Movie Treats! (and a visit to an area quilt shop)

I'm off this afternoon to see Sex and the City 2 with some friends! I am beyond excited!! My sister and I did not miss an episode back when SATC was on HBO, airing it's regular seasons. We watched EVERY Sunday night, religiously. That seems like a million years ago. So my devotion to Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte runs deep. But I digress. It is my friend Min's birthday today. So I couldn't just show up at the theater like it was any other day. So I decided to bring snacks. I made White Chocolate Popcorn; the recipe was found on Make and Takes. (Which was put together in literally 10 minutes yesterday afternoon. Other than letting it harden for a few hours, the stage that took the longest was microwaving the popcorn.) I also am including small packages of swedish fish and pretzels. (The pretzels are for me, I can only take so many sweets and maybe others feel this way too.) Packaged all individual snacks in cellophane bags tied with ribbon and everybody's collection of snacks in just plain paper bags. (Wished I would have thought ahead on the overall packaging, but even I can't think of everything.) I think my friends, who share my love of eating, will enjoy this surprise. Maybe they'll go to the movies with me more often... Now, off to the movies! (I hope I can convince them to have a cosmo with me.)

On a completely unrelated note, I ventured out to Annapolis yesterday, to visit Cottonseed Glory, a very good quilt shop! These are few and far between in the Baltimore/Washington Area, so just had to mention it. Definitely worth the trip.

A New Baby and A Mini Cinnamon Roll Bouquet

Earlier this week, my friends Heather and Oliver had their 2nd child, a little boy named Linus. Isn't he darling? I went to visit him at the hospital and brought with me a Mini-Cinnamon Roll Bouquet. Although I haven't blogged much about it, I do love to cook and bake. And while I cook all the time, don't bake much-I can (and should) only eat so many sweets, so I was excited when I found this tutorial on From Glitter to Gumdrops. It was surprisingly easy to put together. (Basically-rolling out cresent dough, sprinkling with brown sugar and cinnamon, rolling the dough back up, cutting into small pieces, baking in mini muffin tins.) And very well received! (And do you remember the basket from the flea market finds?)

Flea Market Finds and A Summer Tote

My friend, Heather and I had a little girl's morning out yesterday. (Who incidentially is about 12 months pregnant and was not the least bit phased by all the walking...I'm so excited about the new baby, whose arrival is imminent!!) We spent much of the morning at the annual Putty Hill Park Flea Market. Such fun! Came home with a small, but good haul-a small yellow basket (which I had plans for the minute I saw it, look for it to be appearing in a craft soon), an antique looking tea canister and a silver cuff. Not bad for $14. Afterwards, we headed to Ikea for lunch and additional shopping. Where I finally decided to buy these. Crazy colored crochet doilies. (I forgot to take a picture of them in the package. If you happen to be looking for them at your local Ikea, they can be found near the fabric.) I had been eyeing them for months and finally decided to pick them up, only $3.99. Once home and after a nap, decided to make a tote and use them for embellishment. Rummaged through my stash and decided on the zebra print. The result is perhaps a little busy, but I love it! Could not find a new spring bag at the Rack this afternoon, so I'll be sporting this until I find something better...

Mastering the Art of French Knotting

I have very vivid memories of being on road trips with my parents, my father, always driving and my mother, keeping him company and working on her embroidery. I specifically remember her working on a set of pillow fronts that were hospitality pineapples made entirely of french knots. I was always eluded by the french knot for some reason. It seemed complex and difficult. Well, turns out, it isn't. In fact, it's incredibly easy. You too, can learn how to french knot with this video lesson, found on Early Bird Special. Early Bird Special also has lots of free embroidery patterns. Check it out!

Happy Mother's Day!

I am not yet a mother, but more than ever can appreciate all of the hard work that all mothers do, especially mine. When I was in my twenties, I used to say that motherhood was one little piece of drudgery after another. But now, I think that when you become a mother, wiping noses, changing diapers, reading bedtime stories, filling sippy cups, the nighttime ritual of picking up all the toys, are no longer tasks of drudgery. Instead, they become signs of love. And so I thank my mother for everything she did to raise me. And I applaud all of my friends who are mothers-you are all working so hard to raise good little people. It is the hardest job, but it is also the most rewarding job. Happy Mother's Day!

Flowermart 2010

As my 4th spring here in Baltimore begins, I've been trying to experience all it has to offer. This morning, I headed down to Flowermart, held in historical Mount Vernon, just north of the harbor. Flowermart is held annually, always during Mother's Day weekend. A very nice tradition. Don't miss it next year!

Gathered Clutch Tutorial

So my sewing machine is finally back from the repair shop. And working better than ever! I had thought late last year that I needed a new one. But this one just keeps on tickin'. Not unlike my Nissan Sentra. So, I can now get to the point of this blog, trying out tutorials. I had wanted to give the Gathered Clutch tutorial a shot, (from Noodleheads) weeks ago, but due to unforseen circumstances, didn't get a chance until now. I think it turned out soo cute! This first one was really just a trial, I know I can do a better job. This was honestly my first time using a zipper foot and my zipper setting was not my neatest work. So, I must try, try again. A really easy tutorial though. Probably only took about an hour or so of sewing. My kind of project! I think I'll add a wrist strap next time.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

If you happen to be in the Baltimore/Washington area, the first weekend of May, don't miss the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. It's like a state fair with crafts and more yarn than you've ever seen!