Llama Love and Brownies!

We've had some really cold days here in Minnesota, I'm so happy to see a warm up in the forecast. With the cold temps, Belvedere and I are still boycotting the weather and staying inside. I have been busy doodling and sewing in the studio. It's been very relaxing. Belvedere, being the puppy that he is looses interest with my sewing space and let's me know quite loudly that he's had enough and wants to go back upstairs where his favorite window and sunny spot is. During one of these breaks I discovered a long lost (aka misplaced) cookbook that I have been searching for years for. It was in the guest room/office on the bookshelf. Who'd guess it was on a bookshelf.... oh well, to continue on with the story.... it was a treasured gift from my grandparents. I've cooked just about every bar and cookie recipe in this Cookie Cookbook from Better Homes and Gardens. But I have some favs that I love. I've been craving Tri-level Brownies. My absolute favorite brownie recipe! I've been making these since 1983 when I first was given this book.

So while Belvedere was napping in his sunny spot by the fireplace, I whipped up a batch to share with you along with the NEW mug rug design I've come up with. 

I have a niece who is in love with llama's so I certainly had her in mind when I drew this design up. My dad- way back in the day worked for the Llama Registry in Minnesota after he retired. He loved it, he also worked with my sister there. Another reason why he loved working at the registry! I thought of the sweet memories and stories he'd share when I stitched this up. It's a fun design to make. I was able to get it done in an afternoon. I made my llama's white and cream, but you can have fun and make your's any color combo! There are so many different types and colorings for llamas.

Something I wanted to share that is a little different then I normally do is, instead of sewing with brown or black thread. I used a cream/tan variegated cotton thread for a softer edge on the design. I really like how it turned out.

I hope that you have fun with this pattern. I sure had fun making it. I have PDF patterns available in my Etsy shop and also on the Quilt Doodle website. You can also buy the PDF pattern instantly by clicking the 'Buy Now' button above. It is a great project to work on for Valentine's Day. Well, I'm off to grab a brownie and a cup of coffee and go back to do some more stitching. 

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Cindy and Belvedere