Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Do you remember paddle ball?



Turkey Paddle Ball Game

If you have kids coming over for Thanksgiving, this makes a great project to keep them busy while you cook.

This is a game I remember from my childhood. Warning! You must teach the little ones how to paddle. Not to use as a weapon!

You need:

Paddle Ball
Feathers
Tacky Glue
Paint & Brush or Markers

Instructions:
Paint paddle. Let dry. Glue feathers to the back sides and one on the top. Draw or paint on a face. You can find this project and a whole lot more at http://www.makingfriends.com/.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Bisquick Sausage Ball Recipe

Sausage Balls Rock, Quick and Easy to Make

Bisquick Sausage Balls are favorites for holidays, special events like Super Bowl Parties and yummy any day of the year.

I only make sausage balls for Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas. It doesn't take long to make sausage balls, and almost everyone loves them. I always make two batches, one with pork and the other with turkey sausage.

The basic recipe for Bisquick Sausage Balls is:

2 cups Bisquick
1 pound sausage
10 oz. pack of shredded cheese (or just shred your own from a block of cheddar)

Directions:

Put everything in the bowl and mix. This is easiest to do with your hands though it feels pretty gross at this stage. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls, use a teaspoon for measuring. I think the smaller the better. Place the sausage balls on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degress F for about 10 to 15 minutes. depends on size. The Bisquick balls should be lightly browned with the meat cooked through.

Refrigerate leftover and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sock Monkey


All you need to make this cute little Sock Monkey are a pair of socks, sewing machine, buttons (just two for the eyes), ruler, pens, scissors, stuffing, pins, and needle and thread.


You can find detail instructions at CraftBits http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1104. I think you will love this site.

Friday, November 21, 2008

A Grand Gobbler


Possibilities

Write seven reasons to be thankful on tiny pieces of paper, and tie one to each button on the turkey's tail. Ask family members to read them during your Thanksgiving feast.


You can find this FREE pattern at http://www.sewing.org/html/grand_gobbler.html. Free Sewing & Craft Projects, Learn to Sew, Guidelines Articles, Charitable Projects, Bridal, Kids & More!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Quick and Easy Apron


Materials Needed:


Dishtowel or Teatowel

3 yards of 1 in. grosgrain ribbon for ties

1/3 yard fabric or fat quarter for top & pocket

Matching thread

Optional: 1 yard rickrack


INSTRUCTIONS:


  1. Fold towel in half lengthwise to determine center.

  2. Open towel, then fold top corners to the back side. The top of your apron should measure 9 1/2 in. and the angle sides should measure 13 in. Press

  3. Measure 2 in. away from pressed edge and trim away the excess fabric using pinking sheers.

  4. To make lower pocket, cut a piece of fabric 6 1/2 in. x 20 1/2 in. (or width of towel plus 1 in.). Fold long edges over 1/4 in. then again 1/4 in.. Press. Top stitch top edge. Add rickrack to top edge if desired.

  5. Fold short edges and remaining long edges over 1/2 in. Press. Stitch pocket unit to bottom of towel stitching 1/8 in. from folded edge. Divide into 3 equal sections and stitch to make pockets.

  6. To make decorative top, cut a piece of fabric 4 1/2 in. x 16 in. (or width of towel top plus 1 in.). Cut short ends to match angle leaving 1/2 in. inseam allowance. Fold all edges over 1/2 in.. Press. Stitch this unit to the top of your towel keeping your stitching line 1/8 in. away from the folded edge. Add rickrack if desired.

  7. Stitch 1 1/2 in. from pressed edge to form casing for ribbon. Thread ribbon through casings.

Wear and enjoy!

Set an Elegant Monogrammed Table


Monogrammed napkins add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner. Even with the short time left until Turkey Day, you still can add a beautiful monogram to your table linens in about an hour. Prepare a single initial monogram in your choice of styles. If you will fold your napkins, place the initial in the lower right corner, opposite any sewn-in tag. If you use napkin rings, place the letter “on point” opposite from any sewn-in tag. Print a template from your embroidery software to assure that your selected style is in the proper scale and that it is pleasing in your selected placement.


If you still have time left, consider adding a matching initial to the upper left corner of your placemats.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Personalized Coloring Book and Crayon Tote With Embroidery Design and Monogram


One of my newest creations. This tote is fantastic for toddlers! It’s the perfect way to carry their goodies themselves, and help keeps mommy organized and her purse crayon-free. Children love to simply take the crayons out of their sleeves and continually put them back in place…entertains them for hours! Also, a great way to entertain them at home, in the car, on the airplane, at church, restaurants, Drs. appointments, meetings, at grandma’s house or anywhere they might go.


Tote holds 12 large crayons and 3 or 4 coloring books.A tote is a great way to commemorate your little one’s very first holiday or birthday. Makes a great keepsake! The back of each tote features an embroidery design, your baby’s first name and a small verse! (Up to 20 characters in all.) Something cute like "My Little Princess" or "Babies Rule", “Little Slugger” or how about “1st Christmas”, just ask I have many more I can share. Be creative! This makes a great shower, birthday or Christmas gift. I have 100's of embroidery designs. Just let me know what you are looking for. Place your order at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17227589


Tote and handles are quilted, inside is lined with coordinating fabric, crayon pockets are interfaced and I've doubled and sometimes tripled stitched for added strength. It measures approximately 10 ½” tall, 9” wide, 1 ½” deep, 7 1/2" drop on handles. The bag is made of 100% cotton fabric and batting, making it soft and sturdy. Machine wash with cold water, hang to dry and press with warm iron. Coloring book and crayons not included.


Monday, November 17, 2008

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe


Tradition makes the table enjoyable, but don't be afraid to try something new. Try one of my favorite classic Thanksgiving recipes at your dinner this year


Roasted Garlic - Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Fresh roasted garlic and parmesan cheese flavor these mashed potatoes that wi go great with any main dish or holiday dinner.


Ingredients

2 garlic bulbs
Olive oil (optional)
3 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. pepper
Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

Method

Cut off pointed ends of garlic bulbs: place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, and drizzle with oil, if desired. Fold foil to seal. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes; cool to touch. Squeeze pulp from garlic cloves and set aside. Bring potato, 1 teaspoon salt, and water to cover to a boil in a Dutch oven; boil 20-25 minutes or until potato is tender. Drain. Mash potato, or press through a ricer. Stir in garlic, remaining 1 tsp. salt, whipping cream and next 4 ingredients. Garnish, if desired.
Notes: Add a little more milk if desired. I actually added about 1/4 cup skim milk and the consistancy was just right.

Number of Servings: 6

Sunday, November 16, 2008

FREE Patterns


Copyright-free patterns for all skill-levels
You’ve arrived to your kind of ‘candy’ store. All patterns, accompanied by instructions and related creations are copyright-free and easy to download. Please check it out! http://www.burdastyle.com/

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Vintage Vines Pillow



Add the French country look to your couch or favorite chair with this pillow made in moire and satin fabrics.
Link to download free pdf pattern http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?cat_id=260.



Designed byBarbara Clayton

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Placemat Market Tote Bag


Compliments of Craft At Home ~ craftathome.com


Most of us have a few odd place mats laying around the house, that are just too pretty to toss away. Here is a fabulous idea for using up a couple of those mismatched place mats. Do you have a doily that has a teeny hole, or a stubborn stain that you just can't get rid of? Here's the perfect place to give it a new life.I have had so many requests for a tote pattern. I thought that this style of tote would be the perfect place for a beginner to start. You don't need a sewing machine to complete this project, but I do recommend it. However, If you love hand sewing, you won't have any trouble whipping up this little pretty!


Materials:


2 Place mats of choice [they don't need to be the same pattern, just the same size]

2.5 Yards Cotton Heavy Weight Twill

Thread [matching fabric color]

Sewing Machine [optional]

Doily of choice

Button


How to:


First decide which side of the place mat you would like to be the front and back of your tote. Once you have decided, lay your two place mats flat with the right side [front and back] up. Cut your 2.5 yard piece of twill in half. From the bottom center of your place mat, measure about 3 inches to each side and place the cut end of your twill even with the place mat edge. Pin your twill running up the place mat, loop for the handle and back down to the place mat edge. Repeat this for the other place mat. Top stitch the twill in place at each side going across the top to secure the handle in place.


With right sides together [side with your handles], pin the sides and bottom edges together. Sew place mats together either following the original seam in the place mat or use 1/2 inch seam allowance. Press your seams open.


To add a doily or linen piece, you need to create a finished top edge on your doily. Along the cut edge of your doily, fold under 1/4 inch and press in place. Now, fold over another 1/4 inch to create an edge with no raw edges. Press firmly in place. Pin your doily to the top front of your tote, making sure that the pressed edge of your doily and the top edge of the tote meet. Sew a top stitch around the entire top of the tote [as close to the edge as possible], Stitch another row of top stitches across the top, but this time about 3/8 inches away from the edge. Be sure your side seams are pressed out when top stitching. This will keep those seams out of your way and give a more finished look to the inside of the tote.


Whether you attach a doily or not, it is important that you add these final top stitches to the tote. These final top stitches secure the handles along the top, to prevent your side handle stitches from coming apart, when you over load your tote with weight. Finally, stitch a button at the lower center of doily bringing the thread all the way through to the inside of the tote. This will help keep your doily in place and it looks pretty too!


Helpful Hints:


It is always a good idea to choose quality threads for your projects. They truly do make a difference, not only in the strength of the stitches, but also in the appearance. I almost always use cotton wrapped polyester thread for my everyday totes. The polyester gives the thread strength, while the cotton prevents damage to the fabric. 100% polyester thread is extremely strong and is wonderful for many projects, but can cause early wear to many fabrics, at the stitch points. If you are using vintage fabrics, I always recommend using a thread that is weaker than the actual fabric you are using. This way, your thread will break before your fabric will... It's much easier to stitch up a seam than repair damaged fabric. 100% Cotton thread is usually a good choice for vintage fabrics.


Copyright 1999- 2008 by Craft At Home. All rights reserved

Sunday, November 9, 2008

All Purpose Sewers Aid For Hand & Machine Quilting


Sewers Aid is especially useful for the home-sewer. Sewers Aid applied sparingly to spool and bobbin thread and your sewing tools makes machine sewing smoother and hand sewing easier.

SEWERS AID HAS UNLIMITED USES:

Apply SEWERS AID to spool and bobbin thread. It will lubricate the thread guides and tension as it passes through the machine for smoother sewing.

Apply SEWERS AID to machine needle for smoother sewing - knits and sheer fabrics can be sewen more easily and it helps prevent skip stitching.

Apply SEWERS AID to hand needle for easier penetration of fabric when hand sewing.
I recommend it for those hard to use threads like metallics, king tut, and other thick ones. I squirt a little on my needle when I'm having trouble. Works like magic!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Decorator Pillow


Download step-by-step instructions here With such a simple design and easy instructions, why not make a whole bunch of these lovely decorator pillows. Be creative with colors and fabric textures!

Friday, November 7, 2008

All You Need Pouch With Skull and Bones Embroidery Design


Your I.D., some money, cell phone and keys…what else do you need? This pouch is for everyone, regardless of gender or age. Can be used for a small purse, pencil holder or bikers pouch. Other uses, cosmetic bag, toiletry bag, camera bag, or an organizer for all those cords you need to take with you when you travel. Its usefulness is endless. Made from medium weight duck cloth in black. Interfaced with fusible fleece. Making it soft but sturdy. The bag is lined with an interfaced red cotton fabric. It has one inside pocket. I added a tab with key ring and top stitched along the zipper. Tie added to zipper to make zipping and unzipping quick and easy. Will make a great Christmas gift for just about anyone with a fancy for skulls. Appox. Size: 6 ½” tall, 9 ½” wide at the top, 7” wide at bottom, 2 ½” depth. Machine wash on gently cycle in cold water and air dry. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16925330

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

It's History

Barack Obama Wins 2008 Presidential Election

Key Wins in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia sealed the deal for the Democrat's victory over John McCain. Americans have spoken, and their collective voice has summoned for change.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598607/20081104/story.jhtml