If you are like me, you subscribe to more than one embroidery and quilting magazine and scour them all front to back when you finally get the chance. Sometimes I'm inspired by the projects in the magazines but many times I'm overwhelmed. And any time that I sit down to sew I'm likely to be in a different mood and it reflects in the project that I do. There are times I will spend days on one project trying to make it magazine "worthy".   Then again there are times I remember that I have loads of things to do and not much time so I try to find a way to keep it as simple as possible.

Now summer is here and there seems to be even more demands on my time and disruptions at every turn.  Excuse me for a second please - "No, Emma you may not water the plants inside the house with the hose!" - Sorry for the interruption.  Do you have crazy days in your lives or is it just me?  Hold on just a minute - "Anna, don't you think milk would be better than the dog's water for dunking your cookies?"  Hmm.

Anyway, these days I find myself determined, more than ever, to keeping it simple.  Here is a casserole carrier project I have made numerous times as gifts when I have to take food to a new mother, a sick friend or new neighbor.   I have embroidered them with holiday designs, fun sayings, notes of sympathy and favorite bible verses.  It is quick, easy and repurposes those old placemats in a fun way.

What you need:

• Two placemats that co-ordinate
• Two ribbon pieces about 12 inches each
• Coordinating thread
• Embroidery design of choice (optional but nice)

Step One:  Embroider the design.

Step Two:  Center the ribbon on inside end of each placemat and stitch into place. (I stitched a rectangle about ¾" long and just inside my width on the ribbon.)

Step Three:  Align one placemat on top of the other.  On a long end mark both sides about 3 ½" from end.  Sew from one mark all the way around to the other sewing through both placemats. (I sewed right on top of my original topstitching.)

Step Four:  Place your casserole or gift inside, tie and give it away.

Click here to download the free "Enjoy" lettering design in two sizes.

Remember, not every project has to be a masterpiece worthy of display in a magazine. It is many times more important just to show you care in whatever way your own special talents allow.  So, in spite of all the crazy days in your life keep on doing what you love to do and if the need arises Keep It Simple.

Take care,

DB

PS  This is my newest version of classic potato salad.   I really like it so I thought I might share it this week in honor of Independence Day.

Independence Day Potato Salad

7 medium red potatoes                                      3 hard boiled eggs

2/3 cups sour cream                                           1/3 cup mayonnaise

½ tsp salt                                                          1 tsp prepared mustard

¼ tsp onion powder                                            ¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp pepper (or less)                                         5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

¼ cup celery, diced                                             ¼ cup bottled Italian salad dressing

Peel, cube and boil potatoes; drain and cool to room temperature.  Cut eggs in half and remove yolks.  Mash yolks in a medium bowl.  Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper.  Set aside.  Chop egg whites and celery and add to the drained potatoes.  Add bacon and Italian dressing and mix.  Fold in the mayonnaise mixture.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.  Serves 8.