A Quick Kitchen Tip....

Today I have a little cooking/cleaning tip for you. I've been doing this for years and I assumed everyone else did too. But lately I've mentioned it to others and they say they have never heard of it. Since this is mostly a sewing blog and not a cooking blog, you can look at it this way.....this little tip will get you finished quicker in the kitchen so you can get back to your sewing. So here goes......

Anytime I cook something that yields a really messy pan....like today I made homemade stove-top mac and cheese for part of our lunch. The pan is always cheesy and sticky afterwards. Or, if we have to eat dinner and then head out the door somewhere....like church. I hate leaving a sink full of dishes but sometimes it happens. Or, if you are steaming vegetables and all the water boils out and your pan and its contents burn and get all yucky. I am sure that never happens in your house....but it does in mine from time to time. Or whatever else that happens to create dishes in your house that you really don't want to waste time cleaning. 

Well here is what I do.....I take my box of baking soda from my pantry and sprinkle it on the messy pan, my stack of dirty dishes, my burnt pan, etc. Then I add just a bit of water and I leave it. Yes, I just turn my back on it or walk out the door and I give it not another thought. Then when I either get back home or I am ready to tackle that burnt pan or stack of dishes, I turn the faucet on and run the pan/dishes/whatever under the water. I am telling you that whatever it was stuck to your pan or dishes will literally wash off underneath the flow from the faucet. Sure you can use your dishrag just to make you feel better...but it is rarely needed. 

You can even keep a sprinkle bottle of baking soda on your counter for this purpose...but most times I just grab my box out of the pantry. I am never without baking soda for this reason alone. And I hope you remember this little tip the next time you have messy pans or a stack of dishes you have to leave in the sink. Then you can get back to your sewing that much faster!

My Emily is Making and Selling 18" Doll Clothes Now.......

My Emily is taking an entrepreneur class and she was challenged to come up with an idea/item to sell.  Since she loves making 18" doll clothes she has decided to start right there with what she loves.  She has one item on Ebay right now that ends tomorrow night, and here are a few more items she's about to add.  We are discussing whether to put these up on Ebay or Etsy.  But one way or the other, she is in major cut and sew mode.  

This sweet little hat she crocheted for the 18" dolls.  I love how colorful it is!  And a flower is always a nice surprise!  This is her own design/pattern.

She stitched this adorable jean skirt too.  Love her straight topstitching!!!  She has partnered with Liberty Jane Patterns and has been given the ok to use their patterns as long as she gives them the proper credit.  That's so fun!  This is one of their patterns.

And so she isn't sewing alone, here is a sneak peek at a historical dress I made this week.  I'm waiting for the sun to come out so I can take better pictures.

And this cute dress that I showed you before is the one up for auction right now.  If you want it you can follow this link.  The auction ends tomorrow night!!!  So go take a look!!!  Please??

I've actually been sewing so much this week that it seems that all I've done is re-fill my bobbin.  I guess that's a good thing!!!  Back soon with more fun sewing projects.  And I have an idea for something really fun here.  I'm going to think it through a bit more and then I'll share.

Enjoy your weekend!!!!

June......

I hope this greeting finds you all in good health and spirits!  It's been a bit busy around here the past month or so....as you can tell with my lack of updates/posting.  The girls had their piano recital and they both did fantastic.  They each had a solo and then a duet.....so fun for me to hear them practice together and then perform together.  Ethan is begging for piano lessons now too.  I love that!!  :o)

We had another trip to Tennessee to check on my dad's house.  We are trying to help him maintain it while he is mostly in Florida.  I know that may sound like drudgery....but it is such a pleasant treat for us to have a place to go and visit.  Plus since it is a home we can pick up groceries on the way and prepare most of our meals at home while there.  A nice little bonus.

While in TN this time we zipped by two different needlework shops.  I was so inspired that I purchased two cross-stitch charts/patterns while there.  Then I came home and headed to my favorite cross-stitch/quilting shop and picked up the required canvas and thread.  These patterns actually call for hand-dyed floss which I have never used before.  I have enjoyed it thus far as it really gives a sense of depth that you don't get with the regular DMC floss.  So far I've just stitched words...but I have another pattern that does have large areas filled in and I think it is going to yield awesome results.

And back at home, we've been having fun at the park with the little ones.  Ean has on a pair of shorts that I made him in the pic above.  I've actually made him quite a few pairs of shorts now....probably about 7 pairs.  They are addictive because they go together so quickly.  Love them.  I can't believe this sweet little boy has a birthday coming up soon!

The step-son of a local friend of mine was injured in Afghanistan last week.  I've been praying for him and his family.  He is being transferred to DC today from Germany and the family will finally be reunited with him while he heals.  I know it will be such an emotional time for them all!!!  They have been using Facebook to send out updates and it has been such a blessing to be able to keep up with what's going on.

Not much more to comment on.  We are already into the swing of summer it seems.  Actually about the only thing that changes is the weather.  We still take piano lessons and do a bit of learning even over the summer months.  I know.....I'm a mean mom sometimes!  :o)

I hope you all are taking a few minutes out of your busy-ness to stitch...it's great therapy!!!

Bean Bags.......

The other day I mentioned I had started a new project. I like the ideas you all had of what it might be. I really should take the time to make a picnic quilt one day. And I really want to make a quilted tablecloth to go on our kitchen table! I have always wanted one and I think that would make our kitchen table look so charming. Maybe another year....actually, I think that would be a great winter project.

Anyway, I was making bean bags for the kids and Ethan picked out the fabrics for me. We will use them in all sorts of ways! One is it is a great technique to reinforce math facts with the little ones. We will toss a bean bag back and forth while calling out whatever math facts we are working on. For example, counting by 2's, 3's.......12's, etc. I have found that getting the kids active while working on math is very helpful for their memory retention.

Emily is desperately trying to teach herself to juggle using them. I taught myself to juggle oranges underneath our orange tree in Florida when I was about 11 years old. The kids think it is a riot that I can juggle and they beg me to perform for them all the time. I guess I should be glad they are so easy to amuse!!!

You all have a great weekend!! I am hoping to visit a new yarn shop I recently found out about.

New Project......

Yesterday found me cutting out fabric squares. Any ideas what I might be working on? Here's a hint...the kids will love it!

All is well here after a round of summer colds last week. The kids are getting a little stir crazy inside all day...but the temps have been way too hot to spend much time outside. I was planning on a visit to the library and a new yarn shop today....but Ean decided to get up a bit too early today, so I'm thinking an early nap for him may be a better idea. The library and yarn shop can wait until tomorrow. Other than what you see above I don't think I've been sewing much the past week or so. I need to decide what my next big sewing project will be.

And every time I download pictures from my camera I am in for a surprise. The kids are forever borrowing my camera to capture life from their angle. Today I found this little gem on there. The boys doing what they do best....playing around and being silly! I already miss these days, even though I am still in the thick of them. And that surely doesn't mean it's all easy....trust me....some days I'm not sure I'll make it until their father gets home. But all in all...it's a blessed life I lead!!!

Free-Motion Quilting Fun.......

The other day I forgot to mention that I also signed up on-line for a pin cushion swap with a group of homeschooling moms. So today I got busy working on a bright and fun pin cushion. I had an idea for one...but could not find a pattern so I drew one out. That is so much easier and faster than drafting kid's clothes! I also thought it would be a great opportunity to practice my free-motion quilting. I only do this type of quilting every few years so I never really take the time to get good at it. But I am ok with that! I will show pictures of the finished pin cushion after the swap is completed. But I do like it so much I am going to make myself one.

A Tip For Tuesday....

Finally last year I started sewing on non-shank buttons by machine. I am not sure why it took me so long to get with the program. I use my darning foot, which for my Bernina is foot #9. However, it was always tricky for me to place the button where it needed to go and keep it there until I had the machine ready and the foot in place. Fortunately all that changed, and sewing on buttons with the machine got instantly easier with just one item.

That one item is Wonder Tape made by Dritz. It is double-sided tape that you can sew through and it is water-soluble. Since I bought my first roll of this....I have found several ways to use it. And this is still my first roll....so it lasts for quite awhile!

Tear off a small piece of tape and stick it onto the back side of your button.

Remove the piece of protective paper from the other side of the tape. Now you can position your button at the desired location on the fabric and then place it under the presser foot without concern that it will fall off. You can even shake your fabric around and it won't move.

Set your machine for the pre-programmed "Button Sew-On Stitch." On mine it is #60.

Hold onto your thread tails so they do not end up a tangled mess underneath your fabric. Also check to make sure the needle goes into the holes correctly. I do this by manually advancing the needle by the handwheel....and generally closing my eyes. I figure if the needle hits the button and breaks in a zillion pieces....I don't want any of it going into my eyes. And I'm not quite ready to wear protective goggles when I sew. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! However, I really feel that I should add that I have never broken a needle sewing on a button, thus far.

After the stitch is complete....remove the fabric with attached button from the machine. Then thread both top threads through a needle and pull them to the back side of the fabric. Then tie the four threads together into one knot and trim the thread ends.

And then you are left with a perfectly placed button that did not wiggle around while you were attaching it. You are also left with a small spot of tape under the button. Depending upon what garment I have made....sometimes I soak the tape off with water and sometimes I gently lift the button up and pull on the tape to remove it. Either way....it works fantastic every time.

I also must add that I appreciate all the comments about the "proper" placement of buttonholes. I think most people feel like I do in that "does it really matter?" I just found it interesting that the lady who challenged me was so passionate about it that she was adamant to "correct" me. She actually told me she "would have to teach me better." Her exact words. Not mine. Needless to say, I'm pretty pleased with my sewing skills. Hmmm, I wonder if she knows about using Wonder Tape when sewing buttons on? Maybe I should stop by and "teach" her something new?

It's Been A Fun Week.....

Today the kids and I packed up a picnic lunch and jumped into the car. Then we proceeded to kidnap Wayne from work so he could enjoy a yummy lunch with us. As if that alone wouldn't create a memory for our family....the rest sure will. We drove to a local duck pond not far from Wayne's work. You know you are in for entertainment when the ducks meet you at your vehicle and follow you to the picnic table. We reminded the girls not to feed the ducks so that maybe they would take a hint and leave our vicinity. Didn't happen. Two ducks in particular stood and watched our every bite......as if to say..."Hey you....care to share with us???" Not today ducks. Our spontaneous picnic ended up being the quickest lunch ever eaten for our family. Between the agressive ducks and a serious wind that kicked up as soon as we sat down.....I think we were packed up and back in the car in a mere twenty minutes. I'm sure the girls will remember this picnic for a long time.



The girls and I have been studying Sacagawea as well as the Lewis and Clark expedition. So I was excited the other day when we found these cute leather pouch kits at the craft store. Emily had hers stitched up pretty quickly. I'm hoping maybe she'll put mine together for me too.

I think she likes about all forms of sewing. Earlier tonight she was working on her quilt again. She should have it completely pieced pretty soon. She is getting really confident on the sewing machine.

Also this week I had my second and final class with Michie Mooney of Creations by Michie. She is such a fun person to be around. She told us so many funny stories and we just sat and laughed. At one point I almost fell out of my chair laughing. None of us finished our class projects. I think we were having so much fun that sometimes we forgot we were supposed to be sewing. I also asked a lot of questions about heirloom sewing in general. I definitely would enjoy taking more classes with her.

I finally received my sewing machine back after seven weeks of it being "fixed." So far it has turned on every time I have flipped the switch....that is a good thing since that is the reason it had to be sent off. However, it did come back to me dripping yellow oil all over my fabric. It won a trip back to the local dealer to get that resolved. Now it seems like it is ready to play properly again. I am thankful the dealer gave me a loaner to use in its seven week long absence.

As for sewing, I am working on a few coordinating pieces for Elisabeth. I only lack a shirt at this point to finish it up. Plus I am smocking a few Wee Care gowns for our local SAGA chapter. I attended my second meeting the other night. We had a working meeting where we cut, sewed, and pleated a bunch of gowns. It was very successful. Next month we have a guest teacher that I am really looking forward to meeting. I think she is one of the teachers at Martha Pullens school.

I also have two minor heirloom projects that I am finishing up. I am mostly working on my techniques at this point. I also found some beautiful fabric this past week for another outfit for Elisabeth. Emily is still trying to decide what she wants me to sew for her next....oh, and I have a dress pattern to try out for myself. Seems like I hardly ever sew for myself anymore.

Got to run...another busy day tomorrow......

Butterflies......

About two weeks ago the kids and I participated in a class about caterpillars and butterflies. During the class the girls each decorated a box that became a butterfly house. We left the class with two caterpillars and the two butterfly habitats.

We got to watch the caterpillars grow at a staggering pace for a few days before they slowed down and created their chrysalis. They stayed in their little cocoon for about six days. Then we had the joy of watching them right after they came out of the chrysalis. Amazing.

We have watched the butterflies and fed them for a couple days. Now it is time for them to enjoy nature as God intended. This variety of butterfly does not live much longer than two weeks, so they deserve to spend most of that time residing in our butterfly bush right outside our kitchen window. They will have lots of friends since the bush is always busy and full of gorgeous butterflies. Plus they will have three little sets of eyes watching for them out the window each day.

Caterpillar....Chrysalis......Butterfly.......just more evidence of an amazing Creator!!!

Welcome Spring

The first sign was the sweet little robins in our yard. Then the daffodils showed their little faces. Currently, the bradford pear trees are blooming their little heads off. Next we will wait for the tulips to make their appearance. We had a week or so of pleasant warm temperatures and then the last few days have been quite chilly again. That can only mean one thing....Spring is right around the corner.

The children are ready to spend large amounts of time outside. So far they have flown kites, played baseball, rode bikes, etc. But the funniest thing is what they have been doing inside the past few days. A couple evenings in a row, right after dinner, the girls have put on a circus for us. Emily is the announcer and light technician, as well as a performer. Elisabeth is a performer and Ethan is their number one clapping section. They each do a hopscotch skit, then a ring show (think hoola hoop.......only much smaller), and then a clown performance. Too funny. And if that isn't enough, when they aren't practicing for their circus show, they are singing all the "Sound of Music" songs at the top of their lungs. That is their favorite movie right now. Fortunately, we all enjoy the songs and we usually all join in. Especially when they sing..."These are a few of my favorite things." We recently studied the 1940's and WWII and this movie fit in perfectly, and certainly generated interest.

Today the temperature was back up in the low 70's. Perfect!!!! I also finished the smocking on the first Easter dress. I made some yummy muffins and the children were able to play outside. What a great day!!! Come on Spring..........we want more!!!

Have A Heart.....

(excuse the blurry picture)

So this was the extent of our crafting goodness today. Emily and I managed to pour a bag of converstion hearts into a mason jar , plop a candle (in a glass holder) on top, and tie a ribbon around it. However, before we retired the hearts to the jar we spent the entire morning playing games with them.

First we sorted them by color and charted the results. Then we created math problems based on colors (e.g., what color has the most, what color has the least, what is the difference between the two). Then we did several estimation exercises (e.g., how many hearts will fit on this cardboard heart, how many are in this jar, etc). But the most favorite by far was Valentine Battleship. We played several times throughout the day....and as I type this the girls are playing again. Where else can you have this much fun.....and be learning at the same time???? (Oh, and in our warm, cozy house too!!!) Homeschooling is great!!!