Husbands: do not try this at home

...unless your wife is a sewist.

This is what was under my tree this year, from my darling hubby:



An Oliso Smart Touch iron. I have been wanting one of these bad boys for some time now. My previous iron was a wedding gift to us, over 20 years ago. So while it was a nice enough iron, it had seen better days. And it had developed the habit of spitting up water and built-up gunk.

If you aren't familiar with the Oliso irons, what makes them unique is the itouch feature. When you let go of the handle, little feet emerge from the bottom to lift it off the ironing board. So instead of tipping it up and resting it on the heel of the iron, you simple let go of it, and the feet raise it off the ironing board. Touch the handle again, and the feet raise up, letting you proceed with your ironing.

My new iron works beautifully. It heats up fast, and glides smoothly. I especially like that it has 3 levels of steam. I love my new iron, and used it the first day to make a quilt block. I will post more about that later...

So husbands, if your wife uses an iron for her hobby, or just really loves to iron, this is a great gift. If she only uses it to iron your shirts, maybe something else would be more appropriate. :)

Simplicity 2148- Inspired by Pinterest

Do you Pinterest? Or should I ask, are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am? I love Pinterest, and can spend hours on there discovering new recipes, interesting websites, terrific blogs, more home improvement projects than I could ever have time for, more gardening ideas than I have garden space for, and lots and lots of sewing inspiration. One of my pins was from early this spring, a cute pink cardigan with khaki shorts and a white t or tank underneath. I think this outfit is really cute, looks very comfortable, and I thought "Hey, I can make that!" The cardigan, anyway. I already have khaki shorts and  a white t.

I looked through my pattern stash for a pattern that would work and decided on Simplicity 2148.

I used view C, the purple velvet one.I did have to make a couple changes to make it more like my inspiration. I used the sleeves from a different pattern, because I wanted full length, narrow sleeves. I also left off the pockets and tab closures on the front. The pattern went together very easily, the only other changes I made were in the order of construction. I added the sleeves in flat, the sewed the side seam and sleeve seam as one. Here is my version:

All I am missing is the Coach bag and other accessories. Since I am too cheap  conservative with my money, you won't see me buying a Coach any time soon. But I bet I could find a suitable replacements for the bag and the accessories at Target.

I have already worn this, and I really like it. It is a great layering piece for the office on those days that the A/C is cranked up. Also, for those summer evenings when it gets chilly after the sun goes down.

This weeks goals:

- Blog about the adorable bibs I made for my Godson. they turned out really cute!
- Make another batch of rhubarb sauce
- Help my son get packed for his mission trip (he leaves on Saturday for 10 days! *sniff*)

Have a good week! Blessings-
Lisa

Rhubarb Sauce

Nothing says spring like rhubarb. This mysterious vegetable(?) fruit (?) is a staple in most farmhouse gardens. I remember when I was a kid, my mom and all the aunties and neighbor ladies would always get excited when the rhubarb was ready. I think it was because it was one of the first things harvested in the spring. With it, they would make pies, crisps, bread, muffins. They would kick off the canning season by making jams and sauces to can. It also pairs perfectly with strawberries. I think God planned it perfectly that strawberries and rhubarb are in season at the same time. :)

While I don't live on a farmstead with a huge garden or large patch of rhubarb, I do have generous neighbors that share their bounty with me. In return, I share my rhubarb sauce with them. Here is the recipe I use:

Here's what you need:

Sugar, rhubarb, and cinnamon.

Yep, that's it. Just three ingredients. The process it just as simple. first, chop the rhubarb. Measure 5-6 cups into a large pot, along with a cup of water:

Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the sugar and cinnamon. If your rhubarb is mostly green instead of red, you can add a few drops of red food coloring. I try to use mostly red, if I can get it, because it makes the prettiest pink color once done. Then let it simmer, uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Once it is done simmering, ladle it into jars, and it is ready to go in the freezer.



The finished product!

There is nothing better in the middle of a Minnesota winter than having some of this sauce over ice cream. Tastes like summer!

I do have a rhubarb plant in my backyard, planted a couple years ago. It is finally big enough that I can harvest a few stalks from it this year. By next year, I may be able to make sauce with my own rhubarb!

Here is my recipe, if anyone wants to give it a try:

Rhubarb Sauce:

5-6 cups rhubarb, chopped
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Bring rhubarb and water to a boil. Add cinnamon and sugar. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes. Ladle into containers and freeze. Makes 3-4 pints.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Why I Haven't Been Sewing...

It’s been over a month since my last post (and I had been doing so good there for a while, SHOOT!) but I have some good excuses as to why.

                                                                                          

1.       My oldest son graduated from High School. To say I am proud of him would be the world’s largest understatement. I have been filled with mixed emotions about it these last few weeks. On one hand, I am sad to see him head off to college, but on the other hand, I am so excited to see where life’s path takes him. Also, everyone who has kids in their 20’s has been reassuring (or is it warning me?) that they all come back at some point.  J I am sure that is true, especially when mom and dad’s house has a nice comfy bed, home cooked meals, and free laundry.

2.       We have been doing home improvements. This is directly related to #1 (above).  We choose this spring to replace the roof, and install new siding and windows. We thought it would be nice to have the house looking it’s tip-top best for the graduation party. And it did, but OH MY it was a lot of work. We hired my nephew-in-law to do the carpentry, but we did all the painting ourselves. (The type of siding we choose needed to be painted. ) It was a struggle to get it done between all the rainy days we have had the last month, but we managed to get it done. Along with cleaning the garage, installing drywall in the garage, cleaning the basement, spring cleaning the house, weeding the flower beds and putting down new mulch, and planning annuals. Whew! It was so much work, but I have to admit the house looks great! We do have some more project we would like to get done this summer, but it is nice to have so many big projects out of the way. This picture shows the color we choose for the house- a barn red. It was a bold choice, but we love how it turned out.

Now that all the excitement is over, we can settle in to our summer routine. On my agenda this week:

-          Make rhubarb sauce

-          Finish sewing my coral “Inspired by Pinterest” cardigan.  (finished this last night, post to come soon!)

-          Make a couple adorable bibs for my Godson from a pattern in Quilter’s World magazine.

-          Paint the front door and back garage door.

I hope everyone is having a good week! Blessings-

Lisa

Cathedral Window Pillow

I saw this tutorial over at Moda Bake Shop and immediately knew I wanted to make my own version. A traditional quilting technique that has been updated with machine sewing to make it quicker? Sign me up! I love tradition quilting design with a modern twist. 

The instructions in this tutorial are very good. They walk you through the process step-by-step with pictures along the way to make it easier. Notice: two of the adjectives I have used to describe this project are QUICKER and EASIER, but I wouldn't say this is a quick or easy project. It is very time consuming, and at one point I was tempted to give up and throw what I had done so far into the scrap bin.

But, I persevered, and I am very glad I did. I think the pillow turned out nice, and I love the bright colors. I used fat quarters I had picked up at Joann's on a February day when I was craving some spring color. I do have to say, I wouldn't use those Joann fat quarters for anything other than a small project like this. I was stunned at how thin and poor quality those fabrics were. I think you could read a newspaper through them they were so thin! The white fabric (also picked up at Joann's) is a Kona cotton, and was a dream to work with. Next time I am there and armed with a 50% off coupon, I think I will stock up on several yards of this. I am itching to make a quilt with a white background.

The fabric I used on the back of the pillow (also from Joann's) is a cathedral window print. Pretty clever, huh? I didn't even buy it specifically for this project- I had just picked it up because I liked the print and didn't have any black and white in my stash. I worked perfectly for this project.

Close up of the front:

Up next- I currently have another quilt project in the works. It is a twin sized quilt from a kit my mom has had in her stash for a few years. She told me I could have it because she has more fabric than she can use in her lifetime (don't we all?). So I am sewing it up for her, and will have it machine quilted, then I am going to surprise her by giving to her for her bed. I think it will brighten up her room.

Blessings-
Lisa

Spool Quilt and Nice Fabrics Now Available at WalMart (?!!?!?!)

I made this wall hanging for my sewing room. I thought the spool design was perfect for a sewing room. The fabrics are a couple of Moda charm packs, with a few other fabrics from my stash. I like the simple spool design, and the combo of colors- aqua, corally-red, and beiges. I also like the scrappyness of it. (i love me a scrappy quilt!). I can get away with the floral and pink because this will hang in my sewing room, a room that my boys and hubby don't spend time it. I think if I tried to hang this in another part of the house, I would get some resistance from the guys in the house. *sigh* That's what happens when you are outnumbered 4 to 1.

The pattern is called "Gentle Art" and it is from Miss Rosie's Quilt Company.

I didn't have any fabric in my stash for the binding, so I was prepared to drive out of town to buy some (we don't have a quilt store here in Red Wing), when I remembered some pretty blue polka dot fabric I had seen at Walmart. YES, Walmart. While most Walmarts did away with their fabric departments (including ours) they have since started bringing them back. At first it was all the same low quality fabrics they used to carry, but lately they have been getting in some really nice quality quilting cottons. I would compare them to quilt-shop quality. They are in the $7.00-8.00 range, so a little more than their lower quality $3.95 ones. Don't get me wrong- I fully support shopping at local quilt shops, and do so every chance I can get. But when you are in a pinch, and have no fabric store in town, it is nice to know you may find what you need at the local Walmart.

It was a fun little quilt to make, and looks great in my sewing room! Some day, when my sewing room is neat and clean and organized (OK, quit laughing, it WILL happen someday) I will take you on a guided tour. I love my sewing room, and feel so fortunate to have a space all my own to do my creating.

Blessings-
Lisa

New Summer McCall's & a Walk Down Memory Lane

I usually don't get too excited about McCall's patterns, but the new summer collection has some great patterns. Easy-to-wear summer dresses and cute tops are on the top of my must-buy list. Here are the patterns I will be picking up at the next McCall's pattern sale:



M6551. I like the version in the orange and white print. I could see making a couple of these. It could be dressed up for work, or add some sandals and a denim jacket to dress it down for the weekend.



M6563. I like the version the model is wearing, and also the view in white, with the sleeve tabs. I can see these done up in light weight charmuse (silk or poly) or voile or lawn.



I love this pattern for cute tops. I really like the fact that this pattern (and the previous one) are not for knits. So many or the cute top patterns are for knits, and I struggle to get my knit garments to look professional. I much prefer working with wovens. These would be just as eady to wear as a t-shirt, but so much dressier.



M66564. I think this tie blouse looks so polished. I like wearing blouses for work, because they give me a pulled-together look with one piece. I think this would be nice in a rayon challis in a pretty print.



M6534. Another cute dress that can be dressed up or down.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if only I had the time/energy/money to make all the patterns I love, my wardrobe would be HUGE! But it is fun to dream and look at patterns anyway.

If you haven't been to the fabric store lately, and are looking for a little spring pick-me-up, you should go. I love browsing the aisles of spring fabrics- the seersuckers, the pretty, delicate cotton prints, all the spring colors.

It takes me back to my childhood, going to the fabric store with my mom to pick out pattern and fabric for my Easter dress every year. We would look at the new fabrics, then study every pattern book until we found just the right one. Then, back to the fabric to find the perfect fabric for the pattern. A stop at the notions department to buy matching thread, zipper, and lace or ribbon trim. Leaving the store with all these things in a bag, knowing that my mom would transform them into a beautiful dress just for me was such a great feeling. Not to mention the time my mom and I spent together.

My mom isn't able to fabric shop with me anymore, but if she could magically have a day in which she was physically able to go anywhere and do anything, I would love to go to the fabric store with her again, We would spend hours looking a fabric, sitting at the pattern table looking at patterns, and choosing new things to make for spring. Then as we walked out of the store we would say what we would always say when leaving the fabric store- "We better get home, and get sewing!"

Blessings-
Lisa

New Set of Crocheted Dishcloths

How many dishcloths does one person need? This is the question I am sure many of my friends and family ask themselves every time they see me making more of these. I can’t help it. Making these quick and easy projects is just so addicting. And the colors? The colors of the yarn are so fun, I want to buy a skein of each color!

Here is the latest set I made, in a springy, bright coral color, along with a matching variegated one, and one in white.  My next set is going to be in earth colors, brown and sage and ecru. It is a custom order for a customer.

Blessings-
Lisa

Simplicity 2942

Pattern Description: Juniors/Juniors Plus dress, mini dress, and tunic with sleeve variations. I made the tunic.
Pattern Sizing: Size AA (5/6-15/16)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very good.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how the front facing and back facing were done. It gives a very finished look to the top.

Fabric Used: I think it is a cotton. I found it in the bargin bin at JoAnn's. It is a bright pink color, which I think fits in with the "bright colors" trend this spring. It has a silver thread running through the stripes.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: It called for a casing at the waist with a drawstring. I omitted this and just sewed some 1/4" elastic there instead.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew it again, but I would recommend it. It is a cute top.

I was able to spend some time in my sewing room this weekend, and last, and this top was easily completed in just a couple hours. It went together very easily. I was nervous about the fit because it is a juniors pattern, but it fits well, and doesn't have all the extra ease you find in most misses patterns from the Big 4.

I am also working on a cathedral window pillow like this one from Moda Bake Shop. I just need to add the borders and sew it to he backing.

Blessings,

Lisa

Simplicity 5813- Baptism Outfit for my Godson

Pattern Description: Baby christening outfits. I made the boys romper and matching jacket.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Pattern Envelope:



Were the instructions easy to follow? These instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was very well drafted. It went together with no problems at all. I liked that the sleeves on the jacket easy to ease in. Usually pattern companies put too much ease in the sleeve cap. That was not the case with this pattern. I also liked that the jacket was lined. It made for a nice finish on the front edges, bottom, and neck. No turning under and stitching.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a small pom-pom type trim instead of the middy braid the pattern called for. I think if I were to make this pattern again, I would line the bodice of the romper to give it a more finished look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recomend this pattern.

Conclusion: This outfit lokked adorable on my Godson. It is a very cute outfit for a baby boy's baptism day.



Were the instructions easy to follow? These instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was very well drafted. It went together with no problems at all. I liked that the sleeves on the jacket easy to ease in. Usually pattern companies put too much ease in the sleeve cap. That was not the case with this pattern. I also liked that the jacket was lined. It made for a nice finish on the front edges, bottom, and neck. No turning under and stitching.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a small pom-pom type trim instead of the middy braid the pattern called for. I think if I were to make this pattern again, I would line the bodice of the romper to give it a more finished look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recomend this pattern.

Conclusion: This outfit lokked adorable on my Godson. It is a very cute outfit for a baby boy's baptism day.
I love the pale blue trim and the cute little buttons!