Friday, April 22, 2011

Lady bug Quilt Pattern - "Lady Bug's Garden" quilt was created because I love to garden and I love lady bug's.  Years ago  when I lived in Connecticut I was pleasantly surprised one spring day when I walked outside and found the whole front of my house covered with lady bug's.  I had never seen anything like it.  This quilt reminds me of that day. 
The quilt measurea approx. 59"x74".

Cinnamon Bread French Toast

For this recipe you can make home-made cinnamon bread or buy cinnamon bread at the store.  Be sure the cinnamon bread is a whole loaf and not cut into slices.  My daughter Emily made this fun treat for her son's third birthday breakfast celebration.  YUM!!!

Cinnamon Bread
3 cups warm water
2 tbsp. Yeast
1/3 cup honey
3 tbsp. dough enhancer (optional)
5 cups bread flour
3 tbsp. butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp. salt
3 ½ cups bread flour
2 tbsp. butter, melted
3/4 cups butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks butter)
Cinnamon
Brown Sugar

In a large bread bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over yeast.  Add 1/3 cup honey, and 5 cups of flour and mix until blended. Cover with a dish towel and let sit until big and bubbly for about 30 minutes.

Add dough enhancer, melted butter, salt and flour one cup at a time. Add flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 10 minutes. Transfer dough to a buttered bowl. Butter dough so that it does not dry out. Cover dough and let rise until double in bulk in a warm place.

Punch dough down and divide into 3 balls. Roll each ball into a rectangle shape.  Spread dough with softened butter (1/2 stick of butter for each ball.) Generoulsy  sprinkle cinnamon and then brown sugar on top of the buttered rectangle. Roll dough starting from the long end of rectangle.  Pinch dough together at seam and place in  greased 9x5 inch loaf pans seam down. Cover pans with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until 1” above pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not over bake. Brush the tops of the bread with butter, remove from pans and let cool.

Try not to eat the bread before it is made into French Toast.  It is better to use day old bread (or longer) to make the French Toast so make the bread a day before.

French Toast Mixture
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. butter

Cut the day old bread into 8-9 slices.  Mix all ingredients except for the butter.  Butter a 9x13 glass baking dish generously with butter.  Place the bread flat in the baking dish.  Pour the egg mixture over the bread.  Cut the butter into pieces and dot over the top.  Refrigerate for one hour.  (Can be made the night before.)  Bake 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees.  Serves 8

Heavenly Carmel Syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup corn syrup

Mix all ingredients together and heat on stove until the sugar is smooth and dissolved.  Serve warm.

This syrup is also great on any dessert.  In fact just eat the syrup and skip everything else.  YUM!




Delicious Home-made Bread

3 cups warm water
2 tbsp. Yeast
1/3 cup honey
3 tbsp. dough enhancer (optional)
5 cups bread flour
3 tbsp. butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp. salt
3 ½ cups bread flour
2 tbsp. butter, melted

In a large bread bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Add 1/3 cup honey, and 5 cups of flour and mix until blended. Cover with a dish towel and let sit until big and bubbly for about 30 minutes. Add dough enhancer, melted butter, salt and flour one cup at a time. Add flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 10 minutes. Transfer dough to a buttered bowl. Butter dough so that it does not dry out. Cover dough and let rise until double in bulk in a warm place. Punch dough down and divide into 3 balls. Form balls into loaves of bread and place in greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover pans with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until 1” above pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not over bake. Brush the tops of the bread with butter, remove from pans and let cool. Fresh bread right out of the oven is hard to resist.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Perfect Party Cupcakes

This recipe makes 60 filled mini cupcakes (You can also use a cake mix if you are in a hurry.)

The Cupcake Batter:

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa 
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons  Pure Vanilla Extract
If you want to make Red Velvet cupcakes add one 1 ounce bottle of red food color.  

Mix the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.

Beat the butter and sugar  until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Mix in sour cream, milk, (food coloring) and vanilla.  Gradually beat in flour mixture just till blended.  Do not over beat.  Spoon batter into 60 paper-lined mini muffin cups.  Fill each cup 2/3 full.
Bake cupcakes for 10-12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Cool cupcakes.  
With a dessert decorator (I recommend the Wilson brand from Walmart)  insert the round decorating tip into the top center of the cupcake and fill until you see cupcake slightly puff.  Do not overfill or the cupcake will explode.  With a star tip, pipe the frosting on the top of the cupcake starting from the outside of the cupcake and working to the center.  
Filling:

1 small  package white chocolate pudding (or flavor of choice)
1 small container cool whip

Make pudding according to package directions.  Gently fold cool whip into pudding.


Butter Cream Frosting:


3 sticks of butter softened
2/3 cup shortening
5-7 tbs heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 lbs powdered sugar
1-3 tbs corn syrup

Mix shortening and butter together on medium until smooth.  Scrape down sides.  Turn mixer to low and add cream and vanilla.  Scrape down sides.  With mixer on low, slowly pour sugar into the mixture (you might need to increase the speed as you go.)  Once the sugar is mixed, scrape again and mix in corn syrup.

You may need more or less cream.  The corn syrup adds elasticity and shine to the frosting and is optional.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Emily's T-Shirt Dresses

Emily’s T-Shirt Dress
My daughter Emily made these adorable dresses for her two little girls.  These are so fast to make and your little girl's will love their new little summer dresses. 

What You Will Need:
One t-shirt (size to fit your child)

Fabric for bottom of  t-shirt dress:
  Measure around the bottom of the t-shirt and time’s by two for the width of the fabric.  For the length of the fabric,  fit t-shirt on child and measure from the bottom of the t-shirt to the length desired plus 2” for the hem.  (If the t-shirt measures 18” around the bottom and you want the dress to hang 13” from the edge of the t-shirt then you would need a piece of fabric that measures 36”x 15”.)

Quilter’s adhesive

Heavy Starch

Putting the T-Shirt Dress Together::

Hem the bottom of your fabric by folding it up 1/4 inch and ironing and then fold it again at 1 ½” and iron again.  Stitch across the fold to make your hem.  

Sew the sides of the skirt together to create a tube.  

To gather the top of the skirt, sew a running stitch and then pull on the bobbin thread.  Pull until the fabric measures the same as the length of the bottom of the t-shirt.  Pin the skirt to the t-shirt right sides together and stitch.  Press the skirt down.  

Cut out letters from fabric.  Iron each piece with heavy starch and lightly spray the backs of each piece with quilter’s adhesive.  Place letters on t-shirt and applique them in place. 

For the flower cut a length of fabric 3”x15” and iron the strip wrong sides together.  Sew a running stitch on the raw edge of the strip and gather fabric until it becomes a circle.  This is the flower. Hot glue the edges together and sew a button  in the center.  Hot glue the rough side of velcro on the back of the flower and sew the soft side of velcro on the t-shirt so the flowers are removable for washing.  


Saturday, April 16, 2011

Placemat Patterns "Spooky Happenings"

Spooky Happenings Placemat and Stitchery Pattern
Placemat Patterns "Spooky Happenings".  This quilted placemat pattern will create a festive and fun stage for your place setting. Invest yourself in the holiday! No time? Included is a printable version for a high quality image you can print and laminate. An attractive and economical party piece that is easy to maintain and reuse. Either one will look great! To spruce up your wall, recreate this stitchery and frame as part of your Halloween decor. A printable version of this is also included. 
Download the pdf placemat pattern and stitchery HERE at Parties and Patterns.

Placemat Patterns "Ghost Hosts"

Ghosts Host Placemat and Stitchery Pattern
Placemat Patterns "Ghosts Hosts".  This quilted placemat pattern will create a festive and fun stage for your place setting. Invest yourself in the holiday! No time? Included is a printable version for a high quality image you can print and laminate. An attractive and economical party piece that is easy to maintain and reuse. Either one will look great! To spruce up your wall, recreate this stitchery and frame as part of your Halloween decor. A printable version of this is also included. 
Download this pdf placemat pattern and stitchery Here at Parties and Patterns.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Pillowcase Patterns "Sweet Dreams"

Pillowcase Patterns "Sweet Dreams".  Make this Sweet Dreams Pillowcase for the little dreamer in your life. Kids and grandkids love these special gifts and it is sure to brighten up their room.
You can download this pillowcase pattern HERE at Parties and Patterns.

Pillowcase Patterns "Cement Truck"

Pillowcase Pattern "Cement Truck".  Make this "I Love You" Cement Truck Pillowcase for Valentine's day or any time of year, just to say "I Love You". Kids and grandkids love these special gifts and it is sure to brighten up their room.

Pillowcase Patterns "Back Hoe"

Pillowcase Patterns "Back Hoe".  Made this "I Love You" Back Hoe Pillowcase  just to say "I Love You" to my grandkids.  I love making little things for my grandkids and then putting them in cellophane bags and leaving them on doorsteps.  I guess I'm still a kid.   The grandkids always love my surprises.
You can download these pdf pillowcase patterns HERE at Parties and Patterns.
Pillowcase patterns "All Star".  Make this All Star Pillowcase for the little athlete in your life! Kids and grandkids love these special gifts and it is sure to brighten up their room. 
Download this pillowcase pattern HERE at Parties and Patterns and get started today.

Quillow Pattern - Pillow Quilt Pattern "Giraffe"

Pattern and instructions
Click here at Parties and Patterns for the downloadable Quillow Pattern!
How The Pillow Quilt Works:
The pillow quilt is for fun and decoration, but also a nice TV quilt.  The pocket is meant for  feet to slip into and then the blanket wraps around the bodyl
It is also a great blanket for sleepovers.  Everyone feels like they have their own personalized sleeping bag.
There are two ways to use the pillow quilt.  You can keep it flat, stick  feet into the pocket and snuggle with the blanket……..
Or you can keep the blanket half folded inside the pocket and then snuggle with the blanket.
How To Fold The Quilt Into A Pillow:
Lay quilt top face down on floor.  I pieced the back of this quilt with my left over fabrics.  This is a picture of the back of the quilt.
Fold up the bottom of the quilt. ( Fold is at the bottom of the pocket.)
Fold the sides in.
Flip quilt so that the pocket is facing you and grab inside corners and turn pocket.
Fold quilt into thirds and insert into pocket. 
You now have a pillow quilt.


 Click here at Parties and Patterns for the downloadable Quillow Pattern!








Pillowcase Patterns "Christmas Tree"

Pillowcase Patterns "I Believe".  Here is another pillowcase from our Christmas collection that I just love. I call it the "I Believe" Christmas Tree pattern because I love that simple Holiday phrase! And what is more exciting for kids than to have a daily reminder if presents under the tree right on their pillow. My grandkids just love it. These pillowcases are quick and easy to make so if you are in the Holiday spirit,
click here at Parties and Patterns to download our Christmas Tree pillowcase pattern and get started today! This pillowcase fits a standard size pillow. 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Table Runner Patterns "Paper Doll"

Table Runner Patterns "Paper Doll"
Table Runner Patterns "Paper Doll".  This download includes all of the patterns and instructions you will need to recreate this paper doll table runner. DOWNLOAD this pattern NOW and delight your little girls with the perfect setting for a tea party. This table runner measures approximately 26"x52".
You can download this pdf table runner pattern HERE at

Table Runner Patterns "The Gingerbread Man"

Table Runner Patterns "The Gingerbread Man"
Table Runner Patterns "The Gingerbread Man".  Download now and brighten up your table with this adorable table runner. This quilted table runner complements The Gingerbread Man Theme Dinner and is also the perfect center piece for any holiday table. This table runner measures approximately 21"x52".
You can download this pdf table runner pattern HERE at 
Parties and Patterns.

Table Runner Patterns "Christmas Stockings"

Table Runner Patterns "Christmas Stockings"
Table Runner Patterns "Christmas Stockings" Download now and be ready for Santa's big visit with this quilted CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS table runner. This table runner compliments all of our Christmas Theme Dinners and is the perfect center piece for any holiday table. This table runner measures approximately 21"x52"
You can download this pdf table runner pattern HERE at 
Parties and Patterns.

Table Runner Patterns "Turkey Day"


Table Runner Patterns "Turkey Day"
Table Runner Patterns "Turkey Day".   Brighten up your table Fall table with this adorable table runner. This quilted table runner is the perfect center piece for your holiday table. This table runner measures approximately 21"x52".
You can download this pdf table runner pattern HERE at 
Parties and Patterns.

Bunny Cookies "Bunny Cookies On A Stick"

Blog Special: "Bunny Cookies on a Stick"
Bunny Cookies "Bunny Cookies On A Stick".  Easter is just around the corner so why not brighten your table with a boutique of Easter Bunny Cookies?  These are easy to make and fun to eat.
You can download the pdf  instructions HERE for free at Parties and Patterns.

Table Runner Patterns "Polka-A-Dot Posy

Polka-dot Posy Table Runner Pattern - Click Image to Close
Table Runner Patterns "Polka-Dot Posy".  Simple says it all in this Polka-A-Dot Posy table runner pattern. I love flowers, I love gardening and I love to quilt. I wanted to create a simple, spring table runner for a bridal shower.  This pattern works up quickly, brings color to your table and can also be used to hang on your wall.

You can download this pdf  table runner pattern HERE at Parties and Patterns.