Hello!

There is so much going on right now! First off – what was brewing was this – look!

I bet you can’t guess what it is – I’ll tell you cause you’d NEVER guess, it’s Root Beer!  I found a recipe here and while it doesn’t look like Root Beer it tastes really good! I got the root beer extract from a local Watkins dealer. It was just under $5.00 for 2 oz. I think I’ll get 4 two liter bottles from that. While grocery shopping at WalMart I saw they also have the McCormick (spelling?) brand for under $4.00. What is really amazing is how fizzy it is! Just yeast, sugar, extract, and water and it is as fizzy as any bottled soda! You can also get lots of other flavors – strawberry for example. I think we’ll try them all!! It was very easy. VERY easy! 

This is another project I’ve been working on. It didn’t turn out like the picture in my head said it was going to turn out. Look -

It’s a paper mache bowl. Oops an extra blue star is on the bottom – but you get the idea. I made it with tissue paper and glue. I used up a lot of the glue the kids brought to school and didn’t finish. Here is a view of the outside of the bowl.

There has to be about 6 layers, or more, of tissue paper I purchased at the dollar store. The paper for the stars was purchased there too! I put a layer of tissue paper over the stars to help keep them from peeling off. All in all it is just busy around here. This week will be spent getting ready for the 4th of July – which is a favorite family holiday. The day will be spent with friends and family.

Here is an example of one of the crafts I did last year – my son and his friend are in this picture, and they rode on the top of a fire truck with my husband in the parade. I wanted them to look like firecrackers. I got these table-toppers at the dollar store and wired them onto their hats. Gabe thought he just looked like a table-topper. I thought he was an adorable firecracker! I think we’ll be doing the same thing this year – maybe expanding on the idea a bit. So much to do – so little time!!! Have a great week and a safe and FUN 4th of July!!

Painless Hutch Makeover

So I went back to the Salvation Army to look over the patterns again. It was so bugging me that I didn’t look at ALL of them. Well, now I have. This post isn’t about that though – this is about the awesome shelf liner paper I got – for .09 cents!! (It’s marked .18 cents but because it was “gentlemen’s day – and my 8 yr old son was with – I got 50% off!) Look!

So this is what my hutch looked like “before” -

And here is the “after” -

Pretty cool huh? And I still have paper left! .09 cents – I just can’t believe it. Happy crafting!

Scrappy Pillow

Well, I did say I wouldn’t be posting as much in the summer. I have tons of projects in the works but have a hard time finishing anything! I got this finished this evening. It’s just a scrappy pillow case with a zipper in the back. My machine has a lot of decorative stitches that I haven’t fooled around with much so I used them to quilt this cover. I really like it! I think I’d like a quilt made much the same way! The fabric for this pillow cover came from two shirts, a curtain, little scraps from other projects, and the green was part of a stash my grannie gave me. Woo – hoo! Cost - $0. The “brew” in the kitchen is still brewing and should be finished soon – my youngest couldn’t resist a taste and that slowed things down a bit. Happy crafting!

Sewn Summer Flip Flops

I have a dirty little secret. Do you want to hear it? Really? Well. . . I can’t get my family to take their shoes off every time they come into the house. You know they just need a quick drink of water, or have to use the bathroom. . . since we live in town and have sidewalks etc. . . it isn’t horrible but there is still grit on the kitchen floor. And, now that it is summer and I’m barefoot I just can’t stand the grit. So I made these-

It’s simple stuff – I just traced my foot again and made the base with a layer of felt on the bottom, then kids craft foam, then batting, then the blue fabric. Then I stitched the elastic on – the sewing machine didn’t even notice the craft foam in there. They are so comfy!!! However, the felt acts like swiffer cloths! Wow do I pick up a lot as I walk around. Could be good – could be bad.

PS: We have excitement brewing in the kitchen – results will be posted in a couple days when it’s done.

Faux Mokume Gane Polymer Clay Plant Markers

OK – let me start by saying that I am not an expert at Polymer Clay. I don’t have the cool tools so many crafters use, but you gotta start somewhere! I use my fingers and what came in the starter kit. I just really like to play with it, and playing is the best part about crafting. I’ll write these instructions as if I’m telling my mom how to do this – cause she’s never played with polymer clay before. . .
Anyways, this is what I’ve come up with -

And here is how I got there. First off I crinkle up aluminum foil until I get a shape I like. I use aluminum because I don’t want to use that much clay. While it is inexpensive I’m too cheap thrifty! Then cover it in whatever clay you have a lot of – I stock up on white (it’s versatile). Like this: (but all the way around the foil)

Then I make a sandwich of whatever colors strike my fancy – like this:

Then I cut it in half and stack it -

And cut and stack again and again until I don’t want to do it anymore. Make sure you are smooshing it good so you eliminate air bubbles.

Then I take a slice and roll it into a ball and flatten it and cover the white – like this:

Then smooth it out with your fingers. Press and rub your fingers over the project. Then I slice thin layers from the clay – flip the cut piece over and lay it down somewhere else. It give the clay kind of an “agate” look. (Look at the top picture again – otherwise you have the “marbled” look – which is also good!) I cut with a blade I removed from a small box cutter – again cause I’m too thrifty cheap to buy a special tool. It works ok.

Then I roll out “snakes” of black clay and very carefully form my letters by laying the black clay on top of the colored clay. Don’t try to make your letters on the table cause they will distort when you try to lift them. Then when you’re happy with how your letters look carefully press the black into the colored clay (If you don’t flatten it you can take it off and redo the letters) – The letters widen it a bit but we’re having fun remember?!

Then I put a wire bent into a U shape on the back and covered it with a layer of black clay to hold it.


Then bake it as per manufacturers instructions on a bit of foil (base for your next project). I bake it about 15 minutes at around 225.

Let it cool and then I wet sanded it with 600 grit sandpaper. This will get rid of your fingerprints. I don’t get too excited about it cause it is just for me – someday my kids might get a kick out of my fingerprints. If you want start sanding with a courser grit sand paper and you start sanding colors off and get really cool effects – play! Oh – then I sprayed it with a spray sealer. You could poly it, or use a wax floor sealer (Future works best) or sand it until it’s shiny – play! This isn’t very expensive. I think the kit I got at Walmart was about $9.00 and I bought an extra white along the line for around $5.00. I’ve made lots of projects since then with these same basic supplies – fun stuff!
Here is another:

And another (I got crazy with this one and made it round – then dismantled a silk flower and attatched it):

Now, wouldn’t it look cute with a clay tomato on the tomato marker and a clay basil leaf on the basil marker and so on? Well, that is beyond my talents - but if you make one let me know so I can show it – just play! This will probably be the last post for the week – but I have a fun project planned for next week – see you then!!

Father’s Day Papercutting

I cut this for my hubby for Father’s Day. If you know him at all you’ll realize that it is PERFECT! I got the pattern here. Cindy (the artist) gave this template in honor of Memorial Day.

Here is another good idea for a Father’s Day card, just print and paste! Awesome idea from Can't Stop Making Things!

Master Grocery List

I just hate to run out of pantry items. So a while ago I made a “Master Grocery List” and I like to tape it to the inside of a cupboard door. As we run out of things we can circle them on the list – and write new things on the bottom. I’ve changed the core items on the list many times – as our tastes and interests change – but here is the most recent -

 

May you never run out of toilet paper just before company comes again! Do you like lists? Cause I also have a “Master Camping List” ha ha! Also if you would like to print your own out on pretty paper Tricia-Rennea’s blog has lots of free downloads and goodies!!

Camp

Yesterday we brought our daughter to camp. Our daughter who has disabilities. It is especially hard to leave her at camp as she is especially vulnerable. However, a couple of years ago we found a great camp! There are many counselors and dozens of kids/people just like her! She is just so happy to go to camp. When I think about it I realize that we are constantly nudging her to fit into our world. . . at camp she (and the other campers like her) can be their true selves. Sending her to camp isn't for our benefit (I feel like an arm or a leg is missing) but for her benefit. Geez, I bet she is having fun!!!

Hidden Storage Door Stop (doorstop?) tutorial

As we live in an old house we have old doors.  Doors that like to stick, or not shut. . . anyways, we needed some doorstops, we also need storage (always) because I keep so much junk useful stuff. What I ended up with is nothing like what I started out to make, but here it is. . . I started out with this container and smeared glue all over it -

Then covered it with felt and added some foam to the top and covered that as well. I have to get some prettier felt -

Then made these felt yo-yo’s that I’ve seen online and glued and sewed them to some skewers. Did the same with some felt leaves – and here we go!

The best part . . . hidden storage!!

The lid comes off so you can keep your treasures inside! Now, as I said this is not what was in my head but . . .  I have to go find my diamonds now so I can hide them in here – shhhhhhhhhh!

Cheap patterns -

Today I had to “go to town” and decided to stop at a local thrift store – the Salvation Army to be exact – just to see what there was to see.  And, OK, I was looking for vintage sheets. While I didn’t find any sheets I did find out that they have an extensive collection of sewing patterns! All for only 25 cents each!!!!  Here is what I got to give you an idea -

Here are two embroidery patterns – never been used.  If you can get past the wacky colors, you’ll notice the patterns are great! The one on the right is dated 1974, and the one on the left is dated 1993.

Here are a few clothes patterns I picked up -

Again, they are totally intact! The Simplicity pattern on the right is marked $14.00, and dated 2006! The See & Sew is 2004, and the pajama pattern is 1998. All intact – never cut! I just can’t wait to try them out. . . now if I can only get as good of a deal on fabric. . . have a GREAT weekend!!

Little Purse From a Fat Quarter

A while ago I saw this tutorial for the Buttercup Purse at Made by Rae for the cutest little purse made from a fat quarter. (One fat quarter outside and one inside) It has the cutest little pleats and rounded bottom - I thought it was worth a try – here it is!!

Isn’t it cute! Here is a close-up of the special stitching from my sewing machine. The outside fabric is from Moda and the inside is a lime green from my stash.

Next time I might use a little interfacing in the yolk/placket  (?) at the top to make it a little stiffer – fun, fun, fun!!!

Sewmarm - who are you?

This post is for Sewmarm - do you have a blog that I can visit? I've greatly appreciated your comments (comments are hard to come by) and would like to see what you are up to (and return the commenting favor) - when I click your name I don't get anywhere - so if you see this leave a blog address - thank you again!!! Kim

What should I do with this fabric???

I got this fabric at a thrift store – I LOVE it! I just don’t know what to do with it. It is upholstery weight and there is this piece (It’s folded in half but measures about 25” by 44”) I’m showing you plus a long narrow bit. A pillow wouldn’t “go” in my living room.  (I think I lean towards a  pretty strong Scandinavian style – but my Hubby doesn’t) It is too unique for a bag. . . and this fabric is pretty special. I just know that it is old and probably not to be found anywhere else. . . help! Is anyone out there?.?.?.?. . . ha ha

Backpack sewing project -

Did any of you see this free pattern on the net? I did and I got excited!! It’s called the Chloe bagpack. This is just what I was looking for!! Ohhhh – how I wish I could have used the featured project fabric . . . it is just soooo happy! Anyways, I used a shirt I got at the thrift store – here is what is left of it!

And here is what I got!

I put in pockets all he way around – even hidden ones on the sides so the kids can’t easily find my G-U-M! The only thing I have left to do is top-stitch. I wanted to be sure I had my straps the correct length before I do that – they aren’t adjustable – but they don’t have to be to fit just me. I wouldn’t say this was the easiest project I’ve ever tackled – but it is really rewarding! This would probably be much easier for someone with more sewing experience than I have – give it a try!!!

Sewing lessons

A couple days ago I went to stay with my mom and got some sewing lessons. Might as well learn from the best right? I mean really - she made my underwear until high school!! I am soooo tired of buying clothes and having them shrink short and wide – or the fabric is too thin – or it fits everywhere but just one place (hips, or bust, or butt). So we had some sewing lessons! Here are the results -

A simple, feminine t-shirt. It has a tie at the back of the neck that might have to be replaced with a little button or something – but cute!!! Now, my mom made this one all alone as I was off visiting other relatives – but I think I can handle it, especially since I have this one to refer to. Here is the other one -

Now, this one is called Prairie Girl and it has a tie in the back at the waist to give it shape. And yes, the neckline is down to there – but you can either sew in a dickie or wear a tank – it is really cute!! I have the ties pulled back in this picture but it is really boxy shaped – it’s gonna be comfy! Why didn’t I learn to sew when I had access to my mom’s brain and natural talent everyday??? I really don’t know, cause in just a few hours she taught me what would have taken me many tries to eventually figure out! - And she makes it easy for me - explains everything so clearly!! (mom, now would be a good time for you to leave a comment and tell the world how I didn’t have any time cause I was too busy farming). Well, better late than never – thank you mom!!!!!

PS: Here are my hubbies slippers -

So far he likes them! (Maybe if I keep making him things he’ll see the need for a serger?!)

Slippers!!!

OK – I saw this post by {} Spool and was VERY intrigued – I have a slipper fetish. I’ll admit it. So I emailed her and asked a couple questions like “Do the seams bother you?” She very graciously answered my questions and I thought it was worth a try. Luckily it rained today (not only did I want to spend a rainy day in the craft room but we really needed the rain!)

This is what I came up with -

What a good idea huh! They are made to fit my feet – they feel like a quilt for my feet and they don’t squinch my toes – heaven. . . then I made a pair for my hubby and he has them on right now and it took me around an hour and a half even with having a ton of interruptions – pretty quick!! I’ll figure out something cuter to replace the elastic and buttons – maybe just cuter buttons. To make them I just traced my feet and started sewing – don’t you just love the fabric? (Julie, I know you don’t but maybe everybody else does – ha ha!) It was given to me by a dear neighbor when she moved – it has to be pretty old, and is pre-quilted – one of the best things about this project is that you can use scraps. By the way, I used denim for the sole. I hope you all had a good weekend! And, MG we have you in our prayers and are sending you good thoughts – we love you!!!!!

Tracing a pattern tutorial

Hello! I’ve recently branched out into sewing clothing! It’s scary. I started with this tutorial and while the pants fit I knew I was missing some experience to make them fit really well – so I decided to bite the bullet and buy a pattern. I was very surprised to find that patterns can be bought for $2.49 up to around $12.00 at my local big box store! Since I was/am such a novice I decided to start with one in the $2.49 range. These are the two that I picked -

I decided to start with the pants pattern since I’d tried that one with the tutorial. . . it was easy! Now, for the tutorial – the pattern is sized for small to xlarge and I thought it would be great if I could make these lounging pants for the whole family. . . then I opened the pattern and realized that I’d have to cut out just my size. . . duh!! Well, I’m too cheap/thrifty to buy a pattern and cut it out for every size so this is what I decided to do – I taped some freezer paper together to get the width of the pattern, then layed it on the floor, then smoothed the pattern over it and anchored the corners with my bribes pop cans. Then I traced out my size (medium) with a sharpie marker – the marker bled right through the tissue of the pattern onto the freezer paper – easy peasy!! The second photo shows the freezer paper before I cut it out -

Anyways, it sewed up very easily!!! Here is the finished result – my youngest took the picture – sorry for the blur – but we did have fun! You’ll notice that the legs are really wide – I like that but may have to take them in for the boys – also I made mine cropped – it’s summer!!

I’ll try the shirt next – that kinda intimidates me!! Happy crafting!

Sew Mama Sew Contest

Hello - I'm going to participate in the Sew,Mama,Sew contest and to do so I have to blog the answers to some questions (by the way they are giving away a new sewing machine - check it out)!

What brand and model do you have? I have a Babylock Decorator's Choice.

How long have you had it? I've had it since January I believe.

How much does that machine cost? Well, new with all the special feet I got with it, it would run around $1,200 - but since I got mine used I paid a fraction of the price.

What types of things do you sew? Anything I can! Mostly bags - but I'm branching into clothing.

How much do you sew? I sew, lately, almost everyday. I'd say usually several times a week. Because the weather is so nice it is never for very long periods of time.

Do you love/hate your machine? Does it have a name? Yes, I love my machine and she deserves a name doesn't she! Any ideas???

What features does your machine have that work well for you? I love the knee lift! I also LOVE the button-hole feature! It makes button holes dummy proof!

Do you have a great story about your machine? Hmmmm, well, I never went out looking for her. My mom said I was ready for a fancier machine and I was so flattered that I was eager to go "look around" at machines. At the FIRST place we went there she was - waiting for me. . . I put a small deposit down and got her a couple weeks later. (Finances are tough in the winter!) I put her in the minivan and drove 1.5 hours to my moms and made a quilt first thing!!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Yes! She is easy to operate!

What factors do you think are important to look for when purchasing a machine? Value, quality, and like the store where you are purchasing the machine.

Do you have a dream machine? I sure wouldn't say no to a Bernina . . . with a stitch regulator. . . I'm sure there are lots of great machines out there - but I've heard just a little bit about how great a Bernina is. . .

So there it is!

Little Pouches Sewing Tutorial

I’ve been making a ton of little pouches lately. I really like my big bags but don’t like having everything jumbled at the bottom. There is a great tutorial here for a boxy type pouch. But the ones I’ve mainly been making have been even simpler. I’ll try to show you:

First – cut out two rectangles of fabric that coordinate – one for the outside and one to be the lining. Any size you want (as long as they are the same size). Just remember the pouch will take about 2/3 of the rectangle and the flap another third. Here you see my rectangle – you can get crazy with strips or just use a simple cut of fabric – I was living on the edge and used strips. lol.

Then fold the fabric in half lengthways and cut off the corners of your flap (on the outside fabric only). Again, I didn’t measure just made the top third or so into a pleasing shape.

Then lay your two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin. Some people don’t like to pin – I do. My projects always turn out nicer that way! Then sew around the edge making sure to leave a small opening for turning.

Then turn clip your corners:

And turn it right side out. Press with an iron. I always press. Sew across the top – just up from the pins in the picture. (sorry no picture – don’t sew it closed – your just finishing this edge). Then fold the bottom third or so up and pin so the edges match up.

Then topstitch around the entire pouch starting at a bottom corner going up and around the top and down to the other corner.

Fold that flap down and add the closure of your choice. Since my machine makes dummy proof button holes I’m leaning towards buttons these days – however I have sewed on snaps and velcro.

And your pouch is done!!

Before you think I’m getting too puffed up just look at this one – it’s different – I added a zipper – doesn’t it look great? It’s for the first aid supplies I like to carry around.

I hand appliquéd the red cross on the front because. . . I put it together wrong! I had machine appliquéd a cross on the fabric before sewing the sides up and I was concentrating so hard on the zipper I forgot to double check the placement of the appliqué! Look at the back!

Oops! Also as a note to myself – don’t run one edge of the pressure foot along the zipper itself – you just don’t get a straight line. Learning, always learning. . .