#23 - 50 Years & Some Cool Tools

On February 8th, my husband, Dennis, and I celebrated 50 years of marriage. I don't know where the time has gone but we realized that 50 was a pretty monumental number. It was about 20 below and snowing which was almost the same weather we had all those years ago.

People ask us how we have managed to stay together so long. I thought I would share my theory. Marriage like a ring is circular. I think of my wedding ring as having a top and a bottom. If I stand my ring up the top is where the diamond is which is flashy and exciting and altogether lovely. The bottom of the ring is round and rather plain. When we were first married life was like the diamond side, things were exciting and we were crazy in love with each other. Time passed and life was fine, sometimes not perfect sometimes it was difficult. I still loved him but I was not crazy in love with him. More time passed and I realized that I was once again on top of the world and crazy in love. Through the years we have gone around that circle many times. What keeps a marriage whole is knowing that the top of that circle comes around again and again. If after fifty years I can look at him and know that the good times return and I am still crazy in love with him. . Thank you Dennis or fifty years of ups and downs.

I looked around my room yesterday to see what tools I wanted to share and my eyes landed on two items:

Cutterz - Flat Mount - I like this as I can stick it onto anything. I use it when I am chain piecing. I stuck it on a pencil holder but it could be on just about anything. It has a blade on either end so you can swipe up or down to cut your threads. It works well for chain piecing next to my sewing machine.

I also put one on my Featherweight as the cutter on the machine is so old it doesn't cut a thing anymore.

Cutterz Ring - If you are someone who hand sews a bit this may be of help to you. "A ring worn on the finger that cuts thread. Perfect for all your crafting needs, this sleek, adjustable ring has a double-sided blade perfect for quick and efficient cutting. Great for all types of crafting including sewing, jewelry making, quilting, knitting and cross stitching" Personally, I like the flat mount but this works great as well.

Roller - I have a good friend who makes quilts that are very small and with intricate piecing. Her work is phenomenal. I watched her one day and was extremely surprised, she doesn't pin, she goes fairly fast when sewing and doesn't press much. Linda breaks all of those rules were were taught. She feels that pressing moves the fabric too much. She will finger press and go on to the next piece. I have a great need to pin and when working as I always seem to get my seams bunched when I am sewing.

I couldn't figure out her method that worked for me so I remain a pinner. I did like the idea of not pressing so much though. I found the Clover Roller does a great job for my seams. It's not too expensive but should you have a wall paper roller it would work the same.

Book Club Quilting

This past weekend I offered my Book Club the opportunity to come to my house and learn to quilt. I had two takers. We had a nice time on a cold day. Jodi got 3/4 of a baby blanket completed and Stephani made a table runner that she completed before she left.

I had designed a simple table runner and before they arrived I made each of them a mug rug to take home. I think they looked rather nice and they were quick to make.

I posted the runner pattern in Blog #20 if you are looking for the pattern.

I forgot to get a picture of Jodi's quilt but here is Stepani's runner. She simplified the pattern and it looks very nice.

I am hoping I have given them the quilting bug. I will let you know if it worked.

Recipe

At one time I owned a very nice cafe by the name of Gallagher's. We served great food and spectacular desserts and had a cook book that sold like crazy. I thought I would add a recipe to my blog once in a while. It's cold this week so here is a quick and delicious soup:

African Chicken Soup

2 T oil 1T minced garlic

1 cup cubed chicken breast 1/3 cup diced green peppers

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper 6 cups chicken stock

1/8 tsp black pepper 1 large can diced tomatoes

1 1/3 cup chopped onions 1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup rice

Heat oil in a large heavy pan, add chicken & cook 5 minutes. Season with red pepper and garlic. Add onions and saute' until they start to brown. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, green peppers and rice. Simmer until rice is done, about 20 minutes. Stir in peanut butter. Makes 10 cups

For now I give you my Irish goodbye.

Rita