an apron and lemon love notes

Last week I made a new apron for my aspiring chef. The pattern is Little Retro Aprons for Kids and the fabric I bought a few years ago at Superbuzzy. If I make another one I will drop the neck a few inches, it's a little high for my taste, but it didn't seem to bother Helen while she made some delicious Lemon Love Notes.

I think the back ties are so sweet, my favorite part of the pattern.

Lemon Love Notes

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup flour, sifted

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Cream butter, flour and powdered sugar. Pat into and 8 inch square glass dish. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Grated rind of 1 lemon

powdered sugar

Beat eggs and add the next 5 ingredients and pour into a cooled crust. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until set. Cool for at least 2 hours and cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar.

coasters

I made these for a friend who turned 40 and just passed the Bar! She also loves purple. I used a pattern from the book Home Sewn. Instead of tracing the pattern directly onto the fabric, I traced the pattern onto heat and bond lite, and went from there. A trick I learned back in my applique days is to pin a piece of notebook paper to the back, it acts like a stabilizer when you satin stitch.

The fabric is from Superbuzzy. I love ordering from here, and really love the hard candies they put in your package.

magic milkshake

These have turned out to be one of the kids favorite afternoon snacks, I really like them too. You can find the recipe here, and also lots of fun information about why you use some of the ingredients.

Collins

tote bag for Ines

This is the simple bag pattern from Last - Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts book. I love this pattern and have made it three times now. I did make it just a few inches wider this time. This one is for my friend Eden and her daughter Ines. I went to visit her in New York City last week and noticed that she needs a bag to take to the library, she takes her children there often! I love, love the top fabric, I've had it for over a year now, and it's silly to keep holding on. I didn't have enough for the handles, so I just used the same linen from Joann's that I lined the bag with.

You see how Charlotte managed to sneak into the picture?

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!!!

cookies and a kitten

Okay, I'm aware that these are not the prettiest cookies you've ever seen, and this rainy day photo isn't helping them much either, but don't judge a cookie by it's cover, these are good!! Better than good, they are my family's favorite. When I was growing up we had these every week at my elementary school. Now with so many peanut allergies they could never serve something like this in schools today, so I make them at home. These cookies are the perfect example of something being so simple and tasting so good.

Peanut butter balls
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4-5 cups corn flake cereal
In a large stock pot, bring syrup and sugar to a boil. Add peanut butter and stir until melted. Remove from the heat, and stir in vanilla and corn flakes. I stir in corn flakes 2 cups at a time. Spoon onto wax paper quickly, and shape a little to try and make them sort of pretty!

I found this kitten in the street on my way home from the grocery store yesterday morning. He couldn't see, his eyes were so coated in puss and infection. He was also flea infested. He is a feral little thing, but this morning after eye medicine, a capstar and a bath he is doing so much better. He loves Will, like all cats do, and purrs when Will holds him. I am trying to find a good home for him, like I did last year for this kitten I found.
Collins

Lazy Days Skirt

I am crazy about Helen's new skirt. I used the Lazy Days Skirt pattern from oliver + s. So much to love about this pattern, and best of all, it's free! It could not be easier, and took less than an hour. Instead of ribbon at the bottom I used a band of my liberty fabric that Billy brought me back from London. Linen and liberty were meant to be together!!

Collins