Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Slow Cooker Chex Mix!

Slow Cooker Chex Mix

Did you know that your favorite homemade Chex Mix recipe can be made in the slow cooker? Give it a try!
Prep: 10 mins Cook: 3 hours Total: 3 hours 10 mins
Ingredients:

    9 cups Chex cereal (I used equal parts corn, rice, and wheat Chex)
    2 cups pretzels
    1 cup Cheerios
    1 cup peanuts
    1/3 cup (6 Tablespoons) butter, melted and hot
    1 Tablespoon seasoned salt
    1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
    1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions:

Add cereal, pretzels, cheerios and peanuts to the bowl of a slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, whisk together butter and seasoned salt until the salt is dissolved.  Stir in the Worcestershire sauce until combined.

Drizzle the sauce evenly over the top of the cereal mixture.  Toss for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is evenly combined.

Cover and slow cook on low for 3 hours,  stirring at the 1 hour, 2 hour and 2.5 hour marks so that the mixture does not burn.  Then spread the mixture out onto a few baking sheets or parchment paper in an even layer until it cools to room temperature.  Serve, or store in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks.

*If your slow cooker does not have a tiny hole in it to let air escape, it may collect too much condensation which could make the Chex Mix get too soggy.  If that is the case, I recommend placing a towel underneath the lid of the slow cooker to collect the condensation.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Quilt Shop in a Month!

Long, long 30 days in taking a really nice empty building and making it in to a completely functional and beautiful Abbimay's Quilt Shop.

Linda wanted to take her internet business to another level with a retail outlet. She made a decision on what she feels is the perfect location to serve West Michigan and said "GO".
Off we went 30 days 7 days a week 10, 12 and 14 hours a day, lots and lots of help from her posse (thank you, thank you, thank you) and here it is. First day Saturday with the doors open was a HUGE success, Still a lot of small details to work out and that will come and go. 
Future plans are to add to the inventory, plenty of new fabric and kits with a unique fabric line you will ONLY find at AbbiMays. We also have some other ideas for the store we'll share as they develop. 

Thank You again everyone who braved the snow to come in and made the first day the huge success it was.

THANK YOU ~ Bruce Hazekamp!

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Grand Opening today!

There were cars in the parking lot before 10am!
The doors opened and we had a full house until closing at 5pm!  


Thank you everyone for stopping by and enjoying our Grand Opening!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Grand Opening tomorrow!

The night before the grand opening the team decorated the shop for Christmas!

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Update - We've started to make our cases and flooring!


Here's my husband - Bruce - building cases.
and with son putting down the floor:
My team and I have been working all month to get the show ready.
Here's part of my teaming helping me move from my double stall garage to our new shop:

Abbi and I are loading cases (she does quilt)

Here's a fun fact: MAYS is named for the 3 surviving Mays in our middle name:



Sunday, November 1, 2015

New Retail Shop ~ Coming Soon!


Me and Abbi May


Yup - we are going to do it  ~ we are not only a web store but have grown in to a retail store too!
After 13 years as a webstore only we decided open up a retail store.

Why? Because - there's nothing more fun then hanging out with quilters (and we ran out of room to put our fabrics)!!


Webstore Customers - we're not going anywhere - we'll still be there for you with our great customer service (call us anytime)!.
Our new shop is located at:2357 Holton RdMuskegon, MI 49457

Here's the outside (yes, it was snowing last week)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Yum - yum Cheesy Jack-o'-Lantern



Cheesy Jack-o'-Lantern
3  green onions, divided
2 pkg.  (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 pkg.  (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
1/4 cup  finely chopped red peppers
2 slices  OSCAR MAYER Pepperoni
 RITZ Crackers
make it

CUT 4-inch length from green end of 1 onion; slice remaining onions. Beat cream cheese and 1-1/4 cups cheddar with mixer until blended. Stir in sliced onions and peppers. Refrigerate 1 hour.

SHAPE into ball; roll in remaining cheddar. Cut pepperoni into shapes for the jack-o'-lantern's eyes, nose and mouth; press into cheese ball to make face. Insert green onion piece into top for stem.

SERVE with crackers.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Arbor Hill Fabric Collection "Shabby"

The Arbor Hill collection from Benartex is pretty "shabby" fabrics in whisper soft florals, elegant paisleys and a lovely wallpater stripe.
$9.90 yard

The florals are delicately painted, and the entire palette is soft blues or pinks, with gentle touches of ivory. A wonderful choice for a relaxing bedroom or for little girl dresses for special occasion.

Need some inspiration?
Garden of Sheridan House 
designed by Janet Page Kessler + Free Pattern


Finished Size: 42" x 54"
Skill Level: Beginner


We made one substitution from within the collection
 we changed the outside border to keep is soft and shabby.

Included in Kit:
Free Pattern Arbor Hill
Fabric: Approx 4.25 yards for top, borders and binding

Available here for $45 + shipping:
Garden of Sheridan House

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Yum - Cheesy Potato Soup


Serves 6-8
Ingredients
1 (30 oz.) bag frozen shredded hash browns
1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, plus more for serving
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
croutons, garnish
crumbled bacon, garnish, optional
This time a year doesn't potato soup sound really good!


Directions
Combine chicken broth and hash browns in a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in chicken soup, cheddar cheese and onion powder.
Season generously with salt and pepper and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Stir in sour cream and cream cheese and cook until completely incorporated, then blend everything together (or leave as is).
Transfer to serving bowls and serve topped with oregano, croutons and more cheese.


Monday, October 12, 2015

Serenity - Quilt Kit!

Serenity designed by Jan Douglas Designs.


This elegant heirloom quilt showcases the beautiful border in the center blocks with mirror image fussy cutting and hand or machine applique for the curves.  Detailed instructions and paper templates included in pattern.  No special rulers needed. 


The fabrics featured are 11 prints from the Graceful Moments collection from Maywood Studios.


 Finished size: Queen 90" x 102"
Skill level: Advanced Beginner

Included in kit:
Pattern: Serenity
Fabric: Approx 16 3/4 yards for top, border and binding.


Available here for $180 + shipping:
Serenity




Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Eureka Quilt Kit!

This beautiful quilt was designed by Jackie Robinson of Animas Quilting for Benartex.


Eureka features the fabric collection A Mum for a Mum also designed by Jackie. Get the illusion of curves with straight piecing. The color stories are also carefully thought out for maximum impact with rich plum/burgundy with leaf greens and beautiful creams/tans.



Finished size:  LAP 70" x 87"
twin $223, queen $241 and king $266
 kits are available too - email: linda@abbimays.com)
Skill Level: Intermediate


Pattern has Jackie Robinson's directions for four quilt sizes including the lap/twin shown.
Lap - 70" x 87"
Twin - 70" x 105"
Queen - 87" x 105"
King - 105" x 105


Included in kit:
Pattern:  Eureka
Fabric: Approx 15.5 yards
Fabrics are as pictured and include all yardage for top, borders and binding. We have not made any substitutions (and gets Mr. Buster's approval)


We've also included: The Binding Miter Tool designed by Jackie Robinson. This tool makes it possible for you to create PERFECT mitered corners on your quilt bindings.




Available here for $179 + shipping: Eureka

Monday, September 28, 2015

Quilt Book Happy Catz

by SamSarah Design Studio / Patti Connor 
Companion Book for the Happy Catz quilt fabric from Red Rooster.Soft sided 24 pages with 8 projects.Fabrics featured in this book: Happy Catz


Available here for $16.20 + Shipping: Happy Catz

Friday, September 25, 2015

Menagerie sweet quilt and easy to make!

Welcome newborns to the marvelous world of whimsical giraffes, lions, elephants and zebras!

I love this quilt! It's soooo sweet and made in a day and that included the cutting and sewing!
The kit includes a free pattern and all the fabrics to make this quilt top.

Available here for $58.50 + shipping: Menagerie

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Yum...yum... Carmel Apple Bites

Caramel Apple Bite


2 cup graham cracker crumbs (I used store bought in a can.  I find these to work the best)
12 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 cups peeled, cored and chopped apples (we used golden delicious)
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 1/4 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Caramel topping (store bought!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease pan with non-stick butter spray
Melt butter
In a medium size bowl mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and butter with a spoon (slowly add the butter and evenly distribute – PLEASE SEE UPDATE/NOTE BELOW)
Evenly distribute mixture to the 24 mini muffin cups. Press along the bottom and sides to make a “cup”
Bake for 5 minutes and let cool completely
Chop the apples into little pieces – I used a mini food processor.  Don’t puree, just finely chop
Mix apples, sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl
Bake in a baking dish for 15 minutes on 375 degrees, until apples are slightly softened
Scoop a teaspoon or so of the apple mix and place on top of the graham cracker crust cups (while still in the muffin pan)
Sprinkle any extra graham cracker on top of the apples (I had some left over!)
Bake for 5 minutes on 350
Let cool completely
Use a knife to loosen from pan and they should pop right out
Drizzle with caramel topping

Friday, September 11, 2015

9/11: A Day That Changed America Exhibit, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
A new exhibit “9/11: A Day That Changed America” will be at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, starting on the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 10, through Friday, Sept. 11. The exhibit is on a loan from the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City and includes artifacts from the attack, including a rescue vehicle used by first responders.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Friday, September 4, 2015

Just Arrived: A Mum for a Mum

designed by Jackie Robinson for Benartex.

Beautiful lush florals, rich textures - Jackie’s newest collection is like a fine oil painting, just waiting to be displayed! 
 
The beauty is in the details - each petal and leaf intricately painted; textures are rich and varied, making them the perfect backdrop for the focal prints. The color stories are also carefully thought out for maximum impact! Rich plum/burgundy with leaf green, or smoky teal with gold and ivory.

Available here for $9.90 yard: A Mum for A Mum


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Meet the designer: JACKIE ROBINSON!

Jackie Robinson lives in Eureka, in scenic northwestern Montana with her husband, Jery Wyatt.  She designs fabrics and patterns (Animas Quilts).

  An international teacher and lecturer since 1989 , Jackie has authored twelve quilting books is is a National Artisan for Bernina. She is best known for her geometric patterns, creating new and expanded designs from traditional shapes. Jackie has made in excess of 400 quilts.

We think you'll like her patterns and fabrics!

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Bye bye August --

hello September!

Click here for our newest fabrics for your fall projects: What's New


Sunday, August 23, 2015

Brrr.... the temps are going to be in the 60's this week....

It's time for comfort food:

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Ingredients:
2lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14 ½ oz can chicken broth
\2 packets of chicken gravy mix
Directions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, cover and cook on high for about 3 – 4 hours or until chicken easily pulls apart.
2. Pour 2 cups of the chicken broth/juices out of the crockpot and into a saucepan. Discard any remaining liquids. Add the two gravy packets into the saucepan and whisk well. Simmer on low until gravy thickens.
3. While the gravy simmers, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred into larger pieces. That’s it! Serve with the gravy over the chicken. Yum!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Bertie's Spring Wall Hanging!

Finished size: 28" x 34"
Bertie's Spring was intended to be a Block of the Month, but are we offering as a kit instead!
Wouldn't you rather have all the fabrics now then have to wait 4 months!?
Say Springtime in Flannels with this adorable wall size quilt. 
Bertie's Spring is designed by Bonnie Sullivan and feature Woolies flannels from Maywood. Woolie flannels are 100% cotton printed flannels that look like wool. Choose our favorite method of hand or machine applique. 

Kit includes:
Patterns: Bertie's Spring Wall Hanging Four main blocks: 
Bertie's Spring Part 1 "For Me?"  8in x 20in
Bertie's Spring Part 2 "Hitchin' A Ride" 8in x 14in 
Bertie's Spring Part 3 "Breakfast Time" 10in x 14in
Bertie's Spring Part 4 "Bloom": 8in x 24in

Fabric:  Approx 4 1/8 yards including:
             20 @ fat eighths + 2 1/8 yards
For top, borders and binding. We have not made any substitutions and are as pictured.
(I'm pretty sure you'll have enough left over fabrics for a scrappy backing)

Not included:
1 yard for backing

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Fabric Review: Farmhouse Blooms from Marcus Brothers

designed by Designed by Gloria Parson of Olde Green Cupboard Designs.  
Farmhouse Blooms takes it's inspiration from "living on the farm" when Gloria was a kid in the 50's and 60's. Her mom grew the flowers she remembered that were growing in the yard. She added some fun colors to give it a fresh summer feel.

The computer generated pictures are not as pretty as the the actual prints.
Yardage is $9.67 yard available here: Farmhouse Blooms

Need some inspiration?
This quilt features these fabrics Farmhouse Blooms, designed by Heidi Pridemore and includes a  Free Pattern
The quilt has a fun picnic feel to it that would be neat to use as a table cloth at a "pot-luck"!
Finished size: 76 1/2" x 76 1/2"
You can see by the actual fabric picture that this quilt is a lot prettier then the computer generated one!
Kit includes Free Pattern and 10 1/2 yards fabric for top, borders and binding
Avialable here for $103 + shipping: Farmhouse Blooms

Thursday, April 9, 2015

"Sneak Peek" at an old favorite quilt: Lovely In Lavender

COMING IN JUNE!
If you loved Lovely in Lavender then you'll really love this one redone in Fresh Lilacs designed be Deb Beaves for Maywood:
Fresh Lilacs Color Play!