This weekend, I got to be a fairy godmother (aka mother-in-law with a sewing machine!) for Christin, who needed a dress for a formal awards banquet. Although she didn’t get to try it on until a few hours before the event . . . and the fitting, altering, and hemming nearly took us to the moment of departure . . . we were both very happy with the end result. Doesn’t she look beautiful? (And thanks, Christin, for being a good sport and striking a pose for the camera. ♥)
For some reason ♥, I can’t resist all the cute baby flannels at the fabric store these days. Thank you to HomemadeByJill for the great pattern and tutorial that helped me learn how to sew these rag-edge burpies. Here are the ones I’ve made so far!
I made a quick dash by the remnant bin last time I was at Jo-Ann and found this adorable “Monster Mania” fleece, which made two soft, cuddly 14 x 15 pillows. They definitely didn’t require any alamode, and I don’t think I’ll have any trouble finding some little monster lovers to give them to! ♥
As you know, I love to make pillows from cloth napkins I find in the bargain aisle of various home and department stores. My latest find was a loner for 48¢. Once I got home, I discovered four tiny, perfectly-centered holes which were were easily camouflaged by some burgundy-bead alamode that matches the remnant I used for the back. I love the rich colors and design of this finished 16 x 16 pillow!
I’m working on a project that requires 16 colors of embroidery floss. I decided to start with all new skeins to make sure I wouldn’t run out, so I was tickled pink to find a new way to store the leftovers once I’d finished with them. (Thank you, Pinterest! ♥) I think they look extra pretty in this bowl Greg made, don’t you? This concept also fits a new decorating strategy I adopted when we decided to downsize to a smaller home. Instead of putting up decorations AND finding places to store things, why not use storage solutions that decorate?
Where we love is home . . . home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. (Oliver W. Holmes)
I needed to pick up an item at Bed, Bath, and Beyond on Saturday, and after the success of my last “napkin pillow,” I decided to browse the clearance aisle for potential fabrics. To my delight, I found these reversible napkins for 99¢ apiece. By getting two of each, I could use the floral sides for the pillow fronts and the striped sides for the backs. I also added some vintage buttons from my grandmother’s collection for a little a-la-mode. The finished pillows are 16 x 18. ♥
I recently read this great dip recipe and decided to try it when a welcome visit from some dear family members resulted in a somewhat impromptu Super Bowl party:
Warm it up in the microwave or a mini-crockpot, and it’s ready. It disappeared fast, which is always a good sign when you’re experimenting with something new. ♥
A couple of years ago I ran across some “Cash Shirt” kits in a Current catalog and thought they’d be fun gifts for our many sons. Then I stashed them away and forgot about them! I finally tried one this week, and I think it’s sorta cute. But . . . I’ve also found a tutorial on How About Orange that doesn’t involve buying anything. Once I master this technique, I figure that these shirts can be a fallback Year of Homemade Gifts project . . . since, technically, I make my money by working at home, right? 
I’ve been wanting to try a sewing project I saw on Design Sponge awhile back . . . luggage tags. This crafter has an amazing tutorial that makes the project a snap. I’ve now made some for gifts, plus a couple for our suitcases. Try it . . . they’re fun!
My coffee cup is my best pal when I wake up in the morning, but now I have even more reason to love it! First, I found this recipe for Microwave Coffee Cup Scramble in a magazine. Then, sister-in-law Patty sent this recipe for 3, 2, 1 Cake (individual servings made almost instantly in a coffee cup). I’ve had the eggs for a quick breakfast or lunch, and Dave and I tested the cake after dinner last night . . . YUM! Enjoy! ♥
P.S. For copies, click on a recipe and it will appear on a new page for printing.
