A Look Ahead and Last Project of 2010

I can't believe it, but it was 3 years ago today that I started this little blog. I wanted to become a part of the online sewing community and also have a place to share and document my projects. For 2011 I have some great plans for this space. I've posted a few recipes and I'd like to make that a regular feature (provided I actually start cooking more :) I'm planning to refocus this space on sewing, cooking and thrifting -- I have found I really love hunting down fun, vintage finds especiallyPyrex, sewing patterns and vintage linens. I'll also post some Flickr favorites since I have 1000's and reviews on some of my favorite patterns, tutorials, etsy shops and fabric stores. I posted 51 times in 2010 and I hope to do a lot more in 2011!Oh and here is my last project for 2010! My pocket clutch sewed up quickly and is just adorable! The fabric is from Joann's and I also have it in the pink and purple colorways (the second picture shows the fabric color better). In fact, I have pocket clutches cut out in those fabrics, I'll be sewing them up soon for some upcoming birthday gifts. You can find the pattern right here.

2011 is going to be a great year for sewing and creating. I already have plans for a new quilt and some garments. Last year I realized that in 2009 I didn't sew much at all and I really stepped it up in 2010. I plan to do even more in 2011! Maybe this will even be the year I finally learn how to crochet! Thank you all for following along here and Happy New Year to you!

Racing to 2011

Can you believe how quickly the year has gone by? I've noticed that a couple of bloggers I follow are already working on their 2011 projects, so I thought I would dash off this one last project for 2010. I was already partway through this little clutch, so I'm going to finish it up this week. I think it's a good way to wrap up the year and get my sewing motivation back on track - it feels like ages since I've completed a project! I'll be back on Friday with a completed object and my 2011 goals and resolutions!

2010 Year in Review

Well, I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas - I definitely did! Lots of family and friends and food! Now to look back on 2010 here at What I'm Making.... At some point at the beginning of the year, I decided to sew as much as I could to make up for the lack of production in 2009. I also made a conscious effort to blog a bit more. I think that I succeeded on both of those goals, although there is definitely room for improvement in 2011! I have plans for that and will talk about it in a 2011 Looking Ahead post this week :) Looking back though, I am pretty happy with everything I made this year. The only dud in the group is the blue poplin blouse in the top right corner, it just didn't come out good. I will try this pattern one more time though, as I have seen it made up into some cute looks. But, other than this one, I like everything I made :)



I also became obsessed with collecting Pyrex this year! Here are some of my favorite pieces of 2010. I joined the Pyrex Collective and did my first swap :) I'm working on another swap right now and I'm hoping to keep having Pyrex luck in the New Year :)

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who reads my little blog, whether you are a lurker or a commenter - I am grateful to you all! Please keep reading in 2011, I have plans for more posting, more projects and more Pyrex!!!

Grasshopper Brownies

One of my plans for this little blog is to share more recipes. It's one of my resolutions for 2011 to cook and bake a bit more and I'm going to post the recipe here. There may be more cooking than baking since I'm planning on starting Weight Watchers again, but healthy and delicious recipes need to be shared, too!

But, first - here is another delicious recipe I tried out recently. I found this Grasshopper Brownie recipe in an issue of Women's World and it just sounded so good!

1 pkg of brownie mix -- I use Ghiaradelli Double Chocolate
1 pkg of Andes chocolate-mint candies, chopped
10 crushed sandwich cookies, such as Oreo -- I used Trader Joe's Joe-Joe's, they have a chocolate filling...yum :)

• Preheat oven as per brownie mix package directions.
• Line a brownie pan with foil and coat well with cooking spray.
• Prepare brownies as per package directions. Stir half of the candy into the brownie mix.
• Pour into brownie pan and top with the remaining candy and crushed cookies.
• Bake as per package directions, until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.

FYI - everything tastes better when baked in vintage Pyrex while wearing a handmade apron...just saying :) Enjoy!!

Fabric Mail

I love love love getting packages in the mail - and when those packages contain fabric it's even better!

First up, I had to get more Dream On - I can't wait to get started on this quilt! I'm still not sure which pattern I will be using, but I'm leaning towards this one.

Then, the big order came in. Fabric.com never disappoints! From left to right I received a navy blue Double Knit that will hopefully become a dress, Hatchi Rayon Blend Jersey Knits in Purple, Teal and Navy for tops and cardigans and a Rayon Blend Jersey Knit in shades of Brown/Tan/Grey/Black for a top. This last piece is pretty sheer, which I wasn't expecting, but I can just pair it with a tank top.

This last piece is from Joann's - it was 40% off and I couldn't resist. It's a wool blend, and I'm thinking a skirt...we'll see :) I can't wait to get started!

Butterscotch Coconut Cookies

I've been doing some Christmas baking. On Sunday I made these along with some Red Velvet Cookies and some Peanut Butter Blossoms. These are soooo good! I got the recipe from a girl I work with and I have been dying to try it out - easy and delicious! My kitchen doesn't have any natural lighting, so the picture came out a little funny, but trust me - you have to try these!!

1 1/3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 7 oz. bag sweetened shredded coconut

1 bag of butterscotch chips

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees
• Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream butter til fluffy and pale yellow. Add the sugars and continue beating until the mixture is no longer gritty. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until blended.
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix til blended.
• Add coconut and butterscotch, mix.
• Bake 13-15 minutes. Enjoy!

Saturday

Joann's is having some great sales lately! I picked up a few patterns to add to my collection. I'm really looking forward to sewing the Vogue patterns. I have some knit fabric making it's way to me right now from fabric.com. I just couldn't resist making a purchase when they sent me a coupon marking 3 years since my first purchase from them (that free shipping after spending $35 helps a lot too!!)! I plan on using this fabric right away. I'm going to start the New Year off with some fun new projects! Look for a post in the next week or two about my New Year's resolutions and plans for 2011 both for this blog and for my sewing along with a 2010 year in review. :)

And, finally!!!! Vintage sheet luck!!!! They are both twin size, one flat and one fitted. And some Pyrex :) $3 each! Hope you are enjoying your Saturday!

Fabric Dreaming

Hello there! I haven't blogged on here in a little bit and I've missed it! I have definitely been keeping up with my blog reading though and I've been dreaming about fabric and sewing and such :)

I did purchase a little bit of fabric from this nice etsy seller who helped me out when I suddenly decided (seconds after completing my purchase) that I needed one more item and she set up a special listing for me immediately with combined shipping :) I love buying on etsy and supporting small businesses. So, the fabric I had to have? Two charm square packs of Dream On. I love love love this line! It's on sale right now here, so I think I'm going to get some more. I want to make a quilt with it. I'm not sure yet which pattern I will use, but I'm going to start it in January and it will be a fun winter project for me :)

I've also found some really nice fabrics at Joann's lately. There is a rayon spandex knit that I look at every time I go in. It's on the expensive side in my opinion though, so I'm going to purchase something similar from an online site instead. I also have been lusting after a beautiful ivory jacquard in a houndstooth print. I think I'm going to use a coupon and pick that one up this week (they are having great sales right now) and just add it to my stash. Someday this will make a great coat :) I also found a pretty purple and black plaid that I may pick up as well. We'll see about that one :) I wanted to find a plaid to make a cape like the one I saw here, but I don't know if this is warm enough for what I wanted. It might make a cute layer for work. After Christmas I'm really going to focus on garments (and my quilt!) and working on improving my sewing so look for some more fabric purchases soon!

Saturday

A little sewing.....

And a little thrifting....

:-)

Version 2

Happy Sunday All! Here is what I worked on today - a second version of the camera wristlet and ipod holder. Sooooo happy with them both! I love this fabric (from Joann's) and I think it's a much better choice. It just makes me happy :) I forgot to link to the Keykalou Pattern website yesterday, so here it is for you now. I also got the Pocket Clutch and I'm going to cut that out this afternoon. Hope everyone is getting some sewing time this weekend!

New Pouches

New Pouches
Originally uploaded by katieskrafts

I made these pouches for my new camera and ipod. The camera pouch is a pattern from Keykalou Patterns. This is such a cute little padded pouch :) Next time I make it I will use fusible fleece instead of batting (I think the batting I have is too thick for this pouch).

The ipod holder is a pattern I made up on my own. It's just the right size and it has a little pocket in the front for my headphones. I got a lot of inspiration for this pattern on etsy.

These were both practice runs, I'll be making them up again really soon and hopefully those versions will be perfect :)

This Week

I meant to blog about this earlier, but I forgot to post it! Last weekend I put some of my Pyrex to good use and made up some Amish Friendship Bread. You receive a bag of batter from someone and for the next 10 days you squeeze up the bag and add some milk, sugar and flour to it. On the 10th day, you add more milk, sugar and flour and divide the batter between 4 new bags. Then you take the remainder and add a whole bunch of things and bake it up. I've made it before and it's really good :) Instead of using 2 regular size loaf pans, I decided to make some smaller loaves so that I can freeze them easier. I gave one to my parents and they said it was great! I'm giving the other 2 away as gifts. I'll save a loaf for myself next time! :)

Stash and Dash, Part II

Hello there! I fried the hard drive to my computer so I have been unable to blog for a bit! I'm actually typing this up at the library and I'll add the picture and post once I get my computer back. :) Luckily all of my pictures and music were able to be saved!!

I wanted to use the Weekends fabric I had just received, so I whipped up this little set. I have made the Stash and Dash pattern before (you can see it here) and I do love it. Each bag was simple to put together and I love how the darts make it that much roomier.

I keep dreaming of garment sewing, but I'm also trying to work from my stash a bit and I don't have a ton of time to sew, so it's been small projects round here lately. I ordered myself a new ipod and a new camera, so I'm going to make pouches for each of them. I'm also going to start collecting some fabric from the Dream On line for a quilt and since it's been so rainy and chilly around here, I'm thinking I need a new pair of flannel pajama pants. Happy Sewing :)

Sew Serendipity

I have been wanting this book for a while - Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt - so I was psyched when my parents gave it to me for my birthday. The book is full of pretty patterns, but the best ones are the jackets. There are 6 different jacket patterns in here, all based on the same basic style. There are also sweet tops and cute little skirts. This book is spiral bound and has all the full-size patterns in an envelope at the back of the book - these are 2 things that I like in a sewing book. I hate getting a great book and then having to print out or copy/enlarge patterns...yuck! Can't wait to get started on a new project!!

Another Quick Little Project

Inspired by this pincushion and wanting to use the fabric I found at Zimman's, I ran to Joann's and picked up some brown polka dots and some light blue ric-rac and whipped up this little guy.

This was my first time edging something with ric-rac and I'm not completely happy with the results (the photo only shows the good side, of course!) but fortunately, I have a ton of owls left to work with :) Happy Sewing!!

A Gift

Put together this little set as a present for my Mom. I would like to give her so much more, since she deserves it, but I know she will feel the love in this little handmade set. My parents are heading to Florida soon, so I thought this bright Park Slope fabric would be fitting :)
I also made up another change purse. I'm still not quite happy with it, but it's getting there. I need to get some more zippers and some more snaps. I've been working on a few more card cases as well. Hope everyone is having a great week - I've got some new Pyrex to share, but that will have to wait for another post :)

Missing Links

I just realized that I forgot to add links to the previous post about a new fabric store I found and the blog that I first read about it on.

The store is called Sewfisticated and I first read about it on this blog, Sewaholic. Make sure you check out her blog - lots of great sewn items and tips. She is also coming out with a pattern soon, which I can't wait to get my hands on!!

Sorry bout that - I usually double check that before I post :)

Saturday

I went to a new fabric store that was about 25 minutes away from my house. I'm so glad I decided to check it out! I first read about Sewfisticated on the Sewaholic blog. I bookmarked her post so that eventually I could take a little road trip. Sewfisticated has a beautiful section of wool, it was hard for me to pick just one piece! This 100% wool cut was only $4.99 a yard! I also got this brown rayon poly-knit for $3.99 a yard. I will definitely return to Sewfisticated, especially when I need some nice wool. Hope everyone had a great day :)

Fabric!!

I've got a bunch of pretty fabric to share today! I fell in love with Erin McMorris' Weekends collection so I had to pick some up - silly me though, I ordered from 2 different sellers and I ordered 2 separate half-yard cuts of one of the same print! That's ok, I'll use it at some point and I am planning on ordering some more fabric when I get paid again, so I'll just add in the missing print I forgot. :)

I took the day off and spent the day with my mom :) We went to breakfast at a diner that we love and then went bowling. After that we hit the city museum and the local fabric store. Now, I have to tell you - I haven't been in Zimman's fabric store in years - probably before I really got into sewing, so probably 5-6 years ago. They specialize in home decorator material, so even though it's in a cool, old building, I haven't been in ages. But we stopped in today and let me tell you - it was amazing!!! Fabric bolts from floor to ceiling! I even found some designer fabric by Jessica Jones of How About Orange!! I was beside myself!

I could only spend a little money though so I grabbed a yard of this adorable owl print. I can't wait to go back! I'm going to check out 2 more somewhat-local fabric stores this weekend - can't wait!

Sunday

For some reason I have no sewing motivation today. I think it's because I don't have a project planned. Hopefully I will pick something to work on this week, especially since I ordered some new fabric! That should provide me with some inspiration. I ordered some prints from Erin McMorris' Weekends line and I can't wait to get it!

I picked up this 1 1/2 quart dish of the Butterprint pattern at a flea market this morning for $1! Then I scored a Friendship lasagna pan on ebay for a pretty good price! I'm so excited, I love Friendship and I have been wanting a lasagna pan! Of course I still want a Spring Blossom and Butterfly Gold one too, but this is a start! Once it arrives I'll be making chicken lasagna again :)

At least I mustered up some motivation to make Red Velvet Cookies :)

Creamy Chicken Lasagna

This is what I made for dinner last night. I actually prepared it all in the morning and stuck it in the fridge - when I got home from work I popped it in the oven and it was done! Soooo good, real comfort food :) Not sure where this recipe is from, it was passed along to me by a friend. Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Lasagna

12 no-boil lasagna noodles
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package of sliced portabella mushrooms
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 boxes of cream cheese, room temp (I used 1/3 less fat Neufchatel cheese and it's just as good)
2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
1 chicken buillon cube
2 tsps Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic salt
ground black pepper
1 jar of Vodka Sauce

Put chicken in a pot of water and bring to a boil, once boiling cook for 20 minutes (check chicken to make sure it's cooked through), shred

Saute mushrooms and onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until soft, adding garlic at the last minute

In a large bowl, combine chicken, veggies, cream cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Italian seasonings, garlic salt and pepper. Dissolve the buillon cube in 1/4 cup of boiling water and add to the mixture. Mix well.

Spread 1/3 of the Vodka sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan and top with 4 noodles. Spread half of the chicken mixture on top and then 1/3 more of the sauce. Add another layer of 4 noodles, the rest of the chicken mixture and 4 more noodles. Top with the remaining Vodka sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cup of mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes.

I'm having the leftovers for lunch today :) YUM! Now I just need a Pyrex lasagna pan :):)

Apple Brownies

I thought I would share this recipe for apple brownies. My mom makes them a lot and they are always delicious - and when I got fresh apples from the farm, I had to make them myself :) And, as Alyssa Bee pointed out - everything tastes better when it's made in Pyrex!!!

Apple Brownies

1 stick of butter, melted

1 egg beaten, or 1/4 cup of egg beaters

3 apples - peeled and chopped

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350

Grease an 8"x8" pan and sprinkle with sugar

Mix everything together by hand

Bake for 25 minutes

Sunday Sewing

I didn't really have anything planned to sew, I just knew I needed to make something --- so I decided to work on a quick and easy project --- more card cases! I also made this little coin purse as a sort of prototype. It's not exactly right so maybe next week I'll try again. Love the fabric though - the birdies are from Joann's and the rose fabric used below is Darla by Tanya Whelan.

And here is a parting shot of how Pyrex can be used anywhere!!! :)

Saturday

I did my first swap! I have been coveting the Spring Blossom 8"x8" baking pan since I first starting collecting. I saw that Jeni from the awesome blog In Color Order had it up for trade so I emailed her and we made arrangements for a swap! It was a lot of fun and you know I love getting stuff in the mail! I will definitely be doing this again and I hope to join a sewing swap too. Here it is in action - apple brownies fresh out of the oven!

My aunt gave me an early birthday present today - 3 pieces of Pyrex! She found them all at yard sales so she got great deals on them. Then she and I and my mom went to another couple of yard sales and I found 3 more pieces for $5!!! They are all over on my flickr if anyone is interested in seeing what I found.

I hope to get some sewing in tomorrow - and I am going to try baking some Red Velvet Cookies (doesn't that sound amazing??? I found the link at In Color Order, told you her blog was good!!). I haven't sewn a stitch since my Mabel bag, it's time to start working on something! I'm starting to think about maybe making a new quilt. But maybe something smaller first! We have some wonderful Fall weather here in the Boston area today so I'm heading out for a run - Happy Saturday to you!

Thrifted

I had yesterday off from work so Iwent to a thrift shop to see what I could find. Picked up these oil and vinegar jars with the Spring Blossom pattern on them. I know they aren't made by Pyrex, but they do coordinate with my favorite pattern :) I'd love to trade these though, maybe for some salt & pepper shakers or a butter dish. We'll see :)

I also got this vintage pattern. There were 2 big boxes of patterns, but most of them were 80's. I did manage to pick out this little gem and I'd love to make it up. I haven't pulled it out to see if all the pieces are there, but if they are I would love to make the dress in a navy blue knit. I'm planning to hit a few flea markets this weekend and I have been seeing church fairs being advertised for October, so hopefully my thrifting luck will keep up!

Saturday and Sunday

This weekend I went apple-picking at a farm in NH. We didn't actually pick any apples because it was so hot but we did check out the pumpkin patch....

And the petting zoo....

I got a bag of apples and a pumpkin :)

I made some applesauce using this recipe. It came out really good! I'm going to make roasted pumpkin seeds and pumpkin puree using the pumpkin I got. I love fall :)