Author Archives: mlwilkie

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About mlwilkie

Software Developer, Mother, Wife with keen interest in art, design and crafts of all kinds.

First Madrona road block for mini quilt

Our quilt guild Madrona Road Challenge started last month and ends in May. I had seen so many wonderful Madrona Road finishes I really did not know what I could do that is original, until I received my March issue of Dwell Magazine (a modern architecture and design magazine), this month’s focus is on Interior Design. In the article, Industrial Designer,  it shows how a 200 year old factory was transformed into an modern style and inviting home (pages 86-93). It is truly magnificent.

What captured my imagination were the tiles that was used in this transformation. There are two designs I want to use as quilts, but the one I am hoping to put into a 9 block mini quilt are these floor tiles:

Page 90
Here they are again in the top two photos for the shower and bathroom, I am using the shower photo as my reference for my mini quilt :Page 92

The first block is finished, which I am calling “Checkers Board Block”  – this is my finish for the week (linking up with Amanda from Crazy Mom Quilts).
Checkers Board Block

I am excited about this project as I have not made a mini quilt before and I am trying some new techniques out along the way :-). This weeks technique, that was different than what I normally do, was how I pressed the blocks to get them to line up and fit well together – I pressed the strip seams in opposite directions to each other. I liked how it turned out.

If all the other blocks turn out, I will make an effort to create patterns and post them, in case someone is interested.

Chicken and vegetable Cacciatore

IMG_0868

This chicken vegetable cacciatore recipe is my favorite recipes. It falls into my comfort food category and is great on a miserable day (be that cold or raining/snowing). It happens to be a weight watchers recipe from WeightWatchers Momentum Cookbook (page 123) – modified quantities below.

Ingredients (serves 3-4)

  • 1 packet of purdue boneless chicken breasts, diced into about 1 in chucks (pre-packed two 1/2 breasts)
  • 1/ 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 package of cremini mushrooms (~4 ounces), sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 a jar of pasta sauce (or a can of tomatoes+herbs of your choice)

Cut the chicken and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Heat the oil in a skillet, add the chicken and brown. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.

Add the vegetables to the skillet – from the bell pepper to garlic cloves, cook and stir the vegetables until slightly softened (about 3 minutes).

Add the chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the pasta sauce or canned tomatoes + herbs and heat. Once it starts to bubble slightly, reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15-20 minutes.

We serve this with either a 1/2 cup of brown rice pasta or a grain like couscous or quinoa. It usually provides enough for an additional 2 lunch portions – its great reheated. You can also freeze it easily in a sealed container.

My Dad’s first exhibition

I have great news, my Dad (Don Wilkie) has had the amazing opportunity to put on his first exhibition of his oil paintings. He has always been an inspiration, and a positive supporting influence in my work.

Art_Gallery

He was interviewed by the local rag where they highlighted his exhibition.Dads Article

He has been more recently focussed on World War II aircraft, but really is versatile in his subject matter.His Facebook page for his art studio can be found here. Here are some of my favorite picks from his work:

This is a painting of my son (his grandson) at 1 year old.
Sean_grandson

Painting of Highland CattleHighland_cows

Paintings of World War II Aircraft:Vineyard_Plane Plane Typhoon

CONGRATS DAD!!!