Quilting and Home with Wendy

Recipes from the public are needed for the Heart to Heart Cookbook again.

Heart to Heart Child Advocacy is asking you to send them favorite family recipes or a recipe your loved ones made for you when you were a child.

The new deadline is March 12.

Send recipes to glo6030@gmail.com.

They have received 18 recipes for appetizers/beverages, 17 for soup/salad, 18 for main dishes, 26 recipes for desserts and two miscellaneous recipes.

Send them recipes! It's for a great cause.

Until next time, happy quilting and hope you find your home comforting,

Wendy Nugent

Co-worker Verna Rowe made this Red Velvet Cupcakes and brought them to work on Friday.
The recipe was submitted by reader Delcie A. Malcom. These cupcakes would make a great treat on this snowy winter day in Newton, Kan.

Red Velvet Cupcakes
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 (1-ounce) bottle red food color
2 teaspoons vanilla
Vanilla cream cheese frosting (recipe follows)

Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt set aside.

Best butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time.

Mix in sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed. Spoon into paper-lined muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely. Spread with vanilla cream cheese frosting.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat 1 (8-ounce) package of softened cream cheese, 4 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons sour cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla until light and fluffy.

Gradually beat in 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar until smooth.

Until next time, happy quilting! Wendy Nugent

Yesterday, I was at ResCare Industries getting information for an article that’s going to run in Friday’s paper.

The article will be about the kinds of things the persons served there make. One of the things they make are candles — although when I was out there Tuesday they weren’t making candles, but I had the opportunity to sniff a few of the scents. The line is called Radiant Light Candles.

My favorite scent they make is the cinnamon. I haven’t smelled all the scents, but I really like this one. The photo shows it burning after I took it back to the office. The nice lady at ResCare gave me this candle, which sells for $2. I think that’s a very reasonable price.

The scent reminds me of cinnamon gum. I really like it. I burned it at work yesterday and received positive comments from people walking past my desk.
With the scent, I detect some fruity, minty and floral undertones, as well as the cinnamon.

Other scents they have that appeal to me include Apple Struedel and Lavender. They also offer Vanilla, Grapefruit, Ocean, Black-Cherry, Blueberry, Cucumber Melon and Strawberry Cheesecake. Their brochure says other scents are available upon request. People also can bring in their own containers to get them filled for 90 cents per ounce, and people can get a discount for bringing their candles back to ResCare for refills.

“Will make just about any candle you desire,” the brochure said.

While there, I sniffed the Cucumber Melon scent, which smelled fresh and clean.

Candles can be purchased at Peace Connections in downtown Newton or at the main ResCare office at 700 E. 14th.

The candles are made from soy wax and have lead-free wicks. The candle I burned had a very nice wax pool after a while. I’d recommend purchasing these candles, especially since they benefit a local organization and smell and burn great.

Until next time, happy quilting!
Wendy Nugent

Hey everyone! Does anyone read this blog? If you do, feel free to email me at wendy.nugent@thekansan.com. I’d love to hear if anyone reads this. Sometimes, I feel like I’m throwing a note in a bottle and casting it off into the sea and don’t hear a whole lot back about it.

So, here’s a few of my sampler blocks with the repeater blocks thrown in for The Romance Continues quilt. We have to make 13 of the blocks (like the ones here that have the apple green and rust fabrics), and I’ve made three. I also have two more cut out.

I’m on my way!

I’m taking a class at the local quilt shop again, and this is the quilt we’re doing. We all do the same pattern but pick our own fabrics. I really enjoy picking the fabrics myself. It’s the part of the creative process I enjoy the most.

I really do love the Arnold’s Attic line of fabrics I’m using for this quilt with a bunch of scrappiness thrown in for the backgrounds — except for the sashing, which is all one fabric. I really like that fabric.

So this is the beginning of the quilt. There will be many more blocks.

I was going to do the little square fabrics that form the cross-hatch pattern in a dark green, but those just didn’t pack the punch that the browns do. So, I changed my plans to using brown. Maybe I can use the dark green to make a pillowcase or two to go with the quilt.

Until next time, happy quilting!
Wendy Nugent
 

As you probably know, if you’ve been reading this blog for a while, I love scented candles — especially Yankee Candles.

They’ve come out with a new line recently, called Pure Radiance, which is a new contemporary candle line.

The candles come in three sizes in vases and retail for $10.99 for the small, $22.99 for the medium and $27.99 for the large. There’s 12 fragrances — After Dark, Emberlight, Ice Crystal, Denim, Petals, Lavendar Chiffon, Beachfront, Key Lime, Nectar, Grapevine, Créme Brülée and Cinnamon Scone.

Yankee sent me, from the size of it, a large After Dark-scented candle. The scent is described as “an enchanted evening with this noctural mix of night air, garden herbs, rich woods and musk.”

The candles are a custom soy blend using the patent-pending LumiWick technology, according to the news release. The cotton wick is flat.

Here is my opinion of this candle: The candle formed a great wax pool, and the scent was very nice cold. It smells a little like men’s cologne, only woodsier, I think. It took me a while to get used to the scent because I generally like food scents, like their Apple Pie and Cinnamon Roll candles. I must interject here that if I’m going to like a scent, it usually takes me a while to warm up to it. I don’t know why. When I first tried Apple Pie and Cinnamon Roll, I didn’t really like them, but now they’re among my faves. So, now I like the scent.

The candle burns nice and clean. The slight curve to the “vase” the candle is in probably helps make the nice wax pool. The scent doesn’t seem to be too strong or too weak, which is how I like scented candles. Some people like really strong candles, but I don’t.

An added bonus is the candle leaves my home smelling quite nice, even when the candle isn’t lit. There’s just a slight nice smell lingering in the air, like when I went home for lunch today.

The appearance of the candle I find to be quite pleasing also. It looks very classy, although I still really like the YC jar candles.

If you want to purchase the candles, visit www.yankeecandle.com. Some stores also are selling them. I don’t believe anyone in Newton is selling Yankee Candles, or I’d direct you there. There’s a couple YC stores in Wichita. Yes, I’ve been to both. My favorite is the one in Towne East.

I also like that the line represents a variety of tastes in scented candles — from fruity to spicey to outdoorsy to flowery. Many different people have many different tastes in what they like to smell, so once again, Yankee has done a good job of appealing to the public.

I’d really like to smell Emberlight and Cinnamon Scone.

Here’s a description of the other Pure Radiance scents from Yankee:

“Emberlight™ — Bask in the glow ... pine, charcoal and balsam combine to bring the warmth and comfort of the fireside.

“Ice Crystal™ — Refresh and renew with this modern mix of mint leaf, eucalyptus, pine, and cedar.

“Denim™ — Comfortable and casual ... this carefree mix of citrus, white flowers, cedarwood and musk is as relaxed as a Sunday afternoon.

“Petals — Treat yourself to flowers with this soft bouquet of sweet peas, berry blossoms and musk.

“Lavender Chiffon™ — Relax and unwind with this silky, smooth, lush lavender bouquet.

“Beachfront™ — Escape to a place where the air is filled with the sounds of the waves and the scents of summer blossoms. Includes notes of watery, ozone, pineapple, lotus, and coconut.

“Key Lime — With sweet and tart notes of lemon, lime and vanilla cream, this scent is always upbeat and refreshing.

“Nectar — Life is sweet with this warm and wonderful, sun-drenched blend of orange, pineapple, peach and mango.

“Grapevine — Like a fine wine, this fruity, spicy vintage has a bouquet of berries, a touch of floral, and a hint of warm woods.

“Créme Brülée — Savor the evening with this rich and creamy blend of caramelized sugar, maple and bourbon.

“Cinnamon Scone — Fresh-from-the-oven fabulous ... pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and brown sugar make this scent feel like it was baked with love.”

I can’t wait to try some of the others. Even some of my co-workers have commented on how much they like this candle. One wanted to know if it was out yet and where she could purchase it.

Until next time, happy quilting and hope your home is comforting!
Wendy Nugent

Yesterday, I was at Schowalter Villa in Hesston with co-worker Chad Frey as we were covering Dwight Roth’s reception for a national recognition he received.

On my way into the chapel where the reception was, I spotted a lady under bright lights hand-quilting a quilt.

So, on my way out, I had to stop and snap a few photos of her in action. She said her name was Hettie Conrad, and she and Sunny Hong and Mary Hershberger all hand-quilt at Schowalter Villa for money.

Just thought I’d share a photo of her with you. She said if anyone is interested in having a quilt hand-quilted, they can call Schowalter Villa in Hesston.

I don’t know about you, but quilting always catches my eye, as it did in this particular instance. If I’m watching a movie and there’s a quilt in a scene, I find myself checking out the quilt or yelling, “Hey, a quilt!”

I love quilts. Until next time, happy quilting!
Wendy Nugent

 

So, last night I attended the monthly meeting of the Emma Creek Quilt Guild in Hesston.

Many members brought pillowcases that will be donated to people in need through the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. There were a lot of pillowcases donated by members. I’ve included a photo here of someone looking at the pillowcases from last night’s meeting.

Information about the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge can be found at www.allpeoplequilt.com. The count on there for number of pillowcases donated so far is 384,986. So, they haven’t reached the halfway point yet.

Pillowcases are donated to local organizations and charities worldwide. People who make and donate pillowcases are asked to report the number to American Patchwork & Quilting, which is the organization spearheading the effort.

I don’t know which local organization(s) are going to receive the pillowcases from our guild. I think I missed the meeting where they talked about the pillowcase challenge.

“... And we’re asking for your help to make a pillowcase and make a difference,” said Jennifer Keltner on the magazine’s website.

I think she’s the editor of the magazine, but I could be wrong. It doesn’t say on the video.

When you go to www.allpeoplequilt.com, click on “pillowcase challenge” under the quick links on the left-hand side. There’s more information there, including free pillowcase patterns and color options. You also can enter the number of pillowcases donated.

It looks like Charlotte’s Sew Natural in Newton is a participating shop in the challenge.

So, this is getting me interested in making a pillowcase to donate. Sounds like fun. Wonder if anyone would like a pillowcase made with Halloween fabric? Maybe with The Ghastlies?

I don’t know if the guild is still taking pillowcase donations; guess I’ll have to ask.

I’ve also uploaded a short video from our guild meeting during the show-and-share portion of last night’s meeting. Just go back to the homepage of this website (www.thekansan.com) and scroll down to “video.”

Last night, fabric designer Lynne Hagmeier with Kansas Troubles Quilters was supposed to have a trunk show during the meeting, but she could not attend because of illness. She’s supposed to be at the meeting in February now. I look forward to it. Our members came up with a program, however, but I left before the program so I could see my eldest son’s new location of his computer repair store in Hesston. That was fun.

Until next time, happy quilting!
Wendy Nugent

Here's the backs of the potholders. I almost like them better than the fronts!

So, on Jan. 13 and 14, I decided to attempt a try at some potholders. Mary Eilerts at Charlotte’s Sew Natural in downtown Newton showed me how to do these.

You use five equal-sized pieces of fabric, folding four of them for the back. You don’t even have to leave a hole (that you later sew up) for turning these because you turn them through the hole left in the back.

My plan is to do a tutorial on how to make these, I’m hoping, later this week.

Charlotte Wolfe, the owner of Charlotte’s, had no problem with me doing the tutorial.

I used, of course, Halloween fabric, since I have a bunch in my stash and love Halloween. I made three of these for my mom’s birthday, which is Feb. 8, and one for me.

It’s a quick project that took less than a half hour each. I find it’s a good way to get fabric “out of my system,” so to speak, by using it on a small project. Sometimes, I’m just dying to use a fabric, and this is quick and easy.

On the Halloween fabric thought, during the weekend, I was checking out the In the Beginning Fabrics website and noticed Jason Yenter will be coming out with a new Halloween fabric this year, called Hallowgraphix II. I like it even more than the first Hallowgraphix line. I didn’t really care for the blue in that fabric, but this one has hardly any blue. This year, the designs are awesome. On the theme fabric, there’s a jack-o-lantern, owl, a freshly dug grave, spider webs, leaves, cat, bats and skeletons. You can see the fabric at www.inthebeginningfabrics.com/cgi-images/1HGB1.jpg.

There’s even a pattern on the website shown with that line’s fabric gallery, but it’s not yet in the “free patterns” section. The fabric will be released in July. So, the pattern is a wallhanging/table topper with a haunted house. The theme fabric is incorporated in the border. I love the fabric that’s used behind the house as a forest scene.

I’m planning on getting some of that fabric and might just use it to make potholders and a wallhanging or throw.

This is the front of the potholders.

Until next time, happy quilting!
Wendy Nugent

Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilters will be the guest speaker during the Jan. 24 meeting of the Emma Creek Quilt Guild.

Our guild meets at 7 p.m. at the Hesston Area Senior Center in Hesston.

Hagmeier is kind of a big name in quilting circles. Before the program, there will be a light supper and mini-workshop at 5:30 p.m.

I'm one of the greeters for the meeting, so I'll be there. During the meeting, Hagmeier is presenting a trunk show.

Anyone interested in quilting is welcome to attend. New people attending can go to two meetings before being asked to join. Yearly dues are $15.

Hope to see you at the guild meeting. Until next time, happy quilting! Wendy Nugent

I know I’m months ahead, but I was checking the web to see what new Halloween fabrics are on tap for 2012.

I found The Ghastlies line by Alexander Henry is coming out again. I think this is the third year in a row for that line, although this year, the line is called “Ghastlies Family Reunion,” I believe.

I was going to include a photo of the fabric, but it might be copyrighted, so I can’t. You can see it at www.fortworthfabricstudio.com. I really like this one. It doesn’t look like they’ve incorporated orange with the line but have just included the creepy gray pink and green, which I also like. I remember the first year, they had the pink, green and some orange. I didn’t really see what they came out with last year but heard it was around.

A couple of the fabric pieces have family portraits. One shows a man with “Gaspar Ghastlie The Husband” written under his portrait. I hope a local quilt shop gets this fabric this year.

Pink has been my least favorite color in the past, besides white, but this line has made me like that grayish pink.
If one of the local quilt shops carries this line, I’ll have to purchase it. The line is being released later this year.
I’ve included a photo of a tablerunner I made using the Ghastlies fabric from two years ago. I still have some of it left. The Ghastlies fabric is just the theme fabric in the center of the blocks and the outside of the runner. I designed this runner myself, by the way.

I’m guessing fabric companies work at least a year ahead of releasing their fabric lines.

Another line I located was the Red Rooster Fabrics. Amy Barickman has designed a line called “Halloween Masquerade.” It looks very retro. With this line, there’s 20 fabrics, some of which are “theme” fabrics and others are the accompanying fabrics or “blender” fabrics, if you will. There’s old-fashioned bats, owls, letters, spider webs and cats. Pretty awesome

Another Halloween fabric designer I really like is Lynn Jenkins with Thimbleberries. She designs other fabrics, as well, but I usually really like her Halloween stuff. Just visited the RJR Fabrics website and don’t see any upcoming Halloween fabric from her.

Looks like Thimbleberries has some fall- and Christmasy-looking fabric coming out in June and September, but I see no Halloween.

Looks like Clothworks is coming out with “Spooky Eve” by Sue Zipkin, and Northcott will have “Trick or Treat” by Diane Arthurs. Those should come out in June.

Moda has “Happy H-owl-o-ween” by Deb Strain hitting stores in May. Looks like that one features owls. Surprise, surprise.
I’ve located a bunch more on the web, but one that caught my attention is “Fright Night” by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics. There’s ghosts, bats, spider webs and jack-o-lanterns. It looks classy and nice.

I can describe more in a later blog. It’s time to start planning those upcoming Halloween projects!

Wendy Nugent