Quilting and Baking

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Have you ever taken notice of a quilt and marveled at its intricate detail and contemplated all the time and energy it took to complete such a work of art? Have you ever attempted to piece together such a creation or have you never even given the construction of a quilt a second thought?

Born in the 60s I remember well my mother sewing many outfits for myself and my two sisters; the sewing machine and ironing board had permanent locations and were used often. I created my own sewing projects as the years went by and then packed away the sewing machine and never gave it another thought … until recently. Someone asked to borrow my machine and when they returned it, I left it on the dining room table. Each time I passed by I would glance at the sewing machine and say, “I need to stash that away somewhere.” But I never did.

In the back of my mind … the creative part of the brain was searching for something. I wanted to create something country and homey, something that took some thought and something useful. I started noticing quilts … in magazines, on-line and even though I frequent the craft stores often, I usually breeze by the fabric aisles, but not now! When I decide to do something, I dive in, full force and unstopping! Reading the quilting book I purchased just wasn’t making sense; the only way to learn was “to do” so I bought yards and yards of fabric and started cutting squares.

Although I did allow for seam allowances, the fabric squares are tiny! I should have made them much bigger, but this is how I learn!

My design is very simple and in reading about quilts I found the history quite fascinating. The development of quilting in the United States has unfolded over several centuries and there are heirloom quilts that are among the most dearly loved American antiques. Quilts are individual expressions using fabric colors, patterns and designs; many times used to tell stories of the past. Quilting bees were all day long social events that included the entire family; an occasion for conversation and catching up on news. Many times the quilts under construction were for an upcoming special event such as an engagement or wedding. Patchwork, appliquéing and the crazy quilt are all techniques used to develop this work of art and there are specific names for designs that have been created and passed down through history; Bear’s Paw, Stepping Stones and Log Cabin to name a few. The richness of the American creative spirit can be witnessed in the reflections of everyday life depicted on quilts from yester year. Next time you have the opportunity to glance at a quilt take time to notice the detail and design; you may be glancing at a unique moment in history.

Keeping true to my New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, I experimented a bit with this Simple Blueberry Muffin recipe and Homemade Cracker recipe. The muffins were “Great!” stated my teenage daughter and the crackers need work.

Simple Blueberry Muffin Recipe

  • 1 cup white flour
  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 cup flaxseed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  1. Mix flour, sugar, baking power together.
  2. Beat egg; add milk and then add egg mixture to dry ingredients.
  3. Stir in blueberries. Fill muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees.

Homemade Cracker Recipe

  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  1. Combine flour, garlic, pepper, rosemary & baking soda (add more herbs if desired; adjust to taste). Add water and mix until dough forms.
  2. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness; sprinkle with salt (optional).
  3. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees; remove, cut into squares.
  4. Return to oven until brown and crunchy.
  • Updated on Jun 30, 2022
  • Originally Published on Jan 26, 2009
Tagged with: muffins, piecework, quilting, quilts
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