A Look Ahead and Last Project of 2010

I can't believe it, but it was 3 years ago today that I started this little blog. I wanted to become a part of the online sewing community and also have a place to share and document my projects. For 2011 I have some great plans for this space. I've posted a few recipes and I'd like to make that a regular feature (provided I actually start cooking more :) I'm planning to refocus this space on sewing, cooking and thrifting -- I have found I really love hunting down fun, vintage finds especiallyPyrex, sewing patterns and vintage linens. I'll also post some Flickr favorites since I have 1000's and reviews on some of my favorite patterns, tutorials, etsy shops and fabric stores. I posted 51 times in 2010 and I hope to do a lot more in 2011!Oh and here is my last project for 2010! My pocket clutch sewed up quickly and is just adorable! The fabric is from Joann's and I also have it in the pink and purple colorways (the second picture shows the fabric color better). In fact, I have pocket clutches cut out in those fabrics, I'll be sewing them up soon for some upcoming birthday gifts. You can find the pattern right here.

2011 is going to be a great year for sewing and creating. I already have plans for a new quilt and some garments. Last year I realized that in 2009 I didn't sew much at all and I really stepped it up in 2010. I plan to do even more in 2011! Maybe this will even be the year I finally learn how to crochet! Thank you all for following along here and Happy New Year to you!

Racing to 2011

Can you believe how quickly the year has gone by? I've noticed that a couple of bloggers I follow are already working on their 2011 projects, so I thought I would dash off this one last project for 2010. I was already partway through this little clutch, so I'm going to finish it up this week. I think it's a good way to wrap up the year and get my sewing motivation back on track - it feels like ages since I've completed a project! I'll be back on Friday with a completed object and my 2011 goals and resolutions!

2010 Year in Review

Well, I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas - I definitely did! Lots of family and friends and food! Now to look back on 2010 here at What I'm Making.... At some point at the beginning of the year, I decided to sew as much as I could to make up for the lack of production in 2009. I also made a conscious effort to blog a bit more. I think that I succeeded on both of those goals, although there is definitely room for improvement in 2011! I have plans for that and will talk about it in a 2011 Looking Ahead post this week :) Looking back though, I am pretty happy with everything I made this year. The only dud in the group is the blue poplin blouse in the top right corner, it just didn't come out good. I will try this pattern one more time though, as I have seen it made up into some cute looks. But, other than this one, I like everything I made :)



I also became obsessed with collecting Pyrex this year! Here are some of my favorite pieces of 2010. I joined the Pyrex Collective and did my first swap :) I'm working on another swap right now and I'm hoping to keep having Pyrex luck in the New Year :)

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who reads my little blog, whether you are a lurker or a commenter - I am grateful to you all! Please keep reading in 2011, I have plans for more posting, more projects and more Pyrex!!!

Grasshopper Brownies

One of my plans for this little blog is to share more recipes. It's one of my resolutions for 2011 to cook and bake a bit more and I'm going to post the recipe here. There may be more cooking than baking since I'm planning on starting Weight Watchers again, but healthy and delicious recipes need to be shared, too!

But, first - here is another delicious recipe I tried out recently. I found this Grasshopper Brownie recipe in an issue of Women's World and it just sounded so good!

1 pkg of brownie mix -- I use Ghiaradelli Double Chocolate
1 pkg of Andes chocolate-mint candies, chopped
10 crushed sandwich cookies, such as Oreo -- I used Trader Joe's Joe-Joe's, they have a chocolate filling...yum :)

• Preheat oven as per brownie mix package directions.
• Line a brownie pan with foil and coat well with cooking spray.
• Prepare brownies as per package directions. Stir half of the candy into the brownie mix.
• Pour into brownie pan and top with the remaining candy and crushed cookies.
• Bake as per package directions, until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.

FYI - everything tastes better when baked in vintage Pyrex while wearing a handmade apron...just saying :) Enjoy!!

Fabric Mail

I love love love getting packages in the mail - and when those packages contain fabric it's even better!

First up, I had to get more Dream On - I can't wait to get started on this quilt! I'm still not sure which pattern I will be using, but I'm leaning towards this one.

Then, the big order came in. Fabric.com never disappoints! From left to right I received a navy blue Double Knit that will hopefully become a dress, Hatchi Rayon Blend Jersey Knits in Purple, Teal and Navy for tops and cardigans and a Rayon Blend Jersey Knit in shades of Brown/Tan/Grey/Black for a top. This last piece is pretty sheer, which I wasn't expecting, but I can just pair it with a tank top.

This last piece is from Joann's - it was 40% off and I couldn't resist. It's a wool blend, and I'm thinking a skirt...we'll see :) I can't wait to get started!

Butterscotch Coconut Cookies

I've been doing some Christmas baking. On Sunday I made these along with some Red Velvet Cookies and some Peanut Butter Blossoms. These are soooo good! I got the recipe from a girl I work with and I have been dying to try it out - easy and delicious! My kitchen doesn't have any natural lighting, so the picture came out a little funny, but trust me - you have to try these!!

1 1/3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 7 oz. bag sweetened shredded coconut

1 bag of butterscotch chips

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees
• Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream butter til fluffy and pale yellow. Add the sugars and continue beating until the mixture is no longer gritty. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until blended.
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix til blended.
• Add coconut and butterscotch, mix.
• Bake 13-15 minutes. Enjoy!

Saturday

Joann's is having some great sales lately! I picked up a few patterns to add to my collection. I'm really looking forward to sewing the Vogue patterns. I have some knit fabric making it's way to me right now from fabric.com. I just couldn't resist making a purchase when they sent me a coupon marking 3 years since my first purchase from them (that free shipping after spending $35 helps a lot too!!)! I plan on using this fabric right away. I'm going to start the New Year off with some fun new projects! Look for a post in the next week or two about my New Year's resolutions and plans for 2011 both for this blog and for my sewing along with a 2010 year in review. :)

And, finally!!!! Vintage sheet luck!!!! They are both twin size, one flat and one fitted. And some Pyrex :) $3 each! Hope you are enjoying your Saturday!

Fabric Dreaming

Hello there! I haven't blogged on here in a little bit and I've missed it! I have definitely been keeping up with my blog reading though and I've been dreaming about fabric and sewing and such :)

I did purchase a little bit of fabric from this nice etsy seller who helped me out when I suddenly decided (seconds after completing my purchase) that I needed one more item and she set up a special listing for me immediately with combined shipping :) I love buying on etsy and supporting small businesses. So, the fabric I had to have? Two charm square packs of Dream On. I love love love this line! It's on sale right now here, so I think I'm going to get some more. I want to make a quilt with it. I'm not sure yet which pattern I will use, but I'm going to start it in January and it will be a fun winter project for me :)

I've also found some really nice fabrics at Joann's lately. There is a rayon spandex knit that I look at every time I go in. It's on the expensive side in my opinion though, so I'm going to purchase something similar from an online site instead. I also have been lusting after a beautiful ivory jacquard in a houndstooth print. I think I'm going to use a coupon and pick that one up this week (they are having great sales right now) and just add it to my stash. Someday this will make a great coat :) I also found a pretty purple and black plaid that I may pick up as well. We'll see about that one :) I wanted to find a plaid to make a cape like the one I saw here, but I don't know if this is warm enough for what I wanted. It might make a cute layer for work. After Christmas I'm really going to focus on garments (and my quilt!) and working on improving my sewing so look for some more fabric purchases soon!

Saturday

A little sewing.....

And a little thrifting....

:-)