Sunday, November 28, 2010

Smart or cheap ?


I am always on the lookout for sale items to add to my stash 
of quick gifts to embroider.
JC Penney sends me $10 gift coupons several times a year.
 A few years ago I spotted this set for exactly $10.
Using my coupon I ended up only paying the $.60 tax.

 

My niece lives in Wyoming and I thought it would make a perfect gift for her.
For $.60, a little thread, stabilizer and about an hour of my time, she now has a very personal gift.
What do you think - smart or cheap?
 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Just in time...


A placemat and burpcloth for the grandbabies.
Since Kember is only 2 weeks old today, I thought he could use a burpcloth instead.


  


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Reversible turkey top


I made this outfit for Miss Oakleigh last year.
It started like this....

I embroidered a shirt and added a ruffle to the jeans.


Isn't he just to cutest thing?


Any Whoo...

It can be worn "as is" or she can add this little top to match the ruffle on the jeans.


Reverse the top and...


she's ready for dinner!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Sunday, November 14, 2010

I am such a copycat...

A total copycat!
I saw this idea in an antique store recently and just HAD to copy it.
It cost me $5 to make my own.
Recently a brand new Wal-Mart moved into the neighborhood and sent out $5 gift cards.
I spotted this $10 platter and thought it would be perfect for this project.
It's HUGE - and it only cost me $5 after my gift card.


I brought it home, got out the leftover chalkboard paint from my piggy rescue and started painting.

Here's the result:



Very easy project.


Linking today to:

Friday, November 12, 2010

Remember this?

The basket I made for my new grandbaby?


Yippee !!!!!

He just arrived....
Kember McCray
1:43pm
7lbs 4oz
20 inches long

Congratulations are in order for Mommy, Daddy and his big sister Oakleigh !


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veterans Day


We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
~Cynthia Ozick~
Today is the day to be grateful and celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our U.S. Veterans.
Memorial Day honors those who have died in service to their country - Veterans Day honors those living veterans who have served honorably in our U.S. military.
~I am grateful for both~

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

How A-door-able....

is this?


My mother hosted a sewing get together a few years ago and I made this as her hostess gift.
I included homemade note cards, matching envelopes and tissue holder.

I made this A-door-able little thing using this pattern...
 
I have purchased several Lazy Girl Designs and have never been disappointed in their patterns.

Wouldn't this be a cute surprise to hang on a favorite neighbor's front door and run

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Fall back....



I hope everyone remembered to turn those clocks back before bedtime last night!
Even though it gave me an extra hour of sewing time this morning....
I am really going to miss my Daylight savings time.

Did you know the only U.S. states that don't observe daylight savings time are Arizona and Hawaii?

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Crayon Bag Tutorial


Kara at Mine for the Making has asked for a tutorial on my crayon bag.
I thought I would share it with everyone.
First, I would like to apologize up front for the quality of some of my pictures; I am not a photographer.

Okay, here goes...

I like to use the pre-quilted fabric because it's sturdy and you don't need to add any stabilizer or lining.
You can make your bag any size you would like; below are the measurements I used.

Cut two pieces of your quilted fabric - 12 X 10 inches.


 You can see here, I use the quilted fabric that is finished on both sides.


Cut the fabric for your pockets 9 X 10 inches.


Fold your pocket fabric in half making it 4 1/2 X 10.


Lay your folded pocket piece on top of  your 12 X 10 piece of quilted fabric matching raw edges.
The fold will be at the top.


Begin in the middle and start marking 1 inch sections for your crayon pockets.


To mark my stitching lines, I use a water soluble marker like this one.


Here you can see some of  my 1 inch markings.


Again, start with the middle marking and sew from the top of your pocket down.
Make sure you back stitch at the top of the pocket to secure it.


All your pockets should be completed and look like this.


Serge or zig zag across the top of both quilted pieces.


With right sides together, stitch both sides and the bottom of your bag - leaving the top open.


Serge or zig zag both sides and bottom.


Turn right side out.
Measure down 1/2 inch from the top, fold, pin and press.


Now lay the bag aside and we will work on the handles.
I find this method of making the handles easier than turning and it makes them much stronger.

Cut a strip of fabric for the handles 15 X 3 inches.


Fold and press in half.


Unfold and press one side to meet the middle fold.


Fold the opposite side in the same way, press.


It should look like this.


Fold over again meeting folded edges and press.


You should now have something that looks like this.


Start by sewing down one side and then the other.


I usually stitch another seam down the middle for sturdiness but it's not necessary.


Cut the long strip in half (making two handles) and serge or zig zag the ends.


Measure 1 1/2 inches from each side of the bag for handle placement.


Place both handles on the inside of the bag and pin in place.


Stitch around the top of the bag catching the handles as you stitch.
The buttons are decoration only and not neccessary to attach the handles.


Add the crayons and...

Your done!


Pretty easy even for a beginner, huh?

If I have confused you with anything or you have any questions, please let me know.

If you DO make one, please send me a photo.
I would love to post it on my blog.

Here's mine with the matching dress.

Linking to:

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Chicken Pot Pie anyone?


 Who doesn't like chicken pot pie?
Here's my favorite recipe.


This recipe is so easy; you will find most the ingredients already in your kitchen.
I use readymade pie crust, but you can make your own if you like.
Word of caution:
Don't try to pour all the mixture into a readymade pie shell - even the deep dish will overflow.
 I make mine in a 2 quart casserole dish instead.


 It comes out perfect every time!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I WON !


I seldom ever sign up for a giveaway, but THIS ONE I couldn't pass up.
The DIY Show Off was giving away a beautiful faux cupcake from My Cottage Charm.
You can imagine how excited I was when Missy contacted me to let me know I had won.

I have been admiring Missy's faux cakes and cupcakes since she first
 posted them on her blog.
Even though I loved her photos, I was a tiny bit apprehensive about ordering something from the internet I hadn't seen "in person".
Let's face it, it happens... you see something you think is beautiful in a picture on the internet, you order it, it comes in the mail and hummmmmm..... not quite the quality you thought it would be and looks nothing like the picture.
THAT -  is exactly what happened here....
Yep, you heard me right!
Not like the photos and not the quality I was expecting....

It was WAY MORE BEAUTIFUL than her photos.
I was just amazed at the quality of her work.
I had no idea they would be so beautiful.

Here's how my little cupcake arrived.
In a cute little box with a sweet note from Missy.


I opened the lid to find this...
So delicate and beautiful.



 
Because it looks so delicate, I was a little afraid to lift it out of the box,
 afraid it might crumble.
Was I surprised!
 It only LOOKS delicate... It's very well made and I have no worries it will crumble or chip.
I REALLY can't say enough about the quality of this little cupcake.
It's perfect in every way!
 

 
Believe me when I say....
The photos don't do it justice.  
 



Not only is the cupcake absolutely adorable but the service was great.
Missy e-mailed me right away to let me know she was mailing it. Unfortunately, there were tornado warnings in her area that day which prevented her from getting to the post office. Being a good business women, Missy again e-mailed me right away to let me know it would be the following day before she could get it out.
Don't you love that? She was so great! 
I would recommend her products and service to anyone.
In fact, I was so impressed, I will be placing an order soon....
I just can't make up my mind if I want the cake or the petit fours.
Thanks again, to both DIY Showoff and My Cottage Charm for such a great giveaway.