Baking, Crocheting and Sewing, Oh My!

Awesome Smoothie!!

2012-03-16T12:57:00.006-05:00

I came across this recipe for a Chocolate Banana Smoothie ~ and since I've been "trying" to eat healthier, thought I'd try it. This version was pretty good.

Here is the original recipe:

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

1 cup (8 oz) fat-free plain yogurt, partially frozen.

3/4 c fat-free milk

1 banana-broken into pieces

1 T unsweetened cocoa

3 packets artificial sweetener

Combine yogurt, milk, banana, cocoa and sweetener in blender. Blend until smooth.

Makes approx. 2 1/2 cups

Now, I didn't have any unsweetened cocoa, but I did have some sugar free hot chocolate mix, which I used instead. Worked out fairly well.

To get my yogurt "frozen", I popped it into the freezer the night before. I got it out of the freezer the next morning, and let it sit out for about 20 minutes. It popped right out into the blender! Perfect!!

Now, I've been trying a few variations. All of the fruit varieties I've tried so far have been great!

When using the fruit yogurts, I've omitted the bananas and the cocoa. My favorite, by far, has been the plain vanilla yogurt. It almost takes like a vanilla milkshake! I also prefer using vanilla Soy milk instead of regular milk.

Home made Granola!

2012-02-26T13:00:00.006-06:00

Because I am "thrifty", (not cheap..thrifty!) I love making homemade versions of things and saving lots of money by doing so! A while back I came across this version of Granola: Megan's Granola Recipe. I haven't actually done the math to see how much I've saved by making my own versus buying it. However, I do know it lasts much longer than the store bought kind. My husband loves eating it by handfuls right out of the container!

As always, I have to tweak recipes here and there and this is MY variation.

MY GRANOLA

8 cups quick cook oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 teas. sea salt
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 c lite syrup
3/4 c honey
1 c canola oil
2 T ground cinnamon
1 T vanilla extract
2 cups raisins

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.

Combine the oats, and almonds in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until crispy and toasted, about 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through. Cool, then stir in the raisins before storing in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

It's been a while!

2012-02-24T17:00:00.006-06:00

Sadly I realized I had not kept this blog up to date. However, one of my New Year's resolutions was to do that very thing. Since it's only the end of February, I'm not too behind schedule!

One thing I love on a cold winter day like today is COMFORT FOOD! Of course, if it's in a casserole form, than it's even better.

This is a recipe I came up with that is really good on a cold day, and fairly easy too!

CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE
1-12 oz package egg noodles
1-16 oz package California blend frozen veggies
2-10.5 oz cans cream of mushroom soup
Approx. 6 or 7 chicken breast tenderloins-cooked & cubed
Milk
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Prepare egg noodles according to package directions. Drain. In a mixing bowl, add both cans of cream of mushroom soup. Fill 1 of your empty soup cans with milk. Add to mixture. Stir until combined. Mix in noodles, frozen veggies and chicken. Transfer to casserole dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350F for approx. 30 min. Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese over top. Place back in oven and back about another 10 min. or until cheese is melted.

Unfortunately, I took the picture BEFORE I added the cheese, but hopefully you get the idea!

Huge Bummer!

2010-04-29T07:56:00.009-05:00

We had frost night before last, and I thought I was doing well by covering all of my tomato and green pepper plants. All I had were plastic bags, but I put rocks all around them to hold the bags down.

I still ended up losing half of my tomato plants and a couple of the peppers. So very, very disappointing! Especially when adding up the cost of the plants (yes, I am cheap-although I like to call it "thrifty"!). However, that will teach me. Do NOT plant your plants (in Indiana anyway) until after the first weekend of May. Although even then, you aren't guaranteed safety from frost!

But,

To cheer me up a little, I thought I'd post pictures of a few of the little birds I made. The other night I stood watching the cutest little woodpecker on the tree. He let me get really close to him too. He'd sit and look over at me occasionally, then go back to pecking on the tree. I wished I'd have had my camera handy! He was so cute! He inspired me to make a couple of bird softies!

Lately I just love this red/teal color combo!

This is in honor of my little woodpecker friend!

Gnome Babies!

2010-04-22T07:58:00.006-05:00

Friendship Gnome Babies!

I made a new pattern for these little Gnome Babies! I've given them to a few friends. I think they're kind of cute/ugly (if that makes sense!!). I'm working on getting a pattern tutorial up for my blog! Stay tuned!!

Edited! Here is the new Pattern Tutorial! Friendship Babies Pattern and Tutorial

Crochet Granny Squares Dishcloth Free Pattern

2010-04-19T13:04:00.025-05:00

I know I promised this pattern a few weeks ago, but life has a way of getting hectic. I've been trying to get my garden dug up and planted! Nevertheless...here it is! Any questions or corrections (I might have missed!) please feel free to comment!

My Favorite Granny Square Dishcloth Pattern

Pattern Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet (US version)
sp = space
sl st = slip stitch

Materials needed:
Worsted weight cotton yarn
Size G or H hook

Difficulty Level: Easy
Approximate finished size: 9 " although this might vary depending on how tight/loose you crochet.

Helpful Hint:

The majority of your crocheting will be done in either the "Chain 1 space" indicated by the arrows or the "Corner ch 2 space" also noted in the picture. The "Ch 1 space" are around each side of the piece. The "Corner - ch 2 space" will obviously be in one of the four corners.

Directions:

Row 1: Chain 4 (work all of the next stitches in the 4th ch from hook) 2 dc, * ch 1, 3 dc, repeat from * twice more, ch 1. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 4.

Row 2: Ch 3; in same space as your ch 3-(2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc); (see photo) *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp. (see 2nd photo) Repeat from * two more times. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. Sl stitch 2 more spaces until you get to ch 2 corner space.

[Work beginning of your row 2 in same space as your beg. ch 3]

[This round will create your "corners" of your square.]

[Slip stitch 2 sp until you get to ch 2 corner space. (see photos)]

Row 3: Ch 3; In same sp as your ch 3- (2 dc in the corner, ch 2, 3 dc); ch 1; (3 dc in next ch 1 space) (ch 1=open space-see photo); ch 1; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next corner space) 3 times; ch 1; 3 dc in next ch 1 space; join with beginning ch 3; slip st to corner.

[Next ch 1 space]

Row 4: Ch 3; (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch 2 sp; ch 1; * [3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1; ** repeat from * to ** 3 times; [3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times; slip st to corner.

Row 5: Ch 3; (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch 2 sp; ch 1; * [3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1; ** repeat from * to ** 3 times; [3 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times; sl st to corner.

Row 6: Ch 3; (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch 2 sp; ch 1; * [3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 4 times; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1; ** repeat from * to ** 3 times; [3 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1] 4 times; sl st to corner.

Row 7: Ch 3; (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch 2 sp; ch 1; * [3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 5 times; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1: ** repeat from * to ** 3 times; [3 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1] 5 times; sl st to corner.

Row 8: Ch 3; (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch 2 sp; ch 1; * [3 dc in nxt ch 1 sp, ch 1] 6 times; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1; ** repeat from * to ** 3 times; [3 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1] 6 times; sl st to corner.

Row 9: Ch 3; (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch 2 sp; ch 1; * [3 dc in nxt ch 1 sp, ch 1] 7 times; (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1; ** repeat from * to ** 3 times; [3 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1] 7 times; sl st to corner.

Row 10: Sc in each stitch around. 2 sc in corners.

Tie off. Weave in ends.

Hope you enjoy crocheting this! If you find any errors, don't forget to let me know! Thanks!

Friendship Gnome Babies! ~A Free Pattern Tutorial~

2010-04-07T16:22:00.029-05:00

I am so excited to bring you my new Friendship Gnome Babies Pattern and Tutorial!!

~Friendship Gnome Baby~

Materials needed to make one Gnome Baby:

Click above image for the pattern.

Printing help: to get my pattern to print to the correct size, I chose "Landscape Layout", then printed at 80%.

2 pcs. fabric (your choice) 5 1/2" x 7" [13.97 cm x 17.178 cm] (for gnome baby) you can even use felt for these if you prefer!

1 pc coordinating felt: 4 1/2" x 6" [11.43 cm x 15.24 cm] - for hat

1 pc flesh or coordinating colored felt: 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" [6.35 x 6.35] (for face)

1 pair safety eyes, buttons, or you can use embroidery thread to sew your eyes

Basic sewing supplies

Embellishments (ribbon, beads, lace, etc)

Sm amount of polyfill stuffing

Sm pc of ribbon for hanging

Finished size: Approx. 5" [12.7 cm] from tip of hat to feet.

Directions:

Cut out all pattern pieces. Place fabric (for gnome baby) right sides together and pin. Draw around pattern. Mark where to leave open. This will be where you turn the piece inside out after sewing together.

Cut around pattern piece. Don't cut on the line, as this will be your sewing line.

Pin face pattern to flesh felt square. Pin hat pattern to hat felt piece. Draw around pattern and cut out this time ON the line.

Pin face to one of the body fabric pieces.

Stitch face to body using straight stitch, zig zag stitch or hand sew in place.

Next, if using safety eyes, using an awl, or something sharp, poke a tiny hole in the face where you want your eyes to be. Insert eyes, following package directions. If sewing eyes, you can either sew them now, or wait until you have the body sewn together.

Pin the two body pieces back together.

Machine stitch around the body leaving open where indicated. This can be a tiny bit tricky with the eyes. Just watch out for the posts. Or, if you prefer, you can hand stitch the body together. Carefully clip the curved edges.

Set the body aside for a moment. Next you will sew the hat. I like to make a decorative stitching around the bottom edge of the hat. It looks nice and my new machine does really cool stitches! Then, fold the hat in half and stitch the two along the side and around the top (see pattern).

Turn hat right side out.

Now turn your gnome babies body inside out, using a dowel rod or a blunt tool. Make sure you get the arms and legs turned inside out too. Stuff your gnome baby with polyfill stuffing, using small amounts at a time. Be sure to get plenty of stuffing in the arms and legs.

Next, using the pattern as a guide, finish stitching the gnome babies face. I like doing this before I stitch the body opening shut, so that I can hide my embroidery thread up inside the body. When satisfied with the face, you can then stitch the body closed using a hidden stitch or whipstitch.

(Embroider your babies face. You can even add freckles!)

Next place the hat on your baby, and sew on. I use a running stitch going inside under the hat.

Sew a piece of ribbon to the back of your baby for hanging.

Lastly, you can decorate your baby however you wish. Add ribbon around the waist, beads, lace, embroidery, etc.

Please let me know if you find any errors in this pattern!

Please respect artist's rights and do not sell this pattern or gnome babies made from this pattern. But feel free to make as many as you want for personal use!!

Crochet Memories

2010-04-05T08:16:00.010-05:00

GRANNY SQUARES!

My grandmother taught me how to crochet. It wasn't anything fancy. She had a basket full of yarn and some hooks. Me and my siblings would sit and crochet very long chains while we watched TV. That was all I knew, single crochet. I don't remember everything my grandmother crocheted, but I do remember her Granny Squares! I remember her even making slippers out of Granny Squares.

It wasn't until years later, that I finally bought myself a "How-To" book and taught myself something other than a big long single crochet chain. But I still find crocheting very relaxing and it brings back many memories of sitting making those original chains.

In the next few days, I will be posting my favorite version of the Granny Square in honor of my Grandma.

A few Crochet Critters

2010-03-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

A Crochet Kitty that I recently made. She is crocheted with Fun Fur, giving her a nice Furry look!

A Teddy Bear (with her blankie of course) for a Swap!

A Giraffe and Duck for a Swap. These are made with cotton thread and the teeny size is a bit rough on the eyes!

Crocheting is usually what I do when I sit to watch TV in the evenings. My husband swears I have TV ADD and cannot sit still though one program. Having something else to do, helps me to sit still!

Matryoshka Dolls

2010-03-29T08:07:00.001-05:00

What started with a Spring Matryoshka Doll swap, ended up with numerous Matryoshka babies being born!!

This first one is what I made for the swap. It is "Happy Spring" and is supposed to be a flower!

As always, I cannot make just one! This is the result of an afternoon of Matryoshka Doll making! I had to make my own pattern, as I couldn't find one I liked!

These two are "Cupcake Matryoshka Dolls". I had been holding onto this fabric and decided to use it on two of the dolls.

This doll is in honor of the new "Alice in Wonderland" movie! It is Alice & Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum! I love how this one turned out!!