The4Rs Ramblings...

Goodness on Etsy

2012-01-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

One of my New Years Resolutions is to spiff up my Etsy site, drive more traffic and get inspired to come up with some new items. I got a dose of both, as I subbed as an intervention specialist and had a light schedule. I found lots of interesting things to try, and one tip in particular gave a link to re-create your treasury on your blog. (If you don't know what a treasury is, go to etsy, and towards the bottom left, there will be the option to view recent ones or "hot" ones. If you get alot of folks to view yours, it could become hot, or on the front page!) I so enjoyed picking mine out, and then, I discovered someone else had chosen the same title just a month ago. Oh well, I was inspired by Goodness and Light. My pinterest boards start with the theme of goodness, so I just translated it with my etsy choices. I hope you will visit each one, and maybe find something you'd like to start the New Year out with!

'Goodness and Light' by The4Rs

Begin the New Year with a little of both!

Vintage Crochet Doily L... VintageKeepsak... $5.78	Vintage Dress 50s 60s P... soulrust $69.99	Vintage Aurora Borealis... EnglishAntiqui... $25.00
Antique BOWMAN Pewter T... npebaysale $87.00	white beaded purse // c... pistolpoppy $17.00	Stained Glass Suncatche... CartersStained... $16.00
Vintage Flower Pendant ... BumbershootSup... $4.00	retro apron blue 50s DI... loverdoversclo... $32.00	My Glass Slipper 10...S... Parisxox $65.00
Vintage Inspired Crysta... antique2chic $265.00	vintage cotton blouse /... youngcaptive $24.00	Pull Tab Crochet Purse jherna8115 $30.00
Criss-Cross Wrap Vest ... Pilland $98.00	Tea Time Necessity....I... FabricatedFami... $32.00	Gold and Cream Lacy Sha... JAYMEGL821 $85.00
Vintage Earrings, Vinta... BeachCastleBea... $7.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

If you are a blogger and an etsian, try using the Treasury tool, link just above these words.

Settling into January, just had our first big snowstorm, and I hibernated yesterday, working on data entry for hubby, and settling into less retail hours. I will be subbing tomorrow and all week for a home ec teacher friend, so I will make up the loss of hours. My sewing has been on hiatus after the flurry of gift making just before the holidays. I have cleaned out my surplus items having gifted them to friends and family, with the hopes of creating some new items. I have a stash of embroidered placemats, that I am thinking of repurposing into casserole caddies, or knitting/crochet rolls. I hope to post a tut on my next post. Please feel free to post your ideas, or links. I hope to share what you find.

Till then, stay warm and keep those hands busy!

Christmas time is here...

2011-12-22T18:01:00.000-05:00

Post began on Dec 8th...Holiday Boutique done, check it off the list.

The show went well, I brought along my sister in law's beads, MeMe's Beads. (pic on right) She sold quite a few Christmas bracelets, and I took one for my commission. So cute, with Christmas charms, it should go nicely with my snowman earrings and silver bell pin. I had a round table, but found myself extending into the lane with all of my banners, towel rack and baby crib full of pillows. As predicted, I sold small sachets, pillows and a recycled apron. My "Powell" towel/potholders just haven't been selling. I might have to rethink what I want to create for a profit.

Joy of Wild Child Couture, is modeling the needlepoint pillow I made to raffle off. Phone camera doesn't do it justice, made from a needlepoint seat cushion, I fashioned a pillow around it. So many hours of tedious work, I felt it was a great gift for someone to enjoy in a new way, and honor the woman who spent so much time to bring roses to life...

Time, something I haven't had much of lately. All of my energy has been in getting to my jobs and leftover time was put to use making crafts for the show I went to last weekend. Good news, I might just give some of my unsold items as gifts, as time and money are both in short supply. So easy, to make things for the ladies in my life. More of my energy goes into gifting them, but I will have to get crackin on the men. Trips to the drug store and Giant Eagle for gift cards might have to round out my supply. I really have so little creativity this year, guess crafting is low on the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs...Food and shelter being first that is! LOL, getting the gift of Omaha Steaks from my daddy in Florida, was so appreciated. Instead of worrying about holiday meals, we can focus on the sides instead!

Pictured on my right is another piece of that grandmother's quilt, that I continue to use pieces of. This time, I fashioned a Kindle Cosy, and since it wasn't snapped up yet, it will probably find it's way as one of my gifts for a nice or two. I am working on a few more, the shape is simply an envelope, made to the measurements of e readers, like Kindle. I checked with an actual one, and it fit nicely.

And I have a nice supply of baby crocheted edge blankets, and now we can welcome Emma, who arrived almost 2 weeks ago to our family. 3rd child of Elizabeth and Patrick, we are definately tipping the scales lately towards females. How nice for me, with my surplus of pink and frilly stuff. Here is a pic of the cousins, our family is too big to frame in one pic, and the two newest girls to our family, one got all the pics, it seems! Maeve, was in the cutest tutu and headgear!

A week has gone by since I wrote the above, add a few m ore items to the list to check off. A quick visit from bro Bill and his wife Donna, I was able to send with him all my southern relatives their little token gifts and candy, the McM Family party is past now, and with the occasion, I also finished all my Christmas cards, baking and sister in law gifts. Also had my retail store party and I finished 10 sachets for gifting them as well. My sewing room looks a bit trashed. It is Thursday night, the night before Christmas Eve, and I am blissfully making a few treats and coasting into tomorrow. A few small packages are wrapped and a few more to finish, but I can say I am done for now. My two besty friends still get to exchange gifts and treats. Hopefully this can be accomplished before or after church services. And a gift that didn't need wrapping is arriving tomorrow afternoon.

Daughter will be returning from her 6 day trip to visit her friend in Ft. Lauderdale, and then across the state to her grandparents in Venice. She has posted many great pics on Facebook of her adventures. Her birthday/Christmas present was sunshine, especially since her hometown is bereft of it. Our Miracle of Cheese, fondue meal will greet her and then church, and we will be ready for Christmas. And another gift is a few days off from retail, which I am greatful for. This house has been very quiet with her gone, and her brother too, off with friends. Not ready for the empty nester routine, but we are getting a taste of it, for sure!

So alot can be accomplished in a short time, but I am so looking forward to kicking back and not having an agenda for a few days. How about you?
Merry Christmas to all my readers and friends, I will finish with our Christmas card...

in the small print on the card it reads,

We are so blessed to love and be loved. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

November gray to light

2011-11-27T17:24:00.001-05:00

November grays, give way to Christmas sparkle, at least that is how I am envisioning my decor this year. Priority is on more lights, even though the light bill will reflect my choice. Cleveland can be a very gloomy place, though a rare day is pictured here with sun shine pouring into my windows giving my herb garden a dose...what with all the rain and clouds, I like to brighten my space. God knows we need it, news on the economy and how it impacts hubby's and my employment and income just doesn't get any rosier. I can't detail right now, just know that it hasn't been a Rockwell life lately. I know I am not alone, and many of you bloggers probably post and are positive about things, it is how we get through.... right ladies (and gents).

News flash: Daughter turns 15! (pictured on right, at a local indoor water park)

We still sang to her on Thanksgiving, her actual day, with her choice of pumpkin pie. (she made it herself) We invited my good friend Max and her daughter, a quiet day, but we ate our weight in turkey!

Kate is already calculating what day she can legally get her driving permit. I got to spend the day before her birthday, (Thanksgiving) by hanging around a water park all day. Her choice this year instead of the obligatory birthday party.She brought a friend, and they ran around enjoying all the amusements. I was able to get in for a while, and tried out the lazy river. It wasn't lazy, fyi, with all the kids pushing and shoving,not even relaxing. I brought my computer and some sewing, and settled for entertaining myself. The lobby was a quieter option, so I relocated there after spending the first half immersed in noise.

Lavender Rice Sachets Tutorial

One of the sewing projects involved hand sewing my lavender sachets closed. I brought a bag full of sachets that needed finishing. It wasn't the lightest project I could drag in. I grew quite a few lavender plants this summer, some I harvested, and some of the plants are wintering inside. I dried some of the branches, and sprinkled some into rice filled sachets covered with vintage linen bags. The nice thing about these sachets is that they can be pressed into warming bags, for aching necks, cold hands and feet. Using essences help push the frangrance up a notch. Simple, and inexpensive, I hope to sell these next weekend at the highschool's craft show.

Above is a pic of a lovely cross stitched table cloth, with plenty of grease stains that languished in my stash. I cut out the usuable panels, the largest one was made into a pillow. The smaller pieces are now part of my sachet collection, as described next.

1. First I sewed around 3 sides of small squares using vintage linens, ( My squares are around 3 x 4 inches, I kept the size consistent, since I made an assembly line of white muslin squares to insert inside with the rice.

2. Then using a funnel I poured some long grain rice into each muslin bag, about 1/2 full, poured in some essence, and added a few sprigs of the lavender. I then stitched the opening closed.

3. What remains is the last side, and I hand whip stitched it closed.

These make lovely teacher/hostess/family gifts, that use up those lovely bits of yesterday, Vintage! The 4RS way!

And here is the pillow, a nice size for a sofa or bed! Try one! Feel free to pin it to you Pinterest board, button is now on my site!

All of these items will make their debut this Saturday, at the Rockets Boutique, Bay Village High School. Come and see me, bring some friends. The admission fee goes to support our sports programs, and most of us selling wares, support our families. Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 9:30 to 4 pm. Till then....

Posting Hiatus Explained

2011-11-04T21:51:00.001-04:00

My computer is now living in my sewing/craft room, which explains why it hasn't been cranking out updates for a while. I have been wanting to update my blog, but feel intimidated by the layout...seems I made too many changes over the past few weeks, and now it is messed up. Anyone out there know how to get my side bar back on the right, instead of below my posts? And somehow my linky parties disintegrated, and I didn't renew the membership, so now they mock me with broken links! ugh...my subbing and retail jobs have taken a toll, and I just don't have the energy at the end of the day. I hope to get back on track soon.

Meanwhile, here is what I have been filling my time with between shifts.

I had a cotton camp shirt that sported a number of stains. I decided to cover up with pieces of vintage linen. I simply cut out some medallions and flowers, and positioned them on the shirt, stitching them on by hand. I haven't worn it since, but it waits for the next warm day when a tank is too skimpy...

Then I finally tackled my daughter's bedroom, she didn't like the baby blue, that was my sewing room, before we switched rooms. So she picked the color, a deep middle gray, and in a few hours, we transformed the baby into the sophisticated and mysterious...we also bought some metallic finish to glaze over top, to create a pearlized finish. We are still hoping to do this, by Sunday? Stay tuned.

I was impressed that she was so careful, even though you don't see alot of drop cloths here. Who knew?

And I finally made my kitchen a hanging towel, some thrift store jewels got some added pearls and crystals, and a few tweaks yielded a pair of earrings too.

My new favorite thrifting forrays have me picking up chains and pearls, to refashion into baubles I can wear with all my work costumes changes.

And of course, food is never forgotten, I experimented with my favorite salmon and couscous dish, just had a camera handy, to show the pretty colors. And the breadmaker made it's fall debut, with a fresh pot of chicken soup, as a side. We always devour bread when it is hot out of the baker.

And we are happy to welcome Mary Maeve, to our family

She was telling us, it was time for a snack, so pardon the goofy pic I snapped below. My nephew Scott and his lovely wife Katy are the proud parents. We have another baby making an appearance soon, we will post Elizabeth and Pat's third, real soon.

So I haven't been loafing, life goes on, and is renewed again and again. Hope to resolve my blog's issues before next post. Thanks for being a loyal follower/visitor. Please post your thoughts and comments!

Life gets in the way sometimes!

2011-09-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

Well, I lied! We were supposed to be in Washington D.C. for the 50th Celebration of Peace Corps by today. Life intervened again. Last weekend, for my hubby's birthday, we were planning to go to the boat, sit and enjoy the sunset and stars and celebrate. For some weeks previous, I had been battling a bad stomach, and by the time we were sitting on the boat, I was doubled over with abdominal pain. We turned around and came home and tried to rest, but I was clutching my stomach most of the time. By 12:30 a.m. we decided that a long weekend of pain was not something we were looking forward to, so off to the E.R. we went. Sedated on morphine and saline, I was "well" enough to go home at 5 a.m. Ugh, not a fun night, and a week later, I am still suffering with pain and gas, and concerns. I have a specialist appointment next week, so see what is going on. My dad had diverticulitis, so I know that it might be the problem. I have tried to be good about what I take in, so I am hoping to turn this around...So why did I tell you all of this? Well it is my excuse for not traveling this weekend, and for being a little afraid to be too far away if an attack hits me. I am hoping our friends at the reunion will take alot of pics, we are so sad we are not there with them..

Meanwhile, I still am managing to work, and juggle my various jobs. We finally had a real estate payday, and have started paying our bigger bills. And I am subbing at least one day a week...Retail hours means I am working 7 days a week, but I haven't felt too tired yet. As long as my stomach cooperates...I give it a talking to every day!

We are having a rainy week, which means I return to my crafts, one at a time. Crocheting while watching T.V., attaching beads and making some new jewels, and my quilt is being returned to again. It would be nice to finish something, but such is the adhd world I live in.

My hubby's big Irish family had their annual Labor Day picnic, at a local park, here are a few pics of the cousins and extended family!

Tonight is my daughter's homecoming, though she is opting out of the dance. I will be selling hotdogs for PTA before the game, but as I write this, rain is constant. Hope I can locate a raincoat before then!

Highschool has been a challenge for daughter, but I am proud of her work ethic and getting herself up and out the door every morning. Quite a different child from her older brother...need I say more?

I hope you are finding time to do what you enjoy, leave me a comment, on how you do it!

Back to school update!

2011-09-10T22:20:00.001-04:00

Sorry, friends, it has been a hectic month! My posts are less frequent, but lots of stuff continues to go on! Daughter is back to school, this year starting as a freshman at our local high school. Can't believe my baby girl is old enough, but the day finally arrived. And just the day before, her braces finally came off after a 4 1/2 year run. She still has an uneven teeth, but we decided we would deal with it later, after the retainer phase. My smiley teen is on the far left, but her friends proudly show their pearly whites as well.

Just a month ago, I was working for a quilt shop. After reluctantly leaving that job, which was 10 miles one way, and 5-6 days and full time, I recalled one of the employers who had contacted me, in the interim. Got the job at a local women's fashions store on my birthday, and promptly started the next week. I only work part time, and am training to open and close, but base pay includes commission on large sales. I haven't really scored any big ones yet, but I hope to as we get cooler weather. (Today was 93 degrees, but storms are coming to clear out the humidity. )

I am also back to "school" as I am subbing again, on my days off...and with 2 real estate listings, my days have been full, though I can't say we are comfortable yet. Trying to play catch up with so many bills! And son has been anxious to move out again, so we are bracing for more upheaval. We will weather this too.

On the creative front, I haven't had a whole lot of time to make things, except that working for a women's fashion store, makes me want to buy my clothes, not make them. And if you have ever been in our store, you would know they are known to have lovely jewelry. So a quick trip to our local bead warehouse, bought me these quartz and amethyst stones, to embellish my plain jain chains.

Pic were taken on different days, different locations, but you can see what a pair of round nose pliers, head pins and loose crystal or pearl beads can do to a boring chain. I made earrings and bracelets to match, not shown. While I have spent alot of time sewing and creating tutorials in the past, more recently, with the lack of time, I look for quick projects that don't have alot of steps to them. I have to have blocks of time to really enjoy sewing again, and those have been non-existent with my varied work schedule. I miss holding linky parties, and if you have been regularly visiting to do this, I do apologize, that they have been absent for now. Hope you keep coming back to see what I have been up to.

A simple glass pendant, and crystal beads, using head pins. This necklace knockoff cost me almost nothing to make, compared to the $50.00 plus items we sell at my new retail store. I plan to finish the purple stone one tonight.

And speaking of bling, check out my daughter's outfit for her first fancy dance! She was invited by a boy that is a friend to their homecoming dance. She invited her friend to accompany his friend, and a large group of them went to dinner and then the dance. We parents got to play paparazzi, and take pics before and at our local park.

The kids clean up real good, right?

I am anxiously awaiting word as to how the night is going. Blogging and wasting time watching tv. Of course I had to facebook the pics. I am sure I will post an update, stay tuned!

Looking ahead, in 2 weeks, hubby and I are going to Washington D.C. to the 50th reunion of the Peace Corps. While we served 33 years ago in El Salvador, the celebration is for all past and current volunteers. There is a varied program of activities, including serving at various sites on Friday, a gala dance and a bevy of speakers and activities. Sunday, we plan to march with our group, carrying our country of service flag, on the mall. While we don't have this trip budgeted, we will be keeping it frugal. We will reconnect with everyone, including our friend Steve, who is just back from a year in Pakistan working for a government agency. He has some harrowing stories for sure!

More slice of life stuff, thanks for visiting! Hope to be more regular with tutorials soon.

Double nickel, 55!

2011-08-13T23:49:00.004-04:00

Laugh out loud, you didn't think I would put a picture of what I look like at this age! The cute couple (us) to the left is a pic taken at a friends wedding. I think we were married for a year, and we were back in the country by then. Hubby has the obligatory 80's mustache! Not sure who has caught his attention, but I blissfully smile for the pic!

Yes, I had another birthday ~~today~~ yesterday! The day went well, beginning with sitting for Paula's daughter while she went for radiation for breast cancer. I brought my daughter along, and we both agreed, it was our gift to be a blessing to them. And I got to spend most of the rest of the day with my darling 14 year old, part of the time at her fav stores at the mall. I used my gift card to buy us some fab earrings, and for her, more shirts to go with all those skinny jeans, I will never be able to wear! I have so enjoyed the fame that comes with having lots of Facebook friends, over 30 wishes by this hour! I feel so special!

My last post talked about my success at my quilt shop job. Well, alot can happen in a few days. I am no longer working there. There is a story, but I believe God will open a window after the door was slammed there. I have already had two interviews, retail of course, so I am hopeful. Meanwhile, I will probably will continue to help sell real estate, make and sell crafts at few craft shows, substitute teach, and work a few hours a week to fill in the gaps. I have so enjoyed the beautiful day that was today, I am in no hurry to do much! To the left, a pic from brother's 50th, we celebrate alot of special days through July -September. Daughter is the exception, in November.

My quilt has been stalled, but I cleaned up my sewing room, to purge any bad karma. Daughter wants a new curtain for her closet. I had this one there, (above) made form vintage crochet panel and old sheets. She thought it looked "old lady". Here is the beginning of the new one.

I had this pile of shiny black, kind of see through fabric, and I married the pink duck I had from a thrift store. Daughter wants to paint her room a sophisticated gray, and wants black accents. Her bedding was a big investment last year, so I convinced her to work with the bright colors, and coordinate with black and white. You can see how slick it looks, and then back lit, with the closet light, how it makes her clothes look etheral?

And I attempted to make my birthday cake, with only 1 egg, since I was out. White cake mix calls for 3 egg whites, so after scrapping it out of the pans, I poured the scraps into a big bowl, mixed with the frosting and coolwhip and called it dessert!

I probably won't do this again, but it tasted it ok. My gal friend Max dropped by with Eggplant parmesan, gifts and card. She made my day, especially since it had been a pretty difficult week for us both!

I leave you with the pics from a beautiful day, I thank God for it and for my family and blogging friends!

Summer Sighs...

2011-08-07T17:28:00.003-04:00

as I do too! What used to be for me a respite from the school/job/life business, has been a flurry of work/social/life busy-ness. I have to force myself to sit down, and to try to enjoy these last weeks of summer, since they will be a memory soon. I sold my first sewing machine, the cocktail/lemonade was my reward that day! Doesn't it look inviting, I couldn't resist a photo, as I nursed my sore feet!

Some personal news, my now 25 year old son moved back home, and that has created it's own set of challenges. Especially for my hubby, who now sits in his home office in the runway called my living room! We are all making sacrifices as we creatively try to make the best of our situations. More on this in the future, just let me say, prayers are welcome!

I have been settling into my "new" job, celebrating 2 months already next week. There is still lots to learn, but I am grateful to my patient co-workers as they help me each day. And I am making lots of new friends with familiar customers, even seeing them at my church! I am making very slow progress on my quilt, as it is too hot in my sewing room! I plan to go back up there tonight to clear an area to walk, in my wet bathing suit...ahhh

summer!

My brothers party was awesome, and it was nice to see alot of family too. I think some fences might have gotten mended, and in so doing, my daughter and son have enjoyed seeing extended family again. We seem to be dealing with our individual struggles, it is nice to stop and celebrate once in a while.

On the sewing front, I am posting picures of my latest blouse, made from quilting cottons, Lily and Will collection. It turned out nice, but I need to lose a few more pounds...I mentioned this in a last post, Sew Serendipity is the pattern, I need to make a few changes to customize it. Love that Bernina machine though, I am becoming quite attached!

Here is a pic of the quilt from the Habitat collection that I am using as an inspiration.

Don't you love the "mod" flowers...and patterns! I am doing the teal/taupe/green/black version...I promised hubby no more rose and blue ribbon quilts to sleep under. My plan is to make by his birthday in September, ambitious? Yes it is. Since I am not an active quilter, this will be a challenge, but I like them, right?

For those of you who have stopped by looking for my Reap What You Sew linky party? I am putting it aside for a little while, since I haven't had much computer time. I hope to have more time in the fall to post tutorials and patterns...stay with me friends, I promise more is coming! Till then, enjoy these summer weekends...:)

Baby Brother Bill is 50!

2011-07-22T22:59:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, my only brother will be celebrating his 50th, with a little soiree at a Holiday Inn, and he is inviting all of his Cleveland area friends and relatives, and all of our southern and much northern ones too! We all gathered for my dad's 80th last year, and I think he decided not to wait till 80 to do the same! Smart idea, celebrate while you are still young enough, to remember it! Should be a great time, and I get to see one of my great nieces, born last winter, whom I have only gotten to know through Facebook! LOL Can't wait to give Zora and Leah a big hug!

I have been working extra hours as the shop owners are at Bernina University in Texas. They will bring back lots of great ideas and new stuff from the mecca and we are celebrating this with a fun day August 4th. If you live in the Cleveland area, sign up (for a small fee) to participate wearing western garb (homage to Texas) and enjoy goodies and drawings to boot! Wear boots if you have them! Of course, I am hoping the weather breaks by then, our heat index is well over 100 degrees these past few days. We probably should add bathing suits to the requirements.

I have only had a few stolen moments to sew or create, and certainly blogging has been sporadic. I so appreciate those folks that stop by my linky parties, I haven't had much time to promote them, so I might drop for a few weeks, and focus more on new things I am learning in the world of sewing and quilting. So many visitors and tourists have stopped by lately, each bringing with them their regional requests for fabric or patterns. So much fun!

Well I mentioned I have been working on a snowball quilt, I probably have made 24 patches to date, and I have been using the different models of machines so that I can try out how each works. And today I began to make a top using Serendipity Patterns from the book Kate Whit wrote last year. Here is the book pic, Sew Serendipity check out Kay's blog. In a past post, I showed a skirt I made with her book. It turned out great, though I have some sizing issues. I have a signed copy of her book! I am making one of the tunic tops with Lily and Will fabrics, so pastel and trendy. Hope to finish to wear this weekend! I'll post when I finish.

Thanks to my faithful followers who have been posting their links. I am grateful for the support, even though I haven't had as much time lately.

A few parting garden shots, with lots of rain, and before the heat started to take them down...ahhh, I miss spending time with my garden, until Sunday...:)

My newest project, "Snowballing"

2011-07-07T22:39:00.005-04:00

Doesn't this quilt colors and design look fresh? I have kept the picture and link, from Twin Fibers for over a year now.

Why you ask, am I suddently infatuated with the snowball? First of all, it is summer, and second, I work at a quilt store and get to look at the beautiful quilts surrounding me as I work around the store. So my first paycheck bought me some fabric from the Habitat collection, (kind of contemporary prints.) The sample above the fabric collection and display was a snowball design. It seemed to work so well with the prints, and it just so happens that I have been collecting pictures of my favorites from around blog world. To make it economical, I am making a scrappy version, similar to the beauty in the picture. But instead of whites and pastels, I am going with the black and more contemporary look. My poor hubby of 33 years...as of today, (anniversary) has had to live with my shabby chic and cottage obsession for a long time. Our bedroom sports 50s furniture from his parents painted in black. I have been unable to find black and teal or black and blues and greens in bedding. And now that I am in the quilt world, I need to create my own. So, be watching as I explore quilt design and construction. I have a Bernina on loan for home use, so no excuses, right? Look at some of the pretty fabrics, in the collection; below left; not too feminine but soothing. To the right, check out one of many embroidery motifs I created, while teaching myself on the top of the line machine Bernina 830!

And as I am working 6 day weeks for July, I have been a good girl in bringing my lunch each day, this salad is half from my garden, raspberries included! So refreshing, while it lasts!

Well, be watching as I return to quilting as another one of my favorite past times. What have you been up to this week? Please post a link to your latest creation, and if you aren't a follower, add yourself and leave me a comment. Love all that I have seen so far, and thanks for making blogging for me so special!

The Teacher Getting Schooled and Linky #11

2011-06-28T23:16:00.000-04:00

Less than 2 weeks ago, I was an out of work teacher, and today, I am the student and the teacher, all at once! I am still trying to learn as much as I can about each of the machines, I got to teach how to make an accessory bag for new Bernina machine owners today.

Luckily, I had made my bag last Sunday with a loaner sewing machine from the shop at home. I think it turned out great, though I have to admit, I made a few mistakes. But that is how we learn, right? Teaching how to make the bag, using many different feet and pointing out the features as I went along, went well, up until I decided to warm up my soup in the microwave, while the AC was on, and the iron and the sewing machines...well I blew a fuse! That caused me to lose my train of thought, and I misdirected my student on one part, that I was able to correct with my boss, Nancy's help. At the end, I think our student was pleased with the results, and enough to sign up for the rest of the new owner classes we are offering in the future. Along with selling machines, my job will be to coordinate the classes we teach, making sure we have the right materials and time set aside. My days go so fast, I miss meals and potty breaks. I hope to get into a routine each day, so I can pace myself better.

The black tote, was unseamed, and given to me by one of my bosses. She gave it to me when she saw I was trying to add a panel to an existing bag, but it wasn't working well, and I didn't want to rip it apart to add it. So using the unfinished bag, I made a pocket, using the embroidery panel, created on the amazing 830 machine, top of the line, pictured in my last post. I made the square, then framed it with prints I had in my stash. I lined the panel, and then sewed it on 3 sides to create a pocket. I used some matching pieces to fashion a cell phone holder, just inside the bag, to keep my phone accessible, not in the jumble that travels with me!

I think it turned out great, it is my new everyday purse/tote.

A trip into my garden at the end of the day yielded a reward. This is one of two bowls of berries I was able to pick, even though I haven't spent any time cultivating...I so love perennials, they treat us every year, with little effort!

Loved the links form last weeks party, not too many this time, but I so enjoyed them all. Hope to feature a few in coming posts.

Well, it is getting late, and I am dead tired, here is this weeks' Reap What You Sew Sundays, it closes up by Monday night, so please stop by, and post a link of something that was inspired by nature! Please comment, add yourself as a follower and put the linky party badge somewhere on your site. I really want to build this as a weekly event, but I don't know if there are too many of these out there, time will tell. Have a great week, talk to you by next weekend!

Lovin the job and Linky #10

2011-06-22T23:23:00.000-04:00

I am so loving my job, at Abigayles Quiltery! I have spent the last 3 days learning the machines, and am in the process of assembling my samples so that I can teach new machine owners and prospective ones how amazing all the features are. Pictured here is the top of the line, retailing around $13,000. Yes, I am not kidding, though it is on sale for $9,999. It is an amazing computer and it is so intuitive! Here is a pic as I am creating an embroidery design with the shop's name for my tote bag. I will share pics of the tote, after it is finished, I left it at the shop today, as I want to sew it onto the side as a pocket. (See the amazing quilt, behind the machine, it is Friends Garden? with lots of embroidery and applique, one of the many classes teaching techniques)

Check out all the "feet", that allow you to do so many different things! I have been working my way through them all and it is amazing how simple it is to change them, as the computer reads which you have put on and then gives you a readout of available options. Of course it is self threading, cuts and lifts at the end of a sequence. You can see the amazing embroidery options, one is on the screen above, I am attaching it on the side of a tote.

Meanwhile, I want to thank the bloggers who posted their linky's last Sunday, don't you think these are cute! From the Victorian Rabbit, these wonderful scrubbers!

And from Something Created Every Day, this great mixed media craft for Father's Day!

Love your links ladies, keep visiting each week, I try to have the code up by mid week, closing the day after Sunday. Please post a link this week of an idea that reminds you of summer! Grab my button on the side bar, add yourself as a follower if you aren't already that is, and comment if possible. Thats it, I hope to have a giveaway again soon. Keep visiting, and have a great week!

A New Job, and Country Fair Fare

2011-06-20T22:25:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to report to my blogging friends, that my efforts to find a job have materialized! Not to say I haven't been working; as you know, I have been a substitute teacher since losing my full time teaching job, in 08. I still help hubby with data entry and the occasional buyer/seller for real estate. And I sell my wares on Etsy and the occasional fair. But my visit last week to job interviews, one was a law firm, looking for a receptionist, and the other, a quilt shop, looking for a sales associate, and teacher of classes. Guess which one I chose? Yes, my trip to Abigayles Quiltery yielded more than some quilting yardage. I met with the owners and it felt like choosing the shop over a job in the legal world was a no-brainer! Like I was always meant to be here, at this shop at this time in my life! I am so jazzed! Somehow I just know this is where I have been headed for most of my working life! I did own my own craft/consignment shop for a short 2 years in the 80's. Having the experience of selling, organizing, managing and taking out the trash makes me appreciate all that goes into what the customer sees when they shop. It is alot of work and can be challenging. I will love not being the owner this time, and hopefully enjoy working with people and as a team to promote sewing, both as a hobby and a necessity (like breathing) that it is for myself and many like me! I hope I don't bore you with my work life too much, I hope to share what I learn! A main component of my job is to sell sewing machines, and I already have spent some time with Bernina 830, top of the line machine that does everything but make coffee! I have alot to learn, since I have such an ancient machine at home, I kept reaching for the flywheel, to start it, LOL, a high tech machine doesn't need hardly any touching! The hard part is trusting that the machine is a computer, and it doesn't make mistakes. The operator does, I already tried to sew using the wrong foot, because I didn't read the screen's instructions. I hope to learn quickly so I can be effective and prove my worth! Stay tuned!

This past weekend went so fast, I worked the Bay Village Country Fair with my good friend Crystal. She was a hoot to watch, she hauled two Victorian couches, a sewing machine and all her tools including an electric staple gun. She was a whirling dervish, (if I spelled that right,) as she worked the crowd, teaching, sewing, laughing! I tried not to complain too much taking down the tent, but a big thanks to my hubby, who showed up just at the end, to help us take it down. It is big and the poles are tough to pull apart after baking in the heat and humidity! Thanks hubby!

Love you Crystal! Your laugh is contagious! So happy to be your "cohort in crime"!

And a few items I teased you with last post, I started making those fabric necklaces you see all over the blog world. These are my take on them. Inspired of course by my many of you, I used very inexpensive pearls and plastic beads...burned my finger on the glue gun...but you be the judge. Didn't sell the large ones at the show, but little hair clips and pins always go. Guess I should focus on those!

Fabric and Beads Bib Necklace

Gather some strings of beads, below you can see some inexpensive strands I picked up at Good Will. Then cut out a "bib" out of felt, and glue different ribbons, beads and roses, using a glue gun.

Glue the bib piece over the beads in a few places, then flip the bib over, and secure a second piece over it to cover up the gluey mess!

Below are two others I created by making a band out of felt that I hot glued the roses and earrings to.

I love the birds nest look to the one above! I found the silver and pearl bow, and glued this to a band, with bits of lace. I think keeping the elements white on white make for an elegant necklace.

I will feature a few of my favorites from Sunday's linky party on my next post. For now, I am really tired, new job and all, so I will post more later this week and put up Linky Party #10

A few more pics from my yard...the rain makes everything so luscious!

Enjoy your summery week, stop back to post in my next linky! Love your ideas!

Summer Fun and Work, Linky up with me, #9

2011-06-15T23:41:00.001-04:00

Reap What You Sew Linky #8 was interesting. Lots of girly stuff, maybe Father's Day brings these out. I enjoyed seeing how to make the fluffy flipflops, and zipper rose! So summery and fun! Thanks ladies for posting.

It has been only a few days of summer vacation, and already, daughter is posting on Facebook that she is bored! I have a craft room brimming with projects to make, but she just can't be coaxed into learning or trying. She took a home ec class this past year, cooking and sewing, the latter, she wasn't too happy about, as her project looked a little sad! I subbed in the class, and there were almost 30 kids with one teacher and maybe 10 machines. Controlled chaos, and probably quite a few kids were lost as they attempted their projects. One of my two districts I sub for, is cancelling home ec at the middle school and plan to discontinue at the high school level after next year. I am so sad that this will impact quite a few kids, especially those who might not be college bound, but for most, losing classes that teach practical skills. Please comment on whether your schools should offer practical arts for their students, like cooking and sewing, balancing a checkbook etc. I am of course biased since I have taught these subjects. But if we lose these programs, who will teach the kids how to cook, take care of practical concerns? Hope that the pendulum swings back, but for now, I am just sad!

There has been an uptick in participation in how to sew and cooking classes in our area, through other sources. A great resource, for sewing is your local quilt shop. I visited one the other day to check it out. Abigayles Quiltery, happens to be in Olmsted Falls, just a short 20 minute trip from my home. A charming shop nestled in with others in a picturesque little shopping village, called Pacific Junction. I am lusting after the beautiful Bernina machines for sale there. I talked to Beverly and Nancy, just today, I am hoping to reveal why in an upcoming post. Let's just say, I hope to continue to use my passion for people and creating in a new avenue.

We have a local arts guild in my town that holds classes, I signed my daughter up to be a helper with the children's classes. Hope she can get some extra time in learning some techniques, even if it is only for a few sessions.

Well enough soap box, here are a few pics of stuff I am working on for next Saturdays Country Fair, in my little town. The historical society is putting it on, I hope you will come and see our little booth, Crystal's Upholstering and The 4Rs! To the left, is an old quilt that is quite worn in some places. I have used pieces of it to add pockets to totes, and this week, I made two doll blankets, by cutting to size and binding the edges with fabric from my stash.

The mystery beads are something I am working on, inspired by something one of my bloggers linked up last party. I will show you the end result, as soon as it is finished. I am combining jewelry and fabric elements, to create something new!

Another quilt top, this time, I believe Dresden Plate? that was probably made from feed sacks, you can still see the writing faintly on the edges. The fabric looks like it is from the 30's or 40's. Parts of this quilt top were badly stained, and because the whole thing was pieced by hand, I had to go over the seams with the sewing machine to make sure they wouldn't have holes. I used an old sheet and home dec fabric to back it, as I didn't have anything else that would work. I think it came out nicely, and I have enough to make 2 baby sized quilts, with leftover for pillows or other projects.

I leave you now with this weeks Reap What You Sew Sundays Linky Party. Please post a link of something you made recently that was inspired by a fellow blogger. Leave a comment, and add yourself as a follower if you haven't done so yet.

Yummy Summer No Bake Dessert

2011-06-09T18:30:00.002-04:00

I promised I would post a yummy recipe, and it was my 14 year old daughter who discovered it. She had to bring a typical Guatemalan type of dish for her Spanish class. She googled for it, and this no bake Eclair Dessert came up. It was so easy, and comes together fast. I like that it was economical too but fed her whole class! This would be lovely for a Fathers Day gathering, or any time you want to serve something refreshing and not too unhealthy! I found the recipe in many places under different titles, it most resembles an eclair, so here are my easy steps with pics. Actual recipe can be found below.

The first step is whipping up the instant puddings with milk. You will add the thawed cool whip to the mixture. Start layering graham crackers across the bottom of a 9 x 13 or large pan. (we used cinnamon, it gave it a nice kick!)

Here you see blobs of the mixture on top of the first layer. Add more crackers on top, and then layer in more of the pudding mixture.

After the third layer, melt the frosting in a microwave safe dish, just till gooey, mine took around 40 seconds, be careful you don't burn it! Pour and spread on top of last graham cracker layer. Chill for at least an hour, and enjoy!

Here is the recipe as it was written from All Recipes.com

Eclair Dessert

Ingredients:

2-3 individual packages graham crackers

2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

3 cups milk

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting (or make your own)

Directions

1.Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with graham crackers. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Stir well. Stir in whipped topping to pudding mixture. Spread half of mixture over graham cracker layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding. Top all with a final layer of graham crackers and frost with chocolate frosting. Refrigerate until serving.

Daughter had her last day of 8th grade today, we celebrated with a huge party at the local pool, I was on the volunteers committee. We had a huge outpouring of food and water donations, people were so generous! I think the kids had fun! Now we have the whole summer to get ready for high school!

And just a few comments about our crazy weather! We have had record heat many days that were preceded by record rains, April and May. Here are pics of the result in my yard

Guess Roses like it!

Don't forget to post your linky on my Reap What You Sew linky #8. Something that reminds you of your dear old dad! Add yourself as a follower and comment if possible! I changed the closing time to Monday or Tuesday each week, so everyone can get in. I plan to pick my fav's and feature on a post during the week. See ya on Sunday!

First Flea Market, Linky Party # 8

2011-06-05T20:16:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, (Saturday) a local vintage/craft store held a $10.00 table rental Flea Market. Crystal (my upholstering friend) and I spent a pleasant day under the shade of our tent, selling our wares. We brought alot of our "flea" treasures to sell along with a few regular items. The fleas went the fastest, priced to sell of course. We lugged a lot of or usual stuff, and in the 93 degree heat almost passed out dragging everything back home. We both agree it was an interesting day, though possibly not as profitable as a fair or show. I am commited to try a few more, but admit that it can be pretty strenous! I draw strength from my friend's energy and enthusiasm!

Check out Crystal's child's traveling sewing machine! (picture on the right) Made in early 50's it is so cute, it is a hand crank, and clamps to a table. She found out it didn't work well with the crazy quilt squares she was trying to sew through. She made a stack of lined squares before the show to sell for folks to make bags or quilts with. She sat embroidering her squares while I crocheted. Later, I realize that my one arm was not in the shade and suffered a nasty sunburn, farmer tan style.

We each made a little money, but of course spent it on must haves!

For me, I bought a few vintage linens and baubles, Crystal saw a small fold up table she couldn't live without. We both laughed our way through the day, chatting up prospective customers and making new friends. We both agree, sitting outside and shopping are our favorite pasttimes. We will be "partners in crime" again in 2 weeks for the Bay Village Historical Society antique show. And again in July for the Westlake Historical Society's show. I am praying for cooler temps, as I don't relish setting up and tearing down in such oppressive heat! Watch for some yummy recipes and tutorials this week, I hope to have more time as subbing winds down for the year.

Check out these two great ideas in this weeks linky...
Tinkeranniebelle talked about this cheerful necklace and

Sarah , showed how you can upcycle a farm implement!

I have so enjoyed seeing what my fellow crafter/bloggers have been up to! I hope you are stopping by each week, by Sunday, to see all the great stuff! I hope you will spread the word about my linky party, I hope to feature more giveaways in the future.

Reap What You Sew Sundays, LInky # 8...please post your linky this week of something you made or cooked that reminds you of your dad, in honor of Fathers Day. I will pick my favorites to feature in the next post. Add yourself as a follower and leave me a comment and of course visit each week to see what we all have been up to! Thanks!!

Refashioning for summer, Linky Party #7

2011-05-29T21:14:00.002-04:00

Spring/summer refashion ideas

This coral knit/crochet top was so cute when I first bought it. I adore the crochet, but the knit became pilled and kind of clingy. Rather than throw it away, I cut off the offending parts, then cut two panels out of cute cotton print, and I ran row of gathers across the top of the panels and gathered it to the crochet bodice

A simple turned up hem, and it was done! I have a number of skirts that are way too cute to pitch, with embroidery details and flouncy underskirts. Why not turn these into girly aprons, to give as gifts,wear or make for my etsy shop? The skirt below is a gored, lined with lace edged underskirt and not a very attractive fit for me. Rather than just donate to a thrift store, where I will shop another day and purchase, I turned it into:

A Skirt To Girly Apron Tutorial

Skirt: Simply cut the skirt in half, slicing down near the side seams, turn under the sides twice, press and sew down.

Ties: make the ties by using a complementary print, 2 1/2 inches wide and long enough to apply over the skirt front with plenty to wrap around once to make a bow on the front. I like to taper the ends into a point, but you don't have to. You will probably have to piece the sash, to make it long enough. I try to line up the seams at the edges of the skirt, so they look uniform. Fold the sash in half, then turn in both raw edges 1/4, press, then top stitch on both long edges. Set aside.

Straps: You will also need 2-2 inch wide straps, from same or another print. Measure from the top of your chest to the back of your neck plus about 8 inches to make a bow, or not as long, to secure velcro to attach. Fold each strap in half, and then turn in the raw edges 1/4 inch. Press, then sew along both edges. Put aside.

Bib: The remaining fabric from the back of the skirt can be made into a bib. Cut your shape, making sure it covers your chest sufficiently,use this as the pattern to cut a second piece out of lining fabric. Fold and press up the bottom of the lining 5/8in. If you want to embellish the bib with trims, do this before you apply the lining to it.

I cut strips from the leftover pieces to make straps for the bodice, make sure again, they are long enough by pinning to your bodice and leaving long enough to tie a decent bow around your neck. I incorporated the lace edges into the tie for interest. Press each in half, and then turn in raw edges 1/4 inch, top stitch on each side.

Insert your straps at the top of the bib, (inside the sandwich made by the lining piece and the outer front) placing the straps inside.Make sure you sew over the edge of the straps at the top, but not catching them in any other seams. Then, sew the lining and outside bib right sides together, around 3 sides, leaving the bottom open where it will be attached to the skirt. Trim excess fabric, or surge.

Assemble:Then pin and sew, (right sides together) the bib across the bottom edge, keeping the pressed edge free. Hold it up to yourself, if you are happy with the result, grade seam edges, then pin the pressed edge of the bib over the raw selvage edges, and slip stitch closed, catching in the seam.

Here you can see the straps attached to the curved waist band. I stitched right sides together on the ends.

Of course, don't forget pockets! I simply cut squares from the lining, with the lace at the top. Sew pocket with lining right sides together, leaving a small hole to turn inside out, slip stitch and press. Pin where they look best on your apron, then sew around the 3 sides, with topstitching.

A little corsage pin, layers of cotton topped with sparkly nylon, secured with a button. I used a felt circle sew through the button and safety pin.

Please post a link of something you repurposed, recycled, redid and/or renewed! The 4RS mantra! Add yourself as a follower, and leave me a comment if you would be so kind! Enjoy your long weekend!

My 101st Post, and Linky Party #6

2011-05-18T21:52:00.001-04:00

Wow, I just saw in my post editor that I have written 100 posts to date. I started this blog in 2008, right after I began selling my wares at the4Rs.Etsy.com. My goal back then was simply to post slice of life stuff and occasionally a recipe or tutorial or two. At first, I was worried about what I would say, who would care and whether or not I would have the time to keep it up. I am happy to say my worries were for nothing! And I never realized how much fun it was to make friendships and learn so much every time I log on!

I continue to be awed by the amazing talents of the bloggers I meet every week, and I wanted to be sure to showcase as many as I can. The linky parties seemed like a way to make this happen, and of course my first 5 were also giveaways. Since I have been in a purging mode lately, gifting a winner each week with a gently previewed crafting book seemed like a great idea. And the recipients have been most grateful! Going forward, the out of pocket costs are starting to add up, so I plan to offer up a weekly linky with a theme, and the only reward is the fun you will have traveling around the blogging world as you see links of new and familiar bloggers. I will welcome any sponsors that want to help me offer free stuff, but until that happens, I want my 50+ followers to know I plan on keeping you all coming back for more inspirations. Writing this blog has been so satisfying on so many levels, I hope to make it even better and better. Bless you all...

I mentioned last post I would offer up some refashion ideas. I have been on such a tight budget, new spring and summer clothes will have to wait. If you are like me, you save stuff that doesn't fit, doesn't look right, too small too big etc. Which gives me the reason to shop my closet? There are so many great ideas on the internet with the tag of refashion out there, there is nothing that can't be remade to be wearable right? I will post my tut, as soon as it is finished, till then, please post your links, showing how you recycled, repurposed, redid and renewed...4Rs style!

Reap What You Sew # 5 Winner

2011-05-15T22:02:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Jennifer of http://silvertears101in1001.blogspot.com/ is my random generator #12! One of her daughters is modeling a cute tinkerbell costume she posted on the linky. Check her out, she has some sweet ideas! She will receive the Painted Wooden Furniture book, pictured in the last post. Thank you to all who have participated, I hope you will come back before Sunday each week, and post what you have been up to! This week's theme is Spring Inspired, anything you have made that reminds you of this season...around here in Cleveland, it has been raining, and raining...wetest April on record, and I bet May is not far behind. Your projects will help remind me of the reward at the end of the rainbow, so to speak.

Next post, watch for some refashion ideas, as I try to revive some items in my closet. Hopefully inspire you to post the same! And I'll put up the next linky party, so keep coming back!

Reap What You Sew Sundays #4, #5 Begins!

2011-05-08T21:11:00.006-04:00

Sorry, my linky closed early, not sure why! Stop back later tonight to see who won!

From last Sunday -Congrats to Sharon, lucky #5 on the random number generator in my Reap What You Sew Linky Giveaway, #4! She wins a choice of book, and will have it sent to her after we communicate. Her blog, http://sweetpeaandpumkins.blogspot.com/

is darling, and a tribute to her love of sewing learned from her mother. She has some wonderful tutorials, please visit her, and let her know you saw her on my blog.

Mothers' Day is also so bittersweet for me. Both mom and mother in law are enjoying their day in heaven, and the two birth moms that gave my two kids life, are always close to my thoughts and prayers especially on this day. I hope that I can meet them some day and tell them how grateful I am to them for making us a family. A big shout out to my hubby who brought me breakfast in bed, took me and my Kate to the Cleveland Zoo, (moms were free) and then cooked me a wonderful steak dinner. My son couldn't make it, but he did wish me a happy one. The weather today in my town was one of the very first beautiful days of spring, so we soaked up the sun and cool breezes and celebrated with throngs of families and of course the animals. I am sitting here at my computer right now while watching Extreme Home Makeover, honoring a special mom who adopted 3 girls who didn't have caring families. It touches me deeply the deep sense of responsibility mixed with intense love.

I feel privileged to know the joys of motherhood, and the special relationship between mother and child, and I still get very teary watching birth and adoption stories. Being Kate and Kevin's mom has been a real adventure, and I look forward to being a great grandma someday...not too soon! Of course I have a teen who mostly doesn't like being seen with her parents; today was a special gift as we walked together.

And another special shout out to my sis in law, Mary, who turns 60 today! Her family threw a surprise Casino night party for her last night, here are a few pics.

Please stop back this week for some new tutorials and treats, and of course, each week for my Sunday linky party winner announcement kick off for the next one. For those of you new to Linky Parties, I think they are alot of fun! You get a chance to show off what neat stuff you made recently, and we all get to click the link to check it out. I only ask that you reference my linky party in some way on your post, or side bar, comment and become a follower if you haven't done so yet. I have code you can cut and paste at the top of my side bar, "Reap What you Sew Sundays". Party closes on Sundays evenings, this week at 9:00 pm. where the winner will be announced, and a new one begins. Winner gets a this gently previewed book Painted Wooden Furniture and a shout out on my blog. Lots of great paint techniques here for the beginner or advance painter...Mailed to you free.

You don't have to be a sewer, just showcase something you made recently. (One disclaimer though, I can only send to bloggers in the U.S., as the cost is prohibitive for overseas postage, sorry, please still post links here...)

This week's theme, is making something for someone you love. Share with us your cool stuff, so we all can enjoy it! Here is the start of Reap What You Sew Linky #5. Spread the word!

Mother's Day Gift- Quick Crochet Collar Tut

2011-05-04T14:57:00.003-04:00

While I no longer have a mom or mother in law to make gifts for, please see my tribute to mom from last year...I would wager most of my readers do! I am not a professional at crochet, but when I sub long hours at school, I need something small to keep my hands busy. I was given a few crochet collars, that button on top of crew neck tops, from my good friend Connie. These are cute but not long enough to grace most of my thrifty cardigans, so I decided to use them as inspiration to create my own. This little simple collar is made with a small crochet hook and crochet thread, but I am sure it could be interpreted with a larger hook, and slightly heavier gauge thread or fingerling yarn.

My design makes up in 6 simple rows, and is not as fancy, but quick and elegant, if I must say so! Using a crochet hook, (close to size 8, or 1.5mm) and crochet thread, (I prefer cotton). This design needs an even number of chains, and the design is a multiple of 6. So if you want the design to come out evenly, chain 6 for every scallop you see, and if it isn’t perfect, you can fudge on the extra chains or reduce as you go.

Row 1: Begin by making enough chains (foundation row) to span the length of your neckline. Turn, Row 2: chain 3, and triple crochet in each chain. Row 3: Turn, chain 3, triple crochet in the first space between triples on the previous row, chain 3, skip 2 triples, make a triple in the next space between, all the way across. Row 4: Turn, chain 3, (chain 3 makes one of the triples next mentioned) *make 3 triples chain 3, 3 more triples all in the space between previous rows triples, skip next space then chain 5, single crochet in next space created by chains, chain 5, repeat from * all the way to end of this row. Row 5: Turn, chain 3, *in space between the 6 triples previous row, make 3 triples, chain 3, 3 triples, chain 5, sc in next space, chain 5, sc in next space, chain 5, repeat from * all the say to end of row. Last row, involves a lot of sc, with “picots” (made by sc chain 3 sc). Row 6: Begin this row with 1 picot in space between first 2 triples, chain 3, sc between each triple, and in larger space, sc chain 3, sc, (picot) chain 3, sc and chain 3 across the 3 triples in design, 3 sc, sc chain 3 sc, 3 more sc in space, repeat this pattern across, with picots at the top of the triples, and over the 3 spaces in the design between the triple shells. You can be creative here, making the last row lacy or less so depending on how many spaces you create by adding chains. Fasten off and steam press, to block the design. Pin your collar to your sweater neckline. Using a large embroidery needle, and your crochet thread, make invisible stitches through the first row of triples on the design fastening it to the collar edge. I used the holes in the design to push the buttons through.

If my instructions are not clear feel free to email me, you can tell I don’t write patterns for a living. Experiment with your chains and the amount of rows you make depending on how gathered or flat you want it to look. You can’t do this wrong, since you are the creator! Try it, for those you love!

Please don't forget to post your links of simple and crafty gift ideas for the moms, grandmoms, and mother figures in your life, in my Mother's Day Linky Giveaway in my previous post, link found here.

Linky Party 3 Winner and Linky Party 4 Begins!

2011-05-01T20:39:00.003-04:00

Congrats to my Linky Party #3 - winner Ohio Patriot Mom, sorry, don't have a name, but I notified her tonight and asked which book she might like me to send her. Check out her great blog at http://sageendeavors.blogspot.com/

There were some amazing and very "green" projects that linked up this week. Look at this thrifty idea, using chalkboard paint! http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2011/04/chalkboard-juice-lid-labels.html

And why didn't I think of this?
I have seedlings started, but I think this would speed the process along, kind of like a mini greenhouse!
http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2011/04/chalkboard-juice-lid-labels.html

Please check out the great links, previous post, and I look forward to many more. Please join us this week as we embark on Linky Party #4 Reap What You Sew Sundays...begins on a Sunday, ends following weekend.

Please post a link of something you made recently that is a great gift idea for a Mom, Grandma, or mother figure, one which can be inexpensive or crafty. Please add yourself as a follower, if you haven't already. As a courtesy, spread the word, grab my "Reap What You Sew Sundays" badge on top right of my blog. I am offering a choice of gently previewed crafting books, (see below link party) and I will choose a winner by Random Generator next Sunday, at 6:00 pm.

The Winner of the random generator widget, gets to choose between these two gently previewed books. Look how smiley Martha Stewart looks!

I'll post during the week, but refer back to this linky as often as you like!

Mother's Day recipes to try

2011-04-28T22:19:00.002-04:00

Read down a little further, to see some tasty recipes.

Please don't forget to enter my Linky Party Giveaway #3, click this link to enter - "Reap What You Sew Sundays"simply enter with a link to something you made that is green, add yourself as a follower and put my linky party badge somewhere on your blog. Sundays are my planned days to announce a winner and start another one.Thanks to all that have participated so far, make my blog your weekly stop on Sundays!

Well we are finally welcoming spring, with all the rain and high winds! I am grateful for the end of winter, though today was one of the worst days on record for tornadoes, especially in Alabama.

We had winds around 60 miles/hour last night, and as usual we wake up to this a big cleanup!

And I am optimistic about a beautiful and thrifty garden again this year, I got my first crops started. My veggie garden was completely started from seed last year, so I am planning on a bigger one this year.

There is hope!

And now, a few pics of a great recipe I cooked for Easter, but any spring time occasion, like Mothers Day would be a great time to prepare this easy 7 Herb Stuffed Leg of Lamb and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes! Recipe follows.

Hubby broke out the electric knife to carve into slices, to reveal the yummy stuffing.

Dessert was an easy Angelfood mix and sweetened strawberries and whipped cream from a can! My family loved it!

Roast Leg of Young Lamb with Seven Herbs

Roast at 350 degrees Makes 8 servings

1 leg of lamb, about 7 lbs – boned and rolled

Seven Herbs stuffing

2 T Olive oil

1 small green pepper, halved seeded into strips

½ c finely chopped carrots, onion, celery

2 cloves of garlic minced

2 cans condensed beef bouillon

¼ c all purpose flour

½ c cold water

1. Remove strings from rolled leg of lamb, carefully and unroll meat. Spoon seven herbs stuffing onto surface. Re-tie lamb, following butcher’s original ties. Season outside with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in a rectangular heavy roasting pan or heavy skillet; brown lamb on all sides. (Takes about 15 minutes) Transfer lamb to oven in the heavy roasting pan or transfer form skillet to regular roasting pan.

3. Roast in moderate oven (350) about 60 minutes. Stir pepper, carrots, onion, celery and garlic into pan drippings.

4. Roast 35- 60 minutes longer, or until a meat thermometer registers 140 for rare or 150 for medium. Transfer meat to a heated platter and keep warm.

5. Place roasting pan over heat and add beef bouillion. Heat to boiling; lower heat; simmer 5 minutes. Strain liquid into a medium-size saucepan and discard veggies. Skim fat from surface of liquid. Heat slowly to boiling.

6. Combine flour and cold water in a cup to make a smooth paste.

7. Stir paste slowly into boiling liquid and continue to stir until mixture thickens and bubbles 3 minutes. Keep warm until serving time.

8. Carve part of lamb into slices, removing strings as you carve. Arrange lamb and slices on heated serving platter, arranging veggies. Serve with hot gravy.

Seven Herbs Stuffing

½ c (1stick) of butter or margarine

¼ t of each of the following: leaf marjoram, dried mint, leaf basil,oregano,sage,rosemary

1 bay leaf crumbled

1 t salt

¼ t pepper

1 ½ c soft white bread crumbs (3 slices)

1 T lemon juice

1. Stir butter or margarine with a wooden spoon until soft in a small bowl.

2. Combine all the herbs by pulsing in a food processor, till pulverized. Add to softened butter with bread crumbs and lemon juice, blending well.

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes recipe here
Looking forward to seeing all your great projects, I will be picking a random winner on Sunday night, till then!

Sew much fun, Guest Blogger Karen and Linky #3!

2011-04-23T20:17:00.003-04:00

Sewing, for me a lot of fun...

I mentioned how I have been on a sewing jag lately. I made 2 teen skirts, a blouse, and a wrap skirt with several outfits cut out waiting for me to attack them. I am posting this, because while I am a sewist, I enjoy the process, I go in spurts. Making clothes today is really a form of making practical art. And if you choose wisely, your garment will be an expression of your creativity and thriftiness. But not always! Fabric, and notions are so expensive today, it is why you see me using thrifted garments and searching for vintage lace and buttons. I have made quite a few giftable items and practical hanging kitchen towels. Those items don't need the care to be the right size or style, so I have been sewing clothes less often. And the hardest part is getting the fit right, mainly for me.

The blouse is cute, made of calico bought on sale. Vintage buttons, and I got to run the serger a bit. But, as usual the fit is rather tight, and unless I shed some pounds fast, I will have to start buying plus size patterns. Sigh...just a reality check...Last year I tried Curves, and it gave me some courage for a while, to take charge, but here I am a year later, the same size only I feel larger than ever...achy hips keep me from doing much more. I try to walk with hubby and the dog, but it is a chore as the cold still keeps me from mobility.

As I write this, I am aching still from alot of walking we did on a 2 day trip to Chicago. Hubby has a yearly meeting there, and we again took my daughter and this time a friend, Rachel. We hit the Sci and Industry museum, Cheesecake Factory restuarant, Navy Pier and of course the Water Tower Place 7 levels of retail therapy! Some sites here, as well as a quick visit with my Auntie Helen and Cuzzin Janet.

Cheesecake Factory Dessert of course!

cheerleading competition at the pier, the younger division, so cute!

Good times, (its water, don't worry!)

Along my travels across the blogosphere, I have met some very crafty and creative people. One gal, in particular, Karen at SewManyWays.blogspot.com. She revealed her very "green" sewing room redo. I couldn't help but ask her if she would guest star on my blog; we seem to have alot in common, her thriftiness in particular, caught my attention. I have asked her to intro herself, and due to an extremely busy holiday weekend, I have her permission to intro her from her "about" section on her blog.

About Me

Hi...my name is Karen and I want to welcome you to Sew Many Ways. My life is filled with so many wonderful things, I wanted to share some of it with you on this blog.
I have been married to my husband for 23 years and love him to pieces. We have 2 beautiful daughters who make us proud every day. Our home is quiet now, because we are empty nesters. Both girls are away at college, but thankfully they are both at the same university! That eases our minds that they have each other, but boy do we MISS them!

I love to quilt, sew, craft, blog, drink tea, rearrange furniture and organize. I also love to shop at fabric stores, thrift stores and believe it or not...hardware stores. My most popular feature is a weekly post called Tool Time Tuesday where we always think outside the box for ideas. Join me on this blogging adventure and I will share all my tips, tricks and tutorials with you!
Thanks so much for stopping by and I can't wait to get to know you better,

~Karen~

Thank you Karen, I hope your family enjoys their Easter and I want to wish all my followers and visitors Happy Easter, and Happy Holidays for all of other faiths. It is our most joyous time of year as Christians, I extend warm wishes to yours from our family.

Linky Party #3 Reap What You Sew Sundays...begins on a Sunday, ends following weekend.

Please post a link of something you made recently that is a "green" idea, one which recycles or repurposes or save the environment and add yourself as a follower. As a courtesy, spread the word, grab my "Reap What You Sew Sundays" badge on top right of my blog. I am reoffering a choice of gently previewed crafting books, (see previous post) I will choose a winner by Random Generator next Sunday, at 6:00 pm.

Spring Break Amusements and Linky Giveaway #2

2011-04-08T13:47:00.007-04:00

Spring break came and went last week. Daughter was increasingly bored, espcially with our wintry cold weather. Since I was also on break, I committed to spending a few days with her, shopping of course, museums, check, and wedged in were a few projects clogging up my sewing space.

A few pics from her day at the Great Lakes Science center, which is just a stones throw to the Rock Hall of Fame. I couldn't talk her friend into going there, even though daughter has never been. At $23.00 per ticket for adults, I didn't argue too much.

Today's Tutorial: I had this super size picture frame, left to languish in a friend's basement, with a ghastly fakey floral picture in it. Picture shows process of being painted. I taped off the pretty brass decorative design next to the fake mahogany

I had bought a couple of pieces of styrofoam insulation a while back, thinking design or inspiration board, and a striped shower curtain, and picked up for $2.00 at Goodwill. My current sewing room is somewhat neutral with Dove Gray paint, and deep blue carpet, all the better to see threads on of course! (the former tenant, daughter had 3 different bright colors on her walls, it took 3 coats of Benjy Moore paint to neutralize! ) I have a number of vintage pieces of furniture including a neat 1920's metal topped table that makes a great base for a smallish ironing board. When I saw the stripes, with all of my favorite colors, I just knew it had to be a statement.

Here are the steps in pictures.

I painted the frame with leftover trim paint, and roughed up the edges a bit with sandpaper.
What do you think? I love pinning up my future projects and bits of lace and doily for inspiration.

Another pursuit during the week was to cut out patterns, and sew up a few creations. Pictured here is my daughter's friend Rachel, modeling a simple gray gathered skirt, that I made at her request. She later made me take off the rick rack around the pockets, too cutesy...for a 14 year old. My daughter's is made with the exception of hem, I need her to try it on before I finish it. I had bought so many patterns and fabric at the going out of business sale at Joanns nearby, I have been sewing clothing almost exclusively. Spring is supposed to spring, on Sunday this week, after cold and rain...in Cleveland, we are usually the last to feel any warm weather, or see our bulbs bloom. But it will be worth it!

Well my first linky party giveaway (last post) snagged 13 people, and a few new followers! Thank you to all who participated! I am hoping to make this a regular event, if I don't get too busy. I had a job interview on ~~Friday~~ today for a Family and Consumer Science position (Home Ec) in a nearby suburb, that I am so excited about. Jobs like this don't come up very often, and since I lost my job due to budget cuts back in 2008, I haven't had a steady paycheck or benefits. I have been asking everyone to pray for me to be considered, and I take great comfort in knowing that if the Lord wants me in this position, He will guide me to make a good impression. I ~~am bringing~~ brought with me as many letters of recommendation that I can carry, from the schools I sub in, and plan to have more emailed as soon as I obtain them. The interview went well, but I was asked some very strange questions, not typical to job interviews I have been to in the past.

LINKY PARTY #2
I am offering a choice of gently viewed books again for this next linky party! Comment which one you'd like and why...!

For those of you new to Linky Parties, first of all I think they are alot of fun! You get a chance to show off what neat stuff you made recently, and we all get to click the link to check it out. I only ask that you reference my linky party in some way on your post, or side bar, comment and become a follower if you haven't done so yet. I have code you can cut and paste at the top of my side bar, "Reap What you Sew Sundays". Party closes on Sundays evenings, since I got a late start posting this, it will end Sunday April 17th. Check back to see who won, comment/post and to check out the great stuff people are making! Email or post if you have any issues...have a creative week! Linky party here:

Winner of my first Linky Party!

2011-04-03T22:20:00.000-04:00

Reap what you Sew Sundays - #7 came up when I ran the Random Generator. Tried to copy the site here, but it doesn't show properly. Anyhoo, I am a few people short of my 10,000th visitor, but one of you tonight will do the honors! Congrats to: Bobylyn at http://iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/ She has a lovely site, and lots of great ideas, stop by and visit her!

Stop back each week to enter my linky giveaways, with last day on Sundays! Until next post, here is a sneak peek of my next project tutorial, using a vintage picture frame, styrofoam insulation and a shower curtain! Stop back soon!

Quick thrift skirt and Linky Party Giveaway - extended!

2011-03-22T19:05:00.009-04:00

It is now after 6:00 on Sunday night, 18 visitors away from my 10,000th. Looks like the linky party might go to midnight, so stop back here tomorrow to see who won! With only 13 links so far, your chances are pretty good! Thank you to all who have linked and linked to me for this giveaway. I appreciate it!!!! Winner to be announced...

In honor of my almost 10,000th visitor to my site, (since I started it in 2008) , I am starting a linky party! Simply post a link of something you have made recently, follow directions on the linky, and add my "Reap What You Sew Sundays" badge to your side bar or post if you can. (not mandatory) Please add yourself as a follower too! That's it! (Party closes by Sunday April 3rd at 6 pm) But even better, I have a giveaway for the winner I will select randomly from the links posted under this linky party. A great new to you craft book, either crocheting, quilting, embroidery, how to shop vintage, painted wooden furniture ideas or general crafting, that I will mail to the winner. Please help me celebrate by sharing your creativity!
Stop back each Sunday evening to see if you have won. Each Wednesday the linky party will open up again, provided I get to posting and keeping up! I am new at this, so bear with me! Here is a sneak peak of the book choices I will offer the winner.

Thrift Silk Dress to a Flirty Skirt

You will need a thrifted dress, thread, sewing machine, waistband elastic and safetypin.

If you are a sewer, you probably won't need these instructions, this skirt is simply an elastic waist squared design, cut away from the bodice.

I scored this silk faux wrap dress for $4.00 last fall at Good Will. I knew it probably wouldn't fit me, but planned to cut it in half for a skirt for myself or daughter. The border print on it is just charming, and it is a good color with the thrifted cardigan I found on another day.

Notice the wrap front, that is stitched down, so it won't leave you exposed.

The hardest part is the surgery, but once you cut the dress in half you can begin trying to measure to be sure it is the right length. Because the skirt was narrow, I chose to size it down to my daughter's tiny waist size. (26 inches lucky her!) After you measure carefully to get the right proportions, simply turn under the top edge, I finger press, but you can use an iron if it helps you.

Once the edge is turned under, turn your top edge over the width of elastic plush a tiny bit more. This makes a "casing" for the elastic to move freely through. Be sure to leave a small opening for the elastic to be threaded through.

After the casing is done, simply pin one edge of the elastic, work it through the opening you left, pushing it all the way around, till it comes out the other side. Pin, and try it on, adjust the pin to where it fits the most comfortable. Take safety pin out, and sew the edges of the elastic together securely, then, stitch the casing closed.

Daughter wouldn't model this for me, but I made sure it fits! She will need some "dress up" clothes for her class trip to Washington, D.C. end of May. I refuse to pay $30.00 for something so simple to make.

Buttermilk Fruit Snacking Cake - revised slightly from a recipe on allrecipes.com

I had a surplus of buttermilk to use up, and we were hungry for something warm out of the oven. This recipe is so luscious, and the two families I shared it with, wanted the recipe! I adapted it from the allrecipes.com recipe and I wrote it below with my changes.

Ingredients

Crumb Topping:

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons butter, softened

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cake:

3/4 cup butter, softened

1-1/2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1-3/4 cups buttermilk

Any fruit can be added here, original called for 1-1/2 cups mango - peeled, seeded and diced and 1-1/2 cups raspberries I used a handful of Black Raspberries,

Directions

1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). I used a 9x13 pan, since I made enough for 18 servings, not 12.

2.Crumb Topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon together in a bowl until the mixture is the consistency of wet sand. Set the topping aside.

3.Beat remaining butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the egg and mix well. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

4.Mix the flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, stirring just to combine. After the last of the flour mixture is incorporated, gently fold in the black raspberries. Spread the batter into the prepared pan (the batter will be thick). Sprinkle with crumb topping.

5.Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

I am always generous with my use of nutmeg and cinnamon, you might try using more or less. :)

This picture doesn't do the cake justice, it was so rich and the texture divine! Keep Buttermilk around, it always makes your baking richer and more tender!

Another breath of spring, here below, daughter got a sunny flower bouquet, out of the blue, from her Auntie Donna and Uncle Bill in North Carolina! She was so tickled, she whisked it away to her bedroom where she spends alot of her free time. I convinced her to bring it down after a few days for the rest of us to enjoy! Thank you Donna, you are sweet to think of her (and us)

Seeing green even as our hearts break

2011-03-17T20:31:00.002-04:00

Almost a week ago we watched with horror as Japan is dealt with multiple disasters, even today, I can hardly tear myself away from news coverage, just like with Haiti, hoping that more survivors will be found. I cannot imagine dealing with the challenges both countries have before them, and I say a silent prayer that God will sustain those who survive to rebuild. My problems, my worries pale in comparison, and I am humbled by the contrast of our comfortable lives against the suffering that is served up each day as reported on the news. I hope the world will open their hearts and help where they can. For now, prayer, but more practical requests will follow.

We hit a high of 67 degress today on St. Patty's day, unveiling the promise of our flower bulbs; unheard of in our town, where we mark this day with full winter regalia! Just a few days ago we saw this sight, (again)

and now the sun shines and promises to tease us for a day at least, seeing green...peeking out of the ground!

I left a corned beef in the crock pot today, saw a recipe that called for a bottle of regular Guiness over the spices, cooking slow all day, with the addition of the veggies half way through. It was very tender and the meat held together nicely.

I found the following recipe to use after tonight's dinner, on Allrecipes.com. It says: "use leftover corned beef from St. Paddy's day or canned, combined with macaroni, cheese, cream of chicken soup, and vegetables. The assembled dish should be refrigerated overnight or in the morning before cooking due to the fact of using uncooked macaroni."

Corned Beef Casserole serves 4
Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni

1/2 pound processed American cheese, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 (12 ounce) can corned beef or 1 cup of corned beef brisket, chopped
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

2 cups milk

1 (10 ounce) package green peas

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the macaroni, cheese, onion, green bell pepper, corned beef, soup, milk and peas.

2. Place this in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish and refrigerate overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

4. Allow dish to come up to room temperature.

5. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.

Comment here if you try this recipe, using uncooked pasta sounds a bit like a lasagna recipe I have. Usually I only post tried and true recipes, but I am projecting using this within a day or two, unless hubby fights me to use the leftovers the way they are. completed pic is of a casserole made by the recipe contributor.

My next post will show a repurpose of a thrift store silk dress. I bought it without trying it on, but I was mainly eyeing the beautiful silk wrap bottom for its fabric, or at the very least a skirt. I will post what I came up with on my next post. Here is the dress before... Watch for the after!

Designing and dreaming of spring!

2011-03-09T15:44:00.006-05:00

In this post: a tut on making a vintage linen hanging towel, and painting metal accessories to match your bath...and life as we know it, even though it is still cold out!

Have I whined enough this winter? Finished the antibiotics and am still snorting...I'll leave that topic, I am making friends with a "neti" pot now, hope to say this works, and I can get on with my life.

I enjoyed a quick trip to Oxford, Ohio last weekend to see my highschool/college chums Karen, Donna, Marlys, and Nancy last weekend, battling torrents of rain, and then snow on the way back. Spring cannot come fast enough that is for sure! My hostess friend Karen, and her 2 other baby boys, seen on left, her lovely home she built with handy husband Dave on right.

I have been on a small buying spree, that began innocently last week, when I heard a smaller Joann Fabrics nearby was closing. This meant alot of fabric is 50 percent off and patterns only a quarter! I haven't sewn for myself much, but suddenly I am dreaming of designing new outfits from the batch of patterns and fabric I picked up. A nubby tan linen for pants or capris, and some embroidered linen in white and earth tones for a stylin blouse with a big bow, I'll make in black. I have to clear an area in my sewing room, but I think it will usher in spring to have some new clothes to look forward to.

Along with new projects, are some older ones that I have unearthed recently. I have a number of linen towels, that need restyling and now that I have a guest bath again, I need some decent hand towels. Here is a short tut on recycling those little gems, you might pick up at thrift or antique shows.

Linen Guest Towel Restyle

Begin with a vintage narrow linen tea towel. I keep a box of pieces and parts of needlework, stained or damaged that I try to re-fashion into a component of the hanging towel. I liked the tulip cutwork on this stained piece, on the right; I was hoping to make it useful again.

I centered the design, after excising the flaws and placed it on another piece of some coordinating darker calico, and cut two pieces the same size, as well as 1 piece of poly quilt bat, for a little stability.

I checked the length of the towel, for this project it will be ok, but if the towel is really long, I fold it in half, and gather the center with 2 rows of stitching and apply my towel topper to it in the same manner I make my "Powell" potholder towels. (I might have some examples in my etsy shop, or will soon as of this post!)

Begin running two rows of gathers at the top of the towel, pull gathers so that the towel will stretch across the topper evenly.

After you pin and sew the towel to the front panel of the topper, right sides together of course, press,

I then fashion the loop to hang it to a towel bar by making a rectangle out of the embroidered scraps, sew all around, turn to the right side. Place raw opening on top of topper, machine baste across; it will be caught inside. Not shown, turn the bottom of the triangle shape, the longest side under, clean finishing the edge. Sew all 3 sides, then pull everything through the open side, then press.

Finish the back of the hanging towel by sewing the open bottom to the towel layer, using an invisible slip stich.

I like to use a vintage button, to hide the fact that velcro is used as a closure. But you can also make a buttonhole in the tab, and have the button actually function instead of just look pretty.

Voila, I like that this towel looks great in my new guest bath. I knew that vintage piece of linen would end up being useful again! Try this with your bits and pieces of linen and needlework, don't let them sit idly by when you can class up your bath or kitchen with some charm from yesteryear!

This gives me one more opportunity to show off my bath, which until this post was also missing a towel rack. Here is another idea to use those miscellaneous garage sale finds to match your fixtures. I found this wrought iron towel holder a couple of years ago, way before I knew what my colors or metals would be. I bought the paint you see below, to try to match my oiled brass hardware. I painted the iron, using an old brush, that would allow the black to show through. It really matches my faucet and shower fixtures now, so I hope to hang my new towel on it real soon.

One more little show and tell item, I recently sold the Linen Rose Pillow (you see in my Linky Party Badge on top of my blog) through my Etsy site, Traci from Washington State sent a picture as it now sits proudly in her daughter's Adalyns nursery. I just love how something made by my hands traveled across country to grace a little girls' room! Humbling and awesome at the same time!

Pillow Book Holder Tutorial and Winter Continues

2011-02-27T13:16:00.000-05:00

One of my my dear sisters in law, (I have 5of them) was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer, with a lesion that began on a hand. Doctors say it was fast growing and necessitated taking parts of her skin, and sections of arm that needed to have skin grafts. She then had to return to surgery for lymph nodes that were affected, just 2 weeks ago.. On top of it all, was her birthday on Valentines Day, so to remember her and to give her something she could actually use as she recovers, I tried to find ideas for making a book pillow rest. I saw the triangle shaped things on the internet, but they just didn't inspire me. I looked through Etsy sellers, and there was one very ingenious one, but rather than wait for it, I plunged into my own version. I took an embroidered pillow sham from my surplus linen collection, and first made a linen pillow to fit it and stuffed it with poly fill.

For me, practicality always is the first consideration, so I had to make sure it was a removable and washable cover. Then I selected pink ribbon, to make the stays that hold the book binding, and chose stretchy lingerie lace for the page holders. If I had narrower lace, I would have used it, but still recovering from my sinus/cold/ crud condition, I opted to use what I had. I simply attached the ribbons securely top and bottom.

Velcro is used on one of the ribbon stays, here I am placing and adjusting.

And I saw alot of pillows with an eyeglass pocket, so I made mine by attempting to create a bound/pocket variation. I made a slice in the fabric, constructed a linen envelope to attach to it on the inside. If I had made the pillow sham from scratch, I would have done this before it was constructed, but I had to work with what I had. So it is not the prettiest of pockets, but it does the job. I think the fact that it is internal to the pillow sham, might protect fragile glasses better. What do you think of my idea?

I cut a slit for where the glasses pocket could be placed. I used some ironing tape, and pressed the edges under, in prep for a zigzagged ribbon to cover and support the pocket edge.

Notice the velcro on one side of the two ribbon stays. You slide one side of a larger book, and then open the velcro side and adjust. The book stays pretty secure, though the pillow is a bit puffy, so it might take some breaking in.

I made a little ribbon bow for up top to cover the velcro I sewed along the edges to keep the sham closed up top.

The book I picked up at the Library Book sale, for my sis in law was "Oprah", by Kitty Kelly. A tell all, and not very flattering view of her. I am fascinated by Oprah, always thought she has led a pretty feisty life, I skimmed this book, hoping to bolster my admiration for the lady. Sadly, alot of the book especially in the later sections, show how being a billionaire has corrupted her life and thinking. The new network My Own, was briefly mentioned as her future endeavors. I have only watched a little bit of her channel, but you have to give her credit for fighting for her vision.

At the risk of showing how portly I have become this winter, here is the skirt I started last fall. I blogged about getting this fab designer, Kay Whitt's book, and plunged into making a "patchwork" pieced skirt of her design. It was an a-line fitted design, and to compensate for my girth, I added inches on each panel. Well, the reason this skirt sat on my sewing table for so long was that I had to take it in, 2 times, that means on each panel! Finally, it was still too large, I added an elastic waist band, that eases the extra fabric around. And I discovered it was a bit too short, so a row of green cotton and lace extended it a bit. I am not known for wearing red. but when I found the green and brown piped shirt at a thrift store, I decided to use up the pieces of brown, red and green calico I had laying around. Hubby thinks it is perfect when I want to dress up as a clown's wife (remember, he is color blind) ...I like it, it has personality! Maybe it would be good for a spring luncheon, or for housecleaning...Whatever, I was glad to finally finish it.

Well, this is February 27th, and I have officially been sick for 4 weeks now. On my second antibiotic, I just can't shake this sinus thing. Maybe I will still get my flu shot, cause I just don't want to go through this again for awhile!

Ending with a beautiful shot of our trees after the last 2 major storms, it began with an ice coating, then full blown storm, then, big trees all around us crashed our electric lines, so we were without power for 2 days. Nothing like 40 degree inside temp to speed your recovery from a cold...! Our elderly neighbors suffered the most, we made them food on our gas stove, and got them groceries...so glad we have a working fireplace, it helped, though even that has it's limitations.

Watch for a recipe and tut, see ya next post!

Winter woes, our remodel continues

2011-02-18T14:48:00.007-05:00

I have been so under the weather for the past 2 weeks, I barely sat at my computer at all. It began with a sore throat, moved to a full blown sinus infection and today it has left me with no sense of smell, or taste and a mostly stuffed up head. But the antibiotics are only on day 4, so I guess there is hope. As my cold takes it toll, the weather has finally allowed us to see patches of grass again. And all the water and ice have found some new ways into our house. In the midst of my travail, we finally jump started a boarded up first floor bath, that began it's journey in 2007. Yes, that year we had high hopes, and quickly tore the room down to the studs, only to find that a complete replumb, rewire and new window were in order. A few items were done over the years, but the big push came just these past two weeks. I was too weak to be of much help except to critique each days work. Our friend Andy weathered my snorts and criticsm, and I think we got a beautiful, mostly finished bath as a result. I dreamed it almost exactly as it stands now, so not bad for having foresight. You be the judge. Here is the journey in pics:

I stalked this mahogany vanity for over a year, and finally got the owner to separate it from the larger set.

We decided to recycle the existing porcelain tub. Drywalling and ceiling were completed last summer, no pics for some reason exist!

The first tiles, set the tone! Half my tile budget was the mosaic glass, but such a great design element! I saved money cutting them into the squares for the floor and using them in a border saved the cost as well!

We ran out of field tile, since I had purchased a close out. I knew it would happen, but not sure how it would affect the design. We purchased plain white 2x2's and Home Depot, to finish the shower area. I think it worked just fine!

Don't you just love the pinwheel design on the floor! It just sparkles most of the day!

Ahhhh, finally a first floor guest bath!

So after only 4 years, a few hiccups along the way, and a miserable sinus infection, and tile install for the past 2 weeks, voila! We have a bathroom, just short of a few more touches, including needing an electrician to resupply power to the room. I plan to paint the wooden frame around the glass, and get a cabinet made for the closet space we stole from another room. (not shown) The glass just sparkles in the light, and makes our eclectic furniture and stained glass window just pop! I really like the pinwheel floor design, to save tile we had to lay straight instead of on a diagonal. Definately worth all of the suffering.

Watch my next post, it won't be so long this time, I will post a easy tutorial on making a bed rest book pillow holder. I made one for my sister in law who is recovering from surgery. Stop back soon!

Linked up to these two and more on my Where I Party Page!

Hibernation Pursuits

2011-01-20T19:31:00.004-05:00

It seems our outside world has been wearing a white blanket for over a month now, though some rain came down yesterday, we are seeing a new fresh layer, and even lower temps. The lack of sunlight and warmth cause me to spend an in-ordinate amount of time in the kitchen and sewing room, after work hours of course! I did alot of cooking from scratch over the holiday break, and I will share with you a few of my favorite comfort recipes below. My sewing projects have been more craft than skill lately, I showed how to redo simple totes last post. Here is an idea to recycle those purse calendar holders. I carry a sizeable purse/tote and always have on hand lfe's necessities, so check out my version.

I took out the calendar, but left the little note pad and pen. I had this little cameo lace piece that fit the size perfectly. I decided to use a piece of jade green flannel instead of the brown.

I cut a piece wide enough to cover and double back on each side to create a sort of book cover.

Took the glue gun and laid down a few stripes.

Note I folded the two edges, just like a book cover, and no sewing was needed when glued down.

Glue down outside first, then wrap the folded edges into the inside, glue.

Finishing touches included glueing my little cameo, a little loop and tiny vintage lace on the edges. I hand sewed the button, A quick recycling and satisfying project!

Winter Comfort Food, Cleveland Style!

Homemade Pierogies with Sour Cream (copied from About.com)

Sour cream in the dough is a favorite secret of many Pittsburgh pierogi makers, but I suspect they stole it from our polish community here in Cleveland! We made use of leftover mashed potatoes and sauerkraut from New Years Day. Mmmmm good!

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:

•2 cups flour, plus extra for kneading and rolling dough

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•1 large egg

•1/2 cup sour cream, plus extra to serve with the pierogi

•1/4 cup butter, softened and cut into small pieces

•butter and onions for sauteing

•ingredients for filling of your choice (potato & cheese filling recipe below)

Preparation:

Pierogi Dough

To prepare the pierogi dough, mix together the flour and salt. Beat the egg, then add all at once to the flour mixture. Add the 1/2 cup sour cream and the softened butter pieces and work until the dough loses most of its stickiness (about 5-7 minutes). You can use a food processor with a dough hook for this, but be careful not to overbeat. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or overnight; the dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Each batch of dough makes about 12-15 pierogies, depending on size.

Prepare the Pierogies

Roll the pierogi dough on a floured board or countertop until 1/8" thick. Cut circles of dough (2" for small pierogies and 3-3 1/2" for large pierogies) with a cookie cutter or drinking glass. Place a small ball of filling (about a tablespoon) on each dough round and fold the dough over, forming a semi-circle. Press the edges together with the tines of a fork.

Boil the pierogies a few at a time in a large pot of water. They are done when they float to the top (about 8-10 minutes). Rinse in cool water and let dry.

Saute chopped onions in butter in a large pan until onions are soft. Then add pierogies and pan fry until lightly crispy. Serve with a side of sour cream for a true Cleveland style meal!

Homemade Pierogi Tips:

1.If you are having a hard time getting the edges to stick together, you may have too much flour in the dough. Add a little water to help get a good seal.

2.If you don't want to cook all of the pierogies right away, you can refrigerate them (uncooked) for several days or freeze them for up to several months.

3.You can fill pierogies with pretty much anything you want, though potato and cheese is the most common (recipe below). We had leftover mashed potatoes and sauerkraut from New Years Day. We put them to good use!

Give it a try, way better than the frozen kind, and a fun project for kids to help with in the kitchen!

Next issue are my favorite homemade Cinnamon Yeast Rolls, and we revisit some of my craft fair favorites!

Tote Redo and Renew Ideas

2011-01-10T21:19:00.005-05:00

Hope you experienced true joy this Christmas season, I know we enjoyed some and a quieter celebration than others in the past. But in the quiet comes awareness of how blessed we are and in a state of gratitude for the gift of our Savior and for each other.

My sewing room has been the dumping ground for many weeks, but I have finally cleared a path and begun creating from my thrift collection again. One item I enjoy working with are the tote bags you come across at Good Will. Usually there is nothing wrong with them, they might have writing on them, or just are too plain Jane for my taste. For a Christmas gift for my sis, I jazzed up a plain blue and brown nylon tote, that had Curves written on the lining. Probably was a free gift with purchase or something, but a nice size to carry books or small purchases. I have a plethora of doilies, lace and buttons, so naturally I had to change it's look. What do you think?

I used a glue gun to adhere the trimmings, but hand sewed the button for security. The nice thing is that the bag can be wiped clean with a cloth, the vintage trim, will only improve with age.

Here are a few more Good Will bags with my 4Rs approach:

This woven bag had nice features and shape, but it was blah. I added some vintage lace in a large flower motif. Just hot glue, and minutes later, a bag that is stylin with interest. I glued a few more flowers on the back side so it looked complete.

This black brief case sized bag, was very black and blah. I had this petite doily with embroidery and crocheted lace, that just needed to dress it up. Hot glue again, and on the backside, I applied a battenburg lace trim to the zipper flap. Call me crazy but I think it is an improvement.

This springy off white woven bag was dull, but I had saved this embroidered piece from a pillowcase, I reinforced it with fusible pellon, then glued it down.

This last bag is typical what you find in thrift stores. A useable tote bag with writing from a trade show. I don't like providing advertisement for events, especially past ones, so I took a vintage quilt piece and made a pocket from it. Turning the edges down, and then I sewed it around 3 sides.

Sorry, the pic below is sideways; it wasn't easy to sew, as my machine is not good on heavy layers. But I managed to get it done, and while it is slightly crooked, it covers the writing, and makes a usable pocket.

For practically nothing, I jazzed up a few bags, and made use of my vintage linen stash. A win-win, right?

What have you recycled lately? Share, and link to my flickr group on side bar. Sorry I have not posted regularly, my teaching job is done now, and I am back to subbing sporadically. I am taking a grad class online, but hopefully won't be overwhelmed like last semester. Time will tell! Post your comments, please!!!