I worked for hours and hours on that dress, even adding buttons up the straight skirt.  I was so proud of myself, but what I remember most is how proud my mom was.  That was the beginning of a lifelong love of sewing.

Fast-forward thirty-something years.  I still sew, but my five kids, my former career as a teacher, and my current career as a full-time writer have zapped my free time.  Sewing isn’t something I can do everyday or even every week.  It’s one of those luxuries I fit in every chance I get.

So what is a fabric-aholic, craft-lover, creative writer girl to do if she can’t actually sew as much as she’d like?

Create a cozy mystery series that revolves around sewing, of course!

Pleating for Mercy, the debut book in A Magical Dressmaking mystery series, features fashion designer Harlow Cassidy, a descendent of Butch Cassidy. She’s all I need to get my sewing fix. I get to research fabrics, fashion, style, and accessories.  I get to write about sewing machines, technique, and notions.  And I get to peruse bridal magazines, books on Victorian fashions, and anything else that strikes my sewing fancy.  It may not be the same as sitting down at my Pfaff and creating a color-blocked dress or a quilted tote, but it works.

For now.

Thank you, Mom!

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

6 0z. chocolate (high quality, not chocolate chips)

3 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup corn starch (sifted)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Put chocolate and butter into a bowl and melt until smooth in the microwave or in a double-boiler on stove.  Stir frequently.  Set aside

In large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt.  Mix well.

Slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar/egg mixture and stir until combined

Cover the batter and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight)

Scoop mixture evenly into six cups in a muffin pan or similar

Put in oven and turn pan after 15 minutes to allow even baking

Bake for another 10-15 minutes.  They will be done when the outside has risen slightly above the sides of the pan and the center is puffed up but still soft

Let cool completely.   Unmold carefully

Serve on a plate and garnish with chocolate curls and berries

To serve warm, heat in oven for 5 minutes before garnishing.