Sometimes I wonder...

So, I was working on a quilt block tonight. Feeling really good about myself that I was finally sitting at the machine, since its been a week or two since I've worked on the quilt. I was making half square triangles. Going through 8 squares to make 16 triangles. I just got to the end of the 8th square... I looked at it, it looked weird... I looked at the other 7... they also looked weird...

Then it hit me what I'd done. I looked at my needle. Yep, I forgot to thread that bad boy.

Sometimes I wonder... Have you ever done anything that makes you wonder if your brain is all there?

Last Minute Easter Decor

I was having guests over last night and realized that my entryway was still decorated for Valentine's (although, it was completely buried by mail so...). I needed to jazz it up for spring and so I pulled out my favorite grass pots. Then thinking Easter I put a pink and gingham baby blanket under those and some pewter candlesticks in between to balance.

It still needed some color, so I ran to the felt drawer in my craft room and quickly cut some egg shapes. And finally tied some bright tulle around the pots. I've had these pots for ages and never thought to tie something around them.

 

The eggs were plain when my guests arrived, but after they left I went to my sewing machine and in less than 10 minutes had added some fun decorative stitches to them.  I tried to arch the stitching lines to follow the curve of an egg, but was less than successful on some of the lines.   But I think they turned out great for how unbelievable easy they were.  And it was fun to use some of those stitches that I will probably only ever use on little projects like this!

Linking up at: Feeding Big and more and Skip to my Lou

Fun with Cake

I really enjoy making cake. Probably because I really like eating it. :) I also just love that its another creative outlet for me. I was asked to make a luau cake for a Relief Society event last week. This is what I came up with.

 

I made a coconut flavored cake, which I've never done before.  I thought it was tasty.  There were a few little things that made me giggle as I made it... First the surf board with the bite out of it and a little shark fin.  Beware!

And I really loved the way this Tiki turned out!  Nothing too terribly fancy, but fun and original.  I used modeling chocolate for the first time.  It was awesome!  So easy to make and so easy to use!  I followed Beth's, at Hungry Happenings, instructions and I am very happy with how it came together.  All the flowers and palm leaves are made from it too.  Much easier than (marshmallow) fondant and yummy to boot!  I will be using it again!

To make the pink, yellow, and purple flowers I just used a tiny heart cutter and put four of them together using a little paint brush handle to indent the center. The orange flowers are a middle size heart just rolled up like a calla lily. Super easy.

Ginormous Cinnamon Rolls

When I was growing up, I remember people making a huge deal about my mom's cinnamon rolls. Like, a really big deal. I guess I was spoiled because I never really understood just how magnificent these bad boys really were.

Since I've been married, I have tried lots of different recipes. I'm my own woman now, and I like to try new recipes just in case my mom's recipes isn't actually the best out there. And there are a few recipes that I have found work better for my family than her's... however, cinnamon rolls are all her's. Thanks mom for this awesome recipe! I don't think I need to search any further, I'm crying uncle, giving up... these rock!

Mom's Ginormous Cinnamon Rolls
For the bread:
1 1/2 cup warm water
2 Tbsp yeast
4 Tbsp sugar
10 cups flour
1/2 cup shortening
4 tsp baking powder
4 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups buttermilk

For the filling:
1/2 cup butter, softened, not melted
1 cup sugar
4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup approx. brown sugar

Place your warm water in a large bowl (I like one that is wide and shallow), sprinkle in the yeast.  Add sugar, 5 cups of flour, shortening, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk.  Mix with a hand mixer for about 4-5 minutes, until its really smooth.  Add remaining 5 cups of flour, and knead, by hand for 200 strokes.

Let dough rest for 20 minutes while you make up your white sugar and cinnamon.  Its a great time to clean some stuff up.

On a floured surface, roll dough to a 15"x24" rectangle.  Using your hand, smear that butter all over the rectangle.  Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter.  I usually just take a handful of brown sugar and sprinkle it on top.

Now starting with the long side, roll it up, nice and tight, being sure to seal the edges.  Cut the roll into 14-15 rolls and place 12 of them on a cookie sheet, put the others on a smaller pan.  Cover with a dish towel and let rise for 1 hour.  Then pop them in a 375 degree oven and bake for about 30 minute.

You can top it with whatever is your preference... my mom always makes a really thin glaze with 3 Tbsp butter, 3 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and hot water.  I prefer to use this cream cheese frosting.  Half a batch will cover all the cinnamon rolls for me.

I made mine with freshly ground hard white wheat and it didn't stop a single one of my kids from devouring them!

Linking up at: sew-licious home decor and buns in my oven

Subway Art Free Printable: Prioritize

Awhile back I began a search for quotes and scriptures I could turn into art. The reason for this was to surround myself with some things of beauty that would also inspire me to better. This was the first subway art I created. I love the way it looks and even more the message it inspires.

Feel free to save the image and print one for yourself. Just open up the saved image in a word document. I've created a black and white copy or a color copy. If you're interested in a specific color scheme, let me know. I'd be happy to try to create something custom for you!

Linking up:

Improv Block for BOW

I chose an improv block to add to my Sewing Loft sew along quilt.

I found these instructions and am really pleased with how it turned out! There are a couple spots that aren't quite as flat as they should be, but after its all quilted you'll never know. It was a freeing way to sew. And it used up lots of scraps! You really can use up lots of scraps in quilts... now I'll never throw anything away! Yikes, I better be careful how many more scrap techniques I learn. Linking up at:

Temple Thank You's

As a family service project we all went to the Temple and left goodies with this little note attached on cars of people who were in the Temple doing their own service. It was lots of fun (cold, but fun)!

Feel free to save the image and use my design to do your own happy notes at the Temple.

Additional Blocks for BOW

As I stated earlier, I am adding some blocks to Sewing Loft's sew along.  These are some that I've done using patterns from Craftsy's 2012 Block of the Month free class.  I am so in love with these blocks!  They are so cool!

I am kind of new to Craftsy, but I am really loving it! It is a really neat way to learn new things and improve skills. Linking up at:

Hexies for BOW

For the fourth week of the sew along at The Sewing Loft we learned Hexies.  I didn't really love the flower, so I opted to arrange mine in a more modern line.  My photo is off, like a mirror image of what feels right to me.

I didn't applique mine the way she does in the tutorial, either. I chose to follow +V & Co.'s instructions for easy applique and am glad I did. Its a nice short cut with the look of the real deal English paper piecing.

Paper Piecing for BOW

Paper piecing... ugh.  I know there are people out there who want to tell you its not that hard... blah, blah, blah.  It was hard!  I just had a really hard time figuring it out, wrapping my brain around working backwards was a big ordeal.  But once I figured it out I have to admit it wasn't hard.  However, I had cut out my pieces wrong, so my block is backward from what its supposed to be. 

After looking at lots of tutorials and videos, I found this tutorial on you tube that helped me more than anything.

3D Block for BOW

This is the 3rd week block for the Sewing Loft's sew along.  It is called a 3D block because the small triangles on the outside are actually little pockets. I really love it.  It might be my favorite in the quilt they've shared!

Flying Geese for BOW

I'm really loving the pinwheels in the center!I am sewing along with The Sewing Loft.  The second week's block is Flying Geese.

  I love how it turned out!  Although it is smaller than it should be so I'm going to have to add some extra sashing around it.  Not too big a deal.

Log Cabin Block for BOW

 I am doing a Block of the Month (which is actually a Block of the Week) sew along with The Sewing Loft.  There are a few blocks included that I don't like, so I've chosen some other patterns to replace them.  I'm also doing a bigger quilt top, so I will be doing 16 blocks in all.

The first block we did was a simple Log Cabin block.  The links provided are (1)to the main page for the sew along and (2)the instructions provided for the week's block.

This is my log cabin block.  I like the colors a lot.  However, when I put this block with the other blocks in the sew along, it seems darker and unbalanced with them.  I will be adding my own blocks to the quilt top to fix this problem.

I have some experience doing log cabin blocks already, but I tried to follow her instructions.  I kind of wish I hadn't.  It bothers me that the small yellow square isn't right in the center.  That said, I really am excited to be learning so many new techniques with this sew along!

Scraps... and an attempt at free motion quilting

When I made quilt #2 for QFK I had some pieces left over from my strips.  I decided to sew them up with some heat resistant batting to make some artistic hot pads.  I have to admit, every time I see them out on my counter top I love it!

Now, don't get me wrong, I know they are FAR from perfect... but the colors and the movement fit me so well I don't mind the imperfections.

I thought that the project would be a good way to try out free motion quilting... it didn't go so well. :(  But I will try again at some point. I'm sure there is a way of doing it successfully on my machine, this just wasn't it.

So for hot pad numero dos I just stuck with a simple X. Easy peasy.  I think I'm getting better at doing binding too so hooray for that!  Its amazing what a little practice can do!

Quilts for Kids #2

When I heard about the charity Quilts for Kids I knew it was something I should participate in.  They sent me a kit for my first quilt and then I used my own stash for this baby.

My inspiration can be found here.  But rather than using squares, I used jelly roll strips.  It is a very simple pattern, but it has such a big impact!  I love the way it turned out.  In order to get it to the size necessary to donate, I added borders and I think they tie it together really well.

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the quilt bound and quilted... but this shot of the top from my phone is enough to bring a smile to my face.

This is a super easy way to introduce someone (or yourself) to quilting!  There is something so great about creating a little thing of beauty that you know someone is going to love and cherish.  And the fact that it might help some little person through a difficult time is more than enough payment for me!

Quilts for Kids #1

Have you heard about this great charity, Quilts for Kids?  It is such a neat program.  I heard about it and went to find out more! I was lucky enough to find a local chapter and they sent me a kit to make my first quilt.

It is a simple four patch pattern, with borders and quilted on the diagonal.  After I quilted it and bound it I wasn't so sure I loved it, but after washing and drying I was in love!  Such a simple pattern and such a beautiful piece of work.

I recently went to my first meeting with my local chapter and it was so neat.  It feels so good to be part of something that is doing such a great work.  I do a lot with my church, but I don't branch out nearly enough. I felt so inspired by these women who are so eager to share their talents, time, and fabric with those in need!  

When they send you a quilt kit, they request that you make another quilt from your own stash... I'll share what I came up with tomorrow so be sure to check back!

Going Batty for Halloween

Those of you who know me, may know that Halloween has always been at the bottom of my list of holidays...

This year, for some reason, I'm getting in the spirit of things and sewing up a storm!  I think its all the cute ideas out there and then I made the mistake of falling in love with designer fabric...

I found some great Halloween fabric on etsy and the first project I made was this Bat Mobile I found on one of my very favorite sewing sites Sew4Home.com

I have a couple other projects from their Halloween collection that I'm working on and will share soon. You should definitely check out their tutorials no matter what your sewing level is. They have so much (SO MUCH!) great info available!

These bats just make me smile.  Rather than using all different fabrics for each bat, I have the bats with polka dots on one side (from Riley Blake's Costume Clubhouse line) and just plain black (kind of with a water color-esqueness to it) on the back side.

I can hardly wait to decorate for Halloween now!  Aren't they adorable and they were quite easy to make.  The hardest part was sewing up the opening where I stuffed them... luckily I don't think anyone is going to look too closely at them!

Fabric Pumpkins & Faux Embroidery Floss Tutorial

I recently found a tutorial (that I can't for the life of me find again) to make these sweet pumpkins.  She has a pattern for a free download and you can print it in 5 different sizes!  I opted to just make these three since I was using scraps of fabric.  I LOVE how they turned out and how they look on our half wall between our dining room and family room!

The light big one is just some random fabric that I found in a remnants bin.  I've used it in all sorts of projects, from baby #5's quilt to a child's apron and I had just enough to make this cute little pumpkin for my patch.

The smallest pumpkin is left over scraps from the fabric I used to cover a lamp shade in my bedroom. It is one of my all time favorite fabrics (it better be at the price I paid for it!  Thank goodness for 40% off coupons!).

And the dark bigger one is actually a napkin I found at Pier 1 several years ago.  I love it!  And I think it makes the perfect fall (and even Halloween) decoration with the sparse trees and the birds!

Faux Embroidery Floss Tutorial
I embroidered the leaves with a light colored thread... I don't have DMC floss hanging around my house, so in an effort to mimic the effect I:

1. Cut a LONG piece of thread
2. Fold it in half
3. Put either the two ends or the folded end through my needle (I found with my small eyed needle it was easier to do the two ends)
4. Fold it in half again, so the two ends and the folded end are together
5. Make your knot and begin sewing!

I have a great, unique way of making a knot that almost always results in a perfect knot at the end of the thread with no leftovers hanging out... I'll do a tut for that soon.

Making the Pumpkins

I'm going to keep looking for the tutorial I followed so I can link it here and you can use her pattern... but until then if you just can't wait to make one yourself you basically just cut a leaf shape or a really narrow eye shape.  Think, an oval with points on either end.  

Layer your fabric as thick as your scissors will allow... you need 7 shapes cut out altogether.

Sew them together point to point, like your making a beach ball until they are all together being sure to leave a 1 1/2" opening in the last seam.

Fill the bottom portion of the pumpkin with rice and then stuff the remainder with polyester fiberfill (or stuffing of your choice).

Hand stitch the opening closed.

Using the Faux Embroidery floss technique above wrap the thread around the pumpkins natural indents to accent the pumpkin-y goodness.  This part of the her tutorial was a little difficult for me to understand, but what I did was tie a knot at the top and the bottom of the pumpkin and pulled somewhat tightly.

Add a small circle to the bottom of the pumpkin (two circles sewn together then turned right side out through a snip in the bottom of the two). She suggests hand stitching them, but I used fabric glue.

Then make the stem and the leaves.  Hand stitch them on.  Stand back and admire your handy work!

Apothecary Jars

I made these adorable jars last year for the craft booth I did before Christmas.  I didn't sell as many as I made, so I have them all over my house.  I recently went on a little shopping spree for some fall fillers and ribbon and I love the way they greet me as I enter my front door!

Decorating for fall is one of my favorites!  I have lots of fun things to share in the upcoming days and weeks!

Defining Your Style

So, the second challenge for the FFA was to take a style quiz at homegoods.com.  Here are the results from my quiz, with my thoughts sprinkled throughout.  You can take the quiz here.

Kim, You Are An EARTHY CASUAL

You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

If you check back to what I wrote about how I wanted my home to feel, you can see that this quiz really hit the nail on the head!  Honestly, I never thought I had a "style."  I mean, comfortable and happy hardly seem like styles, but I think maybe, just maybe, I DO have  style!  yay!

And then, as if that wasn't fun enough... they threw in some great tips that also seem to fit my style/life quite well.

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: ORGANIZE  The front hall sets the mood for your entire home. Consider how to accommodate all the room's functions as beautifully as possible. At the very least you need a console, and if you're short on storage, consider a dresser. Outfit the surface with nice trays and bowls for mail, keys and sunglasses. Keep a trash can for immediately tossing the junk mail. Closet-door or wall hooks encourage coat and bag hanging rather than dumping. If you have children, try to give each a basket in the closet for hats and gloves. It's nice to have a chair or bench for changing shoes, a mirror for last-minute lipstick checks, and a lamp or sconces for warm light.

Seriously, I laughed at the "if you have kids" line... we do have a hook thing for hanging backpacks and jackets, but it just looks terrible!  Maybe I'll figure this out in the next life (or house?). :)

2. Your Happy PlaceMake this room as comfortable and inviting as possible by bringing in some real furniture like an armchair or a sofa if you have the space. A little lamp on the counter or decorative hanging light can set the mood. Stools are great perches and can easily be moved around. Don't forget to bring your personality and style into this room: hang some art or display a collection of family photos in mixed frames. Consider bold, happy colors in the kitchen as well, like brightly colored pots and pans, big bowls for corralling fruits and vegetables, and trays for spices, oils, teas and pepper mills.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time!Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

The only thing that didn't really scream my name was the Happy Home Colors.  I do love these colors, and I do use them in my home... as accents.  My favorite chair totally a gold, crushed velvet chair I picked up at Goodwill.  And my room has orange accents like pillows and lampshade and art.  And I guess, my entry is painted a nice golden wheat color... but still!  If you ask me, there needs to be some green in my Happy Home Colors.  Nothing makes me happier than using green in my decor.  But, I guess the name of my "style" suggests that green fits well, since it is "earthy" and all. :)

Your Happy Home Colors

Putting Color to Use!

Don't forget that color looks best when paired with some neutrals for a little visual relief. If you go wild on the walls or with your upholstery, pull back a little on the rugs or curtains or vice versa. Each room can definitely have its own color palette, but think of your home as a whole, with each room transitioning to the next. Some tricks: go for fairly neutral hues in hallways, or add some colors from one room into the neighboring room, even in the form of accessories or fabrics.