Here is my beautiful dress I have been working on for 14 months. It is a stunning print on and I am looking forward to finishing the side zipper. I just finished ripping it out again and am about to add some fabric to the seam so that my zipper has more fabric to attach to. It wasn't too small, but rather the zipper was unstable with the raveling fabric. I also need to hem the bottom and place buttons. One day this week I hope to be completed and will post a picture wearing it! I might need to rethink our evening snack plans!
As we go through life's adventures, I often feel like I am Sew Running Around! Welcome to our journey and to my thoughts on everything from sewing, to homeschooling our four children, to our grand adventures!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Twirly Skirt Time
I have been busy making some quick skirts for Sweet Sis. The narrow one is from Simplicity 2576, which is meant to be a teaching pattern for you girls to learn to sew. Very Simple. The second skirt is from The King's Daughters Ruffled Skirt Pattern, also simple but a tad more time due to gathering. The first from cut out to finished product was under 45 min. The second one was an hour and 15 minutes. I rarely do it all at once but can get it done in a day or evening. I plan on a denim ruffle for her next skirt. I have two Mommy dresses to finish first. One has been in the works for nearly 2 years. I am having trouble with the bodice side seam zipper, but I have worked out a solution in theory, so I just need to do it! I would rather do the quick gratifying projects then dig in and fix a problem. That sounds like a seamstress' sermon! By for now from the pin cushion pulpit, Country Needles
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Granola Time!
Every few weeks, I make a large batch of granola for the family. I think they would eat it everyday! I like to try different recipes, but this one is my old faithful. It is a cost effective non-oil recipe. I enjoy the full maple syrup varieties, but it is expensive to use pure maple syrup. No oil is healthier and lower calories. Try it and tell me what you think! One word of caution: use a strong blender or soften dates ahead of time by boiling in water for 10 minutes (making sure to drain water before adding to recipe).
Maple Nut Granola
By Neva Brackett's "7 Secrets" Cookbook
Combine in blender:
1 C water
1/2 C honey
1 T molasses
1 T vanilla
1 tsp maple flavoring
1 tsp salt
2 C pitted dates
1 C nuts (walnut, Brazil nut, peanut, or almonds)
Combine in bowl:
13 C old-fashioned oats
1-2 C quick oats, as needed
1/2 C shredded unsweetened coconut
1-2 C sliced almonds or other nuts
1 C raw hulled pumpkin seeds (we prefer green)
Add wet mixture. Thoroughly mix, adding extra quick oats if too wet, and spread onto two large cookie sheets. Place in oven overnight at 175F.
I will post a picture of finished product in the morning!
Well Kind Heart loves the granola! He is finishing his morning devotion CD, thus the ear buds!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Sewing & Running!
I always have a sewing project in progress and most of the time multiple projects! Today I finished a dress for Sweet Sis from a new pattern I purchased called Lizzy by Bonnie Blue Designs. I purchased the fabric from SewBaby and it is a very good quality cotton. I am learning how important quality fabric is in the lay and appearance of one's garment. The standard Joann's Fabric does not cut it for all garments! I added significant length to the pattern but think I could have shortened it by 2 inches. The dress is about one size too big, which is the correct size to sew. Next month she will be growing into it!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Baking Bread and Making Memories
This afternoon, Sweet Sis and I baked some bread while the boys were busy doing car "stuff". I love spending time with my only daughter! She is such a sweetie and a delight. She loves to do anything that I am doing! The boys were not quite as good of a shadow as her, to me anyway, and I guess that is the way God designed it. Here are some pictures of our time together.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Sweet Wedding Anniversary
We were taught the difference between feline and canine tracks. We saw both tracks in their specimen tracking area. So in this particular preserve, they have active coyote and mountain lions, plus some smaller bobcats.
This plant was used by early settlers and natives for its soap lathering quality. Can you see the guide's soapy hand?
Sweet Sis actually found the acorn nut (on the oak shrub) that the guide was looking for! It surprised him!