W.i.P. Wednesday

Thanks to a fun-filled, sew-till-you-fall-asleep quilting retreat last weekend, I have plenty to show for myself, which actually feels very very good. Mostly littles, but still . . .

Completed projects
Merry - Hubby's Christmas stocking may be late in coming, but worth the wait. I posted it here.

Sweet Heart purses - This project was timely and fun, a quick tutorial by Simple Things. So fun in fact, I made a second.

Open Wide Zippered Pouch - Again, after making my first . . .

I couldn't resist making another. Very fun indeed.

Mod Angles cushion - If this looks kind of familiar, it's because I made it with my Chicopee practice blocks from the tutorial I wrote back in October. The hst blocks were inspired by don't call me betsy's Double Flip HSTs tutorial.

Ongoing projects

Scrappy Trip Along - I'm SO excited I got my blocks all pieced into a top. The backing should arrive any day, so I hope to get quilting on this shortly.

Emerald mini/placemats - These two projects may have merged and become one. TBD. Meanwhile, I'm piecing blocks - 3 1/2", 6 1/2" and 9 1/2".

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - I managed to get 12 blocks done and have 12 more ready to stitch up.

Woodland cross-stitch sampler and Modern Crosses quilt - no progress.

Upcoming projects
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* table topper for mom
* scrappy Metrolink
* Polaroid block projects

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

Tuesday at the Table

At the quilting retreat last weekend, we all took turns making meals. And what looks above like a humble bowl of soup is actually the best thing I cooked all weekend. It's Giada's Creamy Sweet Potato and Rosemary Soup and it is truly delish. Yeah, I could have garnished it up a bit, and agreed, we probably shouldn't have been serving on our cutting mat, but oh well. We all really enjoyed it, and I think what makes it special is the mascarpone cheese. Not cream to make it creamy, but good Italian mascarpone. That and the maple syrup. Whatever - the combo is a winner.

Besides soup, I have Valentine's Day on my mind. And I thought I'd share some appropriate randomness.  For one - here's a link back to my old favorite Valentine cookie recipes here on the blog - Linzer Hearts and Shortbread Hearts.

I came across these darlings on Pinterest - don't they look tasty?

Source: shutterbean.com via Debbie on Pinterest

And what I wouldn't do for one of these Red Velvet Brownies right now. oh my.

Source: howsweeteats.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Unrelated to the table, here's a little sewing project {or two} from last weekend that fits the theme.

I used this tutorial by Simple Things as seen on Sew, Mama, Sew last week, tweaking it just a bit to suit my use of charm squares, and {I might as well just come out and say it...} to make it a "shoulder bag" for grandgirl, rather than a wristlet. My friend at the retreat was so tickled with it, I made one for her little granddaughter too. Very fun.

So anything Valentine-y going on at your house, or general goodness from your kitchen? Feel free to share here!