High Heels - Step One!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057444/

One of my favorite film, "La ragazza di Bube"

Claudia Cardinale who was one of attractive actress.

George Chakiris who's major movie was "West Side Story" as you knew.

Claudia asked to buy High Heels to George in this movie.

When I was a teenager, I believed I wore "High Heels" when I grew up. (When I reach Claudia age.)

High Heels were a symbol of a mature attractive woman's gadget.

I still don't wear "High Heels"

However,

 I need  my "High Heels"

I want to be a mature attractive woman in my life, at least one time, some point of my life!

Oops, my cats wore high heels once, look at cat's foot!!!!!!

I committed to create my "High Heels"
Check it out!!!

http://kickoffyourheelsfundraiser.blogspot.com

Instant December Calendar

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Print it out and put it wherever you want. 

Make Grilled Eggplant!!!!! and.....
 
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, cut in uniform slices 3/4 inch thick
olive oil, for brushing on eggplant
2 T chopped fresh mint
2 T chopped fresh cilantro
(You could use all mint or all cilantro if that's what you have. I also think this would taste great with a mixture of basil and oregano.)
1/4 cup crumbled feta

Vinaigrette Ingredients:
1/2 tsp. garlic puree or finely minced garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 T fresh lemon juice
1 T shallots or red onion, finely minced
1/2 tsp. ground cumin (freshly toasted and ground cumin seeds are best, but ground cumin will work)
Pinch cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp. spike seasoning
3 T extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:
Preheat gas or charcoal barbecue grill to medium high. (You can only hold your hand there for 2-3 seconds at that heat.)

Put garlic, salt, lemon juice, and shallots or red onion into food processor fitted with steel blade, Pulse until all ingredients are well combined, then let sit for 10 minutes. (This could also be done in a blender.) After ten minutes, put mixture in small bowl, stir in ground cumin, Aleppo or Cayenne pepper, and Spike Seasoning if using, then whisk in olive oil.

Brush eggplant with olive oil on both sides. For criss-cross grill marks, grill 4-5 minutes on first side, then rotate and cook 3-4 minutes more. Turn and cook about 7-8 minutes more on second side. I cooked my eggplant pieces just under 15 minutes total cooking time. Actual cooking time will depend on how hot your grill is and the temperature and thickness of the eggplant. Watch it carefully the last five minutes of cooking time and rotate pieces so they are evenly browned.

To serve, arrange grilled eggplant slices on serving platter, drizzle vinaigrette over, then top with crumbled feta and herbs.

Instant November Calendar

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Make French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

5 lbs onions, unpeeled
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
2 tablespoons paprika
1 bay leaf
7 (16 ounce) cans beef broth, divided (recommended Swanson's)
1 cup dry white wine (optional)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (such as Wondra) or 3/4 cup instant flour (such as Wondra)
caramel coloring (optional) or Kitchen Bouquet (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
French baguette (optional)
swiss cheese (optional) or gruyere cheese (optional)

 

 Directions:

1.  Peel onions and slice 1/8 inch thick, preferably in a food processor.
2.  Melt butter in a 6-quart (or larger) stockpot. Add onions; cook, uncovered, over low heat for 1 1/2   hours, stirring occasionally.
3.  (The long cooking time makes the onions mellow and sweet.) Stir in pepper, paprika and bay leaf; saute over low heat 10 minutes more, stirring frequently.
4.  Pour in 6 cans broth and wine. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
5.  Dissolve flour in remaining 1 can broth.
6.  Stir into boiling soup.
7.  Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 2 hours.
8. Adjust color to a rich brown with caramel coloring, season with salt. Refrigerate overnight. To serve, heat soup in microwave or on stove top.
9. If desired, pour into ovenproof crocks or bowls.
10. Top with a slice of bread and a sprinkling of grated cheese. Heat under the broiler until cheese melts and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
11. Leftover soup can be frozen.

To be honest, this onion design is my favorite! 

Excited announcements!

Art Director for Newcastle Fabrics since September 1st 2012 officially.

Limited opportunity of designing as a licensee artist! Hoo, frustrated in many years!

Finally, I have placed right position!
Fun, Fun Fun!

Keep going to create our signature collections, Mid century collections, Contemporary collections by Newcastle Studio.
We are working on new licensed collections include Hoodie Crescent line for 2013.

We couldn't update our website, please check our collections at our Fasebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Newcastlefabrics?ref=ts&fref=ts

Well, 
6 days before the market, Hoodie is sewing Hoodie's projects (I gave a pressure to Hoodie).
What is new in my life? "Sewing and sewing" is same issue for 10 years before the market!!!!

The day, today, I decided to announce my new life.

My projects are reversible A-line skirt for Mannequin, for Cheryl, for me.
I'm working on them today.
Our challenge project is four 20x20 pillows for 4 quilters.
Unfortunately, our fabrics were arrived last minute at our office. Sorry for giving pressure to my friends who are participating "The pillow challenge" with me.

* This is preview challenge. If anyone wants to participate our challenge for next market in Portland. Please leave your business cards or write your contact on our Guest book @ our booth."

Believe me, your friendship is best in your life!!!!!

I use Styl Mod 2's strikeoffs - it is challenge!

My work is not only sewing in this point! However, this weekend should be my sewing days!!!

I will be at our booth #400 Newcastle Fabrics,  Houston International Quilt Market.
Come and see us!

P.S.  It is my first time to stay til Festival because of our quilt "Exquisite Journey!"
Don't forget to check our quilt at the market, too.

Enjoy "Go Fish" and "La Chat" by Hoodie for Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

 

Gold fish  I posted my idea of Gold fish design 10 months ago. Now it is on fabrics.
I don't have fabrics here yet.
I hope I can play with these soon. You, too!!!!!!

An additional design for L'amour la de vie"
"La Chat"
This is cute itself!

Timeless Treasures said, the group of "Go Fish" and "La Chat" are selling at the International Quilt Market.
Go and get!

*Many Thanks! These designs are my last designs for Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

My new life's story is going to post after the quilt market!
I got this email from one of sales rep. the other day.
I saw the artwork that it was yours, even if they didn't identify you yet. 
Some people have recognized my artwork at the market already!!!
Please enjoy life with me!!! xoxo

Instant October Calendar

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Print it out and put it wherever you want. 

Crispy Baked Radish Chips (Low Fat/Low Carb)

• 10 -15 large Radishes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Slice radishes into very thin chips and spread on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Lightly mist radish slices with cooking spray and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. (if using other seasonings, now is the time to add them).

4. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until crisp. Time may vary so watch these after flipping.

* The cat design for Timeless Treasures. The cats hold Red umbrella.

It goes my Eiffel Tower and L'amore la de vie.

Happy Halloween, Happy Quilt market! Oct 27 to 29.

Unbelievable! I'm a quilter!

Some happens were in my quilt life.
My quilt was chosen for an Honorable Mention place in the "Home Is Where the Quilt Is" contest!
Now, this quilt is hanging @ The City Quilter in NYC.

Our quilt / Exquisite Journey was chosen for The International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston.
From left to right
Hoodie Crescent, Michele Muska, Frances Holliday Alford, Kathy York, Victoria Findlay Wolfe, Leslie Tucker Jenison!

Exquisite Journey was started on December 9, 10 and 11th.

What is a group quilt? What is "retreat" for the quilters???

Four of us started making quilts at Frances's studio.
I picked up fabrics from Frances's fabric collection.
It was my first time to use someone's fabric collection.
I picked African fabrics. Hooo, It was "Challenge" already.

I lay-outed them like a building.
I looked others, they put trees and houses.
Oops...
I sewed them a little, but.......
I used Frances's one of sewing machine that didn't corporate me.
It kept Jamming threads in bobbin case. Frustrated!!!!!

I left my piece at Frances's studio in Grafton VT.
Michele and Victoria went back to Grafton separately and finished their pieces.

I needed to be in Grafton for my piece.
I chose my trip on end of December to New year.

I skied, I rested, so I had only one day to work with my quilt.
It was December 31 to Jan 1.
At least, I brought my sewing machine. I could sew it, but it wasn't enough time for my project!

Frances asked her best friends, KathyYork and Leslie Jenison to join our Exquisite Journey Quilt.
Finally,  I realized Exquisite Journey Quilt was a serious group project.

I thought mine was good enough with others.
I said, "I want to drop my quilt."

Everybody asked me to finish my present quilt.
No one let me go.

I went back to Grafton on February (A couple of days on President week with my son. He went to his friend's lodge and skied. I quilted at Frances's studio.)
I sewed and sewed and sewed for three days.

I found interested Frances's leftover materials.
I put them onto my quilt.
I used my Natureland / Turq (For Blank Quilting) for my sky in the last minute.
At least, my fabrics were in!

I sewed my quilt from starting to finishing in Grafton, VA!

Finished four quilts were moved to TX.
Kathy York and Leslie Jonison finished their quilts and put 6 quilts as one piece.
Thank you, both of you. It was a wonderful job for us!!!!!

Look, it is an amazing piece!

Kathy York said,
Support, love, and collaborating, that's what makes a group quilt sing!

She is right!
It was the greatest artwork I never made with friends!
I'm proud of myself, "I'm happy to be a quilter!"

See you at The International Quilt Market in Houston!!!
This is my first time to stay Market to Festival!
Besides, I never met Kathy York, I can't wait to meet her in person!

I'm going to challenge my another quilts using my new fabrics for the quilt market.
My next blog will be previews of the quilt market.

Natureland Quilt was on the magazine

Accidentally, I found my fabrics on the magazine the other day.  It was a nice discovery, anyway.
easy QUILTS  Fall 2011
By Designer / Janet Houts
It is a nice quilt. I love it her layout of my fabrics.
Thank you!!!!

Instant September Calendar

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Print it out and put it wherever you want. 

Roasted Asparagus 

 

1 lb asparagus spears (thick spears are best for roasting)
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher Salt
Freshly grated black pepper
Lemon juice

Directions 

1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse clean the asparagus. Break the tough ends off of the asparagus and discard.
2 Lay the asparagus spears out in a single layer in a baking dish or a foil-covered roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over the spears, roll the asparagus back and forth until they are all covered with a thin layer of olive oil. (Alternatively you can put the asparagus and oil in a plastic bag, and rub the bag so that the oil gets evenly distributed.) Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub over the asparagus so that they are evenly distributed.
3 Place pan in oven and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, depending on how thick your asparagus spears are, until lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Drizzle with a little fresh lemon juice before serving.

Instant August Calendar

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Watermelon Pops 

Ingredients

• 1 cup  sugar, divided
• 1 pkg.  (3 oz.) JELL-O Lime Flavor Gelatin
• 2 cups  boiling water, divided  Ice cubes
• 1 cup  cold water, divided
• 1 pkg.  (3 oz.) JELL-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin
• 3 Tbsp.  miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 pkg.  (4 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1-1/2 cups  thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

Directions

1. MIX 1/3 cup sugar and lime gelatin mix in medium bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to 1/2 cup cold water to measure 3/4 cup. Add to lime gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted. Refrigerate 25 min.  
2. MEANWHILE, repeat Step 1 using strawberry gelatin mix and omitting the refrigeration step. Pour into 16 (3-oz.) paper cups. Freeze 20 min. Stir 1/2 tsp. chocolate chips into gelatin in each cup. 
3. BEAT cream cheese and remaining sugar with mixer in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in cool whip; spread over gelatin in cups. 
4. POUR lime gelatin over cream cheese mixture. Insert wooden pop stick into gelatin in center of each cup. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Remove pops from cups just before serving. 

Note 
Look for wooden pop sticks in craft or hobby stores. If you don't have pop sticks, you can use plastic spoons for handles instead.
How to Easily Remove Frozen Pops from Cups
Dip cups in warm water for 15 sec. Peel off cups.(Do not twist or pull pop sticks.)

Sow and Grow on sale!

 

"Sow and grow" finally on the market. I found the picture on Pinterest! 

Thank you, Hawthorne Threads!!

 Sow and Grow Hannah Johnson Fabrics / Photo by Victoria

Janet Anelli said, Sow and Grow is flying off the shelves! Everyone loves it!

Spring Quilt Market 2012: Timeless Treasures – Designers /  7 pictures on "True Up" blog

Pictures by Timeless Treasures Fabric.

Instant July Calendar

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Print it out and put it wherever you want. 

 Buttermilk Cornbread

 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
  
• 2/3 cup white sugar
  
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Gem Tree is in Alliance for American Quilts Contest 2012!

As you know, I'm a fabric designer who avoid owl design on my fabric many years.

Owl design was popular in Japan before US market.

My mother who corrected the owl's charms since she found her breast cancer.

Owl = FUKULOE in Japanese.

There is the same sound, but different Chinese character and different meaning in Japanese language.

FUKULOE can be Owl（梟） or Without problems（不苦労）

My Gem tree is creating Without problems（不苦労）in positive way.

Finally, I used the owl in my design that was my quilt since my mother passed 5 years ago.

I used wool fabrics. I didn't use any print fabrics.

I like the texture of material and colors.

Instant June Calendar

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Strawberry Shake

• 4 cups strawberries, hulled
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cups strawberry ice cream
• 2 teaspoons white sugar

In a blender combine strawberries, ice, milk, ice cream and sugar. Blend until smooth

What were on my wall @ International Quilt Market?

 

 Cafe Apron, gloves with cuff decoration. 

 It is very easy to make. Hope, I will post on my pincushion blog soon.

  

I like this tool bag. Free patterns form Timeless Treasures soon. 

  

I was part of the display! Reversible Apron dress and wrapping skirt.

I have two requests for making patterns. I need more requests form you!!! 

Let me know.

 

 This is a simple style apron, but it is always perfect for your gardening!

 

Tool hanger? Sorry, I don't know how to call it. 

Garden veggies are always delicious. No doubt!

I made long length cafe apron and wore it last day. However, no pictures right now.

Sow and Grow Quilt

It's the Snapshot pattern by Mountainpeek Creations.
This is a sneak peek. The fabric won't be in stores for another month.

However you could see this quilt at International Quilt Market in Kansas

Sow and Grow postcard

Head to Kansas City, Spring International Quilt Market.
Hand out Postcard.
If you come to the market, please stop by Timeless Treasures Fabrics Booth #3000-3009 & 3100-3109.

I'll start making my show outfit using new group next week.
So, I will introduce you fabrics soon!!!!

Instant May Calendar

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Print it out and put it wherever you want. 

Guacamole

Ingredients

• 3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

Now, we're cooking!

Quilts and more 22 simple Projects!




Finally, my applique Apron's instructions is published.

Instructions are with beautiful illustrations. It is easy to follow and fun to make.

7 pages for Hoodie's Applique Apron on Quilts and More / Better Homes and Gardens / Summer 2012.

It is same instructions for Veggie's aprons and other fruit aprons.
You just paste different fabrics and appliques onto these instructions.

If you want to have same shape of appliques from my sample apron,
(Onion, Eggplant, Tomato, Green Pepper, apple, strawberry, lemon)
Please let me know I will put these applique patterns on my "Pincushion" site.
I need your requests, otherwise, lazy Hoodie won't do it.. :) 

Instant Easter or Passover card!

OOOh, I forgot to buy Easter card for the party!!!! I don't have a time to go to store to get it!

Click the image and print out. Then Cut it.
Write your special words to your family and friends.

Card size 5x7, you can re-size yourself. Good Friday April 6, 2012, Easter is April 8th.
Passover begins in the evening of Friday, April 6, 2012, and ends in the evening of Saturday, April 14, 2012.
You see the space on the card, put your words there!
It was almost no winter and Spring has come earlier than any year. Unbelievable.
However, we don't get too much water in this year. The sump pump in my basement is so quiet. Unbelievable.

Happy Spring for everybody! Happy Spring Break for Students and teachers!

Instant April Calendar

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Print it out and put it wherever you want.

Bloody Mary

1 1/2 ounces Vodka
3 ounces Tomato Juice
1 lemon, juice of 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce -->
3 drops Tabasco sauce
Pepper
Salt 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)

Lime wedges(optional) or Lemon wedge (optional) or Celery(optional) or Green Onion (optional) or pickled green bean , to garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Rub lemon or lime around rim of glass and then put the rim in margarita salt or Tony Chachers, if desired.
2. Add ice to glass.
3. Mix Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, Pepper, celery salt and horseradish (if using) and pour in glass.
4. Garnish with lemon or lime wedge, celery stalk, green onion or pickled green bean.

My poem page is open. "Just Notes"

My profile says, "I'm a poet."
I'd never showed any my poems here.

I found my notebooks when I was cleaning my parents house up after my mother's death.
There was about 300 poems in two books.
I do write poems sometimes, but I write them everywhere, so I don't remember where they are.

I was reading my old poems in my bed.
I said, OK, "I will be a poet again!" :)

I'm going to put some poems from my past, too.
It will be my challenge to translate Japanese to English!
So far, I posted two new poems with my doodles.
(Of course, these are translation from my Japanese writing, too)
I haven't used my pastels and markers for long time, too.
All refreshed!

Casting Cat Group is on sale @ Spoonflower. New colorways and coordinates.

How cool this group!
If you remember my previous print. This group is totally different looking.

All groups are coordinating each other. So you can use other group's designs with Casting Cat.
Especially, Dot and Check designs!
Oops. I realized I can't have strip designs. OK. I'm going to make them!