Sophia Carry-All

Here is another Amy Butler pattern.  This one is the Sophia Carry-All.

 This is such a cute retro style bag.  I just love it!  It is fairly big for every day use.  So,  I use this bag to carry toiletries when I travel. Very handy!  I LOVE all the inside pockets.  Amy's bag patterns tend to include this wonderful feature. 

pockets are on both sides

The instructions were clear and included lots of illustrations.  The only issue was it is a pain to sew through all the layers.  But that tends to happen on many bag patterns.

Birdie Sling

Here is another Amy Butler bag.  Made from the Amy Butler Birdie Sling Patten. 

This bag is HUGE!  It also has 4 LARGE pockets inside.  It has nice thick straps. 

I used this bag for a weekend trip to San Franciso.  We ended up walking about 3 miles to meet people at a restaurant.  Prob. not the smartest thing to do...walk through San Fran when you really don't know where you are going and what neighborhoods you'll be walking through.  But we made it and are alive to tell our story.  LOL!  Anyway, my point in telling you this story is that this bag was wonderful it held everything my family needed and them some. 

I added the flower.  The instructions for this flower came in another Amy Butler bag pattern...the Madison Bag.

Time Out Cowl

I crocheted a few of these cowls for Christmas presents this year. 

The pattern can be found by going to www.lionbrandyarn.com and searching for "Time Out Cowl" or pattern number 90652AD.  Or try clicking here.  You will need to sign in to get the free pattern.
On this one I added a flower from Nicky Epstein's book "Crocheted Flowers".  It is the Lady Finger Lace pattern.  I used different sized hooks to get the graduated sizes and then stacked them and sewed them together. 

Bath Buddies

These bath buddies were so much fun to make.  They didn't take very long to complete either. 
They are made using Sugar N' Cream yarn.  I used a pattern found here.  You'll have to search for the pattern called "Baby's Bath Buddies."  You'll need to sign in to a free account you set up to view instructions.
The pattern is for a frog and a whale.  However, they show an alligator not  a frog.  LOL!  Now, I want to make an alligator.  :)   
My whale looks more like a dinosaur or monster, too. 
I suppose these could also be used as puppets.  I know I sure thought it was funny when I the puppets told the kids to do their chores.

Dublin Scarf

Time for another crocheted scarf!  Yippee! 
I've mentioned this one a few times on my blog.  Finally, I'm posting THE SCARF! :)

I've used the flower from this pattern on many projects.   I actually made up all 8 flowers that the pattern suggested.  I just couldn't find a way to add them all to the scarf in a way that I liked.  So, I have a few extra to use on other projects.  :)
The pattern for the Dublin Scarf can be found by going to www.lionbrand.com and searching for Dublin Scarf  or pattern # 80883AD.  Or by clicking here.  You will need so sign in to download the pattern. 

McCall's Hobo Bag

I've made this bag twice now.  The first time was a few years ago.  After I finished making this bag the second time, I remembered  "Oh!  Right!  This bag is huge!"  LOL! 
I'd bought this crushed velvet-esque fabric some time ago.  I vowed that I'd find the perfect pattern to make myself a Christmas/winter bag with it.   After I moved around this fabric several times,  I finally decided that THIS was going to be the year to use it.  I debated between two patterns then decided on this Easy Stitch 'N Save  (M5914) pattern that has been discontinued. 

The pattern itself is not bad.  I just don't particularly like how you have to put together the handles.  I also remembered this fact after I finished making it the second time. 

The instructions for this bag have you put a magnetic closure.  I decided to make a zipper closure for mine.  On the inside, there are instructions and a pattern for a cell phone/sunglasses slip pocket.  I used this, and added a zippered pocket on the other side. 

I know, with the lining fabric it's kind of hard to tell what all is happening in this picture.  :) 

Hoedown #46-Dress Up Your Corners

Hello again!
Click here to read all about this week's challenge. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!
Whew!  Today is a special day.  I've been homeschooling my son for the past three years.  Today he is done with homeschooling!   He'll be returning to a brick and mortar school with this move.   I have a whole new respect for those that home school.  :) 
-Ree

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Hambo Stamps-Santa Monster digi
Dies:  Sizzix-Architectrual Accent #1, Flower Petals and Center, PTI-Doily Details Collection
Paper-DCWV

Lovely Clarissa Bag

Since I made this doll for my daughter's student teacher, I thought I should prob. make something for her classroom teacher.  I decided to make her the 'Lovely Clarissa Bag' from the book "Bags The Modern Classics" by Sue Kim.  Oh, there are some great bags in this book.  Her web site has great things as well www.ithinksew.com . 
No, you are not seeing double.  I decided that I should just go ahead and cut out 2 bags.  I just got this book and was itching to make something from it.  Knowing myself like I do, I knew that I most likely wouldn't want to give this bag away.  So,  I made two.  :)  Boy, I was soooo right about myself!
The instructions and illustrations are excellent.  The only small thing I couldn't find was the seam allowance.  There are lots of instructions at the front of  the book that can apply to all the patterns...and I only glanced through those sections.  It is possible that I overlooked this information.  But I did glance though it trying to find the seam allowance a couple of times.  I went ahead and used a common 1/2 inch seam allowance. 
One other complaint is that the patterns given are printed double sided and overlapping on two tear out poster sized sheets.  What a MESS!  I used white tissue paper to trace the pattern.  I don't like tissue paper patterns much.  At the beginning of the book it did say to tape pieces of paper together and put them and the tear out sheet in the window to trace the pattern.  Still it is such a MESS!  Although, from what I can tell each pattern marking is labeled with the name of the bag.  It does still get confusing with all the lines crossing and dots here and there. 
All that being said, I am very happy with the purchase of this book.  The patterns are "Classic".

 I created and added the flower myself.

 Inside one bag I used a larger slip pocket on one side and a zippered pocket on the other.

 On the other bag I used the instructions found in the front of the book to make a pocket.

I also finally remembered to create a label for my bag.  I stamped it with Paper Trey Ink Stamps.  I sewed it into the side of the pocket.

Bailey's Irish Cream Fudge

OH YuMmmMMmmMmmy!  I searched online for a picture of Bailey's and noticed that there are even more varities that I think I must try.  :)
Several years ago some wonderful person shared this recipe online.  The web site is no longer in existence so, I'm unable to give proper credit. 
We have enjoyed every calorie of this wonderful fudge. 

Bailey's Irish Cream FudgeMakes about 5 pounds of fudge

 In a very large bowl combine:

2 (12 oz each) pkgs milk chocolate chips
1 (12 oz) pkg semi sweet chocolate chips
2 (7 oz each) jars marshmallow cream
2 t. vanilla
2/3 c. Bailey's Irish Cream
2 c. chopped nuts--optional

Set aside.
Line a 10x15 inch pan with foil and spread lightly with butter (I usually spray pan with Pam only and don't use foil or butter on this part).

In a sauce pan combine:
4 1/2 c. sugar
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
1/2 lb. butter
Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Cook slowly, stirring constantly for 11 minutes.  Pour milk mixture over the chocolate chip mixture.  Stir slowly by hand to blend.  (Do not use a mixer.)  Pour into prepared pan.  Chill until set.

Note:  I usually don't have semi sweet chocolate chips so I use 3 bags of milk chocolate chips.  Also, I usually only use a little more than 2 cups of sugar.--ya know to make this a healthy choice-bwaaaahaaahaaa!  This does make the fudge a little bit softer but still very edible.

Hoedown #45-Here Comes Anta Claus!

HA!  This week's Hambo Stamps digi hits a little too close to home.  Ever since we moved into this house we've battled with ANTS!!!  It is a newer home and we didn't think would happen in a newer home.  So, this image with an ant carrying a present...well, I fear it could actually happen.  :)  I just never know at what part of the house or when I'm going to find a swarm of ants.  We spray and clean, then clean and spray,  then spray and clean some more, but they keep visiting us.  One of the worst swarms was the first night we were moving in the house.  I put a few items on the counter from the pantry...it was very late at night.  In the morning there were MILLIONS of ants swarming the counter.  There were several lines of ants several feet long coming from all directions.  UGGGGGGGGG! 
Anyway, we are about to move.  Not because of the ants...new job.  I'm not going to miss the ants. 

All righty then, I am actually going to try something new...a tutorial.  Nothing too fancy.  I was playing and thought I'd share...with pictures. 
First here is my entry into this week's Hambo Hoedown Challenge. 

This week's challenge is to use more than one fold on your card.  I made this gate fold card with a little bit of a twist. 

Are you ready? 
This is how I made this card.

Start with a 4"  by 12" piece of cardstock (CS) for the card base.

1)   Score this CS at 4" and at 8". 
2)  Then with a ruler and a pencil lightly draw a line at 2" and again at 10" (click on picture to make bigger). 
3)  Along the lightly drawn in lines (at 2" and 10") I  marked the center on those lines by measuring up 2" from the top (or bottom) and lightly marking a dot. 

4)  Next, with a 2" circle punch I punched a circle out of scrap paper. 

5)  Fold this punched circle in half.

6)  Place the folded circle flat side along the lightly penciled in lines (2" and 10") and aligning it with the top of the CS at the 2" line and (the bottom of the 10" side) and the center dot (step 3).  Lightly trace around the outside of the circle.  Don't forget to alternate one side on top the other on bottom. (see pic) 

7)  Cut out the half circle and the line on each side. 

8)  Then fold card at the scored lines.

9)  Decorate!  That's it!

Front

Inside

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-AntaClaus-digi
Paper:  DCWV
Punches-2"circle punch, EK Success-1" circle punch
Other:  Martha Stewart Crafts-Score Board

Tilda Doll

My daughter asked me to make this for a student teacher that is leaving.  She only gave me one day's notice.  Gotta love when she does this to me. Never mind that I was running all over town to get things she forgot for a big project that was due this week.  She keeps me busy.  :)

The doll pattern is from the book "Tilda's Summer Ideas" by Tone Finnanger.  I was able to use some scraps to make this doll. 

I tried and tried to get a good picture of this doll, but I couldn't seem to get a picture where her face wasn't washed out.  I waited a few hours for different lighting and this is about as good as I could do.   Really, she is cuter in person. 

**Update:  Click here for another Tilda Doll
Enjoy your day!

Connie Bag

I am in LOVE with almost all of the bag patterns that Emma Brennan creates.  She has written a few books.  One is this Making Vintage Accessories book.  She also creates some cute accessories in addition to bags.  I love to browse her site http://www.charliesaunt.com/as well as her Etsy Shop. 
Most of her bag patterns are for cute small to medium sized bags.  I love that I can use some of my scraps leftover from making bigger projects.  You can even recycle a few items of clothing to make a bag. 
This is the Connie Bag out of the Making Vintage Accessories book. 

I think that the round shape of this bag is SOOOO much fun!  I added the flap and the flower. 
I have found this is bag is perfect for when I don't want to carry a big shoulder bag.  I can throw in all the necessaries like small wallet, cell phone, keys, sunglasses...and a few other items. 
This pattern pattern includes wonderful detailed instructions with picture illustrations. 

Have a great day!

Charleston Cloche

Time for another fun crochet project. 
This was my first time crocheting a hat.  When I attempted this pattern for the first time, I made a mistake somewhere in the middle of the project.  I tried to unravel only a few stitches, but got too lost and had to unravel completely.  I gave my self a few weeks to grieve--HAAA HAAA-then attempted it again. This time it was a success! :)

The crochet pattern for this super cute Charleston Cloche Hat  by Debbie Stoller can be found here. 
I did make the flower that is included in the pattern.  However, I changed my mind and decided to use a white flower that I didn't use on a different scarf project.  (scarf pattern)
Have a great day!

Hoedown #44 Let it Snow!

Happy Hoedown!
We don't get snow in these here parts.  :)  But I used to live and drive in lots and lots of blowing and drifting snow.  brrrrr!
To read all about this weeks challenge see here.

For the dry embossing, I used PTI's Sunshine Impression Plate and CuttleBug's Traffic Jam embossing folder.  I tore them into pieces and glued to a piece of paper.
Supplies Used:
Stamp:  Hambo Stamps-Snowball Fight-digi
Embossing folders:  PTI-Sunshine Impression Plate, CuttleBug-Traffic Jam

Classic Pyramid Bag

This is a fun bag, but HUGE!  I used the Hot Pattern's Classic Pyramid Bag Pattern.    Here is a link to the pattern. 

There are two big pockets on the outside and on the inside there is a zippered pocket on one side and a cell phone/sunglasses pocket on the other.
What I love about Hot Pattern's Bag Patterns is that the designs of the bag patterns are original.  But the instructions aren't very clear.  Again, it is not a good idea to begin sewing bags using most Hot Patterns patterns.  You must be familiar with how to construct bags before you attempt making one.  Instructions are incomplete and lacking important information. 
The flower I made and added myself. 
Enjoy your day!

Hoedown #43

Hello!

To read all about this week's Hambo Hoedown click here. 

I am in the process of cleaning out my craft room.  Came across this fleece...thought it'd work for this challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Computer-Digi, K&Co.-tag
Fleece-scrap

Courtesan Ribbon Tote and Shoulder Bag

I really love the style of this purse.  It reminds me of all those Juicy Couture purses...but better because it has a zipper closure.  Here is a link to the pattern. 

Now, I have to say again....I LOVE the style of Hot Pattern's Patterns but the instructions SUCK!  The zipper sizes stated on the pattern were too small.  Overall, this bag was very frustrating to put together!!!  But look how cute the bag is!  :) 

Inside there is a zippered pocket on one side and a sunglasses and cell phone pocket on the other. 

There are also instructions and pattern pieces included to add a cute pocket on the outside side.  I opted not to add it because of my level of frustration when making the bag.  I might attempt it, if I were to make this bag again.

Have a great day!

Greek Dip

My favorite type of food is Mediterranean food.  More specifically, I LOVE Lebanese food!  However, most regions of Mediterranean food will work.  A friend  from collage introduced me to Lebanese food...I've been addicted ever since. 

I don't think I've shared any recipes, yet.  Most of the recipes I use are generally quick, and easy.  Especially if they contain veggies, because I am the only one that will willingly eat veggies in this household.  I do actually like most veggies, too. 

I always adapt this recipe to fit what I have on hand and/or what I'm in the mood for.
I don't even know exact measurements....just make to your taste. 

Sorry no fancy dishes or photography.
For some reason pics taken from this angle make me kind of  "sea sick." 

The original recipe calls for:

1 container of  hummus

Feta cheese

diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and diced kalamata olives.

To make:

layer the hummus, top with feta cheese then the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and diced kalamata olives. serve with pita chips. 

I  use what ever type of olives I have on hand. I also use what ever veggies too, like diced green onion, what ever color sweet peppers... 
I have eaten this with crackers and rice chips, too.

If you'd like the original exact recipe 5 Layer Greek Dip.  Their pic looks more appetizing.  When searching for the recipe, I saw more recipes I need to try.  :)
Enjoy!

Cross Body Messenger Bag

Well, I had to make a purse for myself.  I was at the store the other day and the handle on my purse (store bought) broke.  SO, I needed to make a new bag for me...not that I have about 50 others sitting in my closet that I could use or anything.  :)

I decided I would make myself a cross body bag.  I've never been too big on cross body bags.   Actually,  on looks alone,  I tend to like the handbag style...with a short handle.  However, they aren't very easy to carry.   I have a few people that I sew bags for that love cross body bags.  So, I thought I'd give this one a try. 

I used the Hot Pattern's Cross Body Messenger Bag Pattern. 

Long cross body strap

I added this flower...not part of pattern

side view:  nice and thick strap

Inside:  zipper pocket on one side, cell phone/sunglasses pocket on other. 

 There are two magnetic closures on this bag.  One on the strap that wraps around the bag and one that is on the inside facing of the bag.  You could also use hook and loop closure instead of the magnetic snap. 

I'm kind of excited to use this bag...no more bag handles to slip off shoulder or have to hold on to.  This bag is pretty roomy. 

As for the instructions that are included in the pattern, I usually struggle with Hot Pattern's instructions.  They are somewhat lacking.  :)  While the previously mentioned is true with this pattern, I have to say that these are the best instructions I've come across with this company.  They are still lacking but better. 

Hambo #42

Really week #42 for the Hambo Hoedown?  Time flies when you're having fun! :)

To check out this week's challenge click here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Hambo Stamps-Wee Henry Turkey-digi, PTI-Mat Stack 4
Dies:  Sizzix-Crescent Tag, Eyelet, Buckle, PTI-Mat Stack 4

Make it Monday # 41

Here is a quick card I made for this week's Make it Monday Challenge.  I just wanted to play really quick.  :)  I have this glue pad and flocking and never use them. 

The black and white polka dot is fabric...I just finished a project using this fabric...it was a scrap.  I can't help but play sometimes.  :)
Supplies Used: 
Stamps:  PTI-Iconic Images, A Little Argyle, Faux Ribbon, Stampers Anonymous-Urban Grunge
Glue Pad:  Tsukineko-The Essential Glue Pad
Flock: Doodlebug Designs-Crushed Velvet Flock

Crochet Flower Ear Warmer

Sorry, I tried and tired, but this is as good of a picture as this ear warmer would take.
Walking through stores, I'd notice these neat knitted/crocheted flower headbands.  They began to grow on me; to the point that I HAD to make one.  Since I LOVE to put flowers on most things I make, I, of course, had to search for a pattern.   Got to LOVE the Internet for this purpose.  :)
Here is a free crochet pattern I came across Flower Ear Warmer.    I used the flower pattern as listed, but I changed the band part some.  However, I do think the band pattern will work as listed. 

I just haaaad to try to take a better picture....UNCLE! 

I also made another style of ear warmer....

This one has an adjustable band.  I added bling to the center of the flower.    Here is the pattern for this Crochet Flower Headband.  (click on name).

Enjoy your day!