Holiday Preview Part 1

I can't figure out what it is, but I am addicted to making these toddler aprons! When the sewing machine is calling my name, but I'm not quite sure what to make, I always pull out this pattern.

This time I was testing out how a single pocket would look. I do not know the correct way to fashion a patch pocket, so I just made it up and attached it to the green flower print. It looked ok, but I thought the stitching and quality was not quite good enough to be sold. So, I got out the Reader's Digest sewing book and made the pocket on the blue apron the "correct" way. I must say, it turned out significantly better. Maybe next time I'll just start by reading the instructions...

Just another look at the fabrics. I really liked the gray and blue. I think they will be really fun to have around for the Holiday sales.

Pillow Cases

I made some cute pillow case dresses for the girls out of my favorite sheet set. I just laid a dress they have onto the pillow case and traced it with fabric marker, then added 3/4 " to each line and cut away! That may seem like a big seam allowance, but then I have enough room for a French seam.

I loved these sheets, but it has been washed a few too many times and no longer fits the bed. The good news is - the girls get these way cute dresses that will be easily turned into tunics come fall and winter and I have a whole sheet set to make into something for me!

I was really excited to test out the elastic thread I used for the shirring at the bust-line. It was so easy! I didn't have any problems, even on my cheap-o sewing maching.

These were queen sized pillow cases and if I do this again, I'd do it with king sized ones. I didn't have enough fabric to double roll the hem or the sleeve & neck openings. Even still, these were a quick project and super cute!

Jaelyn's Stash

A few months ago, my friend Jaelyn and I worked out an awesome trade - photos of my babies for a basket of hand sewn goodies. I couldn't be happier with the trade. If you want to see her amazing work (and hire her), check out her blog at Complexions Photography!

Here are some more photos of the cute stuff she picked out!

Those are rolled up Art Aprons on the right hand side of the photo...

The adorable baby shoes came from Sweet Pea Patterns - they are reversible!

Oh, So Busy!

Gee whiz! I can't believe its been so long since I posted! With busy toddlers and a husband and 4 year old about to start school, it has been crazy! In my spare time (about 10 pm and later) I have just been sewing. Its seems that the sewing machine, and my fabric stash, are constantly calling my name. I'm afraid I have no photographs to share of finished products, instead there are just a lot of pattern folders, cut fabric and notions in my sewing basket.

I'm hoping to finish all the projects I have cut out by the end of next week so that my machine can be serviced before I being all the holiday sewing. We'll see how that goes...

The world of food has us eating a lot of Mango Slaw and Bruschetta. Yum! Since there are few true recipes for Bruschetta, I will share how we make ours.

8 roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 T. olive oil
1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn or finely chopped
salt & pepper
crusty bread to serve

In a large bowl mix tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Slice bread and lightly brush with olive oil; grill or broil to desired crispness. You may also rub the bread with a cut piece of garlic before grilling, if desired.

Notes: Taste a lot - not just because it is delicious, but depending upon your taste and ingredients, you may need to increase or reduce some ingredients - especially the garlic or basil. This may smell quite garlic-y (our whole fridge does, even when sealed in Ziplock bags), but the mixture itself is fine. If you have any left over, it is especially delicious the next day!

Jam & Geneology

Spent the weekend with my sister and some aunts, pouring through suitcases full of old photographs, letters and pedigree charts. These handsome folks are my Great-Great-Grandfather, Charles and his lovely wife, Edith; the picture is circa 1900 (awesome!). The smaller picture is their two children, Gerrit and Virginia, circa 1920. How cool are those? I am totally enamored with them. It is so amazing to learn about your family - don't know much about your family history? Call a relative! Or check out FamilySearch - its free.

And amidst all this we squeezed in some time to make some apricot jam, of course.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as we did ours!

Jam & Jelly

I can not describe how much I love to make homemade jam. It is so sinfully delicious and there are so many recipes to be tested. Our first batch: Ginger Honey Rhubarb.

We then proceeded with Orange Jelly and Strawberry Basil (this one is from a Better Homes & Gardens magazine). We have yet to taste them and I'm slightly concerned the Orange Jelly won't set up properly, but I'll leave it for a full two weeks before I consider it a complete disaster. I can't wait to try the Lavender Jelly from the same article. Since I've never made true jelly, I'll let you know how it turns out.

Free Wooden Blocks!

Well, that's a little misleading, you can get an awesome catalog for free, and at the same time enter a contest to win the free blocks at Eames as seen here at Happiness Is...

I looked up the blocks (way cute, by the way) on the Eames website and the set is $175! So, wouldn't it be awesome if you won?