Chit Chat From Deb

Labours Of Love Heirloom Sewing Supplies
Heirloom Sewing w Smocking w Fine Embroidery w Teddy Bear Supplies

December 9, 2007 , Yoga Mat Cover

I've started going to Yoga with Allison, my son's girlfriend - and thought this was the perfect gift. Yes, I made it and if you want my sewing notes I can email them to you. I made it out of hot pink Asian inspired fabric - I know she'll love it. I would not recommend that fabric, if you hate to work with fabric that frays because this stuff frayed like nothing I've ever seen. I ended up using French Seams. On a normal funky cotton you could probably whip one of these up in an hour.

*** Update on the yoga mat bag - I would highly recommend taking the time to install a zippper along the length, rather than trying to stuff the mat in the end because they get stuck. I added 1/2" to each edge of my pattern and put in the zipper and it worked out great.

Micro Finance - it's a great thing. Kiva lets you lend to a specific entrepreneur (male or female) in the developing world - empowering them to lift themselves out of proverty. You give a small loan (only $25), that gives them a helping hand to expand or start their business which in turn betters their life and community and the world as a whole. You choose who is getting your money, there is no red tape or costly overhead, you see the loan getting paid back and once it is, you can loan it again to someone else or cash out. This is a win, win situation that will make you feel great!

Picture of the Cabo Halter Pattern

I'm starting two new sewing projects - my first is a halter for christmas. I'm going to use the Cabo Halter Pattern again because I really loved the ones I made this summer (pic above). For this one though I'm using some of that satiny Asian fabric in red, so it will look really cute with black pants, and very Christmas like. I wish my hair was longer, I'd flip it up and secure it with chop sticks! My second project is the camisole on the cover of the Lovely Lingerie Book. I'm going to do it in the Swiss Batiste Medium weight in Seafoam with Ecru Lace, I think it will look great. I'll post pictures when I'm done. Oh and if you're going to make the Cabo Halter pattern, make a muslin because it fits big and needs to be taken in under the arms (alot).

October 18, 2007

Spencer just finished taking sewing in his Grade 7 class! He's moved into my sewing room and has a frog production line in progress. He has also taken priority over what machine he wants to use ... he's on the new one and I'm on the old clunker!

I was surprised to find that the pattern for that old fashioned apron was available from one of my "sewing star" friends. I loved making the apron and it turned out really cute. We now carry Mary Mulari's apron patterns and you can see them here if you want to order a copy! This one is called The Church Ladies' Apron, only takes 1 yard of two fabrics and it's reversible!

October 4, 2007

We just got back from The Sewing Show in Calgary. I haven't been for about 10 years and the ladies didn't forget about me that's for sure. My classes were very well attended and the ladies were excited to have me back.

I got so many compliments on my little helper Spencer (now 12), which was so nice. I wish I had taken a picture or two of Spencer in the booth, but we had so much luggage, I don't think West Jet would have let us on with another ounce - not even a camera! I have to say this was the very first time in my flying history that they ever weighted my carry on. Was I that suspicious with four carry on's between me and Spencer? And yes, all the carry on's were way over the 22lbs allowed. I got them on but I'm not saying how. Thanks Calgary - it was fun!!

I just tried this recipe, it's so fast and easy, I thought you might like to try it out! It's actually pretty healthy ... before the whip cream!

Pineapple Angel Delight

1 package White Angel Food Cake Mix, I used Duncan Hinds

1 19 oz Can Of Crushed Pineapple (no a 14 oz will not do, it has to be 19 oz)

Whip cream to garnish

Method:

1) In a large mixing bowl with you Kitchenaid combine the cake mix and 19 oz of crushed pineapple and it's juice. Beat on low for 30 seconds, scrape the bowl, then mix for 1 minute on medium speed.

2) Pour into a 9 x 13 pan. My pan is Teflon coated.

3) Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (mine was 35), until golden and firm. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

4) Cut generous pieces, garnish with whip cream. Top with a little left over drained pineapple, and serve.

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