To Win

Halloween is a fun holiday not to mention colorful.
When a friend bought this Table runner with Halloween theme, I thought perfect!

In the package you have instructions.

As well as fabric for the top of the table runner.
There are things that are not included (typical) as it is your choice on what you may want to use.
Not included: batting, backing fabric and binding (all optional).

You want to start by pressing everything so it’s straight.
Press iron down don’t move it on fabric as not to stretch fabric.

Make any markings you need to help guide you as you sew.
Use chalk or erasable pen.
I am using the Black/Orange border as my sewing guide.
I wanted a “connecting line” between the borders.

You can select to chose which color you want to use first as they are the same length (Yellow or Purple)
I chose to start with the Yellow for more contrast but it’s up to you.
The instructions are only a guide line.
Put right sides of fabric facing together and sew.

How the sewing line should look on right side of main fabric.

You want to iron your seams.
Always iron to the darker side of your fabric.

Repeat on other side.
This is how it should look from back side.

As you get 3 long stripes of fabric (Yellow and Purple) you need to trim it to size.

You don’t have to be exact and as long as you cut it just a little longer you’re good.
You could get a little fancier and add cornerstones.
You could mix and match your 2 colors.
I didn’t think it needed that, so I kept it simple.

Decide where you want to position the sides.
I decided to stay with the border but you have extra fabric so you can chose to make your table runner longer.

Iron again.

A close up look at the corners.

Repeat process with Purple strips of fabric.

Close up look at corner.

At this point you have options.
You can turn raw edges under, sew and be done.
You can buy ready made biding.

I chose to make my own biding using Halloween color fabric.
It’s stripes of Orange and Black cut on bias so lines are diagonal.

Cut to size your favorite type of batting.
Cut to size your selected fabric for backing.
Attach with pins until you are done
Cut access fabric and batting.

You may want to use a walking foot.
As it will help with moving all layers of fabric nice and smooth.

Every batting package will tell you how wide your stippling needs to be.
Usually, around 4-5 inches apart.
That means you don’t have to stipple every little square inch.

You can use stippling as a decorative feature.
You can stipple all your colors the same way.
You may choose to stipple every color different and create something more unique to you.

Decide what thread color you want to use.
Have a dominant color and you don’t want your stippling to show, chose that color.
You could use a contrast color and make your stippling even more of a feature.
Another option is to use clear thread.
You are the designer!

A look at back fabric, already have some stippling going.

You could saw your back fabric and turn it and then do your stippling.
I chose to use binding.

Not sure how to make your own binding?
How to attach your binding?
What to do with those corners?
Look for future posts to answer all these questions!

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

 You heard about ‘Paleo Diet’, you are thinking, it sounds interesting BUT then the next thought comes to mind…
I’m going to have to give up on a lot of my favorite foods.
So don’t!
Don’t look at it as giving up on but switching it up.

Who said Chocolate and didn’t get some?
There you go!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Cocoa butter
• 1/2 cup Cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp. Lucuma powder
• 1/4 cup of Honey
• dash of Salt

As we are dealing with Chocolate you need to set up double boiler.
What is double boiler? don’t worry no need to go out and buy some new contraption for the kitchen.

Take any pot and fill it about a 1/3 with water.

Put a bowl on top, I prefer Pyrex.
There you have it, double boiler!
The idea is you don’t direct heat or the Chocolate will burn.

On to make the Chocolate.
You can get Cacao Butter at ‘Whole foods’ or order online if you can’t find it in your local store.

Measure 1/2 cup Cocoa butter, don’t pack it.

Put Cocoa butter into bowl.

Wait until Cocoa butter melts completely.

Cocoa Powder, you can find it in the same places.

Measure 1/2 cup Cocoa powder.

Add Cocoa Powder to bowl.

At this point you mix.

Lucuma powder I was only able to get online (off Amazon.com)
Wondering what is Lucuma powder?
It’s a fruit from Peru.
Adds flavor somewhat like Maple Syrup.

Add 1/2 tsp. Lucuma powder

Mix, this is the consistency you should have.

Honey makes everything better!

Add 1/4 cup of Honey to bowl.

Add a pinch of salt.

Mix again.
Your texture is now smooth and you could be done.

You could also decide to add something extra.
How about a pinch of Cinnamon?
Mayans added chili powder to their chocolate.
In this case I chose to add unsweetened shredded Coconut.

Adding the unsweetened shredded Coconut changes your consistency to be a little like toffee candy.

Try it see how you like it!
Add a little more or a little less, it’s up to you.

You could use the chocolate as a top for a cake.
Want to just eat it? really?
Why not make it look a little fancy?
Think about those designer chocolate, you can have it all!
Just get a silicon mold designed for chocolate (you don’t want the ice one’s, this is HOT!)

Use a big spoon so you are not dripping Chocolate all over the place.
Fill out your molds.
As the Chocolate has coconut it’s not as smooth but it’s so worth it.

Another option, leave your chocolate plain and add things to it in the molds.
Add raisins, Almonds, Macadamia nuts, mix some coconut in just one of the shapes.

Pop it in the freezer for an hour to harden.
Now they will easily pop out of the molds.

So you want to know how it taste too?
AMAZING is how!
More like European Chocolate that just melts in your mouth.

Ok you can eat it….
Don’t “forget” to share it 🙂

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

October 12th, 2012

‘I Love Yarn Day‘

Is national day to declare your LOVE for yarn!

You can Knit it, crochet it, wear it, post it, tweet it, carry it, share it, give it, or bomb it!
Are you loving on your yarn?
Can you find yarn items throughout your house?
Do you shop for yard more often then you really need?
Even if you just Knit / Crochet / Craft / spin / weave / love fiber every now and then, it’s ok!

Help spread the word about I Love Yarn Day!
This day is all about spreading that good feeling people have about yarn and yarn-related crafts.
It’s for you to affirm your passion for yarn.
This year will be the second annual I Love Yarn Day.
To participate all you need is your yarn and maybe a couple of friends.

Get Involved

• Create an I Love Yarn Day badge
• Teach someone to knit or crochet
• Do something for charity
• Wear a knitted or crocheted item
• Give a gift of yarn
• Take your yarn to work day
• Host a yarn-a-bration party
• Knit, crochet and craft in public

Any money generated from gear sales will be donated to the Warm Up America Foundation.
A 501C3 charity that has been providing warm clothing and afghans to people in need for more than 20 years.

Knitting abbreviations

You can find knitting abbreviations here.

Crochet abbreviations

You can find Crochet abbreviations here.

Need more incentive to love on your yarn?
Why don’t you try and win some yarn!

WIN Show us your love of yarn!

Go on the facebook page
www.facebook.com/iloveyarnday
There are three ways to enter: on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Take a photo showing your love of yarn!
‘Like’ the facebook page and fill out the form to submit an entry.
You can find the entry form here.
Or enter from your mobile phones via Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #YarnDayContest.
Have all your friends vote on your photo.

Prizes

The Grand Prize winner will receive 365 skeins of yarn from prize sponsors: Bernat, Patons and Caron Yarns; Lion Brand Yarn; and Red Heart Yarns.
10 Runners-up will receive an I Love Yarn Day tote bag with a yarn-lovers’ collection of prizes valued at $300 each. Runners-up prizes are sponsored by All American Crafts (Knit ‘N Style, Knit 1•2•3 and Crochet 1•2•3), Annie’s (Creative Knitting and Crochet Magazine), Boye accessories, Clover Needlecraft accessories, Creative Partners’ books, Future US (Crochet Today magazine), Interweave (Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Knitscene, and Knitting Daily TV), Leisure Arts (The Knook), Soho Publishing (Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Debbie Bliss magazine, Noro magazine), and TMA yarns.

How to Win

The 10 photo entries with the highest number of votes at the end of the contest period will each win the yarn-lover’s tote bag and prizes, and one photo entry will be selected from the Top 10 by a panel of Sponsor’s employees to win the Grand Prize, according to the following criteria: personality (33%), quality (33%), and representation of the I Love Yarn Day theme (33%).

Winners Announcement

Winners will be announced on October 26, 2012.

www.ILoveYarnDay.org

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

It’s that time of the year again!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or are just getting into sewing…
You know what I’m talking about.
September is National Sewing Month!

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has teamed up with Christopher Straub of season six TV show, Project Runway to host Sew Unique.

The idea behind this contest is unconventional uses of nontraditional fabrics.
If you’ve ever watched Project Runway you know there is an episode in every season where they take the contestant to a dollar store or a pet store or something store.
Tell them, buy something and create a look fit for the runway!

I think my favorite to this day is the one where, Daniel Feld, made this gorgeous dress from plastic cups on season five!
You don’t have to go that crazy but you get the idea… but you can and beyond!

Don’t just go to your stash of fabric or the store, grab your favorite cotton fabric and whip up something.

Taken from the contest rules:
“The item may be sewn by hand or by machine, or both. Sponsors are looking for creative uses of “utility” fabrics, such as burlap, duck canvas, rubber sheeting, ticking, mesh, netting, ripstop, vinyl, and others, although creative entries showing nontraditional uses of unique fabrics will also be considered.”

Want to read the fine prints of the rules?
Check it out: http://www.joann.com/static/socialMedia/Contest/NSM_contest_rules.pdf

You are just hearing about this contest.
You’re creative juices are starting to work.
You’re thinking to yourself, is it worth it?
What can I win?

The First Prize gets $1000 cash and a Simplicity gift basket worth $275.
A Second Prize winner will get $500 cash and a Simplicity gift basket worth $275.
Third Prize winner wins $250 cash and a Simplicity gift basket worth $275.
All other Finalists will receive a Simplicity gift basket valued at $50.

So how long do I have to enter?

The Contest begins on September 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Contest ends on September 30, 2012 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

What do I need to do to enter?

To enter, ‘like’ Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/JoAnn
Go to the contest tab, “Contest: Sew Unique”.
Fill out the official entry form.
Upload a photo of your creation (see instructions).
You can submit one entry a day (not the same item).

If you are one of the ten lucky finalists:
The ten finalists will be notified via e-mail and/or telephone on or about October 26, 2012.

Winners will be selected on November 20, 2012

Want to see who you’re competing against?
Check out Jo-ann’s contest page on facbook and see what people have already submitted and be inspired!

Christopher Straub will provide inspiration and advice through a series of videos on Jo-Ann’s Facebook page.
Christopher created a collection of designs using utility fabrics from Jo-Ann.
Each week during September, he will offer tips and inspiring ideas.
So make sure you check Christopher’s videos!

 You now have the 411 on Sew Unique contest!
If you’re not on Jo-Ann’s mailing list and have their phone app you are missing out!
Take advantage of the coupons, tutorials and so much more that Jo-Ann has to offer.

Final thought:
Next time you give a gift to someone, don’t paper wrap it.
Use fabric!
Tell them, the next time you see them, you want to see that fabric put to good use!

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

You want to create your own buttons so it will match your design perfectly, what do you do?
Use Self Cover Buttons!

Instructions are simple and located at back of packaging.

Trace the right size circle to match the size of your button.
You can use a scrap peace of tracking paper.

Audition your circle on a small piece of fabric, trace and cut.

Now that you have your fabric circle, turn it so the right size of the fabric will face down.

Put button on top of your fabric.
The teeth are sharp so be careful not to hurt yourself.

You may want to use a pencil with an eraser to push the fabric into the teeth.

Start pushing your fabric into the teeth, first on opposite sides.

Then all the way around.

Put back plate on top.

Push down.

It will snap into place.

You are now the proud owner of your very own unique button!

To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Button Maker
To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Make a Button Using Your Fabric

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

You created a gorgeous buttoned down shirt and you want to create your own buttons using your own fabric, what to do?

Get Buttons to Cover!

A look at back of packaging.
This is an old package with some advertising on it.

The instruction paper inside.

The parts you will use.

Use a paper to trace the size circle/button you would like.
You can use a scraps tracing paper from a pattern you use.
Cut out your circle pattern.

Use only need a very small piece of fabric.

See which part of the print you would like to use as the front of your button.

Trace and cut your circle from your fabric.

This White rubbery gizmo is called Miracle holder.
Place it with hole facing up.

Place your fabric on top.
Right side of fabric facing down.

Put button shell on top of fabric.

Put pusher on top of everything.

Press down.

A side angle.

Remove pusher.
This is what you will see.

Put back of button on top.
Make sure your fabric is all tucked in inside.

Put pusher on top.

A side angle.

And push down.

You are done!
Just remove the button and there you go.

A side view of your completed button made to mach everything you wanted.

To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Button Maker
To view another technique of how to create your own button:How To: Make a Button Using Your Fabric, Self Cover Buttons

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

If you live in the bay area, CA you may be interested in The Art of Selling Online: Running Your Own Store, Soup to Nuts.

Here is what you can expect:

Whether you’re opening your first or your fifth online store, this workshop is for you!
At Storenvy, we’ve developed an inspiring set of walk-throughs and case studies to share today’s best practices for running your own online store.

When you leave, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to…

• Brand your own storefront, no coding knowledge required
• Manage orders simply & effectively
• Take better product photos
• Wow your customers with a great brand experience

This workshop will be given by Storenvy’s community manager, the one and only Adam Hendle.
The rest of the Storenvy team will be available to help you open a Storenvy store on the spot, and Adam will be happy to follow up via email, phone call or in-person meeting to answer any questions you might have.

We’re hosting this event after talking with many artists down the hall from us in Studio 17 and realizing how awesome it would be to share our expertise from working with the 15,000 merchants who use Storenvy to power their online stores.
We hope you’ll join, too.

Come for the beer, stay for the information.

When will the workshop take place?

July 12, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Where will the workshop take place?

Event will be located in the Michelle O’Connor Gallery on the 4th Floor.

What will the cost of the workshop?

$5. Ticket costs will be donated in full to Homeless Children’s Network, a nonprofit in our building.

Where do I buy a ticket?

https://storenvy.eventbrite.com

What is Storenvy?

JoAnn Fabrics is running a fun new handmade nursery video contest!

What do you need to do in order to win?

Shoot a video tour of your nursery with handmade decor and you can enter to win!
Showcase your original baby-themed crafts, created for your child, age two or younger.

What is the prize?

You could win a $500 gift card from Jo-Ann by showcasing your baby’s handmade nursery.

When is the contest taking place?

The contest runs between June 1 to June 30 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

How will the winner be determined?

A winner will be chosen for nursery theme, originality and workmanship by a team of crafting experts from Jo-Ann.

Where do I enter Jo-Ann’s Simply for Baby Nursery Video Contest?

http://joannfabricandcraftstores.blogspot.com/2012/06/enter-to-win-with-your-handmade-nursery.html

Where can I see submissions?

Check out JoAnn’s contest submissions on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/joannstores/simply-for-baby-nursery-contest/

While browsing Robb wolf’s site I came across the ‘Apricot Power Bars’ and I thought I just had to try it, because they sounded so yummy.
You are forwarded to Elana’s Pantry site where he got the recipe from.
After making it and it is very good, I set out to try and improve it, making it even better.
The several attempts, the result is an even sweeter dessert, Paleo friendly, no sugar added!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecans
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup chunks of dark chocolate 70% or above
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbs. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Start by pre-heating the oven to 350°F.
You would need 8×8 inch Pyrex baking dish.

Start of with the dry ingredients.
You can use a food processor, I found that my Vitamix does an excellent job chopping and it’s easier and faster to clean.

I prefer organic pecans.

You can see the ingredients list is huge: Organic pecans.

You will need 2 cups of pecans.

The organic Turkish apricots similarly has a huge ingredient list, or not 😉
No artificial preservatives or sugar needed.

From here how fine you want it chopped is up to you.

Once you’re happy with it, put it in a large bowl.

Time to add more yummy ingredients, organic unsweetened shredded coconut.

Add 1/2 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut.

For extra sweetness add raisins.

1/4 cup golden raisins.

Use dark chocolate 70% or above.

Add 1/4 cup chunks of dark chocolate.

Put in the bowl as you measure.

Give it a quick mix.

Now on to the wet ingredients.
Organic eggs.

In a small bowl add 2 eggs.

We love our Vanilla extract!

Add 1 Tbs. vanilla extract.

Some sea salt.

Add 1/4 tsp. salt.

Mix it all together.

Pour it over your dry ingredients and mix.

Use parchment paper on your Pyrex baking dish.
Or use spray oil.

Spread your mix evenly and pack it down a little.

Put it in the oven, 350°F.

After 25 minutes, this is how it should look.

Put a timer for 20 minutes to let it cool.

Time to eat!
To control how sweet it is, add or subtract from raisins.

When you know you’re going to have a busy day, take a piece with you to munch on.
Try using different fruits, I would recommend dates.
The choices are limitless!

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!