Hi All! Thank You so much for hopping by!

First things first! Can we get a huge round of applause for the AMAZING Sarah of Confessions of a Fabric Addict for organizing this hop and for allowing me to participate!  So much work goes into organizing and preparing. She also created a Christmas quilt pattern for a daily quilt along for the duration of the hop! There has to be a picture of Sarah in the dictionary next to Wonder Woman.  I don’t know how you do it, but from the bottom of my heart…Thank you!

A couple of years ago I made these awesome Microwave Cozies as Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

They were a huge hit! So it became my intention to give practical home made gifts for Christmas going forward.   However, last year, Christmas came and went…along w/my good intention and only 3 peeps got something homemade from me. So I swore to myself that this year would be different!  I would start my gift making in July! And that’s exactly what I’ve done!

This year, everyone is getting these grocery bag holders. I was able to get a wonderful head start on them this month!

I normally sell the pattern in my Craftsy Pattern Store, however for the rest of this hop you can download it for free on this post, along w/the rest of my patterns! Merry Christmas in July to you!

Easy Grocery Bag Catcher
Easy Reversible Microwave Cozy Combo
Easy MicrowaveTortilla Warmer Cozy

I’d also like to share a recipe that was shared w/me several years ago for an easy and delicious Clam Chowder. 

My church family usually does a potluck style progressive dinner around the Christmas holiday.  The first house we visit is where we have appetizers. We then progress/move on to the next house for the entrées,  and then finish w/desserts and coffee at a third house.

This Clam Chowder has been a favorite of many at our progressive dinners.

Easy Clam Chowder
1 can evaporated milk (makes it creamier) or 1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 cups water
4 chicken bouillon cubes (it also adds the salt)
1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
2 6oz cans chopped clams in clam juice
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 tsp of Thyme
1/4 tsp of crushed Parsley
1/4 tsp of crushed Tarragon
1/4 tsp of crushed black pepper

Add all of the ingredients into a pot and bring to a rolling boil for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Test the potatoes for tenderness. To thicken, add 1 tbls of cornstarch with 2 tbls of water, mix till dissolved and then add it to the soup. It should thicken rather quickly. Serve hot w/crackers or in a bread bowl!

Alas, I’ve a confession. I’m also doing a little selfish sewing this month on my 1st Christmas quilt.

I’m using this Sparkle Punch tutorial by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh Fransson. 

Elizabeth’s creation and my inspiration

I’ve got a wonderful head start on it as well and am super excited about how it’s coming together! What do you think?

Again, thanks for visiting!

Here’s the complete line up of the hop. We have a few more days yet.  You can click on the links below to check out the rest of the stops, or to access any you’ve missed along the way.

A Thread for Life
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17