frankenpug

Sewing Rehab

2010-05-12T12:58:00.007-05:00

OK, I have fallen off the sewing wagon (duh right...pretty obvious since this is only my 2nd post for 2010!) and I just ran across this "challenge" so to speak while catching up on some of my favorite bloggers recent goings on. I think I will give it a whirl. If you care to join click the button and read all about it!

Modge Podge Anyone? (and yes I am still alive)

2010-05-11T09:59:00.004-05:00

Well hello there! Long time no chat, but I am here:)

Finally got around to a little crafting and thought I would share. Made the mom's some flower pots for Mother's Day. I have discovered Modge Podge and I must say I am hooked. I always knew it existed of course, but I had never actually gotten around to messing with it until now. I painted some terra cotta pots (and sealed the inside with some polyeurathane) and wanted to hand paint some designs on them. I am not much of a painter outside stripes and polka dots so I thought why not Modge Podge some fabric onto them instead. I found a couple prints in my stash and cut out the flowers and stuck them on there. It was a fun little project and super easy...and I really like how they turned out! Here is a pic of one of the pots...

Front:

Back:

This is my first experience with painting pots so I don't know how well they will stand up to watering and such. I sealed the insides and outside after many (many, many)coats of the MP. Only time will tell I guess and if not I may have to tweak my methods for next time. If anyone has any pointers please let me know:)

Hope all you mom's out there had a fantastic Mother's Day:)

Hot Mama Apron Reveal

2009-12-04T13:26:00.002-06:00

Here is the apron I sent Micki for the latest installment of the Hot Mama Apron Swap

Unfortunately, I only have a camera phone photo...not the best quality, but you get the idea.

I also receive a choco-licious apron of my very own from Cynthia...along with some dove dark chocolate goodness! I will snap some pics this weekend and post all about it:)

Tutorials, Tutorials, Tutorials

2009-12-04T12:56:00.002-06:00

I have been trolling the Internet the past few days looking for quick-sew gift ideas (quick-sew because I have waited to the last minute...again!). Here are a few neat ones that caught my eye:

Fabric Flowers (featured on SewMamaSew too)

Flexi-coin Purse (I heart that Uhandbag!)

Baby Burp Cloths (Got a baby shower next weekend)

Cute Appliqued Coasters (I am a sucker for owls)

Patchwork Placemats (I think these would be fun for Grandma)

Hopefully I will have some actual photos to share after the Holidays...if I ever get myself back into the sewing room:)

The camera cable has been found!

2009-09-18T06:15:00.007-05:00

Ok, so the camera cable was MIA, but as it turns out I am the only one who thought it was missing...hubby had put it away without letting me in on the "secret" hiding place. (Translation: I am always leaving stuff laying about which he finds completely annoying so it really wasn't lost...it just wasn't where I left it last since he had put it where it supposed to go when not in use...lol).

So here is what I have been up to lately...

1. The Birdie Sling:

outside

inside

I made this for my friend/co-worker Dena. She picked out the AB fabrics and I lined it with some coordinating marroon quilting cotton. I deviated from the pattern a little...no so much in the pattern itself, but in the instruction. I use some pretty heavy duty sew-in interfacing on all of the pieces in order to make sure it was extra sturdy. After I was done I was kind of thinking I may have gone overboard because that puppy was stiff, but turns out that after some use it has softened up nicely and still has a good shape.

The Birdie Sling is a fun easy pattern so I would recommend it to anyone and the handbag is HUGE...much bigger than I thought it was going to be. Another plus, you get to learn how to do a curved gusset...I love it when I learn something new! And yet another plus, she loves it...and that makes me happy:)

2. The Hooty Hanging Organizer:

Another co-worker has a daughter who started college this year and she asked if I could make some sort of hanging organizer to fit under the mattress of her loft bed so she would have somewhere to keep her glasses and such. After some pondering I came up with this...

The Hooty Hanging Organizer!

I added a little shelf liner to act as a gripper to help keep it in place and some pleated pockets for a little extra room so she could put a book in there or even her slippers. It must be doing the job because now her roommate wants one:)

3. Mama Mia! Hot Mama Apron Swap:

Last but not least...Here are the photos of the apron I received from Sherry in YarniGras' latest installment of the Hot Mama Swap.

Thanks Sherry!

The End...

absintee blogger...

2009-08-28T10:13:00.004-05:00

I know my blog has been the most boring on the planet, but I have been BUSY! I have some photos on my camera that are eagerly awaiting being downloaded...I have some completed projects to share, a swapper to thank properly, and some trip photos too. I am really hoping to get to it this weekend...we shall see if I can squeeze it in between 2 baseball games, a football game, and a purse that I really need to get sewed together;)

Have a good weekend everyone:)

Mama Mia!...Here I Go Again!

2009-07-29T12:58:00.007-05:00

The Mama Mia Apron swap comes to a close. Here is what I sent:)

My partner was Becca and she said her favorite part of the movie was the ocean and her favorite color was red. I decided to ignore the favorite color part (sorry Becca!) and focus on the ocean. After sifting thru my stash I found the perfect combo of fabrics to "make the ocean" out of. I decided on the Marie Antoinette apron out of "A is for Apron" (a great aproning resource). This is the end result...

Can you see the ocean in it? I made the ruffles out of some sparkly tulle, some aqua tulle, some sage chiffon and the main panel out of blue satin. The band and ties are fashioned from the thrifted sheet I acquired at Goodwill last summer. Then I used some funky buttons to secure the accordion pleats.

I threw in a recipe for some watermelon sangria, some blue cocktail napkins, an Amy Butler FQ, and some 3-D die cut stickers in a beach motif. Voila, swap package complete!

BTW, I got my swap package from Sherry when I arrived home yesterday (clap, clap)! I will post about it tomorrow...gotta get some pics!

Heaven on Earth!

2009-07-29T12:31:00.005-05:00

Just got back from Michigan. We were up there visiting my BFF Carolyn and her family. We absolutely LOVE Michigan check out some of the fun we had over our long (but not quite long enough) weekend.

The lighthouse at the channel...

Check out the waves!

Ready to boogie (boogie board that is)!

Caught one!

Lyddie has her floatie and she is ready to ride the waves...

Andy & Graham out on the Hobie Kat

View from the top...

View from the top...see the rainstorm heading in on the right side of the picture?

Isn't it just beautiful!?! Usually when we go up the water is a little too frigid, but this was the PERFECT weekend. We swam and visited, beached and sailed...truly the most amazing weekend:) I have more pics to share, but they are on my friend's camera. Once she gets them uploaded I will share more of the fun and scenery with you:) If anyone is in need of family vacation ideas I say look into a trip to Michigan! I would take it over a trip to the ocean any day!

Been on hiatus...

2009-07-16T15:51:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posting...we have been hustling and bustling thru summer.

My son's 9-U Baseball team won a tournament...

Here is another shot with Coach Dad...

Graham fell off his bike and busted his knee open so he got his first set of stitches...to be honest I am quite surprised he lasted this long...he is pretty accident prone...lol

Not too horrible, but still pretty gross:)

On the sewing front...I made another Nappy Bag for a co-worker whose daughter is expecting her first baby any day.

She picked out this cute monkey print to go along with the monkey themem nursery...they are having a boy.

I lined it with some basic brown cotton and made the inside pockets out of some cute stripe I stumbled upon at Joann's

She will be picking it up tomorrow...I hope she and her daughter like it!

Up Next...

This weekend it ANOTHER baseball tournament. It is the last of the summer season so I am looking forward to a little break before Fall Ball starts up (yeah, we are crazy...we play practically year round).

I am also just about done with my Mama Mia apron for YarniGras! swap. I am so excited about it and can't wait for my partners reaction! As soon as she receives it I will post pics! Probably by sometime next week...the mail deadline is this Saturday.

Next weekend we are off to Michigan to visit friends and beach it up...then we are home a weekend before heading out for our yearly float trip. We are definitely closing summer out with a bang! I can't believe school registration is in 2 weeks! Where does the time go?

Another Reveal

2009-06-19T14:16:00.006-05:00

This time it is my Seams To Me bag...as in the one I received from my WTPS #5 partner (the swap mama and uber sewist Tracey). Thanks Tracey! I love it:) I started carrying it the day I received it and I have had SO many complements!

Check it out everyone!...and DROOL;)

Full frontal

Innards

Reverse

A better look at the cute fabrics, and the awesome wooden handles...such a good idea!

Initial Frenchy's (and I survived!)

2009-06-02T12:22:00.005-05:00

Sorry for my long absence! I am seriously bad at blogging in the summer. Come to think of it I am not that much of a regular in the winter either;)...

Anyway, here is what I have been up to lately:

I trained for and ran/biked in a local biathlon. I even took 3rd place in my age group. I think there were only 4 entrants in my age group so it isn't like it is a major accomplishment, but I ran, I biked, I finished! YAY! That there is accomplishment enough for me:) As an added bonus I get a little award for my "3rd place" efforts.

Exercise photos are SO flattering...NOT!

On the sewing front:

I have been a busy little bee...

I just completed some Frenchy bags that are going to be given as bridal party gifts.

6 bags in total. It really went fast (well after the cutting part-which was A LOT of cutting-I think over 100 total pieces-no lie)and I was amazed how easy they went together. I recommend this pattern to anyone at any sewing level.

Each bag has a bridesmaid's initial which was monogrammed for me by my Aunt. I really want one of those fancy machines! They do some cool stuff.

I lined them in some gray broadcloth cotton and lined the pockets with so of the full moon polka dot. I am totally jazzed about them I think they turned out really nice. I hope the bride likes them! She is picking them up later today:)

Seams To Me Reveal

2009-05-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

Tracey has received the item I made for her so I can share finally share the photos.

Here it is...

I decided to make the "I'll Take One of Everything Bag". I love the way it turned out! Although I did think it would be a little larger...I think if/when I make one for myself I will enlarge the pattern pieces so it will turn out bigger. I made it out of Katie Jump Rope fabric from my stash (some of my FAVORITE fabric).

One thing I really love about AMH's book...a lot of the projects don't appear require a huge amount of fabric so I think I am going to be able to use up some of my scraps. This is pretty exciting since my scrap pile is now occupying a rather large box...it could use a little dwindling:)

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-28T07:10:00.000-05:00

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

This blog has the best giveaways! Wait till you see this lovely frock!

I have been busy landscaping around the house. As soon as it stops raining I am going to snap some photos and share them with all of you:)

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

Another great giveaway...cute little skirts for darling little princesses:)

Post #98...

2009-04-21T11:55:00.006-05:00

My 98th post! That means 100 could be happening soon...although at my current blog rate "soon" could equal June...lol!

Ok, so I just wanted to let you all know that Tracey over at Itching2bstitching is counting down to summer and she is having a giveaway to celebrate! All you have to do is run over there and dish about your summer plans and-viola!-you're entered. Give her a shout out on your own blog and receive 5 (count 'em-5) additional entries! How sweet is that?!?

On the sewing front:

I have just completed my "Seams to Me" item for the We the People Swap part 5. I am happy to report that I am done a whole week in advance of the due date...YAY! Take that procrastination! I can't share photos just yet cuz it is supposed to be a secret swap and I would hate to spoil the surprise, but I am getting it out in the mail today so I am thinking I will be able to share photos by the weekend...keep an eye out:)

Seriously, what are you still doing here? Don't you have a giveaway to be entering?!? Now, SCOOT!

I found a giveaway!

2009-03-30T13:37:00.003-05:00

Click the button to be redirected to Calamity Kim's HUGE giveaway! Sign up by April 1st!

As promised...and promised

2009-03-28T16:24:00.008-05:00

Ok, I know all of you are on the edge of your seats-on a saturday evening-to see pictures of the Weekender...lol! Well here they are:

ALL of those pieces turned into...

I threw some herb seeds, body polish, 1 yard of fabric (per swap requirements) it's Farmer's Market I think. I also attached a cute little Tinkerbelle keychain cuz she matched the bag:)

My partner also won the wallet giveaway I had so that is included as well.

Here are some better shots of the baby shoes too...

Next up is the PDC (pretty darn cute) Nappy Bag that I made for my ready-to-pop-at-any-moment pregnant gal pal.

I am totally digging the cute owl fabric (Alexander Henry) and the Cherry Full Moon Polka Dot by AB. I think I have enough extra to make a cute summer frock for Lyddiebug...but we will have to see because I am done with the bag, but I still have the changing pad and case to finish up...

And last, but not least...

My Weekender Bag by Ellena!! Isn't it totally AWESOME?? I can't thank her enough for making this such a GREAT swap!!

Well, that is the end of my photo slide show...also the end of what I am sure is my LONGEST post ever! I am nearing my 100th post so I am thinking a fun little contest is in order...Any ideas?

Bored

2009-03-27T16:27:00.002-05:00

I am bored and having a doodle. I want to make an apron like this...

I want to cut the tiers of the skirt on the bias so they will be full and I think I will layer some tulle between them as well. Add a little fabric flower brooch at the top and voila! I haven't made an apron for a LONG time. I kind of burnt myself out last year...I lovingly refer to it as Apron 08. I must be feeling nostalgic though because recently I am feeling the urge to whip up something domestic:)

OK, well I am off to deal with rush hour traffic. I love getting of work at 5(not)! I am going to upload pics when I get home whilst I enjoy my kick-off-the-weekend-cocktail...lol. So I should have some Weekender pics available for your viewing pleasure by late this evening or sometime tomorrow.

It's ALIVE

2009-03-23T10:10:00.003-05:00

Ok, I apologize for my brief (if you consider a whole month brief) hiatus! But I am back and in full effect:)...Isn't that a line from a Vanilla Ice song or something...lol!

I had quite the busy sewing weekend!! I will be back tomorrow to share pics with all of you. Here is a little tidbit to hold you over...

I made these cutesy little baby shoes for some friends that had a baby last month. I used this tutorial which is also linked in my blog sidebar. This was a super easy, super fast, super fun little project. If you are ever in a bind and need a quick, cute, original baby gift I would keep this pattern handy!!

Alright, be sure to check back tomorrow (or the day after that, or the day after that-cuz, let's be honest, I am a SLOW mover...)! I will be sharing pics of the weekender I made, the weekender I received (it is flipping AMAZING), and a Nappy Bag in progress (it's PDC if I do say so myself).

Laters:)

And the drumroll please...

2009-02-27T09:46:00.004-06:00

Here are the fabrics I chose:

So the correct number combination was #5 & #3. No one guessed both but several of you guessed at least one right.

So after giving everyone the correct amount of entries I tossed you all in hat and the lucky winner is...

Congrats, Ellena! A Weekender and a wallet:)

Where is the spring!?!

2009-02-25T12:33:00.004-06:00

Ok, how is everyone? Sorry I have been MIA around here, but I am just coming off a little bout of Influenza or something of the like. Today is the first day I have been out of my house since Sunday morning, and it is the first day I have driven my car since Friday! Talk about living in the Twilight Zone...

So, now that I am back amongst the living I figured I would take care of a little bloggy business..

1) The Giveaway- The giveaway is now closed and I would like to thank everyone who participated. I will be announcing the winner on Saturday so stay tuned.

2) Weekender Bag progress- Right now I am completely annoyed with my weekender bag...attaching the main panels in all of their Timtex glory to the zipper/bottom panel is turing into my own private nightmare. I am hoping I can just pull it off with out having to start over 2 days before the deadline! I am having an AWFUL time getting close enough to the piping...especially in the bottom corners. There is SO much bulk in the seams! I trimmed the timtex back but I am still having an issue. I have broken about 5 needles so far. At this point I am half considering hand-sewing the darn thing! I hear the lining part is a breeze compared to the step I am at now...I am ready for a little something 'breezy' let me tell ya! Right now I am in the process of taking deep breaths and counting to 10 just to get me thru this...lol!

3) Where is the spring- I don't know about all of you, but I am totally ready for spring! Winter has definitely worn out it's welcome with me! I am ready to go outside for longer than a few minutes. I want to sit on the deck, get into the garden, put flowers in the pots, and crack out the grill! Ok, I am done:) But seriously, we have to be getting close, right?

Excitement is in the air and I am having a GIVEAWAY!

2009-02-20T14:07:00.003-06:00

This is a sticky post...new posts found below until contest closes on the 20th:)

********EDITED********

Okay, everyone, I am so excited!!! I am participating the We The People Swap Episode #4, hosted by the wonderful Tracey, and in this round we are making weekender bags! YAY! Not only do I get to make this awesome bag for someone, but I get one in return!

So today I have finally decided on my fabrics...and I am going to give all of you a chance to guess which ones they are. Those of you who guess correctly will be entered in a drawing to win a frankenpug wallet (inspired by 'this darn kat' tutorial)!!! So exciting right?!?

Here are the choices...

Fabrics for the main body of the bag:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Fabrics for accent and lining:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ok, so here's the rules...EDITED

Select a main fabric and and accent fabric (you can identify them by number) and type your selection, along with your wallet color preference, in the comments section of this post. Those of you who guess the right combination will be placed in a hat,or into the RNG, and one lucky person will be the recipient of a frankenpug wallet. Only one entry per person. Contest will remain open until 2/20. Good guessin'!

New Rules:

Posting a guess will give you 1 entry
Spreading the word will give you 1 more entries
Guessing one of the fabrics correctly will give you 3 extra entries
Guessing both fabrics correctly will give 5 extra entries.

Add em up and that could equal 10 entries!

oh yeah...I will announce the winner on 2/28 (the swap deadline)

Weekender Bag Progress Report

2009-02-13T11:13:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I have all my pieces cut out for my Weekender Bag project. (Well. almost all of the cutting is complete. I ordered a bolt of heavy sew-in interfacing from Joann's with my 50% off coupon-good deal!- anyway the shipping takes FOREVER from that place! It finally made it here so I really have a couple more cut outs to do of the interfacing). Let me tell you that is a LOT of cutting! I would show pics of all my lovely cut outs, but that would give away my fabric choices...and that wouldn't make sense since I am having a "guess what fabric I picked giveaway".

I am going to start on the sewing tonight. Lyddiebug is staying at the GP's and Andy and Graham have baseball practice...so that means I get the house all to myself for 3.5 whole hours! Cha-ching! Talk about 3.5 consecutive hours of uninterrupted sewing while singing along the to XM satellite radio (the Lithium station-yeah, I am totally stuck in the 90's...lol)! I am a little nervous because I have had some bad luck with covering the cording in the past so to be safe I plan to have a seam ripper on hand...and I think I am going to whip out the antique machine with the old standard zipper foot to see if that helps out at all. My zipper foot for my Brother machine is not very user friendly for me for some reason. Does anyone have any Brother zipper foot tips that might be useful? I hate it because it is so wide at the back which doesn't' really facilitate close sewing to the zipper. Unless maybe I am trying to sew too close? I think I need some guidance!:)

Ok, I am done rambling/venting about my zipper foot...any comments with helpful tips will be much appreciated:) I will take photos as I complete the bag so I can share the construction process later.

Have a good weekend everyone!

I feel LAME!

2009-02-03T16:19:00.006-06:00

Ok, so is my giveaway lame or what...I have six entrants. Oh well, that definitely makes the odds better for those of you who have posted a guess;) I think I am going to ammend the rules a little...(Click the link to see the edited contest)

On to happier news...

I just received my first mini quilt from the uber talented Jill. It is AMAZING! I love it! I think it is by far one of the coolest things I have ever received in a swap. Thanks so much Jill! BTW, your quilt is in the mail today...

Check out the photos...

I think my June Cleaver-esque mini looks fab against the 50's aqua colored walls of my sewing room!

(Check out my innovative hanging mechanism...packing tape stuck straight to the wall...FANCY!)

So creative! I am in complete awe!

I absolutely love this quilt and can't wait to hang it on the wall. BTW, how exactly do you hang these things on the wall? I have the perfect spot for it right behind my ironing board:)

THANKS, JILL!

Peek in the variety of sneak...

2009-01-27T08:36:00.004-06:00

Ok...I finally re-batteried my camera! Everyone do the happy dance with me:)

I wanted to share a sneak peek of the mini quilt in a bag I am making for Jill. It is nowhere near as awesome as the one she made me (and I have only seen the sneak peek of mine-I am totally excited to see the whole thing in person!) , but for a first timer I don't think it turned out too bad. Here is a little sneak for now. You will be able to see the whole thing once I get it completely done and it has been received by Jill.

A little bloggy business...

2009-01-12T20:09:00.007-06:00

Sorry to my blog followers...I know things have been a little quiet around here. My camera batteries are still dead and I hate blogging without pictures. Plus I still think I am still coming off the holidays...seems like the "recovery" takes longer as you get older...lol! I have been up to some sewing and I am hoping to share all of that with you in the near future...

In other news, I have received a bloggy award from Aunt Pitty Pat. My first bloggy award ever! Thanks, A P-squared:)

Here is the 4-1-1:

This blog invests and believes in Proximity- nearness in space, time and relationships.These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends . They are not interested in prize for self- aggrandizement!
Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut ,even more friendships are propagated.

Please give more attention to these writers! You are suppose to pass this award on to 8 fellow bloggers, to include the above text in their blog. So with new and wonderful friendships formed I have given it to these 8 bling bloggers.

1. Itching2bstitching
2. What Katy Did
3. Eat Cake(she hasn't posted in awhile-and by awhile I mean like a year-but there are lots of useful links and informational posts to check out)
4. Lola...Again(Her blog is always a laugh!)
5. Pink Penguin
6. 1/4 of an inch
7. Yarni Gras...who was already nominated by APP...
8. Ginger Monkey

There you have it...8 little bloggy gems.

Hip Hostess Giveaway

2009-01-07T15:12:00.002-06:00

Check out The Hip Hostess (totally hip indeed!) and jot down your fave apron...then run over to Apronista and comment for a chance to win one! Receive an extra entry for advertising the giveaway on your blog:)

This is my fave! Isn't it cherrylicious?!?

Good luck!

Time for action!!

2009-01-06T08:52:00.002-06:00

Please click the above button and get informed! We must band together fight for our crafting friends and our right to craft for our children!

Giveaway at Gracie Lou's!

2008-12-30T08:42:00.002-06:00

There is a giveaway going on at Gracie Lou's Quilt Shoppe! Click the button on my sidebar and read all about it:) Good luck...there are some FABULOUS prizes!

Pajama Challenged

2008-12-23T11:36:00.002-06:00

Can anyone recommend a good pajama pattern? I am looking for something that is the traditional elastic pant and button top. I could even use some tips if such a pattern does not exist...or maybe pick up a used pair at the Goodwill and decontruct them to use a pattern. Any suggestions are more than welcome!! Thanks:)

Happy Holidays all!

Quiz

2008-12-22T15:07:00.000-06:00

Just a little something to do if you are bored...or needing a break from pre-holiday craziness:)

I am a
Canna

What Flower
Are You?

Click on the pic and go take the quiz...are you the flower you thought you were? I think I would rather be a daisy, but I guess Canna will do;)

More Quilted Wallet Fun

2008-12-19T15:44:00.003-06:00

I whipped up a couple more wallets...one for my darling babysitter (the kiddos just adore her) and one for my son's bus driver (today was her last day driving the bus-she is moving away-and she is the nicest person so I thought I would make a little present for him to give to her-half going away gift, half Merry Christmas gift).

I brought them into work to show them off and got some requests for xmas presents..lol...looks like I am going to be sew, sew, sewing this weekend...darn! (Just kidding...I love an excuse to sew)

Winter Sassy Apron

2008-12-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

The fair Katy of Queensland (check out her blog...she is one crafty gal)has received her Sassy Apron so I can share photos with all of you. YAY! I know you are all on the edge of your seats in anticipation...haha.

So here it is...

I did the Emmeline by Sew Liberated. I thought that would be the best way to make a holiday apron and a winter apron since it is a reversible pattern. It can be worn on the Christmas side for the rest of the month then flipped around for the rest of the winter. I added a little yo-yo pocket to the "winter side" which didn't turn out as nicely as I had envisioned, but I don't think it looks too bad.

I also included some cookie cutters, pencil box and magnets, and some list making paper:)

Happy Christmas, Katy! I am glad you enjoyed your sassy package!

Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!

2008-12-12T13:27:00.004-06:00

I won the drawing for the We the People Swap III, so I got an extra pattern off of my wish list as a prize...exciting, eh?!?

So yesterday, there it was in the mail....my very own Weekender Bag pattern by Amy Butler! (Can I get a whoop, whoop!) A bit THANK YOU to the swap mama, Tracy! I can't wait til WTPS 2009 starts up:)

Now I need to whip up a Weekender and a Sophia and plan myself a little getaway;)

Doing the Peruse

2008-12-10T16:22:00.007-06:00

Ok, so I am bored so I was perusing fabric webistes (shocker!!) and I stumbled across some yummy fabrics that are making their debut in early 2009! Here are a couple...ok a few...ok A LOT...that make my little sewing heart go pitter-patter:)

Garden Friends by Jay McCarroll (Yeah, of Project Runway fame)

Coming in February 2009...here are a couple of my favorite swatches:

Woodland Wonderland also by jay McCarroll

Also coming in February 2009

Urban Flannel by Valori Wells

Coming this month (if it isn't already out there)

Treetop Fancy by Tina Givens

Coming in January 2009

That is what I have for now...I am going to keep digging;)

Laters...

Mini Quilt Swap Goodies Recieved!

2008-12-09T10:29:00.002-06:00

I recieved my goodies from Spinster Handmade for the Mini-Quilt swap. Such a lovely collection! I hope I can do them justice. This will be my first quilt ever! I have tons of ideas rolling around...hopefully I can channel them into sewing up something fun:)

I am hoping to get started this weekend...I will post my progress as things start moving along.

My camera is suffering from dead batteries so to peek at the fabrics click here. I hate it when I can't put pics in my posts...but apparently I hate buying batteries more...lol!

Laters:)

Not It!!!

2008-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Holy moly...I have been tagged (well I was tagged like a week ago)! I have never been "tagged" before...well at least not in blogland...lol. Thanks a lot, Aunt Pitty Pat! Now I have to think of six random things about myself...

Ok here it goes...make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom because there will be six lucky bloggers tagged by me:)

The rules are simple to play......

Here goes, first let me see if I can follow the rules:
Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you.
Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog.
Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself.
Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.
Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Random thing #1: I am a CRAZY driver...Probably because I am always late (which irritates my punctual husband) so I am in a constant state of hurry. One time we were on our way home from vacation (and I was driving, because I am the driver-no one else drives fast enough for me) and I was zipping along weaving in and out of traffic...my husband looks over at the speedometer then looks at me and says "Do we really need to be driving 100mph?" Guess not...I will slow it down to 85...lol!

Random thing #2: I am the BIGGEST procrastinator on the planet...anyone who has been my swap partner can attest. I may be late, but I NEVER flake...so that should at least be a little comforting:)

Random thing #3: I have had more freckles than anyone I know for my entire life (at least since I was 4) and at least once every couple of years some cute little child asks me why I have so many pimples on my face. The question sends me running for the mirror...then I remember it is the freckles. I guess I am so used to them that I forget they are there.

Random thing #4: I am left-handed...and proud of it:) It is really kind of annoying being a lefty in a righty world. I am a complete lefty...I just learned how to use my mouse with my right hand...lol. You know how some people are left handed, but the only thing they use their left hand for is writing? That isn't me...I do everything with my left.

Random thing #5: I am not very good at coming up with random things about myself...stopping at 5...

Now 6 people...hmmm...I guess I will tag:

Everyone! If you are reading and want to play along go ahead!

WTPS III Swap Package

2008-11-28T13:00:00.003-06:00

I just walked out to the mailbox and there was a surprise waiting for me!

A BIG thank you to Shari for putting this AMAZING package together for me! I love the Flea Market Fancy bag she made me! I just love that fabric line!

Thanks again, Shari! I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving:)

Swaps and Such

2008-11-25T06:53:00.004-06:00

I recently participated in the We The People Swap (III) over at itching 2b stitching which was great fun! I recommend joining up if she hosts another round of them next year!

My partner was Hope and here is what I sent her.

Just kidding...she has received it so I can show you the goods:)

The swap requirements were 1 pattern and 1 charm pack from your partner's wish list. I sent her the Urban Chiks 1974 charm pack from Moda (which I have now decided I must have!) and the Cupcake Pincushion pattern by Sandi Henderson (also something I now must have...lol). We could throw in any little extras we wanted-it wasn't required, but I threw in a couple things. I added a couple 1930's repro fat quarters, a fabric covered button (covered by me-which is a fun little hobby), and a couple lengths of ribbon that match the charm squares.

I had a good time getting all of this stuff together and I mailed it way early!! Cha-ching...I am usually a late mailer. Score 1 for Heather, procrastination ZERO! I am trying to turn over a new leaf;)

BTW, I also finally got my Mini Quilt Swap goods into the mail...they are on their way to Spinster Handmade...can wait to see she does with them!

Fabric for Grabs!

2008-11-24T11:07:00.003-06:00

I found a giveaway! This one has 2 yards (yes, 2 YARDS) of Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy fabric up for grabs!!!

I was having issues making a button so click here to be redirected to Little Blue Cottage. The drawing is Wednesday so scurry your little behind over there and enter!

Good Luck (to me...lol)

Fabric Finds

2008-11-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

Everyone who reads my blog (all 6 of you...lol) knows I LOVE fabric. I just thought I would share some faves I have stumbled upon of late. You all have probably seen them before...I am not the most informed fabricaholic:)

Feathered Friends by Wendy Slotboom

Bell Bottoms by Jennifer Paganelli

Alexander Henry Novelties & Geometrics

Sugar Snap by Melissa Averinos

Also, a couple sewing patterns I must make room for in my pattern box(es)...

Fresh-Picked Pincushions ~ Heather Bailey Sewing Pattern

Happy Stacker Ring Toy ~ Heather Bailey Sewing Pattern

Cupcake Pincushion Sewing Pattern ~ Portabellopixie

Claire Sewing Pattern ~ Portabellopixie

Feather Your Nest ~ Amy Butler Sewing Pattern

and oh so many more:)

Pug Shots

2008-11-19T07:45:00.000-06:00

The cuddle pugs were looking cute the other day so we had a little photo shoot.

It is so hard to photograph Dudley...he just looks like a black blob next to Percy.

EXTREME CLOSEUPS

Awww...look at that face!

Percy looks like he is getting a little irritated by all the flashing going on...lol

Quilted Wallet Fun

2008-11-18T07:52:00.008-06:00

Graham's teacher had a birthday last Friday so I whipped her up this wallet as a gift. It was inspired by a tutorial I found at This Darn Kat. I am pleased with the way it turned out...I was kind of nervous because this was my first wallet and I didn't really have time to start over if I messed up (since, in true Heather fashion, I was sewing it Thursday night and it had to go to school on Friday). The only part I had a little trouble with was the folding of the credit card slots...I must have folded it backwards because the design on my fabric ended up being upside down, but oh well that seems to be my tradmark:) I have posted the photos below...

Here is the front...

(I LOVE that button!!!)

Here is the inside...

Here is the inside being useful...

And here is the backside...

Trolling the Blogiverse for more giveaways...

2008-11-14T14:09:00.005-06:00

and lo and behold I found one!

The Old Red Barn Co is giving away 3 (yes, THREE) awesome quilts to 3 lucky winners!
Click the button for more information.

Check out the quilty goodness...

My fave is the one in the middle. It is fashioned from Tula Pink Nest fabric...one of my new faves!

Good luck everyone:)

Another Bloggy Giveaway-HipHipHooray!

2008-11-12T16:19:00.003-06:00

Lola...Again is celebrating reaching her 300th post on her blog by giving away some AMAZING prizes! All you have to do is comment on the post and to receive extra entries post about it on your blog and let her know.

Now click the button and go try to win some stuff:)

Good Luck!

Decisions, Decisions (and fabric sales)

2008-11-12T11:49:00.005-06:00

After much consideration I have finally selected my fabrics for the mini quilt swap over at Scrap Happy Quilts. Here is a picture..

I chose the Katie Jump Rope fabrics by Denyse Schmidt. I LOVE this fabric! Imagine my heartbreak when I found out this fabric has been discontinued!! WHAT?!? Why do they always discontinue the good stuff!? So I hopped onto Etsy and grabbed up as much as I could...go here for a great sale!

Later:)

P.S. Rural Fabric is closing their Etsy shop..stop by there for great deals on some awesome designer fabrics!!

Fun Projects for the Heather-do List

2008-11-07T11:25:00.005-06:00

I was blog surfing (yeah, again-it has become my favorite passtime) and came across this neat tutorial over at SewMamaSew. It is all about making fabric wall art. It sounds super easy and looks AMAZING. What a great inexpensive way to dress up a naked wall!

Here are a couple of pictures I snagged so you know what I am talking about...

I think it would be cool to expand on the idea even further and make a padded headboard or something...the possibilites are endless! Plus I am planning a little road trip to IKEA at the beginning of December (doing cartwheels-LOVE Ikea!) so I might have to grab up some supplies while I am there!

Another tutorial I stumbled upon was one for making reversible appliance covers.

Think how HOT your kitchen will look when you dress your counter-top appliances up in these fancy duds!

Uninspired Thursday

2008-11-06T09:25:00.004-06:00

I wanted to post on my blog today, but find myself totally uninspired and without a finished project to even share. How boring is that?

Do you ever have those days when you sit at work and daydream all day long about the sewing/crafting/baking you are going to do when you get home only to get home and make dinner/bathe kids/do homework then just end plopping on the couch and never quite getting around to that creative therapy you had planned for yourself? TOTALLY FRUSTRATING!!

The Fabric Has Been Selected

2008-11-01T08:00:00.005-05:00

I have finally selected my fabric for my Sassy Swap Winter apron.

To me this fabric screams winter. I think it is the crisp ivory/white background against the blue. Do you get the same vibe? I am going to pair it with some silver crushed velvet to give it a little extra pizazz...much like the Recycle Swap apron I made...I really loved the look the aqua colored velvet added to the finished product.

I am excited and hoping to get started this weekend! I want to be one of the early mailers for a change;)

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween, and survived the night without too much of a tummy ache...lol

Qulting...Sure I'll give it a try!

2008-10-31T09:40:00.007-05:00

I just signed up for a mini-quilt swap I found on Swapdex. Here are the details...

Signups begin today and will end next Saturday,November 1st. To sign up ,just leave a comment here on the blog. On Sunday,Nov. 2nd,I will send you the email address of your partner. This is NOT a secret swap,so the two of you will exchange mailing info. Then the fun begins:

1. Assemble in a bag/baggie ingredients to make a mini quilt. (Let's say anything under 20" finished quilt size is acceptable)This can be fat quarters,charm squares,strips,and/or embellishments of any kind. Think outside the box....beads,silk flowers,felt,floss,etc. Don't send batting-your partner can provide that! Send them to your partner by November 30th.
2. Once you receive your baggie of loot,create a mini quilt for your partner. You must use at least a bit of every item in the bag....you may also add items from your stash.
3. Mail the finished top (quilted and bound )to your partner by the end of January. This should give us plenty of extra time around the holidays.
4. Include a label on the back with pertinent info. Please email me when you have sent and rec'd your quilt. Post pictures!

UPDATE: let's say maker provides backing fabric and batting-ok?

I am a little nervous, but I am looking forward to swapping something besides aprons. If anyone is interested in joining sign-ups don't end until tomorrow (11/1) and I have included the button in this post so all you have to do is click and you are on your way:)

On the fastrack to F.A.

2008-10-30T08:11:00.010-05:00

I have been going a little crazy lately. Probably because my sewing room looks like this...

(ok, maybe that one doesn't look so bad, but it is the only "finished" part of the room. BTW, that is the desk I will be refinishing. I have it all planned-I am going to paint the desk a charcoal gray color and then adhere some funky fabrics to the drawers and replace the handles)

and this...

(kind of barren)

It is a definite work in progress! I am going to paint the wall behind the bookshelf in alternating light orange and red orange to complement my inspiration fabric.

Bright Buds by Amy Butler. Can you say gorgeous!?! I already have the walls painted a lovely shade of aqua. I am totally digging the space, I just need to get it done so I can get back to my sewing! Once I get the bookshelf walls done I can put my stash in its new home. Right now it is residing on my sewing table...

which makes it hard to get any sewing done. It isn't like I can just throw it on the floor (gasp!) to make room...haha.

To make matters worse I went to an auction a couple of weeks ago and aquired more sewing junk (just kidding-I know sewing stuff is not "junk"). I got 4 boxes of vintage fabrics, vintage needle point, vintage tranfers, and quilt batting/pillow forms. Plus I scored the motherload of vintage patterns...

Yeah, 5 boxes of vintage patterns! I am going to list some in my Etsy shop once I get everything organized. I need to go through all of them and make sure all pieces are present and get photos taken. Wait till you guys see them, they are totally cool! Oh yeah, and the swanky dress on "Sally" (pictured above) was hidden in one of the boxes as well.

Right now I am kind of overwhelmed and thinking I may need to start a local chapter of Fabricaholics Anonymous for myself! I just keep buying fabric...I can't stop! I have already ebayed some today and it is only 8am! Hello, my name is Heather and I am a fabricaholic...lol! Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I would just start sewing actual items out of the fabric, but it looks so pretty all uncut and neatly folded. Does anyone else suffer from this problem?!? Please tell me I am not alone:)

Swapity, Swap, Swap

2008-10-28T11:24:00.002-05:00

Punkrockertracey is hosting the 3rd installment of the We The People Swap. Sign ups end on the 31st. We will be swapping charm packs and patterns...it is a no-sew swap.

So get your wishlist ready and click the button to be redirected to the post

I hope you all will join us!

Halloween Giveaway

2008-10-22T09:36:00.001-05:00

Click the button above to be redirected to her blog:)

Good Luck!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2008-10-22T07:02:00.006-05:00

Here are the photos (finally!!) of the apron I received from Jennsue for the Recycle Swap. Isn't it just adorable?!? I love the material and the cute ribbon she added! The ties are cute polka dot material, but you can't see them in the photo.

She included some great stuff in the package too. A requirement of the swap was to include a reusable shopping/market bag. If you look in the photo below you can see that Jennsue fashioned one for me out of an old tank top. How innovative is that!?! She also included a pumpkin mold to make chocolate suckers. I think the kids are really going to enjoy that project! I have never done it before so I am looking forward to trying it out as well:)

A BIG thank you to all the ladies who participated in my first swap! I want to see photos of what everyone has done! I set up a flickr group so you can all add photos. I emailed the link to all of the participants.

Stacy C's Grilled Taters

2008-10-20T11:03:00.008-05:00

This is my absolute favorite grill cookin' recipe. Back in the apartment days we had some neighbors that we got together with frequently for dinner and cards (oh the memories). Anyway, Stacy would always whip up something tasty on the grill. One time in particular she made these potatoes and they were AWESOME! Every year when grill season rolls around (since I have to wait for grill season-being that I don't live in the land of eternal summer) these are a definite fave! I have been making them for years and I finally have the recipe tweaked to perfection:)

Recipe:

6 large potatoes (skin on, well washed), sliced relatively thin

2 large green peppers (or any other color-red, yellow, purple, orange-get crazy with it), sliced

1 large onion, sliced

1 container sliced mushrooms

8 slices of bacon

1/2 stick of butter

season salt

black pepper

garlic powder

cayenne pepper

Lay out a HUGE piece of heavy duty foil (and rip another of the same size and place to the side) and spray with olive oil cooking spray.Lay 4 pieces of bacon crosswise on the foil.

Start layering the veggies. I usually do a layer of peppers and onions and top them with a layer of potatoes and then sprinkle a few mushrooms on top of that.

Sprinkle seasonings (go easy on the cayenne!). Cut a few slices of butter and place them atop the veggies. Continue layering, seasoning, buttering until everything is gone. Place the 4 remaining pieces of bacon across the top of the pile.

place additional piece foil over and seal all edges by folding and crimping the edges to form a pouch.

Grill over medium heat-flipping occasionally-for 60-90 minutes (or to your desired doneness-I like mine when some of em get a little crispy)

Enjoy:)

Who doesn't LOVE a giveaway?!

2008-10-17T11:54:00.005-05:00

I was surfing through Sassy Apron Swap participant blogs this morning and happened upon Pigtails and Snails-I can't remember what blog I was on...typical. You have to check it out! She is giving away the most amazing quilt...

See, I told you! I just think this is the coolest quilt I have ever seen! I love the color scheme and pattern...I am gushing I know, but I just can't help it. I am in complete awe of her quilty craftiness:)

I think today is the last day to sign up so don't wait! I put a button on the right so all you have to do is click and you are on your way. Good Luck!

I am off to snap some photos of my Recycle Swap goodies from Jennsue. Check back later for photos.

Today Is Recipe Day!-EDITED

2008-10-15T12:24:00.004-05:00

...at least that is what I just decided (again).

Ham & Beans

1 lb beans (great northern, navy, or what have you)
1lb diced ham
4 slices center-cut bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small celery stalk, diced
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp sea salt
1 bay leaf
1 tsp crushed basil (or parsley, but I didn't have any so I used basil)
2 tbsp light butter

Soak beans according to package directions (overnight or quick soak-I myself am a fan of the quick). Drain and rinse soaked beans. Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low for 12 hours.

I usually throw a box of Jiffy cornbread in the oven to have with the ham and beans.

Enjoy:)

I was going to include a photo, but they are all gone already!

(this is edited to include the light butter in the recipe-forgot it the first time)

Found a Giveaway

2008-10-10T10:27:00.004-05:00

FYI-I found a giveaway over at PunkRockerTracey's Blog.

Click the button to be redirected to her blog. Good Luck!

It's Not Delivery, But It's Not DiGiorno's Either

2008-10-10T08:41:00.005-05:00

I have discovered the best way to make homemade pizza! Trust me, after you try this you will never want to eat pizza anywhere, but home;) All you need is a Boboli(or the generic kind) pizza crust and all your favorite toppings. Then all you do it grill it (yes, grill it) over low heat until the cheese is all melty and the crust is golden.

On the pizza pictured above I have used a whole wheat crust and topped it with pizza sauce, diced ham, salami, green olives, onions, green peppers (FOTG), yellow peppers (FOTG), tomato slices (FOTG), black olives, mushrooms, pepperocini rings, artichoke, feta cheese crumbles, and Italian 6 cheese blend.

Doesn't it look super yum!?!

For family dinners we sometimes have build your own pizza nite. Instead of the big pizza crust I buy the small 8" round ones and put all different types of toppings out so everyone cam make their own personal fave. It is a big hit!

So put pizza crusts on your grocery list, cuz you have got to try this!

(P.S. FOTG=fresh out the garden)

"Sally" Soon to Be in Stitches

2008-10-03T14:48:00.012-05:00

My friend, Sara, went to an auction a couple of weeks ago and bought me the best gift EVER!!
A dressform for $15! YAY! Isn't she purty!? So vintage!

So I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to "Sally"(I will be changing her name)!

I am so excited! Any of you who have read my blog know how much I wanted a dressform! Now I don't have to display my aprons on the ironing board, chair back, flat on the table, or on my daughter! "Sally" is sporting my Recycle Swap apron. My first properly displayed apron from my first ever Heather hosted swap:)

Now I just need to come up with a suitable name for her! She is called Sally by the factory, but I think I would like to come up with something a little more creative and unique. Maybe I should have a little naming contest like some others have done...What do you think?

Elementary! My Dear Watson!

2008-10-01T15:46:00.007-05:00

In April my mother's neighborhood held their annual garage sale and I found the perfect desk for my sewing room. Then the light bulb went on...I remembered seeing a totally awesome desk on a blog...now if I could only remember where I saw it! So I tapped into my inner Sherlock Holmes and started trying to retrace my steps. I remembered that I was blog surfing when I found it...I started flipping thru different blogs that I frequent to see if anything looked familiar and jogged my memory. Finally after a couple of weeks (and the bright idea to check flickr-duh!) I found it again! YAY! So here it is...

Isn't is super cool?!? I can't wait to turn my old desk into something this beautiful!

Thanks for sharing, Megan (BrassyApple)! I will post pics when I finally get it done...I know it will take me awhile, but winter is coming so I should have plenty of free time for fun projects:)

P.S. I posted the link to the tutorial in the "It's Free I Tell Ya!" section on my blog.

The Dollar Dance Bag

2008-09-24T17:56:00.004-05:00

I helped my cousin-in-law's fiance make some bridesmaids gifts a few weeks ago and she mentioned she couldn't find a suitable dollar dance bag...so I offered up my services and put this one together for her.

It is the same bag I made for the recent Halloween Swap I was in. It turned out so cute! If you don't have a copy of Pretty Little Patchwork you should get one! There are so many cute ideas in there, and they are fairly easy projects too!

I think as a wedding gift I am going to make them some potholders using Bean's tutorial on SewMamaSew and some cute little coordinating placemats and such. Of course, considering my procrastination problem, they probably won't see them till Christmas...hehe.

It Is Apple Pickin' Time

2008-09-24T17:34:00.005-05:00

I took the kids to Grafton on Sunday for a little apple pickin'...I LOVE the Fall!

We drove down to Eckert Orchard for the Apple Fest.

They load everyone up on trailers pulled by tractors and take the scenic route to the apple trees. This particular weekend they were picking yellow/red delicious and Jonathan apples. I gave each of the kids a bag and they got to the pickin'. It only took them about 5 minutes to fill up their bags...they would have kept going, but I thought we had plenty. We lined back up to catch the tractor back to the main part of the orchard. I am pretty sure we butted in line, but I had to get those kids away from the apple trees...they were still trying to pick more apples! LOL!

So we take the bumpy scenic ride to the place where you weigh and pay. The whole time I was kind of nervous because we had a lot of apples-I know because I was carrying both of the HEAVY bags-and at $1.49 per pound I knew I wasn't getting out of there on the cheap. So I heave my 2 bursting bags of apples up onto the scale...26LBS!!! Yup, I was afraid of that...

So after a peruse of the bakery/gift shop we loaded up our 26# of apples ($40 worth) and headed home. The whole time I was thinking, "What the crap am I going to do with 26lbs of apples!" Then my son said, "Mom, that was so much more fun than just staying home and playing with friends all day!" I felt much better...I am finding that as my kids get older it is harder to find family activites that they enjoy more than spending time with friends. So that made the whole trip worth it right there:)

Well I am off to make apple pies and apple cake and apple tart and apple crisp and probably some applesauce...haha

Arrrrr Matey!

2008-09-19T11:33:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been a year already!

Shiver me timbers...arrr!

For all of you who aren't current on all of the "international holidays" I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that today is INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!!!

So don your fave eye patch and hook hand and celebrate the day!

(...and don't forget to mark your calendar so you are better prepared for next year!!)

Kickin' it in the Windy (more like RAINY) City

2008-09-17T11:21:00.011-05:00

My trip to Chicago, in a nutshell:

Got on the train to Chicago 833am.
After a 50 minute detour arrive in Chicago 115pm (the train ran out of food)-it is raining
Walk to the hotel to check in-in the rain
Hotel room is ready early-Yay!
Back out into the rain to find somewhere to eat.
Eat and drink some wine
Back out into the rain
Try to figure out the Subway so we can get to the Craft Fair
Finally get on the subway-a little scary, but pretty awesome too-by the end of the trip it was totally not scary anymore
Get off the subway-make two wrong turns-finally get to the craft fair
Craft fair was pretty neat, but too many people with umbrellas, and too much rain
Bail on the craft fair (didn't buy anything) get back on the subway.
Figure out how to take the subway to the Magnificent Mile (map out and all...looked like such the tourist!)
Get to the shops-still raining-shoes are wet, socks are wet, pretty much everything is soaked-I LOVE rain!
Spend most of the evening window shopping and people watching
Back to the hotel-still raining-to eat some dinner
After dinner and 3 $6 beers for me (2 $13.50 martinis for Shannon) go to bed
Up on Sunday-still raining
Spend and hour trying to dry my shoes with a hairdryer
Effort wasted, 5 minutes outside shoes are SOAKED again
Eat breakfast
More shopping-still raining
Go to a couple fabric stores-got some really CUTE owl trim-OMGosh...stopped raining
Make our way back to the train station-still not raining
Train CANCELLED!-too much rain, no alternate transportation

Trek to the Greyhound station (with two Chinese lady friends in our same predicament-can't get home)-no buses til the following morning-didn't really want to ride a bus anyway:)
Call some rental car places-all closed
Get a hold of Shannon's husband-he offers to come pick us up-YAY!-it will be 5 hours til he can get there-BOO!
Me, Shannon, and our 2 new Chinese lady friends go to dinner-it was fun
Back to the train station to wait for our ride....still not raining
Waiting at the train station
Ride comes-we get home...FINALLY! @ 230am (a big "thank you" to Matt for coming to get us!!)

I know it sounds like a nightmare, but it really wasn't bad...and we got a LOT of exercise. It was still fun to get away for the weekend and hang out in the BIG city!

Our wet, tired feet:)

Swap Alert!!!

2008-09-16T15:44:00.003-05:00

A fellow blogger, yarnigras, is hosting a new fun swap. I can't join since I am a little busy right now and we are coming up on Halloween costume season (and I have a problem with being a prompt mailer...shhh!), but if anyone else is interested I know you will have super fun! Check it out by clicking here.

Today is Recipe Day!

2008-09-16T11:40:00.007-05:00

At least that is what I just decided...

Beef and Noodles

Ingredients (Part 1):

1 3lb chuck roast
1/2 c flour
2 tbsp olive oil
3 c chianti wine
3 c beef broth
1 med onion sliced
2 14oz cans diced tomatoes

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place flour in a shallow dish and coat both sides of the chuck roast. Sprinkle both sides with pepper and place in skillet. Brown on each side. Place browned chuck roast in crock pot. Add wine, broth, tomatoes and onion. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Note: If the crockpot is not and option you can also braise the meat on the stove top. Place all ingredients in a large pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours. This should achieve the same result-at least it did for me...I have tried it both ways.

Noodles (Part 2): I use the basic noodle recipe ingredients from my BHG cookbook-but follow my mother's instructions

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon cooking oil or olive oil

Mix dry ingredients together in mixing bowl and make a well in the center. In small bowl combine wet ingredients. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry mixture and combine. Turn out onto floured surface and knead until mixture becomes elastic. Roll out to desired thickness (I like about 1/8 inch) and allow to "dry" for 30-45 minutes.

Meanwhile, remove cooked roast from crock pot and shred, discarding fat. Strain broth from crockpot into large soup pan. Place shredded beef in the pan with the broth and bring to simmer over medium heat. (I usually add a little salt and pepper and a bay leaf as well, but this is optional.)

When noodles are done drying roll up and slice at 1/4 inch thickness. Toss noodles with a bit of flour so they do not stick together. Add to pan (with broth and beef) and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

I serve these with mashed potatoes and green beans. Perfect comfort food for the coming winter.

Enjoy:)

I Am Off to the Craft Fair!!

2008-09-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

I am going to Chicago today to shop at the Renegade Craft Fair! I am so excited! I am hoping to take lots of pictures to share. See ya all on Monday:)

If I Only Had 98 Smackaroos (and a little apron love too)

2008-09-10T16:18:00.006-05:00

I absolutely LOVE Anthropologie and their website is one of my guilty pleasures. It has been awhile since I visited so I thought today would be a perfect time.

While there I found that I must have this...

I have a THING for handbags, especially those that are roomy and have a neat print in the fabric. As you can see, this meets those criteria. Too bad I can't bring myself to fork over the dough (who could when there is fabric to buy?...lol-gotta keep my priorities in order...jeesh) and treat myself. Hmm, isn't it about Christmas List season? Might have to pencil it in right under dressform;)

Anyway, enough rambling about the handbag...while I was there I was checking out their apron offerings. Let me tell ya they have some DARLING aprons! Check out this little number...

Now, at $32 I would consider it a little pricey...especially since I know I am perfectly capable of making an apron for myself, but if for nothing else than a little inspiration or a little therapeutic window shopping why not check it out?

Laters

Spooky Booky

2008-09-07T09:59:00.009-05:00

Here is the apron I completed for my partner in the SpoOky~BoO~ScaRy swap over at Booming Aprons.

The requirements were for 1 apron, 1 potholder, and 1 treat bag. Apparently the apron was supposed to be a full, but I deviated a little (no, not me!) and made a half. I used the pattern for the "Spotless" apron in A is for Apron-my new favorite book that is full of nifty apron ideas.

I used the Chic-or-Treat fabric by Moda...I LOVE it! I seriously had a hard time parting with this one! I mailed it late, not because I didn't have it done (which is usually the case), but because I seriously wanted to keep it (and I wanted to get the batteries in the camera so I could snap the photos).

Here is how it all turned out:

A close up of the hauted house fabric I used for the pockets...

A close up of the cute Halloween buttons I found at JoAnn's...

The treat bag and potholder...

I used the "In the Bag" pattern from Pretty Little Patchwork (another useful book to have around) to make the bag. The potholder I just made up myself.

I have one more swap to go(Recycle Swap) and then I am taking some time off so I can get some merchandise sewn up to put in my Etsy shop.

The Batteries are ALWAYS dead!

2008-09-05T15:47:00.010-05:00

I don't know about all of you, but it seems like the batteries are always dead around our house...and when I go to the battery drawer (a.k.a. JUNK drawer) I never can find enough of the right size! I think I need to invest in the rechargeables, but they would always be dead because I forgot to put them on the charger...lol! So it is a lose-lose I guess. Anyway, I finally got some batteries for my camera (yeah after they have been dead for about 2 weeks) so I am catching up on my thank you's and showing off some of my recent-recent basically encompasses all of summer-swap received items.

First: Apron w/ Profile Surprise Swap-Partner NanaDeb (also hosted by NanaDeb)

You can tell she read my profile because the fabric she constructed this apron from has me written all over it! I wore it just the other day in the kitchen when my daughter and I were making pancakes and it has a great fit.

Second: Hittin' the Trail Swap-Partner Bean (hosted by yarnigras)

A cute and girly cowgirl apron! I love the big pockets and sturdy material and I can't wait to bust it out next time we go camping! She also included a fun book called "Backcountry Betty"~it has some very entertaining/useful information

Third: Booming Aprons Spooky~Boo~Scary Swap-Partner Kirsten (Preppy Pink Crocodile)

I just got my items Saturday and they are awesome. 1 apron, 1 potholder, and 1 trick-or-treat bag. She also threw in some pumpink Peeps and some cute pumpkin straws which Graham Cracker and Lyddiebug promptly claimed for themselves. We all say "thank you"!

Same deal...forgot pic, but I grabbed a couple off of her blog...Hope you don't mind PPC;)

Thanks again to everyone!

Sew, Sew, Sew

2008-08-16T13:56:00.009-05:00

I have accomplished so much this week! It helps that my parents took the kids to Branson for 4 days. I sewed darn near everyday this week! It was nice:)

I completed my apron for Beelicious, my partner in the Hittin' the Trail Apron Swap. It was supposed to have ride em' up cowboy theme. I am not much of a cowgirl so I put my own little spin on it. I use a gingham fabric (which turned out to be pretty lucky since it is this month's theme over at Tie-One-On) and made bandanna flowers to applique on there. Attached some green ric rac for stems and green felt leaves. Also, to stick with the western theme, I found little buttons at the fabric store that reminded me of Old West Sherif badges...so I used them as the center of the flowers. I didn't take a close-up of them so you really can't tell from the photo.

I just made a traditional clothespin apron. I didn't have a pattern so I winged it. I am pleasantly pleased with the outcome.

I also squeezed in a little me sewing time. I made myself a Jenny bag...the one that I had penciled on my to-do-list. Check it out, I am loving the way it turned out:)

I didn't have quite enough fabric leftover to make the handles so I pieced some of my remnants together. I am kind of glad it worked out that way cuz I like the way they turned out.

Back in the Saddle Again....

2008-08-11T12:05:00.007-05:00

With summer drawing to a close I am finally getting back into my apron-ing. I just sent this off to whirledpeas00 for the Profile With Surprise apron swap (for the Apron Lovers Group on the Bot). I was late of course, true to form, but not as late as I am with my current swap send off...but that is another story (and it is going in the mail tomorrow!!!).

I bought a pattern off of Ebay about a month ago...retro 50's-the circle skirt kind. I have been trying to win one of these patterns since about April...I guess it was finally my time. I love how these aprons look, and I love the fact that when you twirl it kind fans out!

In checking my partners profile I saw that she loves cupcakes so I decided to make another cupcake apron (not the same as the previous cupcake apron though). I also embroidered a little dishtowel. I found a dessert transfer by Aunt Martha's (I believe it is called "Death By Chocolate"-yeah, that's right). I also threw in some cute little mini cupcake wrappers that I found at the craft store.

She really seemed to like it, and I think it turned out pretty cute. I love that polka dot fabric (you usually can't go wrong with Amy Butler's fab designs!) I had enough left over to make another Jenny purse so I have that penciled in on my to-do-list. I think I will start on it next...in all this time I have been sewing I have never made something for myself. I have 2 swap aprons to get going on, but I have everything ready...I am making it my goal to be done BEFORE the deadline for once!

Thanks to NanaDeb for hosting this fun swap!

I have received some swaps as well (from NanaDeb and Bean)...once I get all the pics taken (camera needs some batteries-died during the cupcake apron photo session) I will be sharing photos of their aproning talents with all of you;)

Where Have I Been?

2008-06-25T22:35:00.006-05:00

Wow...long time no post!

I have been a busy little bee these days. REMINDER for next year: No swaps in Summer!!

Here is what I have been up to lately...

My first apron lovers swap completed:

My partner was Val (aka YarniGras) I couldn't have been more excited that she was my partner. She has become one of my favorite blogging buddies:)

I made her a mushroom apron (cuz she is CRAZY about mushrooms) and added a little mushroom potholder that buttons to the band so it will always be handy. I chose the fabrics so the apron would have a vintage feel to it and used a 1950's pattern. Overall I am happy with the outcome and it was fun to throw it together. To top off the mushroom theme I also included a recipe for mushroom bisque from one of my favorite downtown eateries.

Flirty Apron Swap Completed:

I little (actually a lot) late, but I am finally done and my partner will receive it before the 4th. The pattern was a little tricky because the directions were minimal at best-I mostly sewed by looking at the illustrations. My partner might have to adjust the waist ties a little, but then again maybe not...I am always super critical of my aprons, so it might fit just fine without any alterations (I hope this is the case). I am mostly pleased with the outcome and I hope my partner loves it so much that she will forget how tardy I was in sending it:)

Sassy Apron Swap Summer Edition Comes To A Close-Edited

2008-06-06T11:07:00.005-05:00

Updated with the photos of the apron I made for Diana A.

I just want to start off by apologizing to my partner...I just got the apron package in the mail today...so no fear you weren't forgotten! I am just bad a getting myself to the post office!!

Here is a little preview of the apron I made for this edition of the Sassy Apron Swap. I won't post full pics until it is received by my partner (don't want to ruin the surprise!).

The fabrics kind of reminded me of the whimsy of summer. We have our State Fair here in late summer so I included a recipe for my fave fair beverage.

I hope she likes it and everything fits ok! I am excited for her reaction!

Yesterday Was Present Day!!

2008-06-05T07:20:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was the best day EVER!! I got my ami (I actually won a drawing!!) from yarnigras and my sassy apron from Adrienne L!!!

Check out my pics below. I couldn't be more excited!! You ladies have really outdone yourselves!

The Ami:

Isn't she cute!?! I am naming her Midge the Manatee. This is yarni's first manatee ami and I think she did an AWESOME job! She also included an owl bookmark which is equally adorable! I can't thank you enough! My daughter wants one now (because I won't let her have mine...lol) so I guess I am going to have to start dabbling in ami art as well. Thanks again, Val!!:)

The Sassy Apron Swap:

I am so spoiled by my sassy apron swap partner! She included two dish towels that she appliqued to match my apron, a matching apron for lyddiebug (which she absolutely loves), and a color coordinated recipe card with a recipe for a delish sounding summer drink! I can't wait to break out the blender and kick back on the deck with a "Summer Sunrise"!!

Thank you soooo much!!

Lyddiebug's

Mine

Can everyone see the trim? She used little pom pon (pon pom) trim...too cute!

Flirty Apron Swap II

2008-05-05T09:14:00.003-05:00

Run over and sign yourself up...Shawnee is hosting another GREAT swap!! While you are there check out the great giveaway! Sign up early and you will be entered to win an apron from Sassy Apron!!

What to do to be entered:

1. Sign up by May 15th (midnight PST)
2. Comment on the flirty apron blog about your two fave aprons
3. Add a post on your own blog about the swap and giveaway
4. Put the swap button on your blog (code available at flirty apron swap blog)!

Now what are you still doing reading this:) GO SIGN UP!!!

Dust Off Your Favorite Apron!!

2008-05-01T13:35:00.005-05:00

Get ready to strut your stuff in your bestest apron:)

History of Aprons

2008-05-01T10:52:00.001-05:00

I got a cute little email that I wanted to share...

Grandma's came in all shapes and sizes but their aprons always fit!!
The reality in this is one must be old enough to have experienced an older generation grandma!!

The History of 'APRONS'

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears .

When Grandma rocked us to sleep, she would cover us with her Apron, we felt so snug wrapped in it.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know, and love the story about Grandma's aprons.

REMEMBER:
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool -Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs was on that apron. I don't think I ever caught anything from a Apron.

Another Apron?!?...No Way!

2008-04-17T17:53:00.005-05:00

Here is my latest apron creation. Fashioned from my trusty McCall's pattern #3979 (made it for my friend Dena at work). I actually found the fab fabrics at Hobby Lobby. It was great...they keep all the coordinating fabrics right next to each other so you don't have to run all over the store holding the fabric you picked out up to all the other ones hoping for a match! It was awesome...I was in and out of there in a flash! Joann's should take note...It would make my time spent there so much more enjoyable:)

I bought extra striped material so I could line the apron...you know make it a little more protective since the fabrics were a little thin. It turned out well and was most loved by the new owner...YAY! I aim to please;)

Well thanks for looking...I am off to start on the next one...maybe one of these days I will actually make one for myself:)

In Love With a Tablecloth...

2008-04-09T13:11:00.005-05:00

I was poking around at Hart's Fabrics (online-since I don't live in CA...boo) looking at the different oil cloth fabric- I am thinking about trying this new bag tutorial I found over at Uhandbag- anyway, I ran across this tablecloth (see above).

It would be so perfect in my house! Plus it is 52x52 so it will actually fit my square, high-top table...joy! Just thought I would put this out there for everyone to see...and to remind everyone that my birthday is coming up in July...wink-wink, nudge-nudge:)

Here is a pic of the bag I am thinking about trying to make. Check out her site for lots of fun tutorials and interesting reads!

Lemons On the Flipside

2008-04-08T12:58:00.008-05:00

My friend Bailey is getting married this summer and her bridal shower was on Saturday...I made her an apron (big shocker!) and cute little handbag (I used the Jenny pattern from Lola...again's tutorial on her blog).

Why did I name this apron "Lemons on the Flipside"?? Because after I got everything cut out I realized that the lemons were upside down. I always seem to do that when I am working with fabric that has a print on it where direction matters...I am a little bit of a space cadet:) Rather than junk the fabric and start over (gasp!) I just thought I would give it a clever name and pretend like I meant to do that;) If you check out the purse below I did the same thing...lol! The flowers on the main part of the purse sure are pointing to the side...hahaha! One of these days I will remember to take the direction of the print into consideration before I start cutting...hopefully:)

They both turned out cute! I was pretty proud of myself since I actually accomplished the invisible stitch to close the binding this time. Last Emmeline I sewed I just cheated and top stitched;).

The Jenny bag was the first handbag I have sewn and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was very easy and fun! I suggest you run over to Lola...again and try it out. I have the link to the tutorial posted to the left...happy sewing!

FYI...For Aproning Gals

2008-04-07T09:30:00.001-05:00

Sign ups for the Summer Session of the Sassy Apron swap are now open. If you are interested just click the button in my "useful buttons" section to the left. Don't dawdle...the deadline to sign up is April 15th!

I participated in the spring and it was great fun...so I highly recommend you join:)

Oops!...

2008-04-03T17:20:00.005-05:00

I just realized as I was flipping through my blog archive that I never posted pictures of my Sassy Swap apron that I received from Summer M! Bad Heather...tsk-tsk!

Anyway here it is...My daughter has claimed it as her own. Every time I am cooking in the kitchen she wants to get "her apron" on and help:)

I Received a Package From Sunny CA!

2008-04-02T08:38:00.009-05:00

What a super cute apron! My partner Natasha did a fantabulous job! Plus she is from CA and she bought the retro cookbook fabric at Hart's which is one of my favorite fabric sites! I am jealous...I wish we had awesome fabric stores like that around here!

Maybe I should have pressed it first...but I couldn't wait to try it on;)

It is lined, has pockets, a ruffle, and a decorative stitch...what more could a girl ask for!?! Thank you for making this a great swap! I heart the dessert notecards too:)

Thanks again!!

The Big Picture

2008-03-28T07:05:00.007-05:00

The Flirty Cupcake in all it's glory...

My partner, LeCoreFemme (Skye), received her swap package yesterday...so now I can post a pic of the Flirty Cupcake Apron...I was sad to see it go, but she likes and that makes me happy:)

Time to start on my next apron(s)...I have 5 orders to complete by Mother's Day!

A Little Bit of a Tease...

2008-03-22T17:56:00.005-05:00

I am usually the BIGGEST procrastinator, but I am happy to say that I am all done with my latest swap project...a whole 10 days early!!

Here is a teaser picture to keep my partner guessing. It is a high waisted bib apron...created entirely by me...I hope she likes it. I have pics of the full apron, but I will wait to post them until after it is recieved by my partner:) Don't want to ruin the surprise...

My 1ST Emmeline

2008-03-22T17:40:00.004-05:00

I completed my first Emmeline apron. My friend Kristi found the pattern on line and commissioned me to sew it for her. It was really fun to sew! I am eagerly awaiting the new Montessori By Hand apron patterns....Lola and Miss Elsie Mae.

The apron is reversible so the pictures above show each side...cute, cute, cute! If you have not made yourself one of these I suggest you hurry up! You can order the patterns on Etsy...Happy shopping/sewing:)

Sketchy

2008-03-04T09:46:00.003-06:00

So it is confirmed...I have the FEVER, apron fever that is...lol

I just finished my Sassy Swap apron and I have already enrolled in the next one. It is the Flirty Apron and Accessory Swap. I am going to get a little daring with this one...I sketched out my apron (see pic above)...all I have to do now is turn it into a reality. Easier said than done, but I am going to give it a shot! I hope my partner la-la loves it! If it comes together like I am hoping it will I might have a hard time parting with it:)

And The Drumroll Please...

2008-03-02T12:31:00.004-06:00

Sassy and ready to be swapped...

It Is Going To Be A Sew, Sew Friday!

2008-02-29T10:49:00.004-06:00

I have my swap apron all planned, cut and ready. Time to sew, sew, sew! I am planning and all nighter so I can get it to the PO and sent off by Saturday AM. It meets all the requirements...springy, pockety, and one-size-fits-ally. I don't know about the rest of ya, but I am so excited to see what someone sewed for me!!

My Momma Sew Turned the Big 5-oh

2008-02-29T10:41:00.007-06:00

So my mom turned 50 on Wednesday...and since she is one of the hardest people to shop for I decided to make her an apron. There's nothing like a homemade gift...as long as it is cute:) I think it turned out pretty darn cute...Oh yeah, and did I mention I WANT A DRESSFORM. The ironing board just isn't doin' it for me.

Anyway...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! You are the best!

My Most Favorite Apron! (To Date Anyay..)

2008-01-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

My most favorite apron creation to date!! I bought this fabric back in September because it reminded me of my friend Shannon...she loves all things cake. Plus, she had made an apron for me for my birthday so I wanted to return the favor. I was waiting around to find the perfect pattern...I finally found one last weekend. I think this is perfect for her...I love the little flounce at the bottom!

During the planning process I found some cute green gingham in my stash that went perfectly with the cupcakes. Then the light bulb went on! How about a little applique!?! So I carefully cut out 3 of the cutest cupcakes from a scrap of material and adhered them to the pocket. I think it turned out pretty darn cute (if I do say so myself). She was at work when I dropped it off at her house last night so I am not sure what she thinks...I hope she loves it!

I also realized that I would really like a dressform so in the future I can properly display my projects...I rigged one out of my ironing board and some creative pinning:) I am definitely putting a dressform on my Christmas list for 2008!

Calling All Aproners!!

2008-01-14T20:26:00.000-06:00

I just found this online...who's interested?? I am in!! I hope you all will join me!

Check out the info for the apron swaps of 2008!! The first deadline is fast approaching!

Another Sunday, Another Apron

2008-01-14T20:18:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the crappy photo...had to use my phone since my camera is in need of some batteries. (see my foot in there?...haha!)

Anyway, my latest apron creation...I am really starting to love bias tape...who woulda thought:)

I start my sewing class next Tuesday so I am pretty excited...I can't wait to learn some tricks of the trade! I am hoping the instructor will be able to show me how to change the foot on my machine...supposed to be snap on...snap on my a$$...lol. I can't get the darn thing off and I wanted to add a decorative stitch to this apron, but no dice since I am a retard and I can't change my foot...boo!

Feeling A Little Apron-y

2008-01-08T09:49:00.000-06:00

Here is my latest apron creation. This is the second one I have made in this style, but I didn't take pictures of my first one.

It is made from a pattern so there wasn't any imagination involved in the design, but I got to be creative with the fabric selection. I like to use the heavier weight home dec materials. I was super excited because I went to Joann's on Saturday to stock up on some red tag fabric and it turned out that all the clearance fabric was an additional 50% off...so I got a bunch of fun fabrics for $1.50 per yard!!!

I can't wait until I am a more proficient sewer...then I am hoping to be able to make my own patterns...we will see how that goes:)

When it snows...Why not sew?

2007-12-17T20:53:00.000-06:00

Made a little apron on Sunday while it wintered outside...although I am not complaining because I think if we have to endure the winter cold we might as well have some snow.

I am pretty proud of my creation...I used a pattern, but had no instructions...so it is a complete wing job. Didn't turn out too bad...

Merry Christmas Carolyn, it is for you!! It will be arriving in the mail before Christmas...well if I get it to the PO tomorrow...otherwise it will be after. If you know me at all you will put your money on AFTER...:)

Holy Crap! Kermie's gone environmental!

2007-12-06T13:01:00.002-06:00

Check out these other fun reuseable bags that Lottie found! Thanks Lottie! (www.delight.com)

Frosty the Snowman, The Ceramic Tree, and the Tree Topper

2007-11-11T19:57:00.000-06:00

My holiday spirit is kicking in a little early this year. I went on a mini shopping spree on Saturday and found the CUTEST snowman cookie jar. I turned it into my Christmas centerpiece for my dining room table. Check it out!

I also went to the Holiday Craft Bazaar at Little Flower (with Shannon, Cooper, and Lydia) and found the cutest little ceramic light up Christmas tree...

Oh and I almost forgot...My Ladies Night creation!

For all of you who skipped ladies night you really missed out! Never fear there is one on the 16th!! Maybe I will see you there this time!

What goes with what?

2007-11-11T19:25:00.001-06:00

What goes with what...When it comes to wine and food I really couldn't tell ya, but I can tell you that this is GREAT stuffing and it will go good with turkey. Try it out for Thanksgiving this year. When I made it for practice I cut it in half...and it was still PLENTY!

We went to a wine pairing class at Maldaner's last month and this was on the menu. The class was called "What goes with what" and we were supposed to learn how to pair wines with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I really didn't learn much, but it was a good time and we had some good food...especially this stuffing. I think I had 3 helpings!

Recipe:

Sausage-Sage Stuffing (Woody Mosgers)

4 loaves sliced white bread (1 lb ea)
2 lbs each of butcher shop bacon and sausage
2 lrg onions
1 head of celery
1 lb sliced mushrooms
1/2 c unsalted butter
3.5-4 c chicken or turkey stock
1/4 c rubbed sage (in the spice isle)
2 1/2 Tbs poultry seasoning
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp salt

1. Tear bread in chunks and let stand at room temp overnight uncovered. Bake cubes on cookie sheets in 400 degree oven for 15-20 mins.

2. Dice bacon and break up sausage. In large heavy bottom pan cook over medium heat until thoroughly browned (35-40 min). Drain fats after meats begin to cook. Add onions and celery into meats as they begin to brown. Allow them to cook down (10 mins) and then add mushrooms. Saute for another 10 mins. When fully cooked drain off all fats and transfer to lrg bowl. Do not wash pot.

3. De-glase with 1 c broth, heat to simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Mix with cooked meats and veggies, cool slightly.

4. Add meat mixture and seasonings to the bread. Gradually add remaining broth to mixture until desired consistency is reached. The stuffing should not be crumbly and the stock should be evenly absorbed by the bread.

5. If not stuffing turkey, bake stuffing in a buttered oven-proof casserole at 375 for 30 mins. Stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored overnight in refrigerator (tightly covered).

ENJOY!