Nap Mat

I was looking for something for my three grandchildren who are toddlers and a preschooler, to nap on the floor. I was surprised at how expensive the really cute ones were so I decided to make my own. I decided to make them about 24 X 60 and divided them into three 20 inch sections with the end one stuff more for a pillow. I bought two yards of fleece that was wide enough to fold in half.

I also bought "extra loft" batting. This is how I did it. I folded the fleece in half and cut it 25 X 61 so I'd have a 1/2 inch seam. I made two lines marking the three 20 inch sections. Then I layered the batting inside the fleece and pinned it like a quilt.

I made two 24 inch ties folded in half, to put and the head of my mat so I can roll it up and tie it. (Make it longer if you want a bow.) I next pinned the seams and top stitched using my walking foot,

about 1/4 inch all around the mat. Then I sewed my two seams on top marking the 20 inch sections. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Beach Robes

I found this amazing beach robe pattern and just had to buy it and make it for my grandchildren. The pattern was purchased from www.dana-made-it.com. I found this cute fabric with little fish on it in two colors and bought the towels from Ikea.





I think the final result is adorable.

Cherry Wine Jelly

A while back my sister Deb and I went to Door County in Wisconsin. While there, we took a wine tour and did a little tasting. They make all kinds of wine including cherry wine made from the famous cherries they grow.




Today I finally got around to make that Cherry Wine Jam.



Here is the recipe:

3 1/2 cups wine (which is a whole 750 ml bottle)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (2 oz) pkg dried pectin
4 1/2 cups sugar

Technique:

Combine wine, lemon juice and pectin in a large pot. Bring to a boil frequently stirring. Add sugar and stir until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to another boil. Boil hard for one minute and continue stirring. Remove from heat and skim off foam if necessary. (I put a tsp of butter in my mixture to prevent foam, seems to work).

Ladle hot jelly into prepared sterilized jars and top with two piece lids. Process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes.



I found some free downloadable labels for the top of my jars at this site.
                    https://www.box.com/shared/ovqfde97mj