tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78564150797559299482024-02-19T06:49:59.714-07:00Bug Bites Play FoodHandmade Felt Food Toys. Little food for Big Imaginations! Safe, fun and educational toys for kids and adults of all ages.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-74001069641856332962010-09-24T11:45:00.000-06:002010-09-24T11:45:41.944-06:00A New Old World Favorite Felt Play Food Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bVBZ9x4aFyT50VJ8lMwHRehY4x1SJJHD8ySEFbuu3gbGVi8pmev0WJX_BkI2XkugqOM9eLMNcocl6YAAlmhx7C9SQ6cZ9ST7WqVVmaotUhday9HBJ9IBqEa2xULy3mF9TcciqOZzSdc/s1600/VeggiesOldWorld2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bVBZ9x4aFyT50VJ8lMwHRehY4x1SJJHD8ySEFbuu3gbGVi8pmev0WJX_BkI2XkugqOM9eLMNcocl6YAAlmhx7C9SQ6cZ9ST7WqVVmaotUhday9HBJ9IBqEa2xULy3mF9TcciqOZzSdc/s320/VeggiesOldWorld2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I am in love with these new vegetables! I had a great customer request some Old World vegetables that her daughter could play with in a Renaissance festival, and I think these will be a hit! I especially liked the turnip - as I have NEVER had one, and had fun searching Google for turnip pics to work from. I have heard that you either love 'em or hate 'em. I will have to try them someday. Hope you enjoy them too!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-79074113620920655682010-09-15T11:09:00.001-06:002010-09-15T11:09:00.472-06:00Strawberry Crepes Felt Play Food Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqZfNjMPb6p98M0m3_IDviN5igwwUktObrxlSzgOdSGuDJyN3D61MHJhXScv1Z6s9JPcs6m9WPq5SpKlhbvnjB_XKFT0F4O5HwAQM1_6fXIJ-M1BTUExqIbl-Ogtq3H99guVU5tLq3oE/s1600/Crepe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqZfNjMPb6p98M0m3_IDviN5igwwUktObrxlSzgOdSGuDJyN3D61MHJhXScv1Z6s9JPcs6m9WPq5SpKlhbvnjB_XKFT0F4O5HwAQM1_6fXIJ-M1BTUExqIbl-Ogtq3H99guVU5tLq3oE/s320/Crepe1.jpg" /></a></div>Another ORIGINAL new tasty treat from Bug Bites Play food - Strawberry Crepes with Whipped Cream and a Jelly spread inside. Aubrey (my 2 year old product tester) and I had fun rolling these up and topping them with the cream and strawberries together. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPzB8eEbn2_tsr4i3vPZAaQe7MZb4YyNxjQafHevR1THSEk61OY8pNEYmp-XsKkik5oFREjRI0ycwNHJSTYoyTK77onVXZRJ0kMsbLtN1Z0IGAFT0N6tvxb5-EqegLfR__y2ZBa-l_3g/s1600/Crepe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPzB8eEbn2_tsr4i3vPZAaQe7MZb4YyNxjQafHevR1THSEk61OY8pNEYmp-XsKkik5oFREjRI0ycwNHJSTYoyTK77onVXZRJ0kMsbLtN1Z0IGAFT0N6tvxb5-EqegLfR__y2ZBa-l_3g/s320/Crepe3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I designed these to be similar to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55831239/burrito-felt-play-food-with-vegetable">Burrito set</a> as I love how the velcro closure tab wraps all of the fillings up in a snug little roll. I am working on a Banana Chocolate version as well, so stay tuned!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-67277341191026482632010-09-11T11:03:00.003-06:002010-09-11T11:03:00.346-06:00Autumn Felt Play Food Pumpkin Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVKVxduil1nHu1lTMtp1-cB0Duza_Kx-hESAZAUJ6NdHacED2uXHvvXtC5NNtW-KUH29i9GrGYr-f-BGh18EmQ5bV69CM1mjd2nBwJbGbdXebGzyWzqgC9yDngWtUbgrYQ6oxGiPgQ7U/s1600/PiePumpkin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVKVxduil1nHu1lTMtp1-cB0Duza_Kx-hESAZAUJ6NdHacED2uXHvvXtC5NNtW-KUH29i9GrGYr-f-BGh18EmQ5bV69CM1mjd2nBwJbGbdXebGzyWzqgC9yDngWtUbgrYQ6oxGiPgQ7U/s320/PiePumpkin1.jpg" /></a></div> I have been re-designing the old, tired version of my felt play food pumpkin pie into this sleek new version. I love how they sit nicely next to each other and are all handstitched for a nice, flat look. Enjoy!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-14995502737570776662010-09-08T11:03:00.000-06:002010-09-08T11:03:14.379-06:00New Felt Play Food Empanada Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgN2ww_3VQLO_a-Ps3ne5GM6Y8izJqHMXakXZsnkTu7HSqWNa0UETKJGMxwfyOvc0sRpxtvbuMLqV0uafe0kS1w_KEHyhI_efw1Ms9NwQCBofbie88gPYC54DeB9aN4ZMdIxiS3RqNQs/s1600/Empanadas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgN2ww_3VQLO_a-Ps3ne5GM6Y8izJqHMXakXZsnkTu7HSqWNa0UETKJGMxwfyOvc0sRpxtvbuMLqV0uafe0kS1w_KEHyhI_efw1Ms9NwQCBofbie88gPYC54DeB9aN4ZMdIxiS3RqNQs/s320/Empanadas2.jpg" /></a></div>I have some new felt play food goodies to unveil in my Etsy shop today, and am really excited about this one - as it is an original item never before seen on Etsy - <i><b>Empanadas!</b></i><br />
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My husband has a special love for empanadas, as he lived in Chile for 2 years, and would seriously eat these daily. So, hopefully this felt food version will ease his cravings a bit - though please don't eat these ones, Austin. They are for the kids.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-57061844410030426682010-08-24T12:08:00.000-06:002010-08-24T12:08:50.334-06:00Gusseted Cloth Sandwich Snack Bag Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y1ypWGiZoAt0unimkrr4raHEoQnrN8Fets0K77wmCbMMVEm7DNWDp5z-LmA_y54kkkD1YtPVda2pESwYSNy48X1NzAvZ3uGObEP7lc0XYRN4VgliJPfwGkTyijOCsBk2TK3ymjg8Qs0/s1600/BagTutorial20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y1ypWGiZoAt0unimkrr4raHEoQnrN8Fets0K77wmCbMMVEm7DNWDp5z-LmA_y54kkkD1YtPVda2pESwYSNy48X1NzAvZ3uGObEP7lc0XYRN4VgliJPfwGkTyijOCsBk2TK3ymjg8Qs0/s320/BagTutorial20.jpg" /></a></div>I can't stand spending money on items that are destined for the landfill. Diapers, wipes, sanitary pads, paper towels and especially expensive Ziplocs no longer have place in our home. Not only have we saved hundreds of dollars a year by not purchasing these "throw-away" items, they are also really fun to make yourself!<br />
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These bags feature a gusset at the bottom, so they open nice and wide, and don't squish sandwiches! Gussets allow the bags to hold more stuff (or wider items) and collapse flat when they’re not in use.<br />
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I designed these snack bags this past spring for a trip to Mexico, and we have a drawer full of them! I use them daily for granola, sandwiches and even our car toys. My son is starting school tomorrow (1st grade - eek!) and he wanted his own cool bags for his lunches. He picked out this "awesome" flame fabric from the scrap bin at our local fabric store, and he can't wait to have lunches in them! Last year, his friends all told him that they wished their moms would make them some cool lunch bags too (blush!), so this is your opportunity, Moms!!<br />
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<u><b>Need:</b></u><br />
Sewing Machine<br />
Scissors<br />
(2) 7"x 7" Cotton fabric of your choice<br />
(2) 7"x 7" Ripstop Nylon fabric<br />
1 each 1/2"x 5" Hook and Loop Velcro (I cut mine to 1/2", but you can leave yours whatever thickness you like)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLUIt75lNnvZT4mNVioLBBaQYcXL3sflPyZTEhTGHs-6MLaMTWWTxTUVQpr-1qAVy2KALR7WGg_9-XKBkMTB_7BQ-Apa7F8YpUCrfjKUMogwm9u0_01faguNSD-fw792K5Vp5g0VP0K4/s1600/BagTutorial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLUIt75lNnvZT4mNVioLBBaQYcXL3sflPyZTEhTGHs-6MLaMTWWTxTUVQpr-1qAVy2KALR7WGg_9-XKBkMTB_7BQ-Apa7F8YpUCrfjKUMogwm9u0_01faguNSD-fw792K5Vp5g0VP0K4/s320/BagTutorial1.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 1.</b> Cut out (2) pieces of 7"x 7" Cotton fabric, and (2) pieces of 7"x 7" Ripstop Nylon for the liner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCXGz3Ozfdph16tjT7bqr4CQ1XbzI8jP78HeY4cJ-rY0AXv27w7GDEjtvePvA-LnwqvaaQtCCKGIkdxR4edfdTF4mqJBMVQILiy90bd8ovZPuwiWWtCPHafDNgb0uxGGOsCsEpquYOtI/s1600/BagTutorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCXGz3Ozfdph16tjT7bqr4CQ1XbzI8jP78HeY4cJ-rY0AXv27w7GDEjtvePvA-LnwqvaaQtCCKGIkdxR4edfdTF4mqJBMVQILiy90bd8ovZPuwiWWtCPHafDNgb0uxGGOsCsEpquYOtI/s320/BagTutorial2.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 2. </b>Place right sides of the fabric together and stitch the two (right and left) sides together with a 1/4" seam allowance. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL8SFJCFMcSkj3Uc-yDev3fEo4RvTQktWZyjhXLzdTDHey6C94UpInYk6Upa_sX1O124ccxIWfUBHmlO-BDonXe4x7G3ZnrJ6lq-jrW5R96bGAbB7JmyuUBrZXyn_vDlA8RXHacAOgZc/s1600/BagTutorial4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL8SFJCFMcSkj3Uc-yDev3fEo4RvTQktWZyjhXLzdTDHey6C94UpInYk6Upa_sX1O124ccxIWfUBHmlO-BDonXe4x7G3ZnrJ6lq-jrW5R96bGAbB7JmyuUBrZXyn_vDlA8RXHacAOgZc/s320/BagTutorial4.jpg" /></a></div><span id="goog_1089683835"></span><span id="goog_1089683836"></span>This will make a "tube" of fabric. Repeat with the ripstop liner fabric, so you have 2 separate "tube" pieces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6UkoeImtIRXsTbIKvHVro1M5Nv0qSZKVxUdgldZo-GScLi7tEz2xWjGISR972bKbh-KMxLxu1QkSUWU5i3G30ZZy5N14acK_xJf_lWvFZTwGnVqBOK_XRHx1FewF5rizi5mq-nXAgxM/s1600/BagTutorial5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6UkoeImtIRXsTbIKvHVro1M5Nv0qSZKVxUdgldZo-GScLi7tEz2xWjGISR972bKbh-KMxLxu1QkSUWU5i3G30ZZy5N14acK_xJf_lWvFZTwGnVqBOK_XRHx1FewF5rizi5mq-nXAgxM/s320/BagTutorial5.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 3. </b>Turn the liner fabric inside out, and slide it inside the cotton fabric "tube", so that <i>right sides are together.</i> Make sure to line up the seams on the sides. You can pin the fabrics together at this point if you like. (I rarely do, but that is just me)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc8T-7_Gk1c6IyNnhoSbKjfBREiynp_jwgDN-gUhb-3jo0GHLKq1xTEpBA-0Sks4XU10FUsQwmVqQ7fpkwR12iBLlQ3Bp4YE0lUUYx9qvhMkfZFa6sY70TDHPuLKRKUGoqybefNL0fuk/s1600/BagTutorial6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc8T-7_Gk1c6IyNnhoSbKjfBREiynp_jwgDN-gUhb-3jo0GHLKq1xTEpBA-0Sks4XU10FUsQwmVqQ7fpkwR12iBLlQ3Bp4YE0lUUYx9qvhMkfZFa6sY70TDHPuLKRKUGoqybefNL0fuk/s320/BagTutorial6.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 4. </b>Choose which side will be the top of the bag, if your cloth has a top direction, and position this side in sewing machine. Sew through 2 layers of fabric - 1 cotton layer, 1 liner layer. Stitch <i>*almost</i> all the way around on one side. Leave a 3" hole un-stitched for later (Step 9). Make sure you don't accidentally stitch through all 4 layers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iBWACiCHgUnUMDD7TuVgfuJ_c29g_jKmlQHTEvOKhtOcjScpf1YzSR6xx_xreIuh70lzAvTH_07gemEvCivwW-EXPrI6eI2yciOdFmmDJgEZWtYHCVNduWiGgRy8eFLJ2BZkANNrPrs/s1600/BagTutorial7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iBWACiCHgUnUMDD7TuVgfuJ_c29g_jKmlQHTEvOKhtOcjScpf1YzSR6xx_xreIuh70lzAvTH_07gemEvCivwW-EXPrI6eI2yciOdFmmDJgEZWtYHCVNduWiGgRy8eFLJ2BZkANNrPrs/s320/BagTutorial7.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 5.</b> Pull the liner out, and lay flat, right sides of the fabric inside, aligning the side seams.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQocjLJQYZ-3WA-lMPgm1JQDoJWvt-XOosIne8pkE1Yp6qtKYbH0kUzehp5jTw4UKaZI6oiR8FwQnEANrE3m-zMoNkHvMpzIDksK82wxk6fpggZfcRXgoseX4S-Zqku9cQ8MeOEczf7s/s1600/BagTutorial8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQocjLJQYZ-3WA-lMPgm1JQDoJWvt-XOosIne8pkE1Yp6qtKYbH0kUzehp5jTw4UKaZI6oiR8FwQnEANrE3m-zMoNkHvMpzIDksK82wxk6fpggZfcRXgoseX4S-Zqku9cQ8MeOEczf7s/s320/BagTutorial8.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 6.</b> Sew a straight line along the bottom (open) end of the liner fabric. Repeat with the other cotton fabric side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC7JwpijQwt-f_dAc9moqGFLWn2qGyHLOwL9FjOObsP2dSvK_YDenUruJFmrpmwscjCyM2l9Es6n9O76Td0e25kB0YMh4x3kLFitJ4aVO4SeVMeQGYzoCJ5oYSWcFPukJ6scB_vAxMxM/s1600/BagTutorial9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC7JwpijQwt-f_dAc9moqGFLWn2qGyHLOwL9FjOObsP2dSvK_YDenUruJFmrpmwscjCyM2l9Es6n9O76Td0e25kB0YMh4x3kLFitJ4aVO4SeVMeQGYzoCJ5oYSWcFPukJ6scB_vAxMxM/s320/BagTutorial9.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 7.</b> Create a Gusset: On the bottom corner, pinch and slide the bottom corner of the fabric into a point, so that the seams align with each other on opposite sides. It helps to open up the bag a bit to give you some room to slide the fabric around. Pin, or iron this flat. (See the pic in Step 8 for clarification).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tU8jmSkqcNqZLIObk3a-abeWxUhdoGE-SyK6LAxBDCmKHrFkB1C2WqPPps-26N9yiOaAQPpxfK-VUpJkIr8RbhFHX3DjVIgl8rn4Hj-_BflYxgPgmZLGtIm16TufJqLufvDBikexNmc/s1600/BagTutorial10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tU8jmSkqcNqZLIObk3a-abeWxUhdoGE-SyK6LAxBDCmKHrFkB1C2WqPPps-26N9yiOaAQPpxfK-VUpJkIr8RbhFHX3DjVIgl8rn4Hj-_BflYxgPgmZLGtIm16TufJqLufvDBikexNmc/s320/BagTutorial10.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 8. </b>Sew across this point in about 1" from the end. Note - you can make these as large or as small as you like, the larger (longer) you measure away from the point of the fabric, the wider the bag will be. Don't make it too wide (over 1 1/2") or the bag will be too small to fit a sandwich. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBiqYjRjwWVKOsHBd0lTs73Mvnj3fst9aFEVYTG7I_TNpDV8FQap4Pz_lunie_6LOmQUvLNVj611toghPzrowPgi3tcMhp0dzRawkrV-45kuSfFRY8H3IOC1FgYknLVKGpxsyX12IpLs/s1600/BagTutorial11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBiqYjRjwWVKOsHBd0lTs73Mvnj3fst9aFEVYTG7I_TNpDV8FQap4Pz_lunie_6LOmQUvLNVj611toghPzrowPgi3tcMhp0dzRawkrV-45kuSfFRY8H3IOC1FgYknLVKGpxsyX12IpLs/s320/BagTutorial11.jpg" /></a></div>Repeat on the other side. Then do the exact same with the nylon side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WrrzyhuLI0MlWdGGdBwXTOJqCK9KZUtLUENBNlLK9Rg9usoX0Ck2C1YvBVP8k-WbjjHLmC91ckYSwyNZMCujkN-DOH9ZiOQqV7XnknEtiBLO0U97QqMbTmHheeWMgnR6VeiZH5X3AGI/s1600/BagTutorial13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WrrzyhuLI0MlWdGGdBwXTOJqCK9KZUtLUENBNlLK9Rg9usoX0Ck2C1YvBVP8k-WbjjHLmC91ckYSwyNZMCujkN-DOH9ZiOQqV7XnknEtiBLO0U97QqMbTmHheeWMgnR6VeiZH5X3AGI/s320/BagTutorial13.jpg" /></a></div>I like to trim the excess fabric triangle off, as it makes the bag less bulky. Be sure not to cut through the seam.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_DrrUsmAR-eupUhyphenhyphenw3vFQpHxXCZ3Dr6SR2EdaOnzQDncqfYyhNhnAlVthzY5J8cRFVFVEGrhMxvcVe46wdLUOkfdvVS_gxS-yExZwacwrjqkG5eg6Q-F067VG3XrTC_c6bxHdPKVsRA/s1600/BagTutorial14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_DrrUsmAR-eupUhyphenhyphenw3vFQpHxXCZ3Dr6SR2EdaOnzQDncqfYyhNhnAlVthzY5J8cRFVFVEGrhMxvcVe46wdLUOkfdvVS_gxS-yExZwacwrjqkG5eg6Q-F067VG3XrTC_c6bxHdPKVsRA/s320/BagTutorial14.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 9.</b> Remember the hole we left open in Step 4? Turn the bag inside out through this hole. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mbLuf8_2jzGfxWM_MVf7G0wFvw1SN5wl4SjCjIeZItuLNhCrbZNFPOD_3U14JEX8sUab7bKh-ZlFVHOM02z9ojav_SzJBkQ2AObs65TKT_YWI0sIgWJShXDluf7noxZGTGjuzFgjyas/s1600/BagTutorial15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mbLuf8_2jzGfxWM_MVf7G0wFvw1SN5wl4SjCjIeZItuLNhCrbZNFPOD_3U14JEX8sUab7bKh-ZlFVHOM02z9ojav_SzJBkQ2AObs65TKT_YWI0sIgWJShXDluf7noxZGTGjuzFgjyas/s320/BagTutorial15.jpg" /></a></div>If you forgot to leave a hole, gently use a seam-ripper and open up a hole.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_Ok62L_lCfvwrP1EhD39X0pF6yFtmxEf_FGp9cCIy9TKb1Gb131vQinIi8Kv2AFluPKl0XztFPc0ckr67CwgNt_jSdYE3jQVf3aUjxI5d08MEAp-sm8B77cBBfXlWPMw_vkSRZh1ZE4/s1600/BagTutorial16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_Ok62L_lCfvwrP1EhD39X0pF6yFtmxEf_FGp9cCIy9TKb1Gb131vQinIi8Kv2AFluPKl0XztFPc0ckr67CwgNt_jSdYE3jQVf3aUjxI5d08MEAp-sm8B77cBBfXlWPMw_vkSRZh1ZE4/s320/BagTutorial16.jpg" /></a></div>Nice huh!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfFn83pz0Lo7pGqhgwxXdtxAnytBQDK0BQMONKg-Fd6gfLevysL7wcKMfKTzMyM_u3HlrO4J_tsvPLKFE-aG68Vsm8ZmajmlVdmGRmlQgiVtMQLOrXcabS5QxxGHvQADUPwHHNi3v9Is/s1600/BagTutorial17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfFn83pz0Lo7pGqhgwxXdtxAnytBQDK0BQMONKg-Fd6gfLevysL7wcKMfKTzMyM_u3HlrO4J_tsvPLKFE-aG68Vsm8ZmajmlVdmGRmlQgiVtMQLOrXcabS5QxxGHvQADUPwHHNi3v9Is/s320/BagTutorial17.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 10.</b> Tuck the liner fabric down into the cotton fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FslFC85K9pDzRQLoAgGvGgvlujnXO15Aim85EOLw65pvH86noUFf0kaRXELDst9w7PAC9jW0p-MDjVzNBuyLTbGXrtwWnJ1M0jhyl624jMIiM1M0863rtDdqneD9xGxNfTypl_8bLRk/s1600/BagTutorial18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FslFC85K9pDzRQLoAgGvGgvlujnXO15Aim85EOLw65pvH86noUFf0kaRXELDst9w7PAC9jW0p-MDjVzNBuyLTbGXrtwWnJ1M0jhyl624jMIiM1M0863rtDdqneD9xGxNfTypl_8bLRk/s320/BagTutorial18.jpg" /></a></div> <b>Step 11. </b>Topstitch around the opening of the bag to help it lay flat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV93V418z6u7cKHvT_YUnqUye2Z1sI94Rd67mqnCX6bsJhRcCsCAlPcRuapDfQgSaXDCWzJ_82XodpREXlk_5G_K99va-IewZGI9E0yGFdJM-BfKiFOD_YLNoxeMMVqBsZ2UiCOmQ0ss/s1600/BagTutorial19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV93V418z6u7cKHvT_YUnqUye2Z1sI94Rd67mqnCX6bsJhRcCsCAlPcRuapDfQgSaXDCWzJ_82XodpREXlk_5G_K99va-IewZGI9E0yGFdJM-BfKiFOD_YLNoxeMMVqBsZ2UiCOmQ0ss/s320/BagTutorial19.jpg" /></a></div> <b>Step 12. </b>Line up the hook side of the velcro along the top, and stitch around. Repeat with the loop side. Finished!<br />
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To clean, just wipe clean with a damp cloth, or toss in a cool water washing machine and dry.<br />
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Congratulations!! Aren't you proud of yourself? By using fabric sandwich/snack bags, we can save thousands of plastic bags from becoming non-biodegradable trash filling up landfills and floating in our oceans!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-90039174776602567932010-07-27T09:42:00.002-06:002010-07-27T10:52:52.877-06:00Make your own Play Kitchen!<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have a lot of play food around here. A. lot. And, crime of crimes - no play kitchen. (gasp!) I have been wanting to make/buy a play kitchen for E and little A ever since she was born - especially now that her play food collection (my first designs are always hers) has grown to overflowing her little tote. She needs a kitchen. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I absolutely detest the plastic crap that is sold in toy stores, and have long wanted a beautiful, handmade play kitchen made from natural wood. I have scoured Etsy.com and other beautiful models from other online sellers, but sadly cannot justify the $300-$500 pricetags on the ones that I would put in my home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband is really skilled with wood working, but sadly full-time school, work, church callings and family life in general haven't permitted him the time to make a play kitchen from scratch. SO, while reading some excellent blogs, I found some amazing DIY projects! This pink & white one is made from a simple Ikea shelf, instructions here on <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-cooking.html">ikea hacker.</a></span></span><br />
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<img alt="DIY play kitchen" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304449012507023570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AnBBQw9eifQfhlaI3WJkuoFSmEgTIQg5mgq1NWQ17t4Cfo6f7eeweM2YdMD2hyUmNbP4DT0gZ5yB2lNykBoz0h_aFWnrFkqeG81O_43X7CdrCEHksW6lGfjthK8nhNnLzNs-uWFhJZUt/s400/2.bmp" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Here is a great one made from an old nightstand from <a href="http://oh-write.blogspot.com/2010/06/marens-kitchen.html">oh write!</a> This is her version, and I am SO excited to use some of her amazing ideas to make our own play kitchen for the kids for Christmas this year! </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Last Christmas we decided to make Maren a little kitchen of her own. I had seen a few ideas here and there (I'm sure you have, too!), so I can't take complete credit for what we came up with.<br />
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We found this little footed nightstand on Craigslist for $15. Here's the best before picture I have. We had already sanded the top, but you can see how the piece looked in it's original form.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9qAqn9sZAfQQRGCxDe-CyzjH1RlIbgW9dHidZHfJJI7jl0P8TRIhRhxrpCI1CGhMBoXk9LpAEUXErqXGFBBb7ZF5Ml2Hq3UqTO5OnQrQdbNoLmmPMb7ZqY6zQQ6TUBUuISp_P6YRHbKs/s1600/PA165528.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477900189017542274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9qAqn9sZAfQQRGCxDe-CyzjH1RlIbgW9dHidZHfJJI7jl0P8TRIhRhxrpCI1CGhMBoXk9LpAEUXErqXGFBBb7ZF5Ml2Hq3UqTO5OnQrQdbNoLmmPMb7ZqY6zQQ6TUBUuISp_P6YRHbKs/s400/PA165528.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
And, the completed kitchen:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaiFgxKqKMhjiGz9tBgghm59L32KyE7iSBpjvjeN19CUGQ_rGhHXtB2H5voQBd55FqfxThGRwiCMRAhsRT4rxEVJKo-parm4Zo84zS5xz9brbFPLNL0FdNhpAWHXRKrjn9srZ7AHHGt1y/s1600/PC115801.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477900180647985858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaiFgxKqKMhjiGz9tBgghm59L32KyE7iSBpjvjeN19CUGQ_rGhHXtB2H5voQBd55FqfxThGRwiCMRAhsRT4rxEVJKo-parm4Zo84zS5xz9brbFPLNL0FdNhpAWHXRKrjn9srZ7AHHGt1y/s400/PC115801.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We used wood craft circles and a square dowel for the burners. We painted wood nobs found in the craft store for the black nobs. The sink is a square cake pan and the faucet came from a salvage yard. Brett cut shelves to fit where the drawers had been, and cut and routered the back splash from a piece of shelving we had on hand. Hinges and handle for the oven came from Lowe's.</span><br />
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The inside of the oven is spray-painted shiny silver, and we have since added chains to both sides of the oven door to make it more sturdy. I made the little curtain rod with leftover fabric from M's nursery, and it's hanging on a small tension rod.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNjhdorKrbt_Ms0jsgvSK9FJDA-Yl80K0n_NkhIxThwhKbp9jl32Wk2BQOPVuSPskNMf8wgPlJW_5eRnoQOHC32ADIC1D6DLBE8C-5ZTN7ltQJ1O3mPGrCjs7X4rH2dOiYfTzVdHG25B7/s1600/PC115803.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477900171942567442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNjhdorKrbt_Ms0jsgvSK9FJDA-Yl80K0n_NkhIxThwhKbp9jl32Wk2BQOPVuSPskNMf8wgPlJW_5eRnoQOHC32ADIC1D6DLBE8C-5ZTN7ltQJ1O3mPGrCjs7X4rH2dOiYfTzVdHG25B7/s400/PC115803.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We estimate having spent close to $60 total, but definitely could have done the project for cheaper. Since this was a gift for our only child, we did splurge on a few things. (Namely the faucet...it cost $20, but we loved the size and the 'realness' it brought to the project! We also splurged on the handle for the oven door, and again, just loved the size and look of the one we chose.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I found some great pics of other <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-cooking.html">DIY play kitchens</a>, and am so excited to get going on E and A's!! </span></span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-61741927171264369122010-07-25T20:52:00.000-06:002010-07-25T20:52:01.515-06:00The Long AbsenceSorry for the delay in posting, I have had several fun posts about summer projects, trips and the like rattling around but have not been able to sit down & blog them. I have been sick for 10 days with a terrible sore throat & am finally headed to the doctor tomorrow. I am suspecting Tonsilitis or Strep Throat. I haven't touched my desk or sewing for days, and am feeling the itch to get back to work, and am definitely ready to be feeling back to normal again.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-75849102716405442752010-07-14T12:22:00.000-06:002010-07-14T12:22:32.106-06:00Waffling AroundI. Love. Waffles. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdn5JyXbh_CQD5UuKvkNX54HIh43IGUNyozbXkPJIXCl53oTPLUZUQXie5le192Jc1IWfNHneGgpZxc8brpVagVSXir4egq62oC6sYYMV0Utw95jlBGm_KmklRkV91hlG_8uLgjXcms4/s1600/WaffleBanana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdn5JyXbh_CQD5UuKvkNX54HIh43IGUNyozbXkPJIXCl53oTPLUZUQXie5le192Jc1IWfNHneGgpZxc8brpVagVSXir4egq62oC6sYYMV0Utw95jlBGm_KmklRkV91hlG_8uLgjXcms4/s320/WaffleBanana1.jpg" /></a></div> Though I don't top my waffles with the traditional butter & syrup (applesauce, berries or banana slices is more my cup of tea), I could eat waffles every day.<br />
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My <a href="http://bugbitesplayfood.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> has desperately been needing these little play food beauties to brighten things up a bit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzJiJ49FvvvEh30tpGmW3G3VSVrYSPk7RYBQNvy5-dB92Ro7vp2LhAo6S-2EGWg3RsYkivEdACpW7xI3ono6FHT44KOkVi9CA78OIFeedgUqd-b9n1B3J3QyB3d4j-Yqm0pg-9IuB69w/s1600/WafflesBlueberry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzJiJ49FvvvEh30tpGmW3G3VSVrYSPk7RYBQNvy5-dB92Ro7vp2LhAo6S-2EGWg3RsYkivEdACpW7xI3ono6FHT44KOkVi9CA78OIFeedgUqd-b9n1B3J3QyB3d4j-Yqm0pg-9IuB69w/s320/WafflesBlueberry1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jwha67_7ED2uQatsKaJqIMASxW1ELlDkw0E9AwBCEK9NkJQQjm0NBCMZIW0phDVu_3hvpIKttf5NpTe5Sta65yWcXA09f5YC8OFoGObtxizmTepx1aM2I4SxtBz0KOW0w3NTtzzzbw8/s1600/WafflesStrawb2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jwha67_7ED2uQatsKaJqIMASxW1ELlDkw0E9AwBCEK9NkJQQjm0NBCMZIW0phDVu_3hvpIKttf5NpTe5Sta65yWcXA09f5YC8OFoGObtxizmTepx1aM2I4SxtBz0KOW0w3NTtzzzbw8/s320/WafflesStrawb2a.jpg" /></a></div>Enjoy!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-46405567993213659232010-07-06T08:30:00.000-06:002010-07-06T08:30:46.697-06:00Felt Food Bakers Rejoice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtie4OrU4tU2GmLkRDurBqTXjo0PI7Nyx-y_7l-HtAR8WwAkzbFLYV6xyAyl4uQA3NNGoojsPnDnqOwgLwbZZGdftw7UdS6SCDumopg3mbZfuWw7sDzCYr-2AOsZKldU0rpP8vQM6OVpQ/s1600/Baking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtie4OrU4tU2GmLkRDurBqTXjo0PI7Nyx-y_7l-HtAR8WwAkzbFLYV6xyAyl4uQA3NNGoojsPnDnqOwgLwbZZGdftw7UdS6SCDumopg3mbZfuWw7sDzCYr-2AOsZKldU0rpP8vQM6OVpQ/s320/Baking1.jpg" /></a></div>My childhood baking memories are bubbling up through my creativity, and manifesting themselves through felt. I have long needed a felt play food Baking Ingredients set to add to my shop. This set was inspired by my daughter, who loves to help me in the kitchen, and who insists on having her own "ingredients" to add to her felt food baking bowls.<br />
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This set was a real challenge as I waffled back and forth, trying to decide whether to allow the sacks to be opened or sewn shut. I wasn't sure how to create "flour" and "sugar" that would be functionable and something that wouldn't be scattered throughout the house, aggravating unsuspecting Mothers. In the end, my genius husband suggested 100% cotton balls - perfect!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlSsd4oxHrCjeI-V-rQt5Jzno4r7prNk4T3ou7qk1aGoBkmqi2mMW1IZHFCmcDQ2y94KpCF0af0g7NPO8_v0un34fW9XY2jBSdNHWqwS4I_nBXIkXNjmR4lUvGQVaesAD_MsA6A_xtKM/s1600/Baking5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlSsd4oxHrCjeI-V-rQt5Jzno4r7prNk4T3ou7qk1aGoBkmqi2mMW1IZHFCmcDQ2y94KpCF0af0g7NPO8_v0un34fW9XY2jBSdNHWqwS4I_nBXIkXNjmR4lUvGQVaesAD_MsA6A_xtKM/s320/Baking5.jpg" /></a>The egg, which is my very favorite felt food item, is inspired by one of my favorite wool food artisans called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44109518/egg-cracker">Wool Food</a>. I make it my habit to never copy another designer's work, but as I struggled to design a sewn, "crack-able" egg that didn't have at least 4 tacky seams, I gave in, learned to "wet felt" and thankfully pushed on.<br />
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I hope this set inspires Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters to spend time gathered around the counter (or play kitchen) sharing teaching moments together.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-56398119685997195932010-06-30T08:58:00.000-06:002010-06-30T08:58:44.440-06:00Kitchen ToolsLittle chins resting on the counter, short legs tip-toeing on chairs, eyes curiously watching, and eager little hands helping is one of my favorite moments of the day as we sift, mix and measure random powders, flours and goopy syrups when making cookies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKWBdIrZfTOk15Jz1c_2My35arRYKCOiW1wyStBAkCLl4HRU4FHm8-rsDzM2zFk49zdQ38oIrLBOV0VkLahkBQG-TdDNbQQAe-dzg6TB2JtCEb1ofn3cuO3mbZ1YGrL0lV1n4q9dRN8Q/s1600/KTools1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKWBdIrZfTOk15Jz1c_2My35arRYKCOiW1wyStBAkCLl4HRU4FHm8-rsDzM2zFk49zdQ38oIrLBOV0VkLahkBQG-TdDNbQQAe-dzg6TB2JtCEb1ofn3cuO3mbZ1YGrL0lV1n4q9dRN8Q/s320/KTools1.jpg" /></a></div>I hope to share some of my favorite moments with my new set of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50377756/kitchen-utensil-felt-play-food-6-piece">kitchen utensils</a> in my Etsy shop. <br />
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My favorite is the pancake turner, mostly because it is my daughter's favorite. She spent an afternoon flipping felt play food pancakes, eggs and pies at me as I worked. She also made great use of the measuring cup by filling it with spools of my thread and bobbins. Thread cookies anyone? Huge grins and giggles from each of us that day.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-9923658883804882462010-06-02T10:20:00.003-06:002010-06-03T18:31:15.616-06:00Super Hero Cape DIY Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZB793i06H1a6GuRqMRTqweXrXKvd6xTg6pUNh5lFhgCy5vhEhtjzGDz8oK04_-Y27ECqcLEdAn9hOzwk5dlfVsDidL1svVwgLJECZfUtnrgKFMhzVqMOqHyuBJ5WiKQ3RkXr8nM0oML8/s1600/EthAubCapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZB793i06H1a6GuRqMRTqweXrXKvd6xTg6pUNh5lFhgCy5vhEhtjzGDz8oK04_-Y27ECqcLEdAn9hOzwk5dlfVsDidL1svVwgLJECZfUtnrgKFMhzVqMOqHyuBJ5WiKQ3RkXr8nM0oML8/s320/EthAubCapes.jpg" /></a></div>I have a Son who has a shadow. A two year old shadow, always following at his heels, copying his movements, words and every silliness that can be had. Since his greatest ambition in life is to grow up to be Batman, he practically lives in his cape - zooming around the yard fighting bad guys, and all other injustice (the world needs more of these heroic men, doesn't it?). Along with all of this crime-fighting comes his little Sister - shadowing his every move like an apprentice in training.<br />
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So what a shame, I thought, that this little super heroine doesn't have a super cape of her own. A crime worthy of the baddest of bad guys! I have redeemed myself today, and hope to pass along this fun design to you, so that you may not face the wrath that I did. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpjewHcoizj0w96NbxZzOQeM8f7w5jnvasoctnRdnVKZrjKIvkRP-Q_5HzqjIi9Q2faeh2dfsCNMBMBGZkIntsYXYXfIYODa3BtGmjOE_yD8eNVBdEzwf1ZI3HeYGVK5Rql5MMBlyuM8/s1600/Cape15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpjewHcoizj0w96NbxZzOQeM8f7w5jnvasoctnRdnVKZrjKIvkRP-Q_5HzqjIi9Q2faeh2dfsCNMBMBGZkIntsYXYXfIYODa3BtGmjOE_yD8eNVBdEzwf1ZI3HeYGVK5Rql5MMBlyuM8/s320/Cape15.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You will need:<br />
- 2 Pieces 22"x 24" fabric (I used fabric remnants from the fabric store. 1 cotton print, 1 satin liner) <br />
- 1 Piece Hook Velcro<br />
- 1 Piece Loop Velcro (I prefer these over snaps, as they are safer and easier to break in event of<br />
choking)<br />
- Scissors<br />
- Sewing Machine<br />
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**Note: this cape is to fit a 2 year old, so you can adjust the length to fit your Little Hero (or big one!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-supAghe5rLoECUnF6QnW7_gaTQlYyLSThjM_ej8Ri9tTEMBnXU4tRpQjb0pMHudcBcPWRq63_P78POleSy0Zpkz59WIrQQVz9rOnP6jDotlybwY4FFAQn7GZiPP9nQD_pqpYoItsltI/s1600/Cape1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-supAghe5rLoECUnF6QnW7_gaTQlYyLSThjM_ej8Ri9tTEMBnXU4tRpQjb0pMHudcBcPWRq63_P78POleSy0Zpkz59WIrQQVz9rOnP6jDotlybwY4FFAQn7GZiPP9nQD_pqpYoItsltI/s320/Cape1.jpg" /></a></div>1. Decide on the top & bottom of the fabrics, line them up with right (printed) sides together on the inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCpaHc747ek7iwTgCFvNSmjI8mnF1KiKM-S22KOVvgtdQSZ4js5IDTPGDDXtbSYj93o0vCJxvEnW4nkLtyGKTJBgdCudXx02LOglKxVKLDZy8Q01wzfLEmKtJHthU_D9Ps22UmKYVqFY/s1600/Cape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCpaHc747ek7iwTgCFvNSmjI8mnF1KiKM-S22KOVvgtdQSZ4js5IDTPGDDXtbSYj93o0vCJxvEnW4nkLtyGKTJBgdCudXx02LOglKxVKLDZy8Q01wzfLEmKtJHthU_D9Ps22UmKYVqFY/s320/Cape2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
2. Cut the bottom corners to be rounded, and cut a semi-circle from the top for the neck. I also tapered the sides so they angle up from the bottom of the cape to the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1-HTFVj9gZqIChf6Ggc5fr-quaNwqzUMdMtvctl1uGj800Js-eu6AAn9-O9FIq1jG_s741g7LvbMTyfN4KJ-LzzxcQTjTKec9S5wlPP7BhUF384R8MsXa9pAE-5ZhuCoYhHO5NQra4I/s1600/Cape3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1-HTFVj9gZqIChf6Ggc5fr-quaNwqzUMdMtvctl1uGj800Js-eu6AAn9-O9FIq1jG_s741g7LvbMTyfN4KJ-LzzxcQTjTKec9S5wlPP7BhUF384R8MsXa9pAE-5ZhuCoYhHO5NQra4I/s320/Cape3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG-4zdRV1xKR8nR3a6vIUOgvSC8F_chH7_jVrJ9DO6Me8zlQnFgNwx8qc3Z5aejzbleXruXfJXBUHjBLLqxElQl__lj3K7OxxWePH0QHGYFurJed_ej1WEPn0gazb0RlYbnoM0ESH_2Y/s1600/Cape4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG-4zdRV1xKR8nR3a6vIUOgvSC8F_chH7_jVrJ9DO6Me8zlQnFgNwx8qc3Z5aejzbleXruXfJXBUHjBLLqxElQl__lj3K7OxxWePH0QHGYFurJed_ej1WEPn0gazb0RlYbnoM0ESH_2Y/s320/Cape4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Line up the fabrics and start sewing with a 1/4" seam allowance. Sew all the way around the edge of the fabric, stopping about 4-5" from your starting point. You will need this opening to flip the fabrics right side out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDfd6g2bj-76RLAjwOlr2HbUg8NPP4k4WcjmpeONJdv_nvs5-SztKjhhsPQziDuvFRtmoXW9kJAqKzmPsJiHLndiUncCtmzsWOHHNizKzXVgftEmreeVdhNNQDuMLMDbX25cQfwnGDFo/s1600/Cape5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDfd6g2bj-76RLAjwOlr2HbUg8NPP4k4WcjmpeONJdv_nvs5-SztKjhhsPQziDuvFRtmoXW9kJAqKzmPsJiHLndiUncCtmzsWOHHNizKzXVgftEmreeVdhNNQDuMLMDbX25cQfwnGDFo/s320/Cape5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvUUPgp4u45kH8dn_Eb6vcmIzD-ZcPAzrvESPKb4l_ASlnJrJ6XjGIFE4hrZ8svEHCEsFrbCz1yhf7lIfD65bZxZ-B_d15VS2nAgX16HcLNi0bFd3RKa4RnKWZ7hfJFY8l_qkexqYVeg/s1600/Cape6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvUUPgp4u45kH8dn_Eb6vcmIzD-ZcPAzrvESPKb4l_ASlnJrJ6XjGIFE4hrZ8svEHCEsFrbCz1yhf7lIfD65bZxZ-B_d15VS2nAgX16HcLNi0bFd3RKa4RnKWZ7hfJFY8l_qkexqYVeg/s320/Cape6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
4. Open the hole, reach inside and pull the fabric through, flipping the whole thing right side out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSrBqRwACEwycLoAhljLIKzLd_017v-erQQ9rqKeLW-YbT1Hohej554VQCPKCbzOLI-d6A9Az92n9CyIMZGC3y2XMWPuZqWVt1ZPiBYa0SFqNzcHqfMucJqD1xY4IjOOpHeb4itZmzYc/s1600/Cape6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSrBqRwACEwycLoAhljLIKzLd_017v-erQQ9rqKeLW-YbT1Hohej554VQCPKCbzOLI-d6A9Az92n9CyIMZGC3y2XMWPuZqWVt1ZPiBYa0SFqNzcHqfMucJqD1xY4IjOOpHeb4itZmzYc/s320/Cape6a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXjdUi8Kh4DkVPPIWzqxFOCx3kmAjngajoiGfmz0zoTFihHV0mqT8fbLXF2WBKi25-UXOrCUwzS6ZDCuHfkrMEEF_0VaeACIFfKJUUFxMQ1AqHWcsFG1xjJBXlNm9-P4iZHALcBiOe64/s1600/Cape6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXjdUi8Kh4DkVPPIWzqxFOCx3kmAjngajoiGfmz0zoTFihHV0mqT8fbLXF2WBKi25-UXOrCUwzS6ZDCuHfkrMEEF_0VaeACIFfKJUUFxMQ1AqHWcsFG1xjJBXlNm9-P4iZHALcBiOe64/s320/Cape6b.jpg" /></a></div>5. Straighten the seams, making sure to push out the corners on the neck pieces, so they are nice and square, or rounded, if you prefer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPIjJP7eVMhuYJqnlfMGmXwISIGS8mhsUcNmnyo041idCNZ74qwhQrw5sI2rel8P-5GWl9T8rWB5OB2Of2runW_4JWlwkLYisuzX1hyphenhyphenR_yXFR5Qkppo81pDs25L9-8gMDXrUNUszNxPc/s1600/Cape7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPIjJP7eVMhuYJqnlfMGmXwISIGS8mhsUcNmnyo041idCNZ74qwhQrw5sI2rel8P-5GWl9T8rWB5OB2Of2runW_4JWlwkLYisuzX1hyphenhyphenR_yXFR5Qkppo81pDs25L9-8gMDXrUNUszNxPc/s320/Cape7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NXv1AWLTZ5ySEMZ2xTrXuZGjPnGOMg_vpFp7cN-VOlnds2ecUDEelseiQKIx1H3SItd4BDlanzwCJNtGKM4LisZ9EvbxNrHF8QjBUIrhcb3vpG7lCtYs-u0qk61KiwGmT86NnzwmzwU/s1600/Cape8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NXv1AWLTZ5ySEMZ2xTrXuZGjPnGOMg_vpFp7cN-VOlnds2ecUDEelseiQKIx1H3SItd4BDlanzwCJNtGKM4LisZ9EvbxNrHF8QjBUIrhcb3vpG7lCtYs-u0qk61KiwGmT86NnzwmzwU/s320/Cape8.jpg" /></a></div><br />
6. Place the fabric in your sewing machine, starting just above the open hole that the fabric was pulled through. Roll the rough edges inside and carefully stitch (slowly to maintain control) the seam closed.<br />
Continue sewing a 1/4" seam all the way around the fabric. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyebv8mmjcUCRwcmEcYGecmkq7CtpJsmpiwkwjxJSO3n1VZoSx0OFUdULaJD0rXaUn7bhSoLAalXFNSuSUYXs0I90HWagv0QLCEfEfDQZBxxDpA7Ri5TDbXhj4I1gdbzUWmRgtmgYUkxI/s1600/Cape9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyebv8mmjcUCRwcmEcYGecmkq7CtpJsmpiwkwjxJSO3n1VZoSx0OFUdULaJD0rXaUn7bhSoLAalXFNSuSUYXs0I90HWagv0QLCEfEfDQZBxxDpA7Ri5TDbXhj4I1gdbzUWmRgtmgYUkxI/s320/Cape9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
7. Now that you have the nice seam around the whole cape, we will add the velcro tabs. Place the Loop (soft) velcro on top of the right neck piece on the outside fabric of the cape. Sew securely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe-wF7SgNtzR8T5EhmsKXtGhomqaMW4JgOMCZ14JKWPZJVmkLNe9ChbrZUiTLtyUifIx3J8wgtFcX6jZ2UB8_WYAM7BQ4uGlTqbajvE1ajGZKCMCXcwfr6E3mH6vl8bt472bjMykn0EI/s1600/Cape10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe-wF7SgNtzR8T5EhmsKXtGhomqaMW4JgOMCZ14JKWPZJVmkLNe9ChbrZUiTLtyUifIx3J8wgtFcX6jZ2UB8_WYAM7BQ4uGlTqbajvE1ajGZKCMCXcwfr6E3mH6vl8bt472bjMykn0EI/s320/Cape10.jpg" /></a></div><br />
8. Next, sew the Hook side on the left neck piece on the inside fabric.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVsQ1d0UyL8bcayUVgyRpjXqxDmY3NgSjTTnGxeEA9SGQavjSoLBGqNMunldm0DOMOhzF-ELRj5bt_MW9R-wnObTJrCG1RFAlO3uffxfW0JmyDmBJbtl-0-Rwa0n39iZ_1qisUuBgiVA/s1600/Cape11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVsQ1d0UyL8bcayUVgyRpjXqxDmY3NgSjTTnGxeEA9SGQavjSoLBGqNMunldm0DOMOhzF-ELRj5bt_MW9R-wnObTJrCG1RFAlO3uffxfW0JmyDmBJbtl-0-Rwa0n39iZ_1qisUuBgiVA/s320/Cape11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
9. They should lay on top of each other like this when finished.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl0qFpowm0lMmhVkdUKRCfCBGS97fgbM5EUD0MZT9HBOqV66YvLIBy8-2QMt7o-ir0IpqghUWfDE3x89HY-IDXW3MDewUlBl1fBQOlWQkUcECUlVYlgBLWmhnQGLFGdNjTJKqMVZSgoU/s1600/Cape15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl0qFpowm0lMmhVkdUKRCfCBGS97fgbM5EUD0MZT9HBOqV66YvLIBy8-2QMt7o-ir0IpqghUWfDE3x89HY-IDXW3MDewUlBl1fBQOlWQkUcECUlVYlgBLWmhnQGLFGdNjTJKqMVZSgoU/s320/Cape15.jpg" /></a></div><br />
10. Last, carefully apply whole cape to the neck of your favorite Super Hero and watch them fly!!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-67238574666840312342010-06-01T13:09:00.000-06:002010-06-01T13:09:45.356-06:00Blog's New FaceThis morning's (or should I say, day's) project has been to completely overhaul my blog. I have never been satisfied with the layout or background of my blog - hence the many changes you poor blog readers have had to endure with the frequent changes. I hope to have finally got the layout right.<br />
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I have switched to a 3-column layout, with several new links, a NEW E-mail subscription, Facebook and Twitter follow buttons and other fun things to find. I will be adding more tutorials, information on felt food and lots of other goodies as soon as I can. Keep your eyes peeled for more!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-71774146351775752092010-05-28T11:46:00.001-06:002010-05-28T11:46:56.655-06:00Ants on a Log<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rAFKjRz5I41IhkQsNMpDfHQTzu4nJR_dTmqbBUuaPmQL0w9wJA9FojAbCgcEl_AIL5LVzf9mA6a1V4MOw7vm1XJdkRlcWkraFbi_MExpn84s9eraFLH2mvGTp1RynY5Ol0Vmy5mE1_4/s1600/AntsSnack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rAFKjRz5I41IhkQsNMpDfHQTzu4nJR_dTmqbBUuaPmQL0w9wJA9FojAbCgcEl_AIL5LVzf9mA6a1V4MOw7vm1XJdkRlcWkraFbi_MExpn84s9eraFLH2mvGTp1RynY5Ol0Vmy5mE1_4/s320/AntsSnack.jpg" /></a></div>Celebrate Summer!! I picked my son up from his last day of Kindergarten today, so we came home and celebrated with his favorite snack - Ants on a Log! We make ours a little non-traditionally, dairy & peanut free. I used Almond Butter, Non-Dairy Cream Cheese (thank heavens for you, Tofutti!), organic raisins, and flax seeds for some additional little nutritional "buggies" on top. They were a hit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ckVlL_pir3xhmHgiDA0MdyXr4BEF01hTjCgUqP5tp2A1KwL23EXcLOBsXwLC7siTqkWS7vPtsq3RgUtMlPNfLsW-Oqo471alsoMuuh5B_EXTPNmIajuV0UpFBxr_LkeEdj_57SNwvdM/s1600/Ants1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ckVlL_pir3xhmHgiDA0MdyXr4BEF01hTjCgUqP5tp2A1KwL23EXcLOBsXwLC7siTqkWS7vPtsq3RgUtMlPNfLsW-Oqo471alsoMuuh5B_EXTPNmIajuV0UpFBxr_LkeEdj_57SNwvdM/s320/Ants1.jpg" /></a></div>In tribute to his graduation, I thought it would be fun to make a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48271443/celery-ants-on-a-log-felt-play-food">felt version</a> of his treat! Quite a fun little project for the morning. Happy Summer!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-11898541326260007612010-05-27T11:24:00.002-06:002010-05-27T11:26:53.324-06:00Lime and Tangerine Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaAcpcMuFxLHFk3vkuTYNLLo_l_E0vfn3sPpD2g3oYn7kRQZVxOlGdeDQiLbqJf7fgggApqfDFSt-AinaiTzAenheD9ZowiHtivjRdoaXjURXJMPa0u7YHzzgkqLQMWYC4mH2vWU1gbI/s320/CupcakesGreen1.jpg" /><span style="color: black;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">I remember standing on the beach, with only minutes left of my vacation, saturating myself in each brilliant blue and green shade of the ocean, the white gold of the beach, and the unbelievable azure sky, thinking to myself "absorb it all, Becca."</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXnmqNGw_Q7EhrTzGZWvG6fAm-QiN_Pe_MdTtOT7bOpWqsg0Om26kess9KgzXeI_nd-pAN__t72IGD-oNDsXimbATQdiIoK_ITh4BViHB8_A5rJRIty0GEh1D-tY95UD08UeU_LR3jSA/s1600/CupcakesOrange1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXnmqNGw_Q7EhrTzGZWvG6fAm-QiN_Pe_MdTtOT7bOpWqsg0Om26kess9KgzXeI_nd-pAN__t72IGD-oNDsXimbATQdiIoK_ITh4BViHB8_A5rJRIty0GEh1D-tY95UD08UeU_LR3jSA/s320/CupcakesOrange1A.jpg" /></a></div>Our family just returned from a week in Akumal, Mexico, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of my hubby's parents. Spring here in Utah has been almost non-existent, weather going from rain, to sun to even <i>snow</i> two days ago. <span style="color: black;">So, I have been pining for the brilliance of that beach ever since. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintwGaztEiMnAPRUa_acwLWlGjpaZBmfcVdceLoHhJ4zyALXxXG5-DtDaKgf_Nfy4BDUeVOiM5Y4vRAlc2yW_ovN7wWB5oDeoI_p-9vYSUkXF0Jye5_MseXSZL1-clFT2UIcHDbYTxSJ0/s1600/Honeydew1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintwGaztEiMnAPRUa_acwLWlGjpaZBmfcVdceLoHhJ4zyALXxXG5-DtDaKgf_Nfy4BDUeVOiM5Y4vRAlc2yW_ovN7wWB5oDeoI_p-9vYSUkXF0Jye5_MseXSZL1-clFT2UIcHDbYTxSJ0/s320/Honeydew1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: black;">As an extremely visual person, the striking colors of the Yucatan make the dull grey spring here in Utah pale in comparison. I think these colors are trying to spill out of me this last week, as every new item I have been making is super bright, with green and orange felt scraps plastering my desk. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhVaJckJMK6O9jKbiMb4MNaVbkKFtv1107JfaWefurYQNypqHiq2shvCLbZZEkTwmMD_mYQ8wEM8XrjkK-sSTrPeDOPh5FfhSA-eZBSEu_PkjNjlO4md3zJ_mftTyzXzZ5liR0ItFatY/s1600/Cantaloupe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhVaJckJMK6O9jKbiMb4MNaVbkKFtv1107JfaWefurYQNypqHiq2shvCLbZZEkTwmMD_mYQ8wEM8XrjkK-sSTrPeDOPh5FfhSA-eZBSEu_PkjNjlO4md3zJ_mftTyzXzZ5liR0ItFatY/s320/Cantaloupe1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">So, hopefully Utah will catch up a bit and act like Spring/Summer this week and I will not have to express my color-longing in my felt play food as much.</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-22672145716895111322010-05-02T18:13:00.001-06:002010-07-14T09:34:22.498-06:00A Drowning Foodie... A Meatless and Dairy-Free Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpRTl1yXjCItHwNIAnAI4p7pF3ZEeLqpu-0ML6MADtuwW2_WmfZdD5bza4GI1zR3qK8GsKBClSM5232a_Buzp7YZtym-RbUcZ2Tc23boOMgpTovhvKn8AsBTY8PX9oGdFgIYVo3pIf4E/s1600/soy-milk-glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpRTl1yXjCItHwNIAnAI4p7pF3ZEeLqpu-0ML6MADtuwW2_WmfZdD5bza4GI1zR3qK8GsKBClSM5232a_Buzp7YZtym-RbUcZ2Tc23boOMgpTovhvKn8AsBTY8PX9oGdFgIYVo3pIf4E/s320/soy-milk-glass.jpg" /></a></div>I am food challenged. It sucks. I admit it. Please note that I am not a card-carrying vegan with an environmental cause, but feel like I have had my dietary challenges forced upon me by some cosmic force that is poking me in the gut and laughing sadistically. I have been taking a serious look at my dietary history, and the issues it has caused me, so that I can finally eat and feel well.<br />
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Now, I was a "normal" kid dietetically speaking, eating most foods I wanted and not caring what went into my mouth, though most of it was cereal - my favorite food at the time. And with that sugary crunchiness came GALLONS of milk. Seriously. But my unintended consequences were obvious, even if not to me. Battling weight and self-esteem issues, (because of all the fatty-growth hormone-infused milk I drank, and sugary <i>crap </i>I ate), adding serious insult to injury - <i>constant</i> colds. I kid you not, I packed a<i> </i>full roll of toilet paper in my backpack to school and blew through it (bad pun) in about 3 days. Coming home and emptying a full backpack of used tissues should have raised some red flags that there was something wrong with my body, but I was a kid and; never considered such a prospect that I could actually feel anything but sick and miserable about myself. I have seen family photos of me holding my trusty roll. How sad is that? <br />
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Now, I must give credit where credit is due - my Mom is wonderful and was very conscious of my health, and did make great healthy food - no white bread (to my horror at the time, can you imagine eating <i>brown bread</i> at the lunch table while all your friends have that deceptively beautiful white bread framing their PB and J?) So no Twinkies, chips, candy or other such refined fodder in our house. My Mom made homemade vegetable and meat dinners- made with all the love that a mother can give. But a kid still gets the crap at school, right?<br />
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At the tender age of 14 while staying with my über-fit, mountaineering brother, I finally discovered that I was dairy-intolerant. A week of drinking rice milk and almost constant exercise, I felt better than I ever had. Who knew that there was life outside of constant colds, hay-fever, and <i>cases</i> of Kleenex? So, with a week of drinking Rice Milk, and feeling "snot-free" for the first time in my memory, I ecstatically told Mom and Dad that I was allergic to milk, and ran to the store to buy my first box of Soy Milk.<br />
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So my life in the world of alternative foods began. I got my second job at Wild Oats when I was 16, and an entire universe of dietary choices opened up to me. I never knew about meatless diets, vegans, raw-foodies or natural living and healing with food. I was never vegetarian or vegan, but began to make great changes in my diet and felt wonderful!<br />
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Which brings me to round 2 of my food challenges, that has just been revealing itself in the last few years. <br />
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I guess it has been a long time coming, but since I turned 30 four months ago, my body has completely shut down on <b><i>any</i></b> dairy or meat. Crap. I used to be able to eat small amounts, like butter on my toast, or ranch dressing on my salad, and an occasional serving of grilled chicken at a family party, but no more. I have spent more sleepless nights in these last few months, curled fetal-position on the floor of the bathroom, my stomach twisted in spasms of excruciating, kick-in-the-gut pain, <i>wishing </i>to throw up (which doesn't help, by the way), than I have ever experienced with my worst bouts of stomach flu. <br />
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So, on that lovely, personal note - we move on. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEn5gPCs5MKQmTlcfeCDiPevQ-rKrd_4Mpusht2oHNUmE_1o1227nus7I1YNlBqMct-QJPi1ZaimPrkGmTctUoDtmMshnOdGU7IEq6PGYU4Rj0qzljm_3p1VnAnfebkEWYrDiQPNuYrs/s1600/MangoPanacotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEn5gPCs5MKQmTlcfeCDiPevQ-rKrd_4Mpusht2oHNUmE_1o1227nus7I1YNlBqMct-QJPi1ZaimPrkGmTctUoDtmMshnOdGU7IEq6PGYU4Rj0qzljm_3p1VnAnfebkEWYrDiQPNuYrs/s320/MangoPanacotta.jpg" /></a></div>As I live with the new developments of my dietary challenges, I figure I can take a glass-half-full or half-empty attitude about it. I have found delicious substitutions for most normal foods - have you ever tried Coconut Ice Cream??! I'll never feel jealous at an ice cream party again. I have discovered some amazing blogs out there that have the most amazing food I have ever tasted, or dreamed of tasted. I have found an excellent website dedicated to Non-Dairy cooking, other various food allergies, and general good health, called <a href="http://www.godairyfree.org/">Go Dairy Free</a>. <br />
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One of my favorite blogs is <a href="http://yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com/">Yasmeen-HealthNut</a> - in which I have spent hours reading and drooling. Our new family favorite is Yasmeen's <a href="http://yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com/2010/04/cardamom-mango-panna-cotta-with-honey.html">Cardamom Mango Panna Cotta with Honey Peach Sauce. </a><br />
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I also love the <a href="http://thenondairyqueen.blogspot.com/">Non-Dairy Queen's Blog</a> for her fun and delicious alternatives to dairy and gluten-free cooking. <br />
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I must note that this post has been written mostly for me, as an honest self-analysis, and you lovely people just happen to be the bystanders in my dietary therapy session. Hopefully, my sad childhood food experiences can shed some light on unknown issues with others' health issues and maybe help a little.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-69185747177333886192010-04-19T08:15:00.000-06:002010-04-19T08:15:54.254-06:00Earth Day is Coming!In celebration of Earth Day this Thursday, I am going to post a fun DIY tutorial of something you can make to help reduce garbage and green up our earth! I haven't made the final decision on which project to make, so keep your eyes peeled in the next day or two for some crafty green fun!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-31398207564095822112010-04-16T08:08:00.000-06:002010-04-16T08:08:50.648-06:00The Big Ta-Da<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7MfhLYHvCwgx1dZRO7pyOYLKvDaGXEZsFQuvCLGE1JjRfRiy93PZKWahzGFbNkxEpsy6I1UzLPvh64obB4TPipYUCQ_eA8ZxFwSqKsOYhDvRLNOX1Ashtxy4TfcQw92PjoSP6n852ec/s1600/Ribs5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7MfhLYHvCwgx1dZRO7pyOYLKvDaGXEZsFQuvCLGE1JjRfRiy93PZKWahzGFbNkxEpsy6I1UzLPvh64obB4TPipYUCQ_eA8ZxFwSqKsOYhDvRLNOX1Ashtxy4TfcQw92PjoSP6n852ec/s320/Ribs5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know the feeling when you work on something you are really proud of, are just itching to finish it and show it to the world, because it is the most spectacular, wonderful and brilliant idea you ever had - and its conception has been barraged through the gauntlet of design vs logistics for weeks... Know what I mean? That is my experience with my new items - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44858883/bbq-ribs-felt-play-food">BBQ Spare Ribs</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIbI6aNM3-RatGayWCMCc2FyZA7vchdbx1O4iQwTuQw2AJi-kWk6uWxOsDULfzlV_rmPU1i_lZHWacEhHKjtXH8jl8OKjBqfijEnXtHltOSGDddNkyCbk6AtQFGAcXRz8eyQnFvy2d0M/s1600/Ribs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIbI6aNM3-RatGayWCMCc2FyZA7vchdbx1O4iQwTuQw2AJi-kWk6uWxOsDULfzlV_rmPU1i_lZHWacEhHKjtXH8jl8OKjBqfijEnXtHltOSGDddNkyCbk6AtQFGAcXRz8eyQnFvy2d0M/s320/Ribs1.jpg" /></a></div>To my knowledge, I haven't seen any other felt food item quite like these (and this is after many many Google searches), which is why this idea has been bouncing around the idea room in my head - banging the door down before someone else snatches this one up. Because in the felt food world, there are only so many felt food items that can be made before you have "seen it all" - of course there are variations of a food item - color, design, etc... but most play food items have been done-to-death by everyone and their grandmother (me included), so when the opportunity to create a totally new item comes up, I snatch it! The funny thing is, it wasn't even totally mine - my husband is the creative genius who gets credit for this one. My favorite part of this new design is the magnets that can be added to the small piece so the ribs can be "pulled apart" like the real thing. My kids giggle, and I smile. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8QcEaT0D8x_i1LQ2N95OXvNIN0RdKpX7Ex1NPTht_Yd_Q7pyQpFcUNcMo4Ss6lNoL_02wAVXtKeEtjnTMYK2pa-L11Ps6XkNnpYk3FE265wXoNXec6FfscEvmQucxnds9lZriR0rfZE/s1600/Ribs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8QcEaT0D8x_i1LQ2N95OXvNIN0RdKpX7Ex1NPTht_Yd_Q7pyQpFcUNcMo4Ss6lNoL_02wAVXtKeEtjnTMYK2pa-L11Ps6XkNnpYk3FE265wXoNXec6FfscEvmQucxnds9lZriR0rfZE/s320/Ribs3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I am a vegetarian, so the idea of me creating drippy meat play food is laughable. So as I sit with my kids, playing with their new play food pieces (my kids get the first crack at the new designs) I pretend we are gnawing on delicious soy-protein and tofu "riblets" dipped in organic vegetarian rib sauce. Or a meat popsicle. One of the two.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-83231490204473461432010-04-13T18:54:00.000-06:002010-04-13T18:54:13.064-06:00New DesignsI am grinding my teeth today as I am working (wrestling, more like!) with a new design for a felt food item that has been sitting in a corner of my brain, poking me to let it out. I need to tell this little "brain design" that ideas and logistics don't always play well together. Oh well. I plug on and hope that I can nail this design down tonight, so it can have its big debut tomorrow. This one is a never-before-seen felt food item - at least I haven't found any like it in several searches, so it should be fun!!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-28965209194710617932010-04-12T09:50:00.000-06:002010-04-12T09:50:00.761-06:00And the Winner Is....Christina and Tyler!!!<br />
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Thanks so much to everyone for participating in the giveaway and answering the survey. I had great fun reading your answers and hearing what you all had to say. I didn't post all of the comments received, as some had email info and I couldn't figure how to delete it in the post, but i DID receive all of your comments and they were so helpful.<br />
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This was great fun and I will definitely be doing more giveaways very soon! Thanks again!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-31559018711664688752010-04-09T10:41:00.001-06:002010-04-09T13:17:54.226-06:00Friday GIVEAWAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0mvWcJICGXZK6owLmn-SWagmKwoQYffRgPYRuygf9yPG8G4tBOOtbrRm7ejtgz4Q7EEhxlIg8bspdjmsC7hzGm6lsCUbI4CkZfrVhVf5RqLERdEZQTFo9d9kGpgWbClc2A_-3-r4EMU/s1600/FrenchToast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0mvWcJICGXZK6owLmn-SWagmKwoQYffRgPYRuygf9yPG8G4tBOOtbrRm7ejtgz4Q7EEhxlIg8bspdjmsC7hzGm6lsCUbI4CkZfrVhVf5RqLERdEZQTFo9d9kGpgWbClc2A_-3-r4EMU/s320/FrenchToast1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've got an amazing Giveaway today from my shop, <a href="http://bugbitesplayfood.etsy.com/">Bug Bites Play Food</a> - a French Toast set with Strawberries, Blueberries and Whipped Cream. Who doesn't remember sitting down on a Sunday morning to a steaming stack of cinnamon french toast, berries & cream? Now your Little Chef can return the favor to you with this French Toast set. <br />
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Perfect for little hands, this set contains 2 life-sized pieces of toast, hand-stitched strawberry slices & hand-stitched blueberries, all topped with a hand-stitched dollop of whipped cream. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3otbDS_TH9U8nBpbtp0ULdJ0i9tdUwgjUJGfLXqgeg3hXhdRNBLhRkZ_7vrSC3vBpGuUwA9BZlnsqNyE5O6iFrfdOTH6WXa-gZSBpcxP7Xg-dGHTieaPvSm0MpPgpUkZRdEG6GkkUvPI/s1600/FrenchToast3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3otbDS_TH9U8nBpbtp0ULdJ0i9tdUwgjUJGfLXqgeg3hXhdRNBLhRkZ_7vrSC3vBpGuUwA9BZlnsqNyE5O6iFrfdOTH6WXa-gZSBpcxP7Xg-dGHTieaPvSm0MpPgpUkZRdEG6GkkUvPI/s320/FrenchToast3.jpg" /></a></div>You can enter by completing this <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2NTPXJL">SURVEY</a> and leaving me a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7856415079755929948&postID=3155901871166468875">comment</a> on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7856415079755929948&postID=3155901871166468875">this link</a>, or below. The winner will be selected randomly using random.org and announced on Tuesday, April 12. <i> </i><br />
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<i>*Note: I’ll notify the winner using the email address they list when they comment. PLEASE include your email address in the comment - these will NOT BE PUBLISHED.</i><br />
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<i></i>Good luck!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-76185078519884820242010-03-18T11:19:00.000-06:002010-03-18T11:19:27.947-06:00Spring Dreaming and Summer BBQsOh and I have got it BAD! Utah spring weather has the nasty habit of teasing you with 60 degrees and sunshine one day, and snow the next. So, to combat my month of March up-downs, I am at my desk dreaming of summer grilling parties and swimsuits as I sew.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywCCWZdHbVE67Tfvoa5ss14T69xPAftRSFHI_Xw0xgIlj2JQp6jr05Z_4AWXswRfHlCIrHHE6KRFl2-d7U0YolkNh9mTMN_pqbHDyFInnOmTyq7Yv4JLULena7wghJf6GwTj-EmCVgGM/s1600-h/Kabob1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywCCWZdHbVE67Tfvoa5ss14T69xPAftRSFHI_Xw0xgIlj2JQp6jr05Z_4AWXswRfHlCIrHHE6KRFl2-d7U0YolkNh9mTMN_pqbHDyFInnOmTyq7Yv4JLULena7wghJf6GwTj-EmCVgGM/s320/Kabob1a.jpg" /></a></div>One triumph born from these daydreams is a new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42652430">Kabob</a> felt play food skewer. This one is a new favorite of my kids too - especially little A, who loves to take the pieces off and on, over and over in different flavor combinations - even pretending it was ice cream at one point. Who can argue with a 2 year old's logic? Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-15944329829894718952010-02-28T09:00:00.002-07:002010-02-28T09:00:02.702-07:00My Budding Artist of MayhemI swear, having a 2 year old is having an eternal cyclone spinning out of control throughout the house. Can't leave them alone for a second, or mass-destruction levels the neighborhood. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xCdTLfvsIeNSAjckffyI6p8vv7kcXKB3QHxME-owOf8uQyHGPAzQtXIRE2SgQreN7YHoGMG5vK3vo3qzA_hejBg7xOIIaHYOB84booAYRuhmHMXXv-xqn9cJr8ej-SNbYkNw3-4JWYg/s1600-h/AubreyPenFace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xCdTLfvsIeNSAjckffyI6p8vv7kcXKB3QHxME-owOf8uQyHGPAzQtXIRE2SgQreN7YHoGMG5vK3vo3qzA_hejBg7xOIIaHYOB84booAYRuhmHMXXv-xqn9cJr8ej-SNbYkNw3-4JWYg/s320/AubreyPenFace.jpg" /></a></div>Aubrey is definitely a budding artist. She loves to draw on everything from paper, to tables to walls - and most recently, her face. Brilliant. Maybe she is planning to move to New Zealand & join the Maori?<br />
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Then, last night, I was in the kitchen when that eerie silence that equals disaster drove me to find my little monkey.<br />
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Bathroom. Church shoes. Aftershave.<br />
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A normal, logical mind wouldn't immediately place these items together, but oh the lovely mind of a 2 year old is beyond such mundane order. Aubrey was delightedly dumping all of Austin's aftershave into each of her black church shoes. There are moments in parenthood where words fail. This was one of those for me. Only those sweet little repentant eyes kept me from losing my cool as we scooped the lotion back in the bottle, rinsed out the shoes and cleaned up the counter, floor & walls...Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-76540918006946648362010-02-25T10:54:00.002-07:002010-02-25T11:02:28.041-07:00Cloth Lunch Bag Tutorial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSfzwfxHIx9i_vuOLPUSx8HtD2jrZiqoe_q8s2gEoofssu-2vCK4LDMt-HCy7UQrbVHChn6XPFhyphenhyphen-7T2GRUpZQnbuc97Sg1HLEkHtn6xgr9p_10wjEGjKz4-4H2Fd3y3XZgffN8SpLdg/s1600-h/BagTutorial15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSfzwfxHIx9i_vuOLPUSx8HtD2jrZiqoe_q8s2gEoofssu-2vCK4LDMt-HCy7UQrbVHChn6XPFhyphenhyphen-7T2GRUpZQnbuc97Sg1HLEkHtn6xgr9p_10wjEGjKz4-4H2Fd3y3XZgffN8SpLdg/s200/BagTutorial15.jpg" width="200" /></a>As many of you know, I lived in Hawaii for 2 years while going to school at BYU Hawaii, and there made some of the most amazing friends and memories I will ever have. I miss my island home almost constantly and still await the day when I can visit my island Ohana again. A few years ago, a best friend sent me 2 stacks of 4" hawaiian fabric blocks for a Hawaiian quilt I was planning. Well, that quilt still has not been made and I have hundreds of these little squares sitting in my fabric bin. I pulled them out yesterday and decided to make some cloth lunch bags for E's school lunch. I had so much fun, I thought I would share them with you.<br />
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These bags fit sandwiches & snacks perfectly, and are completely machine washable. No more wasted money on garbage ziplocs! Plus, how fun to have these in your bag lunch! This pattern is a spin off from a great book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cut-Loose-Quilts-Stack-Slice-Switch/dp/1571201548">Cut Loose Quilts</a> by Jan Mullen - my FAVORITE quilting book ever!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_6zLlUju6_vVwPOqhCFHOeUWstUJvRyWv2KY387MTlfgZ77luaO9whPtRkdBRBRDr8BoZAU8cMTTRPDqzk_PUPZVi7mIh8Lm_jP49Hl_XDZHDG3RpJ3AvMUkMrWYxGQ-I3XSJrpPT-I/s1600-h/BagTutorial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_6zLlUju6_vVwPOqhCFHOeUWstUJvRyWv2KY387MTlfgZ77luaO9whPtRkdBRBRDr8BoZAU8cMTTRPDqzk_PUPZVi7mIh8Lm_jP49Hl_XDZHDG3RpJ3AvMUkMrWYxGQ-I3XSJrpPT-I/s200/BagTutorial1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Materials Needed: </b><br />
(8) 4x4" squares of Cotton fabric <br />
(2) 8" squares of Nylon fabric<br />
1/2"x 4" Strip of Hook & Loop Velcro<br />
Sewing Machine<br />
Ruler<br />
Rotary Cutter/Scissors<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lets Begin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3hZaFTGvRikQrHXMPJOrgObscxndJwMmVMPckecVTatRGR6hdvtBj2Cx8xJKf7XJK8lKOIEhEaMS4a5O3JI_ne0IbjTvxvNkaPro17m9b0178ktsSBI0ewfAl82bkM4tQV35PcP-KRQ/s1600-h/BagTutorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3hZaFTGvRikQrHXMPJOrgObscxndJwMmVMPckecVTatRGR6hdvtBj2Cx8xJKf7XJK8lKOIEhEaMS4a5O3JI_ne0IbjTvxvNkaPro17m9b0178ktsSBI0ewfAl82bkM4tQV35PcP-KRQ/s320/BagTutorial2.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 1</b>. Choose your fabric squares - I used 4 fabrics with 2 squares of each print. STACK all fabrics together into 1 stack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN0agps087CufCbqKwRjtmkitFKZa7iD62FO8BIgyePYo1mhYUa1fBQsedWD4nUF78cvBtEQoG6e5s-2hKG8fynXnqSO1RE4EyWcgMDCqDakJfAYOVOhQHvgUtyCUxSfuNOlM0tP9SUQ/s1600-h/BagTutorial3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN0agps087CufCbqKwRjtmkitFKZa7iD62FO8BIgyePYo1mhYUa1fBQsedWD4nUF78cvBtEQoG6e5s-2hKG8fynXnqSO1RE4EyWcgMDCqDakJfAYOVOhQHvgUtyCUxSfuNOlM0tP9SUQ/s320/BagTutorial3.jpg" /></a></div><b> Step 2</b>. Place ruler over fabric at any angle and cut all layers of fabric at once. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqLNslw6mQFgM95supJT94Q90vQF7m7RJoo-Qhfzx_WyQD8Qh4OVAz-OG9IryCsNPpMMIqOS9IdxB1M9pyns47eVuA_vQL0W_eDt5hSyr0NWj4uQMHV718JSOge_WxGiSr_zraydua4w/s1600-h/BagTutorial4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqLNslw6mQFgM95supJT94Q90vQF7m7RJoo-Qhfzx_WyQD8Qh4OVAz-OG9IryCsNPpMMIqOS9IdxB1M9pyns47eVuA_vQL0W_eDt5hSyr0NWj4uQMHV718JSOge_WxGiSr_zraydua4w/s320/BagTutorial4.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 3</b>. Move ruler to another random angle and cut again. This is what your stack should look like (your angles will obviously be a bit different). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLovgxMHXHNVzXEl6X54vx2gBexvGLEXzyzOYcsjvcfLRIho3zHsc5kCIqDuRnfYmyU4M-iwy_AumrzVL7VB5vf4B5pdwmbNp_yGxsxHgnC4p4X5ByQ6L5XaWZ5MmxWzFpx5A8WcldF2w/s1600-h/BagTutorial5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLovgxMHXHNVzXEl6X54vx2gBexvGLEXzyzOYcsjvcfLRIho3zHsc5kCIqDuRnfYmyU4M-iwy_AumrzVL7VB5vf4B5pdwmbNp_yGxsxHgnC4p4X5ByQ6L5XaWZ5MmxWzFpx5A8WcldF2w/s320/BagTutorial5.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 4. </b>Now separate the 3 cuts and lay them out, mixing up the fabric pieces with other colors so you get fun random blocks. Since you cut them all at the same time, they will all intermix perfectly. (The pic shown here only shows half of my blocks). These 4 blocks will make 1 side of the bag.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kmaV8VpM_Qoih9vlBN90-Nt08mDuxuI5CnzAY-s95qCKu25eyqTBqxR85EvVKljfs2ZMKdR-qnrCYzkJ4mCv6KiWfU54a58FlQSTOHkMZZbWZLji8m1JHAGsiADHYcDZH9aXd2yUWHY/s1600-h/BagTutorial5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kmaV8VpM_Qoih9vlBN90-Nt08mDuxuI5CnzAY-s95qCKu25eyqTBqxR85EvVKljfs2ZMKdR-qnrCYzkJ4mCv6KiWfU54a58FlQSTOHkMZZbWZLji8m1JHAGsiADHYcDZH9aXd2yUWHY/s320/BagTutorial5a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> Step 5. </b>This part is a bit tricky, but you can do it! Take middle piece (A) and fold it over on top of (B), making sure to line up the edges along the dotted line. It doesn't matter that the rest of the edges are not aligned. Sew along the matched edges marked with the dotted line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWmfpPp0DQWmBZE5XLB_T2VI47kSZi5kFlJlkM-ivLiGuMIfTXoj_Vxlphs8eGq4j5WW1YZ-q8p4lbzvuTPoKMQjogPYLPk8z3XOWbHf97O3vQPOdxIraAAE3pV7-QVeLgHzVYqRAnTY/s1600-h/BagTutorial5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWmfpPp0DQWmBZE5XLB_T2VI47kSZi5kFlJlkM-ivLiGuMIfTXoj_Vxlphs8eGq4j5WW1YZ-q8p4lbzvuTPoKMQjogPYLPk8z3XOWbHf97O3vQPOdxIraAAE3pV7-QVeLgHzVYqRAnTY/s320/BagTutorial5c.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Step 6. </b>Next, do the same thing with the remaining piece - lining up the red-dotted side and sew together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS0UahBb48FCx-njXB_VO8x4Q0AE5yErFh96HhwFER_Qa9nXMc5e_VVKzd4fRCvpGjYBMfqmfRCH6S1KMIWNVfdZkDq8fBu49HoCKbghrSxn9vyckLqJU9gT1-sgNFLmbR1Hi1YpZA4o/s1600-h/BagTutorial8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS0UahBb48FCx-njXB_VO8x4Q0AE5yErFh96HhwFER_Qa9nXMc5e_VVKzd4fRCvpGjYBMfqmfRCH6S1KMIWNVfdZkDq8fBu49HoCKbghrSxn9vyckLqJU9gT1-sgNFLmbR1Hi1YpZA4o/s320/BagTutorial8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_C11Dd4WxS-XM_vYetYT4IhkTWb0GPIAvKY3yVv7756gQ0XL_jcZf3KULNOW6BLoUX7Y3_xIrc7RH0w1GUaU5gGHq23kN5yJy60-XN88qmHbJ16Q4cB_klcIiKu2ebPnMXz8xcHxYPk/s1600-h/BagTutorial10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_C11Dd4WxS-XM_vYetYT4IhkTWb0GPIAvKY3yVv7756gQ0XL_jcZf3KULNOW6BLoUX7Y3_xIrc7RH0w1GUaU5gGHq23kN5yJy60-XN88qmHbJ16Q4cB_klcIiKu2ebPnMXz8xcHxYPk/s320/BagTutorial10.jpg" /></a></div>Your finished piece will look similar to this. The edges will be uneven, but we trim them into a square next. <br />
<b>Step 7. </b>Square up the block by using the ruler to get an even square block.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjameeIt738f-WR0hfN1EJYNPdgcwju6E0VxKtP2VdiuIKzQ1qju9SouWhUkCMbXgdk0bgLqw1NXIkbG-8xhSzYV8u8bNGxAq6-_Sa2MJ1fNK_Y01jA2UFHJWbOBabYWIrtEcz9SGA3IE4/s1600-h/BagTutorial11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjameeIt738f-WR0hfN1EJYNPdgcwju6E0VxKtP2VdiuIKzQ1qju9SouWhUkCMbXgdk0bgLqw1NXIkbG-8xhSzYV8u8bNGxAq6-_Sa2MJ1fNK_Y01jA2UFHJWbOBabYWIrtEcz9SGA3IE4/s320/BagTutorial11.jpg" /></a> <b> </b></div><br />
<b>Step 8. </b>Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining 7 blocks.<br />
<b>Step 9. </b>Sew 4 of the blocks together to make a square. This is the front of your bag. Repeat for the back of the bag. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c9Hb4aBX4RPqKezzSxBfr2zVCsVHvmt-funBZBkhGKHVztk_M0HNcJxesWiuNCOFtjc9bSETQI2FrWQlxKDFaoWgYUXg3x7EBIgJDXWrjCh1ao6J299jOA_jYSkb8ePFh3NlOT3toDY/s1600-h/BagTutorial12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c9Hb4aBX4RPqKezzSxBfr2zVCsVHvmt-funBZBkhGKHVztk_M0HNcJxesWiuNCOFtjc9bSETQI2FrWQlxKDFaoWgYUXg3x7EBIgJDXWrjCh1ao6J299jOA_jYSkb8ePFh3NlOT3toDY/s320/BagTutorial12.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 10. </b>Next, take 1 piece of the Nylon. place it against the right side of the fabric & sew along 1 side. Flip right side out.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnPZHilccJCAHkoABFOR5aVtcPy6jU48geSOkbXOC0OrNJuC_2O-jPtM3XUFOWcGKiW8kl8iIe1Mv8jT8F8IQqXGNAN1LmRMv2gp7YCCD2Zs-7UXAtzk54-dZpQOaU7on3C_D-K1plYA/s1600-h/BagTutorial13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnPZHilccJCAHkoABFOR5aVtcPy6jU48geSOkbXOC0OrNJuC_2O-jPtM3XUFOWcGKiW8kl8iIe1Mv8jT8F8IQqXGNAN1LmRMv2gp7YCCD2Zs-7UXAtzk54-dZpQOaU7on3C_D-K1plYA/s320/BagTutorial13.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Step 11. </b>Place 1 strip (either hook or loop side) of Velcro on the nylon side (notice the seam at the top of the bag). This will be the inside top of the bag. Sew on, making sure the cotton & nylon stay lined up as much as possible. Repeat with other side. You will now have 2 halves of your bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlascVFte4fujbj-Pnhlo0teFMsyu4AedZIdsCsHxV8bFuFP6hd2sFweUB0KdM7sgIJXzlNfA5PBL-BfiWKPXnMAzRkmdgg1HOqz14GTWOfqWno_bF2QZdzBxyS_5u189ec7IA1ovE924/s1600-h/BagTutorial14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlascVFte4fujbj-Pnhlo0teFMsyu4AedZIdsCsHxV8bFuFP6hd2sFweUB0KdM7sgIJXzlNfA5PBL-BfiWKPXnMAzRkmdgg1HOqz14GTWOfqWno_bF2QZdzBxyS_5u189ec7IA1ovE924/s320/BagTutorial14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 12. </b>Line up the 2 pieces, with right sides together. Sew along the 2 sides & bottom - I reinforced the top sides near the velcro, as this is a high stress area. Turn right side out - you are done!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNRCgATSj5V9O0uKt60Q3TLWW_oZ0_9SB0SCNSAl90xoLdHDm7ukDRUeT7z66K7BVi549m9GVixSQsuCCREBAE3YGuSIK51gwiKxeYzwG0DoQ7WzkHniupDJRGBjPPenovwi7OkPvZ_g/s1600-h/BagTutorial16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNRCgATSj5V9O0uKt60Q3TLWW_oZ0_9SB0SCNSAl90xoLdHDm7ukDRUeT7z66K7BVi549m9GVixSQsuCCREBAE3YGuSIK51gwiKxeYzwG0DoQ7WzkHniupDJRGBjPPenovwi7OkPvZ_g/s320/BagTutorial16.jpg" /></a></div>Here are a few more bags to give you ideas of what you can do! I would love to see pics of your bags - have fun!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-83987689267707434542010-02-17T13:37:00.000-07:002010-02-17T13:37:55.855-07:00As If I needed another hobby...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCzIiTONRH5giDtvxO1NuPLD3iDV6yR5Cs1MKtx5EjdfcZoGJdtPfMf-xZNPk6nX9SKJfwJf8ACCYTi9K592FDP-7R08gpyBHisoAcR8ZHDPlARxFWlDo0E20t1p0vrPExI-bU-SD3qk/s1600-h/723339977_BQLjX-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCzIiTONRH5giDtvxO1NuPLD3iDV6yR5Cs1MKtx5EjdfcZoGJdtPfMf-xZNPk6nX9SKJfwJf8ACCYTi9K592FDP-7R08gpyBHisoAcR8ZHDPlARxFWlDo0E20t1p0vrPExI-bU-SD3qk/s320/723339977_BQLjX-XL.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>But these are SO CUTE!! I found these "Owie" Dolls on a delightful blog I read called <a href="http://ikatbag.blogspot.com/">ikatbag</a>, and am <i>dying</i> (bad pun) to buy the pattern and make one for my little nurse for Easter. You can read the story about how they were developed <a href="http://ikatbag.blogspot.com/2009/11/owie-dolls_25.html">here</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently, these little dolls are very accident prone, and need lots of care from loving nurses. I love how the band-aids have velcro, so they stick wherever the doll's owie happens to be. And how can you get better without the cute 2 sided dress/gown and little slippers? Lier is offering the <a href="http://ikatbag.blogspot.com/2010/02/owie-doll-pattern-is-here.html">pattern</a> for sale, and I can't wait to get mine and get to work!</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856415079755929948.post-45891081963665665562010-02-12T08:40:00.000-07:002010-02-12T08:40:42.050-07:00Tea, Toast and Toe SocksWe have been having a little rough patch the last month with lots of sniffles and sneezes around here. It seems like when your kid is in school, he brings home every little communal bug and lovingly (or not so much) shares it with the family. We have had at least one of us sick for the last month. Right now, it is a double whammy with E & I. As such, I haven't touched my sewing in a week. Not only do I not have the energy, but I like to be selfish with my germs. Though I love my customers, I don't want to send them this little treat of a cold with their order. <br />
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So, as we camp out on our living room couch, watching endless episodes of the "Pink Panther" - (yes, the vintage 1960s classic) we are snuggled up in our warmest blankies, jammies and of course my zany toe-socks (which were lovingly given to me by Dad for my birthday, thanks Dad!), sipping our mint tea and toast and wishing this misery would end so we can get back to life.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0