Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours.

From my heart,
Sandy

Checking My List

Light are hung.

Check.

Three more days until Christmas and I have way too many things on my to do list.
I hope your list checking is going better than mine!
From my heart,
Sandy

The Winner Is

Hello and a big thank you to everyone who followed the Moda blog hop.

The winner of the Merry Medley Layer Cake is: Robin from Pennsylvania.

Robin said...

The fabric looks wonderful! I LOVE baklava so I will definitely be trying out that recipe. Thanks! Have a merry Christmas!

Robin - please email me your address so I can send out your prize.

Happy Quilting to all.

From my heart,
Sandy

Gifts Galore Blog Hop Day 5 And My Day

First off my apologies for missing yesterday's blog.
I am so busy at work that I have been doing my posts after hours in the comfort of my easy chair. However, last night our internet was down. We live in a small town so I do not have the luxury of having internet access in a multitude of local coffee shops/cafés.
So you will just have to imagine that I blogged.
Now on with today's blog.

Today is the last day of the Gifts Galore blog hop and also my day to post my block and recipe.
These three Moda designer will also be blogging, Hop on over to their blogs to see what they have to offer.

Basic Grey ~ Jen Williamson

Jan Patek Quilts ~ Jan Patek

American Jane ~ Sandy Klop

I chose the Honey Bee block...my favorite quilt block.
I forgot my recipe book the day that the recipes were due so I just sent Lissa this one as a joke. I sent her my real recipe the next day. Well nobody likes a joke better than Moda Lissa so she printed this one instead.

Click here to download and print.

I would not want you to be cheated out of a recipe so here is my real recipe.

Baklava - one of my favorite sweets.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz.) package phyllo dough

1 pound chopped nuts

1 C. butter

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 C. water

1 C. sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 C. honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter the bottoms and side of a 9 X 13 pan.

Chop nuts and toss with cinnamon. Set aside.

Unroll phyllo dough.

Cut whole stack in half to fit pan.

Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep it from drying out as you work.

Place two sheets of dough in pan, butter thoroughly.

Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered.

Sprinkle 2-3 Tablespoons of nut mixture on top.

Top with two sheets of dough, butter, nuts, layering as you go.

The top layer should be about 6-8 sheets deep.

Using a sharp knife cut into 4 long rows, then cut rows into diamond shapes.

Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp.

While Baklava is baking.

Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted.

And vanilla and honey.

Simmer for about 20 minutes.

When Baklava is done remove from oven and immediately spoon sauce over it.

Let cool.

Serve in cupcake papers.

And it this would not be a Moda blog hop without a give away.

By now most of you know that I love glasses - the funkier the better.

I have found some pictures of glasses that are even a bit odd for me to wear.

Not your typical Grandma Glasses.

These would be for a crabby day.

To scary - remind me of bug legs.

Fancy schmancy.

Sunglasses or moonglasses?

Maybe if I were an avid deer hunter.
Every evening we have deer stroll though our yard.
What do you suppose the deer would think
if they saw me watching
them while wearing these glasses???

And last but not least this would not be a Moda blog hop without a give away.

Yesterday I received a big Moda box filled with my 2012 Christmas fabric.

Yes, just in time for Christmas!

I have named this line Merry Medley.

You have until Sunday December 12th at 11:00 PM to leave a comment on this post to be eligible to win a Layer Cake of this line. I will post the winner on Tuesday.

If you are a shop owner your Moda rep will be showing you this new line -and many other lines in January. If you are a fabric collector this fabric will be in quilt shops in July.

May you always see clearly.

From my heart,

Sandy

Gifts Galore Blog Hop Day 3

Welcome to day 3 of Gifts Galore Blog Hop.

Today's featured designers are:

Cotton Way ~ Bonnie Olvason

French General ~ Kaari Meng

oliver + s ~ Liesl Gibson

Sweetwater ~ Karla Eisenbach

The Long Thread ~ Ellen Luckett Baker

Be sure to visit their blogs to download the blocks and recipes that they have to offer.

As you well know I have a bit of a shoe fetish.

I came across these interesting/odd shoes.

Two feet on a banana peel.

Do you hate lugging those heavy laundry baskets to the laundromat?

Not to worry - just put your laundry in your shoes and walk on over to the laundromat.

A different kind of a sling back.

Are you coming or going?

You might slip in these slides.

Nothing to say but - cute!

Tune in tomorrow to visit these 5 designers and see the picture of the day.

Thimbleblossoms ~ Camille Roskelley

Kathy Schmitz Studio ~ Kathy Schmitz

Laundry Basket Quilts ~ Edyta Sitar

Kate Spain Designs ~ Kate Spain

Primitive Gatherings ~ Lisa Bonegan

May your shoes make you happy.

From my heart,

Sandy

Gifts Galore Blog Hop Day 2

Welcome to day 2 of Gifts Galore Blog Hop.
Today's featured designers are:

Kansas Troubles ~ Lynne Hagmeier
Fig Tree ~ Joanna Figueroa
Cosmo Cricket ~ Julie Comstock
Summersville ~ Lucie Summers
Paper Pie ~ Liz Scott
Be sure to visit their blogs to download the blocks and recipes that they have to offer.

I don’t know about you but the minute I say "we need to get the tree in the stand" my husband - as did my dad - turns into Mr. Scrooge. Really is it that hard to put a tree in a stand - granted the temperature might be below zero - and carry it in the house - Yes first you have to make a fresh cut. And yes maybe the trunk is a little crocked - but just adjust the ropes on the tree stand - how hard can it be?
I have found a couple of interesting images of trees that do not require any of the above tasks. In other words the dear hubby would love to see these trees in our house.
And you don't have to remember to water them either.


/>

Cheers!

Easy Reading.

Tune in tomorrow to visit these 5 designers and see the picture of the day.

Cotton Way ~ Bonnie Olvason
French General ~ Kaari Meng
oliver + s ~ Liesl Gibson
Sweetwater ~ Karla Eisenbach
The Long Thread ~ Ellen Luckett Baker

My your tree task be a breeze this year.

From my heart,

Sandy

Gifts Galore Blog Hop

Today is the first day of the ??? hop. It seems this hop does not have a name.
I think we should name it the Gifts Galore Blog Hop.
The hop will be running through December 9th. Several designers will be featured everyday to make this hop a little faster as we know this is a busy time for everyone.
Each designer will be linking you to a card that you will print … Very simple click and print!
On the front of the card will be a recipe and on the back of the card instructions for a quilt block.
You will be able to collect and print them all and have 23 new recipes and 23 new blocks by the end of the hop - our gifts to you. Merry Christmas!

Starting today are …
Minick and Simpson ~ Laurie and Polly
Bunny Hill Designs ~ Anne Sutton
Me and My Sister Designs ~ Barb and Mary
Deb Strains Studio ~ Deb Strain

December 6th visit …
Kansas Troubles ~ Lynne Hagmeier
Fig Tree ~ Joanna Figueroa
Cosmo Cricket ~ Julie Comstock
Summersville ~ Lucie Summers
Paper Pie ~ Liz Scott

December 7th visit …
Cotton Way ~ Bonnie Olvason
French General ~ Kaari Meng
oliver + s ~ Liesl Gibson
Sweetwater ~ Karla Eisenbach
The Long Thread ~ Ellen Luckett Baker

December 8th visit …
Thimbleblossoms ~ Camille Roskelley
Kathy Schmitz Studio ~ Kathy Schmitz
Laundry Basket Quilts ~ Edyta Sitar
Kate Spain Designs ~ Kate Spain
Primitive Gatherings ~ Lisa Bonegan

And the last day December 9th visit …
Basic Grey ~ Jen Williamson
Jan Patek Quilts ~ Jan Patek
American Jane ~ Sandy Klop
Pieces From My Heart ~ Sandy Gervais
Yep this will be my day to blog.

However, as usual, I will post everyday.
For this blog hop I will post a picture everyday that I find interesting, fascinating or just plain odd.

Since the the NBA players and owners have come to an agreement, there will be a basketball season, which made me think of this picture. Last fall Bruce and I took a day off to go leafing. Unfortunately we were too late for the leaves. However, we did come across this unusual basketball court. I'm not sure if this picture falls under interesting or odd. I have titled the picture...

Only in Iowa

Many kids who grew up on a farm had a basketball court in the haymow of the barn.
Like many Iowa farms these days, this farm did not have a barn - so I am guessing they had to improvise.
I imagine that the kids in this family all have stubbed toes. Ouch - remember stubbing you toe as a kid - or an adult - not fun.
And do you suppose they dribble on the grass - if that is possible - or is it strictly a passing game??
Yes only in Iowa will you find a basketball court like this.

Here is hoping you do not stub you toes today, tomorrow - or ever.

Tune in tomorrow to visit these 5 designers and check out the picture of the day.
Kansas Troubles ~ Lynne Hagmeier
Fig Tree ~ Joanna Figueroa
Cosmo Cricket ~ Julie Comstock
Summersville ~ Lucie Summers
Paper Pie ~ Liz Scott

From my heart,
Sandy

A Rare Appearance

I will be making a public appearance, something I rarely do.
The last time was - let me think - never.
I now and then do a Moda School House at market, only because I cannot say no to Lissa - Moda's director of marketing.

Lissa is the sweetest thing - and add a southern accent
to that cuteness and I just cannot say no.

I also could not say no to Rita of

Quilter's Station in Lee Summit, Mo.

I have always wanted to visit Rita's shop - a Top Ten American Patchwork and Quilting Shop for Spring of 2006.
Showing my quilts at her shop is a perfect opportunity to see her shop.

So if you happen to be in the Kansas City area on Saturday, December Third be sure to stop by Quilter's Station and say hi.

See you soon.

From my heart,
Sandy

Stuff Yourself

It's Thanksgiving.
My favorite holiday - no gift buying - you don't have to string lights on a tree - and you eat all day long.
So go put on your fat jeans and...




Be thankful that you can stuff yourself and pray for those who are less fortunate.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
From my heart,
Sandy

On With The Love Affair

The hubby is gone on a week long hunting trip. This gives me a chance to carry on with my love affair…

with Goulash.
Good old Minnesota Goulash.

I grew up in Minnesota where "Hotdishes" are considered gourmet food.
My dear husband grew up in Minnesota too but his mother came over from Ireland as a war bride.
He never really became a "Minnesota hotdish junkie".
He was more accustomed to things like soda bread and vinegar on French fries.
It is very common in Minnesota to have a cookbook with MANY recipes with the name - Hotdish.
While the hubby is gone I will eat bowls and bowls of Goulash and watch all of the old episodes of Project Runway - again.

And on a business note - Late Bloomers fabric and patterns have shipped.


And a belated thank you to all of you who followed me on the Moda Country Fair Blog Hop.
It was very much appreciated!
And a heads up - we are having another Moda Blog hop.
It is scheduled for December 5th-9th.
Stay tuned for more details.

Make your favorite dish... and stuff yourself.

From my heart,
Sandy

In My Inbox

When I arrived at work today, I checked my email.
In my Inbox I found this.

Ooooh - I think I will keep him.

Yes 38 years ago today we were married.

Have a great day.

From my heart,
Sandy

Missed - Didn't Miss

Today is the last day of International Quilt Market in Houston Texas.
I chose not to go this year as my lines of fabric Sassy and Name That Quilt Labels were pre-market releases
I find it is just to darn expensive to go to market without new product to show.
There are some things I missed about not going to market and some things I did not miss.

Things I missed:
Seeing all of my friends and customers :-(
Chicken Paige at Anthony's Steak House - delicious!
The Moda Party - always a fun time.
Buying new shoes for market - I love shoes.

Things I didn't miss:
The two and a half day, 1046.41 mile road trip to Houston.
Booth set-up.
Paying good money for bad food at the convention center.
Booth take down
The two and a half day, 1046.41 mile road trip back to Iowa.

Just because we did not go to market does not mean we have been sitting idle for the last week.

#534 Making Honey

Late Bloomers fabric has shipped
and the patterns are up and ready for purchase.
Name That Quilt labels will be shipping soon.
We have two patterns to go with this line featuring projects using the quilt labels in other ways than a label on the back of a quilt.

These labels are too cute to put on the back of a quilt.

We pieced ours into an Irish Chain Block.

Have friends and relatives sign the labels to create a keepsake

for you next special occasion - wedding, graduation or birthday.

#535 Please Sign In

This is the same quilt using the darker version of the labels.

Here we used labels in many fun ways.
We pieced them into a pillowcase - send this off with you college bound child.
Mug rugs - to protect your tabletop.
Eyeglasses case - to protect your glasses.
A tablerunner.
And an apron with a zipper detail.
#536 Bria-a-Brac

Hope you all had a great market - both those showing and buying.

I will show at spring market in Kansas City. See you there.

From my heart,

Sandy

The Sweetest Thing Ever

Sunday was a beautiful fall day here in Iowa.
As I was driving down Jones street I noticed three ladies having lunch outside. Not just lunch on a picnic table but instead a formal looking sort of lunch.
I thought it was the sweetest thing I ever did see.
I stopped to asked if I could take their picture.
I just assumed that it was two daughters having lunch with their mother.
But upon visiting with them I learned that Esther, the elderly lady and guest of honor, is Dorie and Mary's aunt. I learned that Esther would be leaving her home and moving to the care center the next day.
This would be her last lunch at her home.
I had to wonder were they having lunch outside because it was such a beautiful fall day, or was it just too painful to have lunch in the house?

Esther, Dorie and Mary

Take a close look at this picture - click on it to enlarge it.
This picture is soooo grandma like – the red and white checked tablecloth, the silk flower basket that someone probably gave her, the Christmas candles that she has probably used every Christmas for as long as anyone can remember, the stenciled drinking glasses and the pin on her lapel.
This could be a picture of my Grandma.
And enjoying a glass of wine too.
Good for Grandma.

I had never met any of these ladies before I stopped to take their picture and I still really do not know much about them. I do know Dorie and Mary did the sweetest, kindest thing that anyone could do for Esther.
And I know one thing for sure...They are good people.

Do a feel good something today.

From my heart,
Sandy

Moda Country Fair Blog Hop Day 27 and the Last Day

Hello and welcome to day 27, the last day of the Moda Country Fair Blog Hop.

Today's featured designer is
Liz of Liz Scott Designs.
Hop on over to her blog to see what she has designed.

The quote of the day is a long one - but worth reading.
Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination.
Robert Fulghum

A Crayola Bomb - now there's an idea Mr. President.
If only he read my blog.

From My heart,
Sandy

Moda Country Fair Blog Hop Day 26

Hello and welcome to day 26 of the Moda Country Fair Blog Hop. Only one more day to go!

Today's featured designer is
Kathy Schmitz of Kathy Schmitz Studio.
Hop on over to her blog to see what she has designed.

The quote of the day is taken right off of Kathy's web page.

Stop by tomorrow for the quote of the day and hook up with Liz of Liz Scott Designs.

Make sure your day is complete.

From My heart,
Sandy

September 6th Sandy Gervais of Pieces from My Heart

September 7th Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs
September 8th Barb and Mary from Me and My Sister Designs

September 9th Camille Roskelley of Thimbleblossoms
September 10th Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts
September 11th Basic Grey
September 12th Polly and Laurie from Minick and Simpson
September 13th Sandy Klop from American Jane (Post will be featured on Moda's blog)
September 14th Liesl from Oliver + S
September 15th Joanna from Fig Tree and Co.
September 16th Lynne from Kansas Troubles
September 17th Barb and Alma from Blackbird Designs
September 18th Aneela Hoey from Comfortstitching.com
September 19th Barbara Brackman from Barbara Brackman, of course.
September 20th Bonnie from Cotton Way
September 21st Christina from Cabbages and Roses
September 22nd Deb Strain
September 23rd Jan Patek of Brannock and Patek
September 24th Lauren and Jessi Jung
September 25th Stephanie from Lily Ashbury
September 26th Julie from Cosmo Cricket
September 27th Kate Spain
September 28th Karla, Susan and Lisa from Sweetwater
September 29th Kaari from French General
September 30th Lisa from Primitive Gatherings
and the fun continues into October
October 1st Kathy from Kathy Schmitz Studio
October 2nd Liz from Liz Scott Designs