Pre-order "Ruby" by Bonnie & Camille

Pre-orders are now being accepted for this beautiful new fabric..."Ruby" by Bonnie & Camille for Moda...at the shop.  Expected to arrive at the shop next week, and pre-orders will be shipped out first.  Stop by and take a look.  I can't wait to get it!

Blue Beauty

As I was mowing the front lawn (or moss and dandelions as it stands right now) last week, I couldn't help but stop and snap a picture of this beautiful hydrangea growing just in front of the porch.  We planted two of these bushes last year and they've really taken to the spot.  Hydrangeas are my favorite!

Breathe Deep Seattle

Hannah ran her first 5K yesterday for the Breathe Deep Seattle run at Lincoln Park.  I couldn't be more proud!  The event was sponsored by the LUNGevity Foundation to support lung cancer awareness and raise money for cancer research.  Ben and I were there for moral support...I took pictures while Ben held up our sign.

At the starting point, just before the starting gun was fired.

Closing in on mile 2, with Ben in the background holding our sign.

The sun finally came out and it was a beautiful morning at the beach.  Still smiling!

In perfect daddy/daughter stride...nearing the finish line.

Resting after the finish line.  Where are the snacks?

Running a 5K was of Hannah's goals for the summer, along with learning to ride her bike and becoming a better reader.  What a great kid!

Cherry Fizz

We just got back last night from our annual drive to Utah to see family and friends, and I'm up to my eyeballs in dirty laundry and mail that needs to be sorted. We had a great time...it was HOT (as usual). While we were there I got to visit the Corn Wagon Quilt Co. in Springville. I usually try to visit at least one new quilt shop each trip, and this was the only one I got to see this time, but it was totally worth it! It's in this great old house and loaded with wonderful fabric and quilts!

I picked up these fat quarters while I was there. Can't wait to sink my rotary cutter into this new fabric..."Cherry Fizz" for Henry Glass. I'm thinking half-square triangles with white will make a cute new picnic blanket for the summer.

On Sale..."Soul Blossoms" by Amy Butler

All "Soul Blossoms" by Amy Butler is currently on sale 10% off, making it $8.10/yard. Find it here.

Easter Dress...Complete!

I couldn't find a new Easter dress for my daughter that I loved, so I decided to make one. Since time was limited (because I waited 'til the last minute, of course) I went with a simple peasant dress style. I love this fabric from the Kumari Garden line by Dena Designs for Free Spirit. Paired with a solid band of Kona Cotton in Bright Pink, I think it turned out really cute.

Can't wait to see her in it on Sunday!

Shop Update...

Just arrived in the shop...Sugar & Spice by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake Designs. Available by the yard or in pre-cut bundles. Happy sewing!

Black Bean Soup - yum!

Whenever I find a new recipe that everyone in the house likes, I have to share it. I made this soup for dinner a few nights ago and everyone loved it...especially the kids! I was delicious and super easy.

(Photo from www.ourbestbites.com)

Black Bean Soup

recipe from Our Best Bites (one of my newest favorite blogs)

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 3/4 cup diced celery (about 2 ribs)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 4 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (3.5-ounce) can green chilies
• 2 (15-ounce) cans low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. dry oregano leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lime, juiced, plus more for garnish
• optional toppings: sour cream, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, etc.

Heat olive oil in large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic and saute for 4-5 minutes.

Add the black beans, chilies, and beef broth. Stir to combine and then add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Remove from heat. Remove bay leaf from soup.

Transfer the soup to a blender. Place lid on blender but remove the stopper in the lid to let the heat escape. Cover the hole with a paper towel to avoid splatters.

Puree soup until desired consistency is reached. Squeeze in the juice from one lime and pulse to combine.

Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Are you feeling LUCKY?

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Are you feeling lucky? Thanks to Heidi at Honeybear Lane, one lucky person will win a $40 credit to the shop by entering the give-away posted on her blog this week (see blog entry for details). Many thanks to Heidi for spotlighting LaFlor Fabric and for hosting my first give-away. Good luck, everyone!