Sunday, January 18, 2009

Some sewing and some soup....

I'm still working away on those HST's. It's been lots of fun. I once avoided them like the plague because I could never get them just right. Either too big or too small or catty wumpus, also known as wonky, but not nearly as cute when you are trying to get them right!!!! LOL But, I finally feel like I've hit my groove with them. Yeah!! Finally.

I've got a huge stack of them going, and I need to pull out the 4 inch light strip bin and cut some more. I don't count as I cut and somehow I always end up being short in one or the other. Eventually, I'll get enough done to start sewing together some blocks and rows. Fun, fun, fun.....

And, I just have to share a pic of the Minestrone Soup I made last night for dinner. It was SOOOO good. Here is a link to the recipe which is called Copy Cat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup. Now whether it actually tastes like Olive Garden's version or not, I cannot say, since I don't remember the last time I ate it. But, I will say it was good and rather easy. Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you away. It is easy.

The only change I made to the recipe was I used Chicken broth even though the strongly said not to. Hmmm, I wonder what that says about me?? LOL. I did look for some vegetable broth and didn't find it, so that was why I substituted. Sure, I could have made my own, but nah.....the chicken broth was perfect. Oh, and I did not drain the tomatoes either....and I might have added a bit more pasta than the recipe called for. Oh, my....I don't follow recipes very well, do I??? LOL

If you have a large family, you might want to double the recipe. It makes quite a bit, but we like leftovers (and aren't soups better the next day anyway???) and we do have lots of people in and out. It's great to heat a bowl up when you come in from the cold.

I've been working on Dear Son's graduation quilt from 1922. I mean, from when he graduated two years ago. I have almost all the rows joined. Ok, more like 3/4 of the rows joined, but I am sewing it by hand, so it takes a while.

Well, Dear Son and his bride to be and her parents are coming over today for lunch. They are bringing the meal, so that is a special treat. We're looking forward to spending a few hours with them.

Maybe this evening, I'll pull out Dear Son's graduation quilt and sew a few more rows. Who knows, maybe soon, I'll even have some pics to share!!

Happy Quilting!!!!!

11 comments:

Karen said...

Oh Paula, it sounds like the way I follow a recipe! Usually works out ok.
Can't wait to see the graduation quilt. Enjoy the handwork!

Rhonda said...

The soup looks great! I did not see the link to the recipe though...
Hope you had an enjoyable visit. You are getting some great in-laws!
We took our dear oldest to IAH to catch a plane back to Fl for school. ..
Have a grand week.

Diane said...

Yeah you! Don't HSTs make you smile? I love them. The soup looks good, I will have to try it. Yes leftover soup is so good. I wonder if freezing it will change the texture of any of the ingredients. I have been in the "make lots and freeze for later" mood lately.
I hope you had a really nice visit with the new family members.
Give my love to everyone.

*karendianne. said...

Paula, I was all geared up to comment on the fun pile of HST's you have there then I came upon the cutest blocks on the planet (DS's 1922 Quilt). Now those are tops!

Alice Grace said...

Oh, I love those blocks! And the soup makes me hungry just looking at the picture! My favorite in cold weather, home made soup! (And I am a firm believer in using chicken broth!)

WhiteStone said...

Paula, thanks for the link to the soup recipe! I love minestrone! Your DS's quilt looks lovely...I can't wait to see the top completed!

Wendy said...

Paula, you have been busy! I know what you mean about the HSTs and their wonky ways sometimes. Glad you got control over them. You son's quilt blocks look great. What an amazing quilt he will have.
Just printed out the soup recipe. thanks, i'm going to try it.
Have a good week.

Melanie said...

I can tell from your typing-- you're having a ball! It's sounds like life is good at your house.... have fun.

Rhonda said...

by the way, your photo of the soup is more appealing than the one with the recipe!

are you still working on your secret project? and what is it? :)

Unknown said...

Yummy!!The soup looks great. A bit to hot here in australia to eat soup but I will get the recipe from the link for winter! Jo xo

Libby said...

I would use chicken broth, too . . . . wonder what they have against it? Sounds yummy *S*