My Yellow Farmhouse

A Meeting of the Sisterhood

Yes the Peeps and Woolies had their first annual get together last week and a name was chosen to distinguish this group as a whole - thus "The Sisterhood" was formed.  There were a few other names thrown around, like "dull needles" but Sisterhood seemed to be the nicest of the names.  So without further adeu(?) I introduce to you 

THE SISTERHOOD

There were a couple of the sister's not able to make this get together, we sure missed them.  Next year will shoot for 100% :).  Those girls got quite a hoot out of me, setting the timer on the camera and running to get into the picture (that had to be a picture in itself, lol) - I'm sure the neighbors on the beach enjoyed that site as well, lol.

What a great day we had, lots of laughs, show and tell, great food (if I do say so myself) and "gasp" we even sewed a project.  When I planned this day I had visions of sitting outside on the patio, enjoying the sun and the the wonderful view of the lake and just plain soaking up summer - well mother nature had other plans for last week.  So knowing that we are closing in on fall at rapid speed I went with an autumn theme for the day.  We went from a salad luncheon with fruit and ice tea to White Chicken Chili (slap me that was good) cornbread with honey butter and to round it all out Pumpkin Cheesecake blogged about here last year.  If you want that recipe just scroll down a bit on that post, it's towards the bottom.  I'll share the White Chicken Chili at the end of this post.

So we started out the get together with a little lunchie poo

one of the tables was a little on the loud side, and I won't say which one I was sitting at, lol.

Next we moved into the other room to start our show and tell.  The deal with the show and tell was that everyone needed to bring something to show and I didn't care if it was a new project or years old, I just wanted inspiration to share with everyone and get us geared up for the long winter months ahead of us and when most of us get quilting done.  First off was SH with her latest Little Jo's project.  Sitting next to her is JM who also happens to be her teacher for the Little Jo's group - anyway dang cute quilt.  Ms SH is who's garden we toured a few posts back

Next up we have LL who shared her table runner

Ms GB with her patriotic table runner made from a charm pack - to cute and it would look great here at the farmhouse - I'm just say-n

Ms. CA with her fall flag - LOVE IT

I'm going to toot the horn of Farmhouse Woolens for a second.  There will be kits coming to the website for these flags and there will be one for each season with a combo of fabric and wool of course.  Her hubby made the frame for hers and one for me - YAHOO.

Next up is DA - the punch needle expert in our group - sorry for the blurry pic

Love this little bag of hers, I think I showed it before, but I think it bears repeating

A great autumn quilt - which I know would look great here in the farmhouse - again I'm just say-n

Kari has been busy knitting dish cloths

oh how precious - look who's snuggled up next to Kari, trying to catch a little shut eye

Next up we have JF with a wonderful quilt - I think she said it was a Country Threads pattern

you can see in her basket a nice cross stitch picture she had to share, my picture of it turned out really blurry, but it's a great one.  She also shared this cute little pin-keep, which I believe is a Blackbird pattern

I was hoping she might forget it, but rats she didn't

Of course there's Ms. Faye with her wood projects, the great basket she whipped up and her peg rack with a stocking form.  So much talent, she's a whiz with the sewing machine and amazing with her saw - where will it stop I ask you, where

 

 

you can see under the stocking that there's a pumpkin stem,  she also made some great pumpkins which I thought I took pics of and didn't.  Sorry Ms Faye I know these aren't great pics of you - your so much cuter in person :)

So now were heading to the finish line where JV showed us her amazing wool flower wall hanging.  This is a Primitive Gatherings pattern and kit, but this girl likes her bling, so she embellished it with wonderful sparkly threads and beads - this picture by no means does this piece justice, it was amazing and it's so hard to see the wonderful details she added - great job JV

JM showed us a great pumpkin quilt

she also shared this amazing and wonderful quilt called Scrap Soup - WOW it's a beauty

she also showed her project from her Sue Spargo class when we attended the Prims of the Midwest back in June - yummy wools

After that they tackled a project I put together for them from a Buttermilk Basin pattern - and they all completed it like good little sisters - now if they don't finish it into a pillow, frame or whatever at home - well they don't I guess, lol - I did my part


here's the project they worked on - mine isn't totally done yet

It's always a risky thing to try a new recipe out on a gathering when your not sure what it taste like or if it will even turn out.  Well I'm glad I took the leap on this one - YUMMMMMMMMO. So here's a picture of our chicken chili - not a great shot I know it almost looks like white water, but seriously you need to make this dish.  Everyone left with the recipe as it was a hit with them - well at least they said it was, lol.  Those Frito's on the side of the plate go onto the top of the chili after you ladle it into your bowl

 Creamy White Chili
From Autumn in the Country
Gooseberry Patch Cookbook

1 Tbsp oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
1 onion chopped
14 oz can chicken broth
2 - 15 1/2 oz cans Great Northern Beans drained and rinsed
2 - 4oz cans chopped green chiles
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
8oz container sour cream
1/2 pt whipping cream
1 package corn chips/Frito's
8oz bag shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken and onion.  Saute until chicken is cooked through, set aside.  Combine broth, beans, chiles and seasonings in a large pot over medium-high heat, bring to a boil.  Add chicken mixture, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.  Add sour cream and whipping cream, mix well and add cheese.  Pour into soup bowls and top with Frito's -ENJOY - we sure did

I'll leave you with a little sign of autumn that I came across last September on my travels.  I've saved it for garden inspiration some day.  It makes my heart flutter every time I look at it.  I just love the color with the pumpkins peeking about around the vine.

I'm looking forward to dragging out the fall decorations next week and getting the farmhouse ready for autumn.

Until Next Time

OK SERIOUSLY, I'M ON A ROLL HERE

I mean come on 3 posts in 3 days - where will it stop, lol.

Ok let's get serious here, this arrived in the mail the other day -

all I can say is YUMMMMMM - it's the new line of fabric that Lisa from Primitive Gatherings Quilt shop has put out.  Wonderful soft homespuns in deeee-lish colors.  I'm almost afraid to use them - have you ever done that, find a fabric that you really like and hoard it because you might not find anymore just like it - that's just crazy I know.  Anyway it's a beautiful line with wonderful colors and textures.  I just couldn't help myself - you know how weak I am :).

Our town had their annual craft fair a couple of weeks back.  So I headed there bright and early so I could pick up a few things from my favorite booth.  Most of them have to be hung so those will show up in a later post, however I did pick up a couple of these pumpkins

boy it was hard to get a good picture of them to show you, they are so much cuter than how I photographed them.  Anyway there made out of bead board and each has a light in them.  On top the black lid has a great gold star stenciled on the top.  I didn't buy them last year and when I called they were already sold out.  They will look great on the front porch come fall.  I also bought a cute ghost also cut out of bead board with stained cheese cloth around it.  Forgot to get a pic of that.  I didn't take the time to walk around the show as we were hosting our annual fish fry later that day and I still had lots to do. The day was really lousy weather wise, never rained like they predicated even tho it looked and felt like it would pour at anytime.  We did take the "funtoon" out for a spin and we all fit just fine
 


our friendly dock boy just waiting to help us dock, lol, that's what you get when you arrive late - he did a great job Les, I know you were proud

of course there is always way to much food when this group gets together and this was our 2nd round of the day

We are so blessed to have these friends in our lives, they are true treasures and we always have so much fun together.  Last night most of the ladies met for dinner where we were able to sit outside and enjoy the evening and let someone else wait on us.  We even walked down the street after dinner to the local ice cream shop and enjoyed a treat outside.  Perfect end to a perfect evening with great women :).

Tomorrow I'm hosting the first annual Peep/Wooly get together.  I'm making something new for lunch and will share it with you all if it's good.  I've challenged them to bring something for show and tell that's fall related that they've made, even if it's 5 years old I don't care bring it along.  I think their all going to play.  Since the weather predication's didn't call for warm weather I'm going for a fall theme for our lunch, show and tell and a make it and take it I whipped up for them.  If everyone behaves we might do it again

Took this picture awhile back of where I like to have my afternoon coffee - just a little slice of heaven

of course Ms Cami is always right there with me on my lap enjoying the view and the "sniffers" she always seems to pick up on that are floating in the air

When she's tired of being on patrol

she snuggles in for a little siesta - another one of life's little joys, a cuddley pup

Until Next Time

YAHOO - 2 DAYS IN A ROW

Found these laying on the ground yesterday - what the heck - let's just say I'm seeing lots of those golden colored leaves hanging up there in the tree.  I think this crazy summer is screaming towards fall - ready or not

We had a little peep get together last week and I thought I would share with you the new addition they've put on their house.  First a couple of outside shots - the deck part off to the right isn't done yet, big things coming in that area

I just love this part of her summer kitchen and garage area

here's the new part that they've added on.  Her window crossbars or are those called mullions, can't remember, anyway they aren't totally done which is why they aren't attached to the window yet.  CA loves Americana like I do.  She has a son who is a "lifer" in the guards and so she feels very patriotic all the time

This saying is my all time favorite ever - I didn't know it was hers as well

I finished stitching these up awhile back and had them framed.  Now to find a place to put them.  There's kits available on the website if anyone is interested.

Ok I'm off like a prom dress to have dinner with a bunch of friends.  Let's see - I'll be back tomorrow night with some cute pumpkins I bought at our area craft show a couple of weeks back.

Until Next Time

Best Intentions Fell Threw - Again

Well after a little push from Anne - I'm back, lol.  I really did have the best intentions of blogging - but it just didn't happen.  Partly because I have been sick since my last post.  I finally went to the doctor last week and he gave me some meds and some cough syrup with codeine to help me sleep.  Mr. Farmhouse has been down with it as well.  Isn't that lovely to share with each other, lol.  Anyway the energy has been used for things that needed to get done and that's about all that's been happening.  So thanks Anne for the "get back to blogging".  We had one of our chats on the phone today - hope I didn't cough to bad in your ear :).  We get to meet up again in Houston in October - I always look forward to chatting in person.

So let's do a small post with a tour of a lovely garden I visited a couple of weeks ago with a few of the woolies.  We missed the woolies who couldn't be there, they missed a visual treat that's for sure.   Mrs. H has a house to weep over I tell ya.  Just look at it
 

love the General Store sign hanging from the porch

The inside is full of wonderful prim treasures that she just has a knack for placing and has been collecting for years.  She's a beautiful quilter as well.   Maybe someday she will let me do a little tour of her house to share with you all.  But that day we were there to see the gardens.  She is a Master Gardener and even though are summer has been weird to say the least weather wise, her gardens looked lovely and full.

So let's take a quick tour around the yard and I'll meet you back at the porch

Don't you just love that arbor.  It's usually full of Morning Glories I think she said, but for the first time ever she's had problems with rabbits eating lots of her flowers.

Check out this old wheelbarrow just loaded with sweet white flowers

 

So here we are back at the porch - look at this great collection of watering cans and that window box is so pretty

After our little tour she graciously welcomed us up on her porch for a cool glass of lemonade.  There's Ms. Faye sitting on that dang cute porch swing enjoying herself way to much lol.

love this little wire hanger that she has full of flags for the summer.  It changes for every season

and the little box below full of cascading greens - very cool.

So as we headed down the stairs to go home, we thanked Mrs. H for the wonderful tour and the refreshing drink - we enjoyed ourselves very much.  Hope you did to.

what a pleasant way to spend an afternoon and of course now I want to garden, lol.

I'll see you back here tomorrow night - oh yes I will

Until Next Time

Meet My New Friends

That's the Quil Sisters, Lady Kleenex and The Luden Brothers - we've been really tight this week hanging out together and chilling.  Yup a big old nasty summer cold has kicked my butt to the curb.  My voice has been pretty much gone all weekend and I'm thinking Mr. Farmhouse might be liking that - naaaa, he says he likes to hear my song bird voice, lol.  Anyway not much has been happening around here, not even sewing.  I've been doing what I have to do and not a lot more.  This post I think will be a little all over the place, you know like how my brain is functioning right now.

So first off thanks for the b-day greetings for S#2.  We went up to see him on his special day and take him out to dinner.  We stopped at his house so Mr. Farmhouse could see what he's done since the last time he was there - me since I've seen the place more recently I took a quick nap on his couch since I was feeling punky which helped me get through the rest of the evening.  BUT being the great Mom that I am (ok I must be hallucinating, lol) I did make up some cupcakes that we took up to him instead of a birthday cake - LORDY slap me silly these were good -

Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and you can find the recipe here at your home based mom blog.  She was making cupcakes for a wedding and has some really good recipes on there for more.  Plus she just has good recipes in general.

Earlier in the week I also whipped up a Blueberry Tea Cake to go with our Beef Barley Soup for our dinner. 


This recipe is a "blast from the past", one I used to make for my boys all the time.  I had a pint of blueberries in the fridge and thought - shoot I'm going to whip that baby up for dinner, you know blueberries are good for you and if there surrounded by a little cinnamon, butter, sugar, well you get the drift it can't be all bad - right.  Here's the recipe for you to whip up one yourself

Blueberry Tea Cake

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Cream together the butter and sugar.  Add egg and milk to butter mixture and beat until smooth (mine always looks a little curdled and never really gets smooth but it turns out yummy anyway)  Add dry ingredients and mix until it's incorporated.  Fold in blueberries.  Spread into a greased and floured 9 1/2" round or square cake pan.  Sprinkle with the crumb topping and bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes

Crumb Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter - softened
Cut butter into the dry ingredients until it forms course crumbs

This tea cake is really good served just a little warm - yummmm

Son #2 was home this weekend and although the weather wasn't really good for swimming we did manage to squeeze in the first fire in the pit  - SWEET - there was even some s'mores eaten in the name of experimenting on how the pit would work for those, lol

I also need to show a couple of more gifts I received in the mail as house warming presents.  First up was a wonderful set of place mats and matching napkins from Nadine

Thank you Nadine - these are beautiful and will be saved and used when I entertain the Peeps and the Woolies.  It was such a sweet thing for you to do.  There beautiful and the stitching is wonderful on them.

Next up is a cute set of blocks from my Anne.  She had these specially made for me.

Because Anne has asked me where I put them - this is where they are right now - but I keep moving them to find the perfect place.  Thank you Anne you know I LOVE THEM.

Let's see what else, oh ya, one of the classes I took while at Primitives of the Midwest was from Stacy Nash - I'm not sure how I feel about cross stitching on the small 32 count weave yet, the jury is still out on that one - however she had a few finished models for sale - well I snapped up one of those in a hurry, I mean a Stacy Nash original - and it's perfect for Liberty House

Well for those of you getting fall fever, here's a sign that it's just around the "torner"

S#2 loves his Fantasy Football and is involved in 2 different leagues and last night was the the draft for the first one.  He spent a good part of yesterday finishing up his homework on his choices and making sure he had backup plans in case they were snapped up by someone else.  He found that t-shirt at a store and thought it would make the others concentrate less, maybe a little intimidation - we all got a good chuckle on that t-shirt.  So chickies fall must be just around the "torner" if the leagues are gearing up for business.

You know the peeps had their annual retreat here at the lake a couple of weekends ago.  For the first time EVER might I say no air conditioning was needed, no swimming in the lake to cool off, no showers at night to get the sweat off of us and no electricity outages.  Yes those were a few challenges we faced when we held it at the old cabin.  It was always freakin hot, we always had breakers pop with to much juice being needed.  A dip in the lake was almost a requirement around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and a shower was a must at the end of the day.  Nope we had cool weather of course, because this year we had the option of turning on the A/C if needed.  I did take those peeps for a "funtoon" ride and even parked that sucker all by myself - only took me 3 tries and that was due to the waves, not my parking ability, although that was in question by me.  Can I say I was impressed with myself, lol.  It was a bit more windy when we came in then when we went out - but it all worked out just fine.

Here was our set-up




Sitting outside was so nice weather wise

we had a guest visitor one day - one of our Brainerd Peeps came to spend the day with us - Judy brought a beautiful stitchery quilt that she was sewing the binding down on - WOW it was so pretty


she also brought a couple of small quilts for show and tell


here is what the peeps worked on



the above blocks will be hot pads for holiday gifts that PH is giving to her family members

 

there was a little swearing going on with these blocks - I'm just sayin








I sewed on bindings on a few small quilts

picked out fabric to reproduce this quilt

and then did all the prepping to make this quilt from Liberty Star. I picked up a kit while at Prims of the Midwest, this is one of the classes that she taught - love it.  I'm planning on doing wool centers - shocked by that, lol

This is the sample block of the little basket exchange the peeps are going to do.  I just worked up one quickly so they could see it done and those peeps a little nervous about doing the "A" word would see it's not a hard basket.  They are all game to do applique.  We will each do our baskets in a different color and then we will embellish the center of the basket in whatever way we want. I'm pretty sure my basket will have wool in the center - what do you think :).  Thanks Karen for helping me out with this basket :).

Well holy smokes could this post be long enough - thanks for sticking with me if you did.  I am now totally caught up and I feel like I'm working my way back to why I started this blog.  I've posted something sewing related and a recipe - YAHOO.  Next post I will show you the 2 new tables that have come to the Farmhouse for my sewing room - SAH-WEET.  There's a wooly gathering on Thursday - so who knows what I'll have to share - I bet there hoping I still don't have a voice, lol.

Until Next Time