FLY AWAY HOME : March 2015

Monday, March 30, 2015

Hippity Hop Easter's on its way.....

I thought I would show you quick and simple pillow idea my mother made many years ago for my daughter.

All she did was embroider on a plain white napkin, stitched around three sides and added snaps to the top to be able to remove and wash.

Since all four sides are already hemmed all you need to do is fold the top of the napkin down once making a wide hem for the snaps.

Add the snaps and your done!

If your not sure how to add the snaps, check out my post here on the Snap Setter.

How easy is that?

You can find napkins in all colors and sizes so there is no need for any embroidery work.

Without the embroidery, it only takes about 20 minutes to make.

This napkin was 19 inch square and fit into a 16 inch pillow form perfectly when completed.

My napkin started out as a 20 inch square, but after washing and drying, it measured 19 inches, so be careful and measure your napkin before purchasing your pillow insert.

Ain't he cute?

Linking today to:
http://www.skiptomylou.org/

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Almond flavored pound cake

Remind me again....

Why DO I like to bake???

I always make such a HUGE mess!

Maybe, it's eatin' the end result, I like so well...

This is THE best pound cake EVER!

(I'm thinking it's due to the almond flavor)

I've made it a million times.

I'm not gonna lie, it's not something you quickly throw together, but it's well worth your time and dirty dishes.

Sour cream - almond flavored pound cake

1 cup butter or margarine (I use butter)

3 cups sugar

6 eggs, separated

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 carton (8 ounces) sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon almond flavoring

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream butter and 2 cups sugar.

Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift flour, baking soda and salt twice. Add to creamed mixture alternating with sour cream.

Beat egg whites and remaining cup of sugar until stiff.

Fold gently into batter. Blend in vanilla and almond flavorings.

* Bake in a greased and floured tube pan for 1 1/2 hours at 325 degrees.*

Cake should have a nice, brown crust. Let stand for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

* NOTES *

I find 1 1/2 hour baking time a little too long in my oven; it tends to dry my cake out.

I suggest you check for doneness around 1 1/4 hour.

I use 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar to coat my pan.

Enjoy!

Linking today to:

http://www.skiptomylou.org/

http://www.bystephanielynn.com

Friday, March 20, 2015

Braelynn turns 2

For Braelynn's first birthday her mom wanted her dressed like a princess.

(You can read original post here.)

This year Miss Braelynn will be tossing that tiara for a cowboy hat!

This little cowgirl dress started as a plain white tee shirt.

All I did was add ruffles, ric rac and embroidery.

Now, all she needs is a cowboy hat and boots...

Happy Birthday, Miss Braelynn!

Linking today to:

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://www.skiptomylou.org/

http://www.bystephanielynn.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Pinch proofing my grandbabies...

May your troubles be less & your blessings be more

& nothing but happiness come through your door.

Happy St Patty's Day!

Monday, March 16, 2015

Gianna turns six

My neighbors daughter, Gianna, turns six tomorrow and I wanted to do a little something to acknowledge her birthday.

I started with a purchased tote and got to work on a simple design.

I think it turned out pretty cute.

I stuffed it with goodies...

...and it's now ready for delivery.

Happy Birthday, Gianna!

Linking today to:

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 13, 2015

The ballerina

I'm always on the lookout for blank tee shirts to embroider on.

Believe it or not, they are not always easy to find.

Most children's tee shirts already have some type of embellishment.

I wanted a bit more...

....a personal touch.

Just for Shaylin.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

National Quilting Day

Did you know the 3rd Saturday of March each year has been designated as

National Quilting Day?

National Quilting Day was first observed in Kentucky in 1992 to celebrate beautiful handmade quilts and those who made them. This year National Quilting Day will be officially observed on March 21st, but over the years it has unofficially been expanded to the entire month of March?

In honor of National Quilting Day, I've made one of my favorite quilt blocks.

I even had a few leftover scraps to play with...

If you know me at all, you know I can't let those little scraps go to waste...

I'm makin' new blocks...

Do you celebrate National Quilting Day?

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Simple sewing room organization

Does your lace, trim or ribbon look like this??

Do you have to untangle the entire box each time you want to use just one piece ?

Well.....

Do I have a simple solution for you!

All you need is the cardboard backing from an old notepad, spiral bound notebook or maybe even just a file folder or cereal box.......any old cardboard will do.

First, I measured the box I wanted to store my lace in and drew a simple pattern to fit.

I then cut my pattern out and traced several onto the cardboard.

After cutting, I began the wrapping process and here's the finished product.

It now fits nicely right back into the same box for a much neater storage.

And.... didn't cost me a penny.

I know I probably could have used pretty scrapbook paper to cover that ugly cardboard or maybe found some pretty file folders to use, but I'm good with the plain ol' cardboard.