A co-worker recently recommended the book Stitches to Savor and the website (here) of a marvelous quilt-maker, expert embroiderer, and (as my colleague stated) “rock star” of the stitching world, Sue Spargo. The book was written in 2015 and as the subtitle states, it is a “celebration of designs by Sue Spargo,” created from wool, embellishments of scraps of silk, velvet and other fabrics, beads, various threads and so on. I was previously unfamiliar with Spargo’s work and to say that I was absolutely blown away by it is a massive understatement. The photography in the book is utterly stunning as well, capturing the intricate detail of the motifs so perfectly that you can almost feel the textures. What an inspiring treat, and highly recommended if you can track it down at your local library.
I don’t know if any of you out there are soap makers (I’m not, but it’s on an unfathomably gigantic list of things that I want to pursue some day), but if you are or if you want to try something new, this recipe for Gardener’s Soap might be right up your alley. When she lived in Calgary, I worked at the library with Margot, the owner and creator of Starfish Soap Company, and this is one of my favourite soaps that she makes. She is based out of Gabriola Island, in British Columbia.
My favourite recipe from last week? These Chocolate Chip Blondies with Chocolate Ganache that I made for my hubby’s b-day. The recipe is so easy you think it can’t possibly be accurate, but it is and the end result is decadent, sweet, and definitely special-occasion-worthy. You could omit the ganache if it’s not someone’s birthday, I guess, but why not go big and bold? It’s chocolate, after all.
Have an amazing week!
Flowery Prose 
Omit gamache?? I don’t think so! 😉
LOL I’m with you!
Yes! Go big and bold. I printed that recipe and will be trying it soon. We enjoy having people over for tea and coffee, and this will be one to share with friends.
I hope you (and your friends) enjoy the recipe – it’s delicious! Definitely sweet….
Sweet is my thing. I like to joke that have “sweet teeth” rather than just one “sweet tooth.” Hard to stay away from goodies, but it also means that I love fruit.
Doesn’t everyone have an unfathomable list of things they want to do? 🙂 I’ve thought about soap but it’s easier to buy it from those that sell it at farmer’s markets or from friends trying their hand at it. 🙂 I’m getting a bit lazy in my old age. I’ll pop over now and check out your links.
Yes, I think you’re definitely right about that unfathomable list! 🙂 Soap making seems like it might be a bit time-consuming and perhaps require a special space to create it in (I can’t see myself working on it in my tiny kitchen!), so supporting makers at farmers’ markets etc. is the way to go, for sure.
Leuk verjaardagskado en lekker
Yes – he was pretty pleased with his birthday dessert. 🙂
Spargo’s work is stunning. Thanks for introducing us to her work.
You’re very welcome! She’s amazingly talented.
I just got the book!
I hope you enjoy!
Oh those brownies! Absolutely scrumptious!
They are sooooo delectable!
Thanks for these tidbits, Sheryl. Beautiful work by Sue Spargo! Thanks so much for the introduction. I love handmade soap and this recipe looks fairly simple. Maybe one day I’ll have the time to have a go. I’m more likely to make the blondies – YUM!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the links! The blondies come highly recommended…we finished them off pretty quickly. 😉
🙂