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

Greek-Style Mac & Cheese

Our family loves homemade mac & cheese and it was one of the first videos, and most popular, I ever posted (see it HERE). Still, it's nice to shake things up and since I adore Greek food, and moussaka in particular, Greek-style Mac & Cheese seemed like a great variation. There is a super moussaka recipe I've made for years but it is so much work. There are several steps from preparing eggplant to making a wonderful sauce, but the mac and cheese recipe is very simple. I think the biggest flavour influence comes from the fresh-ground nutmeg and it takes my palate right back to that yummy Greek casserole. It still maintains that custard layer atop the tasty meat mixture.

I'm going to try THIS RECIPE next which also includes fresh spinach...

 

Free Motion Quilting Designs Inspiration

Wow, it has been a busy few weeks. Not only did we a university graduation out of town, but our 25th wedding anniversary, Father's Day, and our twins' birthdays. That is a lot of celebrating...and cake! The weather has been lovely and I've been spending more time outside than down in my basement workshop. Still, even relaxing on the deck I've been hand-stitching some hexies and it has been wonderful to work on them peacefully in the fresh air. We even had a morning long power outage and it was so quiet - perfect for sewing in solitude.

I have knocked out several blocks in my t-shirt quilt with free-motion quilting, trying to pair the design with the theme of the shirt. So far I've used arc swirls, linked squares, outlining, flowing meander line, twinkle stars, dog prints, and a grid. It's lots of fun to try out designs taught by my favourite authors and quilters. I'm not concerned with perfection but simply enjoying the process, experimenting, and having fun.

I've added a few books to my inspiration quilting shelf, including that Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting I shared in this post. Shape by Shape 2 is the next in the series by my favourite, Angela Walters (also co-author of the Ultimate Guide!). In this edition, Angela offers even more designs suited for particular patchwork shapes and areas in a quilt. It makes it very easy when you're stumped to reference a certain design and find inspiration. If you have triangles, check out those pages. If you have hexagons, she's got ideas for them. I have the Shape by Shape original book and I use it all the time as I'm planning my quilting. This second copy just adds to the collection and I was particularly excited to see the hexagon motifs since I'm working on that English Paper Piecing project.

When I bought the EPP books I added the Free Motion Quilting Idea Book to my order. I didn't know anything about it but it's written by Amanda Murphy, another great Craftsy instructors. At first, I was disappointed when it arrived because it's a small, spiral bound book. There is little to read and it is more along the lines of a sketch book. Similar to Angela Walters' book, Amanda shares designs categorized by where they'd be used in a quilt: allover, blocks, sashing, borders and individual motifs. Once I accepted that it was a quick reference tool and not something to curl up with to read, I realized it truly is an idea book and handy to keep by the machine for fast inspiration. I'm totally changing my attitude this summer with regards to my quilting and just keeping myself open to the playful side.

t-shirt quilt quilting

I took the plunge and basted the t-shirt quilt. This was the first time I used floor space in this house to tape the backing to the ground and get the layers centred by myself. It actually worked pretty well! I did spray baste but I knew that this super heavy quilt would need a bit more than that. I added curved safety pins along the sashing on each side of the blocks for a little extra security. I didn't get any puckers on the back and other than having to kneel on the floor, the whole process wasn't bad at all.

I started the quilting on my Horizon 7700 with a straight stitch 1/4" on each side of the sashing. I was inspired by the stitching on our sofa and I picked a dark grey thread. I think it looks really good and also stabilizes the 30 block quilt.  Because the blocks themselves are 12" square I still need to add some more quilting within them. Warm & Natural requires quilting 10" apart to keep it from shifting so I think a wee bit of free motion quilting should do the trick.

That is the next step in the process and I know it will be challenging. This quilt is a beast, in dimension and weight, and I'm sure it will be heavy to move under the needle. I am planning on using some fun designs in each block - including the mini circle ruler to create some awesome texture. Some outlining will take care of the larger motif t-shirt emblems but I think I will have to switch out my thread colours to do that. For the walking foot quilting I used black in the bobbin and the grey on top and I didn't have any tension issues. Free motion quilting might make a difference to that practice but I'm hoping I can get the stitches looking balanced. My kids are anxious to have this quilt finished so that inspires me to get it done.

 

Fun Embroidery

Now that the to-be-gifted Wheels quilt is all finished, including a personalized photo label that turned out so nicely!, I have moved on to a couple small embroidery tasks.

First up, I wanted to try adding my dog's name and phone number to his collar. I really had no idea if it would work or not but I loaded the collar onto some sticky stabilizer right in the hoop. I did remove his i.d. tags first as they were weighing down the end and I was worried it would interfere with the movement of the hoop. I chose a shiny white thread so it would show up and even though the stitches slightly pulled through the thick material, overall I'm happy with how it turned out. It's not a perfect finish but most importantly, the data is legible and it really stands out - even when the collar is on his neck. He has a thick coat of fur but if he ever got lost I'm sure the person who finds him would quickly see the information.

Next, I created an embellishment for the family t-shirt quilt. I used brown fabric with a soft stabilizer behind it and loaded that into the hoop. Bright red thread goes well with the Mickey Mouse design on the backing. I wrote our name and date the family was established (yes, it's our 25th wedding anniversary!!). I appliqued the tag into the centre of the back of the quilt in the sashing. I used a grey thread to topstitch and match what I will use to quilt and I think it turned out terrifically!

I had planned to also add our individual names in the same fashion but then I thought it would be too much, both in design and work. Instead, the idea came to me to use the lettering option on my Horizon 7700 and I stitched out our names on a stack of pancakes! It looks really charming and is a super way to more subtly display the monikers. There was one extra pancake so I included a row of satin stitched hearts too!

It was a lot of fun to use my Janome 350e again; it has been a long time but I remembered the basics and got it embroidering in no time. The quality of the stitch out is really lovely and it such a creative addition to an already very personal quilt. I'll still add a regular label in the bottom corner but I love that the family name is clearly written on the back of all our memory t-shirts!

1-Dish Taco Bake

I recently revisited this recipe I shared back in 2012 for 1-Dish Taco Bake. I wish I hadn't waited so long to remember I had it - it is so good! I love how easy it is to make (yep, one dish!) and am amazed how fast it bakes considering there is yeast in the cornbread layer. The flavour of that bottom cornmeal base is just like tamales and tastes so authentic. Now that I could potentially have 8 for dinner on any given night, I made two batches of this simple but satisfying meal and ended up freezing the second casserole. If you have a bit of extra time, make a batch of store-bought Mexican rice for a side dish (or try my delicious homemade Spanish rice here), a salad, and maybe some fresh or frozen corn to round out the meal. Yum!

Giant Pressing Board

I am so pleased with my new, giant pressing board. It is exactly the size of my cutting table so there is no ridge or overhang. My first homemade board fit a folding table that was quite narrow and thus there wasn't enough coverage on the new surface. The full 8' length and 3' width are now covered for a perfect pressing table. Ironing yardage will be so much easier!

I made this new version using the exact same technique I shared in THIS POST when I assembled the first. I've included the Sharon Schamber video instructions as well. It's very easy to do. The canvas was on sale and didn't cost more than $20. I used a double layer of batting for a little extra padding and although it was a killer to cut it from my bolt of Warm & Natural for this project instead of a quilt, I know I will get so much use out it and it will last for years (the narrower one is over 4 years old!).

For quick cutting and pressing at my machine, I picked up this June Tailor Quilter's Cut 'n Press II. I used a 50% off coupon which turned out to be a super deal versus ordering from the States and paying exchange, shipping, and duty. I really like that you can do a quick cutting and trimming job on one side and then press on the other, very padded side. The markings on both will be really helpful for squaring up as well.

I have almost finished hand-stitching the binding down on the Wheels quilt. I think the stippling turned out well and I'm pleased with the overall look of the quilting. I tried some new things which is always a goal with each of my projects. I feel I need to seize every opportunity to expand my quilting since they are relatively few and far between!

 

CRAFTSY Classes ON SALE NOW!

ALL Craftsy classes are ON SALE NOW! 

For four days only, you can get any and all classes for 50% off, and that means sunny, inspired afternoons doing exactly what you love. Expires 6/13 @11:59pm MDT.

 

If you've been wanting to try English Paper Piecing with me, now is the time to get the classes at half price. Craftsy Pieced Hexies: Beyond English Paper Piecing adds pieced patches to the traditional method and Quick and Easy English Paper Piecing covers all those tried and true techniques for beautiful hand-stitched shapes.

There are hundreds of other classes available from a guide to wine to making the most of your hydraulic press! Check the sale out HERE to find the perfect ones for you!

Walking Foot Investment

Here is the very special investment I made for my vintage Bernina machines: the old-style walking foot. This is a brand new attachment but is engineered to fit the older machines. It still comes with the three soles and quilting guides like the modern machine kits. Bernina feet in general are quite expensive and this gorgeous set cost almost as much as my machines. Still, I think a walking foot is critical, especially for a quilter. I plan on completing my quilts from start to finish on both my 830 and 1031 models and the walking foot is necessary. At least I can use the foot on two machines! Sadly, it doesn't work with the 160 (a computerized model that is still kind of retro in 2016!) so I might have to invest in a new style walking foot at some point. I'm still holding out hope to one day buy a new Bernina machine that comes with all the feet but that's probably a big time dream right now!

It took me a while to get the foot onto the machine. Of course, you need to get the fork around the needle bar as well as the cone into the hole of the foot. After several attempts from different angles I gave up and removed the needle and undid the screw as far as I could without it falling out. That seemed to do the trick and I finally got the foot attached! I did a quick stitch sample and things look good. The foot is well made and feels really solid. It purred as it moved along and I think I am going to love doing straight-stitch quilting with it. The quilting guides are fabulous (there are two, a left and a right) and I really appreciate that they are screwed on tightly for use. I've found in the past with other brands of guides that they slip and slide in the hole and don't remain exactly where I set them. That's a problem when you want perfectly spaced lines, which is kind of the whole point with the guides in the first place, right?!

The walking foot kit comes with extra soles that are easily changed out with a turn of a screw. There is an open-toe sole and a stitch-in-the-ditch/edge stitch sole. I love using that for adding binding by machine so I know it will get lots of use. I really want to quilt my t-shirt quilt with some straight stitches so I might give it a try with this foot. I also picked up my fabulous pin cushion. Sure, I know I didn't need a Bernina branded red magnetic version but isn't she a beauty! The pins were included too! It's nice an heavy and looks great next to my red accessory box.

We have been away celebrating our daughter's university graduation (that's two down, one to go!). I took along my English paper piecing pencil box of supplies to work with while on the road. It was the perfect task to pass the time waiting and I now have two rosettes complete. I had some challenges with knotted thread (ugh!) and when I was tired I got mixed up and used my blue basting thread for the whip stitches. They don't actually show that much so I guess I must be stitching correctly.

I picked up another book on the subject which I'll share in a more detailed post. It's a fantastic book of information and great quilts using hexagons. I am so inspired and want to start making hexies in the right fabrics for one project in particular.

I should be able to finish up the stippling on the wheels quilt tomorrow. Small scale stipples make me a bit crazy so I can only do a few sections at a time before I start producing really wonky meanders. I want to be done by the weekend so I can start binding.

It was also time for me to make a new pressing board and I got some plywood the size of my new, giant cutting table. I've been waiting for the canvas to go on sale and I bought it today. I'll get hubby to staple it on this weekend. It will be great to cover my whole table with it for pressing yardage. I'm a little worried I won't be able to actually pick the pressing board up to slide it on since it's over 8 feet long and 3 feet wide but hopefully I can tip it up on the edge and just pivot it on like I do now with the smaller one.

Tidying Up & Creativity

I wasn't feeling any creative energy yesterday but that didn't stop me from getting into my workshop. Things were getting a little messy, disorganized, and cramped and it was making me feel claustrophobic, not to mention anxious at the clumps of lint and dust bunnies hiding under my cabinets. I spent the afternoon thoroughly dusting and vacuuming my space and it feels so good to have things put away back where they belong.

I know how fortunate I am to have a dedicated area for all my crafty pursuits but still, I accumulate project stacks and supplies as I'm working and don't tidy up every single night. Now that I have a fresh, clean studio I can focus on finishing up my stippling on the Wheels quilt and get it trimmed and bound. Next, I am going to get the embroidery machine uncovered and start the personalization of the t-shirt quilt.

While my Janome 350e is front and centre I'm going to try to embroidery my dog's collar. Yesterday I had a surprise when I went upstairs to put the vacuum away. There on my deck was a dog. I knew mine was in the basement where I just left him (he stays with me all day) so I was a bit shocked to see him outside. It only took a second to realize the visitor wasn't my Sam but a slightly fluffier lady. I opened the door and she was very friendly, hoping to just come on inside. Her collar was boldly and prominently embroidered with her name and phone number so we were quickly able to reunite her with her neighbour mum. I was  stumped how she ended up in my backyard since all the gates were shut (and still were). Her owner was stumped how she got out! We were chatting about this canine Houdini when a third neighbour admitted she'd popped the stray back into our fenced property, mistakenly believing she was our dog. Anyway, the incident made me recognize what a great idea it is to have the pet's name and phone number easily visible on the collar. It only took a second to notice, call the owner, and get the beautiful dog back where she belonged. I hope I can use my machine to get Sam's info on his collar. I figure if I could embroider a leather luggage tag I should be able to get through a polyester collar.

Now it's time to stipple....

Quilting on the Go with English Paper Piecing

I had to be patient before starting my English Paper Piecing as I wanted to receive the book I ordered first. Quilting on the Go by Jessica Alexandrakis was worth the wait. I was delighted when I opened up the pages and it was exactly the reference book I was looking for. The paper is lovely and the photos are excellent. It is a meaty and detailed explanation of EPP and covers everything one needs to know, as well as providing some wonderfully creative starter projects.

The chapter I was most anticipating is the first: Getting Ready. Because EPP is so enjoyed because of its portability, I knew I wanted to assemble a travel kit of supplies. Jessica explains all that is required and assembles a travel tool kit. Luckily, I had already gathered together what I thought I might need and I used her school supply pencil box as a check list against my notions and tools. I did run out and pick up a Clover thread cutter as a treat. It's worn as a pendant (I used some gold rattail binding cord) and should pose no problems with airline security. Right now I'm using a sturdy plastic zippered pouch from a sheet set to house everything with an inner bag for the smaller stuff but I would like to find a more sturdy pencil box. The great secondary use of this type of container is that it can double as a work table when opened up. I also have my basted hexies and cut fabric in a small tin to keep the pieces smooth and wrinkle free. I'll try this out and see how I like it or need to adapt.

I sat outside yesterday while hubby worked in the veggie garden and stitched my first few hexagons. I am using that charm pack of 1930s prints and just getting used to the process of basting and whip stitching, finding what methods work best for me. From the Craftsy classes and on-line videos to magazine articles and books, every EPP quilter has a different way of doing things. I will try them all and see what is the best fit for me. It has been 4 years since I did those Block of the Month hexies but I am pleased with the few I have joined this time around. The stitches appear almost invisible and the seams are strong. I wish I would have started with more of a plan but since I don't have much of this particular fabric I'm considering this sewing to be practice. I'll just keep joining the shapes until I have a panel to cut for a pillow or small project. It really doesn't take long to get a bunch stitched together and I'm perfecting my stitch as I go.

Once I'm ready for a quilt or larger item I will follow a pattern and choose my fabric placement more wisely. Perhaps a traditional Grandmother's Flower Garden to start before I move on to other shapes (diamonds, clamshells, triangles, etc.)...if I enjoy the work as much as I think I will. It certainly forces you to slow down and relax as you meditatively focus on the tiny motion of the needle and thread whipping through the fold of fabric. As much as I adore using my machines and listening to the sound of the motor and feed dogs, it is sometimes nice to still be able to create without a power cord and table set up.

Have you tried English Paper Piecing? What did you make?