A great buy on a used sewing machine

I decided to buy another Bernina sewing machine to use as a travel machine.  I'd rather not take my regular Bernina to classes, I don't want it to be accidentally damaged.  I found a used Bernina 170 for sale at my local dealer for $500.   It has 12 buttonholes, 128 decorative stitches and so much more.  But it is considered out of date computer-wise so it was very inexpensive.  I only use a sewing machine for straight stitch anyway so being out of date is not a problem!  If you're looking for a Bernina sewing machine I highly recommend looking for one on ebay, facebook markeplace and your local dealer.  You can get some great buys!

Scalloped Border

In between home school lessons I've been finishing the last border of the quilt top I started on Dec. 8th.  Here is the latest:

Progress on the Hearts and Apron Strings quilt

I wanted a challenge and to stretch my quilting skills when I chose the Hearts and Apron Strings quilt.  I'm happy with how it's turning out, it's a fun quilt and the pattern is a good one.  Today I'm working on the scalloped border and here's a picture of what I have done so far...




This is what it will look like when I get mine done...

I'd like to thank my local quilt shop

A goal for 2019

"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed." ~ Unknown

Cut open an apple. Count the seeds. Now cut open one of the seeds. How many future apples do you think it contains? The only way to know is to plant it, care for it, and patiently wait for them to arrive. Jesus rocked the religious people of His day with the words, "For the entire Law is fulfilled in keeping this one command, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Jesus counterbalanced the whole Mosaic Law, containing over 600 ordinances of do's and don'ts, with one simple command to love.

Can you imagine the incredible, limitless potential in this one command? If everyone treated all people the way they would like to be treated, imagine how many laws would be irrelevant in our country.

If, instead of dropping to the lowest common denominator of our neighbors, we each personally raise the bar to where Jesus set it, at "love", imagine how many trees of life would be planted, watered by streams of living water, providing shade and fruit for the whole world to enjoy.  ~ Kirk Cameron

Christmas morning pancakes

Here's our Christmas morning Chocolate Chip pancake recipe!  I hope you enjoy it.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside. Preheat waffle iron.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended. Add 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips
3. Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron or frying pan. Cook until golden and crisp.
4. Serve with butter, extra chocolate chips, syrup or strawberries

Home Tweet Home

One of the quilts I made this year was called Briar Rose and it's a free pattern found at the EnglandStreetBlog.
 The pdf download is on the right side of the page.  This pattern calls for 1 jelly roll and yardage for the background and border.  Her directions are spot on, too!  I plan on making another one!













I made this wall hanging over the summer and it was a free download on the ModaBakeShop website.  It's called Home Tweet Home. It's an easy pattern!  You use the paper piecing technique to make the birdhouses.

Hearts and Apron Strings quilt

A lot has happened in 2018.  I recovered and healed from cancer.  My daughter was married.  I completed a few more quilts.  The one I'm working on now is called Hearts and Apron Strings, which was a BOM (block of the month) given out in 6 issues of the Quilter's Newsletter magazine in 2004.  I've had these issues for years with the plan to make it and now was the time!  This is the first month's pattern:

The applique corners are added the second month:

The third month churn dash blocks are added: