Plumtickled

What do you make

a person who has no more room for stuff? 

That's right, something useful and if it just so happens to be something pretty....... it's even better.

 

For my Mom's 70th birthday I made her a fold over bag to hold all of her medications..... mostly for when she travels or goes on little trips to Daytona.

 

I chose a pretty table runner than was in great shape.  I trimmed the sides to make it more even, cut it in half and then sewed it right sides together and along the bottom.  I "paper bagged" the bottom and made a lining out of a sweet reproduction print in pinks and blues. 

 

I sewed in a white pony-tail holder in the center of the bag between the linen and the lining.

 

Then made a button to match the lining.

(I am presently taking donations for a manicure....)

 

Then sewed it to the bag being certain to mark the correct spot first with a mark-b-gone marker.  I love those things!

 

I added a copy of "Dozen's of ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase" to the bag too.  I fit perfectly!

 

I also added a "gift certificate" for a cheesecake made with Splenda for her trip to Daytona with my Aunt Rosemary.

 

I think she liked it!

A Rosette Tutorial

Wow..... I've been MIA for a while haven't I?  I totally didn't notice the time ........ being a new Mom for the fourth time makesdaysruntogether.  It really does.

I thought I'd throw together a quick tutorial on how I make my rosettes as I've been getting questions about them here and there.  They are super quick, easy and cheap to make!  Perfect for a teachers gift or even a gift swap with friends!  

Here goes.... please read this part first, boring I know but sooo necessary!

1. Please don't take this tutorial too seriously!  It's easy, so please for the love of all that is holy, don't make it harder than it is!  (Best advice I've ever, ever, ever given!)
2. You don't have to have a sewing machine for these..... it can be made by hand while watching Magnum P.I..... don't be hatin'!  During the gathering part... just make running stitches with your needle and thread and POOF..... you got gathers!
3.  If I leave something out..... please let me know.  I'm doing this with no time to spare as I have to take my girls to the doctor this morning.... shots for my shmoozy wittle luvvy baby!  WAhhhhh!
4. You also don't have to have a button cover...... any old button will do and shoot dang....... it looks good without a button too!
5. Please..... do not look too closely at my fingers.  I wash my hands eleventy million times a day and don't bother slathering them with lotion ..... again, don't be hatin'!

Here we go youngins, the directions will be given under the pictures so be on the lookie out!

 

Measure your fabric of choice..... I cut mine 2 1/2" by the width of the fabric .... which is usually about 44" wide.  This should make your rosette fabric 2 1/2" by 44".   Fold it in half as you see in the photo above..... iron it to keep the crease. 

 

Making it gather:  Set your machine to the longest stitch, mine is 4.0....... your-ins own might be different, just make it loooonnngg and stitch down the center of the fabric...... it doesn't have to be right on the dot..... I've traveled way out of the canal while reaching for my Wal Mart Brand Strawberry Crystal Light and it turned out splendidly!  Don't forget to leave plenty of thread to use to pull the gathers.

 

If'n you've never ever gathered anything in your entire life...... here's how it's done:  Goto the end of the fabric.....  you'll find your thread...... the thread you left to pull with remember?  Take only one of the threads and pull....... do you see how it's beginning to pucker and gather a bit?  Continue to do this while spreading out the jammed up area.... you'll know what I speaks of when you sees it!  I  promise!

This is what it should look like when you have it all gathered up.  Kinda cute isn't it?  (Please ignore the fact that I'm a slacker in the camera skillz department)

 

I use a piece of felted wool...... to be honest...... it's all I had to grab at the moment.  I'm kinda lazy that way..... shocking I know!  Anyhoo, take a piece of felt or felted wool or whatever you've got handy that is somewhat thicker than regular fabric........ and cut a circle.  I'm quite impressed with my circle since it's totally free hand...... I rock the freehand!  (It's approximately the size of the opening of a drinking glass)

 

Take your gathered up piece of fabric and tie a knot on the end you're going to start with.  NO biggy, just a simple little knot to keep it from un-gathering.  See above!

 

Now, lay the gathered piece of fabric on top of the wool, it should be folded in half again ....... remember to use the end that has the knot...... and start sewing it to the wool circle thingy.  It's not supposed to be perfect so no worries if you didn't get it perfecto.... trust me, in the end you won't be able to tell where it started!  Just sew it close to the edge and when you get to where you started....... well, just bypass it and make a new row.  Kinda like when you peel an apple and try to keep the peel in one piece....... does that make a bit of sense?

 

See how it looks..... I just keep on sewing it round and round till I get to the center and/or run out of room for my machine foot.  Go ahead and backstitch a bit to keep it in line and take it off of the machine.

 

See how I have a tiny bit left?  I'm gonna take a needle and thread and tack it down the best I can.  No neatness here folks....... it's downright messy and downright cute!

 

See my needle and thread!  I'm just tacking the tail end down.  Now, here is the part I didn't take a picture of...... because I am a dork, totally normal for me, maybe not for you BUT..... there's really no need as it's simple.  You can now sew a button to the center of the rosette if'n you wish.   I like to use button covers and make mine the same as the fabric I'm using....... but sometimes, I like to throw caution to the wind and really go wild by adding a regular old fashioned button ...... sometimes, just sometimes I get a bee in my bonnet and make it a different color!  Wild, I know!

 

This one doesn't have a center but the next one does........ you do what you're little voice tells you to do...... like Magnum.  His little voice talks to him allll the time!

 

Happy tutorial to you!  I hope you enjoyed it and can get some use from it!  I know it's totally not like the fancy PDF versions out there but ......... hey, it's free, fun and super cute!  Make a ton and show me what you've got!

*********************

I'll be rosetting the crud out of stuff this week for a shop update so be tuned in!

For Balemtimes Day

For Balemtimes Day...... my girl Amelia swapped special Balemtimes with Henry, who lives all the way out in California.  (By the way,  her brothers wanted to know who this "Henry" was and what his intentions were regarding their sister...... I set them straight and they are now "Okay" with the arrangement.  I feel sorry for her in 13 years!)  She has since received her Balentime from Henry and may have even blushed a bit while opening it!  I'm glad Morgan came up with this sweet idea...... how much fun for them to get mail!  (She is a fellow Preggo..... she's lucky as she's soooo much closer than I!).

So, we set out in search of great ideas and fun stuff to do with glitter!   So fun!  We shopped for lollipops, glitter, glue and construction paper..... these four crafting items, when combined made these:

She picked out the heart flower Valentines from a website that I can't find to share at the moment but will continue to look.  I cut and added the glue and she sprinkled the glitter.  ALOT OF GLITTER!

I must profess, I had more fun than I thought I would.......... I plan many more crafting moments in the future.  After seeing the beaming pride she took after giving her Daddy his Balemtime....... it's a must!

We also have Valentines for Aron, Hannah and Mr. James still on our table........ it just didn't feel right sending them out on time, it just wouldn't be "me"!  But if you look in the pile in front of my girl.... you'll see their names on a few leaves!  We promise to ship them out tomorrow!  (Sorry!).

I hope you all enjoyed your Day as well.  My Angel of a Husband sent me a dozen roses and his girl three special pink roses that she loved entirely!  For supper, I made my guys Taco's, a family favorite..................... and arranged an ice-cream sundae "bar", complete with ice-cream, candy bars, Magic Shell, whipped cream, marshmallow fluff and an extra dose of heartburn for the pregnant lady!

Ah..... love was in the air!

New book Show & Tell

OH man...... I'll tell y'all what...... it's H.O.T hot here in Georgia today!  Man, it's in the low 100's in my little town and feels even hotter.  Whats up wit dat?  Dunno, but I do know how much I love my new book!

I especially want to give a shout out to my girl Meredith who just started to embroider and began with Sublime Stitcheries patterns........ so awesome for first timers and those with experience.  Anyhoo...... since we are carrying their patterns at our shop I thought I should get busy on some samples and already have some things in mind........ I'll show you soon, hopefully Monday.  Hopefully. 

While out school clothes and new shop clothes shopping with my girl Amelia Claire...... I of course stopped and browsed the aisles of Books-A-Million and found this gem:

I had no idea they put out a book and man what a book!  It's chock full of the sweetest stitchery patterns from fun to funky to rock-n-rolly to yummy patterns of cupcakes and such.  Here are few pages:

Sweet birds that will be blue birds for me!

And these cute puppies!

Amelia seemed interested in these spaceships and the little aliens that were driving them.

And my personal favorite......... I soooo have the itch to stitch now! 

You can find the book here.  It's spiral bound and easy to navigate.  It also has easy to follow diagrams for all the stitches you need to complete each project and also has great pictures.  I really love that it has tons of patterns and such a nice price too!  I'm going to ask about getting a few of them at our shop.... they are just that cool!

On to shop news....... more bolts are arriving almost daily.  We're up to about 140 bolts which may not seem like much to the larger quilt shops but for a town that has to drive for almost an hour to get to look and touch designer fabrics ..... it's alot.  We have also gotten our notions order in which was sooo fun to go through.  Needles, thread, rotary cutters, measuring tapes, scissors and tons of more stuff.  Did I mention that we open September 1st?  You know, just a couple weeks away?  Yup, panic is setting in.

We paint tomorrow, as much as we can anyway.  The walls are going to be turquoise and the shelves are a creamy vanilla color.  Our sign is going to be huge and will have our logo on it as the picture below shows except the red around the logo is red and white polka dots.  We are very happy with it all.

Next week I'll be starting to "go to work".  This is something I haven't done in three years!  You know how when you're like 8 1/2 months pregnant and you feel the need to clean the oven and the dusty spots behind the refrigerator and to get all the laundry in the house clean?  That's how I'm feeling right now..... except I'm not cleaning.  Shock horror, I know.  I think I'll start to get the "need to dos" done Sunday when it all begins to sink in. 

I plan on going to the shop at least three days a week beginning next week, seeing that I have the web-site to complete, Etsy to start and now Ebay too.  It'll be nice getting the new computer with it's 19" flat screen up and going and not have any distractions to stop me every few minutes.  (Fat chance I know but I'm looking at my glass as half full!).

Anyhoo again, I'm off to start supper and to clean up just enough so that my Angel of a Husband thinks I've kept the house like this all day.  Sucka.

Have a great and happy weekend...... I'll hopefully have something crafty finished and ready to show you on Monday! 

Don't believe me.... just look!

I have actually been able to do a bit of crafting....... and I love it!  One of the things that attracted me to Etsy were the handmade clay pendants.  I can spend hours looking through them all and I love so many!  I've always been one to try and make something I've seen.  I don't know whether it's the challenge or the fact that I'm always dead ass broke.  I'm pretty sure it's both.  So, with my last JoAnn's coupon I bought myself a pasta machine, 3 packs of clay and some stamps.  And I made these:

and these with MOM and CKA.... my kid's initials:

It was really easy.  Here's how I did it....... I took my sculpy clay out of the package..... so far so good!  Then I flattened it just a bit and ran it through my machine...... totally bypassing the directions to pass a handi-wipe through it first to rid it of grease and stuff, so dummy me ended up having bits of black specky things on my piece of clay.  Anyhoo, I only ran it through the largest setting because I found that if I made it any thinner...... it wouldn't be very sturdy.  I stamped it with my stamps and then cut it with a knife.  I used a bamboo shish-ka-bob stick thingy to make the hole.  I placed them on a cookie sheet and baked it as the package directed.  After letting them cool I sanded them down and tried to get as much crooked-ness out of them as I could.  Although, looking at them now in a new light and fresh brain..... I think I sorta like the wompiness of them.

Here are few more:

I truly could have done this all day long, it was so much fun!  I still plan on brushing it with a bit of black or brown acrylic paint and then wiping it off, just to antique it up a bit.  I also bought some sealer that I'll brush on to finish it up.  I'll try to grab a picture of it on my chain and around my neck when they're completed! 

I signed up for Weight Watchers Friday night, online.  I'll make my first weigh in on Monday night.  I've just gotten so huge...... I only have few pairs of pants with zippers that I can fit into anymore.  So, in celebration of this crucial event I made this:

I'm taking today to eat like I'm on Death Row and every piece of food is my last meal.  I've had some of the fudgy frosting from the pan, I made some Ramen Noodles with a couple of hot dogs in it, a piece of cake, and an ice cream sandwich.  I still have supper and dessert to go.  For those who start their meetings tomorrow this recipe is for you:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 cup butter
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  
• 1/2 cup butter
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 12x18 inch sheet pan. In a saucepan, combine coffee, 1 cup butter and 5 tablespoons cocoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, white sugar, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in eggs, sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well, then beat in cocoa mixture. Spread into prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Frost while still warm.
4. To make the Frosting: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, milk and 6 tablespoons cocoa. Bring to a boil, reduce temperature and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and blend in the confectioners' sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and chopped pecans. Spread on cake while still warm.

I'd add the calories and fat count and crap but it would ruin the taste!  It's very rich, moist and chocolatey....... you just can't beat it for a sweet craving........ especially if you have the PMS like me!  Bluck!

This is a kitty I made years ago.  It's painted and then antiqued with goopy stuff and dressed in a dress I made from a vintage pillowcase.  I don't usually keep things I've made which is a shame.  I've decided to stop doing that, 'bout time.

Road Trip!

WOooo HOooo...... it's road trip time!  We're off in a matter of minutes for our "Four Five Ladies and a Baby Shop Hop 2007"!  I can't wait...... we're using this as a research mission, to delve into the underbellies of all the quilt shops we can visit in two days........ note taking of all we like and dislike, wonderful ideas and inspiration and of course lots of pictures and blog material! 

My sister Jerri Lynn who lives in New Paltz, New York has mapped out our trek for the next two days.  She has brought along her sister in law Fran for this venture and I must say that although I haven't spent much time with her as of yet...... she seems to be one of those very sweet, friendly and calm people that we find every once in a while.  It's going to be nice getting to know her.  My sister Debi and my Mom will be along as well as myself and poor Amelia.  Another car seat butt for her!  She loves looking at "terial" though and enjoys all the attention....... and believe me you...... she gets it from these gals! 

For the trip I made each of us a goody bag.  I wanted to make something pieced as we are visiting quilt shops after all.  I took everyones favorite colors and made some basic strip work for the sides and added a cool fabric I think Moda puts out for the center so that each of our bags had a common ground.  I also made matching tissue cozies, had a button made, (which I'll explain in a minute), sample sized soaps and lotions, a Plumtickled magnet, (a plug for me), and each have a handmade personalized tag.  Here are some photos:

The bag with the orange, green and brown is for my sister Jerri, she is the starter of all of us making quilts and designer fabrics.  My wallet thanks you Jer!  Anyhoo...... I stitched a little sewing machine to hers........ which I was going to do for all of ours but naturally, ran out of time.  I'll eventually stitch up appliques for them and add them to their bags. 

On top of Jerri's is the things I've added to their bags.  I was also hoping to make each a pincushion for their wrists....... I can't sew without mine!

Now for the pins...... I wanted to get some made for us to either wear or put on our purses for the trip......... just thought it would be fun.  Seeked out someone on Etsy, had another on Etsy design it for me and that's thats right?  Wrong.  I forgot to add me to the number..... so at first it was "Three ladies and a baby".  Then I remembered me...... emailed her in time and luckily she changed it with no problems.  Then Jerri invited Fran........ problem.  So, I thought it would be cute to just add a piece of paper with FIVE taped over it........... and so it is!  I think it's a hoot and hope everyone else likes it!

Gotta go get dressed, do my permed hair and gather my belongings.  Also have to run to the Post Office to send of Etsy orders.  If it wasn't for the last minute........ I'd get nothing done!  See you on the flip side!  Shop Hop or Bust!!!

A place to stick 'em

I'm feeling better about the show.  I was able to sew four dresses yesterday and five more today.  Of course these dresses don't have matching pants which makes it faster, but they're cute just the same and make me feel accomplished. 

So, I took a few minutes to make a couple of pincushions to add to my etsy shop.  I'm really groovin on the pink one...... pink chenille and milk glass...... HELLO, it's so me!  I like these 'cause they don't tip over and can hold one heck of a lot of pins and needles.  I made this one too:

Green apples in a great jadite greenish bowl.  They're no more than about 4" tall which makes them perfect for your end table or even sewing table.  I like them lots!

I'll post more crafty stuff tomorrow as I have to go throw some supper together and help my middle guy find his black baseball belt for his double header tonight.  I love watching my boys play ball, I just don't like the darn gnats.  I'll bring lots of bug spray!

My first crafting love

I thought I might like to share a bit of my crafting past with you.  For years I've designed and made primitive dolls.  There was a time in my life where this was what kept my power on and my kids fed.  I hold that time very close to my heart and feel much pride in the thought that I was able to count on myself and my creative side to take care of my boys.  This was during the time of my divorce from their Dad.  I can say now with complete confidence that it was the best and worst time of my life.  I spent alot of time at home...... alone, (while my boys were at school),......... among my many doodles of ideas scattered about in my studio.  I think it kept my mind busy while my heart healed.  I came out of that time with so much more confidence in myself than I ever thought possible.  I was also able to walk through my life with my head held up high with my character intact.  I'm quite proud of that!

I was seperated from my ex husband for two years before filing for divorce.  Then I waited over six months after my divorce was final to go out on a date.  So scarey I tell you!  But, I sucked in my two ten pound baby gut, put on my best bra and smiled like crazy.  Needless to say, I found my now Angel of a husband right at one year after my divorce was final.  The good sweet Lord smiled on me that day.  I truly believe this.  He is everything I told myself I needed and also....... wanted.  How strange to be with someone who truly, truly......... adored me.  Not only me but my boys too!  A real man, something I had never ever known before.

I have no idea how I ended up talking about my husband from just wanting to tell you a bit about my first crafting love.  I'm a dork I guess.  No, I'm a loved dork. 

Above are some of the doll patterns I've sold.  My pattern company was called Plumtickled........ duh.  My favorites are Annies and black dolls.  They are just the sweetest little hearts......... I always painted, sanded and then added some antiquing goopy stuff the Plumtickled way at the end.  I've got a couple of patterns I made since selling my patterns last year that I'll try to put somewhere on my blog if ya'll would like to try them.  Here is one below:

She is my "Cookie Baking Mammy"........ look at that face!  Now, could you resist a cookie from a sweet lady like this?  I couldn't.  Anyhoo......... if you would like a copy of this pattern I have it as a pdf file if you would like to email me.........I'll send it out to ya........FREE!  Have a great night ya'll and listen.  If you're reading this and have gone through or are going through a divorce remember this.  Don't let someone who hurt you, keep you from getting something everyone dreams of.  You'll find trust again, but you must think with your mind ............. not with only your heart!  Judi

Let's Tie One On!!

Here is my entry for the January/February "Tie One On" apron fun over at Angry Chicken's Tie One On blog!  It's for Valentines Day...... I made this one to match my kitchen curtains and added "Judi loves Darren" to it plus our anniversary!  Let's see if he notices me wearing it when he gets home!  I'll have my new Etsy shop up tomorrow!  Stop by to see what's new!  Have a great night!  Judi

weewonderfuls

weewonderfuls, originally uploaded by plumtickled.

Here is the set of Wee Wonderful dolls....... Olive and Archie that I made for Amelia's Christmas present. She loves kitty cats so I was certain to include them in the fabric choices.