It's a new year, which means new opportunities and new goals. For me, it's doing something that friends and family have told me I should do for quite some while, now... Start a blog. It's here that I hope to share my current quilting adventures as well as some yummy recipes for those who are (or know somebody who is) gluten free and, mostly, diary free.
Anyone who knows me, knows that about three years ago, I was diagnosed with a digestive disorder. What this meant is that I had to completely change my way of life. I consulted with my doctor and a nutritionist, which led to me being placed on the Low FodMap diet.
What is the Low FodMap diet?! Well, it's this crazy diet created by some smart people down in Australia who studied the makeup and nutrition of foods and figured out what is easier for a gut to digest, for those of us who lack the enzymes to break down certain foods. Glamourous sounding, I know, but it's my reality. The great thing about this diet, is that just like everyone, it is flexible and is different for everyone. Each category of food is broken down into three columns, Green=Low FodMap and I can eat those foods comfortably; Yellow=Moderate, meaning I have to limit the amount of those foods I eat; and Red=High means that it is not recommended. So while I am completely gluten free, I can handle hard dairy, so I use milk substitutes for all other diary items.
Over the past year, I've finally felt as though I've gotten a strict handle on my "triggers" and slowly expanding my list of what I can eat. Along with that, I've been able to play with my cooking and baking skills to expand what I'm able to make! One of the hardest adjustments we had, other than having to make the house (mostly) gluten free, was the elimination of onions and garlic from our diets as well. Thankfully, we live in Wisconsin, and I have access to Penzy's Spices, and I've learned what spices are excellent substitutes in recipes, to the point in which my Husband likes my new version of recipes more than my old ones!
These little cooking tricks are just a little part of what I wish to share with you through this blog. While I love to cook (my Hubbie and I are self-professed foodies) my main love is to QUILT😍 I admit, I'm honestly addicted to quilting...
Since I started quilting, a few years ago, I have made a few quilts that usually ended up as gifts, though a couple have stuck around the house. I am completely self taught and I learned all the patchwork basics from books, quilting groups, and simple practice. In fact, I even taught myself how to hand quilt, because I absolutely love working with my hands. Last year, though, I fell in love with a Tula Pink pattern called "Tula Nova", and unbeknownst to me, it would make a huge impact on my life.
You see, the "Tula Nova" quilt is a patterned called English Paper Piecing, which requires the quilter to wrap a cut piece of fabric around a cardstock cut paper piece, basting it down, then piecing the shapes together by hand using (more often than not) a whip stitch; the most common example being the hexagon flowers in the pattern of the "Grandmother's Garden." So...once again, I taught myself a new quilting skill. As I started working on my own hexagon pattern, I ordered my "Tula Nova" pattern and started working on that primarily. As this was all happening, I picked up a few little English Paper Piecing projects along the way (you know, the simple one-off kinds that end up as pillows), which caught the eye of the owner for my local quilt shop. Next thing I know, I'm making samples and teaching classes. Talk about finding my dream job!
Once again, I found a number of people suggesting that I share things that I've learned and even taught, bringing me back to why I'm writing to you all now. As I continue my journey of quilting and cooking, I hope that you all will come back and share in my joys, and even my struggles, of my love for both. Until next time, take care!
Anyone who knows me, knows that about three years ago, I was diagnosed with a digestive disorder. What this meant is that I had to completely change my way of life. I consulted with my doctor and a nutritionist, which led to me being placed on the Low FodMap diet.
What is the Low FodMap diet?! Well, it's this crazy diet created by some smart people down in Australia who studied the makeup and nutrition of foods and figured out what is easier for a gut to digest, for those of us who lack the enzymes to break down certain foods. Glamourous sounding, I know, but it's my reality. The great thing about this diet, is that just like everyone, it is flexible and is different for everyone. Each category of food is broken down into three columns, Green=Low FodMap and I can eat those foods comfortably; Yellow=Moderate, meaning I have to limit the amount of those foods I eat; and Red=High means that it is not recommended. So while I am completely gluten free, I can handle hard dairy, so I use milk substitutes for all other diary items.
Over the past year, I've finally felt as though I've gotten a strict handle on my "triggers" and slowly expanding my list of what I can eat. Along with that, I've been able to play with my cooking and baking skills to expand what I'm able to make! One of the hardest adjustments we had, other than having to make the house (mostly) gluten free, was the elimination of onions and garlic from our diets as well. Thankfully, we live in Wisconsin, and I have access to Penzy's Spices, and I've learned what spices are excellent substitutes in recipes, to the point in which my Husband likes my new version of recipes more than my old ones!
These little cooking tricks are just a little part of what I wish to share with you through this blog. While I love to cook (my Hubbie and I are self-professed foodies) my main love is to QUILT😍 I admit, I'm honestly addicted to quilting...
Since I started quilting, a few years ago, I have made a few quilts that usually ended up as gifts, though a couple have stuck around the house. I am completely self taught and I learned all the patchwork basics from books, quilting groups, and simple practice. In fact, I even taught myself how to hand quilt, because I absolutely love working with my hands. Last year, though, I fell in love with a Tula Pink pattern called "Tula Nova", and unbeknownst to me, it would make a huge impact on my life.
You see, the "Tula Nova" quilt is a patterned called English Paper Piecing, which requires the quilter to wrap a cut piece of fabric around a cardstock cut paper piece, basting it down, then piecing the shapes together by hand using (more often than not) a whip stitch; the most common example being the hexagon flowers in the pattern of the "Grandmother's Garden." So...once again, I taught myself a new quilting skill. As I started working on my own hexagon pattern, I ordered my "Tula Nova" pattern and started working on that primarily. As this was all happening, I picked up a few little English Paper Piecing projects along the way (you know, the simple one-off kinds that end up as pillows), which caught the eye of the owner for my local quilt shop. Next thing I know, I'm making samples and teaching classes. Talk about finding my dream job!
Once again, I found a number of people suggesting that I share things that I've learned and even taught, bringing me back to why I'm writing to you all now. As I continue my journey of quilting and cooking, I hope that you all will come back and share in my joys, and even my struggles, of my love for both. Until next time, take care!
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