School started Monday and we’ve already had an invite to a birthday party.  In pondering what to get this little girl, I remembered a post that JC Handmade  wrote about a birthday gift idea.  She made a tote, some barrettes (do I have enough time before 3 o’clock to whip up some barrettes???) and filled the tote with books/games.  I loved the idea for so many reasons, no plastic toys that will be thrown out or added to landfills in a few months, I get to use my sewing machine and the games/books promoted learning.

I was pleased with how it turned out, although I think the handles might be a bit long.  It is lined with the same AH fruit print and I put the two books in the bag.  I really have no idea what reading level the girl is at, or what little girls read these days.  I’m more focused on boy literature- just got an abridged version of Treasure Island yesterday.   What kind of books would you recommend for a beginning male reader, I really want my son to love reading and am struggling to find books that aren’t boring and girly to him.

…started preschool today, wearing a little messenger bag that I made for her.

When I picked her up she was so excited to tell me about what she did and show me the things she made.  I took her out for a special lunch after class and really enjoyed every single minute with her.  I can’t believe though that I will have 4 hours a week to myself, I’m almost dizzy with the possibilities!

added two new bib/burp sets to the shop, a quilt is soon on the way (hope to finish the binding tomorrow), and a kitchen towel is also in the works.

Another repuposed/upcycled outfit for my daughter (made using Simplicity 3511)!  I found this sheet at a local thrift store and just loved it, I paired it with some pink thrifted bias tape and voila! I love this summer sewing thing, next week will be pajamas for my son!  Only 1 more day to enter the contest!

thanks to all who entered, I’ll post the winners on sat

I realized today that I haven’t had a contest for July yet, nor did I have one for June.  OOPS!  So, to make up for it, this one will be really good….

I made my daughter a skirt today from a vintage sheet I found at Goodwill for $1.  Not only was it super easy, but it looks SO cute on her.

Here’s the deal, I will make someone’s daughter a vintage sheet skirt, with puff ball trim!  “But wait,” you say, “I don’t have a small daughter” .  For those who are not interested in a skirt I’m offering this cute small vintage pyrex serving dish in the butterfly pattern and I’ll fill it with bits of vintage sheets.

I’ll leave the comments open until friday July 18, and as always feel free to link back.  Just mention in the comments which prize you would like.

A few weeks ago I got an email from Jen Byard of My Three Sons Designs asking me if I would make a travel blanket for her son.  Have you seen the cute stuff she makes and sells?  I was flattered that she wanted ME to make something for her son.

I gave it a lot of thought and decided on something definitely boy- but not cheesey boy (does that make sense to anyone else?).  I had worked with the Star Rocket fabric before and really liked it.  Not only is the print cute it is the softest cotton ever, I swear it has got to be 300+ thread count.  Harrison has 2 older brothers which means he probably gets a lot of hand-me-downs.  I wanted this to be something special meant for him, so I embroidered a patch with his name on it.  I searched high and low for just the right minky to back it in, I wanted red, but theI couldn’t find the right share.  Sally’s had a soft dotted blue that matched perfectly.

So, Harrison- this one is for you buddy!

I finished my daughters pajamas last week, in just enough time for her sleep over/photo shoot with Aunt Sarah. (thanks goes to Sarah for the awesome pics, be sure to click the link if you are local- she is offering a newborn special for one month ONLY)

I just couldn’t help myself!  The pattern included a transfer for a rather dorky looking angel applique, but the test pattern was this beautiful rose design.  I added the detail to the back of the bloomers and used colors from the aqua print.  What you don’t see is that the bloomers have a ruffle on each leg out of the aqua fabric so the set looks complete!

The pattern is now on its way to Elorie for her summer sewing pleasure!  I’m off to vacuum the car for our little weekend trip!

Lemon Layer Cake
3 3/4c flour
3 3/4t baking powder
1t salt
2 1/3 sticks of salted butter (each stick is 1/2cup)
2 2/3c sugar
2 1/4t vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 1/4c milk (or half and half)
1/2c fresh lemon juice

Mix dry ingredients together and then set aside.  Blend butter, sugar  and vanilla together.  Add eggs one at a time and mix really well.  Add dry mixture and milk/lemon juice alternatively and mix well.

Pour into 3 prepared (greased and floured) 9″ round pans.  Bake for 30min at 375.  Cool inverted on wire racks.

Lemon Curd
3 eggs
1/3c lemon juice
3/4c sugar
4T butter

 Boil water in a large pot, and leave to simmer.  Add everything but the butter to a stainless steel mixing bowl.  Put the bowl over the simmering water (your going for the double boiler effect).  Whisk  curd continually over simmering water for about 10min, until it gets as thick as sour cream.  Remove from heat and whisk in butter until melted.  Cover and chill in fridge.

Putting it Together
When cake is cooled and lemon curd is chilled you can assemble.  Add the lemon curd between the layers.  For the top, dust with powdered sugar.  Add whipped cream (I had thought about piping it out of a frosting tip for a more decorative look, but changed my mind), and dot with fresh berries of your choice.  Serve immediately or refrigerate.

I received an email from Claire of Handmade Parade asking about summer activities; stitching and otherwise. Handmade Parade is looking for fun things to do this summer, for kids, adults and crafters. This past Wednesday I found a fun activity that allowed me to be creative and brought enjoyment and imagination to my kids (a winning summer combination in my book).

I present you with:

Bowling At Home- Hales Style

I made the kids some fabric balls using Tanya’s pattern. I just rummaged through my scraps and let the kids pick what they liked.

For pins we lined up plastic cylinders from a marble tower game we have, but really anything lightweight would work (even empty water bottles). The kids love setting it up and “bowling”.

My son also tried to “jungle” them while I made pancakes this morning. What is summer without a few strawberries thrown in!