I just love Sewing Books from other Countries

I am home today passing time ... waiting on more news about my mom after her surgery late last nite. I understand she was alert and still had her usual sense of humor, when she came out of the operating room. That's a good thing considering the type of surgery she had. Several of you know that she has been ill. The results of the biopsy will not be know for a couple of weeks. Keep your fingers crossed its not the Big C.
So while being on pins and needles.. I have been passing the time chatting and looking at my favorite web sites on the net. I know I should be sewing.. but sometimes I just can't get with it when I have so much on my mind. ( I did come up with my penguin pattern for my second set of Christmas blocks) I have tried sewing when I am anxious then nothing goes right or at least as planned. To much ripping and restitching!!! I did sew some and completed some of the final stuff on most of the dolls... 5 dolls are totally completed.. two need buttons on their shirts then they are finished... then there is the final doll of the 8 to finish. It has hair and clothing to do and he is done...
(I even remade two of them. I didn't like how something or the other looked on them. So it was start over on those two.) ( I think in the last three months I've made 14 Annie's and Andy's)
Yeah everyone will be so happy they will have their dolls by Thanksgiving weekend ;)
I hate to say it.. but I will also be glad to have these dolls done. I will never start so many dolls at once.. I get too distracted... then I feel like I am not getting anywhere on the job at hand. Any future sewing of dolls.. its one at a time. Assembly line sewing was not ideal for me as a way to sew more at one time.
I also did some on line shopping ;)

This book is called: My Favorite Fabric Patch Work Japanese Craft Book
(this is the one that I purchased today )
While killing time today waiting on up dates about mom .. I went to Etsy and started checking out one of my favorite resources for purchasing Japanese sewing books... Pomadour24.etsy.com in case your interested in any of these wonderful fun books. I will have to stress all of the books are written in Japanese.. but if you know anything about sewing you can muddle through them.. most of the patterns have measurements in centimeters. That's easy peasy because most of our tape measures and rulers have millimeters on them now. If you can draw you can remake the patterns ;) Sometimes you can find a translation site that will help you figure out the wording of the pattens too ;)

I love this little book its called Happiness Flower Color Quilt ..
Several of the ladies refer to it as the Pink Book.. I purchased this one a while back. I love it.. it has all of the block patterns inside it for this little quilt that is featured on the front cover. This book has a lot of fun and sweet patterns to drool over. I especially like one of the patterns for a sweet little fabric patch worked purse and it comes in two sizes.

This little book is called Baby Quilt..
This is on my wish list.. it has some really fun themed blocks. Isn't this little boys quilt adorable... Aren't these vehicles fun??? I especially like how the little train runs around the edge of this quilt. Sew much fun!!!

This book is called: Patchwork Patterns

This little patchwork book is another little book on my wish list.. it has over 318 fabric patch work patterns. Aren't these cute??? I just love the little helicopter! These blocks would make some fantastic fun quilts, bags, totes, and apron panels.. I have provide more of the patchworks for your to see... aren't they creative and fun???

Monday and a Road Trip

The day started out bright and early in the morning.. the alarm went off and both of us hopped out bed. Eager to start the day... We were going to go somewhere special....It was road trip time!!! We had to make a stop on the way out of town... Mommie was getting gas and snacks together at the stop and rob .. before we headed south on our trip to Oklahoma :) Mommie got Iced Tea for her and snacks for the two of us. It had started raining in the night.. it continued to rain as we headed out on our road trip. As you can see by the photo its raining outside ;) There was concern that we would have to cancel our trip due to the bad weather that was coming into our area. It did start sleeting on us before we got out of town. Although we drove out of the sleet... It continued raining the entire trip to
Guthrie Ok.

OH Boy Mommie is taking me on a road trip.. I am so excited!!! She promised me ... we were going to meet someone wonderful and new!!! Looky here at me!!! Mommie brought along several of my warm and toasty blankets. (Thank goodness she did because at one point in the day Mommie was not paying attention to me!! Ok I could not help my self.. my eyes were watering and my legs were crossed.. I just could not hold it any longer.. I tinkled on my blanket. Then I thought Mommie was going to scold me so I jumped over to her seat... darn it!! I was such an embarrassed nervous mess.. I wet on her seat too. Thank goodness Mommy shut up and took me so I could finish up my business in the only dirt/ grassy spot I think they had in town!!!) I really needed this extra dry blanket when I got back to the truck. I was shivering like a pup-cycle. I was shaking from being out in the blowing wind and cold.. Mommie turned the heater on full blast until I got all toasty warm :)

Here I am all cozy in my booster chair. I like this chair...I can look out the window, while Mommie drives. I knew this was going to be a long drive, because Mommie only puts me in my chair when we are driving a long distance. I am much safer here than in her lap. There is even a seat belt that clips on to my harness. That way I can't jump out and get myself hurt, just in case I get excited at something that I see.

Ok ok we have been on the road for an hour and now I am bored.. are we there yet???
I can't wait to meet our new friend!! So drive faster Mommie..
Are We There Yet????

See I told you I was bored.. I have settled in and now its time to take a nap.. Mommie can drive without me. But let me tell you... I still have the keen ears of a deer.. I can hear that waxy wrapper from the cinnamon bun that Mommie got for herself for breakfast.. she only gave me those old nondescript beggin strips, she is such a piggy wiggy not sharing that tasty tid bit with me.

LOoK at mE ..... here I am all cozy warm and sound asleep. Who wouldn't take advantage of being chauffeured. Mommie is playing with the radio, driving and not paying any attention to me.. so Hurrrumpf!!!

Here is a photo of all the commute traffic it was bumper to bumper as you can see.... we had to put up with way too much traffic as we drove south to Oklahoma!! LOL this is normal for the roads around here.. cars a mile ahead of you.

Here we are .. we finally made it... See that's my friends SUV next to our old faded out Toyota 4X4 farm truck.

Hey kids this is my new friend CJ.... she is one of Mommies dear blogging buddies. They became friends well over a year ago. Mommie first had contact with CJ in her Etsy Shop. CJ had a fantastic re-usable grocery tote bag.. that Mommie bartered for ;) Mommie believes in bartering and up-cycling clothing items were ever possible.. That's how she can afford to keep me in scooby snacks. Besides Mommie trades talents all the time with you lovely ladies ;)
The following photos are of Mommie and CJ at the Antique Shop.. boy did they have a good time!
I want to point out the hat that CJ is holding ....Mommie almost purchased that hat.. it was so much fun.. you should see the girls.. Oh yeah right you will..
here they are ;)

Here's CJ in this lovely Red hat ;) Isn't she pretty.. this fun Red hat looks lovely on her.. all she needs now is a purple shirt ;) We did look at some lovely prairie skirts that were for sale..

Ok ladies you never get to see face photos of Mommie.. That's because she says she is fat and dumpy!!! Mommie... said to me.. whats up??? You never get my good side.. What the heck does that mean??? She looks the same on both sides to me :) Oh my!!! You can see her expensive silver toofie in this photo.. Tisk Tisk Tisk.....Mommie has already said I would be in trouble if I posted this photo of her. .but I thought it was so cute.. her and CJ were having such a fun time laughing and trying on vintage hats. If you look really close Mommie has on a Purple Shirt.. does she fit the part??? According to the kids out in CA .. she is now a senior ;)

I had to show this hat.. Mommie says that some guy by the name of Elton John would love to wear this hat.. I don't know about him.. but I laughed out loud when Mommie showed it to me. Now that is one Ugly Hat!!!

The rest of the day was spent looking in antique shops, getting lunch, and of course we went into the fabric shop and Mommie had to purchase some Christmas fabrics... It was late afternoon and CJ had to go and Mommie wanted to head back home before it got too late. Since we knew the weather could be bad up our way.

Here is a photo of the three of us together.
Don't we look happy ;)
There was a really nice lady in the Drug Store that took this photo of us.
Thank you nice lady ;)
Mommie and I stopped by the family and land on the way home.. but it was too cold to stay outside long.. we did decided that we must come down to the land this spring and take care of some needed chores around the family plots, and get the head stones re-set. I have to laugh.. Mommie was driving along and missed our exit... so we had to go a few miles out of the way... What was she thinking??? Was it about the wonderful day that we had.. I hope so .. I had a fun day too!! We hope to see you in the spring CJ...

What are you doing for Christmas???

Here is a fun and awesome idea for you and your family .....If you're looking for more Christmas inspiration you might want to check out this fun Christmas advent calendar.

Start to count down the days with interactive games and activities that are great for kids and the entire family!

Here are just some of the board games and activities that are on the advent:

• ·         Chutes and Ladders
• ·         Trivia Games
• ·         Coloring Pages
• ·         Word searches
• ·         Cut Out Ornaments

See the advent at: http://www.optimalprint.co.uk/christmas-advent-calendar

All games are printable and easy to be laminated and reused!

The advent calendar is running now!

Erin J... thank you so much for this wonderful suggestion to share with my readers :) 

Sat Nite Chat

Hello Bloggie Freinds... 

I had the most fun going over to Pins and Needles last night and chatting in the main chat room. I had invited several of you too join me there....If your not a member.. just send me an email and I will send you an invitation to join in on the fun :) We all had so much fun and the time got away from us. I looked at the clock and we were there for over 3 hours before we knew it ... we talked about where to purchase yarns, how to doctor puppy dogs toes when they are injured, we talked about Christmas. I even learned about an awesome magazine they make in Australia. I learned that I will have to keep the Asthma Inhaler close as I was laughing so hard I could not stop coughing and that is not too good for us asthmatics!!  But I survived that coughing spell to go on to better conversations. There was more fun... we discussed....It was the afternoon in Australia and its beginning to be summer there. I never even thought about Christmas being in the summer time anywhere... it's always been Winter here.. Isn't Computers amazing to find out something that would have never crossed your mind other wise!! I was told they go to the Beach and have PicNic's for Christmas. Someone asked????? What are you making for Christmas.. there were some wonderful ideas thrown out there. We learned where some of the ladies work, what they like to do as far as crafts, quilts, dolls, crocheting, knitting. We discovered who has pets and what they are :) Who was married and how long... Wow on some of the years of marriage.. it was amazing!! 

Brenda our benefactor for our Annie Doll Pattern came in and and visited with us too... she didn't stay long, she said she felt a little under the weather..It was so nice that she took the time to visit with us even though she was sick.  I hope she is feeling much better today :) Well I always say if you have to be sick...  get sick before the Holiday gets here :) No one likes to have a bad Holiday!

Well ladies I hope this has tempted you to come and Join in on our fun ... next Sat Nite at 6:00 Central time. I can't wait to meet more of you in a live Chat :)


**** CHAT Time was changed to 6pm Central, after my message was sent out to everyone!! I also saw another error.. Yes it will be Sat Night the 21st of November for our next chat on Pins and Needles.****** 
~~~ If you no longer want emails from me.. please advise and I will remove you from my AuntPittyPats email account. I have saved email addresses for sending out announcements and other fun stuff to everyone that has participated in my swaps. Sorry if I have over stepped my bounds~~~~Please send me an email and I will be more than happy to remove your name :O)

Thank You :)

I know I am a tad late getting this posted.. but I wanted to thank each and everyone of our Veterans for the Sacrifices that they have given for their country.. And mostly I want to send a special thank you to my Mom, Aunt Laughter and Uncle Corvette who Served their Country with Honor!

Still fun to be had for those Christmas lovers ;)

Wow ladies it looks like we only 5 five slots left to fill in our Block Swap. I need your help in finding those last few swappers to complete the lists. If you have friends that might be interested... Invite them to look at the rules and see if they would like to join in on the fun of this exciting swap. I know there isn't a lot of themes left to choose from.. but I know.... you wonderful creative women always come up with wonderful fun ideas.. so lets get these last few slots filled and maybe a couple of people on stand by just in case someone doesn't complete their swap. Because I know life's events do get in the way of our good intentions. Thanks girls for spreading the word... 
Yes APP is begging for your help to fill these slots.
I am trying to get them filled just in case I have to fly back out to CA.
So its up to the sewing-room for me today :)

Santas little elves are always busy this time of the year ;) 

Sew Sew Sew .. off to work I go :)

I was not going to blog about this but several of you know about my elderly family members, and have asked how everyone is doing. Grandma Peachy is doing better each day since she was in the hospital in Oct. Aunt Laughter is kicking along as usual..walking a lot better after physical therapy.  But its Mom.. :O( she has to go into surgery on the 19th of Nov. They are going to be removing 1/5th of her remaining lung. I am very worried about her.. she did not say...  but having to remove some of her lung makes me think the dreaded CANCER is back.
That is the reason I might have to fly out to Ca in the near future.

Calorie-free Cupcake

Isn't this little cupcake adorable.
What a clever way to use those pesky little shirt sleeve cuffs!!
I could see this little fun item used as a nifty pin cushion.
You ladies always surprise me at all the innovative ideas that you come up.
Just wonderful !!!
This little item was copied from Nifty Thrifty.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

(Adapted from Bake or Break)

Makes 1 dozen brownies

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tablespoon water

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

1 large egg*

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips, plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter*

*Healthy Swaps: I used egg whites instead of an egg (2 egg whites per egg called for) and reduced fat creamy peanut butter.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups.

In a medium sized microwave-safe bowl combine sugar, softened butter, and water. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract, mix well. Add flour and baking soda, stir until combined. Allow the batter to cool to room temperature (doesn’t take very long). Then, stir in 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not (they did not for me) then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still war spoon about a tablespoon full of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with remaining 1/3 cup of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cool completely in pan.

Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To reheat the brownies just pop ‘em in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Liz, the official taste tester, and I found that we liked the brownies when they were warm and when they were cooled in the fridge for a little bit. So try both, it’s an excuse to eat two, enjoy!

Bon Eating,

Whitney from: Nosh and Tell

Bon Bon Garland

Isn't this an awesome idea from DIY craft projects ??? Yes its another way to use up some of those scraps that are just laying around the sewing room :) I have several Christmas trees that could use wonderful fun garlands like these. Just think you could have different colored garlands each year. These garlands look like they are so fast, fun and easy to make... the possibilities are endless with this idea ;) So get those fingers in gear and get out there and create create create :)

Awesome Idea Candle Cozy!!

~~~~Sweet~~~~
I don't know about you??? But I love candles.. Putting Candles out at Christmas makes the house smell so yummy with all those wonderful fragrances.. Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread, Apple cider, Carmel, Cinnamon spice.. and so on... But I don't like the ugly boring wrappers on the outside of the jars.. well here is a fantastic tutorial on how to dress them up for Christmas. You could even use your favorite materials to make these candle cozies for year round use ;) I love this idea.. so very smart and pretty.. This tutorial is from Not-So-Plain-Jane. Click on photo to go to her tutorial :)

Here's another cool idea ;) Simple Sewing Companion...

Click photo for tutorial :)
I just fell in love with this little sewing kit and it looks very easy to do.. and makes up into a very charming gift ;) I could see using all of your wonderful left over scraps to make several of these for all of your friends and family :) What a nice item to take along... when you need to do some of that wonderful hand sewing on your projects. There's a place for all those needed sewing items in on handy little pouch.. look really close and you will see a small needle case.. in the bottom pocket :)
This quick and easy sewing case is pretty and practical and would be a perfect gift. Designed, made, photographed and kindly shared by Brenda Dean.© Quilters Pty. Ltd. 2006 on
Poplar Patchwork.

Another Christmas Gift Idea

I don't know about you but I just love those little tea wallets. Not to mention they are so darn easy to make ;) They are so handy and they look really cool too :) I know its a must in my purse/back pack to carry one. Everyone that sees it wants one ;) Well I have found another awesome tutorial at A Prairie Home Quilts. Just click on the name to go to the tutorial to make these wonderful one of a kind tea wallets ;)
Happy Sewing ;)

LOL here I go again..
You all know that I am famous for changing things,
that are already made or designed...
I make them just a tad bit better or more user friendly..
Well here is what I have came up with....
I have been looking at the finished items in the photos...
If it were me...
I would adjust the pattern/material to enclose the entire tea bag package..
so it doesn't distract from all of your lovely hard work :)
I know I will be changing mine .. when I get a round to making this pattern :)

Never too early to think about Christmas ;)

Fabric Covered CD Coasters
Click Photo to go to tutorial at
Mojo and Co's blog

Oh my goodness isn't this a fabulous idea??? I wish my brain had thought of this very clever item!!! But alas I found it on Mojoandco :) I was thinking this was be such a fun and quick project... You could make them as gifts for the ladies at the office. Now don't forget those men!! They would like one on their desk too.. make it with manly man camo material :) You could use any color of fabric. Yes ladies another way to use up some of that scrap fabric stash. Also you would be going green by using up those worn out Cd's. No to mention it would cost next to nothing for a wonderful gift item. Heck go wild make a set of four for your friends ;) You could put them in a handcrafted fabric box or lacy fabric envelope. I even thought of another thing that you could do... where the black fabric is.. well you could glue down a small round piece of cork to catch all of the moisture ;)
Now to find a tutorial for something fun to put them into :)
I am still amazed!! Awesome fun!!!

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Recipe From Life's Ambrosia click photo to visit blog ;)

• 6 lemons
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups simple syrup (recipe follows)
• 1 (16 ounce) container strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 quart sparkling water
• ice cubes
• mint for garnish

1. Roll the lemons back and forth a couple of times on the counter to release the juices. Cut the lemons in half juice into a bowl. Remove any seeds that may have fallen into the juice. You should get about 1 cup of lemon juice.
2. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the strawberries with the 1/2 cup of the simple syrup, until smooth.
3. Pour lemon juice, strawberry puree, 1/2 cup simple syrup and sparkling water into a pitcher. Add more simple syrup if you want a little more sweetness. Add ice cubes. Chill until ready to drink.
4. Place more ice cubes in a glass, pour in chilled lemonade, garnish with mint sprig. Enjoy!

Simple Syrup

• 1 part sugar
• 1 part water

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Cool completely.

Simple syrup is also used in many different cocktails. Keep it in the refrigerator and it will last for a few weeks.

To Wash or Not to Wash that is the Question :)

I had a question about the quilt blocks... Yes I have pre=washed my fabrics so the Reds and Greens don't run ;) I hope this has helped all of you with trying to figure out what to do ;) Plus it stops on the puckering of the block when it is washed after construction. Please ladies Correct me if I am wrong on this point ;)

OH my HO HO HO ;)

I have been standing for the last almost 4 hours working on four of my Christmas Applique Blocks. My tootsies are so tired. Not to mention it is really bothering my back and neck .. how do you ladies do this. Do you sit??? .. Do you stand???? And if you stand, is your table tall enough??? I thought about bringing everything down stairs set up the big ironing board.. lowering it as low as it will go and sit next to it in a chair. I don't know if I will be able to stand that long to do all twenty four blocks. If I don't find a better way of doing this. I just might have to do the ole cut and raw stitch way. What I mean by that is stitch real close to the edge and let the fabric fray. I sort of like that way too. Turned applique looks so much better and more finished :) I would welcome any suggestions to make this process easier on my old body :) I can say.... I am liking how my themed items are turning out. Not too bad for my first freezer paper turned applique block project :) Caroll D. "Thank you" for giving us a wonderful tutorial on your blog... on how to do freezer paper turned applique. You will find her blog HERE.

HERE IS A TASTE OF WHAT MY BLOCKS LOOK LIKE :)
Not too bad for a first time ;)
Sorry about the poor photos..
I snapped them fast to share with Nadine on chat ;)

Another way to make Eggs for Breakfast ;)

Baked Eggs

Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with PAM spray.

Lightly cook 12 strips of bacon (or how ever many baskets you are making).
Do NOT cook the bacon till crisp, but just enough to get rid of some of the grease. A few seconds on each side. Drain on paper towels.

Coil your bacon slices around the wells of the muffin tin.

Crack an egg and pour into the well.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

You can also whisk your eggs together and add some cheese, like a quiche, and pour this mixture into the bacon baskets.

Baked them 375 for 10 minutes for a runny center (to soak up with toast), or 12 minutes for the scrambled & cheese version.

Use a spoon to remove the baskets and serve! They are so pretty and better than the usual bacon and eggs.
Recipe from Stacy's Snacks on line

Just a few spots left to fill ;)

Hello my sweet quilting friends.... If your sitting on that fence trying to decided if you want to join in on my Christmas Block swap.. jump down and run to the computer and sign up today!! There are very few spots left to fill on the Christmas block exchange. I would like to ask your help in getting your quilting buddies to join in. That is if they are not joined in already :) That way we can get all of our slots filled up right away. Maybe you have a friend in a quilt guild that doesn't have a blog, and would like to join. Ask her.. no blog no problem ;) I have people join all the time without blogs. Maybe you have taken classes at your local quilt shop and know someone that might like to play along. Please ask.. I always like to make new friends here in blog land.. Especially ones that have the same interests ;) I have had a half a dozen women fall out of the swap already. I was hoping by adding a couple of extra weeks on to the swap would spark more interest ;) So lets get those spaces filled... and maybe have a couple of women on stand by in case we need to have a space filled from someone that has to drop at the last minute ;) I am working on my blocks today.. I hope you are picking out your fabrics and choosing your designs.. I am very excited about this swap with all the possibilities!!! So get on out there and help recruit this fun exciting Christmas block swap :)
HUGS APP

Ziploc Omelette

Instructions provided by Men In Aprons :)

I don't know about you ladies but this is my kind of breakfast...fast and easy :)

And now, it's time for an entry into .. TALES OF THE WEIRD! Did you know you can make an omelette in ziploc bag? It's true, my friends. No omlette pan, no flipping, no breaking. Just pure and simple egg goodness. There's not even a need to get out a bowl to beat the eggs in. Of course, if you're like me, you enjoy breaking out the omelette pan and trying to master the flip.

Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- Your choice of add-ins (ham, bacon, onions, peppers, cheese, hash browns, etc.)

Set a large pot of water to boil. Meanwhile, crack the eggs into the bag, and shake to combine them. Put in your ingredients and shake gently to combine.

Before placing the bage in the boiling water, make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up. Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot.

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared to be amazed.