Saturday, August 30, 2008

What To Do When It Is SEWWWW HOT!!!

What to do when it is 107 degrees outside? Amp up the A/C and have a date with Mr. Janome!

If you recall, I was a willing participant in Eileen's

"Summer Stash Quilt Challenge" and designed the little "Duck, Duck, Goose" quilt.

Making the little quilt whet my whistle to do something else that would be quilted. So I got out my sketch pad and designed this little bag.

There is a quilted handle and a tiny cherry print ruffled edge. I machine quilted the back piece, which I find looks better and holds the "Warm And Natural (tm)" quilt lining in place.


Little vintage buttons and a ME Scotty Dog button add a wee bit of texture and fun to the front.


A girl needs tons of pockets to stash the small things so there is one in front and then a large sectioned one inside. I did a machine appliqued bird on the front of the pocket and stippled around it.


Here is the finished piece. It is large enough to hold a lap top computer...now all I need is to buy myself one!


I have also been working on pennant banners to list next week on ETSY. These are tons of fun to make and helps me get rid of the stash of vintage tablecloths that seem to consume a rather larger plastic storage bin in the guest bedroom. See, I bet you didn't see that in any of the pictures of the room? Now I wouldn't want to embarass myself, now would I?




What the banners look like all strung out!
There is a TV in my sewing area and I usually have it tuned into Martha Stewart, the Food Network Channel or Rachel Ray. When I sew I mostly have it on for noise, however every so often I have to goose neck it to see what is on - especially if it is something like a food recipe. Yes, I am a foodie! ha. The other day miss cutie pie Rachel was making a grilled cheese sandwich - Italian style. It is like a Caprese salad, except it is a "sammie" - as she calls it.


Our garden has provided us a lovely abundance of tomatoes this summer and what better way to use them than in this wonderful sandwich. Here I made the sandwiches with white bread (crust removed and used for croutons) and layered fresh basil, tomato slices and sliced Mozzarella cheese.

You will cook them in heated extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat the entire pan).

Cook over medium-low heat - be sure to watch closely so that you don't burn the bread. (I speak from experience!) The cheese should be gooey and the bread a nice toasty brown.


YUMMO! They are fantastic and really refreshing!


As Rachel says, "I'll see ya when I see ya!"

Have a safe and fun weekend!

Can you believe it is almost September?

Wow!



60 comments:

Patina said...

That sandwich looks so good! I'm going to have to try that.

You did such a nice job on that tote!

I'm with you Becky, when I'm crafting I like to have background noice going on. Martha Steward is a great one to listen to.

Jean said...

Becky, one Sammie to go please. That looked so... good. Your tote bag is too cute. I love your design. "You done good" Have a great holiday.
Jean in Virginia

Kathleen Grace said...

I just adore your totes! I clicked ont he picture so I could get a close-up of all the delicious details:>) And speaking of delicious, I have a ton of fresh basil in the garden, I'm trying one of those sandwiches this week! Thanks for passing the recipe on to us. Have a great Labor day weekend!

Miss Jean said...

The purse turned out just perfect! Love the little scotty button.

As far as the sandwich.....turn on the griddle and I'll bring the ice tea! Yummo!!

Mimi Sue said...

That bag is just gorgeous. Love It! I'm overrun with tomatos and basil so we'll be trying this sandwich next week. Love your blog, your home and your photography. Oh, and your cute puppy too. Mimi Sue

Life on the Edge said...

Your bag and your pennants are so cute! Can't wait to see the others that you finish.

Oh, and then you show that yummy sandwich. Oh my! My mouth is watering! I am going to have to get some tomatoes and basil and cheese tomorrow and try to duplicate that!

Kady

Kali said...

Hi Becky ~ dropping by yours for a visit always feels my heart with glee!
Loveliness all around...you create it and share it and I'm so glad about that.
xo Kali

PamKittyMorning said...

THAT IS ONE CUTE BAG!!!

Bella Della said...

I think I am going to make that sandwich this afternoon! Yummo. The tote is beautiful. Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Barbara said...

Wonderful bag - you are so clever!

Sentimentally Me said...

love love LOVE the bag Beckers. . . and those little sammies look YUMMO!!! We're cool as cukes here in New England this weekend ~ so nice. . . .hop it stays that way for Brimfield next week so I'm not sweatin' my limbs off * ugh!!! xoxoxoxo P

Anonymous said...

I love your blog and am so impressed with your work. I even watch the same tv shows.... As soon as I figure out how to add a list to my blog, you'll be added. lol.

Elizabeth said...

That bag is ADORABLE!!
Love the banners, too.

Brenda said...

Becky the bag is so cute.Love the quilting.
The Sammie looks good too.
Best Wishes
Brenda:)

Dena said...

Hi Becky,

You are killing me with that yummy sandwich! That looks soooooo gooood!!!! Have fun sewing :) Your work is so beautiful.

Hugs,
Dena

Unknown said...

TOO Cute! Love that bag!

I actually made those sammies once...
They were YUMMO!

~~Liz~~

GranthamLynn said...

I love the sewing things. The bag is so cute. And I love the banners. What a neat way to use those vintage clothes that aren't usuable as table clothes.
BTW where is Doughall? We came over to say hi and see what he is up to.
I found my camera that was lost and so this week I am going to take a bazillion pics of guess who!
I hope you have a great Labor Day. Gonna sew again?

salix alba said...

Hello!

I stumble upon your blog and I think you`ve got great Music on it. Especially the Irish one I like very much. Also looks your blog very friendly and gives a feeling of lightness - very fine.
I´m sorry if my english doesn´t fits very much, but i´ll do my best.

With kind regards Gestaltenwandler

Janet said...

YUMMO

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

is September here in Iowa! I love Rachael Ray. She is so upbeat....That's gotta be hard.
Congratulations! You won second prize in my giveaway! Email me your address and I will post it ASAP!
lindanuts@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i really admire your work and im really admiring that yummy sandwich too. im having some midnight snack cravings at the moment. :o)

Sentimentally Me said...

Mornin' Beckers! I left a little something for you over on my bloggie * so take a peek when you get a moment ~ xox P

closed account said...

Hiya my dear...howz u then,well by the looks of it you are just fine,apart from melting out there in CA..

lovin posts of late, every cheery ever resourceful Becky..your a darling lady...say hi to dughall pls from ellie n ralph...be in touch soon ..sorry my old email is now defunked ...lol..another story..anyway ..pls get in touch again if u can find some time my dear:))
kathleenpark@hotmail.co.uk
love the highland cotage btw ..u had me fooled for a min ..lol
loads a hugs n stuff...Kath xx

Feenwerkstatt said...

Oh help!!! Is THIS bag amazing!!!
I love it....
Greetings, Anja

Eileen said...

I love the little pennant banners.. they are so unique. I have just never seen them around here, and they make such a lovely decoration.
That bag is way too cute!

kari and kijsa said...

SO cute!
Happy Labor Day! Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

molly said...

OK you are a kindred spirit - you sew-you love grilled cheese sandwiches with tomatos - my favorite summer supper with fresh tomatos Of course! I love the banners I collect vintage tablecloths but I use mine everywhere. I just might have to buy one of yours. I could never stand to cut one up!HA Enjoyed the visit!

Little Blue Violet said...

I have a laptop...can I have the tote? lol....I never cease to be amazed by your astounding choice of patterns colors and textures. I am going to take a jaunt around your etsy shop as I have already begun to Christmas shop. I recall with a warm hert and huge smile your Duck Duck Goose quilt and still want that for my "someday" grandchild. BTW Kudos on your McCain sidebar logo. I'm an Independent voter and spend allot of tine researching backgrounds and voting histories of candidates in multitude of elections. I keep logs on all my research and although he was not my first choice 3 years ago for a presidential candidate given the two candidates and their choice of VP's...I have to go with McCain. Very few people do the timely research necessary to make the right decision and it is a real shame.
smiles
DarLy*~

Creations from my heart said...

You have an award over at my blog. Come and visit...Blessings...

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

That bag is SEWWWWW cute!!! Love the scottie button. I have been in a banner making mood lately too! What a great sandwich. Think i will try that as my garden is producing too! Your basil looks much nicer then mine. Not sure what happened!

Heidi said...

Can I come for lunch since that sandwich looks dee~vine and then gaze at both the quilt (which I somehow missed in July) and this adorable tote bag???

Hugs and kitty kisses ~
Heidi and Dagi

Jodi Nelson said...

Why am I just now finding your blog!? It's fabulous! I can't wait until I have some time to look around some more! O.K. and that tote you just made! Oh my heck! Cherries are my thing you know. So I think I'm coveting that tote! Can you tell me what the blue plaid with cherries is? Manufacturer or designer? SO CUTE! Thanks for visitin my Blog. So glad you did! ooxx ~ jodi

Anonymous said...

Is this a giveaway hehe? I want it I want it. Okay =( I'll just take the sandwich.

Sinta Renee said...

Yumm... I want to come over for lunch!!! I am going to have to try that sandwich. It would be perfect to serve to my "veggitarian" sister. Your Duck, Duck Goose quilt looks great as a reinvented little tote bag. You are so creative!

Anonymous said...

Love the fabric choices! I just bought some cherry fabric too for aprons.

cathleen said...

Looks like you have talent in the kitchen and the sewing room....yummy sandwich, yummy bag.

Thimbleanna said...

Your little bag is adorable! I love the buttons on the front. And those sandwiches -- oh YUM!!!

BittersweetPunkin said...

Your creations look lovely...even that sandwich..LOL!

We are just now experiencing cooler temperatures but I know there is another heatwave lurking around the corner...
Hugs,
robin

Lisa said...

Loving that bag and can't wait to see the other goodies all finished. My tomatoes are not cooperating with my appetite this year either. Sammie sure looks good!

Lallee said...

That quilted tote is just so darn cute,Becky! You need to keep doing this quilting thing. It's your bag--no pun intended. You have a wonderful way of choosing fabrics and the designs are terrific.

Hot? Oh yeah! Our AC is out! So I have been a worthless slug all day and I may stay that way until the new one is installed Thursday. And would you share those delicious looking sandwiches with me 'cause I'm not cooking either. Wha, wha, wha.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I love that bag! It's so pretty. Your very talented I see. The quilt was so nice. It's just beautiful!

Maison Douce said...

The tote bag is adorable!! I've been itchin' for some sewin'... Maybe now that the kids are going back to school!!
Isabel

Karen said...

Love the bag - it's sooo cute and that sandwich - lordy slap my thighs it looks YUMMO.

Hugs - Karen

Linda Summerfield said...

I'll take a banner and a sandwich please.

Pink Slippers said...

Yum, I think I know what I'm having for lunch tomorrow.

Vintage to Victorian said...

It's an age since I visited your lovely blog and although I haven't much time now I've just scrolled down to look at all the photos. Your visit to the sea was wonderful, and how gorgeous your bag is and the banner, too. I must come back soon and read the text as well!!!

Sue

ThisleRose said...

What a fun tote, I love it!
Nice recipe too, I like making something similar, but I ususally just use crunchy french bread and stack the tomato, cheese & Basil. I've never heated it up though so I think I'll give it a try! Thanks for sharring.

Anonymous said...

EVERYTHING you create is adorable Becky! And you take extra care with every detail - such a talented one you are! (((hugs)))
Your sandwich does look "delish" and now I must try to make one too.
Love ya!!!!
xo,
Kim

Anonymous said...

That one of my favorite ways to eat tomatoes! The pennants and the tote are so cute (love that material)

Manuela

black eyed susans kitchen said...

In the words of Rachel Ray, that sammie looks delish! Becky I love the way you used the little red buttons to embellish the bag. I also like a little background noise while I work, and if it helps me figure out what to make for dinner, all the better. Susan

Michelle said...

Hi Becky!

Your tote is adorable..you definitely need that laptop now!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend..your sandwich looks delicious! Any leftovers?

Michelle

Mary said...

Hello Becky, Your bag is precious, you do a wonderful, detailed job of sewing:) Love all the buttons.
I enjoyed your music while looking at all the cottage pictures and your banners. You know what everyone will be having for lunch this week:)
me too...Have a great week.
Hugs, Mary:)

bee'nme said...

Howdy Beck - well you've been at it again you crafty girl! How absoultely adorable is THAT!!!??? Really, you are an exceptional designer and craftsman! Your stacks of banner bits look mighty cute too just like they are :o) You sure have a way with fabric!!

Hope your weekend is fabulous!

Hugs and Blessings,
Becky S.

Rosemary said...

Happy September!!
That sammy looks yummy!!
Great job on the sewing.
Have a great rest of the week.
Rosemary

Laura said...

I'm sitting here in a hotel room in Michigan and I am VERY hungry and that sandwich looks amazing.
Do you think one day we will be able to reach into our screens and EAT what we see?

farmerjulie said...

Love, love , love your banners Becky!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

I love your darling laptop bag. My pinkie lee would look adorable in it. LOL And that sammie...OMG it looks yummy!!!! Now I want one.

Rhondi said...

I love the little bag you made. what a gret design! It is so cute! The sandwich looks good too. I'mgoing to make that sometime.
Hope you are having a good week.
Hugs, Rhondi

Cris said...

Your bag is so sweet!

Cindy said...

LOVE the banner...love those colors! And Dang! That is one good-looking sandwich too! : D

c