Reverse Applique T-Shirts

Jul 12, 2010 | Uncategorized

I wanted to get back in on 11th Heaven’s Homemaker Mondays so thought I’d give you 
the “recipe” for these Fourth of July T-shirts I made for the kids…
Kids on Navy Pier for the 4th!

  1. I bought 3 t-shirts at the hobby store for $2 each. 
  2. Looked for a striped or starred t-shirt in my give-aways but didn’t have one, so went to the thrift shop and got a t-shirt with both for $2.

 3.  I printed a star template (just did search for a star image) and printed it out,  then cut them out of  the paper.  I transferred these to some sticky iron-on paper I had, but didn’t iron them on, just used it like a sticker to place them on the shirt.

4.  Turn shirt inside out and position star however you like.  Pin in place.  I kept paper on the star, it was sort of like freezer paper (I’m sure there is a better way but this worked for me on my first try.)

5.  I used a straight stitch to sew them on.  (Be careful on points of stars. Make sure to keep needle in fabric while turning.  I didn’t know this at first and some stars were messy.) Tie off ends of fabric in knots to prevent from coming out. 

6.  Turn shirt right side out and with embroidery or small scissors carefully cut through first layer of fabric so that material on back shows through. 

It was pretty easy, but not I’m not as skilled on my machine as I’d like yet.  I want to keep making some of these to see if I get better!  The test was in the washing, and they did wash well!  YAY!

Groceries (or to Farmer’s Market we go)

Feb 1, 2010 | Uncategorized

I’ve been trying for the past year or so to really attempt to buy local as much as possible. 

Market in Winter

Pro-

  • When I buy local I support local farmers.
  • I get fresh, yummy produce (the grocery stores can’t compare.)
  • I can get fresh, local, milk from a woman-owned dairy! 
  • I can get FRESH eggs!  (I’d still like a few chickens.)
  • I get to chat with my favorite farmers and neighbors while picking up my goods. (And in the summer the kids love the samples!)
  • I can take all my own bags and don’t even have to most of the time.
  • I get fresh milk (most of the time.)
  • Our local organic farmer’s market has online ordering which is awesome for a busy mom!
  • I don’t spend as much on junk at the grocery store because I plan and only get what I need (especially when I order online.)
  • I don’t have things going bad in the fridge because I don’t use them fast enough.

Cons:

  • Sometimes, when I pre-order from our local organic farmer’s market online I don’t get what I think I’m ordering.  (Example: I ordered “Cracked Pecans” thinking they would be well, cracked shelled pecans.  I got a bag of the shells and the pecans, not picked through.  Quite strange.)  
  • On occasion, if I pre-order online I don’t get the freshest things.  (Milk has been almost sour twice and apples were so gross I couldn’t make a pie even.)  *Now, if I just get it from the farmer’s I can choose my own, but in the winter online ordering is sooo  much easier.
  • I spend about $1 more per gallon for milk than at the grocery store, $1 more for a dozen eggs, (but they are much better!)
  • I can’t always get everything I want at the market, but I’m learning to compromise.  
  • In the summer, if I don’t watch out I can spend WAY too much money. 

 Goodies from this summer’s market

My goals for this year:

  • This spring I’m going to try and plant more in my tiny, shady, garden.   I want to get lettuces and spinach in early because I always forget! 
  • Also I want to utilize container gardens more so I can take advantage of the sun on my deck.  Worked great for my basils last year and some tomatoes.
  • I want to make more homemade bread and buy virtually no store bought bread.  If I can co-op with my mom we can both benefit.  (Anyone else?)
  • I want to put away more of my herbs, and try to make more things from them. (Shampoo, soap?)
  • Keep up buying at the market and only going to the grocery store for a few things.   
  • My mom has a lovely garden and I’m trying to convince her to register to sell at the organic market this year for extra income.  I need to help her in her garden more!

Mom’s Summer Bounty
(She brought these for us!)

*Thanks to Jen at 11th Heaven’s Homemaking Haven for featuring me this week in her “Homemaker Monday” carnival!  I’m so tickled! 🙂   If you haven’t visited her site, check it out here!