Monday, November 9, 2009

Scarf Along Week One

I am so excited that all of you want to sew with me.
Only a little freaked out.
I am so scared that my unconventional way of sewing, combined with my random A.D.D. brain will make no sense whatsoever.

But I really hope that you will fall in love with sewing as we venture together.

First off, I encourage you to grab a friend to sew with you.
Especially if they already know how. They can be there to rescue you when your machine acts crazy or you get stuck.
How great would it be if you asked your mom, your aunt, your grandma to join along. They might not read blogs, but they can be a part of the fun as well. Plus, if you don't have a sewing machine or some of the supplies I bet they would be happy to share with you.

Secondly, I learned much of what I know by watching videos on YouTube.
You would be surprised how many choices come up just by searching
"threading a Singer sewing machine."
So if you don't have an instruction manual, or don't understand it, grab a cup of coffee and watch some videos. I am a visual learner and I need to see things done to be able to understand them. That is why I struggle so much with paper patterns. My brain shuts off about two minutes in to reading them. I plan on having very picture heavy posts so each step is illustrated to help.

Here is the schedule of events:

Week One:
Gathering supplies and making friends with your sewing machine.

Week Two:
Cutting fabric and assembling scarves.

Week Three:
Finishing scarves and adding trim.

Want to know what you need to start?

Here we go...
Rotary Cutter
Ruler
Self healing mat
Pins
Thread
A new needle for your machine
(A new needle always is a great start to a new project.)
Seam ripper
(It's not pictured, but please buy one. If you know that you can safely rip out any mistakes, you won't be so sad when you make them. Because you will. It is inevitable.)
Meet the rotary cutter.
Your new best friend.
I don't know about you, but I am not the best at cutting straight, precise lines.
A rotary cutter, ruler and mat solves that problem.
They are a bit of an investment, but they are worth every penny.
If you use a 40% Joann's or Hobby Lobby coupon you'll be able to save quite a bit.
I recommend that you buy a mat that is no smaller than 17x23 inches and a ruler no shorter than 24 inches. You will struggle lining up your fabric on anything less than those sizes.

You might want some pins.
I don't normally sew with them, but they might make it a bit easier while you learn.

As for thread, I love Gutterman.
Don't know why. Just do.
You will only need one spool.
If you would like to get a coordinating color, feel free.
I am lazy and hate to change colors so I usually just stick with white.

Now to the good part.
Fabric!
Trim!
Consider this your warning.
Once you start buying yummy, scrumptious fabric you won't be able to stop. It's bad. But a good bad.

You will need:
9 coordinating fat quarters
(a fat quarter is a 1/4 yard of fabric that measures 18x22 inches. Here is a helpful diagram to show you what they look like.)
Each scarf will have one piece from each of the nine fabrics. Get creative with color combos. Add in a print that is a bit unexpected. Putting together fabrics is my favorite part.

1 1/2 yds. fun trim.
I am using pom poms, but there are so many fun choices in the trim aisle.
Fringe, marabou, lace, feathers.... go crazy!
Now I know that you will ask...
where is this amazing fabric from?
Isn't it Paula Prass'
The line that is not even in stores yet?

Yes, yes and yes.

But I won a fat quarter bundle and she sent it to me. Herself! It was the first piece of mail that we got in our new home.
Holla!
So what I am doing?
Making scarves with you, of course.
What else?
Randomly giving them away....
Wait and see my friends. Wait and see.

But although you can't get the fabric that I have, Stephanie from Material Gal has lovingly put together some gorgeous bundles specifically for this fun Scarf Along.
She will take the scariness out of combining fabrics and the hassle out of fabric shopping.
I promise that I could buy every single one.
Even the purple ones!
They are that delicious.
Plus, since she is RAD! She is giving all of you a super secret deal. Hop on over to her shop, pick a bundle and put JoysHope in the notes to seller box. She will refund you $2 from your purchase. But go quick. She is shipping the same day, but I want you to have your fabric in time for next weeks lesson.

So I have some homework for you this week.

Are you ready?

Get out your sewing machine. Get out the instruction manual.
Thread it.
The go to your dresser.
Get out that pair of pajama pants that you and I both know that you have no business still wearing. Those leftover from college, when you thought it was okay to wear them to class. It wasn't okay, by the way. The time has come. Sacrifices must be made.

Cut them up into squares. Use them for practice. Turn knobs. Stitch stitches. Sew pieces together. Rip them apart. The more you sew the more you will learn your machine and the more comfortable you will feel. Figure out how to backstitch. This will be huge next week. Don't be afraid to mess it up. It is only ugly pajamas. If you get stuck or frustrated, check your manual or YouTube.

So how do you feel?
Still scared?
That's okay.
You will make it through.
You are already 1/3 on your way to making 8 stunning, happy, handmade scarves.
Can you believe it?

Be sure to grab the Scarf Along button to decorate your sidebar.
(Thanks Shealynn!)
Let the world know you are brave and crafty!

Joys Hope




Practice, practice, practice!



Sunday, November 8, 2009

Happy Sunday.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Time to get the address books out.

Can you even believe that it is November?
What is going on?

It is time to think about Christmas cards.
Already.
Crazy.

Good thing I have someone that can help.
She is all around talented, fun and so sweet.

Plus, she is here to take your favorite pictures from
this year and make them into something amazing.

Meet Mel.
The awesome behind MKL Designs.


"Hi Joy's Hope readers! My name is Mel and I have been married to my awesome husband Kevin for 7 years, I am mommy to 2 beautiful little girls Kate & Claire and I am middle school math teacher & soccer coach!
After my oldest daughter was born 2.5 years ago, I started designing birth announcements & holiday cards for family and friends. After encouragement from my best friend & my husband to start a business selling them, I finally did that & opened up an etsy shop last month!

MKL Designs is my new etsy shop where I design & create Holiday Photo cards, Birth Announcements, Shower Invitations, Save the Date cards & Birthday Invitations.
Good thing I am a night owl, because I stay up WAY too late every night! I create cards & invitations late at night when my girls are sleeping. Who needs sleep when there is coffee (which I love and can't live without!)

Other things I love are pizza, brownies & ice cream and the color pink. I am obsessed with shopping at Target. I love watching all sports, especially college football (Go Buffs!) I was born & raised in California & love living here. I love Jesus & strive to live my life for him even though I fall short each day. Cooking, baking & entertaining other brings me joy!
2 things I wish I was good at: singing & sewing. I have a terrible singing voice & I can't even sew a button. Hopefully the later will change, I am getting a sewing machine for Christmas & receiving sewing lessons next month!

I am passionate about photography & almost always have my camera in my hands. A perfect vacation for me is sitting on a beach in Hawaii, reading a good book & drinking something tropical. I am so blessed with an amazing family & awesome friends. Life is good!
I am so honored to be a part of a Joy's Hope giveaway!
Enter for the chance to win one of my digital designs & 25 cardstock prints!"


How scrumptious is this card that she custom designed for me? Hello aqua, Honey Script and the sweetest.family.picture.ever. taken lovingly by the ever so rad DrewB? Tiny three week old Janey... Hold on a second. I might just have to slink off and cry.

Crying spell over.
On to the details.

How can you win your own set of cards?
So glad you asked.
(Remember, leave a separate comment for each entry.)

1. Visit Mel's etsy shop
come back to tell me which design is your fave.
2. follow her lovely blog.
Be sure to leave comment love &
CRAZY DELICIOUS!
3. follow her on twitter (she is a wonderful twitter friend!)
4. make a purchase from her etsy shop.

Winner will be announced on Friday November 13th.

Now go take a great family pic!

breaking up is hard to do.



I have to confess...
I was given a really amazing sewing machine during the summer from someone who was tired of having it collect dust in their closet. (Thanks Eryn!)
But, guess what it has been doing?
Collecting dust.
Why?
Because I was afraid to try it.
Yes, I am a total hypocrite.

So yesterday as I sat down to sew with my beloved, yet troubled Singer, I thought of all of you. That are scared of your sewing machines. So I unplugged my first love and opened up the case of the new and mysterious Brother.

The one that I don't know how to thread.
Or backstitch.
Or wind the bobbin.
Or have an owner's manual for.

Does that sound like you?

But I sat down. I stared. I turned knobs. I pressed buttons. I sewed some crazy jacked up stitches (on ugly scraps of course). I googled some things.

Slowly the Brother became less scary.
It became wonderful.
It doesn't sound like a freight train.
It doesn't eat my fabric.
It has a light.

All of the things that my Singer no longer could do, the Brother can.

I could have been sewing on it for months.

Totally kicking myself right now.

So if you are scared, I am right there with you.
I got through it and so will you.

When Monday comes I will give you a materials list and some homework.

I am so stinking excited!!!!

But someone has a head start on you...
They won Material Gal's Amy Butler Bundle.
Honestly I am a bit jealous.
Want to send me a scarf when you're done?

Kaythanksbye.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Hey you!

Yes you.
The one with the sewing machine.
Still in the box.
Or in the closet.
Collecting dust.

I am calling you out.
You are done being afraid.
The time has come to
girlie up and sew.

Starting on Monday things are going to change.
Don't worry.
I will hold your hand,
encourage you,
give you the confidence you need.

Because by Thanksgiving,
you will have made eight
handmade gifts for under $20,
learned a beautiful new skill
and conquered a ridiculous fear.

Are you with me?
Get ready.
It's time to bring on the cute.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Old skool week- make ahead brunch bake

Here is one of my favorite recipes.

I couldn't even begin to count how many times I have made it.
The best part is you assemble it the night before and
then just stick it in the oven in the morning.

Perfect for when you need to bring a dish to MOPS.

As with nearly all of the good things I make it is from
my amazing friend Richelle.

Richelle... you REALLY need to start a food blog.
Seriously.

Make Ahead Breakfast Bake
What you will need:
9 eggs
Package of hashbrowns (any kind you like, rectangles, shredded or tater tots)
1 can evaporated milk
Add ins of your choosing:
I usually make a girly version with
artichoke hearts, feta and sun-dried tomatoes,
and a manly version with
a pound of cooked crispy bacon or sausage.
Cheddar cheese
Whisk together the eggs and evaporated milk.
Layer the hash browns in 9 x 13 dish.
Pour egg/ milk mixture over hash browns.
Scatter the add ins on top.
Cover with foil and store in fridge overnight.
In the morning, remove foil, cover with cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Believe me, the pan will come home scraped clean.
It is that good.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

old skool week-baby care















Monday, November 2, 2009

fairies

three fairies live in our house.
a flower fairy
a squirrel fairy (yes. a squirrel fairy. she's random.)
an "I hate hair accessories" fairy

all three flew around collecting candy for me to steal.
it was magical.

besides the reese's pieces,
my favorite part of the night
was seeing my little fairies in their
sweet halos and wands
I even wore a matching one...

if only I had a picture to prove I was there.




Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Sunday.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

boo!

cuteness doesn't have to be spooky.
especially if you have your own
pair of jack-o-lantern teeth!

thanks for the a.maz.ing outfit Erin!

happy halloween.