Inspire. Empower. Create.
Turning carbon into a diamond is no easy task. It takes about 725,000 pounds of pressure and 2,200 degrees of heat. So…probably not something you can whip up over the weekend.
But if you’re looking to make diamonds out of squares, you’re in luck! The Charm Quilt on Point is so quick and easy, you’ll have those squares standing on their tippy toes in no time! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
All the quilts of my childhood had solid backs. Some pink, some red, some navy blue – all plain as plain. For years, it felt like the back of the quilt didn’t really matter at all. But when I started to notice pretty florals, sassy stripes, and exciting colors, I started seeing quilt backing as one more opportunity to let my creativity shine!
This week’s new project, the Sidekick Quilt, is a quick and easy pattern based on the friendship star. It’s cute and colorful, but just wait ‘til you see the backing fabric! It’s bold, fabulous, and anything but boring! Click HERE to watch the tutorial.
When I’m laying out a quilt, I try my best to follow the pattern. But when I’m asked, for example, to turn every third block one clockwise quarter turn, I always end up with a couple flying geese headed the wrong direction! What can I say? Some of us are directionally challenged!
If you struggle too, the One Direction Quilt is calling your name! Every single one of these adorable arrows points right to the center of the quilt. No left or right to remember. You just can’t fail! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
(Psst! This quilt is featured in the newest issue of BLOCK Magazine. If you’re a subscriber, your issue is on its way!)
Today we are wishing Jenny and Ron Doan a very happy 38th Wedding Anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with Jenny and Ron to learn a little bit about their relationship. Check out the Q&A below.
How did you meet?
Jenny: Ron and I met at a church dance.
What was your first impression of your spouse?
Jenny: I thought he was shy and a pretty snazzy dresser!
Ron: I thought she was really cute with a nice smile.
What would be your spouse’s ideal date?
Jenny: Ron would like to go to the motocross races.
Ron: Jenny would want to go out to dinner and a James Taylor concert!
If you could describe your spouse in one word, what word would it be?
Jenny: Ron is sweet.
Ron: Jenny is spontaneous!
If your spouse had a superpower, what would it be?
Jenny: Ron’s superpower would be that he can fix anything!
Ron: Quilting is definitely Jenny’s superpower.
What is the best gift your spouse ever bought for you?
Jenny: Ron once got me a toolbox with my name engraved on it.
Ron: Jenny made me a life scrapbook.
What was the first meal that your spouse ever cooked for you?
Ron: Jenny made me Swedish pancakes, and they were delicious.
Jenny: Ron made me mac and cheese.
When did you and your spouse first dance together and to what song?
Jenny: We are kitchen dancers, so I don’t really remember the first time we danced—when a song came on we would always dance. Our song has changed throughout the years, but “Grow Old Along with Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter and “Annie’s Song” by John Denver are favorites. Also “A Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins is great. There are so so many more! More recently, “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds and “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. We are music lovers for sure!
What is your spouse’s favorite color?
Jenny: Ron and I both like blue.
What is your spouse’s favorite flavor of ice cream?
Jenny: Ron likes anything chocolate.
Ron: Jenny likes Cherry Garcia!
What is your spouse’s favorite movie?
Jenny: Ron loves the original Star Wars trilogy or any of the Indiana Jones movies!
What is your spouse’s favorite restaurant?
Jenny: Ron and I both love Texas Roadhouse and we loved Lobster Grotto in Monterey as well. They had the best clam chowder!
What is your spouse’s favorite TV show?
Jenny: We both like NCIS and action shows!
Who controls the TV remote?
Jenny: Ron does, but I don’t mind. I like to knit while we watch TV together.
What is your spouse’s most repeated catchphrase?
Jenny: Ron is always saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Ron: Every night Jenny tells me, “Dream sweet dreams.”
When did Ron start sewing?
Jenny: Years and years ago, he made his sister a quilt for Christmas, but most recently he was sewing at a retreat. He also has a quilt featured in the latest issue of ModBlock Magazine and it’s awesome.
Do you like to sew together?
Jenny: Yes, we are a very good team!
How would you describe each others’ quilting style?
Jenny: Ron is relaxed.
Ron: Jenny loves the details.
How did you celebrate your first anniversary?
Jenny: We had a 1-month-old baby, so our options were kind of limited. I fixed him dinner at home, and he rubbed my feet!
How do you like to celebrate your anniversary now?
Ron: We usually go out to dinner and just spend time together.
Do you have any advice for the newlyweds out there?
Jenny: It’s hard work to stay married. Give it your all! People become what you believe they are, so make sure to tell your spouse how wonderful, kind, and handsome he is and he will become it. Words have great power.
Ron: Never be selfish. Always put your spouse first.
What is your definition of, “And they lived happily ever after”?
Jenny: Being happy where you are, no matter what your circumstances are and that’s us.
Something is cooking in Hamilton…the sweet smells of chocolate crinkle cookies and the savory aroma of brisket breakfast burritos are wafting through downtown, and we’ve discovered the source! The newest addition to the Hamilton foodie scene is the Hamilton Baking Company & Cafe!
Stop by for breakfast, lunch, a cup of coffee or a delightful snack any time Monday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm, and you won’t be disappointed. Chef and head baker Chad Rigby (who you may know from Blue Sage. Don’t worry, he’s still donning his chef’s hat down the street!), along with his bakery team are whipping up tasty treats (strawberry cake anyone?) and scrumptious sandwiches (you can’t go wrong with the Turkey Bacon Cranberry Panini) that will have your taste buds dancing.
Walk through the doors (just a few steps north of our Main Shop next to J’s Burger Dive) and you’ll instantly feel right at home. With white subway tiles, dark wood counters, deep blue and gold walls (a nod to the team colors of the Hamilton Penney Hornets), a photo wall and a selection of games to play, Hamilton Baking Co. is modern, warm and inviting.
“We want to build a sense of community throughout the cafe, which is also what inspired the name,” Chad explains.
Guests are encouraged to take a break from digital devices and unplug for a moment or two while playing a game, engaging in conversation or enjoying a delicious bite without any digital interference.
If you are wanting to try some of the Hamilton Baking Co.’s signature dishes, we recommend the Turkey Bacon Cranberry Panini and the Seasonal Berry Salad, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The signature house recipe hot cocoa (seriously, try it!) is a decadent drink that is sure to warm you up even on the chilliest of days. Gluten-free options are also available.
Looking for an invigorating cup of joe to kickstart your morning? Hamilton Baking Co. is brewing local Mokaska coffee, roasted just down Highway 36 in St. Joseph. Click HERE to view the complete menu.
For the frequent flyers of baked goods and caffeinated beverages, be sure and grab a punch card so you can earn free treats and drinks, because if there’s one thing better than a cookie, it’s a free cookie.
“Come and enjoy the bakery. This is a place to get some eats and hang out and relax in a stress-free zone,” Chad explains.
Don’t forget to snap a photo and leave it on the board! If you would like to see what Chad and the bakery team are up to, follow along on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
