And Now Something Different

 Several weeks ago we attended a luncheon that was to be a luau with food featured that would be served IF we were at a real Luau!  The food wasn’t very good🙁. The discussion afterwards was Hawaiian food, specially Spam!  Yes! Spam!   Growing up our mothers would prepare Spam in a variety of ways.  And the idea hatched!  Let’s have a Spam-or Not dinner!   Invite guests to bring a dish featuring spam.  You can imagine the looks we got!  Yes, some said I don’t eat that stuff—too much MSG.  Okay, bring a Not dish. 

The event happened!  And it was a blast!  My dish featured mashed potatoes with spam in potato cakes--I put Spam in part of the batter so I could also have a Not for those who were not partaking!  

 Another recipe I used was Spam pizza on flat bread--half Spam; half Not!  You can add anything you like for this pizza--instead of using pepperoni or other meats, I used spam!

Burnt Ends  one guest fixed these delicious bits!  Oh my!  Couldn’t tell this was Spam!  

Spam salad—made like tuna salad—very tasty!  Tiny tiny club house crackers—oh yes! 

These were awesome!  Looked like sushi, tasted like sushi!  It took lots of patience to build these gems.

Two of the NOT dishes were chicken pie and beef, potato tots—

 

There were two Mac and cheese spam

 dishes—each different

And delicious

And of course, spam baked like ham with pineapple!  

The evening was a success!  Each person brought a wine to accompany their dish. Couldn’t ask for a better dinner with friends. 

WIPS

Here’s what is on my studio table. 

First up

Sew with me!

A Christmas quilt for me

And I’m using my letter pins! To keep pieces in the right order

Step one—bow for top

Coriander Quilts

Block one

Booksy quilt along—where book covers become quilt blocks

ritual Quilt company

Valentine quilt along—step two

Figtree and Co—Instagram 

Step one

Step one

Hand stitching—slow stitching

Working up several before I sit to stitch  I got the larger package of hexagon templates from Amazon, but only used the smaller one.  This is going to be perfect for I Spy quilt.  You can find instructions on this here

 

Found my Mojo!!

 For a whole year, there were no new quilt blocks created!  Time was spent on quilt as you go research and building quilt tops. Now, almost caught up on tops, I’m anxious to make new blocks!  Must be someone who needs a quilt!!

We’re sewing again!  Just a few minor problems—I don’t remember where I left off!  There are several things lying around—I can’t believe I would leave things so disorganized!  But, I did!!  I just saw that reference book yesterday—did it sprout legs and walk off??  Most likely not!  

Let’s begin—one day, I cut the blocks, sorting through my stash; hoping to find pieces that will diminish the bin. 

Block #1

A Quilting Life. 18” square. Beginning a new year

Block #2

Optimism 2025 18” square

Aby Quilts

Block #3

“Optimism “

Aby Quilts

Block 1 Bloom and Grow

*RBDblockchallenge

And why not do some hand quilting in this cold weather?!

This quilt has been hiding in closet for years!  The other day when I opened the door, looking for a book to read, I spied this bundle.  Oh yes!! A perfect project to work on.  Soon, it will be finished! 

L

HEART This!

It’s not too late to work up Hearts!  For Valentine Day.  Below are some Free projects to create your own hearts! 

A Quilting Life offers this neat small hanging—it could be used as table runner or wall decoration—

This 60.5” x 60.5” top is a little more time consuming but look how lively.  I could also see other colors used as well.  This is a Moda Fabrics. You can find these on Instagram. 

Here is a “mystery” sew along—here is step one.  Follow along with Fig Tree and Company. 

January dish cloth pattern is designed by Kitchen Sink Designs. I’m using my handspun cotton yarn.@thekitchensinkshop

Pretty pink for February!

 

Quilt As You Go

Ever since early 2024, when we lost our local quilt shop and the use of long arm machines, I’m researching ways to finish a quilt top.  I’ve tried on my sewing machine—that failed; taken classes—to no avail!  I’ve come across several sites that have excellent videos.  These sites do work, not always for me!   

Take a long at these different ways you can quilt as you go 

https://scrapfabriclove.com/the-easiest-quilt-as-you-go-method-ever/

https://youtu.be/lNbernqwDtE?si=8rUWC-Pyi_82AGNR

https://youtu.be/OeeriaBj2q4?si=ll8-pNkQ3vXEO8gr

https://youtu.be/I5s_aFXvsHA?si=2-fkhPU4IlEQQLAX https://youtu.be/uUj2uuft8bk?si=pY8ofb3udvnIM8Zl

I have tried each of these method—haven’t found a favorite!  But, my tops are made into quilted tops.  Came across another method recently.

https://youtube.com/@pqwquilting?si=ddulzYHXxIcoKfvi—

So, 2.5” sashing is sewn between two blocks—on the back

Here is back with sashing

To cover up back sashing, cut the sashing for front 2X larger, fold in half, half into itself, line with batting and sew over back sashing—

I liked this way to bring blocks together!  I purchased her  book from Amazon to have on hand.  Just another way to finish a quilt top!  So many ways to try—some blocks are quilted before hand; some have strips to quilt and then seam.  Must try all ways to find a good way! 

Here we go 2025

 Every new year, there are those who look inward to self improvement—not me!  I’m just happy to make no promises or resolutions.  Besides, if I did, promises are made to be broken!  Live each day to the fullest—don’t care what tomorrow brings—tomorrow can take care of its self!  

I am, though, thinking of all those unfinished objects (UFOS) that fade into the background. Such good intentions gone to the side—lost in the land of UFOS!!  Hopefully, ……… 

Needless to say, I found these two

I love crayons!  And this tower is so cool!  

There are 12 of the cottages that have been traced, ready to be colored.  The object is to embroidery the cottages—so far—not happening!  Maybe, some day!  I just want to finish coloring—make a decision on stitching later. 

Angels!  Another passion—these are stitched with water colored yarns that I dyed

No idea what the finish product will be—just stitching.  I call this “slow” stitching! 

Found this idea—looks great!  

Over Commitment??

Oh, probably just threw myself down a deep rabbit one!  

Signed up for two year long knitting challenges.  I love both of these designers!  Just couldn’t resist! 

The first of the year brings excitement!  I can do it!  Yes, I know I can do it!  Winter weather will keep me home bound, near hot tea, in my comfy chair! 

Also, I know I can stash dive for yarns needed for these two projects!

My stash!  I’m certain these will work!  Fingers crossed!