this and that March 2011



Since I found new towels last week,  I turned the grungiest of the the old ones into rags.
The hand towels got cut in half and a zig-zag stitch put over the cut to keep it from raveling.
I added a little scrap of trim to the washcloths so they will be easily recognizable as a rag and not get put back with the towels.



I made a simple batch of pineapple preserves - it was simple, easy and tastes good......

but I cooked this batch too long,  it is way to thick (hard) so I will try another batch later



Our son finished law school in December,  took the bar exam in Feb. and will found the results in April.  He studied lots,  stressed a lot,  so to relax a little at home,  he got this tissue flower kit from my craft closet and started making some. 



the kit makes 24 so he has a ways to go- they are really pretty and realistic for just paper.
The local attorney he is working for is keeping him busy,  maybe all 24 will get done, maybe not.

I am trying to make a blouse for me using an old blouse as a pattern - I've been sewing for 40+years but I've never done this.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

I really like the fabric - blue blackberries - fabric designers don't have to be realistic.



I've done a few diaper and wipe deals - I read about the deals at some of the coupon blogs and found some great savings. 
I think I am stocked up, for awhile anyway!



A sweet card to celebrate a baby that learns to clap

Baby Elizabeth got this cute card in the mail.
It was made by the mother of one of her
mother's good friends.
(I have never met her, she lives in a another town
but I am pretty sure I would like her)



The card says "E learns to clap"
and is full of little hands. 
Isn't it cute? Almost as cute as E herself. 



Jilly's giveaway times 2

Surf on over and visit Jilly,
She is hosting a giveaway for 2 sets of a bakers dozen fat quarters. 

Jilly's blog is called Jilly's Happy Quilts -isn't that a fun name? 
She is a quilter and Navy wife living in beautiful Southern California. 
I always enjoy her beautiful California photos she shares as well as her quilts and stitching,

she will close the contests on March 18th,  so hurry on over.

Tip for loud baby toys

This little key chain toy is a favorite of both Gavin and Elizabeth. 

It has multiple buttons that make 5 different car noises. 

But it is a loud toy. 

I don't like loud things and I don't think the loud noises are good for little ears. 



 

Nina suggested I cover the speaker with masking tape.
I put several layers over it. 
The toy still plays but is a very low sound level now. 
Still fun but much better for all of us!



Sewing a new cash spending billfold

I sewed a cash spending envelope system about 2 years ago and have been using it ever since.  It worked pretty good but had a couple of flaws and was also getting worn from so much use. 

you can see it here and read a little about my method.

my first cash spending system on my old blog

I wanted a new one and searched for some tutorials.  I did not ever find one exactly like I wanted but I did like this one

my inspiration is from this tutorial

Except hers is made from oilcloth. I like oilcloth but I tried  to buy some in my town a few months ago and no store here carries it. 

I used that tutorial, but for fabric.  So I added a 1/2 inch for seam allowances to all the pieces,  added some batting to the base and back pockets for a little stability and used less pockets. 

Since I am trying to use-down my craft supplies,  I made this strictly from supplies on hand too. 

a little larger than a regular wallet or billfold
but I think this size and number of pockets will suit me.

to make the labels,  I just used some bias tape and rubber stamps,
 then I machine-sewed on the labels.

I put my rewards cards in the front pocket.
Change is in it's own pocket and the only one with a zipper. 
On the oilcloth tutorial,  she used zippers on 6 pockets,  but I did not need that many pockets. And the pockets that hold paper money and receipts are deep enough that I don't think mine will require zippers to be secure. 

the back has a pocket for my checkbook. 
The checkbook cover already has a spot for my license, insurance cards and money cards
so I did not make special pockets for them on this wallet.

It may seem silly to mainly use cash for spending and then to also carry credit cards and a checkbook but this system works for me.

If you have any questions,  I will be happy to try to answer them
but I don't have any plans to do a real tutorial.