Pheromones That Hypnotize Quilters

"A recent study has indicated that fabrics give off certain pheromones that hypnotize women and cause them to purchase vast amounts of cloth.

When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the pheromones in the fabrics cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome (similar to the one squirrels have before the onset of winter, such as storing food).

The species is perpetuated and there's no population loss due to their kind being cut up into pieces and mixed with others.

:)

Sound tests have also revealed that these fabrics emit a very high-pitched sound, heard only by a select few, known as quilters. When played backward, the sounds are heard as chants - “Buy me, cut me, sew me!”

In order to overcome the so-called feeding frenzy effect that these fabrics cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility, and use ear plugs to avoid being pulled into their grip. Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the Earth, helping to spread the effect these fabrics have on the human population. These aliens are called fabric store clerks!

Furthermore, pheromones seem to cause a pathological need to secret the fabric purchases away when one takes them home and blends them into the existing stash. When asked by a significant other if the fabric is new, the reply is “Oh, I've had it for a while!”

Reported in the Western North Carolina Quilters Guild Newsletter in 1997

Written by Kathy Smith Harris

Valentine Table Runner Tutorial

I've been making Valentine Table Runner's for my daughters, and I thought I'd do a tutorial to show you how quickly they come together.
Any gift I can make in 1/2 hour goes to the top of my list.
My thanks to Kathy Smith for showing me these step by steps.

The table runners work up beautiful in any holiday fabric. I made several as neighbor gifts at Christmas time.

Materials needed:
1/2 yard of backing/ border fabric (18 inches X *WOF)
1/3 yard front focus fabric (12 inches X *WOF)
2 tassels (optional)
(*width of fabric)

It's OK to leave selvages on. Don't worry if your WOF's don't match up.
First, along the long edge, match the two fabrics right sides together and sew 1/4" seams.

Next, match the other side of the long edges together and sew. This creates a tube, and you can see the backing fabric come to the front by a few inches.
Press seams.

Turn right sides out.
Lay the table runner out with the edge fabric matching EXACTLY even on both sides. This is a very important step. I use my tape measure to make sure each side is EXACTLY even.
Press.

Stitch in the ditch between the border fabric and the inner focus fabric.

Trim the short ends evenly on both sides. This is where you cut off any extra selvages or unmatched edges.

Fold the short ends in half, right sides together.
Match the inside seams with a pin. If you've measured your edge piece evenly, this area should match up well at the seam line and on the end.

On each short side, stitch 1/4th inch seam all the way to the end.

*The tassels will be added later.

This brings your ends to a point as you move the seam to the middle of the runner. Press seam open.

Turn right sides out.

This is the back of the runner. I use a chop stick to poke out a nice crisp point.

Press.

Notice how the seams match evenly at both the seam line and the end.

Stitch the newly folded edges down.

I actually stitch in the ditch from the front, but wanted to show you on the back how you only need to tack down a few inches.

Pre-made tassels can be found in most home dec departments.

These are optional, but I think they really add to the runner.

Unpick a few stitches at the point seam.

Place the tassel on the inside, laying the loops as close to the point as possible.
I like to use a small crochet hook to reach down and locate the loops, and pull them tightly up.

Hand stitch the seam closed, securely attaching the tassel loops.

The base of the tassel should lay close to the point.

Give the runner a good pressing.

You are done!

We placed Amy's runner on the hallway table.

Remembering happy times...

..and baby love.

Heart Shaped Pot Holders

Be still my H.E.A.R.T.
Martha has done it again.
Love, love, love these heart shaped pot holders along with a free tutorial over on
Martha Stewart

*Good idea: I noticed in the comment section people were suggesting using Insul Bright along with the regular batting.

Insul Bright (by the Warm Company) is a heat resistant Mylar/poly fabric that works great in potholders. Make sure to place the shiny side to the top. It's best used with at least one layer of cotton batting.

Garlic and White Bean Spread

Superbowl Sunday requires snacks.
Lots and lots of snacks.

I've been trying to cook a little healthier and made
Garlic and White Bean Dip
to share with the family.

The recipe comes from
The Eat Clean Diet Cookbook found in paperback and on kindle at Amazon.com
Tosca creates recipes that are "minimally processed and as close to nature as possible".

I like easy recipes, with readily available ingredients.
Rosemary is said to improve circulation, which includes circulation of the brain.
The ancient Greeks and Romans used rosemary for memory loss.
(now if I can just remember where I put that recipe. Oh yes, here it is:)

First saute garlic and rosemary in olive oil.

Next, add a can of white beans and mash until a smooth texture.
Voile! You're done!

I served the dip with carrots and celery sticks.
Garlic and White Bean Spread
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled,
2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1 X 16 ounce can white beans, undrained
Place olive oil, garlic and rosemary in medium skillet. Heat until ingredients begin to sizzle. Add beans and liquid to the pan. As the beans begin to cook, mash them with a potato masher. Cook until the mixture looks like spread. It should be a little loose but it will thicken as it cools.
Place in a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate.

Carl Bloch Art Exhibit

Quilters are artists.
We appreciate creative works that show sensitivity and imagination.
When presented with the opportunity to view great Masters of Art, we are often moved to tears.

Such was the case, when we were invited by the Sears family to attend the
Carl Bloch Art Exhibit currently being shown at Brigham Young University's Museum of Art in Provo, Utah.
Carl Bloch was a 19th Century Danish artist who's works included religious alterpieces commissioned by various congregations in Denmark and Sweden.
BYU has worked tirelessly to bring this 40 piece exhibit, including 5 altarpieces to the United States, and we will probably never see the likes of it again.
These original paintings have been removed for the first time since they were installed in the late 1800's.

(photo's by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

The exhibit runs through May 7th.

If you live in Utah, or will be visiting in the next few months, I highly recommend viewing "Carl Bloch: The Master's Hand".

Tickets are free, and can be reserved by going to http://www.byuarts.com/bloch/signup.php

For $3 we rented the I-Pad tour, which brought the paintings to life, including expert commentaries, music, and panoramic views of the original churches.

Even though we were immersed in a crowd, the I-Pad tour made me feel like I was in my own little world, experiencing these great paintings one on one.

"Christ in Gethsemane 1879
Bloch interprets the scriptural text with great sensitivity; the angel tenderly and compassionately embraces the Savior as He takes upon Himself the sins and infirmities of all mankind. "

The altarpiece's are quite large because they were the centerpiece of the church, placed above the alter where congregants would take communion.

A focal point to ponder our relationship with Jesus Christ.

In discussing his inspiration Bloch said "God helps me, that's what I think, and then I am calm."

My favorite: Christ In Gethsemane, where Bloch's imagery comforted me and moved me to tears.

I have always had a very difficult time reading or listening to the stories of Christ's suffering.

Visualizing His sacrifice has been too painful.

I have been honored with the privilege of visiting the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

Even then, I could not stay long.

But now, after viewing Christ In Gethsemane, and seeing the tender embrace of the angel, my mind can rest, and ponder the greatest moment.