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Everyone's Favorite Eggnog

Eggnog is everywhere this time of year, and for most of my life I thought it was awful. Too sweet, too thick and too fake tasting. Then I discovered the real stuff. This eggnog is as much like the grocery store version, as acrylic yarn is to cashmere yarn. 

My husband is the cocktail maker at all our parties, and first introduced this recipe at our Christmas Eve party almost a decade ago. We managed to polish off three batches! It was such a hit, it's now a requirement at every holiday gathering we host.  

The recipe comes from Fine Cooking and is chock full of cream, booze and frothy egg whites. You won't be sorry if you give it a try (unless you try too much)!  

Since this is generally a sewing/quilting blog, I will leave you by suggesting you add some crafty appeal by serving your eggnog in festive glasses on some handmade coasters.

Happy Holidays!

Samantha

Holiday Cookies

Normally this isn't a food blog, but who can resist cookie recipes during the holidays?!

Certainly not me. Each person in my family receives a batch of their favorite cookies every Christmas. The cookie most requested, is my double chocolate peppermint cookies. They are rich and fudgy, with a strong peppermint flavor. 

They are so good, I usually stash some in the back of freezer to sneak out in January when the rest of my family is out of the house. You have been warned, these cookies are addictive!

Download Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Karen shared her recipe for her daughter's favorite holiday sweet, Almond Roca.  Karen's daughter now lives abroad teaching with the American International Schools, formerly in Senegal and Northern Sudan, currently Abu Dhabi, so it's been quite a few years since they made this together for the annual Holiday Bazaar at the historic Camp Sherman Community Hall, but it's a Christmas classic.

 

 

My grandma & aunt used to make Almond Roca for me every holiday, so it has many pleasant memories for me as well. Try it, and make some of your own sweet memories. 

 

Download Karen's Almond Roca

 

Terri, our education coordinator, brought in her "Paw's" Danish Puff recipe to share. I'm going to have to try this one, Terri says it's easy, amazing, and one of her family favorites.

Doesn't it look good!  "Paw's" Danish Puff recipe is a Betty Crocker classic with an added note.. "You can  make 3 puffs instead of 2 with this mixture  -----PAW----" . You can find the full recipe here.

 

Paige brought in her Aunt Betty's Nut Cookies. They are lovely and light, with a bit of chew from the fruit jelly filling. They were a big hit in the office! 

Download Aunt Betty's Nut Cookies

It's hard to give away any of these yummy treats, but if you manage not to eat them all, box a few up with a handmade apron for a gift everyone loves. I'm thinking about giving my mom this apron...

in this fabric...

with her sugar cookies. So silly and fun! I'm having a chuckle just imagining her wearing it.

Check out today's (Dec. 14th, 2018) newsletter for more apron patterns and fabric ideas. All the featured patterns and fabrics are 10% off today!

Happy Holiday and Happy Baking!

Samantha 

 

 

 

Wine Coasters - Tutorial

It's party time! December is full of holiday events and family get togethers, and with them comes the ever present problem of figuring out which glass is yours. Especially if you've already had a drink or two :) 

Wine charms are the classic solution, but they don't protect your furniture (and they're not as fun to make).

Why not make yourself, or your host a set of wine coasters? I'll show you how.

I got carried away with holiday spirit, and made two different styles of wine coasters. A stitched and cut wool set (above), and a fun mixed print fabric set (below). Both styles are quick to make and use minimal materials.

The wool coasters are made with one pack of 5" WoolWerks squares, and some contrasting thread. I love how they turned out!

I used the Merry n Bright color-way for my set. Each package has enough squares to make five coasters. I used two of my squares to test out stitch patterns, so my set only has four coasters. 

To make the coasters, print the template and stitch through the paper along the pattern (1). Once you've removed the paper (2) all you need to do is trim (3-4), cut your bottom circle, and glue the two together. 

For full, detailed, instructions download the free Wooly Wine Coasters pattern. Materials: WoolWerks 5" pre-felted wool squares, thread, craft glue. 

We carry four color-ways of WoolWerks so you can go crazy making coasters and still have unique combinations. 

Use a small (14mm) rotary cutter and a sharp pair of pointed tip scissors. They will greatly improve your results, and mood. We won't talk about what was said, when I tried cutting my circle out with a large rotary cutter. Also, be sure to use a good quality glue that is made for fabric. Ordinary glue will soak into the wool and not hold the two layers together. 

The fabric coasters are even easier to make than the wool. In simplest terms: you cut 5 circles, sew one seam, clip and flip. I think that qualifies as easy, but they don't look it!

Depending on the fabric combination you choose, the coasters can look modern, classic, or funky. You can choose fabrics to match a theme (holiday, birthday, etc.), your favorite colors, or coordinate with your decor.

We sold out of the fat quarter bundle I used in my coasters, but there are so many options that would look great. 

We have some fun holiday 6 packs, sophisticated white Christmas 6 packs, and a number of beautiful non-holiday options. 

For full, detailed, instructions download the free Fabric Wine Coasters  pattern. Materials: 6 fat quarters, 15" x 20" cotton batting, & thread. 

If you found this post in our December 1st Advent Calendar Newsletter... Hi, So glad you came! Don't forget that materials featured in advent calendar newsletters are 10% off for that day only. 

If you found this post, but don't get our newsletters, and want to, sign up here. December 1st, 2018 only, all materials linked in this post are 10% off. 

Cheers,

Samantha

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome in 2016 with a Few Favorite Party Recipes

 With the New Year upon us, Jean is sharing a few of her favorite festive recipes.

Parmesan Artichoke Dip
Jean Wells

Wonderful party food!

 

14 oz. Can of artichoke hearts, drained and diced.

¼ Cup - Green onions, finely chopped

1 Cup - Mayonnaise

1 Cup - Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Dash of garlic powder

 

Combine all ingredients and spoon into a casserole dish or pie plate. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with thinly sliced French Bread, Crackers, or Vegetables.

 

24 - Hour Fruit Salad
Meda Butler

Jean’s Grandmother, Meda Butler, was an amazing cook
and this is one of her favorites.

Dressing:

4 - Eggs

4 - Tablespoons sugar

4 - Tablespoons vinegar

Cook in top of a double boiler until thick, Add 2 - Tablespoons butter.

 When it cools add 1 Cup of whipping cream (that has been whipped).

1 - Large can of pineapple tidbits

1 - Can of pitted white cherries

1 - Can of mandarin oranges

2 - Cups of miniature marshmallows

Optional: Slivered almonds to garnish the top

 

Drain the juice from the canned fruit. Toss in a bowl with the marshmallows.

Fold in the whip cream mixture and put into an 8” x 8” pan. Decorate with slivered almonds. Chill.

 If you re-create these holiday favorites, be sure to share them with us at:

https://www.facebook.com/The-Stitchin-Post-115644758478546/

 
Have a Safe and Enjoyable New Years Eve!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its that time of year when the weather gets colder and we start to curl up next to the fireplace and warm our selves up with comfort foods.
Some of the staff wanted to share their favorite recipes with you to get the season started.
This first one comes from Jean Wells herself and its prefect for a cold day!

~

Our cold winter weather reminded me of a fabulous soup recipe from my dear friend Margaret Peters. It is a great meal that can be left in the crock pot after hiking or skiing, or tailgate party. Enjoy!
Jean

Taco Soup
1 to 1 1/2 lbs of hamburger
32 ounces of chopped tomatoes
16 ounces of kidney beans
16 ounces of chicken broth
1 box of frozen corn
1 onion sliced
1 avacado, shopped
1 to 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1 bag of tortilla chips
1 small can of sliced black olives
1 pint of sour cream
1 package of taco seasoning mix

Brown the meat breaking it up with a folk. Place meat, seasoning, onions, tomatoes, beans, chicken broth in a crock pot or soup kettle. Let everything simmer slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add frozen corn and cook 15 minutes more.

Serve up the cheese, chips, olives, and sour cream in separate bowls: the avacado should be prepared the last moment to prevent darkening. Serve the soup in bowls 2/3 full, then pass the toppings, chips, and cheese. Serve with a green salad.

Journeys Art Quilters' Annual Show, Sisters, Oregon

Quilters on an Artistic Journey

+ click to enlarge ‘Scrap Metal’ by Betsy Gientke. photo provided From the The Nugget Newspaper.com Sisters, OR January 14, 2014 The quilters who make up the Journeys quilt group chose their organization's name with intention: They are explorers of their craft. "We experiment and try to stretch," says Betsy Gientke, who is one of the artists whose work is featured in the current Sisters Art Works (SAW) exhibit. "The idea is that we're all on an art journey and we're all trying to find our voice." The fiber art to be found at the SAW exhibit is not the traditional quilt one might expect to see adorning a bed in a Sisters Country cabin. These pieces are "art quilts," all designed and executed around this year's theme: "Junkyard Journey." "We took a field trip of sorts to Swift & McCormick (scrap) metal yard in Redmond and that was the inspiration for the show," said Gientke. Gientke used hand-dyed fabric embellished with washers and copper foil and other metals. "I probably made a pretty quilt using those materials," she said. The idea was to artistically depict the value of recycled metals, which go on to have lives beyond their original purpose. Although she's had a lifelong interest in the fiber arts, Gientke began her artistic journey in earnest after retiring in 2005 and moving to Central Oregon. She has participated in the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and other local events. She said the goal of the group's quilting is to "produce art that can stand up next to a painting or a sculpture" as a form of artistic expression. "Junkyard Journey" opened in January at Sisters Art Works, 204 W. Adams Ave. Viewing is open during normal business hours. Artists include Catherine Beard, Helen Brisson, Donna Cherry, Sheila Finzer, Betty Gientke, Jan Hearn, Ruth Ingham, June Jaeger, Jean Wells Keenan, Charlene Kenny, Tonye Phillips, Donna Rice, Robyn Ryan and Mary Stiewig. An artists reception will be held Friday, January 17, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with refreshments and music by John Phillips.

Jean's Chocolate Crunch Brownies

We had a fantastic Customer Appreciation Celebration last weekend. All our wonderfully, loyal customers were treated to a free gift, demos and discounts for 3 days.

But the one thing that people couldn't stop talking about ... were Jean's Chocolate Crunch Brownies!

She must have made 6 trays of these yummy chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallow, crispy treats. So, we decided to share...the recipe.

 

Jean's Chocolate Crunch Brownies

1 cup butter or margarine softened

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

6 tablespoons baking cocoa

1c. all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 jar (7 ounces marshmallow crème)

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups (s2 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

3 cups crisp rice cereal

 

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; add eggs. Stir in cocoa, flour, vanilla, and salt. Spread in a greased 13 X 9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool. Spread marshmallow crème over cooled brownies. In a small sauce pan over medium heat melt chocolate chips and peanut butter. Remove from heat and stir in rice cereal. Spread over marshmallow layer. Chill before cutting into squares. Store in the refrigerator.

ENJOY!

 

Wrenly on a Tuesday...

Good afternoon... the past week has been full of drawing and inking the new collection. I am completely in love with it! Always feels good when that happens... But let's go back to Wrenly Christmas...

Do you remember making those paper chains in elementary school? I thought it would be fun to make them out of fabric....last longer, something the kids can still make with me and the fabric is perfect for it.

The amount of fabric you need will depend on the length of the chain.

Two fat 1/4's will yield - Approximately 28 strips that are 1 1/4" wide by 9" long. Once they are put together they will be approximately 72"

You will need a fusible to put in between the fat 1/4's plus enough for 28 1" x 1" pieces.

All you have to do to make this cute chain is fuse together two fat 1/4's.

Cut into 1 1/4" x 9" pieces.

To start the chain press a 1" piece of fusible web onto the inside end of the strip. Fold over and press the front of the other end onto the fusible. Wala...a chain....

Continue this process adding strips to the chain.

That's it...easy and fun. To add to the fun here is a recipe for my friend Vaunel's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies... We make these every year, my husbands favorite!!!

Download Chocolatechippumpkincookies and the download for your recipe box...

Well, back to designing....have a great day!

XO

Valori

Free Event this Friday!

You are invited to a special event this Friday afternoon!

Dear Jane Show and Tell
with the always fun and entertaining
Ann Richardson!
3-5 pm
(refreshments will be served)

Ann is welcoming back alumni of the Dear Jane Club to share progress made on their Dear Jane Quilts.  Everyone is welcome to attend this free event and be inspired by the precision piecing that goes into these tiny 4 1/2" blocks.  Come be amazed!

Take a look at our Facebook album to see a sample
of the talented work of these dedicated quilters
then plan on being here this Friday!

 
Be there, or be a 4 1/2" square! ~Tamra

Light a Candle...Sit...Relax...and Enjoy a Cup of Tea!

Before the bustling of the holiday season arrives,
take time this weekend to treat yourself to some relaxation~
we have just what you need!

Fall colors of Vance Kitira candles have arrived~
the pear-shaped candles are always favorite this time of year!

We also received a new line of
scented soy candles from Skeem (shown below.)
The pillar candles are hand silk screened
with unique designs inspired by vintage ephemera.
The subtle scents are refreshing.

 

A flavorful cup of tea from Steven Smith Teamaker
is a great way to kick off your shoes, and start the relaxation process.
We carry seven wonderful flavors to choose from.

Have a wonderful weekend doing something for YOU!