Random

Just some stuff floating around in my head.

By the way, if you like to see what we eat, go here.  That is where I post that stuff these days.

My recent sewing/craft project: this summer bag made from a clearance pillowcase.  If it gets destroyed from being thrown around this summer, I won't care too much.

Here are Martha's directions for making it.

Some movies I've watched lately that I didn't expect to like, but did:

• Warrior (cliche, but I still liked it once it got past the first few minutes)
• The Rebound (the kids made me laugh out loud)
• Crazy, Stupid, Love (sad, hilarious, hopeful)
• The Vow (expected to hate it because my sister thought it was terrible but I wouldn't go that far... Channing Tatum actually acted in this one instead of just clenching his jaw)

They are not family-friendly, just to warn you.

Do you like the modest, retro swimsuits from modcloth?  Check out this one-piece ....from WALMART. 

Yes, I just said Walmart!  It is not really the right cut for me, I think I would need longer legs to wear it, but it is so cute, so reasonably priced, and gets hundreds of rave reviews!  Too good to not share.  Just in case it is right for someone reading out there.

That's it for now.  Summer's here!

Things I Like

Just some new-to-me things from around the blog world and real world...

Scrappy Easter Eggs

Felt Easter Egg Hunt (or anytime) Bags

Everyday Paleo blog (a good source for recipes... I especially need help with non-boring chicken recipes, and there are several I'm interested in trying here, plus she has a book coming out soon... I just requested my local library order it!)

I am not a music junkie, I usually just listen to the radio, but I just love this album right now.  My daughter likes it, too.

This is interesting: Target beats Wal-Mart.  I don't shop for groceries often enough at both to compare for myself.

Everybody in my family needs new shoes at once, and could use multiple pairs at that... Sheesh, that adds up so fast.

I rearranged the furniture on my day off and switched out some accessories.  My house feels more springish now, yay.

I have to cook dinner for my Bible Study next week.  I have been debating what to make.  I think I am going to go for gluten-free, but not completely Paleo, because I want to make them a decent dessert :)

I want our Trader Joe's to open!  I think it is going to be a few more months??

You know what has been on my summer list for several years now and I have not done?  Blueberry picking.  What are the chances it will happen this year, I wonder.

My main spring cleaning chore that I want to get done around the house in the next month is washing the windows.  All of them, both sides.  I know they won't stay spotless long, but they need it badly.  I am dreading it.  Ugh.

Over spring break, I cleaned out drawers around the house.  My closet was recently purged on a major level.  I have a small pile of stuff in the basement to sell or give away.  Now, if I could just stay on top of the laundry and actual cleaning the way I do with the purging and cooking, this house would be consistently spic and span... that will happen in my dreams.

Ok, this morphed into a brain dump.  I'll stop complaining now.  My goal was to go to bed earlier this week, so I should go do that now.  Have a good night! :)

Thursday Thoughts

I don't really have a lot to say today.  I am home today and working on sewing some ballet slippers for my 3 year old to wear when she dresses up as Angelina Ballerina this weekend.  I purchased her leotard and tutu (it was too cheap to pass up) so I figured I would make some part of her costume homemade.  I also just made some Ginger Cookies for my husband because I was too tired to make them last night.

While I am attempting to sew away, I thought I would share several posts from around the blogosphere that have caught my attention.

No-Churn Ice Cream: Honey Cinnamon
Creamy {Crock Pot} Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup
Barbeque Brisket (Easy!!!)
diy {ruffled jacket}

A blog to read: Becoming Minimalist...
This is a great post from there.

I have a new blog header.  It is my favorite of all the ones I have made so far.  (There are a few I have really disliked.)  I was going for fresh, clean, and yet something that is a bit wintery so it can stay up for awhile.

Anyone tried fermented cod liver oil?  I am contemplating trying it, just for the immunity and health boosts it might offer for the season ahead.  If I can stomach it. We'll see.

Last but not least..
A quote.  Love it.

Happy Thursday!

What I Did on My Day-Off...

Before:

In Progress:

After:

 Mmm. Crispy almonds.

I also gave the dog a bath outside with the hose, but didn't take any pictures of that :)

Handmade Highlights

My children were blessed with a variety of fun stuff from family and friends this past Chistmas... I am thankful for it all, both storebought and homemade, because they are enjoying every bit of it with smiles on their faces.

Here are a couple pics of the unique, handmade items that I thought you might enjoy seeing.

Apron for my 2 year old, made by her grandma, with mini oven mitts to match (not shown).

Decorated onesie and matching soft, cloth shoes for my 5 month old from So Sweet Baby.

Adorable!

Homemade BabyLegs

I love babylegs (leg warmers), especially now that my daughter is working on using the potty by herself. Much easier than tights! We have a cute printed pair, but I wanted some more that she could wear with her patterned dresses.

When I found socks for $1 at Target, I decided to make some, and bought 2 pairs of solid gray women's ankle socks. (That was all that was left that would go with the dresses I had in mind.) Now, if I'd used knee socks, this would have been much easier - just cut off the foot, hem that end, and you're done. But I decided to make do with the ankle socks.


There are some crooked seams and unfinished edges, but I think it will be fine because they won't really show too much when she wears them with dresses and her suede boots.

A semi fun project on a snowy day inside.

As usual, I didn't follow a pattern. Here's a brief rundown of what I did if you are interested. Took 2 socks. Turned them inside out - maybe not necessary. Cut off the toes. Cut a triangle out of each heel so that the cuff (at the top of each sock) was partially loose and could be reattached in a straight line. Did that to each sock. Then sewed the open toe end of one sock to the open toe end of the other sock to form a long tube. There's one leg warmer. Repeat with 2 more socks for the second leg warmer. Use 4 socks total. Not glamorous, but does the job.

Hooded Baby Bath Towel

I did it!

This was my inspiration, but for the directions, I actually just winged it.

I used a wash cloth instead of 1/2 a hand towel for the hood.

After examining a hooded towel that someone made for my daughter, I just copied how it was sewn it together.

I loved adding the fleece embellishments. So easy to work with - no fraying!

Feelin Crafty

Here are a few things I've bookmarked and would like to make someday, somewhere, somehow...

Easy Hooded Bath Towel (I think I've mentioned this one before!)

Monogrammed Burlap Pillow (I love the texture that burlap adds.)

Pillowcase Dress (I've never sewn with elastic; it intimidates me, but I need to try it.)

And, I love these children's wall decals and am trying to think of a way to copy them for my daughter's room... any ideas? I don't really want to paint on the wall because that somewhat limits furniture arrangements. Perhaps I could incorporate them into the wall art project that I have yet to do?

I'll let you know if/when I get around to any of these items! :)

Sewing Cloth Baby Wipes

I wish I had a serger. Not that I know how to use one. But it probably would have made my finished product a little nicer.

But this is about being thrifty... This was proabably my thriftiest project yet. One that my husband would question whether it was worth my time - as in could I have earned the money to purchase these new in less time than it took me to make them? Maybe, but I actually had the time (for once!) to try making these, so I did.

Last Sunday afternoon I set up shop at the kitchen table.

A newly cut stack of 7x7 inch flannel remnants from my stash.

An hour and a half later, the same stack, each piece now zig-zag stitched around the edge to discourage fraying. Time will tell.

If you are interested: my favorite baby wipes solution recipe that has been in use for nearly a year now with our daughter.

To Do

I've been home with a sick little girl for the past 2 days. That's the reason for my lack of posts. Here are two (hopefully easy) craft projects on my list for the (hopefully near) future:

Moss Topiary

Hooded Bath Towel

Basic Child's Apron

Oops! Time got away from me on Friday, so I will share this now. Here is the final product of my Thursday night project: a birthday gift I sewed for our sweet 3 year old friend, made with fabric already in the closet. Cost: less than and hour of my time! What do you think?

(Thanks, Mod Girl, for the inspiraton.)

Santa Sacks

These Holiday Gift Sacks from Land's End look cute. (Thanks for the tip Thrifty Florida Mama!)

I have thought about sewing our own Santa Sacks for our family.

Pros:

• Festive!
• Reusable (year after year)
• Inexpensive to make if you find a good deal on fabric

AND as long as you don't also individually wrap the presents, you:

• Produce less trash than using wrapping paper.
• Save money on wrapping paper in the long run.

To up the thriftyness and greeness of the project you could even re-purpose fabric from an item that you are planning to give away.

Cons:

• I would miss wrapping presents. I like wrapping presents.
• Opening wrapped presents is fun, too.

What do you think? Does anyone out there use anything like these bags?

I doubt I will get around to this project this year... Actually, rather than large Santa Sacks, I am more likely to use fabric to wrap presents individually (and then save the fabric after they are opened and reuse the fabric for another year). Is that possible? I just really like the way individually wrapped boxes look under the Christmas tree!

Hmm... Maybe I'll try to remember to look at Christmas fabric when it is on clearance after the holidays. For next year.

Visit the Green Baby Guide's Thrifty Green Thursday and Crystal's Frugal Fridays for more ideas!

Quick and Easy Alfredo

...and other ramblings.

The menu said we were going to have Garlic Chicken and Noodles with Broccoli for tonight. (That is basically chicken, noodles, and broccoli tossed with olive oil, butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.) Anyways, I didn't feel like cooking any chicken since it was just my daughter and I for dinner. But I did have half a package of cream cheese. So I spiced up our noodles and broccoli a little more by making a half order of this Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce. It was indeed quick and easy, but also rich and good. I figure a block of cream cheese for about $1 from Aldi to make this sauce is cheaper than buying the 1/2 and 1/2 or cream that are often used for other versions of Alfredo sauce.

On another note, I finally made the Zucchini Bars last week. Hmm. They did not turn out nearly as cake-like as the ones my mother-in-law brought us. Maybe my zucchini had too much liquid, I don't know. But my husband would not eat them, even with the cream cheese frosting - his favorite. Thankfully my sister visited this past weekend and liked them. Otherwise I would have been eating the whole pan by myself. The cream cheese frosting saved them.

We all really enjoyed the Cheesy Potato Soup and will be saving that recipe.

I did a cool project recently that I want to share... hopefully in the next week or so.

Check out the Mei Tai baby carrier that my cousin Mandy made! Didn't she do an awesome job?

I need to get going on Christmas shopping. I'd like to finish it in the next month and a half. Yikes!

Still to Sew...

Two projects that remain on my to-try list:

1. These Elle Tie-On Slippers that I posted about before here.

2. This Simple Tea Towel Apron.

I think both would be fun to make as gifts or party-favors.

Easy Baby Sewing Projects

It seems that most of the projects I have sewn have been baby stuff. I really didn't realize that until I started to make a list of it all. At least not all of it has been for my daughter, some of it has been given as gifts. After this post, seriously, enough of the baby stuff for awhile. I know it can be annoying if it's not what you're into right now.

A Nursing Cover


Read my previous post about it for an explanation. The dimensions of mine are 20 x 35 (if you are curious). The neck strap is 16 in. long (that's the part that shows, allow more so there's room to attach). There is a 11 1/2 in. wide gap between where the strap attaches (where you put your head through). This seems to fit me really well and I am about average height, etc.

A Play Mat or Blanket

Choose your dimensions. Make 2 squares/rectangles of your fabric. Place wrong sides together. Sew around 3 sides. Turn right side out. Cut 1 square/rectangle of felt or fleece (for the lining). Make it slightly smaller than the blanket, so it can fit inside. Place it inside the blanket - it will not be attached anywhere yet. It will be attached by you sewing across the blanket in a tic-tac-toe like pattern to make squares. This is tricky to go straight, especially if you have a big blanket. Pin as necessary throughout this entire process. Finally, turn the 4th side edges of the blanket in, pin, and then sew closed. If desired, top stitch one last time around all 4 sides of the blanket.

Note: I like to use two different fabrics on either side of the blanket. You could use two complimentary prints, or a print and a soft, fuzzy solid, or whatever you choose!


I made one of these a while ago, before I blogged, so please excuse the hideous photograph.

Embellished Burp Cloths

These are fun and pretty quick to make. Purchase some prefolded cloth diapers. I like to use the birds eye, flat weave diapers. You don't want anything too thick. Choose some fun, cute ribbon. Nothing too narrow. Sew the ribbon to the diaper along the 2 vertical seams going down the front of the diaper. If you want to go all out, purchase some super-soft, textured baby fabric. Sew a piece of the fabric to cover the entire middle section (in between the 2 vertical seams) before attaching the ribbons as borders along the 2 seams. There will still be about 1/3 of white diapers showing on the left and right.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to share, but here are some examples of ones with just ribbon.

Note: Really, if using fabric, you can put it anywhere you want. I have seen some with fabric horizontally, across the lower 1/3 of the diaper, instead of vertically down the middle 1/3. You could then add one piece of ribbon along the top edge of the fabric if desired.

Here's a helpful tutorial I just found that makes some darling ones, too!

With any of these projects, they look cute rolled them up and tied with ribbon for presentation.

My Mei Tai

Here's an idea: Sew your own baby carrier!

To save the earth and your wallet even more, reuse fabric from old clothes or blankets...( To be honest, though, I didn't do this. I chose to purchase new, cute fabric.)

My Story with Baby Carriers

When my daughter was an newborn/infant, I didn't use a baby carrier that much. This was mostly because she was wearing her hip-harness. But from 4 months on, I have really enjoyed using one.

My friend DeAnne loaned me her Hotsling, which I really like to use hip-carry style, when my daughter is alert and awake and we are just walking over to the neighbors or something. Or when I need to get something done and she just really wants to be in my arms but see what's going on.

But for longer use, or when she wants to go to sleep while we are out and about, I really like my imitation Kozy Carrier. The Kozy Carrier is an Asian style baby carrier called a Mei Tai. I sewed one myself, mimicking that style. This is by far the sewing project with which I am most pleased and of which I am most proud!

Why I Chose this Style

I had seen a Kozy Carrier in person at a friend's house and really liked it. She used it with her toddler when walking somewhere that a stroller was not convenient. After perusing the website and studying all the ways that it can be worn, I realized how versatile it was.

• It could be worn in numerous ways, with numerous sizes of babies and toddlers, and on various sizes of people.
• It folded relatively compactly, so it was easy to store and transport.
• It was hands-free. All slings are not.
• It seemed to be comfortable, because it evenly distributed the weight.
• It was cute! Or, at least, I thought so.

The only drawback was the price.

How I Made It

So, I searched the world wide web and found this Mei Tai pattern, that seemed very similar to the Kozy. With only $10 spent for material, and 3 focused hours at the sewing machine, here's the result:

Don't look too closely or you will see some crooked stitching and a little bit of unevenness in the straps :)

Notes:

I did not make a pocket on it. I didn't want any extra work, or bulk. Also, I did use printed fabric on both sides.

The straps are the hardest part, but if I can do it, you can, too!

The printed fabric is a heavy-weight cotton home-decor fabric and the straps are duckcloth. They both seem similar to canvas to me.

I used batting for the padding. You could make it without padding. I also read somewhere to use fleece for padding because it is easier to work with.

Since making this, I even thought about making one entirely with fleece. But that might be too stretchy. I don't like stretchy carriers because they always feel like they need readjusting to me.

What about corduroy? Or denim? By the way, use your heaviest duty needle (like a jean needle). I broke a needle in the middle of sewing mine. And use strong thread, obviously.

Using the Mei Tai

Yes, she fell asleep in there, sucking her fingers, of course! :)

A few places I have worn our daughter in the Mei Tai...

• At a football game
• Walking around a college campus
• During our garage sale
• Walking around on a golf course
• Hiking (see pic, that's me!)
• At home doing dishes
• Vacation
• Out and about in the neighborhood

My manly husband will even wear our daughter in it!

My next baby related project, maybe as a gift for a friend, is to sew a sling. Perhaps I should have started there... It seems a little simpler, doesn't it? Anyone have a good pattern? Oh well, no regrets... I am very thankful and glad to have my Mei Tai!

Visit the Green Baby Guide for great advice on gentle-to-our-earth, money saving ideas!

And visit Frugal Fridays for tons of thrifty tips!

Simple Tote Bag

My friend Lauren shared this pattern for sewing a tote bag with me while back. This was my first sewing project ever. I was very happy that it actually turned out to be something usable!

With a few adjustments in the measurements, you can customize the size to be anything from small to extra large. I made mine to be what I would categorize as medium. I have used it as everything from a purse, to a travel bag for magazines and reading materials, to a pool bag (although mine is not large enough for a towel), to my "teacher bag" for carrying papers home from school in it.

My bag has been through the wash several times.

If you are interested in sewing a tote bag, I think this is a great pattern to use as a starting point. From my own experience, I would recommend that you first sew a practice tote bag with cheap scraps so you don't mess up expensive material. Or maybe you won't accidentally sew one layer inside-out and have to rip it apart like me :)

With all the resuable grocery bags gaining popularity, why not be extra green and reuse some old fabric to make your own? You can use the pattern above and just make it extra-large, especially across the bottom.

Or if you don't feel like going to that much effort, just recycle an old t-shirt by doing this! It was my intended Earth Day project, and I just got around to it a week ago and made two bags. It is seriously the easiest sewing project EVER. Just sew one line, and who cares if it isn't perfectly straight?

One more place to look for free and easy tote bag patterns is the Joann's website. I like these market bags that I found there. The directions aren't that specific, so some experience may be needed.

Visit Tammy's Recipes for more tips!

Sewing this Week

I never took Home Ec. I never even used a sewing machine prior to two years ago when my mother-in-law gave me one. Can you believe that? Since then, I have accomplished a small handful of projects, some of which I am more proud of than others. I don't have a lot of patience when it comes to sewing, and am definitely still a beginner. Yet, I still find it fun.

If you are a novice sewer like me, or are more advanced but just like quick and easy projects, stick around this week for some stories, pictures, directions, and ideas. I plan to share a few of my successful projects, and some that are on my to-do list, as well.

Picture from AllPosters.com

Elle Tie-On Slippers

These Elle Tie-On Slippers look too cute to not share! They are pretty, easy to make, and frugal. They'd be a good handmade item in a gift basket, a stocking stuffer, or just an "I'm thinking of you" gift for a friend. I can't wait to try them!

Thanks to Karen Elizabeth for highlighting them. I enjoy her classy blog. Visit Crystal's Frugal Fridays post for more economical ideas!

Sewing a Nursing Cover

my folded cover

When I was pregnant, I saw pictures of these Bebe au Lait nursing covers in the baby magazines. I am a sucker for cool printed fabric. I wanted one.

I went to Nordstrom’s baby department and looked at them, all set to buy one with my mall gift card. After seeing how basic it was, I no longer wanted to spend my gift card on one. I was going to make one!

I took measurements on myself and got to work. I used lightweight cotton fabric, no lining. I even made a little sleeve at the top and placed some lightweight curved wire in side so that it would stand out at the top, just like the Bebe au Lait covers.

After seeing me use mine, a friend requested one, too. This time, I used flannel and lined it with a complimentary color, since it was wintertime and she wanted something snuggly and cozy. She used it mainly as a cover when expressing breastmilk.

This is a thoughtful and personal gift to someone with their 2nd or 3rd (or later child), when they are certain they are going to breastfeed (or express milk), and already have all the baby clothes and toys they need.

Differences between my cover and the Bebe au Lait cover:
I eventually took out the wire at the top because it got annoying. I also did not make an adjustable neck strap because I didn’t want to mess with it (just pre-measured how long I wanted it to be). I also ended up cutting mine off and hemming shorter than I had originally planned because that made it easier to maneuver.

I know some people do great with just a blanket over the shoulder when “coverage” is desired. I like this cover, though, because it helped me to relax and be more comfortable when I was nursing at friends’ houses when people (not just women) were in the room. I didn’t have to worry about flashing someone. In the early days when I was nursing frequently, this helped me to not miss out or feel ostracized by allowing me to be comfortable nursing wherever I was.

I just wanted to share this idea, because it is simple, pretty, practical, and of course, frugal!

Visit Crystal's blog for more tips!