Monday, February 28, 2011

February Friendship Basket Club

Ahhh..... The Month of LOVE!!
February can be so unpredictable....Weather can be mild or horrific, celebrations have slowed down yet the days seem to short to accomplish everything we have on our list.  We find ourselves caught in the winter doldrums & patiently waiting for the signs of spring.


I find it interesting that February is the month most people make their summer vacation plans.....Quilter's, they retreat! 
February & March are the biggest months for quilting retreats.  Now you could chalk it up to many things.....cabin fever, wanderlust, but being the month of LOVE.....I think it's all about the human connection.
As women we give, give, give from October through December... cooking, gifting, making sure every hope & dream for the holidays come true. 

Then February arrives..... we give ourselves a little gift, maybe a little splurge. 
It seems women naturally crave the companionship of those who know us & understand us best.....our sisters, friends & confidants. 

It reminds me of "Anne of Green Gables"  when Anne Shirley confides in Marilla...."Do you think that I shall ever have a bosom friend?  An intimate friend, you know....a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul.  I've dreamed of meeting her all my life". 

Shortly after, Anne meets Diana Barry & a friendship begins.  Anne has finally met her bosom friend, her kindred spirit.  They take an oath to be faithful to each other for as long as the sun & moon shall endure.

I recently attended a retreat at Bryce Canyon.  A lovely woman/quilter has been organizing this retreat/reunion for around 20 years.  It was such fun watching as old friends reunited.  Many consider this yearly ritual sacred, they make the trip to reconnect, refresh, & relax with their kindred spirits, their bosom friends.  It's like the "March of the Penguins" .... driven by nature to make the trek.....& nothing short of death will part them.
As the days progressed it was exciting to see new friendships blossom.  New opportunities to form bonds of friendship which held all the promise if nurtured tenderly, they too would become kindred spirits, bosom friends.

It gave me cause to reflect on my dearest friends, the kindred spirits, who hold a place of honor in my heart, whether they are near or far, they are always with me!

Remember:  "A friend is a gift you give yourself"

Till next time....

February Templates click    "HERE"

Friendship February Recipe

Layered Cheesecake Dessert:

This comes to me by way of another friend, and yes I did a little tweeking of the recipe again...
I told you I just can't help myself.  I must say that once it's made, it's almost too beautiful to eat!

3 C. sliced fresh strawberries
3 T. sugar
3 C. fresh blueberries
2 (8oz.) pkgs cream cheese, softened
2 C. cold milk
1 (3.4 oz.) pkg Instant vanilla pudding
2 C. thawed Cool Whip Lite topping
1 (16 oz.) Sara Lee frozen pound cake, cut into 1"cubes

Combine sliced strawberries with sugar, refrigerate.  In a seperate bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy.  Mix powdered pudding package with 2 C. milk, then beat into the cream cheese
and mix well.  Add 1 1/2 C. of the whipped topping and fold well into the mixture.

Now grab a lovely Trifle dish and lets build this beauty!

Start with a layer of cake, then berries, then cheesecake mixture, repeat cake,
berries & cheesecake mixture.  If you have a very tall dish you may have
enough for another small layer.

I finish it off with the leftover whipped topping and a few berries to decorate the top.  Then refrigerate covered until time to serve.
Ahhh....Heaven! 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Monday Book Club

We are taking a little different approach to the books we will be featuring through the next month....
I thought it would be fun to focus on books with projects other than quilts!
There are so many great books on clothing for infants, children & adults.

Anna Maria Horner is a wonderful designer of fabric & other fun things.
Check out her website & blog...HERE

Her newest book....Handmade Beginnings
Is just charming!  Check it out, I am sure you will find many items to make for little ones & those who are expecting them.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Fabric Friday

We decided to starts something new....
We will call it FABRIC FRIDAY.....

Each Friday we will give you a little glimpse into some of the newer
fabrics that have come into the shop.

Maybe it will get your creative juices flowing...
Maybe you will be inspired to create something new....
or finish something old.

Amy Butler...Soul Blossoms

Riley-Blake...Penny Lane



Laminated Fabrics...Free Spirit, Michael Miller, Rowan & More


Michael Miller....Gypsy



Come on in and take a look....
Send us an email if you would like to be on our email list  broadbentsquiltshop@gmail.com


Monday, February 21, 2011

Monday Book Club

Today's book is an interesting little selection that other wise
might go over looked....
This book has a great intro. and history on small blocks and quilts from small blocks.  I love that the inspiration comes from old quilts which use one block, usually 3" to 4" square. 
After working on quilts like "Dear Jane" & "Oh My Gosh"  I finally understand the captivating effect these small blocks can have on you....
The projects are wonderful & above all I love the history and instructions to get you going on your own journey toward small block obsession!


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Monday Book Club

ROARING THROUGH THE '20s
By Carolyn Cullinan McCormick


































This book intrigued me, I love to read about quilt and block history as well as folklore.  Quite frankly I expected to find a little bit more history in this book.
There is one page in the introduction that talks about the high points of the
1920's,  after that you will find cute snippets through the book from the 1920's Montgomery Ward catalogue which are fun to look at, but sadly they are not accompanied by any commentary.

Now don't get me wrong, this book is filled to the gills!  You have 20 paper pieced patterns in full size templates ready to photo copy.  They are in two sizes so you can make 10' blocks or 4' blocks.  All the blocks were originally published in the 1920's.
There are photos with different projects using the blocks & really great instructions on paper piecing. 

The book is nicely done and the projects are inviting.  I especially like the quilt done in 30's feed sack prints.  I love paper piecing so I will make room for it in my library.  Take a look for yourself!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Monday Book Club

With the ever rising price of fabric, we are all trying to find a new way to exercise our artistic expression through quilting...

With that in mind there are books springing up which focus on using those endless piles of scraps.....

You know the old adage; "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without"...

Personally I love seeing the creative ways quilters out there are getting back to their frugal roots!

"Scrap-Basket Sensations" 
by Kim Brackett


This book takes it's inspiration from some of the blocks
you can make using 2 1/2" strips. 

Kim suggests that you pre-cut your left over scraps
into 2 1/2" strips.... Add in a few new fabrics.....& voila
one beautiful quilt. 

You will find that using scraps separates the Women from the Girls....I mean you really have to pay attention to & study color, contrast & value. 
It is like exercising all your senses....Taste, Touch, Sight & Sound. 

Scrap quilts have such a life about them. 
I know there are a few quilts in this book I am itching to try......
Hope you like it too!


What is Monday Book Club?  Click HERE for details.