Stitch it Good - Books!

 Well hello!

I've had such a hard time reading books over the last 12 months.  There are many possible reasons including moving, my spouse's cancer surgery, social-media, the election, etc.  But really I think the mental exhaustion from the Pandemic is the main culprit, at least for me.  My attention span has been distilled down to a few articles in The New Yorker, the "Home" section of the NYTimes and indie magazines including Taproot, Making, and In Her Studio.

But I'm not giving up on Books.  I just need to identify material that matches my current reading habits.  I'm delighted to shar my first find, Patch Work: A Life Amongst Clothes by Claire Wilcox.  I first learned about this book after reading a briefly-noted review in The New Yorker and truly believe it was the universe speaking to me.  Ms. Wilcox is the lead fashion curator at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  Her professional career has produced beautiful exhibits of the work by x, x, and x.  But this book focuses on her life before and leading up to her current work.  Each chapter is a vignette connecting the threads in her own life.  I now once again look forward to reading and am having to pace myself so that I don't finish it too quickly.

Zines and self-published books are alive and well.  I recently purchased How to Cut up Shirts by Zac Foster, a $3 little publication you can print at home.  It's adorable and perfect for our age of upcycling.  Take those patches and turn them into quilts, draft-stoppers, and masks.  

If instead of cutting apart shirts, you want to make shirts by hand, check out Hand Sewing Clothing: A Guide by Louisa Owen Sonstroem. I'm currently on the waitlist for a copy and can hardly wait for it to arrive! You do need to have some basic sewing skills but don't let that deter you from learning. Sewing by hand is all about the process, not about the product.

Looking for those quilt patterns? The Personal Library Quilt by Heather Givans can be found here. To download the Little Library set of 6 foundation paper pieced blocks, visit this link and to download the Tall Tales Quilt Block go here. Another favorite book pattern is Book Nerd by Angel Pingel. And don't forget to to check out Patchwork Please by Ayumi Takahashi for a number of lovely projects including a book block.

And last but certainly not least, do track down a copy of Gwen Marston's delightful book on how to sew fabric picture books. Gwen passed away in April of 2016 but we are so lucky that she wrote many books, gave many lectures and created many beautiful quilts from which we can continue to learn. I count myself lucky to have discovered her early in my sewing journey as her pure love of creating inspired me to be fearless in cutting up fabric!

I wish you a safe week. If you can, please take a few moments to read something that inspires your creativity.

Happy Stitching!

xoxo

Stitch it Good Wednesday Topics - Late!

Well hello!

I have already broken my New Year's Resolution of posting once a week following my radio show.  But I vow to get back to it!

This past week was a fairly quiet show due to the fact that I had recently received the second dose of the Covid Vaccine.  I'm feeling very well now and am so grateful for science and the possibility that we can once again start meeting with friends in person!

During last Wednesday's show I shared the concept of Wabi Sabi which is part of the Zen philosophy of impermanence.  Wabi Sabi has found a new life in our current culture as a way to recognize the value of "thing" contrary to our throw-away culture.  In my life I've incorporated this concept by repairing my clothes including sweaters, sweatshirts, jeans and accessories.  Sometimes an item is beyond repair and so it can be upcycled into something else entirely.  Jeans become a quilt, sweaters become mittens.  To learn more about the Wabi Sabi philosophy in Japanese culture, check out "wabi sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence" by Andrew Juniper.

With regard to upcycling, I recently became aware of two organizations that are taking fashion fabrics off the cutting room floor and turning them into something else.  FABSCRAP is a NYC-based non-profit that is taking textile waste and offering it to students, artists and others for reuse.  They also have a brick and mortar shop where one can shop for fabrics.  A local, Mercer based organization has been taking the knit fabrics (jersey, spandex, etc) from FABSCRAP and turning it into beautiful, one-of-a-kind blankets and accessories.  Inspired-Threads employs vulnerable community members to create each item and is days away from opening a workroom for their artists.  Be sure to visit their website to learn more and support their mission. 

As always, to view Stitch it Good playlists, visit this link for my recent shows.  Be sure to listen this week when I share some of my recent favorite books.

Happy Stitching.

xoxo

Wednesdays we wear pink

 Well hello!

Last week was the first show on my new day, Wednesdays.  Same time 10am - noon ET.  Grateful for all those who tuned in.

The week got away from me before I could write about everything from the show.  When the show was pre-recorded I would write this post while the show was broadcasting live.  Now I need to figure out a new plan to make sure that I do this in a timely manner so I don't forget everything!

Ok.  Back to the task at hand.  Last week's show.  So many topics!  Virtual craft workshops!  Superbowl parties! Valentine's Day Treats!  Curated gift box subscriptions!

My favorite local places for Valentine's Day treats and eats: Lillipies, The Gingered Peach, The Factory Girl and Terra Momo.

Looking for unique, crafty and vintage gift ideas?  Consider Antique Sugar ephemera and trinkets box or Hello Bargello needlepoint kits.  HiTops, a local organization whose purpose is to offer youth sexual education and support is sending Winter Cheer Boxes to kids in their support groups.  You can make a donation here.

Upcoming crafty virtual weekends: Vogue Knitting Virtual Live, QuiltCon, and Quiltfest.  Also be sure to register for Melanie Falick's next virtual Zoom presentation and interview.

I'll be watching the Super Bowl tonight and munching on: french onion dip, with Ruffles potato chips, 7 layer-dip, and Buffalo wings.  No fancy cocktails happening here - just regular old beer, probably this one.

I'm excited for this week's Valentine show.  I've been putting together the playlist and coming up with a bunch of activities for you including crafting, stitching and baking.  Until then.  Stay safe and be well.

And go build yourself a little snow person.  

Happy Stitching.

xoxo

Stitch it Good - Mittens Edition

Well hello!

My apologies for the delay in this post.  I'm in the midst of a migraine flair and have spent the last 24 hours bouncing between boundless energy and lying supine on the couch.  

But enough about my head, let's talk MITTENS!

January 20th was an awesome day made even more awesome by Bernie's mittens.  As far as memes go, this one is absolutely delightful. 

Want to learn more about the history of the Bernie mittens?  This article from the Boston Globe will provide all the background details.

Want to make your own using an old sweater and some fleece?  Check out this NY Times article, and this pattern or this pattern.

Knitters are a crafty bunch and a number of designers have "reverse engineered" the Bernie's mittens.  And they didn't stop with mittens.  There's a crocheted Bernie, Bernie hats, Bernie sweaters, and even Bernie socks.  Ravelry is the place to find all the latest updates, just search "Bernie" and over a hundred patterns will appear.  My person favorite is the actual Bernie knit into a pair of Norwegian-style mitts.

Want to support a maker?  Hop on over to Etsy to purchase a pair of mittens.  Shop small!

Mittens are probably some of my favorite things to make.  I love "The Handy Book of Patterns" by Ann Budd.  Be sure to check out the free downloads from Interweave Knits.  And of course, Ravelry.  I like The World's Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits.   

I prefer to knit my mittens out of wool.  Cascade 220 is going to have the greatest range of colors.  Also be sure to check out Malabrigo Worsted, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, and Manos Wool Classica.

You can't knit mittens without a good set of Double Pointed needles.  I use Addis.  But for beginners I suggest bamboo or birch needles.  Other favorites are Lykke and Knit Picks.  Be sure to choose the needle size that works for your yarn and allows you to get gauge.  

Enjoyed Tuesday's playlist? You can find the whole set over here.  Missed the show?  Listen again Sunday morning from 4-6am EST.

Be well.  Stay safe.  And as always, Happy Stitching!

xoxo

Stitch it Good LIVE Tuesday Topics

 Well hello there!

Tuesday's show was a super exciting day for Stitch it Good as it was my first LIVE broadcast since the shut down last March.  A little history is helpful to celebrate just what an accomplishment this is.  Back in March, WPRB stopped broadcasting from our studio and moved to a rotating playlist.  Within days, the board, staff and students committed to developing a pathway for DJs to once again offer programming.   Shortly thereafter, in April and May many of us began pre-recording our shows which were then broadcast througout the week.  During the summer, the staff and students added a new Playlist system which enabled us to interact with WPRB listeners in real time, enriching the listener experience.

In December, the opportunity to broadcast live was offered to DJs who were interested.  I was hesitant at first - broadcasting live is exciting but also presents challenges as I would be doing this from home.  After the insurrection on our nation's Capitol, it was reinforced to us how important LIVE broadcasting is.  And with that, I decided to embark on another WPRB broadcasting adventure.

For yesterday's show I decided to take it easy with some of my favorite topics and musical genres including Pyrex, knitting, cocktail music, jazz and big band.  You can see the complete playlist over here.  

It's also National Hobby Month so let's start with one of my favorite hobbies: collecting vintage kitchenware.

I started collecting Pyrex in my late 20's not yet understanding why I was so drawn to this colorful kitchen glassware.  It wasn't until a visit to my grandmother's, when helping to clean her kitchen, that I opened a cabinet and saw the classic primary 4 bowl set.  Those were the exact bowls that she and I used to make Jell-O during my weekend stays with her.  After her passing, I received her set which is the foundation of my collection.  I am now the keeper of many other Pyrex pieces from family.  Friends will often pass along pieces from their family.  Others keep a lookout for my favorite colors. And on occasion I will purchase Pyrex at thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls.  Each piece brings joy and color to the kitchen.  

Want to learn more about Pyrex?  This article from The Smithsonian Magazine is great intro.  Interested in adding some festive Pyrex prints and home decor to your house?  Visit Pocono Modern.  And finally, to add a retro vibe to your new Pyrex or plain white Pyrex, consider purchasing vinyl decals from an Etsy vendor.  I like Alley R Creations and Antlers and Evergreens.

I played the theme song from The Apartment which was composed by Charles Williams and performed by Ferrante and Teicher.  This lead to a brief discussion of one of my other favorite Billy Wilder films, "One, Two, Three."  Billy Wilder's screenplays always delight and his directing brought out the best in his actors including Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Marilyn Monroe.  

During winter I always have a bag of knitting nearby.  I continue to stitch a colorful striped scarf using Rowan Felted Tweed and also plan to knit a hat for the Princeton Public Library Knit for Others Program.  This past weekend I knit along as I attended a number of presentations during the VK Virtual Live event.  One of my favorites was a Zoom presentation from Franklin Habit, a knitwear designer and illustrator of delightful knitting woodland animals.        

The newest fabric collection from Lysa Flower, Rebel Girl, has captured my attention with it's fun retro 80's vibe of cassettes, colorful mini hearts, drum kits and a creative play on pink leopard print.  Visit her website for a variety of fun quilt patterns.    

On a final note, I heard a new way of thinking about being a "glass half full or empty" person.  Basically, just be happy to have a glass with water in it.  That's now how I'm approaching life.  Being present, seeing what's in front of me, and feeling grateful.      

Next week I plan to continue with the retro vibe as I ease my way into LIVE broadcasting.  As always, thanks for listening and your support.

xoxo

Happy Stitching.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Stitch it Good Tuesday Topics

 

Well Hello!

Today we listened to the sounds of the Theremin as played by Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman.  The music has been re-released over the years and is available over on Discogs.  You can learn more about the Theremin here and here

It's a weird time to be living.  How are you doing?  What are you creating?  I made a Kit Supply Tote by Aneela Hoey using the new Heather Ross Malibu linen/canvas fabric.  Channeling my stress into creating is positive coping mechanism for me.

One of my other favorite coping mechanisms is to read lovely magazines.  The magazines highlighted on today's show include Breathe, Simple Things, and Flow.  All are available at Barnes and Noble and also available online as digital downloads though in my opinion, nothing can compete with the feel of real paper.  An article in Breathe discussed the joy of sharing soup with friends.  I whole-heartedly agree!  Though we can't do that in-person these days, how about sharing a recipe and making together over Zoom?  Or creating a text chain to share your favorite recipes?  When the Pandemic is over consider organizing a soup-making party where everyone brings an ingredient for soup: veggies, herbs, legumes, grains. maybe one vegetarian and one for meat-eaters?   It's good to remember that there will be a time when we can again eat together.  

During the show, in the listener lounge, Janet shared her grandmother's recipe for potato soup: 

Asked my grandmother once for her Potato Soup recipe - here is what she put on a 3 x 5 index card: Slice potatoes thin - celery, onions. Barely cover with water and cook till done. Add milk - butter - salt - pepper. Best potato soup ever.

I recently made a delicious carrot/ginger soup using this recipe.  

Vogue Knitting Live is continuing to offer its Virtual weekend workshops.  You can check out the class and lecture offerings here.  I'm planning to attend the marketplace so I can listen to the conversation with Norah Gaughan, the editor of the new Vogue Knitting Magazine.    

The company Katrinkles makes delightful fiber-related notions and tools.  I'm particularly intrigued by the Darning and Mending bundle!  Anyone can do visible mending and now, during the Pandemic, is the perfect time to learn.   

Being at home has provided me the opportunity to spend (a lot of) time with my yarn and fabric.  There's a huge push in our culture to part with "stuff."  But sometimes, in this moment of incredible stress and anxiety, having craft stash can be comforting.  My recent stash addition is Rowan Felted Tweed with colors by Kaffe Fassett.  Not sure what exactly I'm planning to knit with these lovelies but choosing the colors and thinking about a new project is keeping me distracted.  

Recently a knitter posted a pic of the sweater she knit for her granddaughter using her granddaughter's drawing as inspiration!  It's beyond adorable.  The project reminds me of the embroidery Karl Hendricks' mother did of his daughters' drawings.  Anyone can do this!  Here's a tutorial I found.  Have fun.

And last but certainly not least, there's a new "All Creatures Great and Small" series following the adventures of veterinarian James Herron based on his delightful real-life stories.  I watched this series as a child and am excited to revisit Yorkshire filled with farm animals, fairisle sweaters and lovely young people making their way in the world before WW II.  Check your local PBS listings.  And I'm quite sure that in the coming weeks we will see knitting patterns from and inspired by the series.

That's all this week.  Be sure to visit this link to check out the music playlist  Be kind to yourselves.

xoxo

Happy Stitching!

Stitch it Good Tuesday Topics

January is a month for both reflection and planning.  Today's show was focused on reflection.  The music played was pulled from playlists over the last few months and includes a selection of my favorite spins.  You can view today's playlist  here as well as look through my previous playlists.

The year started with the casting on of Beth's Shawl from Little Women.  I'm still knitting this lovely accessory using a combination of Hypnotic Yarn, Madeline Tosh and Cascade 220.  My goal is to cast it off the needles by the end of this month.  

Once we moved into the nation-wide lockdown, I began developing, hosting and teaching programs for Pennington Quilt Works, my local quilt shop.   The year's projects included a little hand-applique in the hoop, cross stitch, mask-making and stitching banners to decorate one's door.  The best part of these programs was creating with my friend Liz of Littlecolley Design. 

I had the great honor of interviewing many of my favorite creatives.  Some of the interviews can be viewed over on the PQW website.  Other's happened live during Stitch it Good.  

Lucy Kingwell, designer of the Smitten Quilt

Anna Maria Horner, fabric, quilt designer and owner of Craft South

Heather Ross, illustrator and fabric designer

Melanie Falick, author of Making a Life

Nicole Vogelsinger of Wild Boho

Jessica VanDenburgh, fabric and bag designer of Sew Many Creations

Joanna Somers of Plum Designs and Plum Stitchery Needlepoint

Molly Gaston Johnson, artist.  Find her on Instagram at GoMolly Mae.  As an aside, Molly did the most adorable "sketchy pet" painting of Mabel.  

Unsurprisingly, I managed to start a number of quilts and actually finish a few.  Anna Maria Horner's Wheelhouse Medallion Club was a favorite.  I also enjoyed stitching the Pen and Paper pattern Tiny Town (renamed from Won't You Be My Neighbor, for obvious reasons), and three (!!) Turning Twenty Quilts.   All were also programs through Pennington Quilt Works.

In my handwork club we stitched Judy's Dilly Bag and Tula Pink's Diamond Dust Pillow.  English Paper Piecing has been a love of mine for a number of years but it took a backseat in 2020.  Hoping to spend some time with this form of needlework in 20201.

Throughout the 2020 I continued to explore my love of visible mending with inspiration taken from Joyful Mending by Noriko Misumi.  

At some point during last year I decided it was time to teach myself how to crochet.  I've never been able to master this form of needlework and can safely say that I still haven't mastered it!  I'm almost finished with my granny square blanket and will probably spend the rest of my life crocheting the blanket from Sheepjes 2020 CAL.  Seriously.

On the show we talked about a lot of crafts but by far the most popular topic was crafting with vinyl!  I myself had fun making vinyl bookmarks and I love the pictures sent to me of vinyl placemats and stories of creating bowls from records!

The year ended with an entire show dedicated to gift wrapping.  Personally I had fun slowing down this year and enjoying the process of wrapping gifts for family and friends.  My favorite way to wrap gifts was using the Furoshiki technique of wrapping with fabric.  

I pulled out my double pointed needles and stitched up a few Christmas Balls during the delightful Arne and Carlos Sit and Knit for a Bit Christmas Countdown.  Carlos is continuing to battle the effects of Covid from his original illness in late March.  We are sending him lots of healing vibes.  

There continue to be a number of virtual programs and workshops for stitchers.  Check out Stitches at Home, Virtual Vogue Knitting Live, and Create DIY. 

Chawnee Timber and Bisa Butler inspired the quilting community and beyond with their quilts about social justice and the experience of the African American community.  I look forward to following their artistic journey in 2021.

Wow!  What a year.  2020 was a challenge for sure but crafting and community sustained me.  I look forward to 2021 and the music, crafts and friends it brings my way. 

xoxo

Happy Stitching!

Stitch it Good Tuesday Topics

 Greetings!  

I love doing my weekly show and I have finally decided to create a post each week with links to the topics discussed.  This week I reviewed some of my favorite places in Nashville.  In the second hour I gave product and book recommendations to get kids sewing.

My heart aches for the Music City, one of my favorite places in the US and at the top of the list of my must-visit places post-Covid.  For sewing and quilting be sure to check out the Children's Corner.  The Haus of Yarn is a popular place for yarn - not to be missed.  I love Frothy Monkey Coffee and Edley's BBQ.  Amazing denim can be found at  Imogene + Willie. 

Jon Solomon's daughter received a sewing machine for xmas so I thought it was a good time to review my favorite sewing books for kids.  

For sewing machines, I recommend the following two brands: Eversewn and Bernette.  I also like the Janome Gem.  AVOID all toy sewing machines.  They break and lead to endless frustration.  Trust me.

I love the Eversewn sewing kit as it contains all the must-haves.  For teens, a larger Olfa mat, cutter, and longer rulers are great additions.

There are a number of great books out there for kids and teens.  I have not included links - please purchase from your local craft or book store.  

We Love to Sew by Annabel Wrigley

A Kid's Guide to Sewing by Sophie Kerr

Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make

And finally, my FAVORITE pattern to get both kids and adults sewing is the Roll it Up! Pillowcase.

Thanks for listening to the show.  For a list of the music I played, click here.

Happy Stitching!

xoxo

As 2020 Winds Down

 This blog was started such a very long time ago.  I was a new mother, learning how to navigate parenthood, marriage, and my creative life.  And I thought that at some point it would all come into focus, get easier and more manageable.  

Over time I have learned the following: that life is a series of moments coming into and out of focus.  At 40 I thought my life was all figured out an in perfect balance.  But then it slowly started unraveling with knee surgery, chronic migraines, my husband's cancer, and all the other general stress of life.

And then came 2020.

I'm not going to lie.  I pretty much fell apart within the first few weeks of Covoid.  I was ok at the start but by mid-April I was a hot mess.  I've never felt such fear, despair and sadness.   

But slowly over the course of the last few months something shifted.  Here I am 9 months later.  Living and breathing.  creating.  connecting.  And I know that the the spring will come.  I can do this.  We can do this.  

Exciting things are on the horizon for me both personally and professionally.  I can't say much more now but in time I will share what's next for Stitching Pink in 2021.  For now, I'm enjoying the break to slow down.  And rest a bit.  To stay safe.

Each year I promise that I'll write more here but never do.  So no promises to blog more.  But I promise to live my life in a way that is creative, healthy and joyful.

xoxo

My life is craft

I actually don't remember a time when I didn't do some sort of stitching.  My grandmother taught me to embroider, crochet and knit.  My mother taught me to sew and needlepoint.  When I was 12 I cross-stitched gifts for my friends.  At 13 I was casting on my first sweater.  At 15 I learned to hand appliqué and hand-piece patchwork.  At 16 I was sewing pajama pants and Laura Ashely-inspired pinafores.

My sophomore year in college I knit one of those big Lopi sweaters - my gauge was so off that it was HUGE and could easily fit two or three people.  My junior year I learned to knit continental and stitched an intarsia sweater from a Rowan magazine.  I knit my way through graduate school classes and got my first job at a knitting store, Sophie's Yarns (later Rosie's) just off Rittenhouse Square.

From there I worked at other knitting stores, started teaching classes, learned to quilt when I was pregnant, started teaching sewing classes, sold Bernina sewing machines, returned to needlepoint (not teaching that...yet) and now here I am:

Totally and completely immersed in the world of craft.

Through the years many people have suggested that I open a store but I've worked in enough to see how much work that is.  They've suggested that I write patterns or do videos - but that takes a tremendous amount of time and I don't like doing the same thing more than 2 or 3 times.

Craft is a way of life for me.  Not just a hobby or a job. Our home is filled with items made by myself, my mother, my grandmothers and now my daughter.  The art on our walls was painted by aunts on all sides of the family.  Everywhere I look there is color and memories.  Lots and lots of memories.  And joy.  So much joy.

My life is craft.

Happy Stitching.

Time to knit

When the air turn a bit colder and the leaves start to change color, my hands want to knit.

Either I pull out a project that has been in hibernation over the warm summer months or I contemplate casting on something new.  My yarn stash comes down from the shelf, a book or two comes out of the cabinet and needles are pulled from storage.

My mind fills with wonderful knitting possibilities.  A fresh tote is pulled from my overflowing collection, perfect for the start of fall and winter knitting.  This year it is a canvas book bag from my daughter's Bat Mitzvah. Printed on it's front, in purple, is a retro bowling girl.

Sometimes skeins need to be wound.  Though I own a winder and swift, I often choose to sit on the couch and slowly wind the yarn into a tight round ball.  One that will torment me for the entire project as it rolls across the floor and under the couch, unfurling along the way. Frustrated, I'll chase it down, wind again and keep knitting.

When the weather turns very cold, I'll knit every night.  My fingers staying warm with the completion of each stitch.  The click, click of my needles will be the ambient playlist of winter.

I may or may not finish this project by April, when the air turns warmer and the sun shines bright.  The project will be then be packed up, hopefully with notes, to be continued later that year.

And so, the cycle continues with thread that runs from one season to the next.

xoxo.  happy stitching.

Promise Me One Thing

Pink, Orange, Hobnail.  Perfect.

Recently Mitch and I spent a day in NYC.  We walked the streets and took in the sights and sounds of one of my favorite places on Earth.  Seriously.  I'm not exaggerating.  I absolutely love NYC.

After an amazing meal at a little restaurant on the Lower East Side, we realized we needed chocolate.  So we hopped out of the Lyft and made our way to a convenience store across the street from our hotel.

The options were amazing.  Far more than you would ever find in a Wawa or CVS.  Again, this is why I love NYC.

Anyway, I made my choice based on the color of the wrapping.  It was Pink.  I couldn't resist.

Ritter Sport.  Quite Tasty.

We went back out into the city heat and waited to cross the street.  As we were crossing, Mitch turned to me and said,

"Promise me one thing.  Always be yourself."

"What?" I asked, a bit surprised.

"Always be you.  Don't try to be someone else.  Just be Marisa."

All the LOVE for Heather Ross.

"Ok."

EPP Community Love

One of the great joys of my life has been the discovery of the English Paper Piecing community.  Many many years ago I decided to teach myself the technique but without a group of like-minded stitchers, my interest quickly faded.

It wasn't until I spotted Willyne Hamerstein's book Millefiori at Alewives in Damariscotta, ME that I again decided to give EPP a try.  With a bit of investigation I found blog posts, youtube videos and lots and lots of Instagram photos to get me started.

Over 2 years ago the EPP Club at Pennington Quilt Works was born.  Many of the original members still join me each month to share their progress, offer support to other stitchers and enjoy the company of other creative women (so far we have no men).

The block above is the Brimfield Block, a quilt pattern designed by the talented duo of Brimfield Awakening.  It was a treat to sew with my Liberty fabric stash - many more projects are on the horizon.

Happy Stitching!

Stitching Pink

A long long time ago I started this blog and an even longer time ago I registered the website www. stitchingpink.com.  A lot has happened over the years including work as a nurse-midwife, the birth of my daughter Lucy, a stint as a personal trainer and most recently the privilege of selling Bernina sewing machines to customers at Pennington Quilt Works.

So here I am, again, at another crossroads in my life.  My job as a Bernina salesperson is coming to a close though I will continue to teach English Paper Piecing and coordinate community events.  For the first time in my life I honestly have no plan.

Well, that's not entirely true.

I'm going to rest. And read. And write.

My plan has always been to blog more and make this an active space for my creative pursuits and occasional deep thoughts.  But there have been so many roadblocks, most of my own making but many out of my control.

I can't promise that this page will become super-active though I hope that it will become a space where I can explore, with a bit more depth than Instagram, my life.  Not all of it of course because I'm sure you don't want to hear about my true hatred of laundry. I mean like I really hate laundry.  But the other stuff.  My exercise goals.  My sewing projects.  My cooking adventures.

Also, my plan is to migrate this site to another platform.  You will know when that happens which won't be anytime soon.  I'm mostly putting this plan out there so that I follow through with it....

Until next time.

Happy Stitching.

Rugelove

Yesterday I made a batch of raspberry chocolate rugelach.   My recipe is a combination of a few recipes plus my own modifications/additions over the years.

I love making this cookie.  It's super easy and always a delicious crowd pleaser.  You can modify the filling based on your own preferences.  My preference is on the sweeter side with raspberry jam and chocolate chips.

Here it is with one caveat: I am not a professional baker so I can't guarantee that these directions are perfect.  Also, you may brush tops with butter before sprinkling with sugar but I have found that they are pretty tasty with out the additional butter!

Dough:

8 ounces cottage cheese
1 cup butter - 2 sticks
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp sugar

Filling
1 cup Bonne Maman rasberry jam
1 cup Ghiradelli mini chocolate chips

In an electric mixer mix cottage cheese and butter until well blended.  In a separate bowl combine flour, salt and sugar.  Add flour mixture to mixer and combine.  Do not over mix.

Place dough onto a work surface and knead into a ball.  Divide into two.  Shape into disks.  Wrap in wax paper and chill in fridge for 1-2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350.  Use convection if you have it.

Place disks on lightly floured work surface.  Roll out to 1/8" thickness and about 8x12" rectangle.  Cut into roughly 1 x 4" strips.

Warm jam in microwave for 15 seconds.  Spoon thin layer of warmed jam onto strips of dough.  Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.  Roll each strip and place seam side down on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Sprinkle sugar over prepared cookies

Place baking sheet in oven for 17-20 minutes until tops are lightly browned.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes on baking sheet.

Enjoy.

Stowe Bag Tips and Tricks

I am processing this election as best I can and I'm sure you are too.  One of my favorite coping strategies is to make stuff.  Once I find a pattern that is interesting and challenging (but not too challenging), I tend to make it a few times until I feel that I've mastered it.

This week I worked on the Stowe Bag from Grainline Studios.  This project bag was designed with Fringe Supply Company, an amazing purveyor of knitting accessories and notions.  I've seen the bag on lots of Instagram pages and decided to give it a try.  So far I've completed two small versions of the bag.

My fabric choices are Cotton and Steel linen/cotton blends.   The first is the collection from Rifle Paper Company and the second is a Melody Miller print.  Both are a heavier weight which is good because it gives the bag structure.  The bias tape is made from standard quilting cotton.  The first is again a Rifle Paper print and the second is a Tula Pink Stripe.

The pattern is fairly straight-forward but like making socks, it's better to just do what they tell you to do rather than try to figure out why.  This is particularly important for step 13.  Grainline Studios has a tutorial here if you want more info.

But let's back up.  First, do cut out the pattern for the main bag from the pattern.  For the interior pockets, take measurements and, if you are comfortable with a rotary cutter, cut out the pieces per the dimensions.  Mark all sewing lines with a chalk marker.

I made my own bias tape using a Clover Bias tape maker.  I like my bias a bit wider (it's also easier to work with for a newbie) so I made a finished bias tape with a 1/2" width.  What that means is that I cut bias strips just shy of 2 inches.  I cut mine about 1 7/8th.  I'll explain why in a bit.  You will need about 60 inches of double folded bias tape.

Proceed through the pattern until Step 5.  You may choose to serge the sides and bottom of your bag for a cleaner look.  I did not do that with my first bag seen below which looks fine.  A zigzag will suffice.

To apply the bias tape I have a few suggestions.  In fact this is where I have most of my suggestions.

1. In Step 7, pin bias tape to the wrong side of bag.  Use a lot of pins!!!  Sew.
2. In Step 8, fold bias tape to the front of bag.  PIN.  A lot.  Then if you have a Bernina, put on the #10 foot and place the guide to the left of the bias tape, move needle to the right one or two positions and stitch.  This will look much neater than what they suggested.  I followed their directions for my first bag and my changes for the second bag (bottom of this post).
3. In Step 11, do not sew the bias tape together.  It's easier to apply if it is not in a loop.  Just leave an inch unsewn at the beginning.  When you get to the end, fold the final end over, lap the start of bias tape inside the folded edge, stitch.  Continue to apply bias tape as suggested above.

My second bag looks much better as far as the bias tape.  Again, pinning and reversing the application of the bias tape made a huge difference.

Now to why to cut it 1 7/8" instead of 2".  The main reason is that it is easier to feed it through the bias tape maker!  Try making the bias tape with a strip of each width and let me know what you think. 

The rest of the bag can be finished as instructed. Again, Step 13 will make sense after you do it.  I promise.   I did not do Step 15 because I wanted the bag to fold up when not in use.

I'll probably modify this after I make another one.  As for now, hope my tips help!

And one final thing.  If you would like to purchase this pattern, the store where I work will be happy to order one for you. ;)

Happy Stitching.  

xoxo

"Vintage" Holiday Cookie Recipe

As a child I was fortunate enough to attend a fabulous Montessori preschool.  My memories of this place are warm and fuzzy, colorful and bright, inspiring and fun.  One of the very best parts of the program is that we got to cook.  Often.  And it was real food.  I remember making fried rice, ice cream and cookies.  Lots and lots of cookies.

Fortunately, my mother saved all of the recipes that the school sent home.  Each is illustrated and written out by hand.  I don't have the original copies of the recipes (hint hint Mom) but I did write a few down before I made my way out into the world.  When I was 23 and about to move into my first apartment, my mother and I sat down with her recipe box and copied down some of my favorites.  The Casady School Montessori Cookies made the list of all time best recipes.

Growing up we made these cookies throughout the year.  For Valentine's, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas.  As a teenager, my friends would come over for cookie decorating parties.  It didn't matter how old we got, we still loved baking and decorating cookies with red hots, sugar and sprinkles.

The other thing that made these cookies so special was that my creative mother collected cookie fabulous cutters.  We had them in every shape and size for nearly every occasion.  The best ones were bought from the Hallmark Store.  Even now, almost 40 years later, they have a very distinct 1970's plastic smell.  When my mother moved, my brother and I packed them up and peacefully divided them between our households.

So, by now you are probably wondering what is this amazing recipe.  Of course I'm going to tell you! It's super simple which one would expect since it was made by 4 and 5 year olds.  Generally I do use the almond extract but if you have concerns about allergies, it may be omitted.  Enjoy and happy baking!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
food coloring - optional

Cream butter for 5 minutes.  Add sugar and cream for another 3-5 minutes until lightened in color.  Add eggs one at a time. Scrape down bowl as needed.  Mix in vanilla and almond extract.  Now is the time to also add food coloring.  Make it fairly dark as the color will lighten with the addition of flour and during the baking process.   Mix flour in 1/2 cup at a time.  Scrape down bowl.  You will have a very thick dough.

Divide dough into half or thirds and wrap in wax paper.  I find it best to shape dough into flat discs - it's easier to roll out after chilling.  Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.  On a floured surface roll out to 1/4 inch thick.  Cut and decorate.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes depending on the size of your cookie.  If you are using a convection oven reduce heat to 325 degrees.  Baking time remains the same.  They should be a very light brown in color on bottom.

Save one for me.

A walk down (blog) memory lane

I haven't visited my blog in months.  Not sure why I felt the urge to do it today but I did and now I'm here and feel like I need to write something.


During the last hour, I've clicked on links, visiting blogs that I used to read on a daily basis.  Some still update regularly, a few shuttered just this year and even more just stopped posting 3 or 4 years ago.  Our web life has increasingly become focused on images rather than the written word.  I do love instagram but I miss the intimacy of the blog post.  I miss the tutorials.  I miss the personal journey.


Blogs are still out there and many are quite good.  Perhaps it's time to explore some new ones and update my favorites.


As for me, I've been busy working at Pennington Quilt Works and became the Bernina specialist, a job that is fascinating though a bit overwhelming.  It's great to be in a creative atmosphere surrounded by so many talented women (and a few men).  And I've started sewing again, making lots of mini-projects.


I can't promise many blog posts from me.  At the beginning of the year I had this fantasy of writing every day or a few times a week but that hasn't worked out so well.  I always felt like I needed a picture to go along.  But now, I think writing will do.  If you want to see what I'm doing, pop on over to instagram and search for stitchingpink.


Good night and happy stitiching!

Spools of fresh fabric

The quilt store is filled with gorgeous fabric - I've done my best not to be tempted but yesterday I finally gave in. This is a Moda collection by Basicgrey aptly named "Fresh Cut."  I couldn't decide which fabrics to bring home so I purchased a layer cake of 45 fabrics. I knew instantly what I would make with these beauties - Spools by Thimble Blossoms. 

The last few weeks have been consumed with cleaning out my fabric stash. I've passed along quite a bit because either. My tastes have changed or I've realized that I'm never, ever going to complete the project for which the fabric was intended.  Then there are fabrics that I know should be tossed or donated or sold, but I just can't stand the thought of parting with it.  It's either too lovely or I'm sentimentally attached to it.

The thing is, if I'm going to take the time to sew, then I have to love the project.  Because my time is limited and precious.  And what I make should inspire me rather than make me feel blah. 

Happy stitching. 

Jars and Coffee

These days it's all about Ball glass jars, chalkboards, vintage fonts and rustic interiors. And artisanal coffee.

I've been using Ball jars for years for jam and refrigerator pickles. They are inexpensive and indestructable. Who cares if they are trendy!  The new selections and accessories like this and this and these are awesome.

Smitten Kitchen is one of my favorite food blogs and recently she reposted an entry about cold-pressed coffee so I decided to give it a go. But what container to use?  Of course, one of those wide-mouthed ball jars collecting dust in the garage.

And now I give you a picture of said jar filled to the brim with delicious coffee. 12 hours seems like forever. But as they say, good things come to those who wait.