So I signed up to do the Summer Blog Challenge at Going Green with the Grizls. Every day there is a new topic to write on. Todays topic is why I joined this challenge.
Well as some of you know last summer I was horrible at writing. After I was eliminated from one month to win it I took a little break from sewing, it was hot, and I was having all day morning sickness. Hanging out in my closet in our bedroom (which is the one room that gets grossly hot in the summer) did not sound appealing to me. So since I wasn't really sewing, I didn't feel like writing either. So this summer with it looking like sewing may be limited because of my broken sewing machine(I'm still really bitter that I paid to have it fixed and was told it was fixed only for it to break less than an hour later and now the guy won't call us back) so I need other stuff to write about. I also plan to try doing more crafts that don't include sewing. I hope to do at least one new craft each week with Tabitha. She really needs some creative outlet or she will start destroying everything in the house. And unfortunately for her, she got her father's skin tone and burns very easily, so just letting her run outside isn't really an option, she can for part of the day, but I try to keep her inside from 1-4 when the sun is the worst, besides most of her friends still nap and thats prime nap time. So for us it will be prime craft time. If I can work on crafts with her maybe I can get some time each night to write here, but if not at least I have the Summer Blog Challenge prompts to give me something to write about. I hope you all enjoy your summer and keep checking back for crafts and more. As it gets closer I'll have more info, but from July 1-31 I'll be hosting a Summer Fun with Kids event. I have a few guest bloggers lined up to show you all some great crafts for kids, with kids, sewing with kids, baking/ cooking with kids and lots more.
The adventures of a Stay at home, cloth diapering, baby wearing, co-sleeping, craft obsessed mom & my two little munchkins.
Friday, June 01, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Fathers day is coming!
Hey guys! I'm guest posting over at Close to Home today sharing a fun Father's Day craft to do with your kids. I hope you enjoy it!
Go on over and show some love! Click here to check it out!
Go on over and show some love! Click here to check it out!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Fathers Day tradition
So not gonna lie, I actually did this project almost a year ago to do a post, but my morning sickness got the better of me and I never wrote it. But I figured I have the pictures and I might as well do it now!
So every year Morgen asks for the same thing for Valentines day, Fathers day and his birthday. Whats that? Chocolate covered yummies in his pot. the pot in question is a terra-cotta pot I got on clearance at Michaels Crafts a few years ago for $.50 and painted. I sponge painted it white then cut sponges in the shapes of harts and did red and pink hearts on it. Morgen loves this pot. It has a special prominent place on his desk. He loves it so much because he knows 3 times a year it will be filled with chocolate goodies.
To start off I get strawberries, a whole pineapple, mango, kiwi, a cantaloupe, and a bag of marshmallows, also depending on the time of year I get blackberries. I wash and dry the fruit, then I stick the strawberries and marshmallows on sticks. the pineapple i cut the outer layer off and stick on sticks as well, I've tried different ways with the pineapple and spears seem to work the best, but the time I did these ones I was trying to make flowers, it didn't work out that well. I peal the mango and kiwi and slice them and put them on sticks, the cantaloupe i cut in half and then used a mellon baller to make balls and put multiple balls on sticks.
The mellon, mango, blackberries and kiwi will not be dipped in chocolate as they are just too delicate, they are used more for color and to space out the chocolate coma my husband will endure from eating the entire thing in less than 24 hours. =)
In the pot I put a half a styrofoam ball that I cut down to fit, you can cover the ball with green tissue paper or green leaf lettuce, sometimes I do, sometimes, like when i took these pictures and was pregnant I didn't care and left the styrofoam showing. Morgen didn't care as long as he got his goodies.
So first things first, I boil water in a pot and put a double boiler over it. Pour a bag of chocolate chips in and stir till melted. Make sure no water gets into the chocolate. This project usually takes me two bags of Hershey's dark chocolate chips.
So every year Morgen asks for the same thing for Valentines day, Fathers day and his birthday. Whats that? Chocolate covered yummies in his pot. the pot in question is a terra-cotta pot I got on clearance at Michaels Crafts a few years ago for $.50 and painted. I sponge painted it white then cut sponges in the shapes of harts and did red and pink hearts on it. Morgen loves this pot. It has a special prominent place on his desk. He loves it so much because he knows 3 times a year it will be filled with chocolate goodies.
To start off I get strawberries, a whole pineapple, mango, kiwi, a cantaloupe, and a bag of marshmallows, also depending on the time of year I get blackberries. I wash and dry the fruit, then I stick the strawberries and marshmallows on sticks. the pineapple i cut the outer layer off and stick on sticks as well, I've tried different ways with the pineapple and spears seem to work the best, but the time I did these ones I was trying to make flowers, it didn't work out that well. I peal the mango and kiwi and slice them and put them on sticks, the cantaloupe i cut in half and then used a mellon baller to make balls and put multiple balls on sticks.
The mellon, mango, blackberries and kiwi will not be dipped in chocolate as they are just too delicate, they are used more for color and to space out the chocolate coma my husband will endure from eating the entire thing in less than 24 hours. =)
In the pot I put a half a styrofoam ball that I cut down to fit, you can cover the ball with green tissue paper or green leaf lettuce, sometimes I do, sometimes, like when i took these pictures and was pregnant I didn't care and left the styrofoam showing. Morgen didn't care as long as he got his goodies.
So first things first, I boil water in a pot and put a double boiler over it. Pour a bag of chocolate chips in and stir till melted. Make sure no water gets into the chocolate. This project usually takes me two bags of Hershey's dark chocolate chips.
Then take the strawberries on sticks and cover in chocolate.
Lay the strawberries on parchment paper to dry. I usually stick the parchment paper on top of a baking sheet so I can move them more easily.
Repeat with the marshmallows and anything else you want to dip. for the marshmallows I tend to put two or three on a stick and cover them all at once,
Then once the chocolate is set I start arranging in the pot. (usually i wait until they were hardened. I was pregnant and impatient at the time these pictures were taken so I just shoved them in)
These next pictures were from a few years ago when I did it, they looked much nicer because I waited until the chocolate was set. Also hearts are easier to cut into pineapple than flowers. =)
As you can see Tabitha was eyeing daddies yummies!
Its always wise to keep some extra fruit on hand when making these to keep the little ones from rioting.
Its Tabitha approved!
Monday, May 28, 2012
What? You want to eat?
Ever have one of those days where you are running around, doing so much you forget you have to make dinner? Yea happens to me all the time. And sine we are on a very strict budget, getting pizza or chinese take out isn't in the cards when I forget about dinner.
It happened again the other night, I was sewing while Tabitha was at school and Eva was actually sleeping for once during that time. So when Tabitha got home I started cleaning and playing with her and the next thing I knew it was already 6pm! Yeiks, dinner should already be on the table by then and Tabitha's attitude was letting me know it. So I ran into the kitchen to see what I cold make, I looked at the dinner calender and realize there was no way I had the 1 1/2 hours I would need to cook that nights dinner, so off to the pantry I go.
It had been a few weeks since I did major grocery shopping (I do my major shopping trip at the beginning of the month and then do small trips for fresh veggies, milk and bread through the month) and the pantry was looking a little bare.
Here's what I had:
crackers, Tabitha's box of random snack stuff, diced tomatoes with sweet onions, olives, different kinds of pasta, black beans, canned mushrooms, and chili.
So I threw some(a large bag) tri color rotini in to boil, and once it was cooked and drained i put it back in the pot. I threw in two cans of tomatoes with sweet onions (drained), 1 can of sliced mushrooms (drained) and a can of olives (drained).
Morgen had 3rds, Tabitha who rarely finishes her dinner had 2nds! It also made enough that I was able to split it up into containers for Morgen to take to school for two days worth of lunches! I added some salt and pepper to it as well and it was darn good for a 15 minute dinner!
It happened again the other night, I was sewing while Tabitha was at school and Eva was actually sleeping for once during that time. So when Tabitha got home I started cleaning and playing with her and the next thing I knew it was already 6pm! Yeiks, dinner should already be on the table by then and Tabitha's attitude was letting me know it. So I ran into the kitchen to see what I cold make, I looked at the dinner calender and realize there was no way I had the 1 1/2 hours I would need to cook that nights dinner, so off to the pantry I go.
It had been a few weeks since I did major grocery shopping (I do my major shopping trip at the beginning of the month and then do small trips for fresh veggies, milk and bread through the month) and the pantry was looking a little bare.
Here's what I had:
crackers, Tabitha's box of random snack stuff, diced tomatoes with sweet onions, olives, different kinds of pasta, black beans, canned mushrooms, and chili.
So I threw some(a large bag) tri color rotini in to boil, and once it was cooked and drained i put it back in the pot. I threw in two cans of tomatoes with sweet onions (drained), 1 can of sliced mushrooms (drained) and a can of olives (drained).
Morgen had 3rds, Tabitha who rarely finishes her dinner had 2nds! It also made enough that I was able to split it up into containers for Morgen to take to school for two days worth of lunches! I added some salt and pepper to it as well and it was darn good for a 15 minute dinner!
Using up leftovers
So every Sunday I cook a whole chicken in the crockpot, we have church from 1:30 to 4:30 so I don't want to come home around 5 and have to quickly throw something together. Usually all I have to do is cook some rice and make a salad and rolls and we are good to eat by 6 at the latest. But ever Sunday we have at least half a chicken left over so on Monday's I try to come up with a good way to use the left over chicken.
So this last Monday I made a very yummy dish.
Bow tie pasta with asparagus and chicken
I boiled a bag of bow tie pasta and put the steamer basket in the top of the pot. I put in half a bunch of asparagus and let it steam with the pasta.
When the pasta was cooked I drained it, and cut up the asparagus and mixed them together. I heated up the left over chicken (that weeks marinade was a lemon garlic so it went really well with the pasta) and shredded it into the pasta. After I served Tabitha hers i sprinkled some crushed red pepper flakes in and mixed it up. it was really yummy, Morgen had 3rds =)
So this last Monday I made a very yummy dish.
Bow tie pasta with asparagus and chicken
I boiled a bag of bow tie pasta and put the steamer basket in the top of the pot. I put in half a bunch of asparagus and let it steam with the pasta.
When the pasta was cooked I drained it, and cut up the asparagus and mixed them together. I heated up the left over chicken (that weeks marinade was a lemon garlic so it went really well with the pasta) and shredded it into the pasta. After I served Tabitha hers i sprinkled some crushed red pepper flakes in and mixed it up. it was really yummy, Morgen had 3rds =)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Getting Crafty Weekend Link up
So, I took my sewing machine in to be fixed today. Paid $50 got it home, only for it to break again less than an hour after starting. I'm gonna cry. I'm already going through sewing withdrawals, not to mention the extreme number of sewing projects I have to finish in the next week! So to help with my sewing withdrawals I've been scouring pintrest for some inspiration on non sewing projects.
Here are some of my favorites:
Next week I will feature some of my favorite posts so hurry and link up!
Just FYI, Its my first time using linky tools, so I chose the wrong kind of linky. oops! next week i'll use the thumbnail one and you will be able to see pictures!
Here are some of my favorites:
This was on Zulily.com but I can't find who originally made it. So super cute and Tabitha LOVES peacocks so I will definitely be making some of these this week.
This adorable mobile from WhiMSy love Uses a sewing machine but could easily be sewn by hand.
Birth Announcement Wall Hanging from Etsy, I've been meaning to do these for the girls for a while now.
Wouldn't these be adorable in Pink and Purple? Free pattern on Ravelry.
I just love these little flowers. So sweet. Unfortunately it was an upload by user so I don't know where it came from, but super adorable, I love the colors.
So Now that I can't sew for a while, I'm going to live vicariously through you!
Welcome to my first Getting Crafty Weekend Link Up Party!
So for the Rules: (Every party needs rules, otherwise they end with the cops at your door. Maybe that was just the parties from college, oh well)
1. The project, tutorial, whatever you link up must be made by you.
2. Please grab my button and put it in your post or side bar so others can join the fun. Because what fun is a party with no one there?
Next week I will feature some of my favorite posts so hurry and link up!
Just FYI, Its my first time using linky tools, so I chose the wrong kind of linky. oops! next week i'll use the thumbnail one and you will be able to see pictures!
Friday, May 25, 2012
My plans went...
CLUNK! That my dear friends is the sound my sewing machine made before it started beeping like crazy and the screen said "Stop for SAFTEY purposes". Why oh Why does my sewing machine have it out for me? The same thing is happening as has happened oh probably about 10 times in the 5 years I've owned my sewing machine. This same problem always seems to pop up at the worst times. The first time, was 3 weeks before christmas, I got my machine back 2 days before christmas and had to sew like crazy for 36 hours with only hot chocolate to help me through. Then again when I was making some dresses for My sister's baby shower. My machine clunk, clunk, clunked to a halt in the middle of a zipper. The last time it did this was when I was a contestant on One Month to Win It. I had luckily mostly finished my project for the week and was able to hand sew the rest and get my machine fixed soon after (although I got eliminated that week, but oh well). This time, I have a list a mile long and my sewing time is when Tabitha is at pre-school and after the girls go to bed. A few nights ago I was working on a new dress that I plan to make a tutorial for, and I'm sending it as a prize for an upcoming giveaway (i'll let you all know when the giveaway is), I also have my own giveaway going on for a custom dress and two soft racer packs and as I was sewing the dress, clunk, Clunk, CLUNK, BEEEEEPPPPPPP!!!!!!
And I went "NO!" I may have been a little loud and accidentally woken up Eva with that NO!, but she was a trooper and went right back to sleep. So tomorrow bright and early I will be waiting at Porters with my sewing machine praying that that awesome man can fix my sewing machine.
In the meantime, I've been going through the pictures for the Grace tutorial which I never actually got around to writing, yea, Morgen is not going to be my paparazzi anymore. I love him but he took so many pictures of random stuff from strange angles that I'm having a hard time following it and I made the dress up! I'm going to go through the pictures and try to write it out then make a new Grace Dress with a very detailed tutorial. This dress is not simple and took me over a week to complete, so I'm thinking I'm going to make it a Sew-A-Long. So look for that in June. Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. And So that I don't leave everyone with the sad tummy ache feeling I've had over my sewing withdrawals, I'll leave you with some Eva cuteness, because looking at her adorable face makes everything better.
And I went "NO!" I may have been a little loud and accidentally woken up Eva with that NO!, but she was a trooper and went right back to sleep. So tomorrow bright and early I will be waiting at Porters with my sewing machine praying that that awesome man can fix my sewing machine.
In the meantime, I've been going through the pictures for the Grace tutorial which I never actually got around to writing, yea, Morgen is not going to be my paparazzi anymore. I love him but he took so many pictures of random stuff from strange angles that I'm having a hard time following it and I made the dress up! I'm going to go through the pictures and try to write it out then make a new Grace Dress with a very detailed tutorial. This dress is not simple and took me over a week to complete, so I'm thinking I'm going to make it a Sew-A-Long. So look for that in June. Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. And So that I don't leave everyone with the sad tummy ache feeling I've had over my sewing withdrawals, I'll leave you with some Eva cuteness, because looking at her adorable face makes everything better.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Winner of the Kindle Fire!
The winner of the Kindle Fire is.......entry number #157,760 put in by
**********REGINA MALLOY! *****************
Regina's method of entry will be verified, if it is not valid a new winner will be selected. Regina, I just sent you an email you have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen! Congratulations on your new Kindle Fire!
Rubermaid hidden recycler giveaway
The very simple dress tutorial
So a while ago i was going through my fabric and came across some stretch velvet I got for super cheap from a remnant box. I was trying to think what I could do with it and came up with this very easy super quick dress for Tabitha, Although it came out a little big, I forgot it stretches so I didn't need to add any give to it like I usually do. This dress took me less than two hours start to finish, and that included trying it on Tabitha and taking pictures.
What you'll need
enough streatch velvet (or any streatchy fabric) I think i had a little over a yard for a 3t.
thread, a needle for streatch fabrics, scissors, all that jazz.
Fair warning this is not a picture intensive post so I'll have to explain a lot of what i did. Sorry, next time i'll take more pictures!
First for the pattern.
1. I took a shirt of my daughters and folded it in half then traced around it on butcher paper leaving the sleeves off. See the picture below. For the front I made the neck a little lower than the back.
What you'll need
enough streatch velvet (or any streatchy fabric) I think i had a little over a yard for a 3t.
thread, a needle for streatch fabrics, scissors, all that jazz.
Fair warning this is not a picture intensive post so I'll have to explain a lot of what i did. Sorry, next time i'll take more pictures!
First for the pattern.
1. I took a shirt of my daughters and folded it in half then traced around it on butcher paper leaving the sleeves off. See the picture below. For the front I made the neck a little lower than the back.
2. I measured where the shirt ended on my daughter and where I wanted the dress to go to. Then added that amount to the bottom of the pattern. (you can ignore the lines on my pattern i use the same pattern for a lot of different dresses)
3. fold fabric and cut out the front and the back on the fold.
4. Pin front and back together.
5. Sew front to back and side and shoulders.
6. Hem bottom of dress by folding over bottom edge 1/2 inch and sewing then folding over 1/2 inch again and sewing.
7. Measure around the entire neckline.
8. Cut a strip the length of the entire neck like +1/2 inch x 1 1/2 inches
9. pin strip front of fabric down to the outside of the dress at the neck and sew all the way around folding in and overlapping the ends slightly.
10. fold the strip over and in half so it looks like the picture below, and pin it to the inside of the dress at the neckline.
11. sew along the neck.
12. repeat steps 7-12 for each arm hole.
And your done! Super quick and easy dress.
(please excuse the abundance of Tabitha's toys in the background!)
Tabitha loves it and it was super easy to make. It is a little big on her so I may make a belt to go with it but I think its nice by its self too.
This would be a really easy dress for a beginner since there are no zippers or buttons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
