Savoring moments; enjoying the process

Hello, Friends!  It has been so long since I have shared with you, and yet time is going by so quickly right now!  And it goes by faster and faster every day!  

My daughter is getting married!  I know you know that, but -- WOW -- my baby girl is getting married! She has always been such a joy and inspiration to me, and now she is marrying the perfect man.  I am overwhelmed with peace and by God's blessings!  

 Peter and Molly

I am trying to grab hold of every single moment and savor it!

Last night I hosted a special bridesmaids' dinner to honor Molly and her bridesmaids and so many other fabulous friends and family members who have been and continue to be so helpful (e.g., throwing showers, making crafts, hosting an address labeling party, etc.).   What a joy to experience so much love and support and to be able to celebrate with those you love.

You may remember my little gathered clutch obsession from last summer.  

Well, I can now make them in my sleep and hope you enjoy sharing a little in the process.

Soul Blossoms fabrics by Amy Butler.

Cutting and strip piecing fabrics (Soul Blossoms and Essex linen cotton blend in natural).

 Prepared patchwork strips for front exteriors.

Gathering the Essex linen cotton blend (natural) for the front exteriors.

Press - sew - press.

It's all about the assembly line...

...carefully saving strips, for which Molly will find 101 uses...

...and sewing and sewing and sewing.
The gathered clutches are a modification of a tutorial by Anna at Noodlehead.

Molly "helped" me with the invitations by pretty much conceiving the idea and making them for me while I sewed clutches.  In less than an hour she went from idea to invitations ready to be mailed!

The gathered clutches were stuffed with a few goodies (hand sanitizer, lip gloss, chocolates, tissues, an emery board, and a few mints).

 

 My crafty Miss Molly also made these cute place cards (one of many uses of the leftover fabric strips).

 

Looks good!  It must be time to pack up and go!

 

 

The Venetian Theatre and Bistro, Hillsboro, Oregon

Step this way...

 Molly's beautiful tablescape
I mostly just watched and handed her things as needed.

 Another use for leftover fabric strips: Molly tied a strip on each mason jar of white tulips.

 Beautiful friends and family.

 Lots of laughter!

The end of a perfect evening!

In other big news, guess who started a crafty blog!?!?  Molly!
You can follow the wedding plans, events, and creativity here.  And I plan on making a quilter out of that girl yet!  You watch. You wait.  You'll see.

With wishes true and kind -- Joan

What's cooking?

I decided to cook up a few more gathered clutches.  

I prepped to make five, 

but only had enough interfacing to finish three of them -- for now.

It's fun picking out the fabrics for the bands,

and linings.

and choosing fun colors for the zippers.

Zippers, as it turns out, are not that difficult after all.

The free tutorial for the gathered clutch pattern is here.

I also recently got to learn how to cook up some deliciousness in the kitchen.
Every year for a Father's Day gift, my sister and I treat our father to a cooking class.  The class can take place at any time of the year, we just all have to be available and interested in the menu.  It is always a very special evening, and Tuesday night's class was no exception.

Chef Dave Martin, Top Chef Season One

The class was End of Summer Entertaining, taught by Dave Martin, who graciously provided lots of interesting tips and techniques as he demonstrated the recipes.  The class was held at In Good Taste, a wonderful cooking store and cooking school.

In Good Taste (Pearl District location)

You may remember my class celebrating Julia Child back in March.  Well, Cindy (Live A Colorful Life) did and reminded me to show up at the right location this time and to enjoy wine after my "home invasion" Wednesday morning.  I can happily say I accomplished both of those tasks. and learned to make some tasty dishes.  I can't wait to try these myself.

White Bean, Poblano Chile and Artichoke Spread

served with homemade Crispy Pita Chips

Asian Chicken Salad with

Dave's Killer Ginger & Sesame Vinaigrette

Coconut Curry Chicken Skewers 

with Sweet Chili Sauce

Pan Roasted Shrimp wrapped with

Prosciutto, Basil and Gorgonzola

served with Sherry Cream Sauce

For a simple dessert Dave made fabulous shortbread cookies and some old-fashioned peanut butter cookies.  

Say what you will about the quality of the iPhone camera pictures, but the discreetness can't be beat -- photos to share without disrupting the flow of the demonstration.

And then there were wines....

Louis Perdrier Sparkling Wine

Arancio 2007 Grillo

Les Jamelle 2009 Cinsault Rose'

With wishes, true and kind -- Joan