Monday, December 6, 2010

Appliqué...

So I took a chance and taught myself how to appliqué.  It turned out better than I anticipated but still had some rough spots.  My first born turned 3 last week and I wanted to make him a special shirt to wear on his birthday...


I bought a pack of plain t-shirts and went to it.  I used iron on letters for his name because I didn't think I was up to the challenge of sewing around them.  But I cut the number out of fabric and attached it with heat and bond... but it was starting to lift around the edges so I carefully sewed around the edges... and viola!

I have to say that I am proud of myself and can't wait to do more!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

P is for Pajamas

I can't recall where I got the idea but I seem to remember looking at my son's pajama pants and thinking, "I could do that..."!

So I did.  There was a huge sale on flannel fabric and I jumped on it.  I bought 8 different kinds and one for myself.  Since I am not an experienced seamstress (not yet atleast) I bought onesies for the baby and Hanes white t-shirts for the big boy...

I made the first pair today... for the baby since they are smaller and I would waste less fabric if I messed up.  What do you think?

Friday, November 26, 2010

Remote Storage

Here is another Amy Butler fabric that you might be seeing a lot of.  I have seen these before in the store and have realized how important they really are.  My family and I have issues putting things back where they belong but we had one problem with the remotes to the TV and DVD players... the had no home.

So once again I grabbed my sewing machine, some extra fabric and my imagination and went for it.  Now they have a home...!



Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving


I want to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.  This happens to be my favorite holiday... since it has nothing to do with presents.  The only thing that is required is that you sit and share a great dinner with your family.  So take this time to look around and be thankful for what you have.

This year I am thankful that my family is complete.  I have a wonderful husband and two incredible little boys.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Miss and Mister

Since I am the mother to boys I see it as my duty to raise gentlemen.  My two year old (well one week away from 3) is learning "Ladies First".  But in our house it is "Ladies and Babies First" since I have to carry his little brother with me.

My 2 year old is very well versed in what he needs to call adults.  I think it is too formal to call someone Mrs. So -and-So.  Instead he will call a woman Ms. First Name and a man Mr. First Name.  Many people are very impressed with his politeness and I simply reply... my job is to raise gentlemen.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My Favorite Boxers

I purchased a pair of red boxers with zebras on them from Old Navy about 7 years ago for $5.  I have worn the as pj's, workout shorts and around the house.  Unfortunately the bottom gave out and I was forced to make a decision... 1. throw them away or 2. re-purpose them.




So I set them aside as I pondered what to do.  Since the front of them was the only place that I could use my project had to be small.   So I could make a bag... nope.  I could make a case for my electronics... nope.  But since it is the end of the year, my mom bought me a new planner.  I love it but it is bright yellow and screams MOM.



I have decided to take myself back to me the mom and not just mom... so I made a cute cover for my new organizer.


I added a little personal touch.  And some black ribbon to close it...




I made pockets for my large items, my pen and pencil, and my business cards...


And I needed a little ribbon tab to keep my place...

Fabric Necklace

I got this pattern from Amy Butler and decided to try it.  And I really like it.  I got a compliment on it the first time I wore it.  Although my next one might be more scarf like then a necklace.  But it is quick afternoon project that took about an hour to make... great rainy day project.


Monday, November 22, 2010

CD storage

So I am not behind the times on this one.  I do have an iPod and I have tons of songs on it.  But driving with the kids in the car it is just easy to throw in a CD of their favorite songs.  But since it has been so long since I had CD's in my car I needed some storage.  Luckily I had some extra fabric and a little creativity.

I know that this matches my dress but I just happened to have a ton of this fabric.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Italian Lentil Salad

This is one of my new favorite recipes.  As many of you may know I have been trying to get my family off of processed foods, step one in a long progression that will hopefully end us up at eating RAW.  Which means no animal products at all and no cooking (or atleast nothing heated over 110 degrees).  I know this sounds extreme but I will post something food related each week to help educate my fellow readers.

Back to the recipe... my husband came home from work the other day after having watched the Food Network on his lunch break.  He watched Everyday Italian and saw this recipe fro Italian Lentil Salad.



Click here for the link to the recipe.  It is the most delicious and easy recipe in the world.  It only takes cooking the lentils and chopping a few veggies.  The cucumbers and grapes are the big surprise to me.  I would recommend making a bit more dressing then asked for but that is just me.

If you want more information on eating RAW you can watch great documentaries like Simply Raw & Food Matters (my favorite).  My goal is to make things from scratch and no more boxed or processed foods.  So far we are doing great.

Bible Cover

I know that it seems that I have made a dress with this fabric already but I happen to have a lot of it... so I don't want anything to go to waste.

My parents bought me my bible back in 1993 when I was first exploring religion.  The even had my name engraved on the cover.  But since my family and I started going back, it was proving hard to carry along with all the other things that come with two kids.  I kept seeing ladies with bibles that looked like purses.  So I grabbed my sewing machine and went for it.

It has handles on it and enough room to store the announcements from church.  I love it.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Dress is Done

I am so proud of myself.  While there are some minor alterations that need to be made.  I would have to say this is pretty darn cute.  I even installed my first zipper.  I have some other projects that require zippers but was scared of them until today.

I love this Midwest Modern fabric from Amy Butler.  Her fabrics are so great for everything.  I hope to made more dresses for myself.  I will probably use this pattern but alter it a bit so that I don't have a million of the same dress.



My First Dress

On a side note... the cake was delicious.

I am attempting to improve my sewing techniques and be able to sew clothing instead of things for around the house.  Most of the items I have made have been very simple designs.  But I had this great Amy Butler fabric and I wanted to make a dress out of it.

So I purchased a simple pattern and went for it.



I still have to install the zipper but I have to say I am very impressed with myself.  I was able to cut the pattern and sew it together all while taking care of a sick and teething infant and baking my carrot cake.

I will post the final product once I have it done.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Practice Cake

With Thanksgiving less than a week away I have been given the task of bringing dessert.  Since I am doing my best to eliminate processed foods from my families diet I am making one from scratch.  The old me would have just bought a mix and called it homemade... but not this time.

I am straying away from the usual pumpkin pie and pecan pies.  My husband suggested making a carrot cake.  I found a recipe at on my favorite website Allrecipes.com.  But my honey also suggested that I make a practice cake just to make sure.



So I did... we will find out the results after dinner tonight.

The Beginning

I have been a stay at home mom for almost three years and have recently started to realize how my home should and needs to work.  I started sewing more in recent weeks and decided that I want to share my thoughts, ideas and creations.

My goal for this blog is to share my everyday tips, tricks, thoughts and knowledge.  Some days they may be about sewing and organization or a book review or about decorating and feeding your family.  My plan is just to journal about my life and all it entails.

Here we go...
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