Peace On Earth

Another splendid (snowy) day in America to show you another Market release from The Nebby Needle. I am impassioned to share this message in "Peace On Earth". If I were participating in a pageant, my platform would indeed be "Peace On Earth". Bonny was inspired to do this piece after the tragedies in Paris and San Bernardino and asks that you keep the victims and families in your prayers and continue to do your part in promoting peace on earth.

 

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Royal Doodle Sampler

Good morning! Had my spot of tea this morning while Monty and I admired this lovely sampler from The Nebby Needle called "Royal Doodle Sampler". The alphabet from A to Zed is "doodled" with embellishments . . . delightful! The tulips in the corners and heart remind me of the tulips that bloom around the Victoria Memorial outside the Palace...ever so stunning in the spring! The crowns, of which I have many, add a splendid touch . . . almost looks like I'm wearing one! Have a stunning day . . . Spring will be here before you know it! 

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The Queen Has Arrived!

"Hello my dear cross stitch subjects! I am delighted to be stateside! I am looking forward to presenting the new Nashville Market releases from The Nebby Needle beginning Monday. Monty (one of my beloved corgis) and I will be attending the Market in a few weeks. Today, Monty and I visited a brilliant cross stitch shop in Johnson City, TN (Cross Stitch & Crafts). We had a most wonderful day visiting with stitchers and customers. Cheerio until Monday!"

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Two Down . . . Two To Go

Working on Nashville Market pieces.  Two are framed (at Carriage House in Kingsport, TN) and two are there waiting for Terry to work her magic . . . she's got a great eye for what shows a piece off!  Here's a sneak peek at the two completed ones:

In an ideal world, of which I don't seem to live, I'd like to have one more piece finished beyond these four.  I'm not making any promises because I'm currently stitching a freebie to have available.  There are just so many hours in a day!  I'm sure it's nice to have model stitchers.  I must be more of a control freak than I'm willing to admit . . . or maybe it's my design style . . . just can't hand over my working design pattern to someone else unless I want several interpretations of a design (like I did with Her Majesty).  I always seem to tweak my designs as I'm stitching them . . . this color doesn't work . . . that motif needs to move . . . wrong fabric for the color pallet. Oh well . . . I do what I can do . . . and enjoy it!

Keep stitching!

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Soup Weather?

I LOVE SOUP!  Surely we will have soup weather here in Tennessee soon.  But alas . . . store bought soup is generally loaded with sodium.  Home made soup takes time . . . and I have to be in "cooking mood" to take that time.  This soup is so worth the time . . . only about an hour, start to finish.  Couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've made it since watching Ellie Krieger on Food Network in 2007.  It's way up there on my list of "favorite foods".

Nutty Sweet Potato Soup

Prep Time:  10 - 15 minutes
Cook Time:  30 minutes
Yield:  6 servings, serving size 1 1/2 cups

1 tablespoon canola oil (I usually use either olive oil or coconut oil)
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup) (I use jarred roasted red pepper)
1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on the kick you want)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (2 cups)
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (I prefer low-sodium chicken stock)
1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes, with their juices
2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup chopped scallion greens (about 3 scallions)  (I don't usually use these.  I prefer chopped peanuts as   a garnish.  My daughter prefers grated cheese.)

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a medium-high heat.  Add the onions, bell pepper and carrots and cook, stirring until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.  Add the cayeene, black pepper, garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.  Stir in the sweet potato, broth, and tomatoes and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potates are tender, about 20 minutes.

*Puree the soup in the pot using an immersion blender or in a regular blender in several batches and return the soup to the pot.  Add the peanut butter and honey and stir, over low heat, until the peanut butter melts. (I add this before I puree) Serve warm, garnished with the scallions (or peanuts, or cheese).

*When blending hot liquids:  Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.  Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway.  If using a blender, release one corner of the lid.  This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions.  Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth (I prefer a course puree)

Per Serving:
Calories 290; Total Fat 18g (Sat Fat 3.5g, Mono Fat 9g, Poly Fat 5g); Protein 14g; Carb 23g; Fiber 5g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 260mg

Time to lick the bowl!

Wait . . . there's plenty left . . . have another bowl . . . and then go get some stitching done!!!

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Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

I apologize for not posting this earlier . . . really thought I had posted it last year . . . guess not.

My gift to you:

Remember to set your scales back 10 pounds tomorrow night!

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A Retreating We Will Go

I think my new goal is to attend a retreat at least once a month.  Sounds good to me!

The EGA Bristol TN/VA Chapter held it's yearly retreat last week at Lake Junaluska, NC.  It's just the perfect spot for a relaxing, rejuvenating 4 day retreat.  The Terrace Hotel has been completely renovated with the sleeping rooms going from adequate to exceptional. We reserve the same meeting room each year across the street from the hotel that overlooks the lake. Gathering a week later than usual, the leaves were well past "peak" but, the lake is always beautiful.

We have such a creatively diverse group . . . the perfect place to learn, admire and get inspired!  Here are a few things people were working on (most people brought several projects).

Our quilters:

 Veronica

 Claire

Kathie

 Lynn

Ann

Patty

 

Lynne

Our other needleworkers:

Kathy

 Katy

Gail

 Toni

Susan

JoRita

Glenna

Marlene

Joan

 Joneen

Doris

Tommie

Ashley

 Nita

Sandra

 Sue

Janet

 Susan

(taking a break)

 Judy

 Amanda

Rebecca

 Belinda

I brought several projects myself . . .
quilting during the day and cross-stitching in the evening.

Working on my first queen-sized quilt . . . a nine patch with sashing and cornerstones.  100 nine patches completed.  I also completed a cross-stitch pincushion that is a companion piece to my next design that is at the framer.  I also played "stitching fairy" and stitched (while she was sleeping) the over one bees from my "A Bee C" sampler that Sue was struggling with . . . a welcome surprise to Sue in the morning.

Even though the hotel provides a meal plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) . . .
good food . . . 

we bring snacks . . . 

to keep our strength up!

Every year we complain that it's just not long enough.  

No amount of time would be "long enough".

Until next year . . .

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