Happy 4th To My Fellow Americans!

To celebrate our great nation there must be food! It's gotta be good and there's gotta be lots of it! We're having our annual Independence soiree this evening with all the requirements: good food, good friends, lots of illegal fireworks! (It's illegal to shoot fireworks in our county but we do it anyway. I say screw you, Man! Don't tell 'cause our next door neighbor is a fireman. Thank goodness he leaves every year! LOL!)

Anyhoo, I want to share a yummy, easy dessert. I know it's not Thursday but, heck, who remembers the last time I did a Recipe Thursday post for Heaven's sake?! If you love Cherry Cheesecake but hate the whole bake-it-with-a-water-bath-blah-blah-blah yer gonna love this! I had some fresh blueberries in the fridge so I thought I'd add them for fun! It's not exactly fantastical looking but it tastes damn good!

Easy Peasy Cherry Cheesy Dessert

2- 8oz. Packages Cream Cheese

2- 8oz. Containers Cool Whip

2 Cups Powdered Sugar

2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 Stick Butter, Melted

2 Cans Cherry Pie Filling

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and press into the bottom ofa 9"x13" baking dish. Toast in the oven for about 8 minutes. Let cool completely.

Mix softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on low and slowly add powdered sugar. Beat until well mixed. Fold in Cool Whip and pour onto crust. Top with cherry pie filling and chill to set.

That's it! Now dig in and enjoy!

Testing...1,2,3...

I think I mentioned something the other day about testing again for Patterns by Figgy's. This sweet little kimono-styled jacket is the "Bamboo Little Woo" being released this Fall! It really is a cute design and very easy to sew up! I made this up in a super soft baby-rib. The woven is a loose-weave cotton.

Also, remember forever ago when I mentioned Colette Patterns had some new releases coming soon and I was pattern testing again? Well, I just saw the new patterns are out and have been for awhile. I have good reason to be late, being out of the loop and all. I tested the Nutmeg set and it is gorgeous and sexy! The pieces are also very simple to sew up, the bralette being a bit more difficult. I have no pictures at the moment due to my crispy, deep-fried computer situation (we lost a lot of pictures! *sigh*) so I'll have to shoot some more. This is more of a heads-up that Sarai has new offerings! 

 

                                         

Here I am at the lake this last weekend. I look like crap but you can kinda make out my melting figure. I was pleasantly surprised...

Happy Father's Day!

Here are my two boys at the lake yesterday!

I hope all the daddies out their have a nice relaxing day!

Radio Silence

Sorry for the lengthy absence! A few weeks ago lightning decided to strike our ginormous pine tree. Above is a picture of part of the gaping wound. It goes all the way up to the tippy top of the tree. Now the thing is literally bleeding sap. Poor baby. We hope it survives. Our neighbor across the street called a scientist friend and he thought it should make it. The surge fried our computer (which we just bought in January), the washing machine, heater/AC, and our Treager grill (it plugs in). All of my sewing machines and my husband's guitar amps made it. We were very lucky in end. That stuff is all just stuff and it could have been a lot worse.

I enjoyed the last few "un-plugged" weeks, believe it or not. I didn't even sew one stitch! I'm testing another pattern for Patterns by Figgy's and am waaay behind. I really need to get busy. I got it cut out last night and then the power went out due to some heavy wind. Sheesh.

I've been kickin' butt at the gym and have lost about 9 lbs and have lost several inches. A total of 3" on my full bust alone. Awesome! Speaking of, I need to get going over there right now so will post more later!

I've missed you all!
XOXO

Patterns by Figgy's = AWESOME!

I finished up the Beach Bum Hoodie and Board shorts pattern that I was telling you all about. The one that I broke my fast with.

These are some of the worst imaginable pictures and they don't do the pieces any justice, AT ALL! My son was on the cranky side when I made him put these on and model for me. He was also hot and sweaty from playing outside. Plus, you have to see my extremely messy sewing area. You get the general idea though. All in all, I really like this pattern! The shorts are super easy to make! Just two pieces and an elastic waist.

                                                

I had some trouble with the neck facing on the hoodie so I emailed Shelly and she was so helpful! Seriously, this lady is awesome and couldn't be kinder! I was even able to finagle my way in to being a pattern tester for her! Boy, am I good or what?!

This t-shirt is the pattern I tested. It's called "Tee for Two" and it's for boys or girls. It's a raglan sleeve T that is sewn with the seams out so you have a cool raw edge around everything and this makes it perfect for kids who have sensitivity issues since there are no seam allowances inside to make skin itchy. Plus, it just looks pretty darn cool! I think the pattern is coming out this August so be sure to watch for it!

As for the fabrics used, I pulled everything from my stash! The plaid is a seersucker I purchased from a fabric coop last spring. The shirt is some jersey from the thrift store. It came packaged up in a kit to make a t-shirt which was kinda neat. It's soft and thin and perfect for a summer t-shirt! The hoodie is also thrift store fabric. It was a mystery to me until I posted the pic on Flickr. Kelly asked what the fiber was and Shelly came back and suggested shot cotton. In looking at other pics on the web I think that might indeed be what it is! It has a nice weight to it, similar to quitling cotton. But the texture is different with a cool crosshatch raised weave. I don't know how else to describe it! It's nice though and will be great this summer!

I have done some sewing for me too. I don't have any pictures at the moment but I made some sweats for workin' out and an Ottobre skirt. More on that to come!

Breaking of the Pattern Fast

Well, I did it. I broke my self imposed fast of all things sewing related. I couldn't help it. I've been wanting to try this pattern for my boy and with some of the money I got for that very last custom garment I bought it, dang it! It's the Beach Bum Hoodie and Board Shorts from Patterns by Figgy's. I've got it laid out and I'll get it traced today or tomorrow. I have a few appointments this week so I hope I can get it done soon. My daughter is calling it "Teeth Week" since she has a dentist appt. today, me tomorrow, and then her Orthodontist on Thursday. Goodness! I want to get busy on that Butterick pattern mentioned in my last post too.

I also want to thank everyone who left comments about my McCall's blouse! You all are awesome!

Weekend Sewing!

Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all the mommies out there. I actually got to sew this weekend! I finished this McCall's 5640 this morning and I'm wearing it today. It is quite comfortable if not a little Muu-muu-esque. Seriously, the ease in this puppy is redonkulous. According to my full bust measurement I should have made a 26 but it has, get this, 19" of ease. 19"!! I opted to go the route of using my upper bust measurement and the finished garment measurements to choose my size and with that I made the 18. It fits pretty good but the neckline is still a bit wide. Can you imagine if I had made the 26?! It would have been falling off my shoulders!! Good grief! There is one problem that my 5 year old son so lovingly pointed out while I was bent over in front of him, helping him into his shoes. He said, "Mom, I can see your bra...". Thanks, babe. So, it does gap open when I'm bending over. I may need to think about wearing a cami underneath.

Anyhoo, I made view "C" which is the top. I didn't have enough of this fabric to make the dress and I was really afraid a dress would have looked exactly like a Muu-muu anyway. I used a medium-weight quilting cotton that I bought last year, I think from Hobby Lobby? Maybe...? I dunno. It's a pretty aqua with vine-y swirls in cream and a dark purple/wine color.

The neckband is in a coordinating fabric:

I didn't even use interfacing like it says...'cause I'm out. I think it'll be okay though. The fabric is thick enough (I'm hoping). I'll be doing up a review for Pattern Review since I had the sizing issue and all. I thought it might be helpful to warn others about the insanity.

Up next on the chopping block is Butterick 5195. It's another one that I've read has an insane amount of ease so I'll be doing the same thing I did with this last top. I'm wanting to make view "A" but the drawing on the front is quite misleading. It shows a woman with sleeves that hit her above the elbow but the photo of the woman wearing view "B" (which is the same but lengthened into a dress) shows a more 3/4 length. What's wrong with these crazy illustrators? I'll be making a sort of morph between views "A" and "C". I'm still deciding on what fabric I'm going to use. I have some that I bought at the thrift store but I'm afraid it might look too much like lingerie so I may rethink it! I'll post more soon!

Happy Monday!

The Beginning of My Selfish Seamstress-ness

Yes, I made something for me again! This is my TNT Simplicity 3835 (view C): the Built by Wendy pattern that everybody made and loved a few years ago. This is the 4th time I've made this up and I love it still. It's fast, easy and fits! I wanted to make something yesterday and found myself somewhat paralized by my new freedom. What was I going to sew?! I'm pooped out on bras, panties, and other lingerie and I really need some tops for Summer. I was digging through my plethora of patterns and came across this one and it's about as close to instant gratification sewing as you can get. I found some coral seersucker in my stash and away we went. It's so nice and light and perfect for the warm weather we've been having. I did make adjustments to the pattern the last time I made this in the way of FBA and increasing sleeve width. The first two time I made it straight and added width to the center front and back seam. I like the FBA better though because it gives a better fit. I did pivot the center front hem away from the fold about 1 1/2" to add more room for my tummy. I don't know if that makes sense now that I re-read that....sorry! Oh, I don't sew a back seam like it instructs either. I cut the back on the fold and that extra gives more room for mah booty.

Up next I think I might make this:

This one is McCall's 5640 and it looks comfy. The style is pretty similar so I'm hoping it'll look good on. I'll just need to decide if I want a top or dress!

Custom Nightie

I finished up my last custom order today! Yipee! LOL! This was a recreation of a gown that my friend's mom loved but couldn't find a replacement. Her gown is 14 years old and very loved (aka worn out!). Anyhoo, she brought me the gown after much hulabaloo (it was meant to be a surprise but it didn't happen that way, darnnit) and I made a pattern from it. I think, all in all, it turned out pretty well. I hope her mom loves it and wears it for 14 years!

A New Weakness

Have you seen this?

Y'all know my love of lingerie and I'm so weak right now! I can't buy it 'cause I don't have any money anyway...I'm adding this to my wish list though! I just came across this the other day when Mikhaela talked about the lady behind the patterns. She's an illustrator so that bumps her up in my book by about a billion notches. If you're plus sized and love vintage definitely check out her vintage repro pattern line. So cool!

Mornin'!

Good Morning party people!

No, I'm not really a party-er. We were all in bed by 9:30 last night. Whoohoo! We had a busy weekend though. I took my COMPASS test and we had two birthday parties. The big man attended one for our 6 year old neighbor Saturday. Conner and this boy seem to have a love/hate relationship. The Birthday Boy was apparently pushing Conner around/showing off all afternoon. Conner finally had enough and punched him in the face. Um. Yeah. He punched the Birthday Boy in the face. Said boy really can be a mean little jerk to Conner so we didn't really punish Mr. C too harshly. That may sound horrible but I bet he never pushes Conner around again. Or at least that is our hope. Call me a bad mom, it's okay... The other party was a surprise for my MIL's best friend on Sunday. She's turning 90!

My test went pretty good. It's divided up into three parts: Reading, Writing, and Math. I scored a 99 on both the Reading and Writing. The Math was not so good... I got an 88 on the Pre-Algebra portion but a 25 on the College Algebra. Yikes! My adviser said I need to pass up to beginning Algebra to not have to take a math course. I'm really hoping that 88 will be good enough....

I have no pictures today. I haven't been sewing much. My mojo has gone kaput. I have a custom ordered nightgown to finish up before Mother's Day and then I will be done with sewing for others. Honestly, it's a relief! I think I'm going to start adopting some of the Selfish Seamstress' ideals. I'm going to sew for me and my family and that's about it. Screw everyone else! LOL!

Happy Monday!

More Test Sewing and Mabe Some Jeans?

As I mentioned before I'm testing one of the two new Colette patterns coming out soon! My results are due today so i need to get crackin'! Don't worry, I'm really almost done! I also read that Pattern Review is having another Jeans Sew-Along. I'm thinking of joining or at least following along. Believe it or not, I've never made myself a real pair of jeans! I've made capris with a fly opening and made my DD some shorts that have jeans stylings but I've never made myself a pair of jeans! I have plenty of denim so that's not an issue. I have lots of jeans zippers from the thrift store too. I think I have everything I need now I just need to find the guts to do it! LOL!

On a side note: My friend who lost his job found full time work! YAY! So now I'm watching their girl full time on through the summer till I start school. I'll probably be sewing for her a bit more. It is oh-so-much fun making little things!

Fresh Cream Bra For Kim

I finished a bra up for my friend last week and wanted to share it! Following are some super crappy pictures but still...
I used Danglez DB3 and ended up having to take little tucks in the top cup like I did for my pink bra. I really thought it was going to work for her since she's bigger than me. Oh well!

The tucks don't show here 'cause I took this picture before she tried it on. I sewed the tucks and then gave it to her before I could photograph it again. Sorry! I'm lame!

It's not the best sewing job ever and for some reason my machine decided to dick around with me for awhile. I kept having to rip out the zigzag stitches because they were seriously messed up on the bottom/bobbin side. I mean like totally wacked up! I think some little fingers had been messing with the tension or something. I fixed it though (I think). The fit turned out pretty good. The bottom cups fit her well but we couldn't get the wires to sit against her breast bone. I didn't see her in it after I took the tucks so maybe that helped some. She likes it so that's good!

Happy Friday!

Recipe Thursday: Spring Fling Cake!

This is the best cake. Ever. Seriously. It's light, moist, easy, and oh-so-delish. I just made this for Easter Dinner but made another for dinner tonight since my husband's aunt is going to be in town. When I realized it was Thursday I thought I would post it for my most neglected Recipe Thursday. Sorry about that y'all!

Spring Fling Cake

Cake

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

4 Eggs

1 11oz. can Mandarin Oranges (don't drain)

1/2 Cup Oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Prepare 3 round cake pans by greasing well. Beat all ingredients on Medium-High for 2 minutes. It's kinda cool because the oranges get beat to hell and you hardly even know they are in there after it's baked! Pour batter into pans and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check to make sure they are done with a toothoick. Transfer cakes to a coolong rack and cool completely.

Icing

3oz. Package Vanilla Instant Pudding

20oz. Can Crushed Pinapple (do not drain)

9oz. Container Cool Whip

Mix the Pudding and Pineapple well and then fold in Cool Whip. Place one cake on a plate and spread with about 1/4 of the Icing. Place another cake on top and ice. Repeat with the last cake. Use the remaining Icing to cover the sides. Be sure to keep this refridgerated!

For the cake I made today I used a 9"x13" baking dish instead of my round cake pans. To do this I just buttered and floured my pan and baked it for 30 minutes. I turned it out on to a cooling rack and then once it was cool transferred it to one of those rectangular Tupperware covered cake thingies. I had plenty of Icing to frost the top and sides. I also used a 20oz. can of madarin oranges instead and counted out 8 for the decoration. I poured the rest into the cake batter. Yummy!

Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

Here comes the Easter Bunny!

For those of you who don't celebrate Easter I wish you a very Happy Spring!!