Creative Quilting: Fusible Applique

Creative Quilting: Fusible Applique

A few weeks ago, my niece Jessica asked if I would help her make a quilted wall hanging for her toddler’s new bedroom. In the photo below, he’s holding his favorite ball, wearing his favorite jacket, trying to decide if he approves of having his picture taken. This...
Codling moth, lead, and DDT

Codling moth, lead, and DDT

Apples and pears can both be victims of the codling moth. This moth lays eggs which hatch into worms which eat their way into either apples or pears as well as some other fruits. This, of course, ruins the fruit and makes it unsellable. My father fought this problem...
Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers

Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers

My husband is a teacher, a great teacher.  He works well above 40 hours a week during the school year, and is dedicated to helping his students expand their minds and experience beauty through music.  The school year can get LOOONG for our little family, and so when...
Amish Top 5

Amish Top 5

As a writer of Amish romances, I am fascinated by the increased media interest in the Amish. I think many of us are attracted to the Amish way of life because it takes us back to a simpler time, when faith and family were society’s most important values and cell...
School time!

School time!

Yes, I know that this is a quilting blog, and, yes, I know that I have only written about quilts (or sewing) since the blog began. Today, however, in honor of all the children returning to school in a few weeks, I’m writing about a fun way to celebrate this occasion:...
Coconut Caramel Syrup

Coconut Caramel Syrup

You could probably eat a shoe if it were smothered in this syrup. Admittedly that’s one of the few things I haven’t tried it on, but if you ever have to eat a shoe, hopefully you have some of this on hand. I use this on waffles, french toast, pancakes,...