Over the Kitchen Counter: Angie's Place for Cooking and Crafts

Scrapbooking with Predesigned Pages

I am loving the predesigned album pages from Creative Memories. I just got all my latest vacation photos scrapbooked and the whole project is done! While I still love creating the pages I just don't have time right now to design every single one from scratch.

The predesigned Fast2Fab books and refills are such a great starting off point for me. I can add my photos to the printed photo mats and let the CM designers do that layout work for me. Then I go back and add my stickers, titles, extra memorabilia and cropped photos. I add some journaling here and there and I'm finished. There is just no other way I could get these done at this point in my life when I'm so busy and wanting to sew and quilt in any spare time.

I'm still about a year behind but I started with the most recent photos because they are the most exciting and the memories are fresh in my mind. Using this trick always gets me back in the mood to scrapbook and I usually get a few sessions in before I return to the sewing machines. A little bit at a time, even a page at a time, gets albums complete and photos saved. The next packet of pics will be more challenging since they are from when the family gathered to say goodbye to my mum. It is a difficult subject but it still needs to be remembered and I know it will be so important in the future for my kids and grandchildren to see.

After that, there are happier memories of last Christmas (before she got so sick) and the latest photos of us all together. It will be like seeing her again in healthier times and that always brings up great stories and laughter - what funny times we spent as a family with our matriarch!

As I worked on this trip album I was reminded how great scrapbooking is for my soul. You seem to always recall the best parts of the event when you take pictures and the little issues fade away. I was so excited to show off the finished pages and it's so obvious we are relaxed and happy, enjoying our trip. I'm thankful that Creative Memories is back in business and makes the process so easy. This album worked so perfectly with my photos and I happened to have it on my shelf. I just ordered some new products too (that certainly makes me want to use them!), like tape runner refills and a fresh pen, but I also couldn't resist a couple new awesome paper packs. I'm happy they are still coming up with new stuff to keep me interested. My friend gave me an amazing Film Strip Border Maker Cartridge too so I'm definitely going to use that on my next 'from scratch' pages!

 

 

 

Unstuffed Cabbage

I make a mean cabbage roll from scratch and love them. One of my first YouTube videos shared the recipe and method for how to prepare them.  I don't think many people even make homemade cabbage rolls any more which is a shame - they are not difficult and are so much better than frozen store-bought ones.

An alternative to starting with steamed cabbage leaves and a hand-mixed meat and rice stuffing, is to make a lazier version of cabbage rolls. Last night I tested a recipe for Unstuffed Cabbage. It was very simple to prepare by using chopped cabbage, sauteed meat and onion with instant rice (I used quick cooking brown rice) and regular old canned tomato soup for the sauce. The results were quite good!

The cabbage bed is spread in a greased casserole dish and the cooked meat is mixed with the rice and seasoning. That is evenly spooned over the cabbage and then the soup and water is poured over top. The dish is baked for 50 minutes and then uncovered and sprinkled with shredded cheese and cooked for another 10 minutes to a golden, melty finish. I used a food processor to chop the cabbage and I would recommend doing this step by hand instead. My cabbage ended up too small I think and I would have preferred a chunkier cabbage layer. It was still delicious and so simple to make. I will totally make this again. The recipe says it makes 4 servings but you could easily feed 6 people the main course and add a salad or vegetable for a side.

You can get the recipe for the Unstuffed Cabbage HERE from Taste of Home if you want the quick and easy version of homemade cabbage rolls or watch my video below to learn how to make them totally from scratch. They are almost as simple and fast to prepare the old fashioned way so maybe try them on a weekend and see for yourself how tasty they are!

 

The Quilt Shop Cuckoo Clock

I've mentioned vintage cuckoo clocks a few times in recent posts. I have always wanted a cuckoo clock, in part because my best friend growing up had one in her home and it reminds me of her. Every single time we visited Epcot in Disney World (and there have been many!), I would longingly look at the gorgeous clocks in the store in 'Germany'. They were always so expensive and despite being delightful, I could never convince hubby that we just had to have one!

About a month or so ago I saw a post in one of my quilting groups about a Quilt Shop Cuckoo Clock. I immediately thought this was the perfect reason to finally get one and since it was ideally suited for my workshop, surely the family could get on board without much protest.

I clicked on the link and read how originally the concept for the clock was realized with a Kick Starter campaign and I was surprised and very excited to learn that the designer was none other than famous quilt show host Jodie Davis! Yes, the Jodie Davis! I am a big fan and follower of Ms. Davis and thus, felt completely, 100% confident in ordering a clock. The price is fantastic given these stunning works of art are hand-carved in the Black Forest of Germany and made by the authentic, 100+ year old cuckoo clock company. The design is so adorable with decor and animation perfect for a quilt room: not only does the cuckoo pop out to mark the hour and half hour, but the quilter cuts fabric and the cat jumps up and down on the bolts of fabric. You even get to see the chimney sweep peek out of the chimney! So cute...I can't even!!!

You can read all about this fantastic clock (and watch the video below to see it cuckoo!) HERE at the Quilt Shop Cuckoo Clock website. I cannot wait to get mine. In the meantime, I have picked up two more vintage clocks. Both are very traditional, made in the 40s and 50s. One has a beautiful stag surrounded by leaves and the other has a bird soaring from the roof. Each has the pine cone weights and leaf pendulum. I spent a small fortune on the larger one with the stag but practically stole the smaller bird one in an antique shop find. It required servicing (not cheap) but now both are working perfectly, keeping time, and cuckooing away every hour! I do have to stop them at night to avoid being evicted by my family but I enjoy winding them the next day and getting them ticking again (they each have a one-day movement). I really enjoy the soothing ticking and the cuckoo! I think my small collection will be complete when the modern-yet-traditionally made third arrives.

 

Moda Frivols

I'm a little late to the game but of course, I wasn't focused on anything other than my mum this past year. I picked up this adorable tin of goodness at a semi-local quilt shop a few weeks ago. I had never even heard of Frivols but I am immediately drawn to anything resembling a kit or box filled with stuff. Things got even more exciting when I realized this particular one featured fabric by Bonnie & Camille - my all-time favourite!

Frivols by Moda were introduced this summer and I just bought No. 1. It contains 42-7" squares of Hello, Darling, a quilt pattern (Kindred) and a couple bonus items (a cute piece of twill tape ribbon and a quote card to pin in my workshop with instructions for an extra block design on the back). To make the 42" square finished quilt I only need to add some background, backing, and binding fabric, all of which I will take from my stash.

I started the blocks and am piecing this project on my Bernina 840 Record. I'm using the 1/4" foot I got from Larry's Sewing Machines and it is lovely. I did the seam test first by stitching 3 rectangles together and then measuring the resulting patch. Very accurate! However, I think my cutting might have been a little less than precise because my first block came out 1/4" too small! Oh well...it doesn't matter because this is just for fun and I can adjust the rest of the piecing to make it work (e.g. shorten the sashing strips). No big deal.

I'm taking my time and just enjoying the process. Let's say I'm easing myself back into quilting and savouring working with my new-to-me vintage machine. When I have time I might pop back to the quilt shop and see if there are any more Frivols in stock. By collecting the tins you get the patterns for all the 'extra' blocks for a small sampler quilt. Moda will offer setting options to assemble all the different blocks into a quilt. This is such a great idea and I've already got some Featherweight notions stored in my tin. It's next to my sewing machine and is so cute! I love the window in the lid so I can see exactly what's in there. I can't wait to see what the next one has hidden inside!

 

My New Favourite Polish!

I have worn this beautiful polish 3 weeks in a row! I love Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy because it is so long-lasting and shiny. I totally feel like I've had a salon gel manicure when I use this lovely nail enamel. I borrowed this shade (#630 Long Shot) from my daughter and I don't think I'm giving it back!

I have always loved red polish but just not on me. It always looked like I was playing dress-up but this colour is perfect! It's not too bright, too red, or too orangey. I adore it and I think it will be my signature colour from now on. Sure, it's called Long Shot but I call it my Bernina red. I'm currently in a Bernina sewing machine obsessed state and this shade of polish is a wonderful match for my vintage Bernina 830 Record case and accessory box. I can't stop looking at my nails!

Last week I was on vacation and Long Shot was the ideal colour for my tropical getaway. It worked so well with my outfits and looked vibrant poolside. It lasted all week and I didn't get any chipping...until I got home! Back to real life (laundry, dishes, housework) and wear and tear on my manicure. Even with all that, this stuff lasts all week. I'm happy re-doing my polish every Sunday and thrilled when they look good for 7 days...especially when my glossy nails make me think of my gorgeous Bernina machine I'm so lucky to have! The other thing I appreciate? Not having stained nails. The Gel Envy comes off easily with regular polish remover and there is no nasty red staining or smearing.

I started cutting fabric for a new mini project which I will sew on the Bernina. I will share that later this week and the really fun inspiration for my latest stitching.

Mother's Ham Casserole

I made a spiral ham and of course there were plenty of leftovers. I tried a new casserole recipe from Taste of Home. It's not my mother's, as the title may have you believe, but it turned out very well and we all enjoyed it as a hearty and easy meal!

You can get the recipe HERE from Taste of Home. I used to subscribe to the magazine and loved it. All the recipes were made with real and easily obtained ingredients, offered true home-cooking taste, and were always accurate with excellent results. I often go back to them again and again. Enjoy!

Saute the meat and veg...

Simple cheese sauce...

Bake with a buttered breadcrumb topping...

My Bernina 830 Record & Thank You Larry's Sewing Machines

I have met some amazing people over the past 4 years since I started sewing; some virtually, some in person. I can honestly say that the fellow quilters, vintage machine collectors, and suppliers I have had the pleasure of encountering are some of the most generous, giving, friendly, accommodating and lovely souls on the planet. So many have gone out of their way to freely share their knowledge and expertise with me, guide me as I learned, and provide me with the tools I needed. I truly feel blessed and am so appreciative and thankful! Some have become my friends and mentors, having changed and enriched my life more than I could have imagined.

One of these kind and generous people is Larry Shackleton.  Recently I added a Bernina 830 Record to my vintage machine collection. This beauty from 1977 (younger than all my other machines but just as lovely) is in wonderful condition but didn't come with her original kit of goodies. I am a member of the vintage Bernina group and through that, connected with Larry, owner of Larry's Sewing Machines. Larry is a former manager with Bernina Canada so he knows these machines inside and out. We were able to talk on the phone and he generously provided me with guidance and advice as I worked on my machine. After a few more messages back and forth it came up that I needed accessories for my "Maria" (one of the most popular female names in Switzerland in '77!). It turned out Larry had everything I coveted and more and I placed an order right away, so excited to reunite my machine with some original Bernina feet. Larry's Sewing Machines had my package delivered in no time and everything arrived in perfect condition. Larry's amazing customer service was such a welcome delight given today's often impersonal, and sometimes frustrating, way of doing business. I am truly impressed and so grateful to have found Mr. Shackleton at this time - I feel so LUCKY once again!!! Having a gorgeous Bernina machine and being able to make her complete is such a joy. I cannot wait to sew my first project on the 830 and use my new 1/4" foot!!

If you are in or near Pickering, Ontario and have a Bernina machine (or want one!!!) definitely pay Larry a visit. He has all those delicious new Berninas (one day, Angie, one day!!) and services and repairs all machines. Gosh, he even provides IN HOME VISITS and MOBILE ON-SITE service - can't get to Larry? Larry comes to you!! Now THAT is great customer service! Here's all the information on Larry's Sewing Machines website where you can read in detail how your machine will be serviced and discover what else Larry has to offer. 

To complete this post I would like to acknowledge just a few of my other wonderful friends and encourage you to visit their pages to see for yourself what amazing things they have to share! They have great information and great service (if they are a merchant). Some are well-known in the industry and some are kind crafters who are simply passionate about their interests. Thank you for dropping by and remember to appreciate the people and business who contribute to your life in positive ways! :)

 

Craftsy

Patsy Thompson Designs

April 1930's

Leah Day

ByTowne Threads & Aurifil

Amy Alan

Angela Walters

Gail Kessler

Camille Roskelley

Westwood Acres Fabric

Connecting Threads

Superior Threads

Marathon Threads

A Day of Remembrance

Of course I am thinking of my mom and dad today, both having served in the war. I try to fully appreciate what they went through and how they felt and I asked my mother many times what it was like to endure the bombings in London. At 11:00 am I will pause and think of the sacrifices made for our freedom and safety. I just read that Canada has been ranked the #1 country for Personal Freedom (see the Prosperity Index from the UK-based Legatum Institute) so I am thankful and proud to live here.

I have been focused on the past for the last several months as I worked on vintage sewing machines from the 40s, imagining the people who used them (during the war years) and the things they made. With the passing of my mother I have been lost in memories of the early days, in my life and hers, as I preserve her things, photos, and memorabilia. I've always loved history and am fascinated - in this fast-paced, technology driven time - with the more simple and basic, from the workings of a mechanical sewing machine, to a beautiful painting, to the wonder of a charming cuckoo clock! I enjoy these links to the past...

Featherweight Card Table

I did not buy a vintage sewing machine while I was away. However, I did buy a very special table for my vintage sewing machine! The Featherweight card table is a nifty, folding table that has a cut-out panel allowing for the Singer 221 to be set down inside, flush with the table top. As with all my other sewing cabinets, having a flat area for sewing and quilting makes the process so much easier!

I have been drooling every time my American group members post pics of their card tables. They are rare enough in the States (where they were made and marketed) since not that many have survived. They were sold to be both a sewing table and a utility table (for extra dining space, playing cards, or whatever) and thus they most likely were used until they were worn out and thrown out. I truly never believed I would ever find one, let alone in Canada, let alone in the next city over!

While I was stitching away in the hotel room I took a break to catch up on my social media. Someone linked an ad for the table and it wasn't too far away. Unfortunately, the seller was offering a combo, with both machine and table, and a price to match. I really couldn't see myself getting another machine past the front door but I waffled with my conscience rationalizing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I could sell the machine and keep the table (yeah, sure). I pondered for a while and then decided to call and see if it was even still available and maybe I wouldn't even have to choose. As luck would have it, the gentleman still had it although a 'machine broker' was looking at it. I asked if he'd consider selling them separately and he said no, because if "he sold the machine he'd be stuck with the table"! I told him I wanted just the table and we cut the deal right then and there!

We picked it up and I was relieved it still had legs that folded and we could get it in husband's car. It is in beautiful shape with a lovely grain and a perfect fit for my Featherweight(s). The cut out has a serial number which matches the table (perfect) and I love, love, love this new set-up. I will treasure this card table forever and feel so fortunate and lucky to own it. The tables were made from the 40s to 60s and to me, a very rare find indeed! As luck would also have it, once I met the man in person we made a trade for one other special item I have been looking for. More about that tomorrow!

Piece of Cake 3 Quilt

I chose wisely for my first portable Featherweight project. The Piece of Cake 3 quilt is from a pattern by Camille Roskelley and it's featured in one of my all-time favourite Craftsy classes: Pre-Cut Piecing Made Simple. Once I had my miss kate layer cake cut and my sashing strips ready it was super easy to piece in the hotel room.

I had a pretty nice set-up with a small combo cutting and pressing mat, my little Singer 221, and a lamp. The chair in the room was less than ideal for comfort, a large and heavy arm chair with no wheels, no height adjustment, and nowhere to grab onto!  I had to load it up with bed pillows and jump in after pushing it up to the desk. I also forgot to pack my Birkenstocks, which I always sew in. My sneakers didn't work at all and I'm not much for bare feet. I kept my socks on but it's a little weird using the vintage button pedals with no cushioning. Anyway, I got used to it and did the best I could.

I sewed for a few hours the first night and most of the next day (with short breaks). I had no problems at all zipping through the chain stitching and I am so pleased with my progress. I got all my blocks finished for the quilt top and just need to join them now into rows. I had my music on and the time just flew by. It was amazing to sew with minimal interruptions and really relax. I certainly got a feel for my newest Featherweight and she stitched like a dream. I even ran out of thread so I'm happy I packed so much and had an extra spool of Aurifil! The one thing I did forget (besides my sandals) was a lint brush to clean out the bobbin area.

I was almost sad when all my work was done but I spent the last morning working on my Florida trip scrapbook album. I'm so glad I packed those supplies as well because I got the whole album filled. I just need to go back and embellish and journal. What an excellent couple days away! I got so much done and still was able to enjoy dinner out with my husband. Way better than Skyping when he's away on business!

The trip ended on an even better note with something very special I picked up on the way home. I feel so lucky sometimes and told my husband that I must have a horseshoe hidden somewhere in me. Only I could be so fortunate to have a wish come true while tucked away in a hotel room far from home! I will share my exciting addition soon (no, it's NOT a sewing machine!).

I must have been living right as the blocks I made fit perfectly in the plastic zip bag I'd brought the fabric in. Not only is it a recycled pouch from a sheet set, it is ideal for transporting and storing a project. I couldn't believe how the blocks were the exact size! They came home flat and pressed, clean and ready to be joined. I can't wait for my next sewing session.