Get Ready for Summer Fashion

I am getting so excited for summer this year!  Ever since we moved back to Idaho, I have had a tough time through the winters.  I've decided I hate the cold!!  So as soon as school is out, and the weather is nice all I want to do is be outside.  We have spent so much time outside in our yard this year.  We moved into this home last fall right before our baby was born.  So the yard didn't get much attention from any of us until now.  Mike and the kids planted the garden.  We have been cutting and trimming trees and bushes all spring.  I think it is going to get as good as it can.  We are definitely not gardening people, but we are learning.

Here are a few patterns that will be prefect for the summer!

The Girly Girl Romper is perfect to put over a swimsuit or to wear as an outfit by itself.  I love this outfit for the park, it is perfect.  Elastic straps for easy on and off, for those independent girls that want to get themselves dresses. Elastic at the top, and at each leg to add some fluff. And elastic thread at waistline to show off the cute little body.

I am not sure what it is about summer, but I love to wear skirts.  I guess I just get bored of shorts and want to look cute.  My daughter is the same way.  She wears a skirt 80% of the time.  This Girls and Women's 3 Layer Skirt is perfect for the hot summer days.  Plenty of room for the little girls to still run and play, but feel pretty at the same time.  Mommy can use the same pattern to match!

Babies and boys need to be just as cute and comfortable through the summer.  With these Romper choices they are sure to be the cutest baby on the block!

Hunter Romper

And, the Jack and Jill Romper

Healthy Eats, Chicken Salad

Having 4 babies has had it's tole on my body!  Since our last baby was born last fall, I have been working hard to get my body back to what I want.  Some days it is not fun.  Some days I just want to eat every piece of junk food that I can see.  But overall, I have pleasantly been very proud of myself.  I had pinned this great recipe a while back, and thought I would make it for dinner a couple nights ago.  It was fantastic!  I loved it!  My kids actually asked if I would make it again sometime.  I didn't tell them that they just ate an avocado, so I think that helped, and I added some grapes to the salad which are a huge fan favorite in our house.  Thanks to Becoming Betty, I now have a new favorite in my house.  If you follow this link it will take you to the Becoming Betty blog so you can get the recipe.  Try adding some grapes and almond slices to it when you make it, you will love it!  The kids and I put the salad in wraps.

 http://becomingbetty.blogspot.com/2011/09/avocado-chicken-salad.html

Picture is from Becoming Betty's blog.  Mine wasn't as pretty as her's!

Sewing Machine Comparisons

 I have been asked so many times for advise for buying a sewing machine.  So I thought I would share with you my thoughts and hope that it may help some of you.

When I was 10 or 12, my grandma was so sweet and wanted to buy me my own sewing machine that she found at a sewing machine sale at a hotel in town.  They raved about how great the sewing machine was and all the wonderful things that it could do.  I am sad to say, but it actually really sucked!  I ended up going crazy and got rid of it.  That started my search for good machines.

I have a couple sewing machines right now.  One is a Singer that I found on Ebay when I was newly married and didn't have much money.  I found out after I had it for a couple months that the button hole feature stopped working.  I love this machine though when I teach sewing lessons.  It is a great machine for basic needs, and not complicated with lots of buttons or dials.  My other machine that I just got, is a Bernina.  I really love this brand of machines.

I see so many sewing machines out there that are under $100 brand new.  I really don't recommend these machines.  Every time I have helped anyone who has bought one of these, we end up fighting the sewing machine more than sewing.  They are truly basic, and when you don't know what you need to do to fix a problem, your machine can cause a ton of trouble for you.  You are getting what you pay for.

There is a local shop here in my town that carries good sewing machines.  I would suggest checking local in your area first.  This shop that is close to me sells used sewing machines at great prices.  A couple years ago, I almost bought a used Bernina Sewing Machine for $170.  Which is a fabulous cost.  It was only a few years old, used by a school that needed to update.  I also used to have a Husqvarna sewing machine.  It was wonderful!  My sister now has it, and it is at least 20 years old.  It sews just as smooth today as it did when we first got it.  The only problem with going with brands like these, is the cost.  Again, you get what you pay for.  These machines usually come with quite a few extras, and the motors are very strong.

When I tell people about the expensive machines, they get a little nervous about the cost. So, I thought I would do some research and show you which sewing machines I would buy if I were a beginner sewer!  I found 2 affordable sewing machines on Amazon that would be good for a beginner.

 

Brother Project Runway Electric Sewing Machine

Features of this machine are - 

• 50 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches, each with multiple stitch functions.
• Sew fleece, elastic and other stretchy fabrics with the built-in stretch stitches.
• One-step bobbin replacement with quick set drop-in bobbin.
• Embellish or join quilt blocks with the built-in quilting stitches.

PRICE: $123.11on Amazon

SINGER 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

Features of this machine are - 

• automatic needle threader for easy threading
• Stitch width and length are set at the optimum setting but are fully adjustable for special projects
• 100 built-in stitches including 6 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes, 1 endless buttonhole for custom sizing and over 70 decorative stitches
• Automatic tension feature keeps stitches balanced regardless of fabric type
• Free accessories include select presser feet, bobbins and needles, Includes extension table and hard-sided cover

 PRICE: $299.95 on Amazon

 

If I were to choose between these two machines, I would choose the Singer sewing Machine.  It offers more, and personally think it is a better brand than Brother.

 

Features that I love and can't live without in my sewing machine are - 

• the more stitch choices the better!!
• a working 1 step button hole
• needle up down option (great for pivoting around corners)
• Front loading bobbin (It's what I learned on, and I feel off when I use a top loading bobbin)
• Long stitch length
• bobbin thread sensor (I don't think this is found on the cheaper machines, I'm not sure thought)
• Offers a lot of light

I hope this helps.  I am sure I may think of more thoughts later.  And I hope these are not just jumbled for you.  Unfortunately most thoughts out of my head are very jumbled!!  If you have any thought of sewing machines, please leave your comments!  I'd love to know what your favorite sewing machine is?

 

 

 

Photo Shoot

You have heard me talk about them before.  But I am just amazed with my good friends Emily and Nate with Emily and Nate Photographers.  A couple weeks ago we got together for a photo shoot with some of my patterns that I wanted to have new pictures, and with some new patterns.  I am so absolutely thrilled about how the pictures turned out!  Emily always takes such wonderful care of me.  Here is a look at the shoot.

 Amy Purse

 Jack and Jill Romper

 The NEW Katelyn Dress

Tie

 Hailey Wrap

Melanie Hobo Bag

Peasant Dress, with long sleeve option

Ruffle Back Skirt

2 Layer Skirt

Girly Girl Romper

Here are the NEW patterns coming soon!!

 Coming Soon!!  Addy Pant

Coming Soon!!  Flower Purse

Coming Soon!!  Tyler Overall

Coming Soon!!  Sweater Vest

Coming Soon!!  Chevron Dress

How awesome are those?!  I am so excited to get them all into the shop.  And major props to all my cute models!  It always helps when your model is perfect.  

I would love to get your opinion.  In the past I usually do a pattern contest to have someone test my pattern for me.  Do you like that?  I have had a few people who have taken advantage of getting that pattern for free, and then I don't ever hear from them again.  But I have loved the feedback that I have gotten from those who have given it.  The feedback helps me to improve the pattern.  So what are your thoughts?  Pattern contest or not?

Candlelight Fondue Night

It feels good to be back and blogging again.  We now have a beautiful baby boy that I have truly enjoyed taking the time away to spend with him.  My older kids have been so fun to watch as they enjoy him as well.  I will catch you up on the time I took off in a later post.  But for now I want to share with you the fun night we had last night.

We have a tradition in our  home every Valentines Day.  My sister-in-law started it with her boys and I fell in love with the idea.  When our kids grew to an age that they would love it, we started to make them a romantic dinner by candle light.  They LOVE it!

I always try to make something that is nicer than what we would usually eat.  This year I chose a recipe that we have done it the past, and the kids were very pleased.  We started out with a nice Shrimp Pasta and a Strawberry Spinach Salad with rolls.  Then the highlight of the night for our kids is Fondue!  They talk all year about the romantic candlelight fondue.

Here are recipe's we used, I completely loved them!! The salad is so fantastic!! You really have to try it. The pasta was really good also, but I did think it was missing something the last time I made it. But I and no chef to be able to make any major changes. So this year I also added some chicken.  Thanks to kraftfoods.com and allrecipes.com we had a wonderful night.

Shrimp-in-Love Pasta

prep: 10 min Total time: 25 min serves 2

4 oz. linguine, uncooked

1 c. cleaned medium fresh shrimp

2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 c.)
1/2 c. cream cheese spread

1 1/2 c. torn spinach, cleaned

Cook linguine as directed on package

Meanwhile, heat large skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp, tomatoes and cream cheese; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through and mixture is well blended.

Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add spinach; toss lightly. Stir in shrimp mixture.

(When I added the chicken I threw bite size pieces in the skillet and sprinkled a Tony Chacheries Creole Seasoning before I added the rest of the ingredients.)  I think the Creole Seasoning was the added flavor I missed in the pasta the last time I made it.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

prep: 10 min ready in: 1 hr 10 min serves 4

2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

1 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1/2 c. white sugar

1/2 c. olive oil

1/4 c. distilled white vinegar

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp. minced onion

10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces

1 qt. strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced

1/4 c. almonds, blanched and slivered (I just use the Almond Accents, or toast almonds in the oven)

In medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for 1 hour.

In large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes before serving. (I had to leave the dressing on the side, for the kids sake, but my daughter added it to her salad and loved it.)

 

 

And the Fabulous Fondue!!

 

 Chocolate Fondue Duet

(I don't remember where I got this recipe, I have been using it for many years)

3 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate

2 Tbsp. corn syrup
1/4 c. whipping cream, divided

3 squares white baking chocolate
1/4 tsp. vanilla

 

Mix semi-sweet chocolate, corn syrup and 2 Tbsp. of the cream in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on medium 1 to 1 1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted when stirred. Add white chocolate and remaining 2 Tbsp. cream in another microwaveable bowl. Microwave 1 to 1 1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted when stirred. Place small serving bowl on serving plate. Pour both chocolate mixtures into bowl at same time, side by side. Serve as a warm dip with assorted cut-up fresh fruit, cookies, marshmallows, pound cake cubes and or pretzels.

MOVING!

Isn't there always a lot going on for all of us.  The end of the school year always bring graduations and school programs.  Sports are starting and some are ending.  It is such a busy time of year.  I always look forward to the summer though.  I feel like I get more time to just enjoy my kids, instead of running around every where.

This year is a little different for us.  We will be moving to a new city in a couple days, and at the end of the summer we will be having a baby!  We are very excited for the change, and ready for the new challenge.

Because of so much going on with my family right now, I have decided that I will not sew any custom orders until after Christmas 2012.  Maybe by then I will find some normalcy to my life! hehe  I will continue to sell my patterns and I will still work on the patterns that are ready to go out.  But I will not be designing anything new until January 2013.

I will continue to keep in touch and post on the blog, so please stay posted.  I am truly thankful for all of my followers.

New Purse Pattern Tester

I have been needing a new purse for a while now.  My purse was looking so sad.  The handles were about to tear right in half, and the bottom was getting well worn.  So I had 2 choices, I could either go buy a purse quick and have life be simple, or I could design a new purse and sew it.  Well, I chose the harder path.  I couldn't resist the chance for a new purse.  And I have to tell you, I have been using this purse for at least a week now, and I keep getting so many compliments on it.  Everyone is so amazed that it is handmade!  So I am now looking for pattern testers!

I am needing 2 people to test this pattern for me.  If you would like to test this please leave me a comment below. If you would like an extra point in the drawing, please leave a comment on facebook or twitter and leave me the link to see it (I would appreciate your help in telling people about my shop).  Please leave me a way to contact you if you win!!!

Here's the deal. You get the pattern for free. I only ask that you are able to sew the bag within a week of me emailing it to you, and give me any comments or suggestions you may have.

Contest will last 2 weeks this time and end at midnight, on Wednesday, March 7th.

Princess Dress, Pattern Testers Needed

Time to test this gorgeous dress pattern!!  It has been a favorite in our home.  Both my daughter and my niece have one, and they don't like to take them off.  They feel like a princess.  Every time my daughter wears her dress, she has to find sparkly jewelry to wear with it.

Dress pattern comes in 2 separate patterns.  One pattern has sizes 1-4 and the other has sizes 5-8.

The top of the dress wraps over each other, with a mock sleeve.  The top pattern pieces have a slight curve to give a cute little cap over the shoulders.

Full round twirl skirt with a fun ruffle layer underneath that can add a little pop of color or not even add this if you desire a more simple dress.  Skirt has small bunching all around to make the dress feel like Princess Bell in Beauty and the Beast.

I am needing 2 people to test this pattern for me. I would love to have one for each pattern sizing.  If you would like to test this please leave me a comment below and let me know which pattern sizes you would be willing to test. If you would like an extra point in the drawing, please leave a comment on facebook or twitter and leave me the link to see it (I would appreciate your help in telling people about my shop).  Please leave me a way to contact you if you win!!!

Here's the deal. You get the pattern for free. I only ask that you are able to sew the bag within a week of me emailing it to you, and give me any comments or suggestions you may have.

Contest will end at midnight, on Tuesday, January 24th.

Don't forget about Crafty Lil Fox's deal.  Ends January 31st!

Princess Dress Just In Time For Christmas

I just finished working on my newest pattern.  I am so thrilled about this dress.  It is truly made for a princess.  The pictures I have here are not the best because I had to secretly get the picture.  I made 2 for Christmas gifts for my daughter and niece.  As soon as the beautiful models see their dresses, I will provide you with better pictures.  These pictures don't do the dress justice on how pretty they turned out.

I am not yet needing pattern testers for this dress because of the busy time of year.  I thought I would share it with you though so you can get ready.  I would love to get your opinion on a time that would be best to post the drawing to test this.  A couple days after Christmas or should I wait until after the new year.  You let me know! 

If any of you are interested in this pattern before Christmas let me know.

Some of my Christmas Favorites

I love this time of year!  Year by year we will add more traditions in our home, and last year I added all three of these recipes to that.  Merry Christmas to all of you, and I hope that your holidays are wonderful!!

Feta Salad

12 oz mixed salad greens(I used fresh)

2 fresh pears, cubed or sliced

1/2lb. fetta cheese, crumbled

1 c. craisins

1 c. camelized pecans - pour 1/3c. white sugar and 1 c. pecan pieces into sauce pan over medium heat.  Stir constantly until sugar melts and becomes sticky and light brown.  Watch Carefully!  Remove nuts immediately to a plate to cool.

Dressing -

1/2 c. red onion

1c. sugar

2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1tsp. salt

2/3c. white vinegar

2c. veggie oil

3 Tblsp. poppy seeds

Mix 1st 6 ingredients in a blender, stir in poppy seeds at the end.

Lemon Water

1 Tbsp. lemon extract

1 Tbsp. citric acid (get at the pharmacy, sometimes they will need to order it in)

3 c. sugar

5 qts. water

lots of ice

If you can't find citric acid, "true lemon" crystalized lemon substitute, you will have to use 3 times the amount, you can also add "real lemon" concentrate.

MIX

This was fun to make, and I got the recipie from my Family Fun magazine.

Gingerbread Trifle

 click on the picture for the link to the recipe with Family Fun.

Merry Christmas to all of you.  Thank you for all the support you have given my blog.

I would love to know a tradition of yours this time of year, please leave a comment and share.

Digital Designs Giveaway

Another giveaway!!

My little sis, has just started her own Etsy shop, Digital Designs.  I am always amazed with her, she is just so talented.  Years ago, our parents had bought both of us a sewing machine for Christmas.  We were both taking lessons.  Tiffany used hers for only a little while, but she didn't enjoy it.  Tiff has always been creative, so now she takes fantastic pictures (which I think she needs to sell some on Etsy), and now digital art.  I was lucky to have her design my sewing pattern front page.

Tiffany is giving away her most popular Digital Print, Monster Madness.  My oldest son's favorite is the 1 eyed monster, and my daughters is the purple.

Make sure to stop by and check out Tiff's facebook page and website for her pictures.  They are gorgeous!

To win this addorable Clip Art  -

please leave me a way to contact you in your comment, you must be a follower of my blog.

For 1 extra point for each of these ways - 

you can follow my blog

Please support Tiff of Etsy and like her shop

Like me on facebook and twitter

And for 5 extra points if you blog or facebook about this and leave me a link to see!

Giveaway will end next Thursday night at midnight.  December 15th.

Don't forget the deal you get with Crafty Lil Fox, check out my giveaways page!

Re-purposed Block Stocking Hangers

I have been wanting some stocking hangers for a long time now.  Every year we end up putting our stocking under the tree until Christmas Eve.  Then the kids play with them, and run off and scatter them all over the house.  It drives me crazy to pick them up all the time.

I can never decide on the stocking hangers that I want.  Or the ones I fall in love with are kinda expensive.  So I thought I could re-purpose some blocks.  These blocks had some cute saying on them, but they never matched anything I had so they just sat in the closet.

I was feeling crafty!  I love those days!

Here is how I made them:

I used some blocks I already had. If you want to make these and don't have any pre-cut blocks, go buy a 4 x 4 at the local lumber store.  Then cut into squares.

I lightly sanded down my blocks so they were not rough.

I painted with craft paint the entire block.  I only used 1 coat of paint, but you may want 2.

I found a cute font on the computer at this 1001 free fonts.  I used Angelic War.

I typed the Christmas words that I wanted.  Joy, Noel, Peace, Love, Faith

Make sure the font size will fit onto a 3 1/2" square.

Print onto Christmas colored paper.

Cut out to size of block.

Mod Podge the paper onto the front of the block.

When dry, Mod Podge over top of the paper.

When dry, lightly sand the edges of the block around the paper.

Use an antiquing stamp or stain around the edges of the paper.

Screw some small hooks into the front of the block.

It was so quick and easy.  I got it all done in one day, as I was running around doing other things as well.  Since we don't have a fireplace to hang our stockings on, I thought I would hang them on our shelf that usually holds family pictures.  Now all I need to do is make some matching stockings for all of us.  If you have any cute stockings you have seen online, please let me know.  I have been looking on Pintrest and found a few.

These are not the best instructions, no pictures.  So if you want to make these and need some help, send me a note!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Don't forget about the great deal offered to you by Crafty Lil Fox.  And stay tuned I will be having another giveaway next week!

Win Win with Crafty Lil' Fox

I feel like a whole new person!!  I am sure you have noticed the new look of my blog.  I was so lucky to have found Melissa with Crafty Lil' Fox.  She has totally revamped my blog, and I think it looks amazing.  the blog now has pages to find things better.  The colors are so light and fresh, I am so excited!  I wish I could say that I helped come up with the ideas of how the blog turned out, but I can't.  I owe all the credit to Melissa for doing such a fabulous job.  She really pinned me to a T, with my style!

If you stop by the Crafty Lil' Fox blog, you will find some great tutorials, freebies, look through Melissa's portfolio, and so much more.  Don't forget to stop by and favorite her on

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Here is a little bit about Melissa in her own words - 

I'm a craft addict, web designer, copywriter and world traveller! I started Crafty Lil Fox to share tips and hints for selling online, marketing small and home based business online, using creative blog designs and successfully building craft and handmade businesses. When I'm not creating beautiful blogs, my favourite crafts are crochet and sewing and I'm a bit obsessed with beautiful homes.

I am so excited to tell you that you can have a great blog too! Melissa is offering all of my readers $50 off any custom blog design and 25% off of any orders from her Etsy shop. You just need to mention that you saw the offer on my blog.  Everyone is a winner with this one!  This offer will last through the rest of December and all of January.

 

Winner of Made Just Wright Giveaway

We have a winner!!

Shannon Foust

Thank you for entering.  I gave your information to Andi, and she will be contacting you.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for another lucky win!!  I am guessing you have noticed the changes in my blog!  This is a hint as to what you can get tomorrow.

Made Just Wright Giveaway

You have heard me say it before, that I Love the chance to get to know other people on Etsy and other creative sites!  I am lucky to say this time though, that I have known Andi with Made Just Wright for a while now.

We were so lucky to have met when we both had moved to the desert in Arizona, to support our husbands jobs.  If you have never been to the hot part of Arizona, you are pretty lucky.  It would get pretty hot!  During the summer the temperature would get up to 130 degrees easily.  Thank heavens for pools!!!  I actually did love it there.  We met some to the best people there, and I had a tan almost year round!  Anyway, a bunch of us moms would try to get together on occasion and create!

Andi and I both had tiny baby girls that needed some extra flair.  So we made bows!!  Andi is a pro, she makes the cutest bows.  And one luck winner will get to win 2 crochet headbands, 1 large flower, and 1 bow.

 How cute HUH!!  If you want to win here is how-

To enter the drawing please leave me a way to contact you in your comment, you must be a follower of my blog.

For 1 extra point for each of these ways - 

you can follow my blog

Follow Andi's blog

Like me on facebook and twitter

And for 5 extra points if you blog or facebook about this and leave me a link to see!

Giveaway will end next Wednesday night at midnight.  November 30th.

Don't forget to check out her blog to see some of the other cute things she makes, here are a few of my favorites!

If you are in a giveaway mood, make sure to stop by Barefoot By the Sea's Blog, Jessica from Posies in My Pocket has more giveaways going on there!