5 Fun Facts about Erin Dekker Ratjes of Myrtle Grace Motifs

5 Fun Facts about Erin Dekker Ratjes of Myrtle Grace Motifs

1. The work crew behind the production of our patterns… are Erin’s grandparents… whose mothers the company was named for – Myrtle McCutcheon and Grace Dekker

2. Official anniversary of Myrtle Grace is August 2^nd – Erin’s Birthday

3. Myrtle Grace Motif’s first pattern was Flying Mom’s Geese as a Mother’s day gift to her mom.

4. People and things from daily life make it into artwork, Willow Wood (Drive) Lane is the street Erin lives on, Rusty Bucket – Rusty is Erin’s dog, Montague Stars – place where we love to stay in Michigan.

5. Myrtle Grace is a family project. Erin’s mom LuAnn does all the sewing projects, her dad Ken does the wood working and engineering, and her husband Andy is moral support and everything else. All in the family help with design names. (Ken is responsible for Ham in a Can.)

To find out more about Erin and Myrtle Grace Motifs be sure to check out their website and Facebook page

Cookies Anyone? by Myrtle Grace Motifs

Looking for a new winter recipe?  Erin from Myrtle Grace Motifs posted this recipe on her blog last week and I think it is the PERFECT way to step out of your comfort zone and make a new cookie.  With pictures like this (above) how can you not try it?

Myrtle Grace Motifs needs your help!

Come join their Facebook page and vote on what to call this new little creation.  Does she look like a Percy or a Penny?  I love MGM's.  They create their designs in both counted cross stitch and punch needle.  I am especially into this design since my MIL collects Elephants and I've never seen one that I could stitch for her.....only 5 months till her B-day.  I am thinking I will get this all kited up and take it to the hospital with me when I visit Bryn in the NICU.  I can keep my hands busy while I spend some time with her.   

Be sure to check out the Myrtle Grace Motifs Blog......I just found a great recipe for left over watermelon rind.  I had no idea!  This will be perfect once the watermelon are ready to be picked from the garden next year.

Heart Healthy Recipe by Myrtle Grace Motifs

Erin loves soup – especially this Quick Minestrone Soup. She and her mom used to make this when Erin's dad was away and we’d sit with some big thick oatmeal bread and dip it into the soup and be all warm and cozy! Erin suggests you double the veggies. Makes for great leftovers, is almost better the next day!

Quick Minestrone Soup

1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery
1 large can (48 oz) chicken broth
1 cup water
1 or 2 chicken bullion cubes
1 can (15 1/2 oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup medium shell or ditalini pasta, uncooked
1 cup frozen or canned Italian-style green beans
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.

Combine all ingredients in Dutch oven except parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are crisp tender. Grade parmesan cheese and sprinkle over each serving.

Be sure to check out Erin's fabulous designs HERE