Baby Blanket :)

We are having a baby girl in October, and we are very excited!  Since I got a sewing machine I really wanted to try my luck at a baby blanket.  I read some blogs and thought it sounded easy enough.  I almost waited till I could get some professional help (Mom), but decided to give it a try on my own.  I did, however, have to call my mom during the process!  :)  

There are so many cute fabrics out there!  It was a tough decision, but I decided on a flannel and minkee.  I was a little hesitant about the purple, but I love the almost-mint green/blue in it, and the design!  

 So the first thing I did was lay both pieces out facing each other and cut them to match.  I then cut the batting (very thin) to match, as well.  After that, I pinned the edges together, leaving about 6 inches on a corner open.  I also rounded the edges to give it a "smooth" look.  (Basically, my mom said it would look good, so I did it!)  

 After sewing all the sides together (except the 6 inch opening), I pulled the blanket right-side out.

I really like the rounded corners!  They turned out nice!  Lastly, I hand-sewed the corner opening shut.  Not the prettiest part of the blanket, but it works, and it's done!  (Actually, I am going to tie it, too.  I'll use pink, thick thread for that.  Not yarn.)

I feel so accomplished!  :)  Baby Chyles is going to LOVE it!

My First Sewing Project!

I got a sewing machine for Mother's Day!  It's a Janome.  So far, I love it!  I haven't really sewn since I was a young teen...and back then I wasn't too into learning about it.  My mom always tried to teach me how to be crafty, but I never wanted to listen.  I'm sure I will have that same opportunity (aka Drama!) with my little girl one day!  :)

The first project I tackled was simple- curtains for the kitchen window.  Of course, I found some ideas on Pinterest, and decided on short curtains, using a tension rod.  I found a fun fabric at Wal-Mart and got a yard and a half.

Before I started I washed, dried, and ironed the fabric.  I then pinned up the edges...which was hard for me.  I had a hard time keeping them straight.  I then ironed them to keep them down while sewing.  

I then folded the fabric in half.  It's pretty sheer, and I didn't want to add a backside to it.  Plus, I have blinds behind it.  It's just for decoration mostly, anyway!

I slipped it onto the tension rod, stuck in up in between the cabinets, and viola!  I think it turned out well.  Definitely NOT perfect...and please don't look too closely if you ever come over.  

Graduation Gifts

I have no idea why, but we always come up with these cute ideas for grad gifts that end up being a little ridiculous.  Ridiculous as in, way more time consuming than I thought.  BUT, they turned out pretty cute.  My burnt fingers will never forgive me, however.  I can't imagine EVER making these again. 

I found a great recipe through Pinterest for these fortune cookies.  And, instead of putting fortunes in them, I put money. Every grad loves money!  Who doesn't?  

I followed the recipe and instructions exactly.  Mine turned out a little thick, but whatever.  I also watched a video on YouTube for some tips, which was helpful.

Anyway, here are the fortunes:

Some of them don't look so cute, but

the grads won't care...they just want 

the money, right?  ;)

Then, I put them in those little doggy bags you get from Chinese restaurants...the little box ones, ya know?  I wrote little fortunes all over the outside of the boxes, and then included a paper insert in each that said, "This may not be much of a fortune, but we were fortunate to know you!"

Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.howdoesshe.com/make-your-own-fortune-cookies/