Seams Inspired

Word Art Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 +0000

Inspired by the verses I'm studying in the Hello Mornings Challenge this week...1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Tagxedo is a fun site. Click on the words in the Word Art. They spin! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Celebrating

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:26:00 +0000

We spent Memorial Day with four generations of our family. Four. Generations. That's pretty amazing when you think about it, isn't it? From 2-week-old newborns to Octogenarians, our family chatted and laughed, noshed on grilled goodies, and sipped root-beer floats. It was a beautifully overcast, sticky & humid day full of fun at Yiayia's and Papou's pool. And I have no photos. I brought the camera and took nary a pic.

Luckily, my niece had her Smarty-Phone that captures pretty good snaps. Here's LittleGirl coaxing my great-niece into the pool.

It took quite a few minutes...about thirty...before LittleGirl could talk AJ into the water. Finally, though, SUCCESS!

AJ's little sister had no water-fearing issues. She was thrilled splash about, and would have spent all day in the pool if allowed.

We are so blessed to have our four generations! We're savoring every family moment. What about you?

How many generations

have gathered for your family celebrations?

Happy Tuesday!

Memorial Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:45:00 +0000

Seams Inspired's home proudly displays the US Flag!

If you're flying the Red, White, & Blue today, be sure to follow proper flag etiquette. For notifications, check out HalfStaff.org.

US Flags are at Half Staff Until Noon on Memorial Day Monday, May 28th, 2012

EXCERPT FROM THE US FLAG CODE :

Section 7.M

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be
first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff
position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for
the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon
only, then raised to the top of the staff.

If you're interested in reading more about the US Flag Codes, follow this link.

Do you display a national flag?

Happy Monday!

Favourite Things Friday - 25May2012

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Come play along with Aussie Shay
and her friends!
Their favourites are always fun to read! ☺

It's the little things that make me happy and life oh, so sweet! My favourite for this Friday is something I contributed nary a minute to its development, save for bringing the little 6-inch sprigs home from a local store. DH and LittleGirl have the green thumbs in this family. They assured me they could revive the shriveled stems. I was doubtful.

But today. At last. Yes, friends, it is time. The first tomato of the season is ready to pluck off the vine! What a delicious Summer it is going to be! ☺

The first tomato of the season!
"Big Boy" variety grown in our 100-year-old iron kettle.
The kettle was originally used for boiling sugar on plantations. ☺

Do you grow your own tomatoes?

Happy Friday!

Au Courant - Cooking up Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:36:00 +0000

In an effort to actually CREATE instead of

simply reading and being inspired,

Thursday's posts are all about my latest crafting efforts.

I've had a slow week in terms of crafting. For Au Courant Crafts day, I only have one little bite to show you. I crafted a chocolate cake for my family last evening. It was a decadent finish to our simple spaghetti dinner. We loved it so much, we decided to share...we delighted Papou and Yiayia with our delectable dessert. Chocolate tastes so much better when divvied up among friends and family, right? ☺

Super Simple Chocolate Frosting...

Do you prepare desserts for weekday family dinners?

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:32:00 +0000

I find it very difficult to be wordless on a blog. ☺

I had the blessed privilege to watch our Carolina Wren babies leave their nest. Shortly after Sunday's video was taken, Mr. & Mrs. Carolina flew to a nearby camellia bush and tweeted for their babies. One of the babies scooted to the front of the nest, hopped to the edge of the flower pot, and then took a leap of faith onto the front porch. That baby flew a couple of feet to meet up with Momma and Daddy Wren.

The baby brothers and sisters followed their brave sibling's courageous leap...except for baby #5. Not to be outdone by the oldest, the last baby hopped to the edge of the pot and flew straight away! It was so sweet to watch. I only wish I had been in a good spot to video it for you. Alas, I was hiding behind the front window's curtain panels. I managed a couple of snaps as they were leaving the nest. The collage was done with a new-to-me site, Photovisi.com.

Have you ever seen a baby bird take its first flight?

Happy Wednesday!

Can't Blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:34:00 +0000

because I've been busy...holding our newest family member. ☺

Meet my great-nephew! Isn't he beautiful...and HAPPY? ☺ I spent two wonderful hours just cuddling that handsome boy yesterday. What a fabulous way to spend a day! Little Monkey (his parents call him that!) will be two weeks old this Friday. His Momma is doing great too. She's adjusting to Motherhood beautifully. We are blessed to have this little guy in our lives. We're especially blessed, because we can see him often. Our backyards meet up in the far corners. Little Monkey is just a walk away! ☺

When was the last time you held a baby?

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 20 May 2012 12:57:00 +0000

We are TEEMING with wildlife singing and tweeting

their morning praises! ☺

The babies on our front porch are growing...and getting crowded in that nest!

Happy Sunday!

Sewing Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:53:00 +0000

When you're sewing schedule doesn't go as you hoped it would...

You'd better have a Back-Up Plan!!!

This was supposed to be a birthday gift, a Ruffled Pillowcase Dress, for one of LittleGirl's friends. Unfortunately, my sewing schedule didn't work out as I had hoped. Yesterday turned into a Family Day, and while it was wonderfully spent outdoors at a fun event; the sewing didn't get finished in time for the birthday party sleepover. We ended up purchasing a gift...sigh.

Fortunately...LittleGirl is the nearly same size as her little friend. She picked out the fabric and dearly loves it. Looks like LittleGirl will have a new dress this weekend. ☺

Do you have a back-up plan when your sewing time is cut short?

Happy Saturday!

Au Courant Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:54:00 +0000

In an effort to actually CREATE instead of

simply reading and being inspired,

Thursday's posts are all about my latest crafting efforts.

It's been a while since I've had an Au Courant Crafts day, so this will mostly be a pictorial post. These are the projects I've completed over the last several weeks...

Girls Ruffle Dress with Matching American Girl (18") Doll Dress
Donated to LittleGirl's School Silent Auction Fundraiser

Mug Rugs
LittleGirl's Class Basket Contribution for Silent Auction

Money Cuff for LittleGirl's Field Trip
to hold "Gift Shop Cash"
Fabulous Tutorial from Lemon Squeezy Home

Dotty Money Cuff Birthday Present for a Little Friend

Flowery Fun Headband for my niece

Airplane Money Cuff for my nephew

Stripey Pillows for JuJu's Screened Porch
There are 3 of these, though I only snapped a pic of one.

Mug Rug for our SCVCS Teacher
We love Mrs. B!

And finally...LittleGirl has been crafting and wanted to show you her project. Her class is reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and completing several projects to go along with the book. Her project was to recreate Willy Wonka's Chocolate Room. Didn't she do a great job? I'm a firm believer in allowing kids to complete these projects on their own. As I tell my children, "I've got my diploma. You'll have to earn yours too."

LittleGirl's Chocolate Room
Inspired by Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

What have you been crafting?

Happy Thursday!

Wordless, uh, Wordy Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:53:00 +0000

Inspired by the Hello Mornings Summer Challenge

Happy Wednesday!

It's Tuesday Already?

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:43:00 +0000

Ack! I can't keep up this week! I said I'd respond to comments by Monday. Nope. Haven't done that yet. A thousand apologies. We're trekking through the thick muds of finishing up our school year. Son#1 took his last high school exam yesterday and feels pretty good about it.

Son#2 took his semester exam for Algebra/Geometry yesterday. I'm proud to report he earned a 95% on that test! Whoo-to-the-Hoo! It's moments like these that make the tears of schooling them at home so worth it. I wished I'd had my camera so I could show you the proud look of accomplishment on his face. ☺ What a grin!

My Sewing Room is a mess...and will remain that way until the end of this week. Please, if you're local, don't be offended when I step outside the front door and offer you a seat on the porch. ☺ I need to get a serious grip on the house...tomorrow.

Scraps of Mess on the Sewing Room Floor
Projects to be shown later this week.
Yes, I know I said that last week. I really mean it this time. Honest. ☺

But the front porch is nice! You'll get to see our newest additions. Here's the five babies in the front door planter. Their Momma is crafty! Check out the back of their nest...She water-proofed it by lining it with some plastic she found.

Our little friends on the front porch. We think they might be Carolina Wrens.
We'll have to wait until they grow their feathers/features a bit.
Momma flies off when we open the front door. ☺

Do you have any feathered friends

taking up residence this season?

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:43:00 +0000

First time holding my first baby.

First big smile of Son#2

First time LittleGirl stood up in her crib.

I'll be off my computer all day as I spend time with my babies.

I was unable to respond to comments this weekend.

Please know I will respond to you Monday.

Have a wonderful day!

PS...HelloMornings begins tomorrow.

If you haven't signed up, you still have time.

Follow this link: Hello Mornings Summer Challenge

If you need a group and are on Twitter,

you are welcome to join us.

Hashtag #HMCsm

6:30am-7:30am EST

Happy Sunday!

Favorite Things Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Come play along with Aussie Shay
and her friends!
Their favourites are always fun to read! ☺

My favourite this week is something I pulled from the back of my closet when the weather warmed up in the South. They are my beaded sandals. I ♥ them. They are comfy, and pretty, and colorful. I always get compliments on them when they adorn my feet. I can wear any color toe polish and still feel coordinated with my sandals. But what I love best about these particular sandals is the memory associated with them.

When we were at the beach a couple of years back, the one pair of sandals I packed fell into disrepair. The strap broke, beads scattered, and I was in desperate need of summer foot covers. This just so happened in the parking lot of the Piggly Wiggly. For those unfamiliar, the Piggly Wiggly is a grocery store, and a Southern tradition. It's been around since the early 1900s and its mascot is, yes, a pig.

We LOVE to Shop the Pig!

So here I was with broken footwear outside the Piggly Wiggly. Since we were at the beach, I knew the grocery would have some cheapie flip-flops to get me through the day until I could find a proper shoe store. I snapped up some ugly plastic and foam-footed $2 'shoes', slapped them on my feet, and proceeded to grab the groceries on our list.

As I was checking out, my eye noticed some brightly colored sandals hanging on an end cap. I alerted DH to hold the cashier for a moment, went to take a closer look, and upon inspection thought, "Those are really pretty. Hope they have some in my size. Wonder if they're comfortable? Who cares?! They're only eight bucks! They do have my size. All right! I'm not even going to try them on, I'll just get them. Well, wait a minute, self. Maybe I shouldn't go all willy-nilly. I should try them on. Okay. I'll try them on. They fit! I can't believe I'm going to buy pretty sandals in the Piggly Wiggly."

Yes. My thoughts pretty much stream through my head like that. I have a bajillion of them bouncing around in there all day long. Even now, as I type, there are about 300 thoughts going off in different directions. Sigh.

So...I bought the sandals. Call me a hick or redneck, if you will. I ♥ these sandals. They've held up very well. And every time I wear them, I still love them...cause they make me smile. That's why my Piggly Wiggly beaded sandals are my Favourite thing this Friday.

Aren't they cute? The sandals, not the feet.
Though, I also am totally digging my "Courtney Orange" toe polish this week. ☺

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes?

Happy Friday!

Vulnerable

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The boys are taking their annual PASS (Palmetto Assessment of State Standards) tests this week. It's a nerve-wracking time for them, as they both inherited the 'I don't test well' gene from their Momma. The week has been spent alleviating their anxious thoughts, and soothing their nervousness. These tests are taken at a local university facility, and we must leave the house early each morning to arrive by the 8:15am check-in time. Definitely not a normal week for us.

As we were maneuvering through the lanes yesterday morning during rush hour, we listened to some great praise music. Song after song, I kept thinking, "Oh, that's one of my favorites!" and just kept singing through all that traffic. The boys don't seem to mind that their Momma sings in the car. I guess I've been doing it for so long,...since their births!...they know that's just part of my 'crazy'.

I'm not even sure which song was playing or the words I was singing, when I suddenly became so overwhelmed by His love for me. Has this happened to you? I mean I had an incredibly weepy moment. One minute I was singing my heart out in praise, and the next I was choking on the words and wiping tears from my eyes. I know my boys thought I'd completely lost it. And they were right. I had. I'd lost myself for a moment at the thought of my Redeemer.

The moment passed, we made it through the next red light, and continued on to our destination. I've been thinking about that moment, and allowing my vulnerable-self to be viewed by my children. Should I let them see me as a person or just as their Momma? Yeah. I think I should. I think it's quite okay for them to not only see the vulnerable side of me, but to know that it's okay to be vulnerable. Exposing my tender heart to them makes me more accessible to them.

Sometimes Mommas just need an opportunity to let down their guard a little bit. A moment to show those human bits, those raw pieces of our hearts that fiercely love the most. I found my pause this week while praising Him, and I am forever gratified.

Thoughts?

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:19:00 +0000

These are LittleGirl's dear friends, Samantha and Sally. They are loved and treasured. Samantha is a gift from Yiayia, who has ensured all her granddaughters love dolls as much as she does. Samantha is a great source of sewing inspiration for me, as I so enjoy creating outfits for LittleGirl to dress her.

Sally is a gift from my dear bloggy friend, Petra, of This Good Steward. We met in real life a couple of months back, and she surprised LittleGirl with one of her gorgeous crocheted creations. Sally has brought much joy to LittleGirl, as well as LittleGirl's friends. They always want to bring Sally off the shelf and hold her. They quickly realize Sally is held in high regard, and give her love with gentle hands.

These little dolls are sweet reminders of friendship. I am grateful for all my bloggy friends - new and old. Y'all bring me smiles every day. ☺

What is your favorite friendship quote?

Happy Wednesday!

Snickerdoodles - Bake Sale Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

One of the events that occurred during April was LittleGirl's school carnival. It's a huge fundraiser for the elementary school with an old-fashioned flair to it. There are carnival rides, games, hair-painting, confetti eggs, cake walks, and of course, a bake sale.

I've been making these same treats for the bake sale since Son#1 started school. Why the same old cookie? Cause you can't beat a classic, baby! Well, that...and these cookies use ingredients I always have in my pantry.

Surprisingly, the first couple of years I baked up one of my favorite childhood cookies, there were many people - young and old - who claimed they'd never heard of a Snickerdoodle. Seriously?! I am blessed to have a mother who baked up after-school snacks for me. Maybe it's more of a Midwest kind of cookie. Peanut butter cookies seem to be a Southern favorite. Hmmm...have to think about that another day. ☺

Although it isn't necessary, I feel if you're going to take the time to bake cookies for a sale, you might as well take the time to package them up pretty. It doesn't have to be too fancy, but an identifying label of some sort is in order. (Actually, I believe it's a DHEC law in SC that your name and phone number is listed on the bake sale items. With the power of PhotoShop, my info has been erased. ☺)

If you're going to identify your bake sale items, why not take it a step further and identify the ingredients? I know Mommas with kids who suffer from food allergies will appreciate it. If you have an extra minute (cause you'd NEVER wait until the last possible minute to bake these, right?!), you could include the entire recipe. Well, the above label has no recipe. Bet you can guess what time I baked these.

There are many ways to package the bake sale treats. I've tried many, but have found clear 'goodie bags' work best for me. I also seal that bag without using the foiled twist tie. Got an old curling iron? Set it to low, slide the bag's edge between the clamp, and PRESTO! You've created a heat seal for your treat. I print the label on sticker-paper, slap it onto the bag, and done.

Sidenote: My treats ALWAYS sell out fast. ☺ I stop by the sale early in the evening to make sure. Otherwise, DH would be bringing home dozens of Snickerdoodles. Gotta save Momma-face. LOL

Would you like to give my Snickerdoodles recipe a try? It's a bit different than most recipes, because I use vinegar instead of cream of tartar. I never have the latter ingredient on hand, but it's necessary in this particular recipe, because the acidic properties give the Snickerdoodle it's 'bite'. Vinegar is an equal acid. Actually, most any recipe that calls for cream of tartar can be substituted with an equal amount of vinegar.

SNICKERDOODLES

1 cup Shortening (or butter)

1 1/2 cups White Sugar

2 Eggs

2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

2 teaspoons Vinegar

1/4 teaspoon Salt

2 tablespoons white sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400° F (200° C)

In a large bowl, mix together the shortening and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until smooth. Stir in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Combine the flour, baking soda, vinegar, and salt; stir into the batter until blended.

Roll the dough into balls the size of small walnuts. I like to use a small scoop (melon) for a more uniform sized cookie. Roll in a mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned, but still soft. Makes about 3 dozen.

Have you baked or eaten Snickerdoodles?

Happy Tuesday!

Linking up with...

Monday Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:41:00 +0000

FACT - I'm glad the A to Z Challenge is over.

FACT - While it was fun, it taxed my brain cells.

FACT - I worked on some projects during the month of April.

FACT - I'll be blogging about those projects this week.

FACT - One of the projects was B-I-G and took T-E-N days to complete.

FACT - It was painting my kitchen walls and cabinets.

FACT - Here's a 'before' shot of the cabinets.

FACT - Here's an 'after' shot of the same kitchen area. ☺

FACT - We really LOVE the fresh update!

FACT - I still need to sew curtains and paint the trim.

FACT - I have many more projects to show you this week.

FACT - Hope your Monday is MAGNIFICENT!

Have you ever painted kitchen cabinets?

Happy Monday!

Happy Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 06 May 2012 11:19:00 +0000

Last night's "Super Moon" gave us quite the delightful show!

Did you get to see it?

Happy Sunday!

Hello Mornings

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:42:00 +0000

It's time to register for the Summer Session of the Hello Mornings Challenge! Did you sign up yet? The Summer Challenge is a great way to dip your toe into the Morning waters. It's 15 minutes of studying, and then a quick check-in with your friends. You'll find encouragement, accountability, and an opportunity to establish your routine to meet with Him.

I have met some amazing women in these Challenges. Those women have turned into good friends. If you're looking for something that will give you a bit of uplift and peace, this is the Challenge to try.

Click the icon below and register now!

UPDATE: If you're looking for a group to join on Twitter,
send me a tweet with the hashtag #HMCSummerMommas

Y'all are invited! ☺

Happy Wednesday!

Happy May Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:06:00 +0000

These are the flowers I'm delivering to my Mom this morning. Today marks the 35th year I've given her baskets (or containers) of flowers...every May Day since I was 6 years old. (Did I just admit my age?!?)

Many times, the flowers were not this sophisticated in their presentation. Often, I made construction paper flowers and woven paper baskets. However they are contained, each bloom represents a lotta love as we commemorate a pretty Spring day.

Do you plan to brighten someone's day with May Day flowers?

Happy Tuesday!

One more thing...

If you're looking for a way to brighten your mornings,

join me tonight, 9pm EST, at the #HelloMornings Spreecast! EVERYONE is invited.

Follow the link below to sign up!

Hello Mornings Challenge

A to Z 2012 - Z

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:45:00 +0000

Join me as I blog my way through April - A to Z!

This month, you'll learn about those funny little

sewing terms...as defined by Seams Inspired.

Today, I'm #1096 in the Challenge.
To meet the others, click the badge above or follow this link: A to Z 2012

Zig-zag Stitch

Every once in a while, I'll have someone tell me they want to 'get into' sewing. The next line is always a question of what kind of sewing machine should they purchase. My response is always the same...

"All you need is a quality machine that sews straight and zig-zag stitches."

Seriously. The straight stitch is the running stitch used in almost every sewing application. The zig-zag stitch is used for sewing knits, for finishing seams, and for decorative stitching. It is an invaluable stitch, and is highly under-rated.

When sewing knit fabrics, such as jersey, the zig-zag stitch allows the fabric to keep its stretch...and also keep the seams together when you're wearing the garment. For fabrics that have a loose weave, the zig-zag stitch is used to finish the seam allowances, keep neat edges, and prevent raveling. To create a decorative stitch, the zig-zag can be set to a wider stitch width and shorter stitch length. Typically, if the stitch width is set to its widest point and shortest length, the zig-zag stitch is transformed into the 'satin' stitch.

If you are inspired to start sewing, look for a basic machine of good quality. Honestly, most vintage machines, often found in thrift stores or at yard sales, were made with metal parts and meant to be every-day workhorses. Though they usually only have the straight stitch and zig-zag stitch, with a bit of cleaning and oiling, those sewing machines can produce beautiful stitches and provide you with invaluable crafty experience as you learn to sew.

Did you think I was going to write about Zippers? ☺
Whew! Made it all the way from A to Z!!!

Happy Monday!

Happy Sunday! (Yiayia Makes Dolmades)

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:04:00 +0000

Thought you'd enjoy watching Yiayia prepare Dolmades for our Sunday dinner. She's an artisan when it comes to Greek food! If you'd like to give it a try for yourself, here's Yiayia's recipe for Dolmades. Kali Orexi!

DOLMADES (STUFFED GRAPEVINE LEAVES)

1 jar (pint) Grapevine Leaves
1½ lbs. Ground Beef
2½ tsp Salt
Pepper
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
2 Onions, grated
1 C Long-grain Rice (Yiayia will only use Uncle Ben's Long Grain & Wild Rice)
Juice of 1½ Lemons
½ C Parsley, chopped
¼ C Dill
¼ C Mint
¼ C Butter
2 C Beef or Chicken Broth
4-8 TBSP Lemon Juice

Prepare the Leaves: Rinse grapevine leaves in cold water. Let stand in warm water as dolmades are being prepared. If necessary, simmer leaves in water for 10 minutes to soften.

Prepare the Dolmades: Combine ground meat with next 9 ingredients, adding 3/4 cup water to make a soft, loose mixture. Place 1 teaspoon filling in center of a grapevine leaf (ribbed side) and shape in narrow roll. May be frozen at this point.

Line deep sauce pan with grapevine leaves and arrange dolmades in layers. (Yiayia uses a large stockpot.) Add butter, broth, and lemon juice and cover with inverted plate. Simmer covered, for about 45 minutes, or until rice is tender. Served with Avgolemono Sauce. Makes about 65 rolls.

AVGOLEMONO SAUCE (EGG-LEMON)

3 eggs, well-beaten
¼ C Water
Juice of 2 lemons

In mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy; add lemon juice, and water, blending well. Gradually add hot liquid of Dolmades, a little at a time, until eggs are lukewarm beating constantly. This is an important step, because you don't want your eggs to curdle. Remove saucepan from heat; pour egg sauce slowly over Dolmades. Shake saucepan to spread sauce evenly. Serve at once.

Dolmades are a delicious Greek treat! Because of all the work involved, we usually only have them for special holiday celebrations; however, they are good to eat any time. ☺ Let me know if you give the recipe a try.

One more thing...grapevine leaves can be found in most grocery stores. Our local Publix carries them, but they are located in a strange place. They are with the pickles. If you cannot locate grapevine leaves at your local grocery, you will most likely find them at a Mediterranean Specialty Store.

Have you ever eaten Dolmades or any other kind of Greek food?

Happy Sunday!

A to Z 2012 - Y

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:52:00 +0000

Join me as I blog my way through April - A to Z!

This month, you'll learn about those funny little

sewing terms...as defined by Seams Inspired.

Today, I'm #1096 in the Challenge.
To meet the others, click the badge above or follow this link: A to Z 2012

Yardage

When we're talking yardage, we're talking fabric. Specifically, we're talking the amount of fabric that is needed for your sewing project. However, there's more to consider than just the amount of yardage you need. Here are Seams Inspired's tips for yardage:

Use the recommended fabrics for the project. It will save you some tears later. Recommendations can be found on the back of a pattern, usually near the top after the description.

Select fabric you love. If you love the look, the color, and the feel of the yardage, you will usually love the final garment.

If shopping online, and you have time on your side, buy swatches first.

Purchase the best quality you can afford. Don't skimp on quality. Those few extra dollars spent on yardage will help ensure you turn out a quality garment.

ALWAYS purchase EXTRA yardage. This is probably the MOST important tip I can suggest. It's better to buy a little extra fabric than to be in the middle of a midnight sewing session and find yourself in a yardage shortage.

A final word on yardage...look at the fabric content and take note of the washing instructions. SAVE these notations, because you will need them when your garment is finished.

Do you have any yardage tips?

Happy Saturday!

A to Z 2012 - W and X

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Join me as I blog my way through April - A to Z!

This month, you'll learn about those funny little

sewing terms...as defined by Seams Inspired.

Today, I'm #1097 in the Challenge.
To meet the others, click the badge above or follow this link: A to Z 2012

Waistbands and eXact fit

Ack! I didn't get around to posting yesterday. It's a bit crazy around here...storms, Silent Auctions, sickness. Should be an 'S' post instead of 'W' and 'X'. ☺ Let's see if I can get back on track. Thanks for visiting! I'll be around to see you later today or tomorrow morning to catch up on your A-to-Z posts...pinky promise.

The waistband is an important part of your skirt or pants. It is the 'anchor' of the garment, holding the fit in place. Oftentimes, the waistband will be visible; however, it can be hidden and still effective in its job.

Getting the proper fit - attaching the waistband to the eXact curve of your waist - will ensure the waistband serves its purpose. Ever had a skirt that shifted, finding the side seam had scooted to the front side? What about hitching up those pants that kept sliding down? If the waistband were properly fitted, and the eXact curve followed, these problems would be eliminated. So how do you figure the eXact fit of the waistband?

Put on your newly constructed skirt or pants.
Grab a piece of heavy string or twine. Tie it around your waist, snug but not too tight.
With a careful hand (or the help of a friend), place pins at the bottom of the string around your entire skirt/pants waistline .
Remove the skirt/pants carefully.
Baste a guideline with contrasting thread, following the pin markings. Remove pins.
Follow the guideline to insert the waistband.

You may find the eXact curve of your waist is asymmetrical, or the curve tilts back instead of forward (very common). If the unbalance is minor, ignore it; however, if the difference is conspicuous, you must give it consideration and grade the waistband accordingly. That is sewing lesson in itself, and will have to wait for another post.

Grab your favorite pants or skirt and take a peek at the
waistband construction. What do you notice?

Happy Friday!