Tuesday Blog Hop!

I'm participating in a Tuesday blog hop. I hope everyone checks out these three fun blogs. I you haven't participated in a blog hop yet, you should. Its a great way to find new blogs and add to your friends.

Adventures in Photography {Take 1}

My husband bought me a DSLR for my birthday 4 months ago. I loved it, but was very intimidated. I tried reading the manual, but it confused me more. When someone told me about The Pioneer Woman, I immediately started reading her tutorials. She laid out the basics in plain English, which was more than I can say for my manual. From that moment I was hooked and determined to learn more. I was so excited when I found a local studio that taught affordable beginner classes. I wanted to share some photos from my past lesson, and I'm proud to say the instructor didn't find to much to pick on. I still have another class to go, but now I'm dying to take the advanced class. No one told me photography classes would be so addictive.

Homemade Peach Cobbler {YUM!}

It is a little unusual for me to post food on my blog, but I was so proud how my cobbler turned out. I had to share. It was my first attempt at a cobbler from scratch. This may not be hard for some people, but I am no cook. I think my husband was a little surprised by my attempt. He said he didn't want any because he doesn't like peaches, but I think he thought it would be awful. It was actually delicious, if I say so myself. I wish I could say that it was a family recipe passed down from generations, but it was right out of a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. You can also go the their website here to find more great recipes. Since this recipe turned out I may try more. I may just do like the movie Julie and Julia, and cook my way through the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook instead of the Julia Child's. Maybe I will even get my husband to try something. Come to think of it, during our eight years of marriage I have never heard him say he doesn't like peaches. Suspicious!

Recipe:

Peaches
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
3 tbsp. butter
1 beaten egg
3 tbsp. milk



Filling Preparation:

In a saucepan combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Add 1/4 cup water. Stir in 4 cups peaches (about 4 peaches). Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly.

Topping:

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and optional cinnamon. Cut in butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine egg and milk. Transfer filling to an 8x8 baking dish. Drop filling into five mounds atop hot filling. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Easy Twirl Skirt Tutorial!

I chose the twirl skirt to do as a tutorial this week because it was super easy. I completed it before nap was over. I love those projects. I wanted something that my daughter could finish out the summer in and still wear this fall. I imagine some cute leggings and a long sleeved appliqued shirt.




Supplies:

Main Fabric
Trim Fabric
1" Elastic
Thread
Scissors
Pins
Iron
Sewing Machine



First you will need to cut your main and trim fabric. I am making 18 months. My main fabric will be 9" x 35". My trim fabric will be 4" x 35". If you are making a smaller or bigger size I would lower or raise the measurements by an 1". I will then cut my elastic 17.5". The rule of thumb for cutting elastic is to measure your child's waist and subtract 2".


I took my trim piece and folded it in half long ways, then pressed. Take your main fabric and fold 1/2" and again 1", press.



Pin the trim fabric to the right side of the main fabric and sew. Fold the trim fabric down and press. Top stitch on the main fabric. This gives it a more finished look.


After placing right sides together pin, and sew closes. Now it is starting to look more like a skirt.



Now it is time to sew the casing closes. Stitch along the edge of your previous fold. Be sure to leave an opening to guide your elastic through. I find it easiest to attach a safety pin to my elastic to guide through the casing.



After your elastic has been guided through, zigzag stitch the ends together. Now it is time to sew your casing closed. You made it. Now you have a finished twirl skirt.




Please let me know if you have any questions. I would also love to see everyones finished twirl skirts if you try the tutorial.






Sugar and Spice Link Party at Seven Thirty Three

Serger of my dreams!! {Sew, Mama, Sew!}

Sew,Mama,Sew is one of my favorite blogs to visit for anything sewing. On one of my daily visits I saw that they are having a giveaway for a Husqvarna Viking Serger. I have wanted one for a while but never thought that this brand would be an option. This one retails for $1,199.00. The ones that I have been looking at retail for $150.00. That is why this serger is the one of my dreams. All I have to do is post about how this macine would make my life better. When I think about all the project possibilities this serger could bring, and having the chance to pass a machine like this along to my daughter. It puts a huge smile on my face. Cross your fingers everyone. If I win I promise to fill this blog with tons of great projects.

Tank top refashion

This is a great way to make something old new again. After seeing all the ruffle tank tops at Old Navy and many refashions on other blogs, I decided to try one for myself. I had scrap eyelet and a tank top I bought a year ago. Together it was a perfect match. It was very easy and only took about 20 minutes. It was a great nap time project.

I cut my eyelet 2 1/2 inches wide and 17 inches long, to allow gathering.

Gather and pin down the center of the strap. This is where you want to sew.

I decided to add a fabric flower to add a little extra flare. You can see my tutorial for the fabric flower here. 

Antique Domestic Sewing Machine

This may come as a surprise to some of my close friends and family, but I have recently found love for anything vintage. Like I really needed another addiction. The blame can be placed on my sister in law Ashley, who has all kinds of vintage finds on her blog While visiting a local antique store I saw many antique sewing machines and I had to have one. My husband later surprised me with one that was in really good condition. I have to admit, with my lack of antique knowledge I was not sure what the Domestic brand was. I immediately started my research. I knew the machine was old because it wasn't even electric, but I was thinking the 1940's. I was pleased to find out it could range anywhere between 1911 to 1926. We found a serial number but was not able to locate any records. I found the ISMACS site very helpful with the history of the Domestic Sewing Machine Company. They even had a manual that I was able to print off. I do need a couple of replacement parts. If anyone knows of a place to get them I would really appreciate it. I'm sure I will find more antiques to list. I like having a little history around, and of course once I start an addiction I see it through.