“Wrap it up,” they told me, and so I will. We’ve so enjoyed the last few weeks of blog partying for Stitch ‘n Swap, reading all the posts from our fellow contributors in this collective book about fun, quick and colorful ideas for swap-able gifts!
And we’ve also loved all the support and great comments from you Q-bies about this first book foray as a mag team, done under the great leadership of C & T Publishing and due out in….eek!…about three weeks! Hey,If you’re bound for Spring Market in Pittsburgh next week, come by our booth (# 1655) There will be a limited supply of books on hand, and wicked colors of Sharpies if you’re interested in getting sigs from some of the uber-talented designers in the book.
Now, my own contribution to the book was a casserole carrier for smaller dishes. There are tons of great carrier patterns sized for big honking 9 x 13 dishes, but they are usually way too big for that modest dish of, say, Baked Vidalia Onion Dip that adds so much to a lazy summer afternoon picnic. A friend actually gave me a starting point, sharing a simple small-dish caddy she makes from two ovals of pre-quilted fabric stitched together (the top is split for access) and bound with scrap binding. Several iterations later, it turned into this, with a closure that will also help you keep track of your utensil. It’s also a fine project for practicing your straight-line quilting or FMQ:
Mini Casserole Carrier by Melissa Thompson Maher
Oh, speaking of that hot Vidalia onion dip, it seems kind of mean to tell you about it, then not share the recipe. (And you know us at GenQ…we simply don’t “do” mean:
Baked Vidalia Onion Dip
1 cup Vidalia (or any sweet) onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup real mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
Several dashes of Tabasco sauce
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh herbs to taste (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. in a 1-quart casserole, combine all ingredients. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Blot top lightly with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve with crackers or your favorite dippers.
Thanks again for coming to the Stitch ‘n Swap party! And don’t forget to visit the other bloggers who are wrapping this bash up with us. There’s a handy list below. (And aren’t you glad there are no dishes to help gather up?)
Our fellow contributors and party hounds:
Blog Party week 3: Jake Finch, Scott Hansen (Blue Nickel Studios) , Karen Cunagin, Michelle Freedman, Linda Hansen, Kevin Kosbab, Melissa Peda
About the book: Stitch ‘n Swap releases May 19, 2014. It has 112 pages filled with 25 projects from amazing designers and get this–it’s only $17.95. Pre-order now through C & T Publishing, or on our website for$17.95 + $6 shipping. Autographed copies will be available! How cool is that?!
About the giveaway: We’re giving away three copies of the book to winners drawn randomly from comments on the original party-launching post. So don’t comment here…go to THIS post. If you live in the U.S., you’ll win a hard copy of the book. If you live outside the U.S., you’ll get a digital version. We’ll hit the ol’ Random Number Generator on Thursday, May 8, to choose the lucky stitchers and announce the winners noonish New York time.
Our Amazing Contributors!
Jeni Baker
Carrie Bloomston
Karen Cunagin
Anne Deister
Jake Finch
Victoria Findlay Wolf
Michelle Freedman
Linda Hansen
Scott Hansen
Emily Herrick
Rose Hughes
Sam Hunter
Heather Jones
Kevin Kosbab
Lynn Kraus
Tracy Mooney
Melissa Peda
Vicki Tymczyszyn
Elaine Wong Haselhuhn
Quilt, sew, live, breathe!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the dip recipe. It looks delicious!
Yummy recipe Melissa! So many reasons to get this book – I’d better start counting out my pennies!
I know we are not suppose to comment to win here. I just want to let you know that sounds like a great recipe. I have put this book on my wish list. Thanks for sharing.