Saturday, August 20, 2011

The quilt, an ACL and a kitty cat

The quilt is finished! And just in time too! I was planning on hitting the road down to San Diego for the baby shower at 10:00 and there I was, at 10:30, putting it in the washer. With the turn of the knob and a prayer, my latest piece was given up to the universe in hopes that it would still be in one piece!


Usually I wouldn't be worried, but the pieces I've made before had been all pre-washed. After consulting my quilt goddess, Raven, I learned that I didn't have to pre-wash my batting! What?! I don't?! Boy, that was a pain last time! I tied it up in a pillow case and washed it on delicate. Did you know that I dislike anything that needs to be washed in a special way? I do. So, I jumped for joy when I realized my quilting life had now changed forever! The catch? Well, there isn't one if you don't mind some bunching between your stitching after your quilt is washed. Personally I like that look, but it still didn't make me feel any better when I put that quilt in the washing machine.
I am very pleased with how the quilt came out with the exception of the binding. Binding is my nemesis! First of all, I made the binding yesterday, the day I was supposed to leave. I made a 2 inch binding (note to self: that is NOT enough for a quilt!


It also didn't help that this guy attacked my leg and the binding the whole time I was sewing.


(He looks sweet here, but he's really a rascal!)

I have only binded one other quilt on my own and that was with help on the more challenging parts (the corners and tails on the ends). I attempted to follow the steps here but, in my altered state of mind, I couldn't wrap my head around the directions for finishing the ends. So, I made it up and it looks terrible! I don't recommend it. Next time I'm calling in the goddess! I learn better that way anyhow!


Now, on to the altered state of mind I just mentioned... Last Saturday, I participated in an alcohol enhanced game of trampoline dodgeball and tore my ACL in my left knee. At least it's not my sewing or driving knee, right?! I'm chit toy on pain meds and scheduled for surgery on Monday. Besides, as my mother always says, "It will feel better when it stops hurting!"

Monday, August 8, 2011

Fiesta cupcakes!

Here in good ol' SB we just finished a weekend of parades, parties, rodeo, confetti and margaritas. Viva la Fiesta!!! Needless to say, it was busy and super FUN!



In honor of the weekend I searched for the perfect cupcakes to make for a BBQ we had on Sunday. Nothing else would do once I found this recipe from one of my favorite baking blogs, Brown Eyed Baker. Margarita cupcakes! Are you kidding me!? These things looked amazing! Who doesn't like a tequila and lime cupcake with the frosting to match, sprinkled with salt and topped with a wedge of lime? Sold. Not only were my taste buds rewarded greatly, so was my ego... I got so many compliments. So, may I suggest, have a party, have a BBQ, or just make these for fun! You will not be sorry!



Although I am not quite ready to adapt my own recipes and add them to my blog (don't you see how long it took me to post this one?!), I will someday. For now, here's the link to these amazing Margarita Cupcakes!

Enjoy!