Must have tool Monday

Must have tool Monday
Pin Pin where did that pin go. I'm sure if you sew or are around anyone that sews you will totally relate to this. Dropping pins or pins falling out of your project is bound to happen. So I have to say my favorite tool today is the magnetic pin holder. If you drop a pin or a few pins you wave your magic pin holder over it and walla it picks it up or better yet finds it. I have a couple of these purple ones and I love them. I did however find a lot of tutorials online how to make them. I tried one but you really need a very strong magnet. I may have to find a stronger magnet and try this cute tutorial even if its just to decorate my sewing room.
http://makezine.com/craft/how-to-magnetic-pin-holder/

What's cooking Wednesday

What's cooking Wednesday
Our patriotic holiday is coming up, and so are those potluck family dinners, family reunions and just enjoying the company of family and friends. One of my favorite potluck recipes is the Strawberry Pretzel Salad. The bonus is It gives you a serving fruit. Ok that is how I justify it, and it sure is tasty.
http://www.food.com/recipe/strawberry-pretzel-salad-29400

Must have tool Monday

Must have tool Monday
Today my recommendations are to have a good cutting mat. You want one that will work at home and on the road if you like to take your sewing with you on trips or on a quilting retreat. I love the Olfa gridded cutting mat 24 inches. Its the right size to cut your folded 42 inch fabric but still manageable when you need to take it with you on the road. If you keep it from extreme temperatures heat and cold it should last quite a few years. Its great for those of you that scrapbook too. I also ran across a free pattern for a carrying case for the mat and your sewing tools.

 

 

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/12/120-minute-gift-queen-bee-bag.html

What's cooking Wednesday

What's cooking Wednesday
Today I have another yummy salad. I was looking for a new salad for a get together with some friends and found this one. It was so easy and it was the first salad to go. I thought I'd share my find with you. It comes from All recipes.com   Easy Grape Salad give it a try and let me know what you think.

 

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Grape-Salad/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Must have tool Monday

Must have tool Monday:
Today we are looking at a tool a lot of new sewers and quilters have no Idea what it is, and that is the Stiletto.Now not to be confused with the Louboutin red bottom shoes.

 Its not that kind of Stiletto. The one I use is a Bamboo stiletto. It looks like a very large toothpick but don't use it for that. This little stick can keep your fingers away from the needle of your sewing machine. It helps ease corners and fold over binding.

 They can come in metal and plastic too and sometimes they are also referred to as an awl. So give it a try It's one of those tools once you start using it you'll never want to be without it.

Whats cooking Wednesday

What's cooking Wednesday is here and I have something quick and easy for those BBQ's and family parties. It's one of my favorites. I'm not saying it's healthy but its fast and yummy. Its Oreo Salad...
1 12oz Carton Cool Whip
1 small pkg Oreo cookies broken up
1/2 bag mini marshmellows
Mix and set overnight in the fridge.
It can be a dessert or salad. Enjoy

Must have tool Monday
Yes its Monday again it seems to sneak up on me every week. I have a tool I love that has saved my fingers from lots of pins sticking me it is the "Clover Wonder Clips". These are a must when hand binding your quilts. It makes it so easy and no more pins to deal with. I highly recommend these. Better yet I checked the internet and they are on sale at JoAnns right now 50% off. Check your local quilt store too, most of them have started stocking these. Have a great day and be creative.

Whats cooking Wednesday

Its "Whats cooking Wednesday". I went to the Taste of Homes cooking show last night with my daughter and had lots of fun, lots of good food and prizes. What I want to share with you is something that amazed me. Okay my daughter already knew it but she is a wonderful cook. What I want to share is an easy way to check meat (Steak) for how well it is cooked. Whether it is rare or well done. (Okay you can tell by site when it's burnt that is how my steak BBQ goes) So go check out this video and good luck on your next BBQ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8YQX-QgbXc

Must have tool Monday,
Lets talk  scissors...  Growing up sewing with my grandmothers I learned quickly you don't use grandma's scissors for cutting paper.  I never understood that until I got a little older and was sewing for myself.  A good pair of scissors for fabric is a must and protecting them from the paper monster can be an unending war.  Whether you hide them in a secret drawer, label them sewing scissors, or disguise them in a case or with ribbons or charms its every sewers constant battle to keep good sharp scissors.  My favorite sewing scissors are Gingers.  They are a little pricey but if you use a 40% or 50% coupon at JoAnn's it is a little more manageable.  So lets get cutting and creating our masterpieces.  Have a great week.