And here are a few of this new grandmother's favorite one-day-old photos.  Precious photos of my son holding his new daughter.  (She's learning to pull his beard, already!)

Daddy's little girl .

 Gotta love baby toes.  :-)

New Baby!

I'm overjoyed to share my good news with you!  One June 7, our family welcomed it's newest member, Madison Marie. 

                                 After




             Before

Steve and Emily, our youngest son and his wonderful wife, made us grandparents for the first time this week when they brought Madison Marie into the world.  Words can't express my joy!  One look at this precious face and I was in love.  Both Maddy and her mom are doing well.

What is that I hear you asking?  Why haven't you seen any baby quilts or knits?  Just be patient......

Knitted Shawlettes

As long time readers of this blog know, I own and quilt shop and LOVE to quilt.  But a close second is my love of knitting (and then there's paper crafting, gardening, cooking....).  Never enough hours in the day!

Bryce Canyon Shawl

I do a lot of test knitting for "verybusymonkey", who is a talented knitwear designer.  I recently tested the 4 shawls in an e-book for her.  Test knitting is like proof-reading.  I knit the item and look for bloopers- and edit the pattern.  It's so much fun- and I end up with some great knitted things.  These are called "shawls" but I almost always wear them as a scarf.  They're small, as shawls go, and I love draping them around my neck in the winter- they keep me nice and toasty.  :-)

 Canyonlands Shawl

If you are on Ravelry, you can find all of these patterns by searching under verybusymonkey.  If you're not on Ravelry, you can find VBM patterns here.  Not familiar with Ravelry?  If you knit or crochet- you HAVE to check it out!  It's like facebook for knitters (sort of).  If you're looking for me on Ravelry, my screen name is suehauser.

 Grand Tetons Shawl

 You might notice a theme in the names.  The shawls in this collection are all named after National Parks.  The designer donates a portion of the sales of these patterns to the National Parks Foundation.  (Her pattern prices are very reasonable, but the way).

Olympic National Park Shawl

This last one is a favorite of mine.  Oh, MY.... this is beautiful!  It was so much fun to knit the little leaves into the piece.  As you can see by the tablecloth in the picture, I made these last fall and winter.    I have more, but I'll save them for another post.

June Giveaway- 1/4 pound of fragrant dried lavender buds!

 Looking out at my field, I see my lavender farm waking up and growing fast!  It looks like this year will yield a bumper crop of this delightfully fragrant herb.  We sell fresh bundles in season (mid July) and fresh buds year 'round.  You can purchase the buds and sachets on the Sunset Lavender Farm website any time.  The fresh bundles will be available for pre-order soon.  Send me an email if you want me to let you know when we are harvesting the fresh bundles.  These products are also available on our Alderwood Quilts website.

We haven't done a giveaway in a long time.  To kick off lavender season, I'm giving away a pretty organza bag filled with 1/4 pound of dried lavender buds.

I regret that I can't ship the lavender to international readers.  But if you don't live in the U.S. but know someone in the U.S. who would like lavender, you could enter and have me send it to them if you win.  Most of my blog giveaways are open to international readers, but I can't do it with the lavender.  Sorry!

To enter the drawing- just comment to THIS POST and let me know you'd like a chance.  That's all!

For a second entry- make a SECOND COMMENT to THIS POST and tell me that you are a follower of this blog (new or long time follower- makes no difference).

For a third entry- spread the word.  Tweet, post to Facebook, go to the website and Pin it on Pinterest,  post on your own blog- whatever.  One entry for spreading the word- not an entry for each form of social media.  Then make a SEPARATE COMMENT to THIS POST to let me know you told your friends.

For a 4th chance- COMMENT to THIS POST and say something about lavender (how do you display it, does the scent remind you of something, does a friend like it, do you grow it... anything at all about lavender).

I'm pretty easy-going about this stuff.  I just need you to do a separate entry for each extra chance so I can count the entries to enter in the random number generator.

I'll select a winner at random on July 1st.  I'll also be doing some posts about lavender in July.  If you have any questions or anything you'd like to know about lavender, let me know and I'll try to address it.

Skinny Bolt Sale

WOW!  I can't believe it's been over 3 months since I'm blogged!  I've missed being involved with the blogging community and I'm going to start posting regularly again. 

I thought I'd start with a sale in the shop.  I pulled bolts with 3 yards or less remaining and marked them all down to $7.95 per yard.  That makes some of them a good price, and some of them a SUPER GREAT price.  I didn't hold back.  The skinny bolts include top quality batiks, Maywood Flannels, and much more.

The Skinny Bolt Sale runs through June 31, but shop now for the best selection.  As other bolts go to less than 3 yards, I'll add them, so selection will vary throughout the month.  Go to Alderwood Quilts to start shopping!

 That's it for today, but I'll be back.  Tomorrow I'll post a new blog giveaway.

Waffle Iron Fun!

I saw some cute ideas on Pinterest for using waffle irons.  I just had to try this one today for a special something sweet for my valentine.

I bought a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing included.  You're supposed to bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes

 I set the waffle iron on medium (#4 on my Waring waffle iron).  The squished the lid down to cook.

Voila!  Two minutes!  The brown marks are the cinnamon filling.  This is a non stick iron, but the places where the cinnamon filling contacted the grill stuck just a little bit- but not a big deal.

Squeeze on the frosting- YUM!

This was fun, but I have to admit that I prefer them fluffy and puffy baked in the oven.  Not bad, though.   They would be GREAT filled with ice cream to make an ice cream sandwich!

I also saw on Pinterest that you can bake cookies or  brownie batter on a waffle iron.  The next time I bake cookies or brownies (in the oven), I'll hold out a little to try on the waffle iron.

The idea I can't wait to try is putting frozen hash brown potato shreds on the waffle iron.  It's supposed to crisp them up quickly and without all the oil you have to use when you fry them.

Hmmmmm..... what else can I make on a waffle iron.......

Ever wonder how fabric is made?

I sell a lot of Robert Kaufman fabrics.  I love their quality as well as their customer service.  This video was taken by Ken Kaufman with his iPhone. I thought it was fascinating- enjoy!

December Giveaway Winner- Happy cottage Quilter!

The RNG has sellected the winner of the lavender sachets..... The Happy Cottage Quilter!  She has 2 blogs- one called the Happy Cottage Quilter (about quilting and sewing) and one called Just a Little Southern Hospitality (about cooking, decorating and entertaining- and her wonderful teacup collection).  I just mush all of my posts into one blog but hers are super nicely organized into the 2 blogs.  They're both nice reads with lots of extras on the sidebars- check them out!

Congrats to the Happy Cottage Quilter and Happy New Year to everyone!  I'll have a new giveaway posted later this week.

Almond Toffee Cracker Cookies

It doesn't get any easier.  Seriously.  I know you think I'm nuts, but give these a try.  They're super simple and they're really good!

 Here's what they look like finished.  These are really fun to take to pot-lucks because they're a good conversation-starter.  Just be prepared to explain.... and to share the recipe.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Start by laying Club Crackers, or any knock-off brand of butter crackers on a cookie sheet or baking pan.  The original recipe on the Keebler website says to use 30 crackers.  I did a little research and found that this recipe has morphed into many variations.  The biggest variation is the number of crackers people use (and thus the amount of topping per cracker).  I've been using one sleeve- which is 40 crackers (10 broken into 4 pieces each).

Lay them on a non-stick surface, or a greased surface.  In my photo, I have them on a Silpat sheet.  One of my friends has a pan this size and just greases the pan and lines the pan with the crackers.  Just know that your life will be easier if you are working with something non-stick.

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the crackers.  I used a heaping 1/2 cup of almonds, but it's not really important to measure them- just make them look about like the picture.

 In a pot. place one stick of real butter (1/2 cup) and 1/2 cup sugar.  Mine is non-stick.  Cook and stir over a medium-high heat.  When it starts to boil, cook it 2 minutes longer, stirring frequently.  After 2 minutes, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and take it off the heat.

 Drizzle the topping over the almonds.  I just used a spoon and did my best to drizzle it as evenly as I could.  Bake in preheated 350 deg oven for 8-10 minutes.  You want them a little brown but be careful not to burn them.

As soon as you take them out of the oven, slide them onto a wire rack.  

As you transfer them to the rack, separate them a bit so they don't stick together.  You could always break them apart, but you might break the crackers.

 Allow to cool and enjoy!

I said there are variations- one that I might try is to put the butter/sugar mixture on the plain crackers and then press the almonds on top rather than the other way around.  

 Bonus:  The little bits of almonds that are left on the baking sheet, or that fall through the rack are YUMMY!  I gather them up and put them in a little candy dish.  They're also good sprinkled on a green salad- like candied walnuts.

Oh.... and there are no calories in these.  (yea-right!)  Well- at least almonds are good for you.

I have the nicest friends!

There's always a danger in doing a post like this because I'm likely to leave someone out.  But here goes....

In recent months, I have received some things from special people just because they wanted to give them to me.  Last night, my friend Julie gave me a couple of fat quarters (fabric) just because she thought I'd like them.  I love gifts like that!  I also love the in-tangible things that show you that someone cares.... things like phone calls and hugs (Paula gives the best hugs!)  I appreciate people who ask about my family or people who sit next to you at a meeting and say, "Hi... mind if I sit next to you?  I like it when people ask me how I enjoyed a trip, or ask me how my kids are doing, or notice that I got a haircut.  I try to learn from the things people do that make me feel loved, and I try to do those things for others. 

Here are a few photos of other things that make me smile. I have the best friends! 

The above photo is a necklace and bracelet my friend, Rebecca made.  This was one of those lovely surprises that was unexpected.  This wasn't a birthday gift or a gift for any other particular celebration.  It was just something she wanted me to have it.  (I love purple!)

Sorry for the fuzzy photo but this is pretty small and I wanted to blow it up to show you the detail.  My friend, Cindy, gave this to me.  Cindy and I are knitting buddies and she watched me knit socks for the past few years.  In fact, we met because of our mutual love of knitting socks.  We were in a yarn shop and she saw this, paid for it, and then came over and pinned it on me and gave me a hug.  It was "just because".

 

Last summer, my friend Suzan visited me.  We were out shopping and she wanted to give me something to thank me for having her as my house guest.  She started me on a Pandora charm bracelet.  The charm at the bottom that is hard to see in the photo is a friendship charm.  The other charms were gifts from other people.  I have another one that is not in the picture that commemorates a recent trip with my friend, Sandy.

This little butter crock has a hand painted base that depicts a lavender field.  My friend, Jean, saw this and it reminded her of me- so she bought it and gave it to me--- just because we're friends.  The trivet underneath was also a gift- it's pretty old and I have always liked it.

 

My friend, Liz, gave me a gift certificate to a ceramic studio.  She also gave one to a mutual friend of ours, Diane.  So the 3 of us went to the studio and made projects.  I painted this tray, then they glazed and fired it.  So cute!  And it reminds me of the day that Liz, Diane, and I spent together.  Underneath the tray is a table runner that another friend, Sandy, gave me.  She made this last December.

Last week, my garden club had a holiday luncheon.  We exchanged gifts and I received this one.  I enjoy my friends in the garden club, and this reminds me of the group.  Thanks to Kathy for the adorable planter!

 I just received this last night.  My quilt guild had a holiday party and gift exchange.  I'm not sure who made this lanyard.  It's batik with stamped quilting words and a pretty butterfly pin.  It reminds me of the wonderful friendships I have in the guild.

These are just a few things I was able to easily photograph and add to this post.  I am blessed with so many friends who do such nice things for me- it's impossible not to leave some out.  I treasure ALL of my friends- you know who you are!

Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and gifts that mark other holidays or events are so much fun.  But the thoughtful "just because" gifts are extra special.  I have the best friends!

I have no words.....

Julekuler with Lavender

My online friend, Meg, made these.  Aren't they amazing?

Meg made these knitted beauties and purchased lavender sachets from me to make them smell almost as nice as they look.  The wool yarn holds the scent of the lavender nicely.

Meg is of Norwegian Heritage and calls these "Julekule".  For the patterns, she uses "Arne & Carlos 55 Christmas balls to knit" or the easier is the Norse version "Julekule".

If you're on Ravelry, her ID is AuntMeg.

I don't know about you, but I want to be on Meg's gift list!  :>  Kidding aside- nice job as always, Meg.  You're an awesome knitter!

Knitted Scarves

I finished this Candy Cane Scarf a while back.  It was made with scraps using the "Potato Chip" pattern.  Cast on 20 sts- and knit 20, turn,.
knit 8, turn, knit 8,turn
knit 6, turn, knit 6, turn
knit 4, turn, knit 4, turn
Knit 20, turn.

Do this a million times, or until yarn runs out.
Use any size needles, and any yarn.  I used sport weight yarn and size 4 needles.  Adjust the yarn and needle size to your liking.  You can't hardly go wrong.

I didn't do much posting for several months and I forget what I showed you.  Here are some scarves I made in the past year or so.  This is another potato chip scarf.  This one was done with Noro Sock- a nice multi colored skein.

Closeup of my Noro Potato chip scarf.

This is Harry.  It's based on what the characters in the Harry Potter series wear- in the Griffindor House colors.  I made this for my DIL, Emily, to wear to her brothers' football games to keep her warm and toasty.  It's knitting in worsted weight yarn, in the round, so it's nice and squishy.  It's 60 sts around (30 on each needle, using 2 circular needles.  Each color is 30 rows before switching colors.  I also made her a hat to match in the burgundy color.

This pattern is called, Molly.  The ruffles are made with short rows... and a ribbed pattern in the center.  Fun scarf!  I have a pair of purple leather gloves that I wear with this.

I actually made this a couple of years ago.  It was my first attempt at entrelac knitting.  I used Noro yarn so the color changes just happened.  I didn't have to have all those colors of yarn.

This is my "Swirl Scarf".  It was a pain in the butt because each swirl was attached separately and there were a bazillion threads to work in.  But I LOVE how it turned out!

The two scarves on the left are done with a drop stitch pattern.  I've seen it called a "seafoam scarf" or "drop stitch scarf".  It's a simple 6 row repeat.... very easy.  They were fun to knit.

If you are a member of Ravelry, these are all on my project page.  My Ravelry screen name is suehauser.

It's starting to get cold here in Northwest Oregon.  I'll have plenty of occasion to wear these scarves now!