New Babies and a Skirt

Remember this post? Where I showed you the gifts I made for my friend's twins? Well, now I can show you the twins! (which, honestly, is more exciting than seeing what I made for them, lol) Brian and Lauren arrived on September 29, about a month early. Both healthy and happy. In the picture's they are three weeks old. They are so sweet, and bring back so many memories of my own kids at that age! Big sister Samantha loves them completely, and is so proud to show off her new brother and sister!

Brian and Lauren

Big sister Samantha with baby sister Lauren.
Doesn't that make you want one? Or two? Okay, maybe just to hold for a little while...

I haven't been doing too much sewing lately, mainly because my serger is acting up. The tension is completely off, and no matter what I do to it, nothing helps. I think it is time to see a professional. I have had it for twelve years, and never had a problem, so I've been lucky with it. I did manage to make another paper bag skirt, like the one I showed you here. This one is adult size, and I love it. But, it is too small for me. My son's girlfriend offered to model it for me, but, what I finally got around to taking pictures, she wasn't available. So, unfortunately, my pictures aren't fantastic.

I used two small 100% cotton tablecloths for this skirt. I like the look of the self tie belt, but it could certainly be worn with a black or white belt, and would look great.

These skirts are so simple and easy to make! I even did french seams because of my serger. French seams make a huge difference on the look of the inside, and I think I may continue to do them on straight seams in the future!

Now, on to the next project....! Have a great day ladies! Anne

Chocolate Chip Cookie Heaven

I did sew today, but I haven't finished it yet. Sometime during the afternoon, I got a craving for chocolate chip cookies. So, I had to make some! But, these are not just any cookies. They are the very best. Trust me. I mean, come on, have I ever lied to you? I found the recipe ages ago, on Allrecipes. (love that site!) It is the only chocolate chip recipe I'll ever make.


Award Winning Chocolate Chip Cookies
by Debbi Borsick on Allrecipes

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.

Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.(if desired)

It will look something like this,

For this batch, I used mini M&M's, instead of chocolate chips. I use a mini ice cream scoop to put them on the baking tray, so that they are all pretty much the same size.

Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack (if they get that far), for a few minutes. At least until the chocolate won't burn your tongue. Nothing ruins a good cookie feast like a burn in your mouth! Then, make yourself a cup of tea and grab a plate. If you are lucky, you will have two or three before anyone else realizes they are ready. (ok, that may just be wishful thinking on my part)

Honest, no one took a bite out of that cookie. A piece fell off, and I had to taste it! I wanted a crisper cookie this time, so I cut back almost half a cup of flour. When the recipe is followed correctly, the result is a lighter, more cake like cookie. (which are also fabulous!) The beauty of this recipe is the pudding mix. You can use almost any flavor you like, and vary the chips to suit. This recipe is also quite large. It makes 6-7 dozen, which is perfect if you have a large family of cookie monsters! So, the next time you need a chocolate chip cookie fix, try these. I know the whole family will love them!

Anne

Child's 'Paper Bag' Skirt

The moon and stars and all of the planets were aligned correctly today. My housework was caught up, and the laundry nearly finished.(not that not having these things done has ever stopped me!) I could finally sew!! I was so happy to sit down at my lovely machine. The whirring sound of the motor was music to my ears. After more than six weeks of abstinence, I was sewing! For my first leap back into the sewing world, I decided to try my hand at a 'paper bag' skirt. After seeing so many in blog land, I had some ideas of my own. Since my etsy shop desperately needs updating with fall fashions, I decided to make it child sized. It was very easy to make, basically two rectangles sewn together at the sides, with two hems. I made a one inch hem at the bottom, and at the top, a three inch hem. I made a half inch casing for elastic, leaving about two inches at the top for the 'paper bag' effect. I added belt loops and a self belt for the finishing touch. I think it turned out really well.

The top picture is closest to the actual colour. The true colour is a deep purple. I'm still learning how to use my new camera, and haven't quite figured out the light settings. Unfortunately, I'm not the most tech savvy girl on earth. I usually have to get my kids to show me how to do anything even remotely techy. (is that even a word?) It is sad that they have been teaching me to do things since they were quite young. Oh well, maybe one day I'll catch on!
So. Now that I have again been viciously bitten by the sewing bug, the only question is, what's next? The possibilities are endless!

If you haven't already, pop on over and visit Carolyn, from Handmade by Carolyn. She is hosting a giveaway for her followers!

October? Already?

Where has the time gone? Just yesterday I was packing for my trip to visit Saskatchewan! In truth, it was a whole month ago! I left on September 9. My trip was fabulous. The main reason for my trip was to attend my grandmother's 90th birthday party. My Nan is unbelievable. She has her own apartment and is very independent. She walks everywhere, (or takes the bus,) and goes out most days, even if only for a long walk. She sews her own clothes, knits and does embroidery. To tell the honest truth, she has more energy and stamina than I do! If you saw her, you would never guess she is 90. Nan had two daughters, (my mom, and my aunt),and has seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren!

We decided to give her an HD flat screen tv for her birthday, and she loves it. The highlight of her party was speaking to her niece in Australia, via Skype. She was amazed that she could see her and speak to her!
I spent the majority of my visit with Nan, talking, laughing and visiting with family. There is nothing better than the feeling you get with family. I just wish we all lived closer! It is sad to think of how much we miss of each other's day to day lives, being so far away. But, I guess it just makes the time spent together so much sweeter. I did spend four days with my brother and his family. His wife Jessie is just the sweetest girl you could ever meet. She made me feel so welcome! And my adorable nieces were fabulous. They begged me to stay in Saskatchewan the night before I left.

Audry and Harley

Deanna

My step-niece Celice, Audry and Deanna Are they not the sweetest?

Celice, Audry and Deanna. It was Audry's seventh birthday.

All in all, I had a great time. It was so wonderful to see everyone, and being there for Nan's 90th meant more than I can say. It was soo hard to leave, but Nan confided in me before I left, 'I might come to visit in the Spring.' And, if I know my Nan, she'll be here!