Sewing Needle Book Tutorial

needle book tutorial, a photo by Gingermelon dolls on Flickr.

This is a super cute and easy tutorial for a sewing needle book! Thanks to Shelly via Gingermelon Dolls. She even has templates for you to download and a full how to! I am sure you'll love it! Now give her a visit and start stitching! http://gingermelondolls.blogspot.com/2011/08/needle-book-tutorial.html

Via Flickr:
Can be found on my blog:
gingermelondolls.blogspot.com/2011/08/needle-book-tutoria...

Summer & Back To School Crafts

Hello crafty lovers! I have been checking things off my list, which is good. Now counting down the few weeks left of summer and how to spend our time crafting. While having coffee I came across this easy, nature loving craft tutorial and thought I would share it with you. It is for this lovely hanging birdbath tutorial!

 Hanging Birdbath

These and more tutorials are from Familyfuntogo.com. They also have back to school projects you can do. This one could be with your young sewers or for your youngsters. Hey, you can even use this one for yourself book-blankets. Imagine making one of these for yourself and using the pocket for your coffee card! Perfect for after the kiddos are dropped off at school and you have time to run to the coffee shop for a break to read for an hour. When I make a version of this, I promise I will share.

Book-blanket

The nice thing I found about my first visit to this website is they have so many categories and articles that are interesting from crafts, recipes, travel, printables, parties and more. So if you have kids I know you will really find somethings you can use and enjoy when you visit. And if you don't have kids you might find some crafty projects that you like for you, just like I did! 

  Hawaiian Beach Cake

I just might have to make Sammie an end of summer cake prior to her going back to school. Just a little treat for a wonderful summer good-bye. Aloha summer! Oh, how I wish summers would never end! I just love traveling in summer, escaping the heat and finding the perfect get- a-ways and enjoying the endless lazy days.

What is your favorite thing about summer?

Fruit Leather & Favorite Food Blog

Hello crafty friends, I am in between trips. Doing laundry, sending out bills, attending to house and squeezing in appointments like doctors and dentist that are hard to get to in the fall with school schedules. I hope this finds you all well and having a great summer. I came across this great homemade fruit leather tutorial and had to share along with my newest favorite food blog.

This homemade fruit leather tutorial  is something I would love to make with fresh fruit from summer. And if you are lucky enough to have trees with fruit you will love this even more! There is even a recipe pdf to download along with the tutorial at Craftzine.com. This link will take you directly to the tutorial and recipe.

 Homemade Fruit Leather

The article also shares information about Katie Goodman who wrote the article and shares a link to her foodie blog full of great recipes and yummy images at the GoodLife {eats}, but I am sharing her link here too! I think you'll love visiting her. You know how I am always looking for something fast, easy and  healthy for the family to eat....well if this is you too then you'll want to make a visit.

She has yummy things going on at her site and shares more than one recipe choice when sharing a recipe. Foodie love! Two of my favorite summer recipes I found were a Teriyaki Turkey Burger with homemade barbecue sauce recipe and a lovely Grilled Peaches with Mascarponi Whip and Raspberry Sauce. Katie has a recipe search at the top of her site and its easy to navigate.

What's your favorite food blog? What's your favorite thing to grill? What is your favorite summer treat? I'd love to know!

Nature Time

Sometimes you just need to reconnect with nature

via

See you after our trip!

Homemade Baby Gifts

Remember the post I shared the tutorials for some baby gifts? Well if not here is the link to that post here. I wanted to share with you the end result of the tri fold diapers that were covered in the center with pretty fabric on the outside to make pretty burpees or clean ups for the mom to be.

I actually found the fabric at Walmart in their fabric department. It was pretty, suited a baby and in this case boy! They are all stitched up and ready for giving with a cute ribbon on top. I plan on purchasing a pretty basket or laundry basket and arranging the gifts into it. With a new baby a mom could easily use either for daily duties or catch alls.

I haven't had time yet, but plan on writing out the tutorial for the zipper pouch. It is big enough for mom to be to carry wipes, a few diapers, ointment when on a quick run, just in case of emergencies. It really is pretty easy!  You can see the end result just behind the wipes.

The hardest thing is changing from the regular sewing foot to the zipper foot. You will have to read your manual or check out You Tube if you don't know how. Other wise it is all straight stitching, ironing and turning. Tutorial coming soon!  You can; change the fabric if you need to make one for other uses. Until next time, hope you are having time to sew or getting crafty!

What is your favorite project you finished this summer so far?

Happy 4th of July

Hope you find time to relax this weekend !

All Sorts

A Star Spangled Spinner free Printable & tutorial

Skip To My Lou

Recipe  & tutorial for this sweet treat

 DIY Inspiration for your table top or picnic

Happy 4th of July!

Easy Baby Blanket

Hi there, I hope this is finding you well. I came across this baby blanket tutorial from Above All Fabrics. I think I may try this trick she used for making the binding for the baby blanket from the bottom fabric.

It looks so easy and since binding quilts and blankets is something I don''t feel I have mastered quite well this seems to fit the bill! Under the video I will put a link to the tutorial. I hope you enjoy an easy way to making an easy baby gift or something special for your little one. 




On her blog she has a tutorial  and a pdf download to help you too with the making of this baby blanket.
Above All Fabrics Blog . Oh, I have to tell you I fell in love with some of the fabrics they carry in the shop!
We don't have anywhere to get fabrics other than a Walmart and a high end boutique that charges a fortune. If that is the case for you too, you might enjoy their fabric shop.

That is it for today, Blogger wasn't playing nice and it has taken me forever to just post this. Here's hoping next time it won't be so wonky! Off to take the kiddo to swim lessons!

What are you planning for this weekend? or Are you crafting and sewing? 

Summer Lasagna

Hello everyone! It has been quiet around here. Is everyone camping or getting ready to go camping for the 4th of July weekend? This is a quick and easy dish you could even prep ahead if you are going camping. It is easy lighter than lasagna and will fill up your hikers! But I just make now and then when we get a craving for something Italian in the summer. It is what I call Summer Lasagna~

 

I don't know where I spotted the recipe but it is almost as easy as making this collage of photos I took while cooking it! I can only give you my interpretation of the recipe it is one of those you look at once and go I've got it and spin your own twist to it!

Here is how it goes, If you have a home garden: Gather any fresh basil, garlic, zucchini and tomato from your garden. Give them a wash. (Or) purchase from the store or farmers market.

Needed items:
Tomatoes -  two baskets of Roma tomatoes ( if not fresh you will need 1-2 cans chopped tomatoes *size small for 2-3 people, large cans for 3+people
1 small can tomato sauce
Basil *fresh - handful about 1/4 cup
Garlic- 3-4 heads *peel and chop
Italian seasonings to taste
zucchini 1-2 optional *sliced thinly
Ricotta Cheese Lowfat
Lasagna Noodles about 2-3 per person
Olive Oil 2 tbsp
Shredded Parmesan or Romano Cheese

Peel and chop garlic, chop zucchini and then saute together in olive oil until garlic is translucent. Add in fresh washed tomatoes or canned tomatoes and small can of sauce. Add seasonings to your taste. Keep it lighter than normal.
Bring to boil then reduce to simmer for approx. 30min.
About 5 min prior to serving toss into sauce fresh chopped basil.
*Cook lasagna noodles according to package and drain. Add a touch of butter to noodles so they don't stick. Do this step prior to sauce being done. 

Plate the lasagna noodles, add sauce then Ricotta cheese *couple of tablespoons here and there. Then sprinkle with Shredded Parmesan cheese.

This is a simple way to have a version of Lasagna in the summer. The sauce is light,  its simple to make and ready quick. No baking! You can put your own spin on this basic and simple recipe! I hope you enjoy it!

When it is super hot weather my Mr. makes a great shrimp cocktail. I hope to watch how he does it and share the recipe. It is with fresh avocado s, shrimp and some spicy goodness. That is my favorite summer dish! So far he hasn't shared the recipe. It is his summer treat he makes for us. Here's to hoping I can catch him while hes making it and share it with you!  

What is your favorite meal in the summer? 

Homemade Baby Gifts, Patterns & Tutorials

Today I was going to post a recipe and I promise I will soon. I have two or three new ones I have tried but, I put them somewhere when organizing in the kitchen and oops can't find them. So I decided to share what is on my must sew list and what I have been sewing. I happen to be on a big sewing kick right now!

Kimono Baby Shoes, a Stuffed toy, Onesies and  Burpee Towels more to come....

Source: sewing.craftgossip.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Homespun Threads

I found this cute tutorial for baby kimono shoes! All you have to do to get it is visit Homespun Threads and follow her blog then download tutorial with pattern. How sweet is that? I am in love and more in love with the fact that there is going to be a new baby in the family! I can't wait until he gets big enough to wear a pair of these handmade by me.

Source: etsy.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Gingermelon

I came across this cute fox stuffed toy and thought it would be the sweetest pattern to own and make for the little ones nursery! If you are looking for cute stuffed animal patterns check out Gingermelons Etsy Shop. You are sure to find a pdf pattern to please.

If she was having a girl I might pick this sweet deer pattern.

Source: etsy.com via Jenni on Pinterest

Ilovefancyshmancy

Now my daughter Jenni pinned this little onesie on Pinterest, wanting mom to make something like it and put it away for when it's her turn to have a little bundle of joy. This Etsy shop is a girly boutique with such pretty things to purchase if you aren't the crafty type. Perfect for baby showers or your special little girl. Now onto what I have been sewing for baby...

Source: seekatesew.blogspot.com via Theresa on Pinterest

SeeKateSew

I have just made a bunch of these burpee rags! I can't wait to take pics and share in the next few posts. I found the cutest fabric at Walmart of all places when I was picking up the tri fold diapers. (Which is great as who wants to use expensive fabrics when they will be for spits and clean ups.) I have to find the clear bucket to put them in, but Kate has tips, a tutorial and also you can print out her bucket sign!  Visit Kate to see where I got my inspiration!  Don't forget to come back another day and see what mine look like.

Source: terryatkinson.typepad.com via Dina on Pinterest

I created a zipper bag similar to the ones above but bigger! I am hoping I took enough photos of the zipper bag I made as I was going along to share a tutorial. This zipper bag that I made was big enough for a few diapers, wipes, ointment, and a few of mom's things when on a quick run. That way if you want to create your own you'll see how. I promise to share soon! Until next time, I hope you are being sew creative too or at least finding some gift ideas for the baby showers your invited to.

Are you working on any sewing projects right now? What is your favorite baby shower gift to give?

Art Bag

 Artsy, Crafty, Re-cycled fabrics, my own pattern &  Art Bag Creation.

Remember when I mentioned all those art bags & posted about all the wonderful inspiration? Well I haven't been in the painting mood lately, but I printed out something I painted onto muslin and created an art bag / purse using felt, burlap and fabric scraps I had laying around. I used some decorative machine embroidery. Although far from perfect my daughter Sammie fell in love with it. She asked me to make the straps so she could wear it from shoulder to hip. I thought I would share the results and a few steps I am going to take to make it better next time.

If you have ever printed something from your computer you will notice how sometimes the colors just don't match the image. That is just what happened here. It was pretty light on the muslin that I printed it on. But I used permanent felt tip markers to draw in shapes and color it up. I need to fix color prior to printing!

Well, you know how I hate to stop even where there are mistakes. I decided since I started and this was kind of like a pro to type any way to finish what I started instead of scrapping it. I love figuring out how to create patterns on my own. This image shared is the back where underneath the front flap is sewn in and connected.

Another thing I will change when I create my next one is the strap material. For this I didn't want to go out and purchase anything. I wanted to use felt I had, burlap from a recycled coffee sack, woven burlap scraps I had from the wedding table runner we made, and for the straps I had these great silk pants that were ripped which I cut and created them from. Added a vintage button from one of the grandma's stash & ta da.....

A happy girl modeling her new art bag with gnomes. I promise to share  my next one with you when I make it! & I hope I can even try painting directly on fabric when I get unstuck from my painting slump! Here is the acrylic painting completed which the art bag was made from.

 If you'd like to see my post about the art bag inspiration just click here. Also visit here to see the original post of the gnomes acrylic painting  and if like you can visit my link on the side bar where I have video of  how I finished the painting on You Tube.

Have you ever tried creating and sewing an art bag?  What art or crafts inspiring you right now? 

If you have never sewn a bag & need a pattern and instruction this might be something you would like. Amy Butler's Style Stitches.

Hello there I hope your week is off to a good start creatively! I thought I would share this baby quilt I put together for my daughter who is having a boy. I didn't use a pattern I used a simple block style and on the back is one color then I used decorative stitching. This one is all machine quilted. I used vibrant fabrics with patterns when piecing it together. There are pinwheels, kites with suns, stars, stripes and squares. I guess I could of shot a better picture. When the bindings on I'll take another!

This baby quilt is a Toddler size quilt

You can see as I flip it over I stitched around the squares with a leaf - line pattern. 

I made a matching little pillow and put the leaf pattern along the top and bottom of it.

Speaking of binding. That is something I need to get better at. On this quilt I just used a silk type blanket binding I made from fabrics I had here at home. I think I am going to make a special handmade quilt which will be smaller, baby size and just have to decide on the pattern, purchase materials and do a little research on binding. The one above is the kind the little one can take everywhere! 

I thought I would share a You Tube Video to a baby quilt tutorial that has four parts to get you started on your own project. This is part one. You can see the others on You Tube if you like, they take you from start to finish. I'll keep you posted as I go along on my next project. Also I may also do an art quilt / hanging with some remnants I have laying around. Any how, summer is here! The kiddo is at home and I better get back to my mom duties. I hope you are finding time to fit some creative things in this summer!!

I'd love to know what your planning, do tell!

Little Things To Sew

I just found out 90% sure my daughter Krissy is having a boy! That means I can find  little sewing projects to suit a boy. Now of course I have come across a few sewing projects that are for down the line like this little vest by Oliver + S. The cool thing about finding this pattern is they have a book full of projects suited for babies & kids. Which means I can sew some projects for baby's older sister too!

 Oliver + S Little Things To Sew

These projects are all wrapped up in one book;  Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children is filled with items you will want to make again and again. Projects include a hat with bear ears, a winter scarf with a slip-through closure, an explorer vest, a tutu, an art smock, a penguin backpack, a messenger bag, a red riding hood cape, a travel quilt, and many others.

My favorite project pick for sister is this puppet theater door hanger. It would be a perfect way for her to entertain herself while mom is busy with the baby and give mom a show at the same time. I am swooning over this book right now and to get my hands on some blue fabrics & this book! I am also planning on making a special blanket or quilt, promise to share more on that later.

Do you have a favorite sewing project book or pattern? What is your favorite item that you have sewn for a little one or gifted to a little one? I'd love to know~

Teriyaki Chicken With Broccoli Recipe

 Sweet Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry

I wanted to share this recipe I found from Weight Watchers Magazine, that is a few years back. It is below. But I am also going to share a link to a recipe I found on Hub pages that looks great, but not so quick or easy. It is a Sweet Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry with Tofu or Chicken that serves 2. (The recipe is a little more involved and calls for ingredients you may have to stock your kitchen with from a special store or larger store) You will see the differences in the recipes. I love that they use orange zest and Thai Chili sauce in the Hub pages recipe. I can see using elements of that recipe to change this one up, but I gravitate to the simple for every day style cooking. So I hope all you creative cooks who are looking at quick and easy family meals have one less night to fret over cooking with these great recipes!

I made a few alterations but it was quick and easy prep time 15min. Cook time 10 min. and better yet, pleased all the family members. Weight Watchers call the recipe Teriyaki Chicken and Broccolini  in my version I didn't use the ginger, and broccolini? I used broccoli heads trimmed. I also pre-cooked the broccoli just to crisp but able to fork in. See notes at end of the recipe.

This recipe serves 4.

1lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4 inch strips
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 tsp. canola oil
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
4 thin slices peeled fresh ginger, cut into slivers
3 garlic cloves, minced
1lb. broccolini, trimmed
1/2 cup water 1/3 teriyaki sauce

1.Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat in a large nonstick skillet over high. Pour 1tsp of the oil and swirl to coat the skillet; then add the chicken. Stir-fry until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm.

2. Heat the remaining 2 tsp. oil in the skillet. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry until crisp, about 1 minute. Add the ginger and garlic stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. *(this is the part I changed) Stir in Broccolini and water. Cover reduce the heat, and cook until the Broccolini is crisp-tender and the water has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the teriyaki sauce and chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until headed through, about 1 minute.

So I basically followed the directions except I * pre cooked the broccoli and eliminated the water/ broccoli step at the end. After stir-frying garlic & (ginger if you like) add broccoli heads, teriyaki sauce and chicken. Stir, constantly until headed through. * make rice if you like to serve with it if you like.

Well, I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a wonderful week ahead!

What is your favorite quick and easy style recipe? 

Color Inspiration & Weighty Matters

Today I thought we'd get crafty and creative with our color inspiration, first up; Who doesn't love a good old fashion milk glass vase, plate or candy dish? At the price of vintage milk glass when I saw this I was swooning and new this was exactly what I wanted to do with my recycled pretty glass jars I had been hanging on to. The link under the image will take you to the well put together video tutorial. It is so worth viewing, that is if you love milk glass.

Source: houseandhome.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Milk Glass Tutorial from Vaughn Mills Presents House and Home H&H TV. *latex paint

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Theresa on Pinterest

While we are on the subject of color and pretty things I have a little confession to tell you. Yes, I have decided for my own health I will not be eating things as pretty as these! But there is no law looking at them while I am on my journey to better health! Right? Oh unless it drives me to eating them, covering my eyes as I write this!! New mantra " I will have will power! "

Source: home-biba.blogspot.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Now, this is a color combo I would love to be able to pull off when I drop the (**) lbs! Too much sitting all winter, a new carpool lane where you don't walk the kiddo into the school and have to park a million miles away, sitting while blogging, sitting while creating art....Well you get the picture! No I am not blue about it, nor am I seeing just red about it. I am going to do something about it! And ensure I get walking to start! So if occasionally I slip in a post of how I am feeling about it all, well I hope you do understand. *PS If you read both blogs, yes today I posted the same on both. Please forgive me!  lol

How do you stay active and healthy while your focus is on your creativity? I would love to know! Toss me your best tips why don't you.

I have to say the magazine is a deal! Two years with no auto renewal!  I have  a few old copies and would love to get a new subscription. I have to say I loved the recipes and articles. This might just help keep me on track!

Thread Storage Options

This summer I plan on doing sewing more frequently. I want to continue to teach Sammie some projects and my daughter Krissy is having a baby in December. With that said I could use some, good thread storage and  easy access to my threads when switching projects. I came across these thread storage ideas.

 

  

Grey Luster Girl

The is a thread storage diy tutorial and I thought this would be so cute. I can have it made to match the decor of the room, its handy and its an easy project for myself or on the honey do list. 

Online Cool Gifts

Who wouldn't love a thread spinner sitting right next to  you? Its pre-made and ready for purchase.

Crazy Mom Quilts

I am all about making my spaces pretty, but I don't have a dedicated sewing space. If you do this might be an option to have all your notions and threads color coordinated and lined up so pretty. Crazy Mom Quilts has quilting tips too. You might just want to check out her blog if you are interested in quilting.

Haka

Now who wouldn't love a custom made thread holder? If I had the perfect drawer and dedicated space this would be top on my list of must haves.

Designs by Sick

Now I must admit I like this idea, for a sewer on the go around the house. This is a jewelery organizer!  Dorothy has a few cool storage tricks up her sleeve and all the details of how many threads it stores. 

 

Jenny Sewing Studio

When all is said and done I always go back to my favorite which is my grandma's handed down sewing basket something like this. Easy to take around the house, grab from and have the threads stay clean. But mostly I think it is the memories it holds that make it my favorite! 

What is your favorite thread storage option? 

Top Crafty Things To Try This Summer

Who doesn't want to try new crafty things? If you don't, move on over and let the crafty ladies be first in line! All you crafty ladies put a ring on this list! Each link goes to a tutorial .*some not needed you'll be directed to image.
Feel free to Copy, paste and Share! But,*Please link back to original post!

Listen, it's time to take a look and see the results!

Source: flickr.com via Theresa on Pinterest

1. diy cake plate

2. create homemade stamps 

3. make a pin wheel

4. picture frame photo display, no tutorial necessary see image below

5. make a journal cover

Now some eye candy of those crafty items!

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: bettyjoy-tutorials.blogspot.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: None via Theresa on Pinterest

Now this is only the beginning of my top crafty things to do this summer tutorial round-up! So be sure and drop in for some more crafty inspiration!! Have a crafty tutorial you want to share? Email me & lets get it on the list!   MsartistTheresaHuse (at) g (mail) dot (com)

What is the top crafty thing you want to try this summer?