Workshop in Progress - January 26

It's another week in the Workshop.

Thank-you so much for your tips on marking tools. I'm really keen to get one of those Hera tools. For now, I'm still eyeballing things, but I do like the idea of it.

This week I'd actually love it if you could help me out by pointing me to some favourite quilts. I'm in a photography class right now and I'm working on translating the concept of negative space from quilts to my photos. I'd love it if you could share links/photos to quilts you think demonstrate this concept. I know it's a bit different than expected for the Workshop, but sharing ideas is sharing ideas.

Don't forget to share your links here, I'm excited to see what you've got.


Enter Your Link for This Week's WIP

1. kristylouscreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-w...KristyLou  
2. sewhappyandcontent.blogspot.com/2011/01/mug-rug...Brandie  
3. lalaslovelys.blogspot.com/2011/01/advice-needed...Lee  
4. www.squaresandtriangles.com/string-quilt-comple...Tanya  
5. nanannwoogies.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/the-star...nanann  
6. swimbikequilt.blogspot.com/2011/01/wip-wednesda...kate@swimbikequilt  
7. www.amyalamode.com/blog/2011/01/24/mosaic-quilt...Amy a la Mode  
8. aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/wip-...Cindy  
9. ourbusylittlebunch.blogspot.com/2011/01/wip-wed...Rebecca  
10. sewsanejane.blogspot.com/2011/01/change-of-plan...Sew Sane Jane  
11. mysweetprairie.blogspot.comMonika in Saskatoon  
12. tapestrytree.blogspot.com/2011/01/workshop-in-p...Michelle  
13. cityhousestudio.blogspot.com/2011/01/easy-doubl...Michelle  
14. gocrowgo.blogspot.com/2011/01/workshop-in-progr...Annie Crow  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Blue Birds and Red

I know, so not me, right? But that's the joy of a round robin in a mostly traditional guild. As a result, I'm using up some fabrics in my stash that I never thought would see the light of day, and I'm pushed beyond my comfort zone.

The blue birds were my first round. We were assigned applique for this one. I did think cherries, as per the suggestion of another participant, but went with the birds. I hope she doesn't mind the blue.

This second one was pretty simple as the instructions were for a plain border. Nothing more. There was a touch of red in the plaid background for the snowman, so it was an easy choice out of my stash.

Just a little fun.

,

Rhythm and Apple Pie

,

It felt good to be back in the kitchen today. An afternoon of crust making, apple peeling, chicken roasting, orange peeling, and even doing the dishes. I honestly can't remember the last time I did that - prepared a proper Sunday dinner.

Today Smilosaurus was very helpful. I'm going to milk that. Her sister was the same way, until she turned 3. Now she isn't as interested in the kitchen. Like all moms, I'm clinging to the adoration of my children while I have it. She helped me rub the freshly roasted hazelnuts in a clean towel, she worked the food processor, tossed the fennel and apples, and stood transfixed as I peeled a blood orange.

Even on the days when I just-want-to-get dinner-on-the-table I'm always happy for her help. Well, except when she decides she needs to salt things. We're used to each other and have already developed our own rhythm. And she's two and a half!

Then today I tried a new recipe - Apple Pie with Chinese Five Spice Powder and Hazelnut Crumb Topping. It was just apple pie, but it wasn't the way I normally make apple pie. It seemed to take forever! A different crust, precooking the filling, and orange juice in the crumble topping?! My rhythm was off, way off. The only part that felt right, felt normal was peeling the apples.

So, it took a little longer. So what? It was damn good apple pie! The 5-spice powder was intoxicating, beyond anything cinnamon every aspires to be. While the crust was mediocre (oh, how I wish I'd stuck with my own pate brisee), the crumble topping was insane. I doubted the orange juice, but that made it sing. No taste of orange, but a heightened hazelnut brightness.

As I followed the recipe to a T, check it out here, from The Nourish Network. Kind of appropriate too, seeing as it was National Pie Day in the US. It fits in with Lauren's Go Ahead Honey series too.

We ate our roast chicken and potatoes, apple and fennel slaw with sunflower seeds, and roasted chiogga beets with oranges, blood oranges, and goat cheese. Before pie The Monster and Hubby went skating. Spazzing was kept to a minimum and she was rewarded with two slices of pie. Okay, maybe I was rewarded too...

I'll Take It

Not sure if I'm deserving of any awards, but I always love a little bit of praise and attention (who doesn't?). This week brought two blogging awards.

Technically I don't think I qualify for the Leibster Blog award. Yes, I have less than 300 followers, but my subscribers to the feed and my Twitter followers contradict those stats. (wow, does that ever sound cocky!) But I am thankful for the notice and appreciation from a fellow Calgary quilter, Elizabeth. One day we'll meet too and get our gorgeous kids together to wreak havoc!

Then Beth gave me a Stylish Blogger's Award. So kind. Although, if she saw my wardrobe these days she might take it back!

To pay it forward with this little bit of extra attention, I want to point you to some blogs that might be new to you. They aren't celebrities, yet. Or maybe there are? They are great sources of inspiration, comfort, and entertainment for me.


Have a great weekend all!