Kitchen Quilt

Here's the start of my kitchen quilt. I still have to add borders, the top to the cabinet, as well as the feet. I'd also like to do some fancy lettering on the jam jar and recipe box. The paper-pieced block patterns are from a book called "Cups & Saucers" by Maaike Bakker. I used fabric called "Kaye's Kitchen" that I purchased a few years ago...maybe 4. I really wanted to use the light green shown in some of the blocks (called mint linen) for the border and found some after diligently "google-searching', at Fabric Shack....and at a great price too.

Sunday Sewing - Fall Paper Piece Block Swap

I recently joined the Carol Doak Paper Piecing Yahoo Group. I signed up for the Fall Block Swap, and even tho the blocks aren't due in until August 24th, I decided to 'whip' them up today. I think I'll surprise the hostess by mailing them tomorrow! I can see these blocks in a Fall-themed table runner.

Greetings From Knit Cafe ~~ Bikini finished

My local yarn store, North Fork Stitches recently had a trunk show featuring some of the items from "Greetings From Knit Cafe". I loved the little bikini.....and worked it up using Noro Tidiori on size 3 needles. Great pattern once I got the left slant and right slant increases down. And Yes, it fits, but I won't be posting the photo here!

French Night

Another successful Dinner Party....last night we had French Night. I made Salad Nicoise...the recipe called for grilled seafood, so it was obviously minus the egg. The dressing was delicious, a blend of red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried thyme, s & p, and olive oil. The tuna steaks and yellow squash were brushed with the dressing, while the jumbo shrimp and sea scallops received a 15 minute marinate. All that was then grilled outdoors. The beans were blanched until crisp tender, then chilled with more of the dressing. The red pepper was roasted on my gas stove, peeled and then all the ingredients were served on red leaf lettuce with cherry tomatoes and olives. We all agreed it was a great 'summer' recipe and plate presentation was nice visually. We had wonderful Strawberry & Marscapone Cheese crepes (made by Colleen) for dessert. Then 3 games of Scrabble.

Next month is American BBQ Fare and a Hot Tub Party!

Answers to the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

Here are the questions and answers - I've joined in on the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap. More information can be found here:
http://virtualvacationswap.blogspot.com/2007/05/sign-ups-officially-begin-friday-june.html

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
I would love to visit Southern California, mainly to see the beaches. Hawaii would be my second choice. I absolutely love the warm climates.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be any why?
At some point in my life, I would like to travel through Europe. I have a friend who went to Italy last year, and my parents just got back from Germany.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providences/countries?
Many, many years ago I flew to Alberta, Canada; rented a car and drove around British Columbia. Beautiful Country. I've driven through many of the East Coast states, and have plans to drive from Long Island, NY to Fredericksburg, VA this summer. I'll also be attending the Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, NH in July.

4. Have you ever visited someplace exotic? Where was it?
I've been to Bermuda. I would definitely go again, loved the pink sand!

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
At least every other year, my son and I travel to Disney World in Orlando, FL. That has to be my favorite travel destination.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state?
I live on the North Fork of Long Island in the heart of Wine Country. I almost have to play tourist every day. I also enjoy traveling to upstate New York in the summer, as well as frequent trips to Manhattan.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beachcomber or an amusement seeker?
I enjoy going to musems, and I do like going to the beach, as long as it isn't dreadfully hot. If it's 72 degrees and sunny, I'll sit at the beach for hours (as long as I have my knitting with me!) Re: amusement seeker...the Disney comment speaks for itself.

8. What's your favorite yarn?
I'm currently hooked on Berroco Love It right now. It was introduced in the Spring, and I've already used it on 3 different projects. In the winter, I prefer working with wool. Cascade and Noro Kureyon are 2 of my favorites.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?
I hate to sound like a yarn snob, but I'm not a big fan of anything acrylic, unless it's a really nice blend with less than 15% acrylic.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?
I enjoy making sweaters and jackets; bags; dishcloths; and scarves. Basically anything except socks! Just can't seem to enjoy working with 4 double pointeds at one time. I've always been aerobically challenged anyhow.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?
Usually I pack the project that I'm currently working on, as well as 2 other WIP's because I never know when I might get 'stuck on' a section of a pattern, or I simply feel like working on something else. Sometimes, I'll just grab some yarn, needles and a pattern and begin something new while on vacation.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than knit/crochet?
I love to quilt, which is a lot less portable than knitting. I've made several quilts over the years. I'd like to improve my sewing skills because I'd love to make some of the Amy Butler bags and skirts. I'd also like to learn how to crochet. My local yarn store is going to give me a quick lesson when I'm ready.

13. Are you allergic to anything?
Nothing, except maybe doing laundry.

14. What is your favorite color? Least favorite?
I think I like greens/purples/blues, but I really do love all colors.

15. Sweet or Savory?
Not real big on either actually.

16. Anything else?
If I think of it, I'll post it here!

ELIQG Quilt Show

The Eastern Long Island Quilter's Guild held their annual show at Suffolk Community College on June 2nd & 3rd.

Training Night

Monday night is training night at my fire department. One night a couple of weeks ago, our 'new truck' chairman took some of us out to train on the new truck. Here are a few pictures.