sewtakeahike

kitchen swap goodies!!

 

Yay!!  I received a package from my partner Clare from Sarah's kitchen-swap and I am almost speechless!  I had asked Clare for a half-apron and boy did she do it right!  I love the colors, the embroidery detail, every thing about it!   And then, just to top it all off, she also sent a picnic cutlery/napkin roll, a tea cup with tea, some fabric samples and a recipe book which she HANDWROTE some recipes in for me! 

                                                                              

                        

Here is a pic of the things I sent to Clare.  She asked for one of my chrysanthemum hotpads in red/white, so I sent that plus a few more goodies.

                

Thanks to Sarah for having the kitchen swap and Thank-you so much Clare for the time and love you put into each and every item you sent!

drinkamugamilkameal

                                                            

Just a little scenery from our roadtrip to Portland this last weekend.  Now I can count on my husband to blurt this out at any given moment, "drinkamugamilkameal!!" as an answer to any question I ask or anything I say, actually. 

~Penny

                                        

p.s.  I just passed my year blog anniversary, so keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway very soon!

          

diaper changing pad featured!

I'm so tickled!  My diaper changing pad tutorial has been featured here and here!  Yay!

fancy pants

                                                                                                               

Just a quick update of some pants I made yesterday.  The pattern is new look 6354 and the material is some embroidered linen I bought at Joann's yesterday from the clearance rack.  They were having a sale of 50% off all clearance prices, so I got the material for $2.50/yard!  I just love how these pants turned out!  Actually, when I finished them, they were too big but lucky for me, I had not laundered the linen yet.  I threw them in the washer and dryer, and they came out perfect.  Next time, I'm making them about 2 sizes smaller though!

A little detail action:

                                    

This pattern only had four pieces and were so easy to make.  I laid the pattern, cut and sewed them together within 2.5 hours. 

Another bonus is that in the last month, I have lost 5 pounds (as of this morning), so I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe!  All those clothes that weren't fitting anymore are fitting again.

Next up, I have new look 6674 cut and in the process of being marked.  I cannot WAIT to finish it!

For those of you who are losing weight and getting healthier, keep it up! 

Now go make yourself some fancy pants!

Diaper changing pad tutorial

                                                                                       

Finished folded size: 6X13 (above) 

OR

6X6X2 (above)

Materials needed:

• cotton material for outside of mat
• prequilted (with a light batting) flannel
• 1X1 inch velcro
• bias binding (premade or make your own)
• optional- thin gage vinyl sheeting

                                                                           

Step 1:

Make a template that is 24"X13" with rounded corners and cut out one each from outside material and prequilted flannel (and the vinyl sheeting, if using).

                                                                                       

Step 2:

With wrong sides of flannel and outside material together, pin fabrics together and then machine baste within 1/4 inch around edge.  (If using vinyl, insert it between the two materials before basting them in this step.)

                                                                                                

Step 3:

For loop side of velcro:  Sew onto outside material 6.5 inches from side and 10 inches from the end of pad through all material thicknesses.

For the fuzzy side of velcro: Sew onto flannel side of pad (and through all thicknesses) 6.5 inches from the side of the pad and 1.25 inches from the end of the pad.

(enlarge photo in step one to see proper velcro placement on template)

                                                                                           

Step 4:

Pin binding down with right side of binding towards right side of outside fabric.  Line up edge of binding with edge of pad and make sure to fold over beginning edge of binding and overlap the end edge of binding to ensure a nice finished look in the end product.

                                                                                        

Step 5:

Sew binding onto pad using the binding crease as a guide.  (I used a walking foot for this step.)

                                                                                       

Step 6:

Flip the pad over, pin down binding just over machine stitched seam and finish sewing binding down on flannel side by hand.

 

**If you don't want to do any hand sewing, sew the binding down onto the flannel side first, then machine sew binding to outside fabric for a finished look on the outside.

                                 

**Edit, this is not my original idea (however, this IS my original template and how-to).  I saw an image of a similar changing pad over a year ago on the internet and I cannot remember where I saw it to give proper credit. :(

I'm proud!!

                                                                         

                                                                     

I am so proud to be an American!  With all her shiny parts AND faults, I feel blessed to have been born here with the heritage that comes along with it.  I pray we never lose sight of the sacrifice that is involved with being so free, because freedom isn't free!   

Happy Independence day!

quilty wip and first fruits salad

                                                                              

Here it is, the finished top to a baby quilt.  I thought about keeping on going and making more of these 12" blocks, but I'm afraid I'll run out of that white fabric with yellow polka dots at an inopportune time. 

I'm so excited that all the materials I used with the exception of the white polka dot material were all from my scrap pile.  I love that as I look at each piece of fabric, it has a story of it's own.  Some fabrics were from projects I gave away, sold, or that were given to me.  Anyway, it's such a good feeling to whittle that monstrous pile down while making something useful.  And since I have never made a quilt before, what's the next step?  Probably making the back? 

Next up, a first fruits salad (butter lettuce, banana peppers and red peppers) from my friend Becky's garden. 

                   

Some people may call me a freak of nature, but I practically begged Becky to let me come over and help her weed her garden yesterday morning.   All you gardeners out there in blog land are making me freaking crazy with all your photos of gardens and fresh produce.  I had to do something to work through the crazy thoughts I was having involving camouflage apparel, an alarm going off at midnight, and possible attack dog wounds!  I was so excited to get over there yesterday that I woke up WAY early for our 7 am rendezvous and promptly walked out the door without my weed puller, gloves, or camera.  Oh heck.  Anyway, she greeted me with the best SAVORY breakfast (scrambled eggs topped with chunky bell peppers and tomatos, and seasoned baked home fries) I have had in a long time.  After getting our bellies full, we weeded.  Maybe I should say Becky weeded.  She's a maniac.  She worked circles around me.  Forget the weed puller, she just got out her full size shovel!  We weeded and talked and talked some more.  When we were done and standing back admiring our work with the sprinkler going, it was a magical moment.  Like that song that another friend brought to remembrance recently, "a peaceful, easy feeling".  The birds started singing and a robin dropped down between the glistening plants and started hunting for worms.  It's like he was just standing by waiting for us to finish so he could have his breakfast.  Mmmmmm.   

*EDIT*Hi All, I've had a couple people who have asked how I made the squares for this quilt top and here is the explanation I sent to them.  To make the squares, I started out with the center trapezoid shaped fabric and added strips to each of the sides making sure to keep the edges of the strips at the same angle as the side it buts up to and just kept doing this with the fabric of choice until it was a little bigger than 12x12 and then squared it up.  I don't know if  I'm explaining this very well but since this is my first, I don't really know any quilting terminology except square up and bind.  I'm quilt dumb!  Anyway, hopefully that helps.  You know, take a close up look at the first block I did and look at the seaming.  Maybe having that visual and then my explanation will help.

Also, I could certainly do a quick tutorial with some photos if anyone is interested in that option, let me know! 

on quilts and strawberry rhubarb pie

                                                                                                    

I never thought I would want to make a quilt, ever.  That is, until I saw this quilt block.  Really, I have been afraid to try quilting because every quilter I talk to says the same thing, "Oh, I used to sew bags and clothes and things for the house, but now all I want to do is quilt."  And then as they start to giggle, almost every one of them has said, "My husband has to practically beg me now to even sew a button back on his clothing". 

                     

                                                

ACK!!!  After hearing this SO many times, I really became afraid to do quilting of any kind.  I really enjoy sewing bags and pillows and clothes and to think of not having the desire to do these things anymore really is scary to me! 

As scary as it is,  I have decided to put fear on the back burner and go for it.  Maybe it doesn't have to be either or, I have gone against the grain in so many other areas, why not with this too?  I'm going to make one quilt.  Just one and see how it goes.  I made my first block last night and I'm already finding myself at work obsessing over the next one.  This could be a long road ahead. 

             

In other areas, a friend of mine gave me some rhubarb this last weekend and I just had to share the recipe for this strawberry rhubarb pie (hi Dad).  It turned out sooo good my husband even said it was better than his mamma's. 

                        

~Penny

Just thinking

                                                             

I was asked the question some time ago, "What do you get when you squeeze an orange?"  My answer, like most others I'm assuming, was, orange juice!, of course!  But after I heard the answer, it really got me thinking.   The answer to the question was not orange juice, it was, "Whatever is inside".  So here am I, once again, thinking about how this question relates to my life. 

When I'm squeezed, what's coming out of me? (ok Lisa, I know what you are thinking, but you're going down the wrong road here :)  My hearts desire is to emit a sweet scent like that of a crushed rose petal, not the bloated dead fish smell that permeates the air when you walk around a beautifully landscaped pond.  When I'm squeezed, I want to be able to stand with honor, even though there may be tears running down my cheeks.  To inspire and encourage others, though I may be going through the worst time I can remember.  To keep moving forward, even though it may just be at a shuffle. 

As I've gone through my seasons of squeezing lately, I cannot say I have done these things close to perfectly or even close to acceptable for that matter, but I do know one thing.  Each day is a new day, and a new chance to move closer to the beauty that I see myself becoming.  Each day I turn a new leaf and pray that I am becoming more than I imagine I can be, flying higher than I thought possible, and going further than I can dream. 

Hugs to each one of you,

Penny

                                                            

p.s.  What's the photo you ask?  That's my little bike I've been riding around town a lot lately.  My husband and I recently decided to sell our second vehicle and since I live within a quarter mile of my work and right next to the bike path that runs through town, we will be a single car family for a while until we feel led to get another vehicle.  I have gotten reacquainted with my old friend with two wheels and a fold out side cart.  I rode to the grocery this morning to pick up a few things and I felt like how I feel when I watch "The Sound of Music".  Inspired and full of life. 

Next up, painting my toenails

                                                                         

It was a beautiful day.  I got a lot accomplished today including finishing up a couple of custom bag orders.  A certain little project has been on my mind a lot lately especially after seeing this.  So that's how I ended my lovely Saturday,

by making a new ironing board cover.  I won't bore you with the details of *how*, but if you are inspired, you can find a tutorial here.  The material is from a shower curtain I thrifted a while back.  Here's another shot,

                                                

isn't she pretty?  Next up, painting my toenails before bed.  It's an exciting life I tell ya!

~Penny

When life gives you lemons...

                                                                        

make lemonade cupcakes and then get back on your horse!   

(These are so very good, and since they *ARE* from cooking light, I thought it would be permissible to have not one, but two, three, four!   My husband is not a cupcake kinda guy and he beat me out at five.  We are sick, sick, sick.  BAD lemonade cupcakes.  I'm sure they will be in good standing again by tomorrow morning though, just in time for breakfast.) 

                                                                              

Just a couple of photos I took while messing around with my camera.  I don't have a super duper camera, but it does allow for some manual functions.  I was going for the blurry background in both these shots.  BTW, the pink flowers are moss rose, my all time favorite plant that I pot up each summer.  The funky prickly guy in the top photo is a Madagascar palm that is 3.5 feet tall now and I've had him since he was a wee little baby at about 6 inches. I put him outside every summer and he looses his leaves and then they come back in full force.  These are the new leaves just coming back in.   I've read that they are supposed to bloom when they reach 3 or 4 feet, so I keep my fingers crossed every summer that this will be the year!

                                                                        

In other news, I finished up my end of Sarah's kitchen swap and mailed the package to Clare yesterday, I am so excited for her to receive it, I hope she loves it!

I'm going to leave you all with some links that are sure to inspire, so enjoy!

• Mexican tissue flowers
• Knitted dish scrubbie
• office supplies decorated with fabric
• fizzy bath bombs
• button stamps

I think that'll do it.  Have a good week lovelies!!

~Penny

The perfect tea-towel

                                                

                                                                           

Materials needed:

• 27"X19" piece of 100% cotton home-dec material of choice
• 4 inches cotton twill tape

                                                                     

1.  Press 1/4 inch seam around material

                                                               

2.  Repeat step 1 to enclose raw edge

                                                                                                    

3.  Cut ends of cotton twill tape as shown in picture:

Insert cotton tape into top right corner

so ends are flush with fold then pin in place.

                                                                                        

4.  Sew ironed hem down as close to inside edge as possible

making sure to sew folds at corners

down completely

                                                

And there you have it; your very own, one of a kind, custom-made tea towel in your choice of material!

making me smile

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                         

This pillow I made yesterday with fabric from here.  The back is an olive colored crushed velvet, ummm, so cuddley soft!

                                                                                                            

                                                                                             

Have a great weekend, it's supposed to be beautiful here, I cannot wait!

~Penny

this little piggie went to market (etsy)

                                                               

I'm in softie land.  I can.not.help.myself.  I found this little piggie pattern here a while back.  Petunia is about 6 inches long and 4 inches tall and is such a dainty little thing. She hardly eats anything when I'm around but I have a feeling she "porks" out when I'm not looking!

She is made of cotton materials and stuffed with bamboo fibre stuffing.  She doesn't like the mud like other little piggies since she likes to keep her nails clean. 

                                                                         

And, she has the sweetiest little pink underbelly ever!

p.s. Dad, do you recognize this material?

peonies and strawberry lockets

                                                                                       

I've been keeping an eye out for these since spring started, and finally, they are starting to show their pretty little faces.  My peonies are blooming!  Every year I can hardly wait to chop them down once they open enough and put them in a pretty vase given to me by my husband's parents.  It's the perfect size and shape for a bouquet of peonies.

Also, a special prize came for me in the mail yesterday.  I marked this necklace as a fav on Etsy ages ago and I finally ordered it.  I fell in love with the little glass bluebell flowers at once and knew I would have it!  I love it!  The little strawberry is a locket, hum...... what photo shall I put in it?

Lastly, I need to say a big thank-you to my Dad.  He's always on the lookout for me in for any crafting "things" that I may be able to use while he is at garage sales, estate sales, or wherever he finds himself.  We live in different states, so between the two of us, we have Colorado and Kansas covered.  Anyway, a few weeks ago he sent a package to me with some of his latest finds.  All I can say is, Dad, you're the best.  You make my heart sing and I love you!

Ok, so here are some pics!

Just look at these lovely buttons!  My favorite is the blue flower one.                        

These are knit squares someone cut for a quilt.  Most of them have interfacing fused to the backs already.  I may have to make my first quilt!  The fabrics are all so interesting, just my style!

And would you just look at all that beautiful fabric.  Someone cut out several pieces, sewed some together and then stopped for some reason.  I'm sorry to say that it won't end up the way it was originally intended, but I already have a few pretty projects in mind for this.

~Penny