Fabrics Friday - What inspires me?

It does not take much to excite me or to inspire me to start a new project.  This week I am going to try and make a blouse from scratch without using a pattern.  Lately after each episode of the Great British Sewing Bee show, I get inspired to try something new.  Sometimes it could be just easy projects that can be completed in half an hour.  Like the last three items I finished the other day are the gifts for Jeff's son and grandchildren.  We wanted to mail them early so it will be there in time for Christmas.  Now that is out of the way, I can try to figure out this blouse which I will be making from three different fabric I found in my collection.  Both are made of 100 percent cotton except for the lace.  Since I didn't have enough of the floral fabric, I thought I would add some lace and the plain blue fabric will be used for bias around the neck or the armhole.  Many moons ago, I knew how to make my own pattern for whatever type of clothing I wanted to make.  But since I haven't done that, I am not as comfortable in making a pattern first.  So I will just wing it, just measure the fabric twice and cut once.  I am using one of my blouse that is a good fit just as a guide.  I hope to finish the blouse in a day and hopefully by the time I am ready to post, it will be ready for show and tell. 

These are the fabrics I will be using for my blouse.

The completed product, without a pattern but fits perfectly.

This unicorn pouch is for his granddaughter.

This penguin pouch is for his grandson.

This is for his son.

Woodwork Wednesday - New projects for J

As the weather starts to feel like winter is coming, I have been thinking of projects to do inside the home.  Not just for me as you know my mind is always busy creating something to do for those cold days.  This time I am searching for new projects for my hubby.  Although he has been busy with a couple of projects in the garage, I know that he will be looking for something to do in between snowboarding and shoveling snow.  There's a couple of really good wooden items that I have seen on Pinterest and they are going to so practical and useful.  In addition to the small project that I am asking him to do which is my Hole in One memorable wooden case.  Now that my hubby has added some more tools to his collection, I know that these projects will probably finished easier and in no time.  Once he has finished the cabinets for his tools in the garage, I will also feature it.  But for now, check out these wooden items.

A smaller version of this will replace the current step garbage can.

It will be something similar to this but longer and maybe an extra shelf under.

 

The one I wanted will be similar to this but will have a place for the score card and plaque.

Sweet and Sour Sunday - It looks so yummy

Every now and then I would try some old recipe that I use to make.  Then one day I would remember it and try making it without looking at recipe.  It is actually a very easy one to make and I don't know why I don't make it often.  On Fridays, I usually try to have fish.  I guess this should have been my Friday post.  Anyway, I learned something new when it comes to coating the fish.  I read somewhere to combine regular flour and rice flour, I did.  First I dip the fish in egg and then on the flour mixture.  The fried fish is set aside while I make the sweet and sour sauce.  I added a bunch of different vegetables that I could find in the fridge.  I stir fry garlic, onions, carrots, celery and peppers then add the sweet and sour sauce that I combined.  Then the final step, I added the fried fish and sprinkle some fresh green onions.  When my hubby saw the finished product, he said, "that looks like something from the Chinese restaurant.  Of course I sent a photo of it to my daughter, my friends and my MIL.  Almost everyone commented the same as what Jeff said.  You can be the judge.

My sweet and sour fish.

And this is a photo from my Google search.

Scenic Saturday - Our Okanagan

Technically it is still autumn, right.  This past week we have had some great weather and beautiful sunrise and sunset.  It is too bad that our golf courses ended too early because the weather has been perfect for a fall round of golf.  Although there are still a few courses around the Okanagan that are still open, most of them are already closed or will be closing in a week.  During our last trip to Kelowna for some shopping, dining and a little bowling, I was able to take some amazing photos of the mountains, lakes and of course sunsets from our living room window.  A couple of the local news always features photos sent by the viewers.  This is where I got the idea for this post today.  This is my Okanagan in the fall. 

Tarts Tuesday - Trying out new recipe

Last weekend we were invited to one of the neighborhood party to celebrate Diwali.  It was a potluck but the host made two types of curry and rice.  The rest of the guest brought a variety of side dishes and I was requested by the host to bring some desserts.  I started with the popular Pecan Butter Tarts but I used my sister's recipe which included some chocolate chips, coconut,raisins and pecans.  Then I decided to make a batch of Chinese Chews which my MIL use to make for us.  Now that we are apart, I had to make my own.  This is the second time I am making them.  The first time turned out just fine except I should have cut the squares while they were still warm and not the next day.  For some reason this time it did not turn out as good and it took forever to bake.  Then finally it was ready and I cut them while warm.  It is edible but not as chewy and perfect as the ones my MIL makes.  The third one is an Apricot Almond Bar that I saw on Pinterest. This is the first try and I might have left it a bit longer as the recipe called for 20 to 30 minutes, I believe 20 minutes was plenty.  Anyway, they are still good to consume, just a little crispy on the outside and chewy inside. 

Of course, everyone at the party enjoyed it as they didn't have any choice. LOL.  The lesson I learned this past week in baking, use my lower oven and use the middle rack.  Use the shorter time and then check and if more time required, add five minutes at a time until done.  I have tried new recipes before with great results, but every now and again, it seems like I stumble a little.  Check out the results of this weekend special at our Cranberry Portage B&B. Almost forgot to share the trial Deep Fried Apple Roll.

Apple wedges rolled in cinnamon and sugar wrapped and deep fried.

Pecan butter tarts and more.

Apricot and Almond Bars.

The Assortment (brownies, chews, cookies, apricot bard, pineapple bars and magic bars)

Stitching Sunday - Patriots collection

About a month ago, I received a package from my MIL.  When I opened it, I got so excited because she sent me four fabric quarters of four different design of my favorite NFL team, the New England Patriots.  I am guessing she must have found them at a fabric store in Colorado since we don't have any NFL team logo fabrics.  You can find some NHL and CFL  fabric team logo both in cotton and fleece.  Anyway, it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to use those fabrics but I knew it would be for me. LOL.  Since golf season ended on October 31, I have been tinkering around my craft room on what I wanted to start.  Shortly after lunch, I start looking at my fabrics and then my mind started creating and my fingers started measuring and cutting.  By the end of the afternoon, I have completed what I wanted for my New England Patriots Collection for my navy blue back pack.  Check out the complete set.  If only Tom Brady's wife can see my collection.  I can bet you that although she might have a few items that are Patriots, like a Jersey, or hat or maybe a key chain, she would not have a collection like mine.  I guess you can say that I am a true Patriots fan.  

My insulin and glucose test machine bag.

The bottom bag is for cosmetics, the two above is for candy/gum and etc. case

Key chain, cellphone holder, fabric wallet, credit card holder and mini card holder.

My special battery and cord bag.

Final Friday - Last day of golf

It has been a very good year for golf.  My very first time being a member of a golf course. This friendly and amazing golf course that is only five minutes drive from our home.  The year we arrived I was only able to play for a few months because we were busy with getting our house organized.  That year the snow arrived on November 1 and never left until the middle of March. At first I just bought what they call a punch card since I was not sure how often I was going to play.  Then I realized that it was worth it becoming a member, so I did.

They give you this nice wooden badge with your name on it and the current year of membership.  So far I have two of those.  I was wondering how many rounds of golf I completed in 2019.  It was time to count all the cards that I kept to keep track of the rounds.  I am sad to report that I did not make the 100 marker.  Due to vacations and the weather and some off days, I am still happy to have gone out 95 times.  It is also a very important year because on August 28, I got my very first and maybe the only HOLE IN ONE.  My hubby is going to make some sort of memory box to include all the souvenir I got to remember that day.  The ball, the tee, the score card, the mug, a pin, and the special tag that my golf buddy had specially made for me.  Since I already paid for my 2020 membership, I know that my goal for next year is to surpass the 100 marker.  I can only do that if the weather cooperates, my health is good and my golf buddy is available to play as much as schedule allows.  Now it is time to plan on how to get busy during the winter months to stay in shape, as well as to keep the mind active.  Although I still have outstanding projects that needs to be completed, I will have to start being more creative with my sewing, painting and maybe even get back to practicing playing the guitar and keyboard.  As I say goodbye to golf, I am saying hello to a more productive winter. 

That's my feet and my lucky ball.

Ladies who witnessed my hole in one.

My golf buddy.

August blooms.

October flowers getting frozen.