Izabella*s Closet

Pressure Cooker Pumpkin and Squash Puree

2016-11-07T13:31:00.001-06:00

The husband and kiddos gave me an Instant Pot for Christmas. During our stay at the rental house while our new house was being built, it became our go to for cooking since our kitchen was tiny. So far I make pork ribs, apple sauce, and yogurt regularly in it. I've ditched the Crockpot and got a glass lid for this bad boy too. It rarely leaves the top of the counter these days, even in the new house.

In the refrigerator I had an acorn squash and another random squash I picked up the last time I was at Trader Joes. We also had a few sugar pumpkins from our trips to the pumpkin patch this year. So I decided it was time to prep them for winter. I usually do this every year and then freeze the puree for later use.

It has been such a warm fall and today is another warm day so instead of cranking on the oven, I thought I would try out the Instant Pot. After a quick Google search, I cut them up and scooped them out. Honestly I grabbed the little scooper from the pumpkin carving kits and it worked perfect to clean out the seeds. I cut them into chunks so they would fit better in the Instant Pot, added the rack, and filled it up. I added 1 cup of water and set it for 20 minutes on manual.

Timing was the harder part as there was quite a variation in how long to cook them. I started with 20 minutes on manual for the squash with a quick release. I maybe could have only gone 15 as the flesh just fell off the peel. The first round of pumpkin I did 20 minutes on manual with a quick release too. The second time I bumped it down to 15 minutes on manual with a quick release. I continued with this time for the rest of the pumpkin.

There was no battle separating it. I do suggest letting it cool for a few minutes before handling as I burned my fingers a bit. I then just laid it down on a cutting board peel side down and just gently scraped the flesh off with a silicone spatula. Easy peasy! To get it nice and creamy blend it with your blender or emulsion blender. You can use the water from cooking to thin it out if needed.

I continued to cook all the pumpkin chunks. I'm sure it would have been faster to bake them all in the oven, but I always end up burning the bottoms of them or forget about them until they are black and starting to flame. Since I was cleaning and caring for sick kiddos while these cooked, it was the quickest and easiest route. I never did change or add to the water. I think I will save it for soup or liquid in bread. No need to waste good pumpkin infused water!

All in all this is now be my go to for cooking pumpkin and squash for purees. Helpful tip...stack the chunks skin side down. It makes removal a bit easier and you won't lose the yummy goodness into the water. I ended up with about 3 cups of squash puree and about 12 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree. I topped off the pumpkin broth to make 2 cups of broth.

Sorry We Can't Play Magnet

2016-10-06T09:53:00.002-05:00

Since moving to our new house, we have little guest showing up through out the day. There are times when my littles aren't available to play. Of course when the guests show up mine will beg to play: mean mom me has to say no over and over. I put this file together out of desperation, constant doorbell ringing and "we can't play right now" was getting a little much.

To put this together I used all things I had stashed in my craft closet since there was that desperation factor. I'm a total sucker for clearance aisles at the local craft stores so the there are always good treasures to be found in "THE CLOSET" as my husband calls it. I couldn't find the little earth magnets I used to show you all. I use these strong little magnets for my spice tins on my fridge (another post for another day) and thought they would be perfect since our door faces north and we all know how the Nebraska wind can be.

I created this file with Photoshop and Inkscape. These are my go to programs when I'm feeling creative. Once it was completed I uploaded it to my Cricut software. I have to admit I'm not a fan of their software. You have to have an internet connection to be able to cut. If you have a less than stellar internet service provider like me or it is a busy Cricut creativity time, it is nearly impossible to get it to work without it crashing and losing all your work. This is why I tend to create everything elsewhere and upload it all together as a .SVG file. I do like the machine its self and the option to cut from my smartphone or iPad, though I've just never actually done it.

I painted the little wooden plaque and waxed it since it will be out in the Nebraska elements. If I had fun spray paint colors on hand I probably would have used that. Like I said I used what I had on hand.

While it was drying I got to work cutting the vinyl. I used outdoor (shiny) vinyl. This is my favorite kind to work with and always have scraps on hand. I used a random fun and FREE shape from the Cricut library for the turquoise background. I don't have a subscription to their paid library since I have a bit of a font addiction and can easily make most anything I need.

Once the paint was dry I just placed the turquoise vinyl by hand, eyeballing it. For the white lettering I used transfer paper....well....clear contact paper. This is my go to because it's cheap and I can pick it up at the local big box store or grocery store. No special trip to the craft store or waiting for an online delivery. I do recommend the actual Contact brand, I have bought other brands before and they just don't seem to work as well. Do keep in mind, it's not as sticky as transfer paper so you have to work a bit more to get the vinyl to adhere but to me it's much easier to work with. Lastly I glued a magnet or 2 to the back with a little Gorilla glue, the gel kind, but any super glue would work.

Since posting pictures of our little sign on Facebook, I've had several requests from friends for their own "We Can't Play" magnets. You can make your own with my free .SVG file by joining my Facebook group. I have several free .SVG patterns available for personal use and add more all the time.

The Deb Scarf Free Download

2014-08-07T08:30:00.000-05:00

I've been working on this crocheted scarf for a few weeks now. Just doing a few rows every few days in between all the summer madness with the kiddos. Now that it is finished I think I will wrap it up and store it away until Christmas. I made it with my mother in mind as she picked out these colors for a different scarf. It is a little thicker than a lace scarf but warm enough for a cooler spring or fall day. It would also be dressy enough to wear as a small shawl for an evening event or wedding.

It is available on Ravelry for download now.

Free Peeps Bunnies Machine Embroidery Pattern

2014-03-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

Easter is just around the corner so I thought I would offer a new pattern. You can pick the pattern up at Craftsy.com. The full set of the Peeps bunnies is also available on Craftsy.com and ETSY.com.

Free Bunny Pattern

Free Down Syndrom Patterns

2013-10-31T10:38:00.003-05:00

I know this is the last day for Down Syndrome Awareness month, but I think these embroidery patterns are perfect any time of the year. These two designs are free in my Crasftsy store. Click on the photos to receive your free patterns.

The Crazy Purse Lady

2010-07-06T08:35:00.000-05:00

Oh do I need to say more? Anyone who loves purses will love this set. There are both applique and embroidery sets. Of course you can change the color to meet your needs. I wonder if someone could make a quilt from these patterns? I think they would even be cute embroidered on a little girl's onesie or bib! Just let your imagine run wild.

You can get these pattern sets and many more great sets at www.izabellascloset.com

Slushy Summer Drinks

2010-07-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

I thought these new Drink sets were perfect for the summer. I love having a slushy grown up drink after a long day of chasing the girls. There is something relaxing sitting on the deck and listening to the rustling of corn with a drink in hand. I know some people prefer appliques and some do not. I have two sets of both! When I made these I think I loved the olive glasses the best and then maybe the glass above. I hope you are able to enjoy these sets too. I think they would be perfect for napkins, kitchen/bar towels, or maybe even on an apron!

You can find these designs and many more at www.izabellascloset.com

Izabella*s Closet May Newsletter & Embroidery Discounts

2010-05-10T08:16:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Izabella*s Closet!

Today is my birthday!! It's been nice spending the day with my family. So far we have taken the girls the to local children's museum and out to lunch. This evening my husband and I will have a nice dinner alone. As a special gift to all of my online friends I'm offering a 75% off coupon. Check below for the coupon code!

Come on over to Izabella*s Closet to view all of my patterns.

With summer upon us, I know there will be lots of barbecues and summer parties. The Party Time set will be perfect for adding special touches to napkins, aprons, table clothes...Just let your imagination run wild!

I have lots of new food related patterns. The Cakes set is perfect for birthdays and wedding or baby showers. This set includes several styles of cakes and even a pie and ice cream sundae.

Who doesn't love chocolate!!! I have two new chocolate heart sets. As I made these sets, I thought they would be perfect in pinks and browns along with the whites and browns shown.

Sock Monkeys are always a hit for any age. This set includes both boy and girl sock monkeys. They would look very cute on a monogrammed tee shirt or burp cloth.

Please visit our Featured Items page to see all new sets that have been added.

Last but not least don't forget to checkout the freebies. I occasionally add new ones so don't forget to pick these up too.

Who wouldn't like to pick up these new patterns at a discounted price!! Use the discount code: Birthday to receive 75% off your entire order. Just use the code at checkout to receive this discount. This is a one time use coupon and will expire on 5/30/10.

April Faubion

www.izabellascloset.com

Space Monsters Embroidery Machine Design Patterns

2010-04-06T11:38:00.001-05:00

I just love these little space monsters! What little space loving little boy wouldn't love this set...Monsters and Aliens!! As I created this set I pondered what I could do with them. I still haven't decided what would be the best project for these little guys. I'm sure all you embroiders can come up with something. I think they will be a perfect addition to go along with both my Outer Space embroidery sets.

Izabella*s Closet April Newsletter and Embroidery Pattern Discounts

2010-04-06T07:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone! I hope your weekend will be filled with family, fun, and happiness! I know for us we are looking forward to the Easter bunny sneaking into our house tonight and hiding Easter eggs around our yard.

Come on over to Izabella*s Closet to view all of my patterns.

With the arrival of Spring comes lots of new projects! The Daisy Fonts will be perfect for monogramming that spring t-shirt or beach bag. The set contains a full upper case 4" font set.

For those quilters, I have may different quilt label appliques and regular embroidery sets. There is a baby label set to cars to decorative border sets. Check them out!

I have lots of spring bugs and butterfly sets. The Spring Time Bugs is the newest set. It includes bugs and flowers. My favorite bugs set is the Modern Butterfly pattern set. Check it out, you will not be let down with this set.

Please visit our Featured Items page to see all new sets that have been added.

Last but not least don't forget to checkout the freebies. I occasionally add new ones so don't forget to pick these up too.

Who wouldn't like to pick up these new patterns at half price!! Use the discount code: April to receive 50% off your entire order. Just use the code at checkout to receive this discount. This is a one time use coupon and will expire on 4/30/10.

April Faubion

www.izabellascloset.com

Izabella*s Closet March Newsletter and Embroidery Pattern Discounts

2010-03-26T11:03:00.001-05:00

Spring has arrived and the last bits of snow has finally melted. It's been quite awhile since I sent out a newsletter. My little girls have kept me quite busy these days. I have spent the last few weeks digitizing some new fun patterns. I hope you like them and enjoy them as much as I have. Come on over to Izabella*s Closet to view all of my patterns.

High Top tennis shoes are always a big hit with the teenagers. I have to admit my husband still wears these type of high tops daily. Some styles die hard I guess, hehe. There are two sets that include 12 patterns in each set. Each set does contain one plain high top tennis shoe and then 11 different designs. There are no repeats in each set. After designing these I thought the middle circle would be perfect for monogramming. Maybe a letting in the circle and a name below the show??

MMM....Sweets and Coffee!! I have added 3 new Coffee Shop pattern sets. While set 1 and set 2 look the same, set one has "fancy" stitches to the designs, and set 2 is all regular embroidery stitches. I have also included an applique set.

Don't for get the Ice Cream Sweet Treats. There are two design sets in this series. These sets are full of ice cream and popsicles in many styles. I think the banana split design is my favorite.

Easter is just around the corner so don't forget to check out our current easter pattern!

While this is just an over view of a few of the new sets please visit our Featured Items page to see all new sets that have been added.

Last but not least don't forget to checkout the freebies. I occasionally add new ones so don't forget to pick these up too.

Who wouldn't like to pick up these new patterns at half price!! Use the discount code: Spring to receive 50% off your entire order. Just use the code at checkout to receive this discount. This coupon will expire March 31, 2010

April Faubion

www.izabellascloset.com

april@izabellascloset.com

Coffee Shop Embroidery Machine Design Patterns

2010-03-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

Coffee, coffee, coffee....That's what seems to keep me going these days. I bought a new coffee maker a month ago and have fallen in love with it. It is in the running to beat out my crockpot as my bff, hehe. These new sets are in honor of my new coffee maker. Although set one and set two look alike they are different. Coffee Shop 1 has "fancy" embroidery stitches while Coffee Shop 2 has plain embroidery stitches. I have included Coffee Shop Applique for those who love appliques.

Coffee Shop 1

Coffee Shop 2

Coffee Shop Applique

Hightop Tennis Shoes Embroidery Machine Designs

2010-03-19T09:20:00.001-05:00

I have wanted to do a set like this for quite some time. The first time I met my husband, he was wearing a black pair of these popular high tops. I bought a pink pair a few years ago for my oldest daughter. She had just moved to a toddler room at daycare. When she would get mad on a walk she would kick her shoes off, so we thought a cute pair of pink high tops would solve the problem. Yep, it sure did, no more shoe kicking from her!

Each set contain 1 plain hightop shoe pattern and then 11 designer shoe patterns. Each set is different so if your like me, you will want both sets.

I like the plain circle in the middle. I got to thinking as I was digitizing them, it would be perfect for monogramming. You could put the letter of the first name in it and then the whole name underneath the shoe!

Stop by Izabella*s Closet to pick up both of these amazing hightop shoe sets.

Set One

Set Two

Lots of Freebie Embroidery Machine Design Patterns

2010-01-19T07:01:00.001-06:00

I have quite a few embroidery machine design patterns freebies. I have a full set of Doodle Baby faces! These cute babies are perfect to try out my unique doodles. If you want to try your hand, or should I say machine at appliques, I have a cherry and a hanging tag. For the quilters, I have an embroidery quilt label. Here is a couple of examples of the freebies listed at www.izabellascloset.com!

Winged Butterflies and Bugs...Oh and the Snail Embroidery Machine Designs

2010-01-13T11:42:00.001-06:00

So the other day I was bored, gotta love Nebraska in the winter. The high temperature for the day was below zero so making a new pattern was in order. I was looking thru my clipart stash and found this set. I'm not sure where it was hiding and why I didn't get to it earlier. These little guys are so stinking cute. I love the butterflies and the tag a long snail, hehe. This set will be added to my store very soon!

MMMMMM, Candy Shop Embroidery and Applique Patterns

2010-01-08T13:17:00.001-06:00

MMM, candy!! Who doesn't like candy?? I'm not sure if the holiday season or the fact I was just craving sweets inspired me to create these sets. Either way who can resist all these sweets. I think any child or grown child will love these designs. I even created an applique set for those who love appliques.

Just imagine a personalized tee-shirt with chocolate cherries or candy quilt blocks. Does any one with an upcoming birthday need a personalized tote bag with gumballs?? The possibilities are endless with these three sets.

Check out the Candy Shop embroidery machine design pattern sets below. To buy these sets visit Izabella*s Closet.

The Crazy Chicken Dance Embroidery Machine Designs

2010-01-03T08:56:00.002-06:00

Yes I've been hard at work creating new pattern sets. I think I've cracked out about 10 during the Christmas weekend. When your snowed in you might as well just do some work.

Here is a sample of what I digitized! While they are not too country, they are a must have for that chicky lover. Gotta love funky, crazy dancing chicken eggs. These sets are perfect for kitchen towels, pot holders, etc...

Come pick up these sets at Izabella*s Closet. They both are regular $4.99 sets.

Embroidery Machine Designs

2009-12-15T10:21:00.008-06:00

This set was digitized from photographs of our 10 month old Boston Terrier, Marley Jo. We got Marley after we lost our Labrador Retriever to congestive heart failure and a tumor. We adopted Marley from a breeder as we wanted a new dog ASAP to heal our broken hearts. He had a big job to do and we fell in love with him instantly. Since we loved him and the breed so much we adopted another Boston pup from the MidAmerica Boston Rescue. Coraline was just 4 months when we adopted her in October. Once day after watching Marley and Coraline play it inspired me to create this embroidery machine pattern set. I wanted to share my love of Boston Terriers with other Boston lovers.

This set can be purchased at Izabella*s Closet.