a little sewing, a little crafting, a little creating, a little us

I've moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

I had 3 blogs. Three! Nuts, right? Well, no more. I've consolidated them into one brand-new, all-of-me blog here:

www.sasinsam.com

Please check it out. You should find all the old posts there.

I'm so glad you've followed along with all my craziness over the years and I hope you'll stick around for longer. Just click the "follow" button in the right sidebar of the new blog to subscribe. Thanks!

The first week in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 02:56:00 +0000

January 1st: guess where? Who Dat!

January 2: being deliberate

January 3: finished new black and gold skirt (no pattern, just cut some rectangles based on another skirt I love.)

January 4: shipped my first orders of 2012

January 5: finished first week of Couch to 5K

January 6: discovered picnik

January 7: a beautiful day to work in the garden (we’re enjoying broccoli and cabbage right now.)

Just a note: For several years, I posted on 3 blogs: 1 for personal sewing and family stuff, 1 for sewing instruction notes, and 1 for my shop. I find that this leads me to neglect any 2 at any given time. Look for several things to change. I think all three topics will be combined onto 1 blog, but I’m not sure where or when. I’ll keep you posted.

What’s new? December 13th addition

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:27:00 +0000

On my sewing machine:

Lots of gifts!

I made these rug mugs based on Sweetwater’s Sweet Tea quilt block. I used labels from their shop too!

With the kids:

We hosted Buddy the Baseball from Mrs. M’s 1st grade class in our home last weekend. He helped decorate the kids’ tree, watched Rudolph, and played Legos with C.

In the kitchen:

Lots more gifts!

(You can find my homemade marshmallow recipe here.)

In the garden:

Lettuce, lettuce, and more lettuce. Salad, anyone?

What’s new? December 6th addition

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

What’s new? Here are a few peeks at what we’ve been up to this past week:

On my sewing machine:

I’m almost finished with this quilt top. I was drawn to the modern colors and design, so with Momma’s help, I have almost pulled it together. The picture above is actually just the blocks laid out on my bed. It really is a big pile of Christmas tree blocks and courtyard squares that looks like this:

With the kids:
‘Tis the time for Christmas musicals! C was an angel in the angelic hosts while his big sister donned a beard as Isaiah. The kids were incredible under Mrs. Vee and Adrianne’s direction.

In the kitchen:

Christmas cookies!

In the garden:
Our December harvest. What? You don’t have watermelons in your garden in December. Well…
Actually, this was the last of the summer garden. The frosts took care of the pumpkin and watermelon vines, so we’ve pulled those. We are left with tomatoes (that are probably done), lettuces, cabbages, and broccoli.

Simple Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Here’s a simple facelift for your couch—pillow covers!

I like to make simple envelope pillow covers. Here’s how:
1. Measure your pillow. You’ll need to know the length and width.

2. Do a little math. This pillow measured 11 x 15 inches.

Front pillow piece: You need 1 rectangle. Add 1/2 inch to the length and 1/2 inch to the width. For this pillow, I used 1 rectangle measuring 11 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches.
Back pillow pieces: You need 2 rectangles. The width will be the same as the front piece. For the length of each piece, divide the length of the pillow by 2 and add 3 1/2 inches. My 2 rectangles measured 11 1/2 x 11 inches.

3. Hem one long edge of each of the back pillow pieces.

4. Stack your fabric like this:

Front piece right-side up.
Back pieces wrong-side up, hem toward the middle.

5. Stitch all the way around the pillow with 1/4 inch seam allowances.

6. Trim the corners, turn your case right side out, and press it well.

7. Slip it on your pillow.

A few notes:
--This envelope pillow will work for any rectangular/square pillow. Just measure your pillow and do the same math you did above.
--If you are worried about the back overlap gaping, you can add more than 3 1/2 inches to each back piece, or just attach a small piece of Velcro to either side!
--Embellish away! I try to remember to embellish the front before I put my pillows together. You can paint, piece, add ribbon or ric rac, anything you want, just as long as the front finished pieces measures 1/2 inch long and 1/2 inch wider than your pillow.

1 Skirt, 6 Ways

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:19:00 +0000

I love a good TNT (Tried And True) pattern. The basic idea is this: find a pattern you like, make it fit and the add (or subtract) design details to create the garments you want.

In my 1 Skirt, 3 Ways class, I start with the essential, flattering-to-everyone A-line skirt. I use McCalls 3341 during the class:

Using this pattern, I made this skirt, just as the pattern instructed. (For a review of the pattern, please see my review on PR.)

The easiest way to tweak a skirt is to take it from fitted to an elastic-waist gathered skirt by leaving out the darts and placing the center back on the edge of the paper eliminating the center back seam. I also added a little extra at the top so I could make a casing for my elastic waist. Here’s skirt #2:

(sorry about the crooked picture)

Skirt # 3 was altered to straighten it to a pencil shape, add pleats and a waist band. You can get the details in my PR review.

Skirt # 4 was made like Skirt #2. I did add a little extra fabric by placing the “PLACE ON FOLD” mark about 1 inch from the fold.

You can read the process for Skirt #5 on the PR review.

Skirt #6 was made from a cotton lawn. I loved the way the fabric draped, and that inspired me to make the ruffle. This skirt is lined with a rayon lining and has an elastic, gathered waist.

Spring 2012 Sewing Classes in Shreveport/Bossier City

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:30:00 +0000

I’ll be teaching classes through LSUS Continuing Ed again this spring. Here are the dates and details:

Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine:

Thursday, January 12 6-9pm

Monday, January 23 9-12

Saturday, January 28 10-1

Thursday, February 16 6-9pm

Monday, March 5 9-12

Thursday, March 22 6-9pm

Thursday, May 3 6-9pm

What else can your sewing machine do?

Thursday, January 26 6-9pm

Monday, February 6 9-11

Thursday, March 1 6-9pm

Saturday, March 17 10-1

Thursday, April 12 6-9pm

Monday, April 9 9-11am

Thursday, May 17 6-9pm

Learn to Read a Pattern

Tuesday and Thursday, January 17 & 19 6-8 pm

Monday, Janury 30 9-1

Tuesday and Thursday, Februrary 21 & 23 6-8 pm

Saturday, February 25 9-1

Tuesday and Thursday, April 3 & 5 6-8pm

Tuesday and Thursday, May 8 & 10 6-8 pm

Curtains and Pillows!

Tuesday, January 31 6-8pm

Monday, February 6 11-1

Tuesday, March 6 6-8pm

Saturday, March 17 11-1

Monday, April 9 11-1

Tuesday, April 17 6-8 pm

Tuesday, May 22 6-8pm

Basic Applique:

Thursday, February 9 6-9pm

Monday, February 13 9-12

Thurday, March 15 6-9pm

Thursday, April 26 6-9pm

Monday, May 16 9-12

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to Yours

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:30:00 +0000

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. Philippians 4:12 HCSB

On this day when we gather as a nation to count our blessings, I'm reminded how blessed I am every day thanks to the grace of God and Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Enjoy your day with your family and friends, safe travels and good food.

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A request for Robin Hood

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:35:00 +0000

The 6-year-old decided to be Robin Hood for Halloween.

It was actually a fantastic ruse to carry the new bow and arrow to church and show it off to a few friends.

We scavenged and came up with a tunic (Daddy’s oversized green tee) and brown tights (the bottoms to an Anakin Skywalker costume). But…we needed a hat. So, off to Google I went.

I found CraftyStaci. I love it. This fabulous tutorial, some green cord scraps, a feather, and about 37 seconds were about all I needed to finish our Robin Hood hat. Awesome.

By the way, apparently when you are 10, dressing up becomes “optional”. The Big Girl told a few friends that “Momma hasn’t made a costume” and that she would be a “kid in a tee shirt”. Her friends thought it was funny, so that’s what she dressed as. Poor, neglected “Kid in a Tee Shirt”.

6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:26:00 +0000

****Hey Ya’ll. Just a little disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional or such. I’m basically just sharing my experience so that it may comfort you or a friend before their mammogram.

I had a mammogram today. Nothing crazy is going on, but my obgyn said I needed a baseline screening at my recent check-up. Here’s what I wish I’d known, or that I’m glad someone told me, before today:

1. Some recommendations suggest that women have baseline mammograms at age 35. I always thought it was 40, so my doctor really surprised me when he suggested I get a mammogram. (I’m only 35 29.)

2. The machine is this tall thing with a platform. You stand up, they line you up and smoosh. Why is it important to know you’re standing up? Well, I wear dresses and skirts pretty much all the time. Thankfully, I was in a blouse and skirt today and I only had to remove my top layer. So…no dresses.

3. No deodorant, powders, etc. Thankfully, a friend mentioned this to me last night at church. Apparently these can cause false reads.

4. It really doesn’t hurt. Really. I promise. It is uncomfortable, but for like 3 seconds. Honestly, it was easier than an x-ray at the dentist with those crazy films they put in your mouth that almost gag you. For the record, I did take a preemptive Advil dose.

5. Your mammogram tech is not a radiologist, so she can’t give you any diagnostic info. That said, Lisa (my friendly mammogram tech this morning) was full of information that I did need. She told me when and how I would hear from the doctor’s office. She also told me:

6. “Don’t panic if you get called to come in for more views.” Apparently, “re-dos” are quite common, mainly to establish that the baseline is all clear. Good to know.

So, that’s it. That’s what I’m glad I knew (or wish I’d known) before this morning. Is there something you could add to the list?

My little pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:21:00 +0000

Look what we found in our fall garden! Whoo Hoo! The kids are so excited about these little baby pumpkins. I hope they turn orange before Halloween!

Our other vegetables are growing too! We harvested a handful of bell pepper that were promptly chopped and frozen, just waiting to be mixed with a little garlic and onion and (store bought) celery.

Fall Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:34:00 +0000

This hot, hot, dry, dry summer was tough on our garden. We harvested a few tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and 1 little bitty ol’ canteloupe back in June and July. Since then, it has been too stinkin’ hot to even get out there to work. Yuck. We pulled everything up in late July (except the watermelon vine and that crazy pepper plant that likes the high temps)with the plan to start a few things for August. Um, yea. That didn’t happen.

Finally, we have a break from the heat. We had a couple of pretty (read as cooler than 90 degrees) days around the beginning of September so we weeded everything and laid down a new layer of compost.

Today, the high is only 89! Whoo Hoo! (let’s pretend that last Friday wasn’t day #65 or so of 100+ degree temps) I picked up some lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli from HD to transplant. I decided to try one more early producing tomato too. Maybe we’ll get a few more before the temps get too cold.

So…here it is, the fall garden with it’s teeny tiny transplants, the crazy and loaded bell pepper plant and one happy, but not fruitful, watermelon vine. Bring on the fall!

Cub Scouts

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 01:44:00 +0000

Isn’t he cute? He’s been to 3 meetings and he’s having a blast.

Want to buy some popcorn from the Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts?

Fall Ombre

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:01:00 +0000

I’ve been inspired by all the ombre trends I’ve seen lately.

Source: thelateafternoon.com via Jaclyn on Pinterest

I haven’t been able to get this great dress from Project Runway out of my head.

So, I decided to translate all this inspiration into an idea of my own:

Here’s how I did it:

I picked up 3 bunches of fall flowers at HL.

I enlisted some help to pull the petals apart.

Then we cut each one in half.

I drew my B on a piece of plywood and used a jigsaw to cut it out.

Somebody thought it needed sanded before I spray painted it.

Then I started gluing on petals, using my hot glue gun. I started at the bottom since i wanted them to overlap each other.

I switched to the brown about 1/3 of the way up, and then gold for the last 1/3.

I used a golden ribbon to hang it by the front door. C’mom fall!

I'm linking up here:

Orange Dreamsicle Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:18:00 +0000

I finally put a little of that Pinterest inspiration to work.

There are just a few things that I can guarantee my entire family will eat.

Orange Cream Popsicles are at the top of that list.

So, of course, I pinned this recipe.

Not quite the same as a Flintstone’s Push Pop, but still delish!

You can find the link here:

Source: thegirlwhoateeverything.blogspot.com via Salinda on Pinterest

Fourth Day of Fourth Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

She’s not my little girl anymore, is she? I’m not sure I’m ready for this!

4 days in 4th grade and she’s already got one essay and a place value test under her belt. It’s going to be quite the year!

First Day of First Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Dude! Where did my baby go???

(Doesn’t he look thrilled that I snapped yet another photo? Wonder what he’d think if he knew I showed you this one too!!!)

Another school year begins!

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:29:00 +0000

My 1st grader and 4th grader. Seriously?

I’m praying for happy mornings, absorbent minds, and many blessings for Mrs. Milligan and Mrs. Hendrix. :)

Another giant B

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:26:00 +0000

I love words. And letters.

Needless to say, that means that I’m loving all the subway art I’ve seen recently. (Exhibit A: my header. Exhibit B: the morning chore reminder.)

While curly, swirly monograms aren’t my favorite, I am also in love with all the modern, giant letters I see showing up on Pinterest. (Follow me here.)

So, when our local HL ran chipboard letters for about 50% off, I grabbed a 10-inch ‘B’ for $1 and a skein of grey yarn. One episode of PR later, I had this:

So easy, so cool. It’s the perfect touch to our updated (read as "new shower curtain and a print”) yellow, grey and aqua bathroom.

Peacock Fleur de Lis

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:07:00 +0000

My sister hosted a Painting with a Twist party for her birthday. So much fun!

23 ladies from 21 to 50ish, blank canvases, one patient teacher, lots of paint, a few brushes, some snacks and 3 hours later we had masterpieces.

Well, sorta! :)

We had a blast!

Crazy, crazy mornings!

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:21:00 +0000

School starts back on August 18th.

That's only 22 more days!

This summer, I've worked with my 2 to create a morning routine that should cut down on the chores and craziness. Basically, before they come out of their rooms in the morning (except to run to the bathroom), I ask that they:

Make their beds,

Get dressed for the day,

Pick up any dirty laundry,

Put away any clean clothes that I folded and put in their rooms after they went to bed,

and be ready to be happy and obedient.

They've about figured out the first 4 steps. It's that 5th one that's a doozie!

With school starting out, I wanted to make something to remind them of these little steps every morning. I spent a little time creating these:

Morning Routines for my Big Girl

Morning Routines for my Son

If you like them, I've saved them as .pdf files that you can print too. They are designed to print on regular printer paper and then to be trimmed down to 8 x 10 so they fit in a standard photo frame.

Enjoy and good luck with your crazy mornings!

Crabbing 101

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:42:00 +0000

We enjoyed some yummy boiled crabs on our vacation.

They were super fresh.

How do I know? We caught them ourselves!

Here’s how you catch a crab—the Grand Isle beach vacation way!

Step 1: You need a string, some poles, and a few turkey necks! Walk out a ways into the gulf, string the string between the poles and tie on the turkey necks!

Yep, it’s gross. But so worth it.

Step 2: Walk along the string pulling up your turkey necks.

Crabs will be hanging on them.

Have the net ready because the second those suckers are out of the water, they let go.

Step 3: Toss back the female crabs with eggs. Gotta let them grow to catch later. How do you know if a she-crab must go back? Check this out.

Step 4: Walk back and forth along the string catching crab after crab after crab.

Step 5: Repeat step 4 until you have enough crabs to feed a small army.

Step 6: Boil those suckers.

Step 7: Eat and enjoy!

The Great Grand Isle Get-away

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:20:00 +0000

Whoo Hoo! Vacation! I won’t bore you with 1467 vacation photos, but you do have to look at a few.

We spent the last few days with all of my family and a few wanna-be family members in Grand Isle.

View Larger Map

We stayed on the beach.

We played in the water.

We caught hermit crabs,

and blue crabs.

We boiled crabs too!

We ate well, we played hard, and we relaxed and rested

We’ve been home for about 3 hours and we’re already ready to go back!

(thanks to Mom and my sisters for sharing pictures!)

Legoland Discovery Center through my Big Girl’s Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:01:00 +0000

7 random facts about right now

noreply@blogger.com (Salinda) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:33:00 +0000

I.Heart.Pinterest.

I’m happily ‘pinning’ all kinds of fun things.

Like this print…

that I decided to purchase for my bathroom.

I’ve discovered the joys of cleaning with baking soda.

It’s amazing.

Scrubs the tub even better than that smelly stuff in a green tube.

Takes random spray paint off a mirror that may or may not have been taped well.

Cleans the front of the fridge to a shiny white.

I’ve started using CleanMomma’s Printables.

I’m hoping her checklists, forms and lists will help me get my act together.

This is my household notebook (and blogging and etsy and kids’ school info…)

Ashley and I’ve teamed up to do lots of freezer cooking.

We are loving this book.

Basically, she makes two dishes and I make two dishes and we share!

Canning.

Why do things need to be preserved when it’s ~~212~~ 99 degrees outside?

I’ve put up tomatoes, pickles and grape jelly.

I’m stalking her website.

Yep. After 2 widely successful Lisette patterns, Lisel is my new hero!

I can’t wait until she tells us about her new fabrics and fall patterns.
(edited 1:20pm, July 13: She just blogged about new fabrics. They are awesome!)

Christmas is 166 days away.

Seriously.

Adriane and I are going to try to tackle it in pieces this year with the help of Organized Christmas,

We’re doing Holiday Grand Plan that starts in August. We’ll see how it goes.

That’s it. That’s 7.

I’ll tell you about my garden next time.