Piece-of-Cake

Don’t you just love chocolate cake – don’t you hate the calories? This piece-of-cake takes care of that problem.

Chocolate with strawberry cream cheese icing.

I really had a lot of fun with this project. I first saw it at my local quilt shop (A Scarlet Thread) and knew I’d have to buy the magazine with the pattern.

This pincushion is filled with crushed walnut hulls to help keep needles sharp.

You can find the pattern in the Spring 2009 issue of Quilts and More.

Sewing Machine Giveaway

Sew, Mama, Sew is having a giveaway on their blog with lots of great prizes, including a terrific sewing machine. They are asking readers to answer several questions and post answers on their blog. So here are my answers.

What brand and model do you have?

- Elna, Quilter's Dream

How long have you had it?

- Around 9 years.

How much does the machine cost (approximately)?

- back then $800-$900

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

- I like to sew quilts, tote bags and small gift items.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

- Sometimes I sew a lot and at other times the machine can sit unused for weeks.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

- I like my machine, but not enough to give it a name.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

- The needle down feature is wonderful and I'd be lost without my 1/4 inch sewing foot. It is also very handy to be able to set the speed that the machine sews at - I use turtle speed a lot.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

- Having nice features that I have no idea how to use can be frustrating.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped in on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper? Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.)? We want to hear it!

- This is the first computerized sewing machine that I have owned. I bought it for myself with some money that I inherited from my Mom. One thing that happened when the machine was quite new was pretty bad. I was sewing at the dining room table and the cord was strung across to a wall plug. I went a few feet away to the living room and didn't notice my grandson riding his little trike right into the cord. Instead of stopping he just pulled the cord and the whole machine off the table.

- I heard a thunderous crash and whirled around just in time to see lots of little pieces and buttons flying everywhere. After a good cry, I took the machine to be repaired. I think it came back almost as good as new.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

- I would recommend this machine for its nice features and variety of fancy stitches. Also it is easily portable for taking to classes, etc.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

- I guess you need to decide what type of sewing you will be doing (regular, embroidery, heirloom, etc.) and what machine features are best suited for this.

Do you have a dream machine?

- I don't have a particular brand or dream machine in mind, but sometimes I think it would be fun to have an embroidery machine.

National Iced Tea Month

June is national iced tea month. We can thank an Englishman from Calcutta named Richard Blechynden for introducing the beverage in America in 1904 at the World's Fair in St. Louis. Sales of hot tea at his booth were very slow, probably due to the balmy weather. He came up with the idea of pouring the tea over ice and served it in tall glasses. The rest is history.

In this Southern Living magazine recipe, it calls iced tea the house wine of the South. I thought that their recipe for blueberry-lemon iced tea sounded delicious and I was right. It's very simple to prepare.

Bring a 16 oz. package of frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup lemon juice to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of spoon to squeeze out juice. Discard solids. Wipe saucepan clean.

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in same saucepan; add 3 family-size tea bags and let stand 5 minutes. Remove and discard teabags. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar and blueberry juice mixture. Pour into a pitcher; cover and chill 1 hour. Serve over ice.

This has a gorgeous color and a refreshing fruity tang. Yummy.

The Perfect Card

One of my favorite places to be is at the beach. My favorite beach is on Sanibel Island, FL. I love to go shelling.

Now where is this guy going in such a hurry?

Oh, I see - the bathing beauty. Well, what does all this have to do with the perfect card. Today I received my first tea swap card and tea bags. Looks like a perfect day for a walk on the beach.

I love the pink sun hat and pink flip flops.

Look at all those shells. Thanks Lisa for this beautiful card and the tea bags. I'm looking forward to trying them, especially the vanilla Chai and the black cherry.

I Won A Whimsy

The Whimsy Kit that I won in a giveaway from Fated Follies has arrived. This particular kit is called The Queen of Hearts Rose Garden.


I love red and this kit has lots of it - red beaded fringe, lace and sequins.

I'm not sure how I will use all these goodies, whether in paper arts or sewing, but there are lots of great ideas and inspiration on the Fated Follies blog. I love the variety of gorgeous tags on display.

Check out the boutique for other Whimsy Kits and the blog for the eye candy. www.fatedfollies.blogspot.com

Pretty Pink Day

Most people think of pink as the color of femininity (a soft pretty color), but make it hot pink and it becomes a little aggressive and sensual. I don't give too much thought to what pink means , I just enjoy it.


This Hall teapot has an unusual shape and a gorgeous deep rose color. I like the little gold roses motif.

This pretty pink and white Arthur Wood teapot is very special to me. It belonged to my mother when she was a young bride and was a gift from her sister.

This is an old McCormick pot (made in the USA) which has a pleasing shape and a removable steeping basket.

This delicate botanical style cup with a very pale pink background is a favorite of mine. It was made by Royal Grafton in England.

Here is a stack of cups that all have lovely pink roses. The Table Settings book is by Victoria. I enjoy all their books, whether about tea, table settings, hats or travel, they are exceptional.

More pink pattern cups on a wall rack.

It would be nice to have a history on this glass cup style vase. The little pink floral teapot clock was a gift from a friend who knows my love for anything tea.

There is an article titled Tickled Pink Tea Table in the July/August 2009 Tea Time magazine. It is short, but sweet and such beautiful photos of the tea ware and glasses, floral arrangements, place tags, favors, etc.

If you would like to take part in the fun color posting, check out Steph's blog at http://www.stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/

High Tea or Low Tea?

There always seems to be some confusion over what type of tea is being served. Should it be called High Tea, Low Tea or just afternoon tea? Here are a couple of poems that should clear things up perfectly.

High Tea

(Essentially It's Supper)

Beans on toast and leftover roast,

the last meal of the day.

Jeans and shirts, or comfy old skirts,

slippers are quite okay.

Tea that's black, the pot with a crack,

placemats for everyday.

Neighbors, mates, or long-standing dates;

pets won't be in the way.

- J. Camille Korsmo

Low Tea

(Indubitably a Party)

Cakes and tarts and scones shaped like hearts,

an afternoon affair.

Frocks and pearls topped with hats and curls,

perfume applied with flair.

Fine Earl Grey, a fresh bouquet,

the table set with care.

Invited guests (some dear, some pests).

Manners? Beyond compare!

- J. Camille Korsmo