Apple of my eye

My, it's been a long time since I posted here! Summer has come and gone, and so have a few projects without documentation. But here's a fun one I'm excited to share!

Recently I mentioned a great pants pattern + tutorial on Facebook. I first used it on a pair of ruffle pants for little sister. (Have you seen what boutiques charge for those? Craziness for something so basic and easy to to make!) Then I happened upon some adorable apple embroidered corduroy fabric on major clearance, so what's a Mommie to do? Whip up another fun pair of pants for the fall closet! Driving home from my unexpected fabric score, I remembered a reverse apple applique sitting in my embroidery files along with a blank shirt in need of decoration. Ah, how I love those meant-to-be moments!

  Shirt - Garanimals, WalMart

Apple Applique - file, Planet Applique & polka dot fabric, Joann

Pants - fabric & rick rack, Hancock

Happy Fall!

 

Spidey (Serger) Power

Big Brother is into all things Spider-Man at the moment. We are constantly being shot by webs and the Spidey jammies are in heavy rotation. He even found a Spider-Man & Friends board book at a spring consignment sale...talk about combining mommie and daddie's interests: a bargain hunter who likes to read comics!!

 

Need I say more?!

After we recently spotted the Spider-Man goodness at Pottery Barn Kids, I offered to make Big Brother a special pillowcase. So off we went to the fabric store where he chose two prints of Spidey fabric. 

It turned out to be the perfect starter project for my new serger! In total, it took a yard of fabric and only 4 quick seams thanks to this tutorial.

Now off to further explore the serger - the possibilities make me as giddy as a 4 year old with a new mommie made pillowcase!

Sweet dreams big boy, I love you so much!

M & M Teacher Gift

Today big brother completed his third year of preschool. I think we are both sad to see the routine go, but equally excited to make special summer memories. At the end-of-year picnic, big brother presented each teacher with this special treat to let them know how much he enjoyed their class:

 I came across this adorable jar gift idea on Pinterest awhile back and knew it would be perfect for the end of school. To save time, I used a free printable and tied it on with baker's twine. I plan to re-create this sweet gift in years to come, and may make my own printable version of the poem in card format.

Thank You Teachers & Happy Summer Break!

Another Polo

I had a small window of time this morning for some sewing, and finally got to work on more polo shirts from the to-do pile. Isn't the little whale cute?! He swam over from Applique Momma. This shirt belongs to a set of matching sibling polos for my sweet friend Maureen. I hope her boys enjoy them this summer!

 

  

I've got a few more projects to finish up, and then I'm excited to dive into practice with my new SERGER!! I'm still in shock that I finally have one of my own. This year's birthday and Mother's Day were good to this Mommie!

Personalized Polo

Several of my favorite embroidery digitizers have introduced mini filled designs. I've been eager to try them out for big brother, and finally found some time. Polo shirts are a staple in his wardrobe; here's the most recent addition to his collection!

I used the Filled Sailboat Mini from Embroidery Boutique. The color combo matches one of baby sister's dresses. Let the photo ops begin!

I'm always keeping a look out for bargain blank polos, and have several more ready for boutique status. Minis are so fun and super quick to stitch. This could get addictive! 

Fast & Easy Delicious Soup

Welcome 2012! This time last year I was pregnant with baby number 2, who is now 7 month old baby sister. Wow. Time is going much too fast, but I'm doing my best to enjoy every minute of it. I look forward to future days that hold some extra time & energy so I can get back to sharing more crafts and projects. Until then, thanks to those who are still up for peeking at my little part of the mommie made blog world!

Recently I happened upon a delicious soup recipe that I have to share. It's a one pot wonder that is so tasty, so good & super easy to prepare. Here's my vegetarian version:

 Tomato Soup with White Beans & Pasta

via AllYou January 2011

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (I squeeze 'em thru our press)

1/4 tsp dried oregano

2 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes

28oz veggie broth

1/2 cup small pasta (I use elbows)

1 can cannellini beans, drained & rinsed

salt, pepper & any other seasoning you enjoy

 Start by warming the oil in your pot over medium-high heat. (I like using my dutch oven.) Add the garlic, stirring frequently and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in oregano, then tomatoes & broth. Bring the soup base to a boil. Next add the pasta, stir occasionally and cook about 8 minutes. Add the beans, stir and lower to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt & pepper, and I like to add some of Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute too. Keep it warming on the stove top for a bit or go ahead & ladle into bowls alongside some warm crusty garlic bread. YUM!

Most recipes I find in magazines typically turn out bland, so I was shocked that this turned out so well! I found it in All You, which I began subscribing to a few months back for the coupons. (I'm not a candidate for Extreme Couponers, but do enjoy saving our household serious cash!) What a pleasant surprise and an excellent addition to our dinner rotation during cold winter nights. I hope you give it a try and like it as much as we do!