The World's Largest Piece of Cake

I just got back from Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. Quilt Market is a three day show where shop owners like me have an opportunity to place orders for fabric, books and patterns that we will be carrying in the shop as they become available. And while it sounds like it would be amazingly fun to see all these fabric companies and visit all these booths filled with every imaginable quilting goody, you cannot believe how stressful and tiring this can be. For one thing, if you only have a cup full of money to spend, and the stuff you are looking at requires a gallon jug, you have to pick and choose from among everything offered--which would be okay if you're only choosing for yourself, but stressful if you're trying to magically know what your customers are going to enjoy.

Anyway, after a really long day of walking up and down aisles and calculating out what we needed to order, Amber and I decided that what we really "needed" was a nice steak dinner at a sit-down restaurant where we could relax and let our brains recover. So Amber goes up to this information kiosk in the Salt Palace Convention Center and says to the woman, "Where can we go for a nice steak dinner?" The lady behind the counter says that she knows just the place to go, Christopher's Prime Steak House and Grill. She tells us it's only one block from where we are, and hands us a coupon for a free dessert! "Doesn't that sound wonderful?" I say to Amber. And off we go to this little restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City where we did, indeed, have one of the nicest steak dinners I've ever eaten.

See the dessert at the top of this post? That's the totally reasonable dessert that came with my steak dinner. It's a little bit of ice cream with some berries on top. VERY nice. But remember, we also have this coupon for a free dessert. I say to Amber, "You know, I'd really like something chocolate." She says, "Okay, well, I'm not into chocolate like you are. You order something chocolate and I'll eat the dessert that came with your dinner."

It sounded like such a reasonable plan! I showed the waiter our coupon and innocently said, "Do you have anything chocolate?" He tells me that he's got the best chocolate cake in Utah. "That sounds great!" says I. In a little while, he comes back with what I can only tell you is the largest piece of chocolate cake I have ever seen in my life! It was several layers tall and looked like someone had just cut one of my grandmother's hand-made chocolate layer cakes into four slices and put one of them on a plate. Honestly, it was the biggest piece of cake I have ever seen in my life. Had I eaten the whole thing, I would have immediately gone into a sugar coma and Amber would have had to drag me out to the car. Instead, I nibbled on one small corner of it.

Don't believe how big that thing was? Here's a photo of me that Amber took with her cell phone. What's even more amazing is that I did NOT eat the whole thing! Some things in life are just too much to have all at once. And in case you're wondering, that's a big glass of iced tea in front of me, not anything stronger. I was in Salt Lake City, remember?

Color of Compassion Quilt Challenge

It's that time of year when Grandma's Attic hosts a Quilt Challenge to support Sable House, our local domestic violence shelter. Our theme for the past few years has revolved around "The Color of" concept. So far, we've hosted the Color of Peace, the Color of Love, the Color of Courage, the Color of Healing, and the Color of Hope.

Entry packets for this year's theme, The Color of Compassion, include five theme fabrics, challenge rules, and an entry form. All proceeds from the sale of the packets go directly to Sable House. The maximum quilt size for quilts entered into the challenge should not exceed 180 total inches when all sides are added together; however, there is no minimum size requirement. Each quilt must incorporate all theme fabrics, although the amount used is up to you. The remainder of the fabric used can be quilter's choice.

Quilts are due in to Grandma's Attic by July 20, 2011 where they will be displayed from July 21-31, 2011. The general public will be invited to vote for their favorites. Winners will be selected by customer ballot (one vote per viewer) based on Best Interpretation of Theme and Best Use of Color. (Remember, this is the general public, not professional quilt judges, so don't be afraid to enter.) First Place prize is $100 gift certificate to Grandma's Attic; Second Place prize is $50 gift certificate; Third Place is a $25 gift certificate. In addition, Best Interpretation of Theme will win a five yard fabric bundle and Best Use of Color will receive a Gift Baskets filled with color tools.

Quilts will also be displayed at the Polk County Fair in Rickreall, Oregon held in August, and on display at other locations as well. All quilts will be returned to their owners by the end of August, 2011.

If you'd like to participate in this quilt challenge, you can purchase a packet either at the shop or on the web.

Heat Press Batting Together

I'm sure you know how frustrating it can be when the pieces of batting that you happen to have on hand are all just a smidge too small for the project you want to complete. I know that there have been times when I've gone through all my batting scraps only to discover that there's not a single one the size I need. Now, thanks to a new product by Jeanne Harwood Designs, I can fuse my batting pieces together to get the size I need!

This new product is totally easy to use. What you do is lay the two pieces of batting right next to each other, snuggled up all nice and cozy, then press the tape over the two edges. By heat pressing the batting together with this fusible, you can create any size you desire. The name says it all. It's called Heat Press Batting Together. This fusible comes in a 10 yard roll of 1-1/2" wide cloth tape. If you'd like to try it and see for yourself how easy it is to use, click here.

New Block of the Month Catalog

We just got our 2011 Block of the Month catalog back from the printer and is it ever pretty to look at!

The catalog is stuffed with photos and information about our Block of the Month Clubs and how they work. Seeing all the clubs together, I was amazed at the number of programs that we do here at Grandma's Attic. I also noticed that we have many different embroidery available, including our new one Sweethearts Redwork Sampler Club. I've been embroidering blocks for this club and also for Flower of the Month Club. That one is currently being revamped with a new setting that will make it twice as gorgeous as before.

One of my favorite clubs is the Bobby Sox Sisters. Each month, you follow Apple Betty, Patti Poundcake and Jenny Jello as they explore the changes of the 1950s. There's quilt blocks to create and 1950s-era appliances to embroider, as well as a special newsletter for reading about what was popular during those years.

If you'd like a copy of our latest catalog, send us an e-mail at grandmasattic1@gmail.com with your snail mail address and we'll get one in the mail to you right away!

Jewels of the Valley Quilt Show

One of my favorite quilt shows takes place right in my own back yard. Held every other year, the 2011 Quilt Show is put on by the Mid-Valley Quilt Guild of the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

This year, the theme is Jewels of the Valley. It starts tomorrow, April 21, and continues through Saturday, April 23. Held at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall, Oregon, it's only four miles from Grandma's Attic. Come see us once you've been inspired by the show. The quilt you see here is called "Gem Stars." Made by quilt guild members, it is going to be raffled off Sunday afternoon and one lucky person will be taking it home.

In addition to the quilt raffle, this show features judged and non-judged quilts, a silent auction, a vendor mall, a boutique full of quilty things made by Guild members, and a bed turning. The bed turning is one of my favorite parts of this show. And just like it says, what will happen is that they will tell you all about the quilts that have been laid out on a big old bed. One of the Guild members will discuss each quilt in detail--how old it is, where it came from, etc. Then they will turn it back to reveal another quilt.

Admission for non guild members is $5 and well worth the price. Allow yourself plenty of time to be able to see all the quilts, visit the boutique and vendor mall, bid on silent auction items and even have a little something to eat. Remember, this show is held every other year so if you miss this one, you'll have to wait two whole years before you can see it again!

Stephen's Chickens and an Egg Recipe

April 2nd is "Chick Day" at our house. That's when Stephen will go to the Feed Store and bring home six to ten new baby chicks to add to his small barnyard brood. We didn't get any babies last year. This year, he says that the 13 chickens he has are not getting any younger. And since those "old ladies" are getting up there in years, he says it's time to bring in some new little chicks.

When he brings the babies home, he sets up a special box that he built for them. Then he adjusts a heat lamp, and provides food and water so they will be well fed, warm, and ready to grow. And when they get old enough, they will start laying eggs.

Stephen's chickens lay an average of six to eight eggs per day, which means that when they're laying, he's got as many eggs as the Easter Bunny. The chickens come to him when he calls them. They know he's going to feed them and follow him anywhere he goes!

We have a hen house for them with a fenced-in outdoor area for keeping them safe. On most days, though, he opens up the coop and let's them wander around the farm for a while. No matter how far they wander, they always manage to put themselves to bed when the sun goes down. Then Stephen goes out and shuts the door to the hen house and locks them in all nice and safe from predators.

We have different types of chickens on the farm. Right now we've got buff orphingtons, bantam cochins with feathers on their feet, Rhode Island reds, and Plymouth Rocks (the ones that look like they're on a prison gang in their black and white feathers). I'm sure we've got other types as well, but I must admit that I don't keep up with them as much as Stephen does.

The eggs they lay are absolutely fabulous. Nice big eggs with brilliant yellow yolks that look just perfect when poached and sitting on the breakfast table. And speaking of breakfast, here's a fabulous breakfast casserole recipe. You make it ahead; then refrigerate until morning when you pop it into the oven for a yummy start to your day.

Breakfast Casserole

1 pound ground pork sausage
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
6 slices bread, toasted and cut into cubes
8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Night Before: Crumble the sausage in a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly browned; then drain. In a medium sized bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese. Stir to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.

Next Morning: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover casserole dish and bake 45-60 minutes. Uncover, reduced temperature to 325 degrees F and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until set.

Serves: 8 (377 calories per serving)

National Quilting Day - March 19, 2011

Did you know that there was an entire day devoted solely to quilting?

National Quilting Day began with a resolution passed by members of the National Quilting Association at their 22nd Annual Show in Lincoln, Nebraska, in June 1991. The 3rd Saturday in March was officially designated as National Quilting Day. It all began in 1989, when the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society organized "Quilter's Day Out" to celebrate the rich tradition of quilt making in Kentucky. The first National Quilting Day was observed in 1992.

For 2011, the theme is Build Your Own Log Cabin. They have a free quilt pattern available at their website. It is based on the log cabin block and is 64" square. Click here to get that free quilt pattern. This would make a great donation for your favorite cause--or make one for yourself to honor family and friends.

There are countless ways to celebrate National Quilting Day. Here are a few ideas: 1) Make it a service day and work on a quilt for your favorite cause; 2) Organize an exhibit at your local library or historical society; 3) Work on a quilt with a school, 4-H, scout troop or simply sew with a grandchild; 4) Sponsor a sewing day making lap quilts for seniors. Turn it into an oral history project capturing stories of the community; 5) Give a baby quilt to the first baby born on National Quilting Day each year.

I'm going to spend this day teaching classes at Grandma's Attic. I'm teaching the Clothesline Club exploring 1930s-era quilting at 10:00 am, followed by Quilt Red where we will explore embroidery and heart health at 11:00. Then I'm planning to work on a couple of quilt projects I've been dreaming up to present to you all in April. How will you spend the day? I hope it will be filled with quilts, quilting and good thoughts.

African Adventures with Tammy

Tammy just sent me another small note from South Africa, along with a few pictures. This one of Anne (on the left) and Tammy (on the right) definitely shows that they're having a great time. I'm thinking that the weather and the good company are very restorative for Tammy's health and that's a good thing. Both of them look great! Here's Tammy's note:

"Anne and I have been on many adventures in the last weeks with little computer access to share in a timely manner. I do miss my friends back home, but I am happy to say I have much to share with you. I have seen so many animals and beautiful countrysides. The people are so kind and friendly, you all would be impressed to see how people treat each other despite what little they may have. I have learned to humble down some. Talk to you soon!"

Here's a face only a mother could love! The Warthog, also called "African Lens-Pig," is a wild member of the pig family in Africa. Those wart-like protrusions on the head serve as a defense when males are fighting.

Like camels, warthogs are able to conserve moisture inside their bodies to stay cool. They are tough, sturdy animals with large heads and two sets of tusks. The upper tusks form a semicircle. The lower ones have a sharp cutting edge. When they run, they carry their tail upright so that it looks like a little flag. Believe it or not, even though they look tough, they would rather flee than fight.

Warthogs are grazers of grass and plants. They are approximately 30 inches tall at the shoulder, weigh between 120 and 150 pounds, and can live up to 15 years in the wild.


When I think of Africa, I always think of elephants. Those majestic animals are the largest land animals on earth and have a life span of up to 70 years. Their ears sort of look like the continent of Africa itself and can radiate heat to help them cool down.

An elephant's trunk contains approximately 100,000 different muscles and can be used for smelling, breathing, trumpeting, drinking and grabbing things. Trunks also come in handy for taking a nice shower. African elephants use their tusks to dig for food and water. Males also use them for battle. Because their tusks are made of ivory, they attract poachers, even though this is completely illegal. As a result, some African elephant populations are endangered.

Elephants are herbivores and can eat up to 300 pounds of food a day. How's that for a big food budget? They roam great distances foraging for food with female elephants living in herds. The females give birth to one calf every two to four years and, if you can imagine it, are pregnant for 22 months. (And you thought nine was tough!) At birth, a baby elephant is approximately three feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. In contrast, fully grown elephants are 8-13 feet tall measured at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds.

Seeing Tammy's photos of warthogs and elephants reminds me that the 11th annual Quilter's Safari shop hop is just around the corner. From April 22 to May 1, you can be on your own wild adventure checking out Mid-Willamette Valley quilt shops and hunting down all those fabulous fabric deals! Click here for more details.

South African Adventures with Tammy and Anne

As many of you may know, our class coordinator, Tammy Keith, and her friend Anne are currently visiting South Africa. Here's Tammy's latest letter:

"We are here at Lorna's farm at Noordhoek. Its on Chapmans Peak Rd, and Chapman's Peak Drive is very close as a cross road. We are doing very well and are having a great time. I finally feel relaxed and the heat is starting to make a difference. As before, everyone we meet is gracious beyond belief. We have met many new people who are instant friends. Two days ago, we had a very nice lunch at a quilter's house and two other quilting friends came to meet us and share their projects with us. This all came about because of a woman we met at Louisa's home. She wanted to share us with her friends. I find this country amazing. This has been a wonderful trip so far!"

After spending the night in Plettenberg Bay, Tammy and Anne are on to Grahamstown, South Africa, between Elizabethtown and East London.

Starry Night Block of the Month Club

Star Light...Star Bright...First Star I see Tonight... Do you remember wishing upon a star when you where young?

Here's a wish that can definitely come true: a brand new block of the month program at Grandma's Attic using Laurel Burch's Celestial Dreams fabric. Starry Night is filled with bright stars that twinkle in a night sky. Using a deep black background fabric, the prints sparkle with life.

Each month, you will receive the pattern, rotary cutting instructions, and all the fabric you need to complete a 12" quilt block. Finished quilt measures approximately 57" x 72". Click here for more details on this delightful block of the month program.

Tammy and Anne in Capetown

Many of you know that our Class Coordinator, Tammy Keith, and her pal Anne, are currently on a vacation to South Africa. Tammy promised to keep in touch and we've just heard from her about her journey to date. Here's what she had to say:

"Hi Rachel: Anne and I having a great time right on the coast overlooking the Indian Ocean and huge kelp beds. We are right on the bluff on the most southern part of the peninsula in Hangklip. We are staying with a wonderful woman named Louisa. She took us to a couple of fabric stores, one of which was a very nice quilt shop located in an old house where they served us tea! The people here are very gracious. The house we are staying at is right at the point and the ocean shows from all their windows. This is pure peace with all of the scenery and wildlife thrown in. We have visited many people and no one is ever a stranger.

"I've seen baboons draped all over the barriers along the road and hope to see more of them. They are on the main road to town also.

"I have also seen Dassies on the rocks at sunset getting the last rays of the sun.


"Today we went to a penguin refuge. They were cute, but smelly. We saw some of the males sitting on eggs in the nursery area. They are amazing to see up close and they walk right by us to go down to the ocean. I could have touched them and can't wait to show photos to my grandkids.

"We've had fresh from the sea crayfish two nights in a row and lovely fresh fruit. The lady we're staying with took us to a couple of fabric stores, one of which was a very nice quilt shop located in an old house. They even served us tea! On Wednesday, we are going to the Breede River where bull sharps swim up river from the sea. I doubt we will swim though!

"The country is truly beautiful and the climate is perfect for me. I miss all of you back home but I am truly having a wonderful time while I am here. Your Friend, Tammy."

2011 Hoffman Challege

This year's Hoffman Challenge fabric and coordinating pieces have arrived! The challenge piece is a gorgeous turquoise and gold. The coordinates are equally as beautiful. You can view them at Grandma's Attic.

The curator of 2011's Hoffman Challenge is Julie Breidt who began as curator in 2010. Prior to that time, Kelly Gallagher-Abbott was curator for eight years. Margrit Hall managed the Challenge between 1998 and 2001, and before that, the curators and founders of the Challenge were Betty Boyink and Holice Turnbow.

Every year a team from Hoffman Fabrics chooses an upcoming fabric design and then issues a challenge to quilt, clothing, doll and accessory makers to create an original item using the fabric. The challenge curator and a group of assistants jury the entries and then a select team of judges chooses the award winners and cash prizes are given.

The juried collections then travel to be exhibited by quilt and other fiber guilds, shops, museums and textile shows. The exhibits are displayed and enjoyed in several hundred locations across the United States and Canada.

Since it's beginning in 1988, the Hoffman Challenge has grown to be a premiere traveling quilt, clothing and doll collection. The quality of entries and a growing number of exhibit requests have led Hoffman to establish additional traveling collections. Currently, twelve collections travel coast-to-coast within the United States and Canada.

In 2011, the Hoffman Challenge celebrates its 23rd anniversary. In 1987, the Challenge began with 94 enthusiastic quilters. Some years the number of entries have been more than 700. In addition to the three quilt categories (pieced, applique and mixed technique), new categories include clothing/wearable art, accessories and dolls. While the majority of the entries come from the United States, many international entries are also received.

Deadline for entries in this year's Hoffman Challenge is July 15, 2011. Click here for more information on how you can join the fun. To purchase this year's Hoffman Challenge fabric, go to Grandma's Attic

Sweethearts Redwork Sampler Quilt

We're going red for women's heart health this month! February is Heart Health Awareness Month, so it's the perfect time to introduce our newest Block of the Month program Sweethearts Redwork Sampler Quilt Club. As part of the national Go Red For Women campaign and the American Heart Association, we're committed to helping build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke for women.

You can say I Love You over and over again with Sweethearts Redwork Sampler Quilt Club. The club features embroidered hearts that I designed and/or adapted from vintage redwork patterns. In choosing patterns to include in the club, I looked at literally hundreds of different heart motifs that have appeared in quilts and needlework through the years. It was interesting to note that in the 1800s, hearts were only included wedding quilts, yet by the middle of the 20th century, hearts appeared on all types of textiles.

After the research phase, I designed and/or adapted 13 different hearts to showcase designs representing different eras in textiles. Designs chosen for the sampler quilt include those found in the penny square redwork quilts of the late 1800s, plus heart designs like those used in the 1930s, 1980s and today. I even included an adaptation from the late 1700s called Love in Bloom.

All of the heart designs in this program are easy to stitch using simple redwork embroidery techniques. They're also fun to do. And since embroidery can be a relaxing way to unwind after a hectic and crazy day, some take more time to complete than others. Each packet in the program includes the fabric and floss needed to create an embroidered heart block. I've also included information from FabShopNet's Quilt Red program with tips for keeping your own heart healthy and strong. So the program is a win-win: interesting, fun, informational, relaxing, and good for your health!

We've kept the cost of the Sweethearts Redwork Sampler Quilt Club low at $9.99 per month, including shipping and handling. A Finishing Kit for setting your blocks into a beautiful red, white and black quilt measuring 95" x 95" is also available.

Sign up today so we can get that first packet in your mailbox right away!

We're 17 Years Old!

"Where does the time go?" People say this all the time, yet this is my most honest reaction about Grandma's Attic celebrating its 17th birthday. One minute we're opening up a tiny little shop with approximately 400 bolts of fabric, and the next thing you know, we've grown into this great big shop with over 4,000 bolts on the shelves!

One thing I can say is that the first year we were open, is that I actually had a little quilting frame set up in the back and I did a little hand quilting every afternoon. This last year I've scarcely looked at a quilt frame, much less put in a stitch or two! Instead, I've been busy working on both the brick and mortar and the web stores. It's been fun; I'm having a great time; and I'm not anywhere near a stopping point! The shop is a blessing in my life and I am very grateful.

We're taking an entire week to celebrate this milestone. All fabric in the shop is 17% off this week (in honor of 17 years). Plus, if you bring cans of soup into the brick and mortar store for the local food bank, we'll give you an additional 7% discount for being so generous to others in need.

Everyone who purchases at least $100 either on the web or in the store itself, will receive a gift from us--a beautiful scissors set (two pair!). In additional, we are still holding our book close-out sale of 50% off with plenty great titles to take home with you.

As for me, I am trying to work a little more hand work into my life this year. Whether hand quilting or embroidery work, I am looking forward to the relaxation needle arts can bring.

Remodeling Again!

As you probably know, we're always changing things around here at Grandma's Attic. Whether it's redecorating our front windows after the holidays, or featuring the latest and greatest products received from suppliers, we really keep hopping. What with trying to figure out where to put the product and how best to display it so that you have room to shop, it's a fact that I get my daily exercise. And as long as I am not absolutely killing my knees trying to do too much, I enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with the merchandise.

From the picture above, you can see that we totally remodeled the Books and Notions area of the shop. We've made it easier for you to browse through the books, find the Leanin' Tree cards, and purchase notions. Seana helpfully posed with a book to show off our new arrangement. Not only is there more room to look through our selections, but to be honest with you, the real reason I decided that this had to be done was that it is going to be a lot easier to set up for registration check-in during Quilt Club sessions. I move one Deacon's bench, haul in a table, and we're there. (Okay, so I don't actually move it myself, but I sure am good at directing someone else to do it.) The upside of this new arrangement for you is that there's more space to move around and there's better lighting.



When we revamped, the batting rack migrated over to the hall area between the front of the shop and the classroom. It's easier to see everything there too. Not to worry about those empty spots on the rack. They'll be full in no time because I just placed a big batting order now that I can see what we're missing!

In order to make more room, I had to get real about the number of books that we are carrying in the shop. I know for a fact that even after we purge some of the books by putting them on sale to you at fabulous prices, we will continue to have more books in the shop than you can imagine. (Don't forget, the book area is just one place we have our books. There's books in Batiks, 1930s, Redwork, 19th Century, Baby, Kitchen items, and the top of all the shelves. It's crazy. What can I say? There's so many good ones out there. It's a win-win situation for you though. I put over 125 book titles on sale 50% off and I moved them all to the classroom area so that you could shop them easily.



This is the book close-out area. Everything is 50% off. And yes, I know there's a gigantic pole in the middle of that space. It's not very attractive, but it's holding up one of those gigantic satellite dishes. My landlord used to own Oregon Cable TV and this was part of the office. The dish is still there and so is the pole which is just fine with me. I have the best landlord on the face of the earth and a little pole in the middle of a display is nothing I can't work around.

Come see our changes for yourself. And while you're at it, bring some of these books home with you. You'll love learning new techniques and discovering new ideas.

Bonnie Leman of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine

Somewhere in the hubbub of the holiday season, I missed hearing the sad news that Bonnie Leman, founder of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, passed away on September 4, 2010.

According to The Denver Post, Bonnie "found her calling in the publishing business, when, in 1969, she founded Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. Through her magazine she helped revive and foster an appreciation of quilts as a great American art form that continues to this day. Bonnie grew her magazine readership to more than 200,000 subscribers in over 100 countries, as well as writing and publishing numerous books and other publications on quiltmaking. She traveled much of the world in the course of her career, made hundreds of friends, and contributed to the growth of the quiltmaking art in many countries."

When Bonnie began publishing her magazine, it was the only magazine on the market devoted solely to quilting. Before very long at all, Quilter's Newsletter Magazine was the magazine you had to have if you were to consider yourself a "real" quilter. And, indeed, I have managed over the years to collect every single issue from that first one in 1969, until the present day. My favorites are the ones in the 100 series (the 1970s and early 1980s). There is so much good information packed into the pages of those issues that they are hard to put down once picked up. Here's a copy of what the very first magazine looked like:



Bonnie typed those first magazine issues at the kitchen table using a manual typewriter. And, on the day that very first issue was published, she was at the hospital giving birth to her seventh child. Her staff back then consisted of her children. There is no way she could have fathomed the tremendous impact she would have on quilters all over the world. From that tiny seed, she grew a giant oak of a publication. Forty-two years later, here is a copy of what the latest issue looks like:



Clearly, both the magazine and the quilting industry have come a very long way since Bonnie pounded out that first issue at her kitchen table. Quilt Historian Barbara Brackman has composed a lovely tribute to Bonnie, whom she credits as giving her a start as a published author. You can read it by visiting her blog, Material Culture. Bonnie was inducted into the Quilter's Hall of Fame in 1982. You can read their tribute to Bonnie on the Quilter's Hall of Fame blog.

Happy New Year!

It's now 2011! That's 1-1-11 to be exact and, it seems to me, a great time for new beginnings. I'm sharing with you a few of my favorite quotes in the hope that they will inspire you to new projects, new dreams, and new beginnings.

"Whatever you do or dream you can do--begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832 --

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." -- Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962 --

"Never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself." -- Florence Nightingale, 1820-1910 --

"You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream." -- C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963 --

"Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true."
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

We Can Do It!

I was saddened to learn that the woman who inspired this famous World War II poster died yesterday at the age of 86. Her name was Geraldine Hoff Doyle. She was 17 when a United Press Photographer took a picture of her working at a Michigan metal factory in 1942.

Artist J. Howard Miller, who had been commissioned by the government to create a series of motivational posters for factory workers, saw the photo and created this poster. While the face in the poster is Geraldine's, her daughter says she did not have those muscular arms. According to her daughter, Geraldine was 5'10" tall and very slender.

Over time, the poster has become an icon of women's empowerment. "We CAN do it" and we do. During World War II, women further demonstrated their rightful place in the American workforce. They contributed to this nation's infrastructure and help shape the course of American history. They served their country at a time of great need and demonstrated to the nation that they were and are equal to the task.

As for Geraldine, she didn't last very long at the factory, taking a job instead at a soda fountain because she was worried factory work would keep her from playing the cello. As fate would have it, her future husband walked up to that soda fountain. Geraldine was married to Leo Doyle, a dentist, for 66 years. They had six children, 18 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. She didn't recognize herself in this poster until 1984, when she saw it in Modern Maturity magazine.

Read more about Geraldine here.

Cookie Time At Grandma's! - Day 5

Every year at Christmas, my grandmother made Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. She'd divide them up and then send them home with various family members. It was a ritual we all looked forward to, and dearly missed after she passed in 1998.

A few days ago, a package arrived in the mail from daughter Dannielle. Opening the box, there were several little bags of peanut butter balls! Believe me, they taste EXACTLY like the ones my grandmother used to make. Then it dawned on me that she had taught Dannielle how to cook.

I don't know the exact recipe that Grandmother and Dannielle used, but I found a fun recipe in Christmas Cookie Jar by Gooseberry Patch that I think you will enjoy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 cup butter
18 ounce jar creamy peanut butter
16 ounce package powdered sugar
3-1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
18 ounce package milk chocolate bar, chopped

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Blend in peanut butter. Stir in powdered sugar and cereal. Form into one-inch balls and place on wax paper. Melt chocolate on top of double boiler. Dip balls in chocolate to coat. Arrange on baking sheets to cool and set.

Makes about 5 dozen.

Cookie Time At Grandma's! - Day 4

Our extended family doesn't get together as often as we should, yet we always find time to celebrate Christmas together either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We each bring a dish to share. Dad and sister Dannielle can be found in the kitchen baking up delicious Christmas treats.

In years past, we've toyed with the idea of making a gingerbread house. Some years we've made the pieces by hand. Other years, frankly, we "cheated" and bought a kit at the local grocery store. What we've basically decided is that making gingerbread cookies is the safest way to go. They're just as fun to decorate, and there are no catastrophic roof cave-ins to contend with. The recipe we use for Gingerbread cookies was given to me by my friend Mary Ross. It's exactly like the one my grandmother used to make:


Mary's Gingerbread Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup light and dark molasses
2-1/4 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Cream butter and sugar. Blend in butter and molasses. Sift together dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Chill dough for two hours. Roll out 1/3 inch thick on lightly floured board.

Cut out shapes using a six inch cookie cutter. Draw dress details with toothpick and decorate with currants, red hots, or the candies of your choice. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees F. Makes approximately 15.

Alternatively, the dough may be rolled thin (1/4") and cut with standard sized cookie cutters. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Makes 5 dozen.