T-Rex T-Shirt Applique

I LOVE this dino applique that Samster Mommy has on her blog. She even shares tips for those of us who have not done applique before. Yes, that would be me.

Having a son who loves dinos, I can totally see making coordinating (but not matching) t-shirts for #1 son and myself. Now I just have to find some fabric in the stash that will work and buy some wonder under.

I've wanted to do applique for a long time, and now there's no excuse not to. Wish me luck!

Cards, Cards & More Cards

A few weeks ago, a friend emailed to ask if I'd like to join her at a bazaar and sell some of my cards. After some serious thought, I said YES!

Knowing that I'm a slow crafter and like to take my time, I knew I'd have to turn up the motor and get going right away. I decided that 25-30 cards would be a good amount to have on hand. As of today, I have 21----whew! I have been eating, drinking and breathing cards and I'm creatively and mentally exhausted. And I'm not done yet. Tomorrow I have a school mtg, and errands to run. And I need to have all my cards done and ready to deliver by Friday night.

No pics yet.

As soon as this card making frenzy is over, I have cute pajama fabric for my son and purple jersey for a top for me.

Til next time ...

New Patterns

Last week I stopped in at my local Joann's to check out their selection of boys' pj fabric. I didn't find anything that appealed to me, but I did notice they were selling McCall's patterns for 99 cents. I couldn't pass up a sale on patterns! So I brought home these sumptious items.



Love this cardigan! esp version C which has the short sleeves.



Decided to get this pattern mainly for the camisole. I need a few of these for sleepwear and to wear under shirts and sweaters.



And lastly, I got this A-line skirt pattern. I realized that I have several skirt patterns but not one is an A-line. Since its a well known fact that EVERYONE looks good in an A-line skirt I thought I'd whip one up.

Birthday Card for My Sweetie

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband


This is the card I made for my husband. It's one of my all time favorite cards I've made and I think I'll make a few more like it. Maybe with some different colors.

Some Cards, Little Sewing

I have been able to do some card making and here are 2 of my latest works. Sorry about the color, the manilla folder they are on is a hideous color.





The sewing is non-existant now. I cut out a black slim skirt out of some bottomweight cotton I have had in the stash for years. Its an easy pattern and a style I've sewn before, so that's not causing the slowdown. The weather is! We are still having 80's and 90's here and that doesn't motivate me to make a skirt for Fall or Winter. But we're suppose to drop to 70 next week, followed by a day at 60! From there, its anyones guess as to where we'll be. But in case Fall does decide to make an appearance, I bought some black corduroy for pants for the #1 son, some purple jersey knit for a top for me, and a beautiful dark purple suede for a vest for myself. The vest will be a real stretch for me as I've never done a lining and haven't done buttonholes in eons. But I got the fabric at Joanne's for a steal, so if it doesn't turn out its not a huge loss.

So what about you? What are you working on as we transition into Fall?

New Goals This Fall

I think becuz my hubby goes back to school in a few weeks, and our son starts a week later, I'm thinking about new routines, new clothes, and new challenges. I have been knitting now for a few years, but have only been doing scarves and dishcloths. Last year I bought a booklet on how to knit socks. I really, really want to learn to knit socks. So this is my goal for the fall. I think I may need to take a class. I've looked at the directions in the booklet and I just don't get it yet, so some instruction is in order.

I also want to challenge my sewing skills this year. I'm not sure what project to tackle, but I'm thinking maybe a dress or dressy shirt that uses techniques I haven't mastered yet. Or maybe use a fabric that is a bit more challenging, like velvet, chiffon, or satin. I'm intrigued with the idea of sewing a bra and panties like some of the ladies do. I'm probably intrigued becuz I'm in desperate need of a couple new bras.

So what goals do you have for the fall?

Til next time ....

Slow Going Sewing

I cut out my muslin for this shirt (the sleeveless version) a month ago or so, but I only finally got around to sewing it up yesterday! ugh!!! but that's how it goes with me. i think i put it off for so long cuz i really do not like the muslin material i am using. this being my first muslin i couldn't get past the material. but now that i have done it i see the wisdom in doing one up. and since i'm quite a bit larger than i was when last i sewed for myself it was well worth it. i noted on the pattern pieces where i need to make adjustments and am so excited to cut out this pattern in my "real" material.

A Few Cards

Here's a few cards I finally uploaded some cards I made and sold. Most were Mother's Day cards.

Where's My Mojo???

its gone! vamoosh! outahere! bye-bye!

i hope it returns. in my mind, i'd really like to get going on a few projects, but i just don't have it in me right now. a friend asked me the other day what i was working on and i had to answer: nothing, nada, nope! i had started knitting a dishcloth last month but the #1 son got ahold of it and tore it off. i cut out the pattern for my muslin, but i'm really not liking the muslin fabric. first time doing a muslin so i'm having a hard time getting motivated to pursue it. and yet, i really love the fabric that i got for the real thing and just need to do this. sigh .... and i really, really need some new tops. wouldn't that motivate you? since my fullblown mother's day card crafting i haven't made any more cards. oh, i've dabbled a little, stamping a few images that need coloring, but no creative putting together of anything. the mojo is just not with me. neither is the "force"!

maybe i'll blame it on the great summer weather, the outdoors calling my name, the bike rides i've been taking, the walks after dinner with the family and the picnics.

til next time, happy crafting!

Pattern Review

I have been itching to start sewing again. I have 2 patterns picked out to start with. Easy shirts for myself. I haven't sewn a shirt for myself in years! I'm hoping its like riding a bike and I pick it up easily. I still need to decide on fabric and am looking for something in my stash.

So on the suggestion of a blogger/sewer I admire, I joined pattern review. What a wealth of information. I looked up both patterns I'm planning on using and found reviews that were positive. I'm so relieved. So any mistakes I make will be my own!

Til next time ....

Anyone Out There???

If anyone out in bloggy land is reading my blog, you might have noticed that I have been adding alot of sewing blogs to my blogroll. I have found a whole host of wonderful seamstresses that have amazing talent, skills and creativity. And I am jealous! I read their blogs and drool over their finished seams, flawless zippers and ingeneous ideas and shortcuts.

Check out any of the ones on my blogroll that catch your eye. You won't be disappointed. And because I have nothing of my own, I'm leaving you with this tutorial for a messenger bag. I need another bag and this one looks fun. Want to try it with me?




Happy Crafting!

ooops!

ooops! the summer post was suppose to be published on my other blog. oh well ... since i mention my card making i'll leave it. and you get a peak into my life. enjoy!

Summer???

Today and yesterday we have been in the mid 80's. Spring lasted 2 days I think. Actually, tomorrow will be in the mid 50's so I think spring is coming back. I hear of other places in the country having snow, and California breaking record temps. I'm not sure about global warming/cooling or whatnot, but something strange seems to be happening.

But the longer I live, the more convinced I am that the Lord God Almighty is in control. I wanted to post another WFW, but my computer is still not quite right and I haven't reloaded my pictures onto the machine. And I kinda need pics in order to do WFW, ya know?

My cardio workouts have been going well. I walked 5x last week and am shooting for 5x again this week. Hubby has promised me a professional pedicure if I complete 4 weeks of cardio 5x each week, so I am extra motivated to make it happen.

I have also been making cards. Lots of Mothers Day cards that I'm sending to my sister for her to sell at her school. A few thank you cards and some b-day cards as well. The last few times I've worked on the cards, they have really fallen together. Love that!

Last night, we went to a nearby park. It was so pleasant, and crowded! Who knew all these people would have the same idea. Thankfully, it is a large park. Lots of places for the kiddos to play, lots of picnic tables with people having bar-b-q's and b-day parties. A "beach" volleyball game was in play when we got there, teens playing frisbee on the grass, the nearby tennis courts in full use. Bikers, walkers, and skateboarders were all around. Mike and I had time to chat and relax on the grass and Joe had fun going down the slides. I defintely recommend going to parks in the spring and summer. Esp when one lives in a crackerjack box of an apt.

Til next time ....

Checking in Again

I took a break from blogging this past week and a half. Tho I know I've been gone longer from this blog than that short time. Still it was a good break. Being on the computer less time equaled more time in my craft room. I'm working on some cards for upcoming Mother's Day, weddings, new babies, graduations and house warmings. Seems like May is going to be a crazy month.

My computer is giving me fits as well. I'm writing this on the hubster's computer and don't have access to my pics. I'm hoping to get my computer back to tip top shape soon. I'm doing it myself, out of lack of finances, so I'm having to learn as I go along. Thankfully, hubster is pretty good when I get in over my head.

I was able to continue some knitting as well. I'm working on a delicious pink scarf for myself, just in time for next winter! and a skinny purple, textured scarf to give away. I've got my eye on a couple other projects but need someone to instruct me in a couple new-to-me stitches.

For those of you who paper craft: when you work with chipboard, do you paint it? or cover it with paper? and if you paper it, what do you use to adhere it? do you adhere the sides as well, or just the top part? I'm new to chipboard. I love it! And want to do more with it.

Have a wonderful crafting, sewing, knitting weekend!

Some Valentine Cards I Made

I know, I know! It's already 10 days past Valentine's Day, but getting my act together has been difficult of late. But anyway, I wanted to show off 3 cards I made for special people in my life. I'm pretty proud of each of these. I'm still finding my style design as a card maker, but I think I'm getting better.







I'd still love to see what you are working on, so if you have a blog or website, leave me a comment and I'll come visit you! Promise!!!

French Toast Souffle

i decided (awhile ago, this post is long overdue!) i wanted to make an overnite casserole for my family. looking at what supplies i had on hand, i decided to go with a recipe in my "try these recipes" notebook that i keep. it was called french toast souffle, but don't let the simple name fool you. it was heavenly goodness.

my son devoured his portion and asked for more. if i had not halved the recipe i think he still would have eaten the whole pan. here's the recipe and a shot of the goodness before it was devoured by the 3 of us.


French Toast Souffle

10 cups white bread cubes
1 (8oz) pkg lowfat cream cheese, softened
8 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2/3 cup half n half
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp confectioners sugar

Directions:
place bread cubes in a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan.
in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. stir in milk, half n half, maple syrup and vanilla until mixture is smooth. pour cream cheese mixture over bread, cover and refridgerate overnight.

the next morning, remove souffle from refridgerator and let stand at room temp for 30 minutes. meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees. bake uncovered for 30 min or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. sprinkle with confectioners sugar and serve warm.

we poured more syrup over it, but #1 son and i like things sweet. hubby liked it without the extra syrup. so use your own judgement.

Enjoy!

Card Making Extravaganza

back in dec, i joined my friend mandy and her best friend heather for a card making morning. we all brought papers, tools, stamps, and ink and had a great time chatting, playing and eating.



mandy made some yummy goodies for us.





i love crafting with friends. i may not get as much done as when i craft alone, but it sure makes the time fly by as we laugh and chat. have you done any group crafting of late? or do you prefer to craft alone?

new cards, old cards

as promised, i have some cards i made a month or two ago, to share with you. these are cards that i made for my sister for her Christmas gift. when she got them, she LOVED THEM! so i guess i'm doing something right. i'm still working on my photography skills. close ups are not my forte.

this is a simple friendship card i made. easy peasy.

the word hi on this card is chipboard and adding the button for the dot tickles me every time i see this card.

this is one of my favs, as my 11 yr old son loves baseball and this little guy reminds me of him. i made this one on a 5 1/2 square card which is a new to me format. i'm really liking the extra room a square card gives.

i was in a purple mood when i made up her cards. can you see the glitter on the snowflake?

these colors are more to my sisters liking. she's a natural brown and beige kind of gal. (tho she does love purple too)

this is probably my all time fav of all the ones i did. i love the golfer with his baggy shorts and grumpy look contrasted with the happy green and purple colors and sweet sentiment. my sis has lots of men in her life so i'm sure she'll find someone to give this to.

hope you enjoyed the cards i created. i always love to see what others create. i'd love to see what you have done. leave a link in the comments and i'll come visit!

100 tutorials of 2008

did you see this blog yet? the long thread has the best tutorials of 2008. 100 in all! and she has divided them into categories--how cool is that?!! i can't wait to go thru them and find the ones i missed.

and, i do actually have pics of cards i made this month and last month. they have actually been uploaded and are ready for me to blog about. soon, peeps, soon!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

i made some chocolate chip pumpkin muffins awhile back and decided to blog about it. of course, it took me awhile to upload the photo. but boy were they good. mmm! are these just the best things since pumpkin pie? between my son and i, i think we have devoured half the batch in 2 days. i got smart tho, and put several muffins in the freezer for later consumption. and those disappeared in a week or so.

i got the recipe from allrecipes.com and it was terribly easy. my son loves muffins so i may need to bake some more. of course, blueberry muffins are pretty delish too. lets just say i'm in a baking mood.

i think i'm in LOVE

found this great website the other day. its called Simply Recipes, and as you can see that's exactly what she delivers. tho, don't confuse simply with simple. her posts are packed with great info about the recipes, ingredients, and other great info. and did i mention her pics? her photographs are gorgeous! i wish i could take photos of food the way she does.

in her own words, she explains how her blog started:

Simply Recipes is a blog or a personal website, created and maintained by me, Elise Bauer. Unlike most of the large recipe sites that you might find on the Internet with tens of thousands of recipes, Simply Recipes is my personal website, with only a few hundred recipes, all tested by me, my family or my friends.

A few years ago I started writing down the recipes I had grown up with and posting them to my website. I had just turned 40, and had spent most of my adult life working as a hectic Silicon Valley consultant with little time to cook, let alone learn how to cook beyond what I had learned growing up. I come from a big family - six kids - and thought what a terrific family project, to document our family recipes! Both my mother and father are excellent home cooks, mom by necessity to raise us all, and dad because he loves to eat well and enjoys the experimentation of trying out new recipes.

she has some guest bloggers post occasionally. and she also has a great index on her sidebar so you can find recipes according to ingredient, menu/course, and she even includes budget friendly, vegetarian, low carb and wheat free. isnt' that great?

simply recipes was voted best food blog in the 2006 food blog awards and i can see why. her blog was noted in Time Magazine's 50 Coolest Websites of 2006 as being a "great resource for cooks". cool, huh?

so now that i've found it, i'm putting simply recipes on my sidebar of food blogs to follow. i hope to make something from her blog soon. i'm sure it'll be delish!

my word for 09

i don't think i let in on the word i chose for this year to all of you. i wrote about it here, but i'll just give you the nutshell version. i chose the word contentment. i really need contentment in my life in a million different areas. i need to embrace where i am and focus in on the moment in this life.

so i found a rectangle frame: its probably 8-10 inches tall and about 4-5 inches wide. love its shape. i want to do something with the word contentment going down vertically and then have some embellishments on the side. i'm still brainstorming ... i'm leaning towards pink, cuz that is a happy color for me, tho i could go in a total different direction. you just never know with me. sage/celery green might be nice ... or maybe a buttery yellow?? as you can see, i'm not married to the color scheme yet.

i tend to take my time when i'm in the mulling over process, but look for the finished product sometime this month --hopefully!

my bad!

well, the week is already half over and i haven't even thot about what my weekly project is going to be for this week----acckkk! and i haven't baked any bread for my weekly one good loaf i'm joining. still gotta get a flickr acct. am i the last blogger to get on flickr?

but i have a good excuse. i've been crafting cards all week. i've been able to get into my craft room every day this week! woohoo!!! that is good stuff, to be sure. i have also been twittering---oh boy! i think i could waste alot of time just following others tweets. and last nite i did some stumbling, which is always great fun.

in between all those fun things, i have been getting my house back in order and clean. i've gone grocery shopping, and i've been keeping my family well fed and clothed. i can actually see the bottom of the laundry pile!

but i do hope to have some projects and photos to share with you in a day or two.

til then, happy crafting, cooking and twittering folks.

January is National Hobby Month

while perusing the web tonite, i came across the fact that this month is nat'l hobby month. wow--who knew? i tried to find out more, but the websites were kind of lame. a couple talked about hobbies, like stamp collecting or collecting disney stuff. boring!

when i think of hobbies, i think of knitting, or sewing, or x-stitch, or painting, or scrapbooking, or beading, or .....

and because #1 son went back to school today, i had time to dive into my craft room. i got 2 whole hours to myself to play with my papers, chipboard, stamps and other fun stuff. it was so fun, and went by way too fast. i'm thinking i can cocoon in there again on wed afternoon.

i'm also finishing up a quick scarf for a friend who doesn't knit. i need to send it off to her this week before winter is over and she doesn't need it.

how bout you? what hobbies are you tackling this month? do you craft with your kiddos? with a group? or by yourself?

Weekly Bread Baking Challenge

yesterday i found a great blog. its written by molly and one of the things that caught my interest is her weekly bread making/baking challenge. i love what she calls it: One Good Loaf. here are her words to explain it.

One good loaf is weekly bread baking project for home bakers. We each choose our own recipes, convenient baking time, and then share photos, tips and ideas in our flickr group pool. This site provides resources and information to participants, and serves as a project diary for Molly Irwin, group founder.

isn't that great? so i'm diving in. i'm signing up. since i make bread in my breadmaker anyway, i thot this would be a good way for me to experiment with new recipes, have some folks to talk bread baking with, and add some interest to my blog here. if you want to join in, go visit molly's blog. and even if you don't want to join in the baking challenge, go visit. she has other crafty things on her blog as well as baking.

i'll be posting my weekly bread baking results and recipes here at handmade blessings. and if you have any favorite, or just interesting bread recipes, please share.