debating

Early this morning, I started pin basting the scrappy log cabin quilt I began early this year.  It's a large throw size, about 60  x 70".  I don't love it.  Honestly, when I look at it now, I don't even like it.

I think it needs sashing (a thin light border between each block), but I don't want to have to take it apart.  I'll also have to re-work the back if the sashing made it too much bigger.  So, do I get out the seam ripper or keep pinning?  If I finish it as is, I know we'll use it, and I love all the fabrics, but I'll always wonder what it would have looked like if I had used sashing.  It just seems too busy to me as is.

Maybe I'll debate further as I attempt to bake this chocolate peanut butter cake for a Christmas party tonight.  Does licking chocolate covered mixer beaters bring about clarity and discernment of thought?

new fabrics = more projects

When I entered the joy in the new year challenge, I only listed currently unfinished projects.  I didn't think about all the things I want to make for Christmas!  Shea loves the video game Viva Pinata, so when I saw the Alexander Henry pinata fabric online, I instantly ordered some.  The scale is larger than I imagined, so I'm not sure how I want to lay it out.  I bought some dots to go with it for the front (in orange and turquoise) and some plain dots for the back (at the top of the photo).  Now I need to think of a layout!

I also ordered some Natural Effects fabrics.  I love this collection.

And when I saw this, I had to have it too!  Alexander Henry's "Spotted Owls".  So cute!

MORE Giveaways!

December seems to be giveaway month, but this one is HUGE!  Amy at Park City Girl is one of 12 blogs hosting a giveaway from The Original Scrap Box.  How awesome would this desk be no matter what your favorite craft is!  I could use this for jewelry, paper crafting, sewing, quilting and knitting supplies.

Head over to Park City Girl and enter to win the EZ View Desktop!  I'd love to fill all those little cubbies and compartments with goodies!

Sew Mama Sew December Giveaways!

I should have hosted a giveaway!  Of course, Kelly would have won.

But, if there's anyone else out there reading, browse on over to Sew Mama Sew and check out the great giveaways.  There are some fun things to be won!

Copy-Cat Owl and Fresh Bread

I received a Crate & Barrel catalog yesterday with the cutest little patchwork ornaments inside.  Shea has been obsessed with owls lately, so I wondered if I could make an owl like the ones in the C&B catalog.  It's a blatant copy, I know, but I'm not going to sell it.  It's just going to hang here on our tree and make us smile.  I put it in today's pocket in her advent calendar.

I used the food processor to make bread dough tonight.  I used this recipe from While She Naps for a basic white bread and it was wonderful!

I substituted King Arthur bread flour rather than all-purpose and the dough was incredibly silky.  I did have to use at least twice as much water as the recipe called for, but it came together beautifully and tasted great.  It was super easy.  Now I need to find a recipe this easy for wheat bread!