Stove Top Macaroni and Cauliflower, Floral Motif Sampler, Scrappy Dresdens, Yuletide Blanket
Monday morning's kitchen window storm view.
There were numerous accidents, three of which involved fatalities. I'll never understand how things stay open here no matter the weather.
We are completely cleared out now and the temperatures have plummeted -27C this morning; however, the sunshine today is most welcome. I did three bouts of shoveling keeping our steps and the veranda clear and was so happy that the old arms held up and no soreness. Ironically, I'm actually having little twinges in my right arm from the crocheting. Nearing the last round of my Yuletide Blanket. It is much bigger than I thought it would be and the combination of stitches is making it dense and very warm.
Here is what I'm feeding us vitamin wise for these winter months....
I made this recipe for One Pot Creamy Cauliflower and Macaroni Casserole. It is a stove top dish so very easy. I added spinach to mine and some chopped carrots. It was tasty and we had enough to make dinner the next day with a salad. This is Tieghan's photo from her website because my photo did not look tasty at all.
With Fraktur Flowers finished, it was time to start another project. Many folks on FlossTube are raving about this design, Floral Motif Sampler by The Scarlett House, one of my favourite places to browse.
Brenda of Brenda and the Serial Starter stitched this project while receiving her first cancer treatments and found it calming and soothing. Her treatments worked, btw, and she is well now thankfully. Myself and all her followers rejoiced with her.
At first I couldn't see what the fuss was about, but as I move to more flowers, I am enjoying it more. It is nice to have the variety and you get a sense of accomplishment when even one flower is finished. I was tempted to try a higher thread count and stitch one over one (threads) but don't think winter light is a good time to try that. So this is 28 count Winter Moon Cashel linen, two over two as usual for me. I am loving the particular shade this linen is, very soft white.
IN My Lap last night, I laid a few hand big stitch style quilting lines on this piece. A bit of fun stitching and a nice break from the counting.
I have other things to share like free quilt block patterns that I really like but I'll include that next post. So please stay warm or cool, and busy with what you love.
love the quilting that looks like it will be a pretty quilt and that cross stitch! love that pattern. I imagine you take the extra vitamins in the winter for lack of sunlight? I don't spend near the time outside at this time of the year as the warmer months when I seem to live on the porch - I miss being outside so much and will be so glad when it begins to get warmer - luckily here even in the winter - most days - I can get outside for walks if I wish and occasionally on really nice days even sit out on the porch for a little bit with a jacket on - but not the last couple days - woke up to 14! and wind chill making it colder - I don't think I will venture out this morning.
That looks like quite a storm you got, Jocelyn! Glad you're able to get out and clear the snow without issues. The cauliflower mac and cheese sounds yummy! I'm going to save that recipe. You do such beautiful stitching - the quilting on your Dresden project and the new cross-stitch design are both lovely. Such enjoyable pastimes for these cold months!
Jo/Jo's Country Junction is stitching that flower piece during her cancer treatment, too. I don't think I'd have the patience. Love your black stitching on the Dresdens.
You have such varied interests and skills. You did well, now aches, I'm pretty sore! My knee is really bad. Love your macaroni. Hubby bought me a nice frozen one. He cannot have it.
I am playing catch up today. How fun that you had both dogs for a while to play together. Great pic of the squirrel and he is mighty healthy looking. The cake your daughter made looks yummy, as did your bread. You guys got a lot of snow. We are just cold. No snow, maybe a few crazy flakes, but nothing that counts as anything. Love your cross stitching, and your stitching on your quilt. Looks like you found some awesome treasures to work on during the big clean out.
I just bought a head of cauliflower and wondering what to cook with it. I'll give that a try! Lots of snow! Your cross stitch and quilting look lovely.
I love that Yuletide Blanket. The crochet stitch you used and the yarns are gorgeous! Such a pretty view out your window. Cold? Sure! It's winter after all. Lol!
That's quite the blizzard you have blowing outside your window! I'm glad you are cleared out now. Love the colors in your afghan, too. I am heading to that site to check out the patterns; it looks like a good one!
I love your yuletide blanket! The sampler is lovely too! Mom has been craving cauliflower lately so thrilled to have your new recipe to try!!! -27 is just too cold! Be safe outside! Your dresden quilt is looking wonderful (love the backgrounds to the dresdens). Have a safe and happy day!
I used to cross stitch years ago before I started to quilt. You pick such pretty patterns to make! We haven't had too much snow but it's definitely been much colder that usual. Enjoy the weekend!
I'm very glad I was sitting down when I saw that new cross stitch design! It's beautiful but oh so many stitches. The designer was very clever when she made so many different smaller designs - if you were repeating the same one over and over I think it would become very boring. This way you have multiple little feelings of accomplishment as you finish each one. I love your Yuletide Blanket and working on it in this weather must be comforting. And thank you for the link to the mac recipe - will share it with my Resident Chef.
It got down to -9F last night, but has bounced back to 19 now and sunny. We had about 12" last Sunday night into Monday. Lucky for me, two neighbors cleared my driveway and sidewalk. The big stitches on your Dresdens look so perfect. I should try some big stitch. I didn't do very well with hand-quilting. I made a similar mac and cheese dish that used broccoli instead of cauliflower. Good comfort food. Stay warm. Pat
Just had to respond and say re: your shovelling: "Keep it up!" I look at shovelling (I'm a widow in a central Alberta hamlet) as a "winter workout", and we've certainly had this here this year too. And..."Brenda and the Serial Starter"! I discovered Brenda and Laura in my YouTube feed after stumbling on Lori Holt...and now I'm wandering down several rabbit holes. I stitch, quilt (utilitarian and art quilts), knit and...a bit of crochet (working on a one-large-Granny-rectangle project at the moment). May you remain safe and well!
You are working on some very pretty things Jocelyn. Looks like your weahter is perfect to do some stitches although I would love a stroll in the snow. It is so pretty but I am sorry to hear about the accidents.
Snow Village for sure! That dish sounds so good on a cold winter day! Your crochet blanket will keep you warm and is very pretty! I like the new cross stitch project. Yes it is weird that people would get out on a day like you are having, but then maybe they are not the pre-planners like most of us are. Keep warm and pet Ned for me! Hugs
Yikes...-27F AND all that shovelling of snow! You are a trooper, Jocelyn! Though, all that shovelling would be fabulous exercise. =) Best to snuggle under your gorgeous Yuletide blanket whilst you crochet it. It is so pretty with all those dancing colours. Your Floral Motif Sampler is going to be lovely. Love the little flowers you have stitched, thus far. Loving too, seeing all those neat little quilting stitches on those pretty Dresdens...so pretty. It looks as if you have many fabulous pretties to work on, as you cosy down inside, while the winter wonderland outside does its thing.
A lot of progress and beauty. We've got freezing fog here, flocking the trees and plants. I would add onions and garlic to the casserole, so good for you too.
Such a beautiful view out your window, Jocelyn , but it breaks my heart to hear of the 3 fatalities. Your Yuletide Blanket is so pretty. The colors are spectacular. Thank you for leaving the link to the Creamy Cauliflower Macaroni Casserole. It looks and sounds so delicious especially with spinach and carrots. Have a very lovey week and happy stitching
I’ve been remiss in my blog reading! I sit for a bit in the morning, but have been sewing or at least puttering in the sewing space. Lovely post! When you start a new counted cross stitch, do you start in the middle or start in a corner! I’ve been watching some Floss Tube videos and discovered starting in a corner is an option!
I like cross stitch like that sampler because you can finish an entire motif in once sitting usually and feel like you had a big accomplishment. Your quilting looks great. We've been spared the big snows. I agree with you that it is not bad to just have a snow day at home with everything closed. I can't understand going out in a snow storm unless it is absolutely necessary.
Stay warm! Your projects are all day brighteners. 😊 I think the cauliflower and macaroni with some spinach sounds like a nice winter meal! Tonight we had lentil soup, perfect with it snowing outside!
Jocelyn - so sorry to hear there were fatalities from the storm. We drive in winter weather frequently, and what always shocks me is how fast people go, and go around us on icy roads!!! That one-pot meal looks delicious, and fewer dishes to wash!!! I have started a new cross-stitch project, a stocking for my daughter, and I am loving it!
I agree that the fun with the cross stitch is the variety and sense of accomplishment since each motif is small and easy to finish! That fabric is lovely. Love also your big stitch quilting. I need to try that sometime! Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.
There were numerous accidents, three of which involved fatalities. I'll never understand how things stay open here no matter the weather. 
Here is what I'm feeding us vitamin wise for these winter months....
28 comments :
love the quilting that looks like it will be a pretty quilt and that cross stitch! love that pattern. I imagine you take the extra vitamins in the winter for lack of sunlight? I don't spend near the time outside at this time of the year as the warmer months when I seem to live on the porch - I miss being outside so much and will be so glad when it begins to get warmer - luckily here even in the winter - most days - I can get outside for walks if I wish and occasionally on really nice days even sit out on the porch for a little bit with a jacket on - but not the last couple days - woke up to 14! and wind chill making it colder - I don't think I will venture out this morning.
That looks like quite a storm you got, Jocelyn! Glad you're able to get out and clear the snow without issues. The cauliflower mac and cheese sounds yummy! I'm going to save that recipe. You do such beautiful stitching - the quilting on your Dresden project and the new cross-stitch design are both lovely. Such enjoyable pastimes for these cold months!
Jo/Jo's Country Junction is stitching that flower piece during her cancer treatment, too. I don't think I'd have the patience. Love your black stitching on the Dresdens.
You have such varied interests and skills.
You did well, now aches, I'm pretty sore! My knee is really bad.
Love your macaroni. Hubby bought me a nice frozen one. He cannot have it.
Your Yuletide blanket looks a delight to snuggle under!
I am playing catch up today. How fun that you had both dogs for a while to play together. Great pic of the squirrel and he is mighty healthy looking. The cake your daughter made looks yummy, as did your bread. You guys got a lot of snow. We are just cold. No snow, maybe a few crazy flakes, but nothing that counts as anything. Love your cross stitching, and your stitching on your quilt. Looks like you found some awesome treasures to work on during the big clean out.
What a lovely flower stitchery. Pretty small thread count as well.
Love how straight your hand quilting is. Mine is pretty darn wonky.
God bless.
I just bought a head of cauliflower and wondering what to cook with it. I'll give that a try! Lots of snow! Your cross stitch and quilting look lovely.
Those quilts and stitchings are so pretty. Dang, it sure is way cold up your way but it's been too cold down here too!
I love that Yuletide Blanket. The crochet stitch you used and the yarns are gorgeous! Such a pretty view out your window. Cold? Sure! It's winter after all. Lol!
That's quite the blizzard you have blowing outside your window! I'm glad you are cleared out now. Love the colors in your afghan, too. I am heading to that site to check out the patterns; it looks like a good one!
I love your yuletide blanket! The sampler is lovely too! Mom has been craving cauliflower lately so thrilled to have your new recipe to try!!! -27 is just too cold! Be safe outside! Your dresden quilt is looking wonderful (love the backgrounds to the dresdens). Have a safe and happy day!
I´m taking myself D3, Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium in one capsul, good for all.
Nana
I used to cross stitch years ago before I started to quilt. You pick such pretty patterns to make! We haven't had too much snow but it's definitely been much colder that usual. Enjoy the weekend!
I'm very glad I was sitting down when I saw that new cross stitch design! It's beautiful but oh so many stitches. The designer was very clever when she made so many different smaller designs - if you were repeating the same one over and over I think it would become very boring. This way you have multiple little feelings of accomplishment as you finish each one.
I love your Yuletide Blanket and working on it in this weather must be comforting.
And thank you for the link to the mac recipe - will share it with my Resident Chef.
It got down to -9F last night, but has bounced back to 19 now and sunny. We had about 12" last Sunday night into Monday. Lucky for me, two neighbors cleared my driveway and sidewalk. The big stitches on your Dresdens look so perfect. I should try some big stitch. I didn't do very well with hand-quilting. I made a similar mac and cheese dish that used broccoli instead of cauliflower. Good comfort food. Stay warm.
Pat
Just had to respond and say re: your shovelling: "Keep it up!" I look at shovelling (I'm a widow in a central Alberta hamlet) as a "winter workout", and we've certainly had this here this year too. And..."Brenda and the Serial Starter"! I discovered Brenda and Laura in my YouTube feed after stumbling on Lori Holt...and now I'm wandering down several rabbit holes. I stitch, quilt (utilitarian and art quilts), knit and...a bit of crochet (working on a one-large-Granny-rectangle project at the moment). May you remain safe and well!
You are working on some very pretty things Jocelyn. Looks like your weahter is perfect to do some stitches although I would love a stroll in the snow. It is so pretty but I am sorry to hear about the accidents.
Snow Village for sure! That dish sounds so good on a cold winter day! Your crochet blanket will keep you warm and is very pretty! I like the new cross stitch project. Yes it is weird that people would get out on a day like you are having, but then maybe they are not the pre-planners like most of us are. Keep warm and pet Ned for me! Hugs
Yikes...-27F AND all that shovelling of snow! You are a trooper, Jocelyn! Though, all that shovelling would be fabulous exercise. =) Best to snuggle under your gorgeous Yuletide blanket whilst you crochet it. It is so pretty with all those dancing colours. Your Floral Motif Sampler is going to be lovely. Love the little flowers you have stitched, thus far. Loving too, seeing all those neat little quilting stitches on those pretty Dresdens...so pretty. It looks as if you have many fabulous pretties to work on, as you cosy down inside, while the winter wonderland outside does its thing.
Great projects! I wouldn't be able to survive in your weather, my knees would be frozen up. The macaroni and cauliflower looks delicious!
A lot of progress and beauty. We've got freezing fog here, flocking the trees and plants. I would add onions and garlic to the casserole, so good for you too.
Such a beautiful view out your window, Jocelyn , but it breaks my heart to hear of the 3 fatalities. Your Yuletide Blanket is so pretty. The colors are spectacular. Thank you for leaving the link to the Creamy Cauliflower Macaroni Casserole. It looks and sounds so delicious especially with spinach and carrots. Have a very lovey week and happy stitching
I’ve been remiss in my blog reading! I sit for a bit in the morning, but have been sewing or at least puttering in the sewing space. Lovely post! When you start a new counted cross stitch, do you start in the middle or start in a corner! I’ve been watching some Floss Tube videos and discovered starting in a corner is an option!
I like cross stitch like that sampler because you can finish an entire motif in once sitting usually and feel like you had a big accomplishment. Your quilting looks great. We've been spared the big snows. I agree with you that it is not bad to just have a snow day at home with everything closed. I can't understand going out in a snow storm unless it is absolutely necessary.
Stay warm! Your projects are all day brighteners. 😊 I think the cauliflower and macaroni with some spinach sounds like a nice winter meal! Tonight we had lentil soup, perfect with it snowing outside!
Jocelyn - so sorry to hear there were fatalities from the storm. We drive in winter weather frequently, and what always shocks me is how fast people go, and go around us on icy roads!!! That one-pot meal looks delicious, and fewer dishes to wash!!! I have started a new cross-stitch project, a stocking for my daughter, and I am loving it!
I agree that the fun with the cross stitch is the variety and sense of accomplishment since each motif is small and easy to finish! That fabric is lovely. Love also your big stitch quilting. I need to try that sometime! Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.
Post a Comment