Handmade hijinks down the lane

Berni loves freemo!

FMQ on the Tilda bag

The girls and I had a hoot and half at last night's Friday Night Sew In. Amanda made a sweet tote called a Vest Bag from Quilt a Bag. Sandra made a couple of her fabulous zippered bags, and I -- wait for it -- did the free motion quilting of my Tilda bag.
I also made brownies and forgot to put out the Tzatzki and pita chips.
But oh, the fun of the FMQ!
I put on my quilting gloves -- and looking like I was on a CSI episode -- did a practice run on a scrap quiltlet -- and found my FNSI bliss.

Amanda's bag in progress

First of all, dear Berni loves to do FMQ. I slapped on her darning foot, dropped her feed dogs and we were away to the races.
It is very liberating to sew without having to worry about doing so in a straight line. My weird little quilting gloves made the whole thing hand stress and shoulder pain free.

Sandra's fabulous finishes

Of course, as with nearly all my FNSI attempts, the F does not also mean finish. I find it very difficult to chat and goof around with the girls AND finish something.

Oh, I tell a lie -- I did finish two brownies and my green tea ginger ale.

The FNSI Microwave Brownie
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Blend butter or margarine with sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and cocoa. Stir together until blended. Then, stir into egg mixture. Stir chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Spoon batter into a lightly-greased* 8-inch square microwave-safe baking dish. Smooth top. Microwave on medium (bake setting or 60 per cent power) for 8 to 10 minutes. The top will still look soft. Don't over bake. Remove and let cool completely.
When cool, top with chocolate butter cream icing. I keep them in the fridge until they are ready to serve because they are easier to cut into squares then.
*I line the pan with parchment paper, so I don't have to grease it.

Chocolate butter cream icing
3 tblsp butter
1 cup icing sugar
2 tblsp cocoa powder
dash sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tblsp milk
Using an electric mixer, whip butter until light and airy. Slowly stir in icing sugar. When combined, whip until light in texture, stir in cocoa powder and salt and whip some more. Stir in vanilla and milk and whip until everything is well combined. Spread on the cooled brownies.