First things first! Can we get a huge round of applause for the AMAZING Sarah of Confessions of a Fabric Addict for organizing this hop and for allowing me to participate! So much work goes into organizing and preparing. She also created a Christmas quilt pattern for a daily quilt along for the duration of the hop! There has to be a picture of Sarah in the dictionary next to Wonder Woman. I don't know how you do it, but from the bottom of my heart...Thank you!
A couple of years ago I made these awesome Microwave Cozies as Christmas gifts for friends and family.
They were a huge hit! So it became my intention to give practical home made gifts for Christmas going forward. However, last year, Christmas came and went...along w/my good intention and only 3 peeps got something homemade from me. So I swore to myself that this year would be different! I would start my gift making in July! And that's exactly what I've done!
This year, everyone is getting these grocery bag holders. I was able to get a wonderful head start on them this month!
I normally sell the pattern in my Craftsy Pattern Store, however for the rest of this hop you can download it for free on this post, along w/the rest of my patterns! Merry Christmas in July to you!
Easy Grocery Bag Catcher
Easy Reversible Microwave Cozy Combo
Easy MicrowaveTortilla Warmer Cozy
I'd also like to share a recipe that was shared w/me several years ago for an easy and delicious Clam Chowder.
My church family usually does a potluck style progressive dinner around the Christmas holiday. The first house we visit is where we have appetizers. We then progress/move on to the next house for the entrées, and then finish w/desserts and coffee at a third house.
This Clam Chowder has been a favorite of many at our progressive dinners.
Easy Clam Chowder
1 can evaporated milk (makes it creamier) or 1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 cups water
4 chicken bouillon cubes (it also adds the salt)
1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
2 6oz cans chopped clams in clam juice
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 tsp of Thyme
1/4 tsp of crushed Parsley
1/4 tsp of crushed Tarragon
1/4 tsp of crushed black pepper
Add all of the ingredients into a pot and bring to a rolling boil for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Test the potatoes for tenderness. To thicken, add 1 tbls of cornstarch with 2 tbls of water, mix till dissolved and then add it to the soup. It should thicken rather quickly. Serve hot w/crackers or in a bread bowl!
Alas, I've a confession. I'm also doing a little selfish sewing this month on my 1st Christmas quilt.
I'm using this Sparkle Punch tutorial by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh Fransson.
Elizabeth's creation and my inspiration |
Again, thanks for visiting!
Here's the complete line up of the hop. We have a few more days yet. You can click on the links below to check out the rest of the stops, or to access any you've missed along the way.
July 14th: Sharon Vrooman @ Vrooman’s Quilts
Carole Carter @ From My Caroline Home
July 15th: Yanicka Hachez @ Finding Myself As An Artist
Chris Dodsley @ Made by ChrissieD
July 16th: Marsha Hodgkins @ Quilter in Motion
Leanne Parsons @ Devoted Quilter
July 17th: Tonia Conner @ All Thingz Sewn
Selina @ Selina Quilts
July 18th: Lara Buccella @ Buzzin Bumble
Soma Acharya @ Whims and Fancies
July 19th: Joanne Harris@ Quilts by Joanne
Suzy Webster @ Adventurous Applique and Quilting
July 20th: Vicki in MN @ Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting
Jennifer Fulton @ The Inquiring Quilter
July 21st: Michele Kuhns @ Crayon Box Quilt Studio
Jan Ochterbeck @ The Colorful Fabriholic
July 22nd: Alla Blanca @ Rainbows. Bunnies. Cupcakes.
Zenia Rene @ A Quilted Passion
July 23rd: Joanne Hubbard @ Everyone Deserves a Quilt
Paige Alexander @ Quilted Blooms
July 24th: Carolyn Jones @ …by CJ
Tisha Nagel @ Quilty Therapy
July 25th: Susan Arnold @ Quilt Fabrication
Beth Sellers @ Cooking Up Quilts
Linda Pearl @ One Quilting Circle
A Thread for Life
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17