In with the New

Have you noticed my beautiful new banner return readers?! I am SO excited to have it up!  My super talented friend, Maureen of AndersRuff, mastered it for me. She's the best! If you dig her style like I do, be sure to check out her Etsy shop and blog.  Maureen and her biz partner Adria offer fantastic invitations, party supplies and more!  She's a special lady and I'm grateful to have had her generous help - thank you Maureen!!!

And speaking of Etsy and new exciting things, I finally opened up my own shop: www.kathryncrafts.etsy.com!  I'm just starting to fill up my space with inventory, so please take a look around and let me know should you be looking for something special.  Check back often, and the blog will continue to highlight all things Crafts - personalized for the family, friends and beyond!

Welcome Fall

My posts have slowed down recently due to fall activities, but stay tuned for more mommie-made fun!  Recently I took my little one apple picking and we had a blast.  Here's a peek at some of our bountiful harvest:

This simple bowl of hand-picked fruit is the best souvenir!  But we'll see how long these last as fall decor.  There's nothing like apples fresh from the NC mountain trees!

 

Now I've got some girlie fun planned for this blank tee, plus a fun reveal.  Check back soon!

Sweet Snowman

Summer is lingering way too long around these parts if you ask me!  Luckily we are waking up to cooler mornings, but by lunch, the taste of fall is gone and summer makes an ugly return.  I'm ready for fall leaves instead of dead crispy ones falling when the hot dry wind blows.  So in an effort to keep (my) cool, I whipped up this little winter number for my boy:

I've been trying a different applique process other my norm, and officially decided after this stitch-out that I will return to my usual.  Normally I stitch the applique outline on paper and cut out the fabric piece(s) by paper pattern(s).  An alternate method is to stitch down small squares of fabric and then cut them closely to the stay seam with applique scissors before the final edging.  I've definitely decided that I like prepping everything ahead of time, and then just going for it.  It's less annoying to me and provides a tidier finish in my opinion.  You never know until you try! (please pardon the shop talk non-applique-rs!)

The snowman face turned out a little more shabby chic than polished to me.  And I think in his case, it works!  I found him over at Planet Applique.  Join their mailing list for monthly freebies that are super cute like this one.  I can hardly wait for temperatures to drop enough to wear long sleeves again.  Here's to a cool down - FAST ...and a little snow this winter wouldn't hurt one bit!

Trick-or-Treat Bag

So did you guess what I was putting on little boy's bag?!

 

Hello jack-o-lantern!

I had to remove the bag's side seam to accomodate my large embroidery hoop, so while the stitching's out I'm going to applique something fun to the back too!  My son already loves his goodie bag and is practicing trick-or-treating around the house.  Big smiles for this mommie!  Final project pics to come.

ps - I found the cutie face over at Applique Cafe.  So many adorable designs, so little time...sigh.  Thank goodness preschool is back in session!

Favorite Foods: Macaroni & Cheese

I don't know of one male (or even female for that matter!) in my family that doesn't love this Macaroni & Cheese recipe.  This dish is a must share as it's requested often...birthdays, rainy days, chilly days, holidays...you get the picture!  I always try to serve a green veggie with the Mac, and my Mom started the tradition of serving it alongside blueberry muffins.  Sounds crazy, but the combo is soooo gooood!  I think it's something about the savory and sweet together.  Or maybe it's just the giant carb-fest we all crave from time-to-time.  Whatever the case may be, it's delicious and I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does!

Macaroni & Cheese

8 oz cooked macaroni noodles

2 cups + shredded cheese

2 eggs

2 cups milk

salt, pepper, seasoning to taste

 Whisk together eggs, milk and desired seasoning.  Butter a casserole dish and cover the bottom with a layer of shredded cheese.  Alternate layers of cooked noodles and cheese, ending with cheese on top.  Pour liquid over entire casserole.  Top it with a few small cubes of butter to assist in browning (and deliciousness).  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.  YUM!

I like to use sharp cheddar cheese, but am also known to mix it up with colby or other specialty cheeses.  If you have a meat lover in your household, you could add ham or even sausage.  This recipe delivers a casserole consistency and is definitely a southern delicacy.  Don't forget to try it with blueberry muffins!

Sneak Peek: Treat Bag

I'm sooo excited to complete this project!  It's been on my to-do list since last Halloween!  I found the black & white gingham fabric over the weekend and purchased an applique file last night.  Everything's washed, pressed and ready to go.  Can you guess what will appear on the bag?  Stay tuned!