Saturday, August 30, 2008

Weekend Chit~Chat

Beads
Hello! Thank you for your comments on my show and tell. Many of you asked about the mini glass pumpkins. I found them at Michaels in the fall decorating section.

Cart
The girls and I decided to get some donuts this morning and on the way we stopped at a yard sale. I picked up this wonderful storage unit and it was filled with craft and sewing supplies.

Supplies
I put everything on my bed, so I could get a closer look.

Cart
And made a spot in the school room for the drawers. Here are just a few of the things...

Buttons
Lots of buttons.

Clay
Clay and push molds.

Paper
Pressed flower paper.

Batting
Natural quilt batting.

Hoops
Embroidery supplies.

Molds
Four cookie molds. The snowflake will be perfect for Christmas.

Scissors
Craft scissors.

Sewing
Sewing supplies.

Tools
Various tools, including pinking shears.

Tools
And last but not least, this amazing hobby knife set. It looks brand new!

Cart
Now for the crazy part: I got the storage draws *and* everything inside for $10.00! I told Phillip I won't need to go yardsaling for at least a year. ;0)

Well, I'm off to make cookies for a pool party we are going to this evening. I hope you all have a great long weekend!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Show and Tell Friday!


Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.


I am calling this a "Dreaming of Autumn" show and tell. I have a few new-to-me treasures to share with you today.

Pitcher
I spotted this pitcher at the resale store and the colors reminded me of autumn.

Pitcher
It's nice and sturdy and will be perfect for fresh apple cider.

Mugs
I picked up these matching oversized mugs at Target. I plan on testing one out tomorrow with my morning coffee!

Basket
I love baskets and got this one at a yard sale for $2.00.

Handles
It has a lid and two handles.

Basket
I'm going to fill it up with pumpkins and gourds.

Bowls
And finally, two rustic wooden bowls from Goodwill.

Candles
I arranged some candles in the middle.

Beads
And added these tiny pumpkin glass beads.

Candles
Now all we need are some crisp autumn days!

Candles
Thank you for looking at my show and tell!


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Homemade Card

Card
Welcome to this week's homemade card project! You can get a lot of variations with this card depending on the paper you use.

Card
You will need a 5 1/2" x 4" notecard.

Card
Cut a 5 1/4" x 3 3/4" rectangle from scrapbook paper or sheet music. Dawn at ~The Feathered Nest~ recently shared a beautiful music image. Glue to front of notecard.

Card
Cut out another 5 1/4 x 3 3/4" of a coordinating scrapbook paper and cut on diagonal line from top left corner to bottom right corner. Glue onto notecard.

Card
You can also tear the edge for a different look.

Butterfly
Cut a small oval or circle from cardstock. Dab the edges with an ink pad if desired. Add a sticker or stamp.

Card
Glue to front of notecard. Send to a friend!

Card
Here is another variation. Thank you for taking a look!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Apron Tutorial

Good morning! I hope you aren't tired of hearing about aprons, because t0day, I'm going to share a tutorial on how I made the one from my recent giveaway.

Apron
The measurements are based on a vintage apron I have. I made Grace and Emily's aprons smaller, but the steps are the same.

Fabric

Materials:

1 yard cotton fabric
1/2 yard coordinating fabric
Lace or trim for pocket

Tools:

Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
Straight pins
Sewing needle or sewing machine
Thread
Iron and ironing board

Preparation:

Wash, dry and iron fabric.
Cut out 6 fabric pieces:

Apron: 20" x 30" (main fabric)
Pocket 5" x 6" (coordinating fabric)
Bottom strip: 4" x 30" (coordinating fabric)
Top strip: 4" x 19" (coordinating fabric)
Apron strings: 2 of 2" x 30" (coordinating fabric)

Apron trim
1. Place bottom of apron and bottom strip fabric right sides together. Secure with pins.

Apron
2. Sew using 1/4" seam allowance. Remove pins and iron seams.

Apron
3. Fold over the top edge of pocket 1/2" and iron.

Lace
4. Pin lace or trim to top edge of right side of pocket.

Lace
5. Sew in place. Remove pins.

Apron
6. Fold over remaining three edges of pocket 1/4" and iron in place.

Pocket
7. Pin to front of apron 5" from left side and 10" from the bottom. Sew. Remove pins.

Apron
8. Fold over and iron the seams 1/2" along both sides and bottom of apron. Pin in place.

Apron
9. Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance, but stop 1/2" from top on both sides.

Apron
10. Using your machine's longest stitch, sew a basting stitch 1/2" from the top edge, leaving a long tail of thread at both ends.

Apron
11. Pull the top thread carefully, gathering into a slight "ruffle," until the top measures 18 inches in length. Tie a knot on each end. Set aside.

Apron
12. Fold over and iron lengthwise seams 1/4" on top strip.

Apron
Fold in half and iron.

Apron
Slip gathered top of apron inside top strip, leaving 1/2" on each end.

Apron
Pin in place. Set aside.

Apron
Fold over and iron the lengthwise seams and one end, 1/4" on apron string fabric.

Apron
Do not fold the other end.

Apron
Fold strip in half and sew along folded edges.

Apron
Fold in the seams of top strip sides 1/4".

Apron
Slip unfolded end of apron string in 1/2". Secure with pins. Repeat with remaining apron string.

Apron
Sew along all 4 sides of top strip 1/4". Your apron is finished!

Apron
You can get different looks for your apron, depending on the fabric you use.

Apron
Double pocket.

Apron
Ruffled bottom trim.

Let me know if you make one, too. I'd love to stop by and take a look!