Pumpkin Log - Day 4

Welcome!

Welcome to Melva Loves Scraps. 

Welcome to Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 16 Block Tour Road Rally.
If this is your first visit to my blog, allow me to introduce myself to you over at the "About Me" page...

And welcome to my "Pumpkin Patch".  Today I am not only sharing some tips and hints about my Pumpkin Log Block, but I am sharing with you some of my favorite Pumpkin recipes.

First off, let's take a look at my block...

The idea for this block came to me several years ago... actually around the same time as I created "Pieces of My Heart" - in 2012..

As I developed the idea for this block I was sipping on a cup of chai tea with some homemade pumpkin spiced creamer.  So many of the prepared creamers include ingredients that are hard to pronounce and who really knows what they are???

So, here is a really simple AND yummy recipe to make at home - where you can control the ingredients... 😉

Pumpkin Spice Creamer 

Ingredients
•1 can sweetened condensed milk
•1-1/2 cups skim milk, milk, half and half, or cream (you choose based on the fat content you prefer!)
•3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
•1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
•1/2 – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to taste

Instructions:
1.Combine ingredients in a container with a cover. Shake until combined, or use an immersion blender or traditional blender and blend until smooth.
2.Store, covered, in the fridge and shake/stir before using.


While the basics of my block are a log cabin, I used the stitch and flip method on the corners to offer a roundness to the pumpkin... You can see in some of my first pumpkin log blocks that they really needed the roundness added - note the lower block with the square top... not quite right.

And note that on the upper pumpkin the stem looks a little lost being in the orange of the pumpkin, not on top of the the pumpkin, like the lower one...

But this is how we learn, right?  Trial and error are the best teachers!

But of course, all that trial and error made me hungry!  It was time to stop for a break so I pulled out the recipe for some yummy Pumpkin Bars...  This recipe made its way to me via a friend of my sister-in-law Sharon, Denise... Thanks Denise and Sharon 😍

Once I had refueled from all the trial and error stuff and I was satisfied with the final outcome of the pumpkins with the "rounded" corners and the stem on top of the pumpkin, I grew the pumpkin logs into a table runner... just perfect for a fall table.

One other tip... for the final "round" of the pumpkin I cut the strips a 1/4" wider than indicated in the pattern, to allow for a few "imperfect 1/4" seams".  We may try to be precise all of the time, but in reality, while we may try, a little extra allowance is sometimes needed.  When the entire block is pieced, trim to 12-1/2"

More recently, I was playing with some "wanky" pumpkins with some of my scraps.  I mean, not all pumpkins are perfect!

For this table runner that I was recently commissioned to make I played with some "bent" stems and am pleased with the result.

Now with all the pumpkins growing in the pumpkin patch I need one more recipe... And since I am on a restricted diet and am no longer allowed gluten products, among many other things, here is one that falls into my limitations AND still tastes good.  My husband even likes them!

It is from Elana's Pantry...

Nut-Free Pumpkin Crumb Muffins

Serves:8Muffins

Ingredients

• Muffins
• 5 large eggs
• ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ⅛ teaspoon celtic sea salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
•  
• Topping
• ⅓ cup palm shortening
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine eggs, pumpkin, and coconut sugar
2. Pulse in coconut flour, salt, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined
3. Divide batter between 8 paper lined muffin cups
4. Rinse out food processor
5. In a food processor, combine shortening and coconut sugar
6. Pulse in coconut flour and cinnamon
7. Sprinkle topping over cupcake batter
8. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
9. Cool 1 hour
10. Serve

Recently, our grand-children enjoyed a trip to the local pumpkin patch...

The kiddos may be perfect, but just look at that "Wanky Pumpkin" on the right!

I hope that you have enjoyed your visit to my Scrappy Pumpkin Patch and that you will stop by again soon.  You can subscribe, or follow me on Bloglovin', but either way... Do stop by again.  You can also catch me on instagram @MelvaLovesScraps or on Facebook, again, Melva Loves Scraps. 

There are two opportunities to win a copy of Volume 16.  To be entered follow my blog, instagram or fb, and let me know which recipe you might try.

Be sure to stop by Quiltmaker too!  There are daily prizes to be won!  You don't want to miss out!

Happy quilting,

Melva

Here are the rest of the featured designers... 

Block #1559
Designed by: Cynthia Brunz, Cynthia Designs

Block #1560
Designed by: Kate Colleran, Seams Like a Dream

Block #1561
Designed by: Melissa Corry, Happy Quilting

Block #1530
Designed by: Abigail Dolinger

Block #1566
Designed by: Yvonne Fuchs, Quilting Jetgirl

Block #1567
Designed by: Leila Gardunia

Block #1597
Designed by: Anne Wiens, Sweetgrass Creative Designs

Day 3 - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16 - Block Tour Road Rally

Welcome to Melva Love Scraps and Day Three of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16 - Road Rally!

Be sure to visit Quiltmaker's blog daily for the opportunity to enter to win prizes!

Visit each of the participating designer's blogs to learn about the origin of each block, explore layout options and get some tips and hints to help with the assembly of the blocks.

Block #1523
Designed by: Paige Alexander, Quilted Blooms

Block #1526
Designed by: Emily Breclaw, The Caffeinated Quilter

Block #1527
Designed by: Cheryl Brown, Quilter Chic

Block #1534
Designed by: Meg Hawkey, Crabapple Hill Studio

Block #1538
Designed by: Debby Kratovil, Quilter by Design

Block #1541
Designed by: Sarah Maxwell, Designs by Sarah J

Block #1529
Designed by: Sharon Denney Parcel, Yellow Cat Quilt Designs

Block #1545
Designed by: Jenny Kae Parks, Jenny Kae Quilts

Block #1549
Designed by: Terri Vanden Bosch, Lizard Quilting


Just one more day and I will be sharing my story of the Pumpkin Log block.  I will be sharing a few tips and hints about things I learned along the way as I designed the block.  I'll be sharing a few yummy pumpkin recipes too.  And, don't forget... a chance to win one of two copies of Volume 16!

So, for now, just for fun, tell me... 
What is your favorite road-tripping music?

Enjoy the Road Rally!

Melva

See what other quilters are talking about over at Quilter Blogs

Day 2 - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16 - Block Tour Road Rally

Welcome to Melva Love Scraps and Day Two of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16 - Road Rally!

Be sure to visit Quiltmaker's blog daily for the opportunity to enter to win prizes!

Visit each of the participating designer's blogs to learn about the origin of each block, explore layout options and get some tips and hints to help with the assembly of the blocks.

Block #1552
Designed by: Nancy Allen

Block #1512
Designed by: Cheryl Brickey, Meadow Mist Designs

Block #1564
Designed by: Kelli Fannin, Kelli Fannin Quilt Designs

Block #1532
Designed by: Cynthia Foster, Carter Creek Quilts

Block #1514
Designed by: Amy Friend, During Quiet Time

Block #1518
Designed by: Mary Hertel, Made by Marney

Block #1577
Designed by: Debbie Martin

Block #1583
Designed by: Laura Piland, Slice of Pi Quilts

Block #1600
Designed by: Kelly Young, My Quilt Infatuation

Don't forget that I will be sharing my story of the Pumpkin Log block on Thursday, as well as a few yummy pumpkin recipes...  and a chance to win one of two copies of Volume 16!

With the autumn weather comes cooler temps and the need for slippers and more quilts to snuggle under... 

So, for now, just for fun, tell me... 
What is your favorite quilt to snuggle under and why?

Enjoy the Road Rally!

Melva

See what other quilters are talking about over at Quilter Blogs

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16 - Block Tour Road Rally - Day 1

Welcome to Melva Love Scraps and Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16 - Road Rally!

Be sure to visit Quiltmaker's blog daily for the opportunity to enter to win prizes!

Visit each of the participating designer's blogs to learn about the origin of each block, explore layout options and get some tips and hints to help with the assembly of the blocks.

Block #1507
Designed by: Swan Amity Sheridan, Swan Amity Studios

Block #1565
Designed by: Marilyn Foreman, Quilt Moments

Block #1504
Designed by: Connie Sue Haidle, Apple Blossom Quilts

Block #1517
Designed by: Carl Hentsch, 3 Dog Design Company

Block #1506
Designed by: JoAnn Hoffman, Paha Sapa Traders

Block #1542
Designed by: Moira McSpadden, Sewn to Own Creations

Block #1546
Designed by: Heidi Priedmore, The Whimsical Workshop

Block #1548
Designed by: Denise Russell, Pieced Brain Quilt Designs

Block #1508
Designed by: Cindy Staub, Quilt Doodle Designs

Block #1540
Designed by: Tricia Maloney, Orphan Quilt Designs
I will be sharing my story of the Pumpkin Log block on Thursday, so make sure you come back to read my tips and hints and to get some yummy pumpkin recipes...  and a chance to win one of two copies of Volume 16!

So, for now, just for fun, tell me... 

what is your favorite pumpkin recipe/food item?

Enjoy the Road Rally!

Melva

See what other quilters are talking about over at Quilter Blogs

Quilters Through The Generations - Frances Preszler

Today I introduce you to Frances (Huber) Preszler.  Frances is Karen Thurn's mom and I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Tucson Quilt Show earlier this year.  She was a delight to visit with and is a humble, talented quilter.

How did you get started with quilting?

I guess that I pretty well taught myself to quilt.  Maybe just for something to do in those days, no TV, no computer and maybe no telephone.  I still have my treadle sewing machine, though it is not in working condition.

Can you tell me about your first quilt?

I am thinking that my first quilt was the one I put together for Karen when she went off to college.  I don't believe that I have the first quilt that I made. 

BUT, Karen does!  She explains…

“The top was made of large daisy type flowers that were appliqued on a white cotton/poly blend. 

The back (shown here) had squares of used clothing or leftover scraps from my sisters, mom, and myself. I used that quilt for many years but eventually the top tore and I ripped it off-gasp- but there was another plain white top under that top (shown below) and the back is still intact so I still use it.”

Have you ever taught someone to sew or to quilt?

I was a 4-H leader for at least 17 years, so I guess I did a lot of teaching sewing to the members. I also taught my girls to sew. I got Karen started making her first quilt when she was a teenager.

When my second daughter, Sheila, went off to college, I gave her a box of squares of fabric I had cut out (using a cardboard template) so she could sew them together and make a quilt in her spare time. I don’t think she touched it, as they came back home. 

Notice that Frances used templates cut from cardboard or cereal boxes... She does have a mat, rotary cutter and a ruler that she uses now.

Sheila claims she’s not a quilter but we were able to get her to take some of those blocks of grandma’s off the backing last summer so they could be resewn onto more durable fabric.

Did your mother quilt?

My mother, Julianna Huber, did do some quilting.  Her blocks were the ones we had taken apart.  I think it was, "The Flower Garden" or something like that. 

The photo shows Sheila carefully removing stitches of the leaves made with original 1930's fabric by Julianna Huber so that they could be appliqued onto a different backing fabric...

I don't know anything about either one of my Grandmothers. 

My mother-in-law Katherina (Landenberger) Preszler was a quilter. I lived on the same farm with my in-laws, until they retired. Karen and Mark have a quilt that was made as a wedding gift in their Arizona residence. 

How many quilts have you made?  

I’ve made eight jean quilts, three heart quilts (photos are currently not available), one called Candy Store that was from an unknown quilting magazine for my grand-daughter Emily,  and a pink one for Abby, another grand-daughter. I made one for my first grandson, Jonathon. 

Karen has been helping me with five or six made from double knits, that includes Sheila’s and Terry’s (See the story over on Karen’s interview). 







Above is the Fence Rail quilt made for Terry...

to the left is the Snowball/nine-patch quilt made for Sheila

I have also made several wall quilts including this flag.  

And probably many more that I can’t remember.  

Frances is quite the seamstress… Karen let me know that she made baptismal gowns for the girls and baptismal tuxedo suits for many of her grandchildren using either no pattern or making her own. She also sewed many clothes for herself and us girls, as well as pillowcases for grand kids and sons-in-law, and aprons, table runners and table toppers for many friends and relatives.

Do you have a favorite block? 

I do like the heart quilts,
 but my favorite is the jean squares. 

I hand embroider things that were important to the recipient of the quilt on many of the squares like a picture of their first car or their house or the boy scout emblem. Some people don’t believe that I hand sew them and think that I used a machine.

I also like the little Dutch girl.   Also known as the Sun Bonnet Sue block and want to make a quilt using that pattern. 

I am currently working on the double knit brick pattern quilt and also a jean square quilt.

 

I am told that she also hand embroiders dish towels. Her work is beautiful.

Have you ever entered a competition or sold a quilt?

No, I have never entered a competition and have no ribbons.   I have not sold any quilts either, because no money could buy them, they are priceless.

I don't participate much in any groups… no time for that, besides I like to work alone and do it, "my way". I had a friend who was an avid quilter who sewed with me during the winters and gave me help and suggestions when I needed it.

I have attended a few of the Arizona quilting group meetings in the village where we “winter” and have accompanied the group to the Quilt Festival show in Tucson for many years.

Where does your inspiration come from? 

I don't know, just like the idea of making something nice out of old jeans that would otherwise be thrown in the trash. I do purchase fabric for any wedding quilts that I make.

I, personally, can appreciate the fact that Frances is an "up-cycler"... the jean quilts were made from recycled jeans and of course there is the double knit project made from leftover fabric and used clothing from the family. 

What is your favorite part of quilting? 

When the quilt is all finished, that is such a good feeling of accomplishment and makes me feel of a job well done.

Just look at that look of satisfaction on Frances' face... I can relate to the feeling of satisfaction when a quilt is done... and when the fabric has so many memories and stories tied to, and sometimes ON, the fabric in the quilts, it is even more satisfying.

Many thanks to Frances for taking the time share her story as a Quilter Through The Generations.

Blessings,

Melva

PS - Join me all this week as part of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 16, Road Rally!  I will be sharing about my Pumpkin Log block on Thursday...