Square Pouch Tutorial

Back from vacation and itching for a new project!   I decided to sew a new makeup pouch (a small enough project to use the last bit of my favourite fabric "Beach Boys".)

I found the idea on Three Bears and adjusted the measurements a bit.

1. Cut two 9' x 12' pieces of fabric

Because my fabric was so thin I decided to add interfacing to it.  It not only makes the fabric stiffer but it also becomes a sort of lining.

2.  Fold over and press 1/2 inch (this is where you will sew the zipper so make sure the folds are at the top of your fabric.

If your zipper isn't long enough (like mine)  add two folded tabs at each end.  To make these tabs fold fabric in half and press, then fold each end in 1/4' and press again.

If you have a long zipper this step is not necessary.

3. Sew on your zipper.  Look how cute those beach boys are!

4. Sew a seam at the bottom of your pouch.  This will attach the two pieces at the bottom.

5. Now open it up so the bottom seam and zipper are aligned.  Pin your sides and sew.

This next step is a bit tricky to explain.

6. Pinch the corners out and pin.

Looks like a chicken lol.

Anyway, keep pinching to the size and shape of box you would like.  Use a ruler to measure each corner.

7. Then sew each corner on all four sides.

8. Cut your corners 1/2' from seam and then turn right side out.

My new pouch!

Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta Recipe

As the weather is getting warmer, my palate is beginning to change.  As much as I love winter root vegetables, heavy stews and chilli,  I'm ready to move on to fresh and light meals!

Here's a simple pasta I whipped up last night that definitely gave me my fix!

Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

1 package of spaghetti or linguine pasta 

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup white wine

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1 lemon juiced

salt and pepper to taste

1 package of peeled and deveined shrimp

3-4 tablespoons butter

1-2  tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions - al dente ; drain.

2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and saute garlic about 1 minute.  

3. Mix in Chicken broth, wine, lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper.  Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by half.

3.  Stir in shrimp, butter and basil into the saucepan.  Cook until shrimp is pink ( 2-3 minutes). 

4. Stir in the pasta and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, until well coated.

ENJOY!

Figgy's Ofelia Dress

After running into a bit of a snag with the sleeves and not buying enough ribbon, I finally finished Ava's dress!

I picked up this adorable  Figgy's pattern at The Workroom on Queen West,  however there is a list of places you can buy from on their site.

The Pattern comes in sizes 12mo - 6y and includes designs for the dress, a shirt, and knee-length bloomers!  So cute!

This dress was a lot of fun to make and now I can't wait to see Ava in it!

Enamel Coated Glass Bottles

Here's a new way to recycle old jars and bottles!  Transform your glass containers into beautiful vases by coating them with enamel paint.


For my project I used white enamel, which shows up as different shades of green depending on the tint of the glass.

What you need:

Glass Jars

Dishwasher-safe Enamel Paint

Paint's Surface Conditioner 

The paint and Conditioner is found at most craft stores - I got mine at Michaels.  

Instructions:

1. Wash the bottle inside and out with warm soapy water and let dry. 

2. Pour in a small bit of the paint's surface conditioner - this primes the glass for the enamel.  Make sure to coat evenly and pour out excess.  Stand bottle upright and dry for an hour. (Read the label of your conditioner but mine said I had to use it within 4 hours of application)

3. Pour in enough enamel to coat the inside. Swirl around slowly making sure to coat evenly and not to miss any spots - return excess to the container for reuse. 

4. Dry bottle upside down on paper towel for 48 hours.  During the first hour, periodically wipe excess enamel from the rim with a damp cloth. 

Next time you're at a flea market (I know all the time right?), buy up some old unique jars and watch how beautiful you can make them!

On This Snowy Day

Inspired by a friend,  I decided to get some fresh flowers on this snowy day.  


Hydrangeas are so beautiful but also quite sensitive when it comes to care.  Here are a few tips to help you appreciate this gorgeous flower and extend it's life once you bring it home.


 Hydrangea's have a woody stem so its water absorption ability is poor compared to other fresh flowers. To counter this problem, I usually use a hammer or the flat end of a handle to smash the bottom of the stem.  This is to ensure that the flowers will be able to absorb water at a faster rate and keep the hydrangea’s blooms hydrated at all times.


Place the hydrangea into cold water - they love cold.


Cut the hydrangea’s stem every 2-3 days and never expose them to direct sunlight.

Dishwasher Magnet

Clean or dirty?  That is always the question when it comes to the dishwasher.

This idea comes from Futuregirl.  Here is my take on this adorable magnet!

It doesn't take very long to make and you can put your own spin on it.  I used foam for the base and felt for the rest of it.  There is a magnet in the skirt and the letters were glued on.

Oh so dirty......

Amazing Bread Recipe

On a recent trip out west to visit my family,  I learned how easy it was to make your own bread!

Over the duration of my visit, my sister in law made two loaves - each took about 3 hours to make, start to finish, using a bread maker.  Throwing the ingredients in takes only 5 minutes and the remainder time is the rising and baking (which the machine does for you).

This inspired me to get a bread maker and all I can say is wow-  I have become a bread making machine!

Making your own bread is so easy!   These days It can easily fit into anyone's busy life with program options like cooking overnight (wake up to the smell of fresh bread....sigh)  or "quick bake" which only takes an hour!

It feels so good to know exactly what is going into my bread and it tastes so much better than what you get at the store!   Nothing beats warm bread and butter.

Here is a recipe I have been making most frequently but I hope to post many more!

• Ingredients:
• 
  
• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 tablespoons white sugar  (I use a bit less)
• 1 (.25 ounce) package bread machine yeast
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups bread flour  ( I use half whole wheat and half white bread flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Place the water, sugar and yeast in the pan of the bread machine. Let the yeast dissolve and foam for 10 minutes. Add the oil, flour and salt to the yeast. Select Basic or White Bread setting, and press Start.