A Girl and her Needle

Moda YoYo's

2012-02-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a number things in preparation for opening my etsy shop again. The New Guy is nearly 3-months-old, and I think I've started to get a grip on life. The kids and I have slipped into a nice rhythm. Which, (I hope) leaves pockets in my schedule open enough to keep up with orders.

Only one problem. These....

I discovered a Moda Charm Pack in my stash as I was doing a little rummaging for something else.

This "Nature's Chorus" Charm Pack has been sitting on the shelf for nearly a year. Until 3 days ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it.

It's said "necessity is the mother of invention." I disagree. I think "distraction is the mother of invention." Because that's exactly what this little pack has done. It's distracted me from finishing up other things on my "to do" list.

As for these YoYo's, I've made quite a growing stack of these tiny little things.

What will become of these, you ask? I've got a few ideas. Hopefully they'll turn out they way I imagine them in my head. And, hopefully I won't find something else to distract me from finishing this project.

Stay tuned....

Egg Baskets

2012-01-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

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Since having my little kiddos, I discovered my favorite time of day is late at night, when everyone is sleeping. No one to ask me for food. No stinky diapers to chase down and change. No fights over toys. Just peace and quiet.

I've spent the past few nights crocheting into the early morning hours. Making these little darlings...

::Egg Baskets::

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I've had a slight obsession with crochet baskets lately.

I blame Ravelry.
There are so many great patterns and talented people on that site.

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Look for this particular set of Basket/Egg Caddy's in my Etsy shop soon.

I hope to be back up and running within the next week or so!

CREATE

2012-01-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul..."

I love this.

What a fantastic message for us all.

Make a Fluffy Tulle Boa

2012-01-23T01:02:00.000-08:00

My nearly 2-year-old loves to dress up. Although she loves the feather boa's at the craft store, I just can't bring myself to buy one. I dread the thought of finding hot pink feathers crammed in the couch, when I change a diaper, stuck to little hands, in her brother's pockets - you know, the usual places kids leave stuff.

While staring at my stash, I realized I have a ridiculous amount of tulle. How cute would a tulle boa be wrapped around the chubby shoulders of my little Sophie Girl?!

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I would love to get a picture of her wearing it. Alas, every picture of her is blurry. She's a mover and a shaker. No time for pictures!

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Signed, Sealed, & Delivered...

2012-01-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

A blanket and beanie for a new baby.

This baby's momma was my first friend after moving to Texas and soon became my favorite roommate. In December she, her husband, and three kiddos drove from Texas to California for a holiday visit.

She's brave. It's a looooong drive.
I'm so glad we were able to get together.
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Some friends you have for a Moment, some for a Season, and others for a Lifetime.

She's a "Lifetimer."

Congratulations on your new baby!

A Tuffet for My Little Miss Muffet

2012-01-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

I had never truly appreciated the glory of Ikea until I married.

My mother-in-law is Swedish.

When we visit Ikea, the Hubby jokes that we're taking a trip to the "Mother Land." He obviously doesn't appreciate the value of having an Ikea nearby like his mother and I do.

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On our last visit, while my kids were aiding in the destruction of the toy play area (along with about 17 other kids), this chunky stool caught my eye. It looked like the perfect base for a little tuffet. Sturdy, so it wouldn't topple and plastic, so no painting or splinters. Both good qualities in a toy for my Munchkins, since I'm sure this stool will see a lot of abuse over it's lifetime.

A Tuffet for Little Miss Muffet
What you'll need:
Mammut Children's Stool from Ikea
3/4 Yard Cotton Fabric
2-3 Yards of Ribbon
Poly Fiberfill
#10 Cotton Yarn (or REALLY strong thread)
Large Needle
Large Button

I started out making a GIANT yoyo from my fabric. Yoyo's are super simple to make. If you need a good tutorial go here.

I didn't want a really round pillow. I wanted one with a slightly squared look. To achieve this, I cut my fabric into a 45 inch square. As I stitched around the edges, I folded the corner tips in to "round" the edges a bit.

I used #10 yarn (which is like small string) mostly because it's what I had on hand. I wanted something strong to hold up to the tension of the gathered yoyo and tufted button.

Once you've stitched around the entire square of fabric, pull your stitching to create a "gather" and tighten your yoyo. Stuff with fiberfill, pull tight, and tie off.

Flip pillow over, center button and stitch through all layers attaching your stitch to the back. If you push and shape the batting/stuffing out around the button, it makes it easier to "tuft" with fewer layers to stitch through.

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Cut your ribbon in half, trim and heat seal your ends. Secure the ribbon around the bottom of the stool and tie up and around your pillow.

The stool is rather tall for my almost two-year-old. So, I didn't do anything to secure the pillow with anything more than the ribbon (I'm sure she'll be pulling the pillow off and putting it back on over and over and over again). However, if you wanted to make it more "permanent," you could stitch the ribbon to the pillow or add a strip or two of double sided Velcro to the seat and underside of the pillow.

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Well, folks, there you have it...a super simple and quick makeover for a basic Ikea stool that turns into a darling Tuffet for any Miss Muffet!

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Emergency Card Kit

2011-12-23T01:54:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, a co-worker of mine dropped of a little sealed packet on my desk. I don't remember if it was for any reason or holiday in particular, but she was thoughtful like that.

This fun little packet was an "Emergency Greeting Card Kit." It contained a birthday card, sympathy card, congratulations card, thank you card, and a few blank cards.

What a great idea! This little "kit" came in so handy. She had purchased this set, but wouldn't it be so much more fun to make your own?

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This also would make an easy last-minute neighbor or friend gift.

In Case of Greeting Card Emergency:
1. Untie card pouch.
2. Open card.
3. Sign name.
4. Seal and send.

I've taken some craft paper and cardstock, cut it slightly larger than a standard greeting card with the back piece long enough to fold over the top to create a flap. I punched a few holes around the edges and threaded a ribbon through. It's as simple as that!

Although I filled mine with cards I had purchased, this would be great filled up with your own handmade cards.

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Yet another craft where I've used those round Avery Labels I've got so many of.

This little pouch is made up from the scraps of the Emergency Card Kit. It's the perfect size to tuck a candy cane or some other treat into.

Thumbprint Family Tree

2011-12-14T00:56:00.000-08:00

Every year I'm confronted with the same dilemma - what do I get parents/grandparents for Christmas? Its hard to come up with something new every year, especially for people who have everything.

I happened to stumble upon this darling thumbprint family tree printout:

Its perfect! I printed it out on card-stock. Actually, I printed out extras since I was depending on my Munchkins for their little fingerprints.

Then I helped the little kiddos press their inked fingers onto the paper. The little red berries are compliments of The New Guy. He's only 1 month old and MAJORLY uncooperative when it comes to stamping his finger.

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I love how sweet their little fingerprints look. We made one for both sets of grandparents. This one is for my side of the family. There is a thumbprint for my parents, their children, and each of their grandchildren. Whew! I was afraid there wouldn't be enough leaves.

If you'd like to make one yourself, you can find the printout HERE.

Pinecone Garland

2011-12-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I've always liked the warm, homey look of pinecones. Lucky for me we've got a TON of pinecones in our neighborhood.

My little munchkins seek out pinecones like they're on a treasure hunt. It's pretty cute to see a 20-month-old, pinecone in-hand, yelling "A CONE, A CONE!"

I've been saving the nicest shaped cones to make a garland for the front of my patio.

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Some eyelet screws and jute twine and I had a nice {and heavy} garland.

It looks a little bare up against that ugly cinder-block patio wall. I think for Christmas, I'll dress it up a bit with some greenery and berries. Assuming I can find some freedom during daylight hours to do that!

Monogram Gift Labels

2011-12-11T00:40:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it. I have a slight obsession with monograms.

I love them.

And, Pinterest has only added to that obsession. A girl could get lost pinning on that site.

Growing up in a rather large family {10 kids} Christmas was always a magical holiday. Presents were stacked to the ceiling. By Christmas morning, our living room looked like Santa brought his entire workshop of toys and left them for us.

As kids, when we weren't trying to figure out what was in each box, we were busy counting each present with our name on it.

My mom was smart. She knew the kid mantra "quantity over quality" when it comes to kid gifts - she wrapped EVERYTHING individually.

Christmas morning was mayhem.

What does this have to do with monograms, you say?

My kiddos are little. Monograms are perfect for little munchkins learning letters. Ask a kid their favorite letter, I guarantee it will be the first letter of their name!

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After discovering this stack of round Avery labels taking up space in one of my craft drawers I couldn't resist turning them into monograms.

I pulled out my supply of Christmas wrapping paper and found this darling green paper with dots.

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I attached my monogram label to the big dots, and cut out the rest. I glued all the dots to card-stock and cut them out again. Then finished with a hole punched through the top.

My little munchkins have been arranging and re-arranging the packages under the tree. They LOVE seeing their "letter" and knowing which package belongs to them.

He's Here!

2011-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

The New Guy is here! He's a DARLING baby, and so good. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect little bundle.

These are my two favorite pictures of the New Guy.

Snuggling with Papa.

Meeting Brother and Sissy for the first time.

Now that the baby is finally here, those parts of my brain that were lost to pregnancy are finally coming back to me! I can't wait to get started on Christmas projects!

Mummy Votives

2011-10-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Halloween is upon us and The Munchkin and I needed an easy project that he could do with minimal supervision...er, intervention.

My friend Aimee over at Aimee's Laboratory made these darling Mummy Candle Holders. They turned out to be the perfect project for a little guy!

Mummy Votive Holders:

This project was lots of fun and minimal investment. Everything we used, we already had on hand.

I cut the gauze roll in half, lengthwise, to give us double the length. Then, because I have a slight obsession with setting things on fire, I singed the edges.

Apparently The Munchkin, also has a thing for fire...let's just say, a torch to gauze doesn't disappoint, so be sure to have some water close by.

The only "Booglie" Eyes I had on hand were these from my up-cycled puppet project. They have a post on the back. I wouldn't recommend using them for this kind of project.

The Little Guy helped me wrap, tape and glue the eyes and gauze to my vases. He was so excited about the finished product! (They look a little angry if you ask me.)

All finished! This was a fun and easy project, and when Halloween ends, I can unwrap the gauze and use my vases for the next holiday!

Thanks for the fun craft idea, Aimee!

Work In Progress #3

2011-10-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

I visited with the Doctor today. He said I'm well within the "range" that baby #3 could show up anytime!

Let's hope not. Let's hope he comes right on time (3 weeks from tomorrow). The first two babies made their debuts via emergency c-sections. I really don't want to make it a 3rd!

I love this picture. At least I know ONE of his little feet has all five toes. :)

Halloween Tree

2011-10-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

We've been in a bit of a creative funk lately. Well, when I say "we" I really mean "I" - growing a baby requires a lot of energy, not to mention the brain power that seems to be zapped when you need it most.

The Munchkin, on the other hand, has no shortage of creativity. Everyday is filled with a new "Machine" he's built from blocks, Lincoln Logs, blankets, etc., you name it.

I often tell him I'm "running out of steam" so, the other day he made me a "Get-up Steam Machine." It was a Mega Block tube with the corner of a blanket stuffed into it. He put it up to my HUGE baby belly and made a vacuum noise.

If only it were that simple.

He's constantly asking me "Did you like that Get-up Steam I gave you?"

Needless to say, we (I) needed to get into the Halloween Spirit. So we made this:

Our Halloween Tree

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It's a little sparse, and the twigs leave a lot to be desired, but it does the job!

Our supplies. When crafting with a 4-year-old, I find he'll spread EVERY individual item out for me whether I want him to or not.

I started out with a REAL pumpkin. I've seen the base of Halloween Tree's done with the craft store foam pumpkins. However, there's nothing like the real thing.

I cored a section in the center. You only have to core an inch or two, after that, its hollow inside.

Luckily we'd saved the twigs from our Easter Tree, because I'm way to pregnant to muster up the desire to find and paint new ones.

I covered them in plastic wrap, and filled in the gap with plastic wrap. Hopefully this will keep bugs out, and somewhat sealed off to help keep it from going bad.

We used all our same ornaments we made last year. The Munchkin added the two votive wreaths to the mix.

His little caterpillar is by far the Little Guy's favorite. He checks on him everyday, just to see if he's still climbing the tree.

The Tree is a little sparse for my taste, but I love the base. I've got a number of these pots in various sizes. They look a little like witches cauldrons. I put a bag full of rocks under the bottom one to keep it from moving, and a bag full of beans in the top one to give it some weight under the pumpkin. I also covered the bottom of both pots with hot glue. Love hot glue - it peals right off when your done!

The Little Guy was pretty proud of himself and our project when it was done. He picked where all of the ornaments went and LOVED helping me stack the pots and pumpkin.

Now onto the next project...Mummy Votives.

Wands for Little Ballerinas

2011-10-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a request for 15 pink ballerina Ribbon Wands for a 5-year-old's birthday.

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The party was in less than 10 days.

Luckily I'd been working on these antiqued ivory wands for a future wedding listing.

A little bit of soft satin ribbon in pink and they transformed into darling shabby chic ballerina wands.

I have to say, I'd love to see pictures of 15 little 5-year-old's in ballerina outfits waving ribbon wands. I hope no one gets hurt!

Stitches Midwest - A News Reporters View

2011-09-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

If you Crochet or Knit, you'll definitely find the humor in this 3 minute news clip.

Even if you DON'T Crochet or Knit, you'll STILL find the humor in this clip.

Gotta love when local news stations do special interest stories!

Remembering - My 9/11 Experience

2011-09-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

This week I've found myself spending brief moments reflecting on the unfolding events of September 11. Thoughts that leave me as overcome with emotion as they have every year for the past 10 years. You see, my ordinary life almost wasn't.

My trip to New York started out like most other adventures I took at that time in my life. I was 25, single, and had enough disposable income that when someone suggested a trip, I didn't hesitate. A friend of mine was accompanying some of her family members to the City and I decided to join them at the last minute.

We had a fabulous trip. We saw show after show after show. We ate great food; acted like goofy tourists; visited and took pictures at every landmark; even posed with a sleeping man on the subway; you name it, this family made EVERYTHING fun.

After nearly a week, enjoying everything New York had to offer, we were scheduled to fly home Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

Because our flight wasn't leaving until that evening, our plans were to take all nine of us on a double-decker bus tour through the city - heaven help the rest of the tourists on that bus!

Late Saturday night, I'd heard the news that Suzie, the matriarch of the group, had changed our reservation. She felt strongly about switching this bus tour from Tuesday morning to Sunday morning.

This small prompting made my quiet, ordinary life possible.

You see, at 7:00 am Sunday, September 9, 2001 we were on a big red bus, playing every bit the part of lighthearted tourists enjoying the sights and sounds of the City.

By 8:15 am we were walking up to this building:

I was awe struck by it's height, and snapped this photo just as we entered the building.

By 8:40 that morning, we were up in the observation deck viewing the curvature of the earth.

And looking at a tiny Statue of Liberty (it's in the lower right of the photograph).

After our visit to the World Trade Center - Twin Towers, we hopped on a ferry and headed to Liberty Island to visit the Statue of Liberty.

The Manhattan skyline was magnificent from Liberty Island.

We finished out tour of the City, in good spirits - none the wiser that the choice we made was so significant.

Monday, September 10, 2001 my friend and I hopped on a train to visit my sister living in Queens, NY. The 45 minute train ride was uneventful and, in hindsight, the last possible opportunity I'd have to get off the island of Manhattan for the next week.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2001

I woke up in my hotel room at the Marriott Marquis in the middle of Times Square. I was sharing a room with my friend and two of her sisters. We weren't in any rush to get packed, and before I even got out of bed, we got a call from someone in our group in adjacent room telling us to turn on the news. A plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center.

Watching the news footage replay the first plane plow right into the building, all I could think was "how could that pilot have POSSIBLY missed seeing that building?!" The Twin Towers extended so far above every other building it seemed hard to fathom it was an accident.

Still bewildered, watching the live footage, a chilling image shot across the screen and slammed right into the second Tower. My heart sank. There was no way this was a random accident. I sat up in bed and thought to myself, "If I need to evacuate, I need to get my stuff together and be ready." I hopped in the shower, dressed and very methodically started packing my bags.

It's funny, you never really know how you will react in a crisis. As a child my dad would take us on survival camping trips in the wilderness. We learned things like - pack only what you need, I.D., cash, etc.; layer your clothing, you can use your jacket as a pillow, blanket, etc.; most of all, don't panic.

So, I did just that. I packed a small bag of essentials in case we needed to evacuate and I couldn't take anything with me. I packed a bigger bag with other items that would be nice to have (assuming I could take it with me), and finally my large suitcase was filled with souvenirs and non-essential items.

At some point my friend grabbed me by my shoulders, shook me and asked, "why aren't you freaking out? Why are you so calm?!" To the contrary, I was scared. I was worried. I didn't know what was happening, and suddenly I realized I was stuck in a city unfamilar to me and I was a long way from home.

There was a lot of confusion about what had just happened. The news hadn't confirmed a terrorist attack, so a couple of us headed down to the street to see what was happening. People were standing in Times Square watching the news coverage, talking to each other trying to figure out what was going on.

We headed South on Broadway in the direction of the Trade Towers. Our hotel was about 3.5 miles from Ground Zero. At first things didn't seem too out of the ordinary, most likely because Times Square is filled with so many tourists. As we got closer to Ground Zero, things started to change a bit. All the foot Traffic was only moving in one direction. The opposite of ours. In the days prior, the roads appeared to be in a perpetual traffic jam, and there was an abundance of yellow taxi's. This morning, the roads were quite empty, and there wasn't a taxi to be found (I'm not sure I saw one again for about 3-4 more days).

As we got closer we noticed a HUGE plume of smoke appear above the buildings ahead of us. We, of course had no idea what was happening. It was the first tower falling.

By the time we reached Duane Street (about 1/2 mile from Ground Zero) this is what we saw:

The ash started settling and accumulating on everything. It was falling like snow flurries. Paper was floating down the empty street like a desert tumble weed caught in a breeze.

At this point, I decided to turn back. The streets were vacant, the stench in the air was horrendous, and I really didn't "need" to go any closer to see what was happening. A few blocks back city buses were picking people up and dropping them off in Midtown around 52nd Street. Then they'd circle around and pick up another load of passengers and repeat the process of moving people out of the Downtown area.

I hopped on one of these buses and for the first time realized the magnitude of what had just happened. Looking around, the bus was filled with businessmen and women. Some were quiet, crying, and covered in ash. Others were frantically dialing friends and family to see if they were "ok" or if they'd "made it out." One man broke down and started to quietly sob as he couldn't get through to whomever he was dialing. In that moment, I realized I was just a tourist. This was their life. They had been attacked in their city, in their place of work, in their own backyard.

It was on this bus that I learned the first tower had fallen.

Stepping off the bus was sensory overload. The stench in the air was stifling. I had a hard time catching my breath. The air smelled as if I was caught in a huge chemical campfire. Ash was floating in the air like snow flurries. The sounds of the city had been replaced with sirens. Lots and lots of sirens. Shops were closed and people were no longer jovial. Their faces were filled with expressions of confusion, anger, anxiousness, you name it.

I made my way back to the hotel. By this time, US Marshals had taken over securing the building. There was a line to enter the hotel. They had closed all but one entrance into and out of the building. We were not allowed back in unless we had a room key, photo identification, and our names matched the list of hotel guests.

My friend's mom had the forethought to call and let the front desk know we wouldn't be checking out that day. We were lucky. So many people were without a place to stay. The Island was blocked off. No one was allowed to leave and no one was allowed on the Island.

Back in my room, I was glued to the news coverage. By this time both towers had fallen, and it was confirmed as a terrorist attack. Everyone was on edge. The hotel emptied the parking garage for fear of a car bomb. Precautions were being taken all over the City for the same reason.

Planes were grounded. We had no idea when we were going home.

That night, US Marshals knocked on our hotel door, checked out our room, names, and identification. We gladly obliged.

At some point that afternoon my friend pulled a receipt from her purchase at "The Top of the World" in the gift shop at the World Trade Center. There was a time stamp.

9:01 a.m.

Had we taken our bus tour on Tuesday like we'd originally planned, we would have been in the observation deck at the time of the attack on the Twin Towers.

We were instantly humbled and grateful to be alive.

The next morning, Wednesday, September 12, 2001 we were still in shock from the horror of the previous day. We ventured out to the street. Everything was closed. Not a moving car to be seen. It was a ghost town. Pigeons were j-walking.

Make-shift signs had gone up all over the city. These were hanging in Times Square. They read "Pray for Family and Victims" "God Bless America" "Freedom Will Be Defended"

By that evening food places started opening up again, and people took to the streets. A number of people staked out street corners calling everyone to repentance and preaching the impending apocalypse. I think most of us just wanted to feel some sort of connection to humanity. We'd been attacked, locked down in our hotels, and isolated.

As a testament to New York, there wasn't any looting. No violence. People were courteous and considerate of others. By nightfall Times Square was as sea of little American flags. I wish I had taken a picture. The scene will forever be burned in my memory.

We were a country in mourning. Yet, united we stood. Regardless how you feel about George W. Bush, his remarks that day were what we needed and longed to hear. He remained calm and resolved. Like a father ready to stand and defend his American family.

The rest of the week was filled with unknowns. When would we be able to go home? How are we going to get there? We'd looked into Amtrak or renting a car, moving van, anything to get us closer to our loved ones, but nothing was available.

Finally, word came that a few Domestic flights would be allowed to leave JFK.

Late Saturday (early Sunday morning) we were "wheels up" on one of the first flights out of New York. It was quite possibly the most frightening flight I've ever taken. Everyone was on edge.

Through the entire ordeal, I felt a calming inner peace. It wasn't until I got home and fell into my bed did I finally break down. My life had been spared. It was divine intervention that I, along with my travel companions, were not in those Towers that morning.

As my life has unfolded these past 10 years, I've often thought about the things that never would have been. I met and married the love of my life. I have two (almost three) beautiful babies. I've lived in a number of different states and cities. I've traveled. I've worked.

I've lived.

I'm so grateful for the "tender mercies" of the Lord. I'm grateful for my ordinary life. I'm grateful Suzie was in tune with, and acted upon her "prompting" to change our plans. The saying "what a difference a day makes" was never more true.

I will NEVER forget.

God Bless America!

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here's to a nice, relaxing weekend to celebrate this "end of summer" holiday!

Rainbow Popsicles

2011-08-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love when I get custom requests for Ribbon Wands. I'm given an opportunity to collaborate with someone to create something new.

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This particular request was for a rainbow themed party. She wanted the wands unfinished so the kids could do that part themselves (what a great idea).

We tossed around a few "rainbow" ideas for the ribbon, until I found this fantastic variegated rainbow ribbon.

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I love how they turned out. They look so fresh and summery - like Popsicles!

Trains for a Little Guy

2011-07-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

A little something for a (soon-to-be) new little man.

A friend of mine is having a baby boy. I love being able to pull from my stash to create something darling!

Simple flannel burpcloths w/ freehand crochet around the edges.

I love the way the brick red and cobalt blue compliment each other. I was trying to go for a "train track" look to match the burpcloth theme.

Click here for my inspiration for this blanket.

Pom Pom People - Tutorial

2011-07-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

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I made these puffy, rough, yellow Pom Poms around Easter to make some fluffy yellow chicks. Obviously, that never happened.

My little 4-year-0ld Munchkin loves to play with these Pom Poms. He's been begging me for days to help him glue "Boogly Eyes" onto them to make a "Fuzzy Monster."

This is such a fun and simple activity.

What you need:

1 big Pom Pom for the body (you can make your own or purchase bigger ones)
1 tiny Pom Pom for his nose
2 Pipe Cleaners
2 Googly Eyes (or "Boogly Eyes" as they're called around here.)
Any other embellishment you'd like to add (The Munchkin bent some leftover pipe cleaner and asked me to add the mustache.)

Bend one pipe cleaner in half. These will be your legs.
Cut the other pip cleaner in quarters. These will be your toes.

Spread the Pom Pom fuzz apart near the center. Add a dab of hot glue. This is where you'll put the center of your bent legs. Once it's glued, cover the pipe cleaner back up with the Pom Pom fuzz.

Do the same thing with the legs. Move the fuzz back and glue the legs to the center of the ball. Cover all exposed pipe cleaner w/ Pom Pom fuzz.

Bend the tips of your pipe cleaner to make a small loop.

Next, take your quartered pipe cleaner and bend the ends to the center. Wrap them around your little foot. Dab some hot glue to secure.

Gently move fuzz.
With a dab of hot glue, affix eyes, nose, and any other embellishments you'd like to add.

You're done!

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May Emeralds

2011-05-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'll admit, I'm partial to this Treasury. May is my birth month and I Loooove the beautiful emerald items included in this Treasury.

May's Wedding Treasury - Emeralds!

This Treasury is FULL of beautiful items. Thanks to Suite Blooms & Designs for including my Green/White Flower Burst Ribbon Wand!

The Cloth Diaper - So Useful!

2011-05-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Remember these? I couldn't help myself. I had to make more to share....so many new babies this spring!

I LOVE these burpcloths. Whoever thought up using a cloth diaper as a burpcloth was a GENIUS.

This particular blue stripe burpcloth ended up with a super soft afghan for a precious baby boy.

The blanket turned out nice and lightweight.

I really don't love acrylic yarn. It's scratchy and loosens up when it's washed. So this time, I tossed the entire skein in a lingerie bag and pre-washed my acrylic. It softened right up!

I couldn't be happier with the results!

Mom's Homeade Bread

2011-05-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

As a kid, I thought it was totally normal to come home from school to the smell of homemade bread. After all, didn't all moms make 10-12 loaves of bread a week? (We had a large family.)

My BFF and I would have tea parties using Kool-Aid, and hot out-of-the-oven, buttered, homemade bread. On a regular basis.

I was a lucky kid .

Now I'm a grown up with some Little Munchkins of my own and I realize what a feat it must have been for my mom to find time to make bread - especially those first 20 years (before she purchased her Bosch Mixer) and had to knead all that dough by hand.

I've adapted her recipe for my 5 quart Kitchen-Aid. Which makes two GIANT loaves.

Mom's Homemade Bread
1 Tbs. Active Dry Yeast (or 1 packet)
3 cups Warm Water
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1 Egg
2-3 tsp. Salt
5-7 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Dissolve the Sugar into the Water and add the Yeast. Allow the Yeast a minute to activate and foam.

Combine with Oil, Egg, and Salt in Mixer (with Dough Hook). Start mixing on medium speed while adding flour one cup at a time. The amount of flour will vary depending on humidity, the size of your egg, how much liquid you have in your bowl, etc.

Mix/Knead on medium speed for about 10 minutes. Your dough should be soft, not to sticky, and start to form a ball around your dough hook.

Remove the hook from the dough, spray the top with non-stick spray, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow your dough to rise - double in size (about 30 min-1 hour depending on the temperature of your kitchen).

Once your dough has doubled in sized, punch it down and divide into two equal balls.

Spray the bottom of two glass bread pans w/ non-stick cooking spray and knead your dough into the pan pulling edges to the center. Flip dough over in pan for a nice smooth top. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough double in size (again).

Pop these beauties in a 350 degree preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.

Let your loaves cool before cutting. I like to butter the top of my bread (mostly because that's what my mom did). I buttered these while they were really hot, making the butter bubble on top.

Without fail, every time I make bread, at some point I find a little nugget taken out of the loaf. It's nice to know that my Munchkin likes and appreciates homemade bread as much as I d0!

Enjoy!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

We have a winner!

According to the Random Sequence Generator from Random.org

Comment #11 is our winner!

"Ravy17 said... Liked a girl and her needle on facebook."

Liz - please email me (Charmain) at agirlandherneedle@gmail.com to claim your wand!

Thanks to everyone who participated here and over at Kims Kandy Kreations!