A Quilting Life Book Giveaway and Blog Tour
Hi everyone,
Today is my day to talk about a quilting life on my fellow C&T author and friend Sherri McConnell's A Quilting Life Blog Tour! I have long admired Sherri's blog by the same name. In fact, she was one of the first people I met at my first Market in Salt Lake City and she is every bit as sweet as she comes across on her blog!
A Quilting Life is chock-full of projects with Sherri's clean, beautiful aesthetic. I ordered a copy when it first came out from Sherri's shop and I want to make so many of the projects in it! (And you know, Sherri, it isn't fair to tempt us in that way!!!!)
I love this quilt called Water Lily in Kate Spain fabrics! I particularly love Sherri's color placement.
So... even though I am working on some magazine projects, I had to try a project in A Quilting Life. I decided to sew up the Mod Runner in Holiday Bouquet. It is such a fun pattern! My photo really doesn't do it justice but it has been raining here for the past few days and I'm indoor-photo-challenged so I had to make do. I hope you can see how cute Sherri's design is. I really had fun fussy-cutting the motifs. It was simple to piece - I did it while making dinner.
Since Sherri asked us all to talk about how we have a quilting life while driving kids, doing laundry, working, cleaning house, etc. I decided to talk about how I got this runner pieced and dinner made in about two and a half hours.
One of our kids has a pretty severe dietary limitation so eating out is pretty much not an option for us, even when I'm on a deadline, so I have some simple-go-to recipes that I use. This one is really simple, but you do have to be home to watch it (which is just perfect because then you can sew at the same time!)
Eggplant, Garlic, and Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella
You'll need:
- Good quality olive oil
- 3 large eggplants or 6-8 small ones (I like the small ones better - they are less bitter and you don't have to salt them)
- 4 heads of garlic (yes, you read that right - we LOVE garlic and in this recipe it is carmelized until it is sweet, but you can use less if you want)
- 1 bundle of asparagus
- 1 package of cherry tomatoes
- 1 lb. of fresh mozzerella (the little balls save time)
- 1 lb. pasta - we like spirals or "bow ties" but any shape will work (and if you have anyone that is gluten-free use gluten-free pasta)
- basil, oregano, salt, and pepper
- parmesan
- About two hours before the meal, peel and slice eggplant into 1/4'' -3/8'' wedges. Arrange the eggplant slices in a colander and salt each layer - leave them for an hour.
- Now this is the important part... while the eggplant sits cut all the pieces for your Mod Runner! Piece a block or two!
- Go back to the kitchen and use dampened paper towels to wipe off the salt off the eggplant. This helps get rid of bitterness.
- Cut off the tail end of each head of garlic. (This will make it simple to squeeze out the garlic once it is roasted.)
- Arrange eggplant and garlic in a large casserole dish coated with olive oil. Brush the top with more olive oil. Sprinkle with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Put in the oven and roast for about 45-50 minutes, basting with more olive oil every ten minutes or so - don't let it get dry.
- Go back to your sewing area for about half and hour and piece the remaining Mod Runner blocks, running back to baste the eggplant intermittently.
- Come back to the kitchen and put the pasta water on. Steam the asparagus, either over the pasta water or in a rice cooker (I LOVE the rice cooker for cooking vegetables perfectly every time!)
- Cook and drain the pasta.
- Take out the eggplant and garlic. Squeeze out the cloves and mash them up with a little more olive oil.
- Toss pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzerella, eggplant, asparagus, and garlic/olive oil mixture.
- Serve with a bit of parmesan and after dinner go finish your runner!
To enter to win your own copy of A Quilting Life leave a comment on this post telling me which of these statements about Sherri is a big lie. (The others are true!)
- Sherri's grandmother inspired her to quilt by making a beautiful quilt for Sherri's son's bed.
- Sherri is a true fan of the double-Irish chain block.
- Sherri has been blogging for five years!
To get other ideas about how people have quilting lives (and to get more chances to win a copy of the book) make sure to visit the other blog tour stops.
Monday June 3rd
Tuesday June 4th
Wednesday June 5th
Thursday June 6th
Friday June 7th
Saturday June 8th
Sunday June 9th
Monday June 10th
Tuesday June 11th
Wednesday June 12th
Don't forget that you can enter any of the giveaways on any of the blogs until June 14th after which winners will be announced!
Happy sewing!
Amanda
posted by Amanda Murphy @ 9:13 PM
182 Comments
182 Comments:
Number 1 is the lie.
I think #1 is the big fat lie!
I say # 5 is the lie
I think #1 is a lie.
I am going to guess that #1 is not true!
I don't know which one of these is a lie, but my guess is going to be #2
1 is the li, grat job on her book, she is a iwondergul quilter
All the best in her success
I think the big fat lie is #1. Love the table runner!
I think it must be no 1. I love the runner too.
Your table runner is wonderful...love the colors. I will have to say I think #1 is the lie . Great book!
I think No 1 is the lie. I loved the pasta recipe!
I think that #1 is the lie. Thanks so much for the recipe -I've just added eggplant to my Farmer's Market shopping list!
i think this is the lie: 2.Sherri is a true fan of the double-Irish chain block. it doesn't seem to be the popular choice though!
I'm gonna go with #2 for the lie.
And thanks for the recipie!
#1 is the lie.
I think #1 is a lie. I'd LOVE to win this book---it looks so inspiring!
#1 is the lie. We all owe Sherri's mother a debt of gratitude for not making that quilt. ;)
Sherries home page said she starting to quilt with a gentle push from her grandmother so I think number 1 is a lie
I would love to win a free copy
I think # 1 is a lie. Love the runner.
I guess I'll go with #1 too although after an admittedly quick glance at her blog, I saw no evidence of #2 either!
She was fortunate to have family who quilted and encouraged her. Not sure about #1 so I'm going with #2
Would love a copy
I believe #1 is a lie because even though Sherri's grandmother was an influence to begin her quilting career I don't think it was because her grandmother made a quilt for Sherri's son.
It's #1 and I just love the runner you made Amanda. Can't wait to see the book in person, either by being lucky enough to win it, or get it from the library when they have it. Just love all these blogs, where so much information is available.
I checked the "about" section of Sherri's blog and I think #1 is the lie. Thank you for the chance to enter.
Hi!!! I think Number 1 is the lie!!! Thanks for the fun give away!!!
I am going to go with #1 being the lie.
I am going to guess #1. Also love the Mod Runner.
Yep, number 1 not true!
; )
Diana
dpackech@yahoo.com
I think that #1 is a lie. We will see. Love her new book!
Beautiful fabric choice on the Mod Runner! I think #1 is the falsehood.
I think #2 is the lie. Great job on the runner!! Thank you for the chance!
I think #1 is the lie. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!!
I'm guessing that the #2 statement is the lie.
I'll say #1 is the lie. This looks like a great book, thanks for the chance.
I think number one is lie. I did find any Irish chain block on her www and I know when she start blogging.
I think # 1is a lie...
Your recipe sounds really delicious, must give it a try.
Thanks for the chance to win, a great book!
I am thinking #1 might be not true.
I'm going to guess #2 is the lie. If I'm wrong, do I still get the book? ;)
#1 is the lie.
I would guess #2-big fan of the Irish chain. Don't think I've ever seen one on Sherri's blog.
I think number #1 is the lie.
#1 is the lie. Sherri's book is awesome!
#2 is not true.
THANKS FOR SHARING!
msstitcher1948@yahoo.com
I choose no. 1
I think #1 is the lie!
Thanks for the recipe - it sounds delicious!
#1 is the lie. This recipe sounds really yummy. Thanks!
I guess number 3. I like what I see of the book and thanks for the chance to win it.
I will go with #2 for the lie. Thank you for this great review and for this chance to win.
Have a super great sewing and stitching day!
I will say that #1 is the lie. Thanks for the chance to win!
I just met all of you this week through Sherri's blog. I'm guessing she's been blogging for more than five years.
I love your embroidery, Amanda. Something one of the women in my quilt group promised she's teach me.
And I love that you posted a recipe. Eggplant is one of our fav's, and can never get enough of. Thanks!!
Best,
Anne
Love your works and the patterns used. Could be #1 ??
Kisses from Sapin, hope to have luck and win an ebook from Sherry...I will love to have it
I think that #1is the lie. This looks like a wonderful book to add to my library. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Printed the recipe.......looks awesome....especially with the fresh veggies from our garden! Number 1 is the lie............
I think #1 is a lie. I enjoy your blog! And thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book.
Your table runner is very pretty. Thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book. I think #1 is the lie.
Believe #1 is the lie.... loooove her book!!
Yum, your recipe sounds very good! I have been following Sherri's blog forever and think the lie is #1. Thanks for the fun!
I t hink #1 is the lie.
I think #2 is a lie!
I think #1 is the lie. Love the runner you made from Sherri's book!
I have to go along with the majority opinion that #1 is not true.
1 is the lie. What a great way to multi task yet get things accomplished!
I think #1 is the lie. I love the Mod Runner!
I'm going to guess its #2.
i would love to win that book. thanks for the chance
I think 2 is a lie.
My vote is #1 is the lie. Great giveaway, thanks! ;-> Toni Anne
I think #1 is the lie, because I'm pretty sure she started quilting before that! :-) thanks for hosting!!!
I'll guess that #1 is the lie.
I'm guessing number 1. and I also love the Water Lily quilt..I think it must be the way the colours have been used, just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing the recipe..
I;m guessing it's no. 1.....oh how I love that runner you made! Now I have to get some of that fabric! Woot!
I am going with #1. That runner is beautiful! And thank you for the receipe. It sounds delish. jlblvn@gmail.com
I think number 2 is the lie. All of your beautiful patterns seem too modern to be a lover of the Irish chain pattern.
I think # 1 is the lie. Thanks for sharing. The recipe looks good...
I would say #2....thanks for the chance!
I think # 1 is the lie.
Thanks!
I also think #1 is the lie. Thanks!
I think #3 is the lie because it hasn't quite been 5 years since she started her blog.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I think #1 is the lie.
LOL, don't have a clue, so I'm guessing #3 just because!
I have no idea which is the lie! I'll guess number 2? It's nice to know that Sherrie is as sweet as she seems on the blog - would like to meet her someday!
I know her grandmother inspired her to quilt but think #1 might be the lie.
Number 1?
Number 1?
Actually, all three of your questions have something in each that is a bit on the windy side. So, from what I've read the one closest to the truth is number 3. Looks like she's been blogging close to 6 years, so 5 is the most correct. 1 is partly right and I didn't see any mention of yea or nay on the double Irish chain.
I'll go with #1 as the big fat lie. Can't wait to find out which one it really is. Happy to have found yet another great blog to follow.
I will guess that #2 is the lie. Sherri's book looks great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I think #1 is a lie! Thanks for the great giveaway! This book would look wonderful on my sewing table ;)
It has to be #1. She started quilting when her grandmother bought her the Eleanor Burns double irish chain book, and she started blogging in 2008.
I think #1 is the lie. She was quilting earlier than that...
I will go for Number 3- the 5 years are not up until 1st July, so it would ahve been- "nearly 5 years" to be correct.
I will guess and say #1
I am gona say number 1. :) and I Love her blog!!
I do believe that #1 is the lie, or at least a twist on the truth :) Thanks for the chance to win!
#1 is the lie. Appreciate the giveaway.
I guess #2 is not true.
I'm guessing that #1 isn't true. I enjoyed looking over your blog. I will have to visit you often. I have enjoyed the blog tour and to check out Sherri's blog. I would love a copy of the book. May just have to go get one.
I think #1 is the lie. I am new to all these blog tours but I'm enjoying learning abut all of this! I live in Charlotte so maybe I will 'run' into you sometime!
I have no idea which one so I will say #1 is the lie. Love your runner and would really love a copy of this book! Thanks for the the chance!
satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net
Love your runner!
I believe #1 is a lie. Keeping my fingers crossed - thank you for the opportunity to win.
Not sure, but I would guess #1. I love your cooking style!
I think number 1 is a lie. Not because your grandmother didn't inspire you but because if she had it would have been long before you had a child of you own. More likely by a quilt she had made for you when you were a child.
Number 1 is the lie.
No idea, but I'll guess #1
I'll pick #1. I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the eggplant recipe...we're planting eggplant in our garden for the first time this year so I saved your recipe.
I think #1 :)
It must be #1. I know Sherri has been blogging since 2008 and I can't imagine Sherri not being a fan of the Irish Chain block. How fun to visit your blog and see your fun and colorful quilts - looks like you have a great book to check out too but thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book.
My guess is #2 is the lie. I don't think her grandmother would be involved in a lie. Thank you for the chance to win a beautiful book!
I'll go with #1 being the lie. Thanks for the chance at the book!
I'll go with #2...
I would guess that #1 is the lie.
I am saying #2 is the lie.
#2 ???
I'm guessing #1 is the lie. I'd love to win!
I think #1 is the lie. What a great way to get us thinking!
krseitz at earthlink dot net
I will have to go with number one being the lie.
I think No. 1 is the lie
I think #! is the lie! Thanks for the chance
I say #2 is a lie.
I'm guessing number one
Hello, I think #1 is the lie. Thanks
(smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)
No 1 is the lie.
Number one!
#2 is the lie. Lier lier quiting pants on fire :)
Number 3 is the lie!? awolk at rogers dot com
I'm going to say 1. Thanks for the chance to win.
I'm guessing its Number 1!
I'm going to say 2 is the lie.
I think #1 is the lie. Thanks for the giveaway.
I going with #1 as the untruth.
I'll go with No#1 being the lie.
Thanks for the recipe it sounds great!
I choose #1. Thanks for the chance to win.
I went to her blog and it would seem #1 because she has sewn most of her life! Thank you!
My SWAG is number 1. I love you blog and your great use of time. I am looking forward to trying your pasta recipe, sounds yummy!
First of all - I LOVE your Mod Runner...ooh, one I'd make immediately! I'll say #1, especially because Sherri's Grandmother told her "no" and had Sherri learn on her own.
LOL what a fun post! Great looking book! You don't really lie, do you? How about # 2!
Number 1 is the lie.
Number One is a lie!
My guess would be that # 1 is a lie.
Your recipe looks yummy, thanks for sharing.
This is a total guess I would say #2. Thanks for the recipe can not wait to try it.
I'd have to say #2 is a lie.
#1 is the lie.
I think #1 is a lie.
Shawn
I'll vote for #1. fun post!
I think #1 is the lie!
I am going to guess #2 is the lie. I know she has been blogging for at least 5 years.
I'm not sure but 2 and 3 sound true.
I will guess #2. I don't know why. Just a guess.
Completely a guess: Number 1
Thanks for the giveaway!
I think #2 is the lie! Thanks for the chance.
I think number 1 is the lie
I think #1 is not true.
I'm going to vote for #2 being the lie.
I think 3. Thanks for recipe
I'm going with #2! Thanks for a chance to win Sherri's book!
My guess is #1 is the lie. Thank you for the chance!
Number 1 is false. Love her style and patterns. Jane
Number 2 is the lie!
well i have never seen your blog and i love it so i will just guess that #1 is the lie!
I think it's #1! I love all these projects I am seeing on the blogs. From a table runner to quilts to tote bags they all are great. And I will be making your recipe real soon - my husband LOVES asparagus and eggplant. Please include me in the drawing - winning this book would be awesome!
I'll say #2 is the lie.
I think #3 is the lie.
#1 is a lie.
I'm thinking #3 is a lie.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
#1 is a lie. I really love the table runner...very pretty. I am going to try the recipe...sounds really good. Thanks you for the chance to win this lovely book.
thim3@hotmail.com
I'm guess on number 1. Thanks for the giveaway.
I think #1 is the lie. But then I could be wrong.
I'm definitely thinking #2 is the lie! Looks like a beautiful book!
Number 1 is the lie!
I think #1 is the lie! Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm thinking #1 but I don't know how long Sherri has been blogging. I've only been reading her blog for 3.I didn't know your tip about eggplant. Thanks
Great post! I love it! A recipe that has step by step directions for cooking combined with the step by step directions for the runner, hehe. I think this is a super idea for a quilter's cookbook! Sherrims book looks awesome. I believe #1 is the lie. Her Grandmother wouldn't even make her a quilt but we are so happy that she taight her how.
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
No 2 is a big fat lie. Thanks for the opportunity to win Sheri's fab book
Joy UK xx
I'm guessing #2 is the lie.
kcannon@anwsu.org
#1 maybe--- I'm not sure... beautiful blog!
After checking out Sherri's blog, I would have to say that #2 sounds like it could be a lie.
#2? No idea...what a fun book, though!
The first comment is not true. Sherri asked her grandmother to make her a quilt and clever Grandma said 'No.' Grandma offered to help her make her firsts quilt.
I think #1 is the fib! Would love to win Sherri's book!
I have no idea I will guess #3.
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