Perfect Bedding

I can't recall just how long the search for washable, bleachable, solid white comforters (at a reasonable price) lasted for my older children's bedroom. It seemed the perfect bedding was as elusive as the perfect pair of jeans. The search finally ended when Bed, Bath and Beyond had a clearance sale. The elation was short lived as the realization set in that the two full size comforters were just too big for the twin size beds.

While contemplating what direction I now needed to go in, I came across a set of sheets that Wal-Mart had on sale. The colors were a great combination of the kiddo's favorite colors, pink and purple, in a stripe pattern. Plus, the solid sheet set was also on sale. SCORE!!

So, what does any delusional sewer do? Why, get out the scissors and start cutting, of course!

Here is the way the comforter started. Very simple and sweet.

The panels are made from one of the sheet sets. Behind the stripe fabric is a white fabric to give it more body when on the bed. I even got up the nerve to try my hand at making my own bias tape from the solid sheets. Sew some rope in the bias and you get piping for a little something extra.

Here is the assembly stage. As you can see from the picture, I put the piping on first and then attached each of the panels. This just made it easier for me. I'm sure someone more skilled would be able to do it all in one step.

Here the kids are enjoying the new bedding. It's so nice that they can't see all the flaws that are so glaringly obvious. Or if they do, they don't say anything.

This picture was taken in our previous home. Funny thing is, if I were to take a picture of the new diggs, the only difference would be the color of the walls. Paint will be applied as soon as windows can be opened without freezing our little booties off.

Plenty of fabric is left from the sheet sets - some solid, some stripe. Pillows and curtains will shortly be added, hopefully.

New Look

I decided to take some time and revamp my blog while the youngest two were sleeping. Nothing too fussy, but definitely not too plain. While searching for ideas and inspiration, I stumbled across this little gem. The Cutest Blog on the Block has some great things for those of us that are graphically challenged. (Not to mention time challenged.) Check it out for some great free stuff and wonderful ideas.

Yumm!

Apple Crisp

5 cups sliced, peeled apples
2 to 4 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup regular rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Place apples in an 8x1 1/2 inch round baking dish. Stir in sugar.

For topping, in a mixing bowl combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over apples.

Bake in a 350* oven for 30-35 minutes or till fruit is tender and topping is golden. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.

(Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book, pg 125)
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For best flavor, use two or three varieties of apples. (I used gala and granny smith.) This makes the dessert have a much fuller flavor.

What better dessert to have on a cold winter day with friends?

Sweet Booties!!

Hubby and I had a very nice and unexpected Valentine's weekend. My wonderful in-laws decided to make a last minute trip for a visit. They even suggested we take some time for ourselves and actually have a Valentine's day date. Let's face it, they really came to see the grandkids and not us, anyway!

I was, once again, spoiled by my sweetie - eating at P. F. Changs (yumm!) and going to several different stores at the local malls. The highlight was when at Barnes & Noble bookstore, I was told to bring the craft book I'd been drooling over to the register. I felt a bit guilty, since I knew I could probably get it off of Amazon.com cheaper, but who am I to argue?

Image via Amazon.com

There are so many yummy little project to keep me busy and surrounded by happy colors until summer is in full swing. Booties? Of course. Hats? Yep. Bloomers? I'll take two, please!

The cherry on the top was going out again yesterday to Joann's and getting to pick out some material to actually do the projects instead of just looking at the book. The ones on the left are fat quarters (for $1) and those on the right are knits. Aren't they pretty?!

Now, there has been no sewing at this point, but the material is washed and that's a step in the right direction. Next will be cleaning up my sewing area so a full scale project can be done without chaos creaping in around me.

knitting

This is something I have been wanting to try for quite a while now. The clicking of the needles can be somewhat hypnotic when in the presence of someone who is proficient at the craft. I finally worked up the nerve to try it out for myself over the weekend. My mother liked to knit years ago and my sister-in-law started about 2 years ago. So, I figured between the two of them, I ought to be able to learn the mystery that's behind those needles and yarn.

Unfortunately, and maybe fortunately, my archaic digital camera is on the fritz right now. I'll have to post pictures of my sad little practice squares another time. For now, look at Knitting Help for some extremely good help and cute patterns. Free video tutorials are available for all the visual learners out there. They are even kind enough to slow things down so the needles aren't just a blur on the screen.

beads

It's always interesting trying to find fun activities for 3 highly active girls in the middle of winter that we didn't do the day before. The cold or mud (once we get a warmer day) seems to keep us inside most of the time, leaving idle hands as a result. Solution? Get out the beads and make some beautiful jewelry!


Some tips for helping the little ones be able to do this on their own. 1) Double the string. This will keep the necklace nice and strong when played with for hours as a jump rope. 2) Tie one end to a bead to keep all the others from falling off. 3) Wrap tape around the other end to make it easier for the kids to get the beads loaded on. By doing this even my 2 year old was able to do most of it herself.

Results: P.S. I highly recommend doing all this in your PJ's.

on the road

My family and I are on the road right now visiting family. Lord willing, I'll have another post put up for your viewing pleasure on Wednesday.

Tooth Pillow

My oldest daughter has her first loose tooth which is literally hanging on by a thread. A promise was made before the tooth was even loose; and, in my true fashion, I have waited until the last minute to fulfill my promise of a tooth pillow.

Thankfully, there is a very easy PDF pattern available for download at mmmcrafts. The basic shape is there, but the sky is the limit as to what theme you might like.

Ours, of course, had to be girlie. The theme was settled on a ballerina fairy after about 2 seconds. Trying to determine the exact outfit and process took me a bit longer. After making the first one, and learning from mistakes, we have a finished product.

A couple of tips for anyone who might be wanting to do this. Try to plan out everything before you start sewing. The shoes probably would have been much better had I sewn them in with the basic shape instead of after the fact. Also, don't try to attach anything with hot glue. Doesn't work. I'm sure a good fabric glue would work well, but I didn't have any on hand.

I was never able to figure out how to get a crown on the tooth. My daughter was gracious enough to settle for a bow that was made several months ago and never attached to a barrette.

The promise of spaghetti once the tooth is out should be much less time consuming.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my first blog project!

Interesting....

Or at least it ought to be.

Once again, I am putting just one more thing on top of my life's already precarious balancing act of 'just right' verses 'too much'. I love to craft, sew and any general DIY activity I can think up. I'm hoping that by having this little space in the ever expanding cyberspace, I can force myself to be better about delving into my creative urges. Having a place to post what I have done, or what I stumble upon and want to do, will keep the juices flowing. There is no promise of routine posting at this time, but hopefully as time goes on, that will occur.

So, why not! I'll do This, Too!