Sunday, May 15, 2011

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Sorry, I have been neglecting this blog of mine!!

I finally started sewing, and made 2 mildly unsuccessful throw pillows - but learned what I did wrong, so I have a feeling #3 will actually be viable.


I bought quilt squares of cute fabric, which makes for the EASIEST throw pillows, with no fabric cutting needed. I just choose 2 that go together nicely (similar colors, etc.), pin them right sides together, and sew around 3+ sides, (now I know!!) making sure to sew all 4 corners, and leave a small opening in the middle of one of the sides. Then, flip right side out, stuff with pillow batting, and hand sew up the opening.
I think I have figured out this sewing machine now...it kept jamming on the bottom bobbin, and I didn't know how I was threading it that was wrong, and causing it to get stuck.
Well, Joe who graduated from fashion school years ago, to the rescue, because as I sit and pout, he was able to figure it out for me, and re-thread the machine each time it happened, and seems to work now.
So, stay tuned for pillow #3, with photos and hopefully a finished product.

I have been making healthier, low carb dinners lately, which have included (fail: no photos):
*My meatloaf, made with turkey instead of ground beef, but still with lots of A1 sauce, and no hidden veggies, so Joe was a fan!
*Turkey burger sliders wrapped "Protein-Style" in lettuce, instead of a bun, served with homemade Thousand Island "special sauce" **spoiler, just equal parts ketchup, mayo, and some pickle relish**
*Mexican-style salad with grilled chicken, corn, black beans, avocado, and more.
*Salad with turkey breast and just about every fruit and veggie you could think of, cut julienne style,  and tossed in a balsamic dressing (bell peppers, cucumbers, asparagus, apples, grapes, avocado....)

For Easter we did a fun craft I found online, thanks to my cousin Tracy who brought over all the supplies for Kylie and her kids!

and thanks to this blog for the craft idea:
http://www.thechocolatemuffintree.com/2011/03/tie-dyed-coffee-filter-easter-eggs.html



See the blog link for exact directions, but you cut egg shapes from coffee filters, draw any kind of design (stripes and simples shapes work best) with washable markers, then spray each egg with water from a spray bottle, and let dry.  The washable marker bleeds on the coffee filter and makes these beautiful tie dye Easter eggs! Then, hang them in your window for festive, homemade decorations!

OK, I think we are caught up!
I'll try and do better!
So there.

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