In Remembrance.

My heart has been aching ever since the senseless tragedy in Connecticut on Friday.  I know you all feel the same way, and like you, my family and I are praying for those who are sorrowing this Christmas season.

I have some projects to post, but it seems more appropriate to share them with you later this week. 

Until then, I will leave you with the words of a hymn, which I love, and which my mom posted the words of today (thanks mom).

Come, Ye Disconsolate

Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish;
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish.
Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, Light of the straying,

Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
"Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot cure."

Here see the Bread of Life; see waters flowing
Forth from the throne of God, pure from above.
Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing
Earth has no sorrow but heav'n can remove.

Text: Thomas Moore, 1779-1852. Vs. 3 Thomas Hastings, 1784-1872  Music: Samuel Webbe, 1740-1816

 

Angel Ornament Kid's Craft

Here's a quick idea for a fun craft to do with a group of children or just one or two!  I did this with the kids in our neighborhood playgroup last year and they all seemed to enjoy it.

You will need: 1 marshmallow, 2 doilies, a toothpick, some ribbon, red and black sharpies, tacky glue or hot glue, and some yellow embroidery floss or pipe cleaner for a halo.

Directions:  Fold one doily in half, and the other doily in quarters.  Glue the quartered doily on top of the half- doily, as shown in the picture.  Poke the toothpick up through the middle of the half- doily; the marshmallow goes on the exposed toothpick end.  Glue in place.  Cut a small piece of yellow floss or pipe cleaner and make your halo- glue it on.  Use the ribbon to make a loop to hang on the tree- glue that in place too.  Use the sharpies to make a face on the angel.

Fun, easy craft for the kiddos!

This year, I think I am going to have our playgroup make this simple but very cute ornament from Fun Home Things:

What crafts are you planning to do with your kids this year?

No-Socks Slipper-Mocs

I am so excited to share with you a tutorial on how to make these simple, cozy, moccasin- style slippers... a perfect gift idea for Christmas for your husbands/ fathers/ sons/ brothers/ friends!  Of course, you can use more feminine fabric and make these for the women in your life too!

The basic slippers are made from just two pattern pieces.  It doesn't get much simpler than that!  Let's get started.

Click to download the 4T pattern

Make Your Pattern


I am sharing the pattern I made for my son (approximately size 4T- click the picture above to download), but you'll have to make your own pattern for any other sizes you might need.  Don't worry; it isn't hard- here's how.

Sole Piece
1. Grab a piece of paper large enough to fit your food and then some.
2. Trace your foot ("your" foot meaning whatever foot you want to make these slippers for!)
3. Round out the toes.
4. Measure and mark 3/4" to 1.5 inches out from the toes (the smaller measurement for kid sizes, the larger for adult sizes).  Draw a line 1/2" to 1 inch behind the heel.  Draw a 2" to 3+" line extending out at about a 170 degree angle (again, depending on if it is child sized, or adult sized).  You may need to experiment a little to get the kind of fit you like.

5. Measure and mark 1"- 1.5" out from the widest part of the foot, and connect to the 2" line you just drew.
6. Following the contour of the toe, draw a curve connecting the three measurements you have marked out.

Upper Piece
7. For child sizes, draw a 3.5" line, with perpendicular lines on the top and bottom- the top line measuring 2.75", and the bottom line measuring 3".
8. Connect the lines to make a trapezoid, then round out the corners as shown above.

The picture above shows the abbreviated process for making an adult- sized slipper- for the gals.  The upper piece above includes an option for a longer upper that can be folded up to get the effect shown in the gal's slipper picture at the top.  For men's sizes, I would use the upper range of the measurements listed above, and make the sole piece at least 4" wide depending on the foot measurement.

Gather Materials

Pattern pieces, fabric (I recommend something heavy duty, like an old pair of jeans), scraps of faux- sherpa (or other suitable lining), and fabric of your choice to reinforce the soles (this is optional, but it will really lengthen the life of the slippers.  Alternatively, you can put puffy paint or something on the soles to give it grip and make it last longer), pins, scissors, sewing machine.

I made this pair of slippers for my 2 year old, and I already had this anti- skid gripper fabric, so I went ahead and used it for him.  You could obviously use any other material you wanted, including another layer of denim, perhaps with puff paint on the bottom.

Cut Out Pieces

Cut two each of the sole and the upper in both fabric and lining.  If you are using denim, decide if you like the look of right side in, or right side out better.  Make sure you are cutting out a left and a right foot- flip the pattern or fold the fabric to get two opposite feet.  Also, if you wish, use the tracing of the foot that will be wearing the slippers, and round out the toes a tiny bit to come up with your pattern for the sole reinforcement piece.

Assemble Sole

1. If you are adding a sole reinforcement piece, pin it onto the right side of the fabric, with the heel of the reinforcement piece almost touching the back edge of the fabric.

2. Sew the reinforcement piece down using a wide zig zag stitch.

3. Sew the matching lining fabric onto the sole piece, wrong sides together.  See my skillfully drawn dotted lines on picture 3 above? Sew around the sole piece as shown, from one corner to another, with a 1/4" seam allowance.

4. Sew the back heel seam by matching up the side corners, lining sides facing each other.  Yes, the seam will be "inside out".

5. Sew the upper of the lining to the upper of the fabric, wrong sides together. (pictured below)

Attach Upper to Sole

First, pin the middle of the top of the upper to the middle of the top of the sole piece, as shown.

1. Working from the middle, make small, even gathers, pinning after each one.

2. Do the same number of gathers on each side.  Try to make sure they are all the same size.

3. This is what the top looks like.  Stop pinning right before the upper piece starts to curve in.

4. Carefully sew the upper to the sole piece, sewing on top of the existing stitching on the upper piece. 

Finishing Touches

You could be done now if you want- the raw edge has its own appeal, especially for the grown-up guys; continue if you like the fluffy edge going around the heel.

1. Cut a strip of your lining fabric that extends all the way around the heel from one side of the upper to the other.  Fold it over the raw edge.

2. Pin the strip at intervals and sew in place.

3. Trim the raw edges so they are even- the strip you just sewed and also the gathered area around the toes.

And, repeat from the beginning for the other slipper!

Now you've got some pretty dude-ly moccasin slippers (or sweet, if you made 'em for a gal).  Either way, they are sure to keep toes toasty and happy!  Happy slipper sewing!

Headband Patterns

Hi all!

It has been a looong time since I last posted here at Home Sweet Homebodies.  Between graduating from college, going abroad, getting a full-time job, and having a baby in the past year and half, I just haven't had much time for anything extra!  Things are starting to calm down around here though, and I hope to do more posts in the near future! 

Remember these headbands? Well, its been a long time coming, but I've finally written the "Anna" Crochet pattern and put it up in the etsy shop, along with this headband pattern.  I hope to write more in the near future! 

"Anna" Headband: 

Thanksgiving Crescent Rolls

{This was originally posted in 2010, but I still have people asking me to share this recipe, so I am re-posting it and trying not to let my mouth water too much.}
 I could have titled this post "The Best Rolls. Ever."  -and it would have been true.  My childhood memories of Thanksgiving dinners at my Grandparents' house always include hovering with my cousins over the napkin- covered baskets full of steaming, homemade, mouth- watering rolls.  True, we loved just about everything put on the table for the Thanksgiving feast... but oh, the rolls!  We could have stuffed ourselves just on those beauties alone.  After I got married, my husband and I begged my Aunt Susan for the recipe, and she so kindly shared it with me.  I have made these rolls so many times now, and they taste just like I remember.  (I think what makes them so delicious is the butter... there is a lot.  Don't say I didn't warn you!)  I almost feel like I am sharing a secret family recipe, but I think great food is meant to be shared, and I hope you will enjoy these rolls as much as I do!

Thanksgiving Crescent Rolls

Yield: 48 rolls

1 c. + 2 Tbsp. butter
2 c. water, divided
2 rounded Tbsp. yeast
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
5-6 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder

Melt 1 cup butter in 1 cup of boiling water.  Add 1 cup of cold water and when warm to the touch add the yeast and sugar.  Allow to sit 10-15 minutes or so until bubbly (this is called "proofing the yeast", which ensures that the yeast is active and gives flavor to the rolls).  Then add 2 eggs, mixing well (do this in a large bowl, or your stand mixer bowl).  If you have the time, sifting the flour first will help make the rolls even more light and fluffy.  Add 5-6 cups of flour, adding the salt and baking powder between the 4th and 5th cups of flour.  For me, 6+ cups of flour is what it takes.  Mix well.  The dough should still be soft and sticky.  Let rise double in bowl while covered with a clean, non- fuzzy dishtowel (about 2 hours).  You can speed up the process a bit by placing the bowl in a warm area, e.g. preheating the oven for about 3 minutes, then turning the heat completely off, and placing the dough in the oven to rise.  Punch the dough down and divide into thirds.  Roll each dough ball into a circle (about 14 inches in diameter) and cut into 16 wedges with a knife or pizza cutter.  Roll each wedge up from the fat end towards the middle of the circle.  Set on cookie sheets, cover with dishtowel, and let rise again, 1- 1 1/2 hours (or you may freeze the dough at this point).  Optional: Melt the remaining butter and use a pastry brush to top each roll with a little butter.  Bake rolls at 400* F for 9-10 minutes.
Variations: Use this dough to make orange rolls or cinnamon rolls by adding 2 tsp. vanilla extract with the eggs.  Roll the dough into 2 rectangles, butter the dough and sprinkle with (a lot of) sugar & grated orange peel, or brown sugar and cinnamon.  Roll the dough into a log shape and use a piece of long thread or dental floss to cut the dough in 1 inch intervals by sliding the floss under the log, then crisscrossing the ends and pulling tight, all the way through the dough.  Arrange circle slices on baking sheet, let rise, and bake as directed above.
Enjoy!
My additions in italics.

I look forward to baking these rolls next week.  They are definitely one of my favorite parts of the meal (foodwise of course).  I can hardly wait!  I would love to know if you try them out, and I will do my best to answer any questions you may have (with the understanding of course that I am no culinary master)- just leave a comment or shoot me an email.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner?

Baby Girl Refashions

Here's a quick share of some baby girl refashion ideas...

This set is made of an old maternity shirt (pink stripes) and a bit of an old white Tshirt. (Pardon the phone pictures.)

I made the onesie using an old onesie that I cut apart as my pattern.  The scratch mitts were made from my Infant Scratch Mitt Pattern and Tutorial here, and the tie-top hat was made from Tie Dye Diva's pattern found on Sew Mama Sew.

Don't forget the ruffles!  Lots and lots of ruffles.

Flannel burp cloths- yeah, these are not refashions, although some are made from scraps of fabric used to make jammies, but I am including them anyway, because they are a great way to use up small pieces of fabric, and you can make them out of old flannel shirts, pants, even jersey Tshirts.  They can have batting in the middle or not.  I made my own pattern for these, but there are several free versions on blogs- just Google it or check Pinterest!  These tend to be more absorbent than the ones you can buy from the store, so these make nice gifts.

Baby leg warmers made from Dollar Tree socks.  Again, there are several free tutorials out there to make these.

This is a peasant skirt that I tried so hard to like, but it was just too generous in adding bulk around my hips, and... I just don't need any extra volume in that general area.  So, my hip- fluffing skirt became a sweet little summer dress for my niece who should be arriving in the next few weeks!

The extra material made a nice diaper cover- tutorial found on MADE.

Can't wait to meet my niece in the very near future!  :D  Think happy, positive childbirth thoughts for Marissa if you will- good karma, right?  Maybe soon I can post pictures of the little miss wearing some of these outfits!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Source: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

Breast cancer awareness... a matter close to my heart.  Besides having more than one family member who has battled breast cancer, I am a public health nurse at my local health department's women's clinic, and one of my main functions is to screen for and educate about breast cancer. October is almost over, but it's never too late to be reminded to get screened!  And even though I post this (or something like it) pretty much every year, I think it is important and worth re-posting, because I care about each of you- so here you go!

Important breast cancer information:
If you are at least 20 years old, you should be doing self breast exams.  I know you may feel uncomfortable, or it may be difficult to remember, but do whatever you have to do to remind yourself! Put a note or sticker somewhere you will see it, or choose to do it on your birthday- date each month. If you are at least 40 years old, you need a mammogram every 1-2 years (every year after age 50). Men, please encourage the women in your lives to do this- it may save their life. When breast cancers are detected early, women have an excellent chance of survival.  If you need a reminder on how to do a self- exam, check out this link that has step- by- step instructions.

I like to tell the women I screen that doing a breast self exam isn't really about following a rigid set of instructions or searching for cancer.  Thinking of it that way can cause anxiety that may cause you to avoid even thinking about it.  I recommend being aware of your body- becoming familiar with what is normal for you.  Think of it as a way to have peace of mind.  If you do notice a change, whether it be a lump, a change in color or texture of the skin on your breast, a change in shape or appearance of any part of the breast, or anything out of the ordinary that persists and doesn't resolve, you should have it checked immediately by a health care professional.

As women, we put so much of our energy into taking care of other people that we sometimes neglect to take care of ourselves.  Please consider that you can best care for those you love by keeping yourself healthy!  What I'm saying is that there really isn't any good excuse for not giving your health the attention it deserves.

If money or lack of insurance/ underinsurance is an issue, there are programs that offer free or low cost mammograms to women over 40 each year if you meet certain income requirements. The clinic I work at is one of these programs, and there are programs like this all over the U.S. You can check out the CDC’s website to find out if you qualify.

What can you do to help?
1. Get yourself screened.
2. Spread the word and encourage someone you love to get screened.
3. Show support this month for breast cancer awareness and those who have battled breast cancer by wearing pink or the BCA ribbon.

A Wendy Dress

A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine called me up and asked for help in creating a costume for her daughter, who had landed the role of Wendy in her school's production of Peter Pan.  We couldn't find a reasonably priced costume, a nightgown that looked like it could be altered, or a pattern specifically for a Wendy dress, so I semi-cautiously decided to make a pattern myself. (How hard could it be? No matter that I mainly sew little boy stuff... hahaha.)

 We opted to follow most of the stylistic traits of Disney Wendy's dress, with a change or two of our own.
 I started by taking measurements and drafting the bodice pattern (I actually didn't start completely from scratch on this, but I radically modified an existing girls dress pattern- including resizing it and pretty much changing the entire shape, so... yeah, I'm going to count that as drafting.).  Thankfully, I made a muslin first, because I needed to make several changes to my first draft to make it fit correctly.

I altered a simple cap sleeve to become a perfect puff sleeve using this technique on Vani's blog.  Thank goodness for Google searches and awesome people who put up random super-helpful tutorials.

The skirt is just one rectangle, 1.5x the width of the waist measurement.  I know there are other, probably better ways to do this, but this is what I knew and felt comfortable doing, so I went with it.  The bottom ruffle is 2x the width of the skirt.  I sewed the zipper in first, and then sewed the rest of the back seam together.  Oh, and I added a hook and eye above the zipper.  The ribbon belt is tacked on at the side seams to keep everything together in the wash.

I used a little extra ribbon to make a matching hair bow.  (I have to admit that because I don't have daughters, this is actually the first bow I have ever made- and I really didn't know what I was doing- so don't judge too harshly!)

I lined the bodice of the dress for 3 reasons: First, for the "seamless" look on the neckline; second, for a "no-itch" feel- which apparently is really important to eight year olds.  Third, lining the sleeves gave them a little more volume.

I do have to say that the puff sleeves might be my favorite part of the dress.  Aren't they just adorable?  I'll just answer my own question- yes!- they are about as adorable as the eight year old wearing them!

The dress isn't perfect, but it makes a pretty good Wendy-bird costume for the play and for Halloween!  I have to say that I am relieved that it turned out and I didn't mess the whole thing up... whew!  Has anyone else taken on a project they weren't sure they could deliver on and how did it turn out?

Ugly Duckling T-shirt Transformations

Is it just me, or does everyone have a basket/pile/box/bin of clothes that are technically unwearable as-is, but have tons of potential if reinvented?  (I guess I shouldn't admit that I actually have three bins full of such articles...)  These four unlovely and unloved shirts came from one of my bins.  Two of them were previously- loved shirts of mine (from an earlier fashion- phase), and two were pre- loved shirts from D.I ($1 each).

I drafted a little pattern for baby leggings and transformed this shirt into a cute pair of lace-bottomed, ruffle-bummed girl leggings (for Marissa's baby, of course)!

With plenty of leftover fabric, I created this flower headband to match!

Using the same leggings pattern I drafted earlier, I transformed this stretched out sequin trim shirt from "Closet Disco Wannabe" to "Subtle Sparkling Diva"!  Both pairs of leggings were soooo easy to make, since I didn't have to hem the legs- I just used the fun trims. 

I believe this shirt was previously a men's size large which had shrunk in the dryer.  I used a T-shirt that I like the size of as a pattern to cut this shirt down to size.  Of the plentiful fabric scraps left over, I made  the flower, stem, and leaves, which I pinned down and sewed over with contrasting thread.

This pink shirt was a women's size XL which had also shrunk in the washer (I'm assuming, since it fit me just fine when I bought it at D.I.)  I used more of the scraps from the white shirt (which I cut into long strips) to make the swirly designs- you can see how I pinned them onto the shirt on the top right of the picture below.  I also added a little modesty panel because I really hate layering shirts.  I didn't bother trying to keep the white strips straight; I figured it would have more character if I twisted, and turned the fabric.  I sewed with white thread down the middle of each strip.  This one took a little more time than the rest, but still probably close to an hour, so not too bad!  Since I have worn and washed it a couple times now, I like how the swirls look even more than that "brand new" look.

Want to see some of my other women's shirt transformations?
Check out this flutter sleeve refashion, this quick modesty refashion, the stripey shirt refashion, this awesome spring shirt refashion, and, should you be interested, a regular T-shirt turned nursing shirt.

Do you have any go-to refashion techniques for shirts?!