wedding gift

Don't you think cloth napkins make every meal seem a little fancier?
And if you're wondering... 1 1/2 yrds makes 9 napkins cut 14" x 14". Roll the hem. Viola - fancy.

baby gifts

I originally bought this fabric in hopes to redo my kids (shared) bedroom. Anna's side would be super girlie and feminine in turquoise and red and Carson's side would be simple and straight-lined in grey/turquoise and red rocket fabric. Well, my husband's car had other ideas in mind for our money. So, game off. But I still have this lovely fabric. I'm sure you'll see an outfit for Anna in the future, but I HAD to use it now. It was burning a hole in my sewing cabinet so-to-speak. My good friend from High School is embarking on the grand adventure of motherhood and is having a baby girl. I've been trying to decide what to make her, but it seems that bibs are my old stand-by. I love to make them. They are so easy and fun. If you need a pattern, I posted one here.

I've made the bibs a lot. I like to back them in terry cloth - if you use terry cloth beware that it stretches so sew it on with the terry cloth against the presser foot and the pretty fabric against the feed dogs (does that make sense??) Anyway, I've tried sewing on velcro, buttons, and snaps. My final verdict on the closure is BUTTONS. It can't be pulled off, it doesn't stick to other clothes in the dryer, and I've heard that the snaps fell off of some bibs I gave a friend a while ago. Plus, buttons are always a fun detail and it's good practice making button holes.

theif?

Martha totally stole my owl...

Not that I could prove it or anything... but there is quite a likeness. It's not like it's copyrighted or anything, so I guess it doesn't really matter, but still. They could have changed it a little. I mean, that's what I do ;-)

available again

Someone never paid for their fabric, so it's still up for grabs if anyone is interested...

am i a crazy person??

Am I crazy person because I'm already thinking about Halloween?? I do this every year. I get all excited about Halloween in the middle of August and then by the time Halloween actually comes I'm ready for Christmas. I guess that qualifies as crazy. Anyhew... I found instructions on how to make this pancake-style tutu over at Burdastyle. What little girl hasn't wanted to wear one of these!? Bring on the tulle!

School Girl

My daughter started Kindergarten yesterday. Of course she had to have a new outfit since all of life's major events require new outfits.

This is the (slightly revised) Oliver +S Sailboat Top and Skirt. I originally bought this pattern to make the cute little Capri pants version (here), but having taken an inventory of my daughters clothes she definitely does not need pants. Plus, it's still 98 degrees here.

I have to admit that I rarely really like the things that I make. I just wonder if I'd actually buy them if I saw them in the store - but I have to admit, I'm really happy with this little outfit. Something about red and white just makes me smile! The pattern is really easy to follow and, of course, fun to make. I always enjoy sewing from this company. The fit is always great and I always learn something new. Plus their patterns are classic and traditional.

I made the following changes:

*I used 7/8" buttons (calls for 5/8") for the skirt

*Instead of long sleeves I just used bias tape to finish off the edges for a more summer-y version.

*Added a ribbon sash - the shirt is a little boxy, which is understandable since it's designed for boys and girls. I thought the sash would add a little shape and fun.

*Used a basic running stitch with embroidery floss to outline the skirt. If you are a beginning sewer I totally recommend this pattern if you're wanting to sew for your kids. I always find buttons a little tricky (mostly the getting them even part), but pull out your manual and figure it out. Don't let buttons scare you away from making cute things. You can unpick them just like you can anything else (unless you've already cut the slit... then you're in trouble).

This outfit (sort of) completes the "spring collection", although it's not technically stated - I used the intended pattern just a little differently. Stay tuned for the Fall/Winter collection. It will mostly consist of shirts, a dress, and possibly a coat considering Anna has 5 pairs of jean, 7 pairs of Capri pants, 4 skirts... this girl does NOT need more clothes. I on the other hand...

seeing red

We were out of town for a week and had a bunch of tomatoes waiting for us when we returned. No one except for me likes tomatoes in my family, but they all love salsa. I like to make it and then freeze it in baggies. My recipe is not an exact science but more to taste... but I'll share the basic idea.

*A bunch of tomatoes. 8-ish I guess. Cut up and reserve a couple for the end so you can have chunky salsa.
*1 Jalapeno pepper
*1/2 red onion
*1/2 clove garlic
*salt and pepper
*cilantro (I don't add this, but I think most people would like it with some).

puree all together.

I do have a question for Tracy though - how do you thicken it? For example, when it's refrigerated the liquid separates from the rest. I just shake it up and it's fine again, but should I add something else to it?