I know this doesn't exactly fit the scope of this blog, but I wanted to share my latest project. Laptime Songs for Mommies is an eBook containing wonderful information about bonding with your little one through music, books and snuggling. It also includes 4 craft ideas to use with toddlers and preschoolers.
If you're interested, please check it out!
I finally pulled out the box of jeans and squares I've already cut. Over the last two days I've cut nearly forty more. I've still got a long way to go to get enough for the picnic sized blanket I want. But every bit helps. I'm having a lot of fun cutting out pockets and loops so that they'll "work" when I sew the squares together.
As for the backing, I'm thinking of buying a full size flannel flat sheet and making it that big. The blanket we already have has flannel on the back and I really love the way it feels when I wrap up in the blanket. Now that we're in Tennessee, I'm wondering if it will get cold enough in the winter to wrap up in a denim and flannel blanket! We'll have to wait and see.
It has taken me so long to get these pictures on the computer! These are the spring dresses I made the girls for Easter. The top is inspired by a dress of Sammi's and her skirt is inspired by one I found on a blog somewhere. I've spent several hours looking for that skirt again! Elli's skirt was my own idea and I really like the way it turned out.
Here they are in their dresses on Easter Sunday. Such sweet angels!
I'm working on the patterns for these dresses. I'm trying to get all the sizes 3-6 months up to 4T. If you're interested in helping me test the pattern, please leave a comment with your email and I'll contact you when I have it ready! Thanks.
There have been so many requests for the 3T version of the Itty bitty Dress. Thank you all for your encouraging words! The link is finally fixed and the dress pattern can be downloaded here.
If you're quick, you can even get it done in time for Easter, this Sunday April 11! Enjoy!
Christmas was a big hit! Sammi loved the baby doll beds I posted before. She also loves the baby doll blankets. They were so easy to make and the perfect size for baby dolls.
The pink blanket is flannel. It's about 20 inches square. We just turned over the edge and hemmed it. Seriously took less than 10 minutes!
The blue and green blanket is from two fat quarters I had. I sewed them together right-sides facing. I left a small opening, turned it out and then sewed around the blanket to give it a finished look. I even used one of the fancy stitches on my 25 year old Bernina! Again, less than 10 minutes.
The quilt is a simple 9 patch. I made the square about 4.5 inches so they'd be 4 when sewn with a .25" seam allowance. I used super thin cotton batting. Then I just sewed straight lines along the 9 squares to quilt it. This one took a little longer, but not much. It took me about 30 minutes of sewing.
Sammi has loved wrapping her dolls up in doll-sized blankets. It adds to the reality of her pretend play!
This is my favorite candy at Christmas time. Who am I kidding? It's my favorite all year long! It's Almond Rocca and it's delectable! It's a great gift to neighbors and friends. Ready to give it a go? Here's the recipe:
Almond Rocca*
2 Giant Hershey chocolate candy bars
1 1/2 cups whole, raw almonds
1 lb butter (2 cups/4 sticks)
2 cups sugar
Prep Work:
Chop chocolate and almonds into little bits in food processor or blender.
Line jelly pan with aluminum foil or wax paper
Sprinkle half the chocolate/almond mixture evenly over aluminum foil pan.
Make the Rocca:
In heavy pan on high heat melt butter and sugar.
Stir in clockwise direction for entire length of cooking (this is VERY important)
Stir quickly until temperature reaches 300 degrees (hard crack)
Quickly remove from heat and pour in strips over chocolate/almond mixture in pan.
Strips will spread into each other and cover entire pan. Pour out all the rocca into pan.
Quickly sprinkle remaining mixture evenly over the top.
Cover with aluminum foil or wax paper and store in fridge.
Let cool completely then break into chunks and enjoy!
*This recipe is super temperamental. Never attempt on a humid day. Turn off heater when making. Always stir in clockwise direction. Mysterious I know, but these are lessons learned the hard way!
