To Live and to Love

Crafting Christmas: Gingerbread Men

mrsschrage — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:09:09 +0000

I saw some cute ornaments at Crate and Barrel last week that I knew I just had to hang on my tree. However, I couldn’t justify $5.90 for 2 felt gingerbread men merely blanket stitched together! (Cue the DIY lightbulb in my head!)

Here’s the Crate and Barrel version:

Here’s my version:

For about $0.50 for 4, they’re not too bad!

And on the tree…

Pancakes!

mrsschrage — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:29:14 +0000

It’s easy to get in the holiday spirit when your day starts with this little guy!

The Gobbler T

mrsschrage — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:27:05 +0000

It isn’t Gymboree, but it will do.

The shirt was made from a very old and faded t-shirt that was headed to Goodwill. The reverse appliqué was fun to do and instantly gratifying as the image emerged with the little snips. Never again though will I make the shirt from scratch. It was much too tedious to get the cap sleeves right only for the neck to stretch and feel bulky. I used what I had on hand but in retrospect I wish I had started with a purchased tee. The shirt in like a bright pink and the turkey out of a deeper brown would really make the appliqué pop. It is disappointing how dull it looks.

But nevertheless. I was determined for little S to look festive tomorrow!

Not Cinderella’s Slippers!

mrsschrage — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:53:20 +0000

Remember the orange sweater that was used for the pumpkin pillow?

It became a tunic for little S which after one wearing, I decided it looked awkward and the binding was unsatisfactory.

This week I cut it up and turned it into cozy slippers!

At first, the color and weird shape disgusted me but now, they have only been removed from my feet for bed. I might have to make another pair. Next time, the top must be doubled and reinforced as you can see where the big toe left it’s mark.

So it’s no secret. I’m on a major kick to see how many things I can do with a sweater! Next up: my first attempt at reverse appliqué!

Sweater Dress

mrsschrage — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:30:26 +0000

Here is a picture of my sweet girl wearing the dress/tunic I made for her this week. She received lots of compliments at Wednesday church!

It totally needs jeggings! I was inspired by this tutorial but with my own twists like French seams, raglan sleeves, and smaller neck shaping for a toddler. I have better pictures on my camera that I’ll post someday.

But isn’t she the cutest?

Recent Projects

mrsschrage — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:00:49 +0000

The biggest project of late is….Max!

When I haven’t been tied up with feeding and burping, I’ve made some time for other things. I’ve become a Pinterest junkie and it inspired me to make these awesome candy corn cookies and football whoopie pies (both if which were for a youth group party).

Almost a Big Sister

mrsschrage — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:14:48 +0000

Starting Friday, Samantha will have to start setting the example as Big Sis. According to how I found her this morning in her crib, I am not certain she is up to the challenge. But now we know she has figured out zippers and clothing removal. Thank goodness for the cloth diaper or that would have been gone too!

Ready For Fall

mrsschrage — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:51:28 +0000

I saw some cute fall pillows somewhere recently and decided that I’m not too old for seasonal interior decorations. Ha ha. I pulled out my wicker pumpkin last week and my hubby surprised me with an adorable ceramic owl. So why not add a throw pillow?

I found this boring (and rather ugly) pillow on clearance at Target. So glad I waited on it because last week it was on sale for $5, yesterday I got it for $2.50! I had an orange sweater from Goodwill that I finally turned into felt and used cookie cutters (HA!) for pumpkin outlines. Added some knitted I-cord, a little embroidery and came up with this:

Who can't use a little pumpkin love in the living room?

Dinner Tonight

mrsschrage — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:44:32 +0000

I don’t normally post on food but tonight I am particularly pleased. It finally feels like fall in Western PA and soup seemed to be the best way to celebrate.

This is potato soup in bread bowls. I made mini loaves of “Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day” for the bowls and I am not sure why I never thought of it before. Now my mind is tasting all the potential combinations… Swedish Limpa Rye and pumpkin soup might be next!

I have other sewing/knitting projects on my mind but right now waiting on baby boy is taking up all my extra energy.

Today’s Project: Tote Bag

mrsschrage — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:48:35 +0000

Western PA had its first semi-rainy day in months. I spent it happily making a tote bag to carry snacks and books for my upcoming trip to Indy next week. I followed the tutorial from purlbee.com, just making a few adjustments to the size. I used leftover Ikea fabric and it turned out to be a sturdy choice. Although the linen in the tutorial is cute!

Here is the link to the tutorial:

http://www.purlbee.com/apple-picking-tote/