The Communique Layout

Popularized by Rhonda Dort, who uses the layout in her classes, the Communique Quilt Layout works for both featuring large fabric and panel pieces, as well as a basis for multiple block designs.

About Me

Welcome to Mouse in My Pocket! I'm Andrea, a web developer living in rural America with her husband and daughter. I'm excited to share my life with you as I explore some of the great things about living in the middle of nowhere.  Be sure to check out the blog below to see a few of the things that are speaking to me right now.

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On the Blog

Almond Toffee Bars

By Andrea | February 1, 2013
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Sweetheart Pillow

By Andrea | January 30, 2013

My MIL, Mary Kay, got me an adorable charm pack for Christmas.  It was the Flirtations pack by Sandy Gervais.   I’ve been trying to figure out how to use it for a while.  Mostly because it’s themed fabric, with lots of red and pink and hearts, and I’ve just never quite known how to…

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Fine Finish

By Andrea | January 28, 2013

The final sewing chapter in The Colette Patterns Sewing Handbook is all about using lining and the right seams for your project. Did you know that you can easily add lining to patterns that don’t call for one?  I didn’t.  I also leaned about several new ways to finish the seams on my sewing projects.…

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Spiced Spritz with Browned Butter Glaze

By Andrea | January 25, 2013

I originally found this recipe in the 2012 Land O Lakes holiday cookies publication.  One reason I love this publication is that it has great tips, like what to do when you want to make spritz cookies and don’t have a cookie press.  Did you know you could use an icing bag with a large…

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Truffle Dress

By Andrea | January 14, 2013

The 3rd project in the Colette Patterns Sewing Handbook is called the Truffle Dress. It’s a lovely little sleeveless dress with a simple scoop neck and a decorative ruffle panel on the skirt. In hopes of getting a finished project that was a little less stiff, I decided to get away from poplin (or quilting…

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Ball Blueberry Jam

By Andrea | January 9, 2013

This is the ball jar recipe for blueberry jam. Printable Recipe

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Beautiful Fabric

By Andrea | January 7, 2013

After taking a couple weeks off  of my sewing projects for the holidays, it’s nice to get back to them.  And what better way to do that, than by playing with fabric, which happens to be the topic of this week’s chapter in The Colette Patterns Sewing Handbook. To really understand fabrics, you really need…

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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini

By Andrea | January 4, 2013

I originally found this recipe in the 2011 Taste of Home Summer Slow Cooker publication, and love it. Printable Recipe

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Half Moon Colorist Quilt

By Andrea | January 2, 2013

I decided a while ago that I wanted to tackle a quilt with curves, but hadn’t been brave enough to do it.  I’m pretty decent a sewing a straight line by now, but how on earth you get curves to work still seemed a little beyond me.  Then I started sewing a few clothes.  I…

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A Good Christmas

By Andrea | December 27, 2012
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Merry Christmas

By Andrea | December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! Here’s hoping you have a wonderful day full of family and fun.

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Spiced Molasses Cookies

By Andrea | December 21, 2012

This year I’ve decided to try several new recipes, for the holiday season.  I’ve made Red Velvet Fudge – which is amazing, even if it turned out a little dry.  It was totally the fault of my cooking thermometer though… I think I totally need a new one. I made some Subway style chocolate chip…

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