The Mint Needle

A little post about what we've been up too... and then some!       Empire apples have been sliced & diced! We're making sure these yummy chips stay stocked over winter thanks to the dehydrator I've inherited:) They resemble the tangy flavor of fruit roll ups but are a ton healthier!           Yay! The pumpkin has been harvested! The girls couldn't believe how big it had gotten & how fast.     Below, furniture... currently up for debate. What color to paint this sideboard?   I think this would be a great project to take on in Spring, when refreshing will be of importance.  Crown Princess Margareta ~ Last roses of the season. They still smell Heavenly.   A new pattern and a gorgeous bundle from Sprightly Fabrics.   Some undergarment testing. So far so good. (The real purpose: These knickers would make a pretty cut...

A fast pattern ~ promising a perfect fit & length was lacking something to make it unique. What could be better than adding a single pocket lined in black trim? So, I did it and here's how!   Once your fabric is cut, label your pieces if the shapes are too similar. For this skirt, it would be very easy to confuse the front for the back.   Cut the shape of a trapezoid out. Mine measured 7.5" by 5.5" at the base and worked outwards. (The wider the top, the more gathers you will have.)   Should you want 2 pockets on your bum instead? Make them smaller! Decrease measurements at least 2 inches:)   Serge or finish all sides with your zig zag stitch. At the widest part, make one row of a gathering stitch. You can do this with a straight stitch or zig zag, but your length has to be on the longest setting.     Pull together and tie the ends when you get the desired pocket shape.   ...

      A new shipment of fabric couldn’t have arrived at a better time. In the middle of Project Runway re-runs and the girls being in school, a cardboard box was awaiting my presence. And when I opened it… Jackpot an extra couple inches because I got the end of the bolts!   Creativity’s on a roll as I immediately knew what to do with that extra soft striped fabric. Take a look at this super easy and cute October scarf!   The striped, rayon fabric has a width of 65 inches. For the projects purposes, make this width your length. The first step is to decide how thick or 'chunky' you want your scarf to be. I do this by folding it over and playing around with my 'new width'.     Next, I measured four inches and cut a strip. Cut two more. Once all three 4" strips are cut, stitch them together at the sides for one super long piece.   Set your machine on the longest stitch available so that you ...

  The most beautiful month of the year is here!  It's like Spring all over again except without all the yard work and rain. The trees have begun their turn and the hills are slowly taking on the usual red and golden hues. It's amazing. We've been enjoying the outdoors and snuggling up to blankets and hot cocoa. And during the days, I've finally been stitching at my desired pace and creating some adorable items. Empire Apples Yummy Concord Grapes Spaghetti Squash, mini pumpkins and homemade strawberry jam from the local orchard.    The fall fairy has yet to decorate the inside of our house. But the mums and cornstalks are in full effect. For those wondering about our giant green pumpkin? Well... let's just say she's still green, just alot bigger.   Happy October Trails:)