Makers Cottage – A Modern Maker Night Of Fun
Maker’s Cottage is not a new idea for me but it is a major exciting one! I’d love to have new and future Lynchburg friends join me for an evening of creating once a month. If you really like DIY projects but your afraid to tackle one on your own or you don’t know where to start….or maybe you don’t know what you need…..You can now just enjoy the creative process, make friends, have fun and take home a really great on trend DIY project to use or give. Maker’s Cottage is also available in party form if you’d like to have a party tailored just for you in your home for birthdays and girls nights.
Here are the details:
Modern Makers Night!
Make It, Take It, and leave the planning, prepping, and mess to me!
Each Makers night I’ll prepare a short and easy on trend project suitable for keeping or gift giving. Learn new skills, have fun with your friends, make really cool stuff!
-all projects are low cost, pre pay, on trend, and EASY
-for ladies 18 and up!
-childcare available for a small fee
——February 9, 2017 7-9:30 pm ——————-
Boho Fringe Wall Hangings
8 Spots Available
Make Up to 3!
Andrea Loy’s Home
Braxton Park Townhomes
134 Mallard Lane
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Makers Cottage -February 9, 2017
Vintage Puff Quilt
Interested in puff quilts? I saw some very ugly ones last summer and I haven’t been able to get them out of my mind ever since. This Vintage Puff Quilt happened because I have a problem. When I can’t get to sleep at night I lie awake and solve design problems in my head.
PROBLEMS
Problem One: Most puff quilts are ugly. I wanted a puff quilt that was not ugly.
Problem Two: Most puff quilts are pieced squares, therefore time consuming. I wanted to make a beautiful puff quilt quickly. {Like in a day or less.}
Let’s face it, I wanted to make a puff quilt just to spite these glaring problems. It also occurred to me that children would love these. The texture is so fun! I have lots of children, therefore I must make one. My children don’t really have a huge need for blankets, seeing as I make so many quilts already….and I come from a family of talented quilters. So I still lacked a little in motivation even after I had solved the afore mentioned problems in my head.
I was thinking about the puff quilts in Mary Poppins one night at the end of Jane and Michael’s beds and it occurred to me how lovely they would be as a gift to someone starting a home.
Well, my lovely sister in law decided to grow up, move out of her parents house and turn 21 so I finally found the proper justification to indulge myself in a puff quilt making marathon.
It’s quite simple, really. I hope you’ll be encouraged to make one soon once I reveal just how easy and quick it really is.
MATERIALS
2 flat twin sheets
2 bags stuffing, Fiber-Fil
Thread
Clear Quilting Ruler
Pencil
Sewing Machine
INSTRUCTIONS
1.) First, find two flat sheets or curtains. Preferably soft vintage fabric or just a high quality set with a soft hand. I used the vintage Shabby Chic Curtains from my first bedroom that I had been hoarding for a long time for this project. They were 60″ x 84″ roughly the size of a twin blanket. I had four, so that means I will be making another one very soon!
2.) Sew your sheets right side together on both long ends and one short end. You’ll need the fourth end open for stuffing. *Turn right side out. (CRUCIAL)
3.) Make a grid. You’ll be sewing a grid of squares to stuff and puff! Measure your sheet and divide into equal square sections. I used less math than you might think. An easy way to do this is divide your sheet in half then keep halving the sections. Mine ended up being 6.5″ wide. I measured across the shorter measurement, the width of the sheet. and marked each using a clear quilting ruler and a pencil. Once you’ve made a mark at each equal point, draw these lines vertically up the entire length of your sheet.
Now measure 6.5″ up and make a horizontal line. Continue until you have marked a grid of squares entirely over your whole sheet.
4.) Sew & Stuff. Sew the vertical lines starting at the bottom of your quilt. Sew only two-three squares up at a time. You can’t fit your arm all the way dow the entire vertical column of the quilt, trust me(*wink, wink) I know from experience. Grab a handful of stuffing. Put a handful in each colomn all the way down and sew your horizontal line across to secure your squares of puff stay put. Next stuff a hand full of stuffing down each vertical column again and sew your horizontal line across the quilt to secure.
5.) Just keep sewing and stuffing your way to the top. If your sheet doesn’t end up with a perfect square at the top (mine didn’t) that is OK!
6.) Finish the top seam. Fold the ends of your quilt down inside the quilt 1 inch. Pin and iron….Then sewed across. No binding. No lengthy finishing process. Whoo Hoo!
The whole quilt took me 3 hours. That’s all! It was a blissfully fun project! I hope you’ll make a puff quilt and share it with me! Happy Sewing! -Andrea
Monkey and Pumpkins Knit Fabric Review
It’s getting colder here in Virginia and Ruby Jane is in need of some comfy sleepers and play outfits! I took the opportunity a month ago to sew up a couple of sleepers and test out some fabric I had the privilege of purchasing in the very first production line of Monkeys and Pumpkins Fabric. I got a small discount on 2 meters of fabric in exchange for my honest opinion. I was so excited to try out this fabric but I moved a few weeks after it arrived in KC so I packed it up and waited for all of the craziness to end before sewing it into baby goodies. This week I made up the play outfits. The sleepers we have been using for a month to test the wear with all of children! (Patterns used were the Brindille and Twig Footie Sleeper and Raglan Tee.)
First, I have to say that while I am not an expert at knit fabrics, I diligently try to increase my knit sewing skills. I have conquered my fears for the last 5 years with the help of a good friend. I really enjoy the benefits of sewing with knits. I have sewn with Art Gallery Knits, cheapy Joann knits, Riley Blake Knits, Birch Organic Knits and others….
THE PROS
Of all of those I prefer Art Gallery. Until now. Monkeys and Pumpkins Fabric is WONDERFUL! It’s got the soft delicate hand of Art Gallery knit but is slightly sturdier. I am so thrilled with it because I use it for the children. Ruby has worn these sleepers for a month and they are holding strong! No ripping, no fading, and the snaps are not pulling out of the fabric. The stretch recovery and breathability of the fabric are really great! The drape is beautiful and perfect.
THE COMPANY
Daria began the company in January of this year(2016). She is a “former neuroscientist and a forever fabric lover” HA! I love that. Smart women sew!!!!! She lives in Germany and her fabric is produced and printed there.
THE CONS
Since this is an honest review I should mention the cons. I really only have two minor ones. The first is that I really don’t love the designs as much as Art Gallery or Birch Designers, but I think this will probably improve over time as M&P grows and expands their fabric line. Their prints are more for children. They are very cute, vibrant and fun but I would love some sophisticated or understated prints and solids to make myself or my 13 year old some clothing as well!
The second con would probably be the price for me. I had to pay about $56 for two meters. I think this is too expensive. However it is a high quality fabric and I would consider purchasing it again if money were no object.
I am so thankful Daria allowed me this opportunity and hope my readers will check out her lovely fabric! It is truly a joy to sew with.
I made matching outfits for Ruby and Vivion with the yellow print from M&P and a French Terry from Joann Fabrics. The sleeper is M&P with the binding from JoAnn Fabrics. When I ordered the fabric I didn’t choose coordinates as well as I thought I did….hence the reason for filling in with JoAnn.
Easy Blanket Poncho Tutorial
Welp, I have fallen onto the bandwagon of trendiness this fall. I really hated ponchos back in the 90’s but I like the new blanket style ones that are on the very front display at Target this year taunting me with their plaids and tribally goodness like sea sirens to a sailor. I was at Joanne’s this week a couple times for ONE THING. I kept walking past this woven tribal fabric and I couldn’t stand it. I brought it home and promptly turned it into a blanket poncho. Even my 12 year old likes it. That’s saying something. It was my reward for finishing the fancy fox quilt for my daughter that took like 1200 hours.
If you’d like to join in on the poncho trend, I’ve made up a quick and easy poncho tutorial for you to follow. It takes 1 yard of fabric and about 20 minutes tops!
Did I to mention it’s CHEAPER?! You could make 3-4 of these for the price of a Target or Gap one right now! Can we say CHRISTMAS GIFTS?!!! If you purchase 1 yard of 60″ wide woven fabric for 12.99 and they have most of it 40% off right now, then you use your 20% off total purchase coupon….. well, you have yourself an amazing poncho for only $6.30! So hurry and get started! Here is the nitty and the gritty in an easy to follow downloadable image! I’d love to see your ponchos! Tag em #aldeasyponcho
EASY BLANKET PONCHO TUTORIAL DOWNLOAD
Here are some pictures of me and my 12 year old daughter trying it on….so it’s pretty versatile size wise but I have included instructions for a custom fit do you can make for ANY SIZE!!!! Happy Poncho-ing. Make all the ponchos!!!
-Andrea
Grace was my photographer and her Miranda impressions made it impossible for me to do anything but cheesy laughing faces. She’s pretty cute.
How To Magically Make More Time (for sewing) Part 2
If your new to the blog, I am continuing my series on How To Magically Make More Time For Sewing…….you can read Part 1 HERE.
CLEANING
Let’s talk about cleaning. Many people wonder….Is my house a pig sty? Sometimes yes. It’s because I have 5 children who are well, children. They run around in the wonderment of carefree childhood and drop their drawers anywhere but in their dresser drawers. I really struggle with being patient and kind with my children in this area. If I had actual magical powers I would most often use them to clean my house. Yes, I am Monica from friends. What would be my spirit animal? Maybe that little parasite that cleans the side of fish tanks?
I have prepared some helpful how to infographic printables to help you and I teach our children how to do specific tasks like the laundry and dishes…..(note: I have updated the How To Dishes Chart with “Rinse Clean” after hand washing.)
These are free for anyone who signs up for my email list. I am unashamedly building an email list and trying to figure out mail chimp. (The struggle is not as real as I thought it would be.) If you have an extreme aversion to being put on an email list of some sorts, you may purchase these in my Etsy shop, Handful Of Arrows at a discount for reading my blog. Here is the coupon code for 50% off: MAGIC16
Here are the key elements of cleaning magic you need this week to create more sewing time!
1.) Lower your standards – this is my hardest one. It’s not everyones biggest struggle, but it’s mine. Delegating the cleaning of the bathroom means streaks and drips and bleach marks and mostly whiny rebellion in the lower ranks of your household. But stand firm soldier. It’s worth it for all involved. Your children will thank you when they are 35. Trust me. (I used to hire someone to clean my floors and bathrooms on a weekly basis. However that is not in the medschool wife budget. I would recommend that if you can afford it! I have always had the kids help too. Now that I have a 13, 10, and 7 year old they are capable of helping a lot more.)
2.) Delegate – yes, really. Don’t go in there and redo it. Refer to key element number 1 and sing “Let It Go” and pray for Jesus to help your heart. I am being sarcastic but I am also being serious. Your 12- yr old can do the dishes once a day. She can do a few loads of laundry a day. She may act like she doesn’t know that you are supposed to add soap everytime to the washer or wipe off the counters but just push on and work towards solidarity. Just think of all the life skills you are imparting to your precious ones. I have a bellyacher, a super eager helpful(somewhat self righteous) soldier, a my way or the highway type and a passive aggressive hide and do nothing type. All of these little girls will be fine. Someday. Just be nice and leave the emotions at the door. This will be very hard but you can totally do it. {Phil. 4:13}
3.) Expect failure and reteaching – this is the stuff of motherhood. I know there is no need to explain. Let’s not pretend. If you don’t have little ones at home, you probably don’t need this magical blog post in your life right now because you are experiencing the magic of empty nesting….
If you have young children, you will create more time for sewing (or whatever your happy place) by teaching and delegating household chores to them. It will only help them in the long run to be productive members of society who know what it takes to run a household, serve others, put family first, and value a good work ethic. While I can’t change their hearts, I do try to give them a bible verse with their training and pray it will take root. God’s Word will truly cause heart change with the grace and power that only come from Him. Here is a printable for that…
Now sit down, relax, eat some bon bons and SEW until someone fills the dishwasher with regular soap and overflows the kitchen with bubbles or spills your coffee on the new rug. #thestruggleisreal#sewingismyhappyplace
If you are subscribed to my email list, these pretty and practical infographics will be delivered to your inbox for free. The sign up is on my home page. Thanks for reading! -Andrea
How To Magically Make More Time (for sewing) Part 1
The question I get most often is, “How do you find the time to sew and do your design work?” The obvious unspoken questions are: Do your children eat? Is your house a pig sty? Are you really homeschooling? Do your kids just watch TV all day or what? Are you on speed? Are you superwoman?
I have a few answers for you, my friends. No my children do not starve. Which brings me to part one of How To Magically Make More Time…..
FREEZER MEALS
I have found that most freezer meals on pinterest or in books range from slightly to grossly disappointing. Usually freezer meals are reserved for desperate measures. They involve cream of yuck soups and are high in carbs and low in nutrition. We usually don’t care because those meals are given in love and are truly a blessing. When making freezer meals to eat often, I don’t want to sacrifice our health or the importance of having meal time together as a family. I also don’t want to sacrifice good taste. Most importantly, I WANT TO SEW DURING NAPTIME instead of make dinner. Sound fun? It is. #worthit
THREE IMPORTANT RULES FOR FREEZER MEALS:
- Healthy – everyone has a different version of healthy. My version is meat, healthy fats, vegetables, whole grains. Our family is fortunate not to have many allergies or food intolerances, but you can definitely adapt most of my recipes to your needs.
- Easy – the finished meals cannot involve anything more than reheating. No multiple packets and steps. That is not a meal. That is food prep.
- Tasty – nobody really likes freezer meals that have no taste or are just full of chicken breasts with jam and cream of yuck. Let’s just make really great food and freeze it.
You don’t have to hold a big freezer meal making marathon. Especially if that makes freezer meals daunting for you. I usually buy enough ingredients to make four meals of one recipe. I make them all, we eat one for dinner that night and I freeze the other 3. However, it is super fun to have a girls night and make them together with friends or to host a freezer meal swap!
I’m sharing our family favorite, Tater Tot Casserole Recipe with you! If you’d like the rest of my recipes for free just sign up for my newsletter(at the bottom of my home page) and they will magically arrive in your inbox! FOR FREE. Delia helped me make these lovely TTC’s last week because I wanted to finish sewing a quilt this weekend. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.”
One more thing, I openly apologize to my mother (who faithfully reads all my blog posts) for complaining about tater tot casserole when she used to make it while I was growing up. To be fair, hers had mushy zucchini in it. Love you though. #bestmomever 🙂
Stay tuned for two more editions of How To Magically Make Extra Time (for sewing) (or whatever your happy place is).
-Andrea
Thumbtack
Accuquilt
