Just Jo

A Little Bit of Dirty Laundry

2012-11-24T13:55:00.001-08:00

First on the “laundry list” is Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all. I hope by now everyone has cooked, digested, cleaned, and shopped until they dropped! That is what Thanksgiving weekend is for, right? Of course, for sharing a great day with Family and having the biggest feast of the year!

This Thanksgiving was extra-special as my oldest daughter, Lauren, came home from college to spend the holiday with us. This is the first time she has been away and it was a few months since we have seen her. How exciting, right? I was on pins and needles(no pun intended being a sewing blog) as I waited the minutes ticked slowly as she came through the front door! What is a mother to think? Does she look more studious? Gained the Freshman 15 pounds? Is she tired or well-rested? Ahhhh, there she is and still looks like my Lauren!

As she entered with her duffel bag, backpack, purse, and Ipad, there was a mesh-type bag filled with…wait, what? Laundry? Could it possibly be? A flashback of a Hollywood movie with the returning college student flashed before my eyes. Hi, Mom, yes, I ahhhh, brought home my laundry! REALLY, REALLY. The laundry bag was filled with dirty laundry and her bed sheets, too! Wow. I am one lucky Mama!

After the shock, I did notice this plain laundry bag had seen better days with the tear in it. The distressed laundry (bag) would put any Mother wondering how their offspring could keep such a hideous sack in their dorm room!

Well, off to the sewing room. Yes, not the laundry room. I DO have my priorities, yes I do!

I found some denim-like fabric and some Hawaiian fabric as contrast. I thought the denim fabric would be sturdy and hold up to many laundry loads. The top of the laundry bag has a drawstring to keep everything contained. I also sewed up a matching little drawstring bag to place her detergent pods, color-catcher, and fabric softener sheets…

Lauren’s new Laundry bag filled with clean, fresh laundry! In case you were wondering…..yes, I succumbed and did the laundry, too. I was well-informed that laundry is boring, time-consuming, and costs money? Just passing that information along. I did not know that.

To think of the tuition, dorming expenses, meal-plan, and miscellaneous costs of going away to college, Lauren has learned all about dirty laundry. As I mentioned before I am not only a lucky Mama, but definitely one proud Mama…. My daughter IS learning things in college! Yes, indeed!

Fun Journals

2012-11-06T07:21:00.001-08:00

Quick and Easy, Fast and fun, scrap-busting, and sewing tease all-in-one! These are all great descriptive terms for this project! With the holidays fast-approaching(really?!?)this is a great little stocking-stuffer or just because gift!

I made these 2 fabric-covered journals for my oldest daughter, who is currently away at college. I wanted to make something for her and her roommate. This fit the criteria for the moment. What college student doesn’t need a journal to keep lists, keep track of homework assignments, and secretly-encrypted on the pages “Call Mom & Dad”?

How fun to personalize these journals to one’s personality and themes!

I searched the web for some great tutorials on these and there are a bunch! I choose this one because it is removable and a new composition book can be inserted when all the pages have been used and in the event of that a Starbuck’s Grande Latte is spilled on it!

http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/09/fabric-covered-composition-notebook.html

Yep, a black/white composition book and some scrap fabrics is basically all you need. So, go ahead and make one or two(or three).

You know you want one….

Smaller Cake Mixes? Why?

2012-07-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

My daughter took the Wilton Course 1 class in June. Her last class she had to bake and take an unfrosted cake with her to class. Sierra was going to decorate the cake during that session.

Sierra and I are currently taking Wilton Course 2 which is definitely a more advanced cake decorating course, working with fondant, gum paste, and royal icing! We will be decorating our cakes tomorrow for our final class.

Why? am I telling you all this. Hold on, I promise, you will understand…. Whether it be a Wilton class or just any day, cake baking in our household is a “thing”. I bake lots of cake throughout the year. Cakes are celebratory, holiday-making, and turns an ordinary day into something special. It always has in our home. I am very picky when it comes to cakes. I almost NEVER buy a cake from the bakery. I really LOVE(and so does my family) the cakes I bake and decorate.

Well, corporate America has done it again….. Most standard box cake mixes are 18.25 ounces of yummy goodness. To my disappointment, cake mixes are now approximately 15 ounces. Yes, my friends, the 3 ounces makes a huge difference. Smaller, flatter layer cakes, sheet cakes, bundt cakes, less cupcakes, get the point? When one bakes, you want a full to the top of your pan cake! These smaller cakes are now an embarrassment to your dining table or the next pot luck!

It’s not just Betty Crocker, it’s Duncan Hines as well!

I have been baking cakes since I was in junior high school! I know exactly how high and fluffy my cake will bake in whatever pan I use. It’s been done so much that I just know… Now, I don’t know!

I have over the years have been a huge follower and fan of Ann Byrnes aka “The Cake Mix Doctor”. If you have never been a fan of baking, her recipes are SO SO easy and delicious. Nobody ever knows its from a cake mix…..

These recipes are all from a 18.25 ounce cake mix that I can no longer find! There are all kinds of cakes, bars, and cupcakes that are decadent. From a cake mix…..NOT anymore.

I found an article called the “Cake Extender” to add a certain amount of flour, sugar, eggs to make it equivalent to the 18.26 box. Why bother? The convenience of opening up one box and dumping it into the stand mixer are over.

Here’s the link, if interested! http://caketrimmings.com/duncan-hines-classic-cake-mixes.html

Companies have made lots of products smaller over time and we have adjusted. When it comes to baking, it is a science experiment. The perfect amount of ingredients makes the cake come out just right. Companies know that- so WHY did they change the cake boxes on me and millions of other bakers? I would rather they have charged more money for the original size box. I think that would be a much better compromise.

As for me, I am on the hunt for a box cake mix that is STILL 18.25 ounces. The real bummer is missing out on all those delicious flavors.

What is this world coming to?

Horses Everywhere!

2012-06-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

Strange name for a blog post is what you are probably thinking! My family and I had the wonderful opportunity recently to visit a stable with lots of horses. Considering we live in a residential area, this by far, was a huge treat for us. My daughters just LOVED it. My Mom and Dad have befriended a wonderful couple who completely love horses. They live in a more rural area in a town called “Rio Verde”. It is adjacent to Scottsdale, Arizona, if you are familiar with this area.
Jo as I will call her(yes, she has an awesome name) and a loving, warm personality to boot! Jo educated us on all things horse. I didn’t quite understand the “horse lovers” club as I did not grow up around horses. I did not have friends who had horses. You see, I am completely horse-illiterate!
Jo took us to the stables and there were lots of horses. She told us stories about each one and I quickly could feel their unique personalities. I was intimidated by their large, muscular bodies. We brought lots of carrots to feed them and slowly I warmed up. I am amazed at how beautiful they really are. Their demeanor is very docile. My daughters had NO fear and feed them carrots immediately. I became in awe of these horses! They truly are awesome.
I decided to make Jo an apron and matching oven mitt, horse-themed, of course!
The pattern is by Simplicity #2682, View C. I purchased this fabric from Walmart! The oven mitt is one of my favorite go-to patterns which is from this website http://youcanmakethis.com/products/featured-products/free-make-an-oven-mitt.htm

My daughter, Sierra, modeling Jo’s apron!

I couldn’t have a blog post about horses and not share with you some of our pictures.
This horse’s name is Sabana. Don’t you just love that name and she surely is beautiful. I adore her color.

Fun was had by all! Even the horses enjoyed our company(or maybe it was the carrots"?) My family and I learned a lot that day. I cannot wait to visit my new friends again.
Now Jo can never be too far from her horses, even when she is in the kitchen with her new apron and mitt!

Sierra’s Desk Chair Makeover

2012-03-02T07:18:00.001-08:00

Sierra’s Desk chair needed some loving! I thought to purchase a new one and the fabric choices are minimal. What is one to do? I had some leftover fabric from another project I used in her room and decided it would work well for this chair! I used Simplicity pattern # 5932 to assist me in my transformation. What I love about this pattern is that it is easy and gives the look of “reupholstering”. Not…. Little secret-it is faux. Both pieces are encased in elastic and fit perfectly on the back and seat of the chair!!

The backside of the chair with the elastic that holds it to the chair.

A little peek on how it all coordinates in Sierra’s bedroom! She just LOVES it!!

The question you all have been wondering? Is she using her new chair to do her homework? The answer: Middle School=LOTS of homework, So YES!!!
Score!

American Girl Doll Bed and Linens!

2012-01-24T07:01:00.001-08:00

Okay. SO, how overdue is this post? This was a joint effort that my Dad and I made for his granddaughter/my niece, Miss Kate, for Christmas. Kate had a AG doll named “Lexi”, but we knew she was receiving another AG doll. My Dad made a trundle bed so the new doll had a nice bed to sleep on, too! Too cute! My Dad constructed the bed and even came up with his own design-he made the pattern for it! I love the trundle bed because he used basketweave molding and it looks like rattan/wicker and SO girly!!
I made ALL the linens. Whew…. But I honestly had SO SO much fun sewing this all up. The theme was brown and pink to match Kate’s room. Once my Dad had most of the bed constructed, I took measurements from top to bottom and began my own pattern making! I think I may have gone slightly overboard, but my niece is such a girly-girl(and so am I) so it had-to-be! This was my first quilt and I am pleased with the way it came out.

All the bedding-I want my bed to look like this! Love those little throw pillows!

Next life I want to come back as an American Girl Doll! I really had a lot of fun making this and it was really cool creating it with my Dad! It was a team effort of 2 very intense hobbyists!
Night, Night Lexi!

Baking Bread and Eating it, too!

2011-12-15T07:15:00.001-08:00

It has been quite chilly here in Arizona. I guess because we had such a hot, long summer, someone is trying to put us in the holiday mood. I know this kind of weather puts me in a baking mood- my family thanks me for it.
I tried this recipe I have been wanting to try-waiting for a cold day so I could put the oven on and have the house smell delightful!
After the dough rose, I braided it and then it must rise for another hour. Isn’t she pretty?

After the dough rose for another hour, I put an egg wash on the dough and placed some sesame seeds on the 2 loaves! Oh, so shiny!

After baking for only 20 minutes, the final product!

This was a real lot of fun and SO rewarding after all the rises and baking. There is nothing like the smell and taste of fresh, homemade bread. Your family will LOVE you for it! Score-now maybe I can entice my daughters to clean their rooms. Clean room=homemade, sesame-seeded bread.
Everyone wins!!

Inspiration comes when you least expect it!

2011-12-14T08:13:00.001-08:00

If you have a craft of any kind, I think you will agree. Inspiration sometimes creeps upon you when you least expect it. If you sew, you see this in any kind of fabric. Not just bolts from the fabric store. This is exactly what happened to me…..

I was just grocery shopping at my local Fry’s(Kroger) and they also have a home goods section. I always puruse through there to see the new items and the lovely displays of plates and linens. They have a shelf within there, that has their clearanced items. I took a peek at the unwanted items and saw LOTS of blue/white placemats, trivets, and oven gloves. I thought to myself “how boring” blue/white stripes. I did pass it up and strolled along to the cereal aisle. The blue/white linens, I swear, called me back! I took a second peek and noticed the price on these linens were 25 cents to 50 cents!! Really. Well, I knew I had to make something with these linens. It was a challenge and I was definitely up to it! I grabbed a bunch and ran home, almost forgetting about unpacking my groceries. (I did unpack them, unwillingly, SO boring)

Here is what happened in my sewing room!

The blue/white straps on the apron and the apron pocket were cut from a placemat. I attached the contrasting fabric to the oven mitt, placing insul-bright inside the fabric I added, so it will be well insulated.

I really like this pattern for an apron. It is lined in the back with solid navy-blue cotton fabric. It is a well constructed apron pattern IMO. I think that is what I love about sewing aprons-you can make a better quality apron than you can purchase. You can also add a little embroidery embellishment like I did on the apron pocket. I added some coordinating fabric buttons on the neck straps, too. Love that

The pattern is http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5643-products-8934.php?page_id=906&search_control=display&list=search

I made this apron for a friend of my Mom’s and I befriended her as well!! She loves to cook, is an artist, and has the most generous heart. My Mom was visiting her today and will be giving this to her. I hope she likes it!!

I am sure this will inspire some serious baking and cooking for her. And….for me, too, with the exception of having a cute apron set to bake with! The constant dilemma of loving to bake and also to sew…

Christmasy Pillow

2011-12-05T14:19:00.001-08:00

Wow! It is that time of year again. I cannot believe it, can you? We put up our Christmas tree, decorated the stair rail with lighted garland, decorated the kitchen pot shelves with more lighted garland, put the two little Christmas trees in the family room, etc. Sound familiar?

When I saw this tutorial, http://www.thediydish.com/2011/11/make-bright-merry-home-decor/ I knew I had to squeeze in a little sewing time. I did and completed my Christmas pillow!

I love the fact that it requires little pieces of fabric, great use for scraps from previous projects ! Plus I am practicing a bit of quilting, perfect for my upcoming project.

Now to writing those Christmas cards….

Little Red

2011-11-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

Little Red Riding Hood, that is! My daughter chose her costume and I thought it was pretty creative being that at this age the costume selections start to get pretty edgy. Sierra seems to always "morph” into her character.

The finished project from different angles!

Little Red modeled for us before heading off into the forest….

I have so much fun making costumes. It’s almost as if I am the one wearing the costume. The pattern for this is McCall’s 6187

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6187-products-11302.php?

My Halloween fun is definitely sewing the costume, for sure. Just think-it’s calorie-free but full of fabric. My kind of treat! Ok. Ok. I’ll admit there is always room for a butterfinger or two or three….. Oh, the chocolate, the peanut butter flavor. Yum.

Have you ever been boo-ed?

2011-10-28T09:31:00.001-07:00

Well, I have and this Halloween I vowed to “boo” someone! I hope they keep the boo-ing going. If you have never been boo-ed or have never heard of this concept, click over to this website and it explains how to “boo”

http://beenbooed.com/

It is a lot of fun and gets the neighborhood in a festive mood. I purchased 2 pumpkin baskets, candles, fun post-it-notes, Martinelli’s Apple-Cranberry Cider, pumpkin spice bread, and I made these towels to add to the basket!

These were Halloween towels from Kohl’s I purchased after-season-Score!

I added the topper so it hangs on your oven door! I followed this tutorial and it was a real beginner project and the options are endless.

http://www.countrydoor.com/Tips-and-Ideas/Crafts-and-Family-Projects/Making-a-Hanging-Fingertip-Towel.pro?fpi=24060&catCd=

I only wish I had taken pictures of the baskets with all its fun Halloween stuff.

I decided to have my husband take the 2 baskets and secretly “boo” 2 of his co-workers. There is an office version “boo-ing” poem on the above website.

Have fun and “boo” someone! Happy Halloween!

Fabric Fanatic…That’s me!

2011-10-26T15:26:00.001-07:00

I have had pictures on my camera that have needed to be downloaded for a while. Let’s just say-since this past June! In my defense(yes, I have to defend myself) on our vacation to Hawaii, we took 2 cameras with us. We downloaded the pictures from one camera and “forgot” about the other camera….

Today I got the bug to download our pictures from it. It was a surprise to see these pictures and relive those moments. Maybe it was a good thing that I procrastinated downloading those pictures. Yes, I am going to go with that!

My family and I took a Hawaiian cruise in June. Ahhhhh, it is SO SO beautiful there. I just can’t say enough about Hawaii. One of the ports we visted was Kahului, Maui. We walked to the beach as it was not a far walk and a good way to sightsee along the way. Well, look what I found! Yes, a fabric store! OMG! OMG! My poor family had to put up with my major obsession with fabric, even on our vacay!

But, but…… this is fabric from Hawaii. Thank goodness the airlines have weight limitations is all my husband could think… On the other hand, as happy as I was to find this jewel, I only purchased about 15 yards of fabric, mostly tropical themed. I knew there would not be too much room in my suitcase to buy MORE. Sigh

Aside from me being in my beach coverup, overlook that and look at all those gorgeous colors. I am not the souvenir type-fabric from other places IS my souvenir. More to come on that…..

I miss the beach, cruising, tropical breezes, but if only I could have a fabric shop like that here at home… Hey, it’s JUST a plane trip away

A Must Read

2011-10-09T17:31:00.001-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love to read. Possibly as much as much as I enjoy sewing. My sewing room isn’t as portable as I would like it to be. Wouldn’t that be cool? Okay, enough wizardy for a moment.

When I am on-the-go, I love a good book. Sometimes it’s my Nook or a good old-fashioned book. Doesn’t the smell of a new book and the act of turning pages so quaint-I know!!

When I received an email from church looking for donations for a raffle basket, I could not resist. The theme is reading! The list complied of donations to purchase a Kindle and various reading-related items. Barnes and Noble gift cards, books, eyeglass case, and a “book bag”. A book bag-that would be fun and possibly the one item they would not receive.

I have an APP for that! I have an awesome tutorial and some fabric possibly laying around, so a book bag is born… Of course, a matching accessory bag is a must. I picked this fabric combination hoping to appeal to most. One-size-fits most! I hope!

All wrapped and ready to be delivered for the raffle basket… Is it wrong to secretly want to win this basket of goodies?

The tutorial is from Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine! Here is the link to this easy tutorial.

http://digital.dzgns.com/Vol64/start.htm

The cute accessory bag is a in-the-hoop project. Love that!

http://www.ggdesignsembroidery.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=154

Who doesn’t need a read bag?

Sweet 16

2011-09-20T09:36:00.001-07:00

Today is September 20th, 2011.   It is also sweet because after a 3 month hiatus of my blog, I felt that today would be just the inspiration to write a blog post, finally… I have projects and pictures that are awaiting modeling on my blog….
September 16th has a lot of significance for me, especially. It is my late grandmother’s birthday. Mom, as we all called her. Mom was the grandmother we all want to have and want to be in the future. I was very fortunate to have her in my life. Not to sound like such a cliché, but she left a deep stamp on me.
I adore this picture of my Grandmother and Grandfather. Mom has the most beautiful, warm smile.

I spent LOTS of time with my grandmother. Mom is the reason I LOVE to cook and bake. Mom was always making something and most of the time, from scratch. I can envision her in my mind in her simplistic kitchen cooking fantastic creations. Her homemade pizza was amazing. Italian cookies around the holidays, cakes, and pasta sauce simmering on the stove, are but just a few of her wonderful recipes.
This is Mom and I posing for her birthday with a cake I baked her! Isn’t the writing just awful…But Mom-style, she loved it!

I remember when I was about 12 years old I had a cream puff over a friend’s house at a birthday party. I asked Mom if we could make them. She looked at me so lovingly and said she needed a recipe and didn’t have one. She promised she would obtain one. In those days, we did not have the internet to search for a recipe. A couple of weeks later she told me to come by. Mom had a recipe for cream puffs and all the ingredients so we could bake them!! We did bake them and they were delicious. We baked often, but this was extra-special because it was a dessert I wanted to bake. Mom always did special things to make me happy. I always knew that when I was with her there would be lots of hugs and laughs. And there was….

Mom worked in the Garment District in New York City, sewing, in the 1930’s. She talked about her sewing.   Mom had a beautiful Singer sewing machine at her house that I watched her repair clothing. It was shiny and black and encased in a fancy piece of furniture.   I asked her a couple of times if I could try sewing but the typical, protective, Italian grandmother she was mentioned she was too afraid my fingers would go through the needle and hurt me! Therefore, she never taught me to sew…
When Mom passed away in 1992 and my family were going through her things, her sewing machine sat there collecting dust.   My mother mentioned donating her sewing machine and I just could not let that happen. I had the sewing machine and a few supplies sent UPS to my home in Arizona. I opened up the box it came in not knowing even how to thread a sewing machine. Really.
This is Mom’s sewing machine that she loved so much. It is in excellent working condition and nothing goes through layers of fabric like this machine! The reason I sew today.

A neighbor showed me how to thread this sewing machine and told me I could hem pants, make curtains, and such just by measuring and a straight-stitch on the sewing machine. Hmmmm, really…… I did just that and each little project I just challenged myself. One day I got real brave and wanted to make myself a skirt. I found a pattern that had 2 pieces and a elastic waist. I can do that…… I just kept trying and reading those directions for the pattern over and over… I can do this!
Joann’s opened up nearby my home and I took a sewing class to make an apron! Wow! Everyone I knew received an apron… This was all just the beginning of how I kept challenging myself. If I can make an apron, I can make……
I then thought I would like a serger so my projects would look more professional! I bought myself a Brother Serger and came home, opened the box and literally cried, thinking how naïve I was. I cannot work a serger! You see, I am a Type A personality needing instant perfection.   I placed it back in the box so I could return it. Something told me to just keep trying it. I did…. and the serger worked great. I was in LOVE!
I then saw a Brother 4x4 embroidery machine and thought, WOW, just think of all the wonderful things I could customize! Embroidery machine here I come. At that point, my husband built me a sewing area in my laundry room. Upper cabinets and a countertop to place all my machines on. Lots of room for storing fabrics and notions. Now I could just sit down and start sewing and not having to set up machines and such..
I amazed myself as well as my family with all the things I could sew. How could I sew with such tenacity and skill not ever touching a sewing machine? Humbly, I say, with very little instruction have I reached the point to where I am now..(I still have lots of things I want to learn how to do)
I honestly feel Mom is with me watching over me in so many ways, including sewing. Mom sits on my shoulder and guides me and my sewing machines and honestly, without many mistakes… Mom’s sewing machine is like my magic hat!
I always knew that my grandmother was special. She has given me SO much in my life and still is. There is no doubt that one day she will be the first person I see, guiding me once again, hugging me and saying “Joanne” in that Italian accent she has.
If only I could I would make her a special dinner tonight. Chicken Francese and pasta with homemade sauce. Italian bread, Amaretto,(she loved) taralli, and gembelli(italian cookies)
As you can see, today is sweet and bittersweet at the same time! I feel I have been so blessed. I miss her SO much.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Aloha!

2011-06-15T09:25:00.001-07:00

Wow! I feel as if the last few weeks I have been preparing and packing for our vacation! We will be gone for 11 days and you would think with the amount of preparing, we would be gone for a month…. Whew… The anticipation (and slight anxiety) kills me. I seem to overanalyze and overpack so as not to forget a thing. Not a thing…

Sierra has been SO uber-excited(is that a word?) with her countdowns, things she wants to do, the plane ride activities, etc. and even her PJ’s need to have the correct theme!

Sierra picked out the fabric from my stash and I used a pants pattern and shortened the length to make PJ shorts. The applique is also from my “stash” from a few years ago, so I do not remember where it is from. Sorry-brain freeze. I added cap sleeves from a RTW shirt. PJ’s done!

Sierra can be fashionable and fun in her new PJ’s overlooking sunsets and lots of ocean It always pleases me to sew things for my family when it is something they are looking for. This theme is close to my heart.

Aloha all and Mahalo for reading my post! I will have to share some pictures on my return. (if I decide to come back)

A Fast Sew!

2011-05-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

I think that is the name of the game these days, my mantra, so to speak! Fast sewing. Summer time is here and it seems as if sewing goes on the back burner. Not my ideal, comfort-zone, don’t like, not fair, I miss my fabric, etc…. Okay, now that my rant is over(at least for today) here are some quick projects for my nephew and niece.

On Easter Sunday, my family was over his house spending Easter together, and Michael was reading and reading all the new books he received. Hmmmmm, reminds me of my 2 daughters(and myself). We are a bunch of bookworms for sure! Well, that is the inspiration for this tote bag for him. My sister frequents the library and the bookstore with the kids LOTS during the summer. As do my 2 DD’s and myself! Perfect for him to carry his new treasures in! I also placed a fun little activity book in there and some new crayons.

But of course, for Miss Kate, something pink or a dress created from my sewing room has to be…

I think I accomplished both!

Just as these are fast sews, this is a fast blog post, too! Enjoy your holiday BBQ’s this weekend. I plan on that….Now off to the kitchen to cook up some holiday treats!

Animal Print Tank Top Makeover Tutorial

2011-05-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

It’s official. Summer Break is here. Now. I know….. We have cleaned out our closets to make room for the summer clothes we will be shopping for! Aaaaaaaah, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Love shopping. In cleaning out our closets, this shirt was tossed in the donate pile. I yanked it out SO fast as I just love animal prints. It would make a great tank top-matches our current weather!

I cut the top just under the sleeves! Of course, saving the cut pieces of sleeves.

I hemmed the top part that I cut. I love the fact that the bottom is already hemmed. Great quickie makeover!

The cut sleeves now become your straps! This is definitely to your liking. I like a thicker strap so it covers those pesky bra straps. Yep, one of my pet peeves…. I measured how long I needed my straps to be. I put on the shirt/tank part and measure from the top of the tank, over my shoulder, and reaching the top part of the back of the tank. Easy peasy…. I came up with 16 inches and cut my fabric strips at 18 inches giving me seams allowances and sewing it to the tank itself. I had just that measurement….

I cut 4 inches wide by 18 inches long. I folded the strip in half(so it is 2 inches wide) and ironed it. Open up the strip and lay it flat. Then I took the raw seams and turned them towards my ironed lineby a scant 1/4 to 1/2 inch and ironed that. I then folded my strip along the original ironed line ensuring that all raw edges are encased inside. I then sewed all sides again making sure raw edges are inside! Repeat for other strap!

Try on your tank again and place your sewn straps where you like them. Pin in place front and back. (you might need a friend to help pin the back) After carefully removing your pinned tank, sew them in place-front and back!!

You are DONE!!

I still had some scraps leftover and just eyeballed it and cut out some flower shapes, added a button, and hand sewed it to my new tank top!

This particuliar shirt is made of a knit fabric. Sewing with knits is super easy-ONLY if you use a knit needle. It makes all the difference in the world. This is such a super easy and fast makeover. I LOVE these projects because of that and also for the fact that I can repurpose fabric that I just love but may not LOVE the style of the shirt!

I am sure you have some long sleeved shirts that you can makeover as well. Anyhow, who wants to wear a long sleeve shirt. I am happiest in my tank top and my flip-flops. It’s a good day….

Desk Set Accessories

2011-05-03T08:16:00.001-07:00

It must be Spring because I have been doing lots of organizing and updating! Summer break starts in just a few weeks(can you believe it) and this time of year lends the surge or “last chance” feeling I have been having!

When I saw this post for desk accessories, I knew I had found the answer to my unorganized, needs something, help, boring desk area in my kitchen. It is by far, the catch-all area of my kitchen. Until now…

My before picture shows all those pesky, ugly plugs and electrical wires that I loathe. Big time. I am very fortunate to have a desk area in my kitchen, but I have not showcased it properly. Until now….

Ta-da! Ta-da! The big reveal…..

All the fun accessories, too!!!

My DH notched out the back of this shadow box so those pesky wires could be somewhat hidden and all the outlets would be hidden. This also made for a flat-to-the-wall appearance. My idea, of course! The shadow box is extra-deep, 3 inches, and was purchased at Michael’s. My DH’s concern was “how to we affix it to the ceramic tile”? 3M sells tape that adheres pictures to the wall without damaging it. Perfect!

I had this little lamp lying around the house. I have always admired it, but just did not have a place for it. It had a black lampshade and I just covered it with brown fabric and added some leftover trim I had to match my kitchen décor. I used spray adhesive for both the brown fabric and the trim. Love that spray adhesive!

Some different angles of my desk makeover.

There are tutorials for the blotter, pen cup, and photo frames on this wonderful website.

http://sew4home.com/projects/fabric-art-a-accents/554-french-desk-set-blotter

It was the total inspiration-transformation because of these how-to’s. I am so thrilled to have my kitchen desk area soooo prettttttty. A big huge thanks to sew4home! Visit and read some past posts and you will want to decorate your home…

Now, to write all those letters I have been putting off…. Oh, but Mother’s Day is just around the corner, too. Well, at least I have a very inviting space to accomplish that

Headbands, Headbands, Oh, My!

2011-05-02T14:11:00.001-07:00

Can you say addicting? Yes, these In-the-hoop headband flowers are SO easy, fun, and a great way to use up your fabric stash. Although, every scrap you find and made a garment out of, you may want a matching accessory like these. You can use it for a headband, barrette, or just pin it on your blouse. I have even thought of making a few of them in a coordinating fabrics and attach them to a purse. Trust me-your inner girl will come screaming out at the first stitchout of these frayed flowers! It’s Spring, so us girls are allowed to be oh-so girly!

Here are a few I have made and have been able to take pictures of without my girls stealing them!

Here is the link to where I purchased this great ITH project!

http://www.picklepiedesigns.com/items/frayed_flowers_in_the_hoop.aspx

BTW, Nicole from Coles Corner and Creations(button on my sidebar) “Thanks” for the CONSTANT posts of these ITH flowers. Yours are awesome and I HAD TO HAVE them! I just LOVE, LOVE them!!!

Jogging Set Makeover Tutorial

2011-04-05T07:40:00.001-07:00

I have had this outfit in my closet and even though it was a hanging-around kind of outfit, it was boring. Gray. The top was also too short for my liking. I thought about donating it. Hey, I need room in my closet(don’t we all)

Boring Gray Jogging Set

I like that the pants are a capri-length but overall a big yawn.

I thought I might wear it if at least the shirt wasn’t SO short. Okay. My husband had a tshirt that no longer fit him. I think it may have made its way in the dryer and shrunk! Oh, I LOVE Kauai. I can almost feel the ocean breeze right now. Really. I am crazy about this Hawaiian Island-it is by far my fav…. But, anyhow, I just needed some white knit fabric to elongate my short top.

I cut the bottom off of the Kauai shirt and tossed the rest aside. I just needed a couple of inches to make my shirt longer. I came up with 6 inches including a seam allowance would work fine. I used the very bottom of the Kauai shirt because it is already hemmed. Win! Win!

The Kauai tshirt and my gray shirt were different widths, so I cut the Kauai tshirt so it would “fit” my gray shirt. I cut it a little larger allowing for seam allowances on both sides. Yes, I had to seam both sides and matched up the seams to each side of my gray shirt. Use your pins-they are your friend when it comes to sewing knit fabrics!

Placing right sides together and making sure seams all line up, I serged all the way around the bottom of my gray shirt!

Okay, job done, right?? I added the length to my gray shirt. Still boring. But now the capri pants look like they don’t belong. Sigh. Sigh.

I looked at my scrap pile from the Kauai shirt and it appeared that the sleeves from this would fit perfectly along the bottom of these capri pants. This is also already hemmed.

Following the same steps as above, I pinned them to the bottom of my capris and serged. Now, I am done!!? Not…. still blah and boring…

Kauai’s ocean breeze was calling me. How can I throw this knit fabric away engraved with my favorite island?

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? What can I do with this piece of lovely Kauai scrap and somehow embellish my gray shirt? I only wish I would have thought of this sooner. Like the first step. Live and learn….

I decided to attach it to my gray shirt front and back pieces to look like part of the shirt.

I cut my gray shirt just below the underarms. I then had to size the Kauai fabric to fit the width of my gray shirt. I seamed both front and back pieces of white knit fabric.

To center “Kauai” on the gray shirt, I first found the center on the “Kauai” fabric and placed a purple dot with my marking pen. I then found the center on my gray shirt and placed a purple dot. I matched up the dots and pinned!

I then attached the original piece that I had extended in Step 1. Using the same directions!

I am done! Really! Here is my newly-fashioned Kauai Jogging suit!

The back view!

I do know that this makeover is not going to win any Project Runway awards, but I refashioned this outfit which I thought was ugly and boring into something not SO boring. I am still not a gray person but I think it is much more appealing. Just think of all the fun alternatives you can do with this tutorial. Tshirts with fun sayings, concerts, places you visited, etc….

Now at least I can keep Kauai close to my heart. It always is….

Loving my new Capris

2011-04-04T16:46:00.001-07:00

Yes, I really am! Enjoying these new capris and the nice weather to go along with them! I LOVE the shirring detail on them. It is what made me want to sew up a pair for myself. It reminds me of many years ago when pants had details on them, zippers at the ankles, buttons, drawstring, and yes, shirring on the sides. Yum.

I honestly was not crazy about the elastic waistband, but I figured if I paired it with a tunic-style shirt, no one would be the wiser. And can you say comfy? It’s almost like having a pair of PJ bottoms on. Really

Paired with one of my fav black peep-toe wedges, it looks stylish and oh-so comfortable!!

Yes, I am LOVING my new capris! It is the same pattern I used on my DD’s skirts!

Simplicity # 2258

Definitely a fast, easy-sew that will put a smile on your face, too!

Abercrombie & Fitch Inspired Dress

2011-03-30T08:30:00.001-07:00

Just before Lauren’s Spring Break she showed me this dress on Abercrombie & Fitch’s website that she just LOVED and of course, had-to-have! She stated the obvious-“Mommy, you can make this, can’t you?” I was definitely up for the challenge without having a pattern and also for the price tag of $68.

We had some modifications that we agreed on. She wanted a tank top with thicker straps(so she could wear it to school) and Lauren liked eyelet with less holes instead of the one A & F used. We can do that….

Here is the inspiration dress from Abercrombie & Fitch’s website. The top is navy blue but appears black in the picture.

Just Jo’s version

Lauren is thrilled the way this dress came out! Lauren also helped sew it and did LOTS of ironing seams. What a trooper…

I purchased the tank top at Old Navy and both fabrics were from Joann’s for a total cost of $13.

Definitely, “Just Jo” style!

Fabric Flower Pictures

2011-03-29T10:44:00.001-07:00

Part of cleaning out closets leads to more projects sometimes. One step forward, two steps back. But I repurposed, decorated, and had fun in the process. Also this project cost me $0. Yes, it’s true. I found 2 old pictures placed in the Goodwill pile when it struck me. “Those are nice, square frames”. “ What can I do with them”. Days before, I was practicing with my new sewing ruffler with some scraps of pink fabric I had. I saved them because they were SO pretty. I know it’s a sickness…. LOVE girly things including ruffles.

I grabbed some matching leftover fabric from another project in my daughter’s room. This would be perfect since she has pink/black color combination in her room. I pulled apart the picture, frame, and glass. I placed the striped fabric on the backing and started hot-gluing away the ruffled fabric in a circle. I had to make more ruffled-pink fabric(good thing I had just enough for 2 flowers) and added a button.

Can you say 30-minute decorating? Move over Rachael Ray….

I just LOVE the 3-D effect. I just love my ruffler-it is SO easy and I was so scared of that ugly-looking accessory. Who knew…….

Sassy Spring Skirts

2011-03-28T10:11:00.001-07:00

In case you are wondering, after our Northern Arizona snow trip(15 inches) we came back to the desert to Spring weather in the 80’s. Yeah-my fav weather. It led to landscaping, cleaning closets, and pure enjoyment. My girls were also off for a week for Spring Break. I did manage to squeeze in some sewing time but definitely did not have any blogging time. So, I’m baaaaaaack…
Here are some skirts I made for my 2 daughters. This is a great pattern because it is easy and FAST. Just imagine the fabric combos you can come up with!

This skirt has an elastic waistband that is covered with this luscious bow! If you look closely, it even has pockets. You will be able to see more details with this next skirt! I purchased this fabric from Joann’s. It is chocolate brown and Lauren mentioned she wanted more brown in her wardrobe.

Sierra just LOVES this skirt with all the different fabrics. The floral fabric is an Amy Butler fabric called “Daisy Chain” and the different polka dots were scraps from my stash-perfect! It sure is Springy-looking and I am hoping she will wear it this week. Maybe I can then capture her in it….

When I saw this pink camo fabric at Hobby Lobby, I knew Sierra would LOVE it. As do I. It definitely fits her personality, too.
The pattern I used is Simplicity #2258.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-5829-misses-easy-to-sew-skirts-shorts.aspx
I have a few home dec projects and a copy-cat dress I made (Ambercrombie & Fitch inspired) to share with you. How fun…….

More PJ’s

2011-02-17T09:05:00.001-08:00

Yes, I just LOVE sewing PJ’s. It is such a quick and easy project and I really love matching a top with embroidery! How fun! I made a set each for my 2 daughters-girls can never have enough PJ’s.

I saw these men’s PJ bottoms(yes, men’s) on super clearance and I just knew that Lauren would really like the lip fabric. So I bought it and cut them up and used my go-to pattern for PJ bottoms for her.

Notice the men’s fly on them!

The “girled up” version PJ’s

I reused the drawstring, redid the waistband, and added red gingham cuffs for fun!

I purchased a shirt and embellished it with a lip applique(sorry, I do not remember where this came from) and added a red gingham bow!

Scraps leftover!

For Sierra, her PJ’s were much easier. I purchase the PJ bottoms as she loves the peace, love, happiness, theme! I purchased the tshirt and just embellished it with embroidery that matched the theme!

I gave them their PJ sets along with the “READ” bags and a book for Valentine’s Day and they loved it. They are both “saving” their PJ’s for this weekend. We are traveling up to Northern Arizona for the holiday weekend. We are possibly going to receive 12” of snow! Yes, snow! For us desert dwellers, this will sure be a treat! I will be taking pictures for sure, as playing in the snow is a rare event for us! Should be fun!

Enjoy your weekend!