2011 Year in Review

Happy New Year's Eve!  Boy, this month really flew!  I'm glad it's over though, I didn't get to enjoy the holiday season the way that I normally do, so I'm ready to move on :)  And I'm ready to put 2011 to bed and get started on 2012!

But, before I do that, I wanted to take a look back at 2011 for the blog :)  This year was a great one for the blog, as I finally started reaching out to other bloggers with sponsorships and to readers with some really fun giveaways.  I sewed a ton, sold a good amount of my work, started teaching myself some html tricks, worked on my photos (although I never made that lightbox - it WILL be done in January!) and put some real work into my blog. 

Here's a look at some of the things I sewed up.  I had a blast making purses and pouches and will definitely by keeping that up in the New Year:

I also collected a ton of Pyrex!!!  It was a really good year for my collection:

Thank you to everyone for reading along this year.  I promise lots of fun things to come in the New Year. Oh and hey, can you believe, I actually started this blog 4 years ago today - I was at home by myself, drinking wine and watching the Three Stooges Marathon when I decided to take the plunge :)  It really grew this year and I can't wait to see how much I can put into the blog and get out of it in 2012.  :)  Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year's :)

Merry Christmas!

Source: flickr.com via Sharon on Pinterest

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas!  This space will be quiet until next week - but stay tuned for a yearly wrap-up post and some New Year's crafty resolutions!  :)

50 Follower Giveaway Winner

Good morning!  I'm here to announce the winner of the 50 follower giveaway!  Thank you to everyone who entered and to everyone who reads/follows this little blog of mine :)  And a big thank you goes to Diana and Sew Mama Sew for sending more readers my way!  Anyway, let's get to the winner!

The winner is commenter #5 - Lemony Lucy!!!!

Look for an email from me today!

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Winner!!!!

So, I planned on announcing the winner over the weekend but I was stuck at work pretty much the whole time. But I'm off for the next two days so I can catch up on some blogging/giveaways/sewing. I hope anyway :).

And the winner is:

Commenter #52 -- Lee.W!!!! Lee, I sent you an email :). Thank you to everyone for playing!!!! It was so much fun to read all of your comments - I can't believe how far away some of you visited from :). What a great experience this was :)

Pyrex Hunting - a Hit and a Miss

First up is the Hit - a mint condition Butterfly Gold gravy dish.  Found this at Savers and I almost missed it!  There was really nothing good out, but I took one more look around and found it!  It had just been put out :) 

And next is the Miss....it's a sad one folks.......

Yes, it's a Green New Dots totally ruined by dishwashing.  So sad :(

New Sewing Pattern Review - Krissyanne Designs Ruffled Bow Cosmetic Bag

Hello there!  Today I have a new sewing pattern to introduce!  This cute little make-up bag is from the talented Kristin at Krissyanne Designs.  She has created her very first pattern and I was lucky enough to be a tester for her! 

As you can see, the Ruffled Bow Cosmetic Bag Pattern creates the cutest little bag!  This little guy is about 7 inches tall, 4 inches deep and 2.5 inches wide at the bottom of the bag.  The instructions were very clear and the pictures were super-helpful.  I really liked Kristin's zipper instructions and I'm hoping she'll provide a little tutorial here in the future :)

Recommended fabrics are quilting cottons and the interfacing is fusible fleece.  I used a linen for the exterior and Denyse Schmidt for Joann fabric for the bow and liner.  My favorite part of this bag is the bow - it's adorable!  Purchase your own pattern (currently available at a special discounted price!!) in Kristin's Etsy shop here, check out other item's she's made here on Flickr and like her on Facebook!!

Don't forget to check out the 3 giveaways going on right now!  See here, here and here :)  Have a great day!

50 Follower Giveaway!!!!

 

Hello there and thank you for reading!  So, I have been hovering right under 50 followers for a little bit now and I've been planning a giveaway for when I reach that magic number :)  Thanks to you all, I have reached it!  And now, it's time for a little gift giveaway....



One reader will win the pretty purple earrings and bobbie pin set pictured above!  I will ship anywhere in the world :)  All you have to do is follow me on GFC and then leave a comment telling me you are a follower.  New followers are welcome too :)  You can also tweet, facebook or blog this giveaway for additional entries but don't forget -- you must be a follower to enter.  The 50 Follower Giveaway will stay open until Sunday, December 18.  I'll announce the winner on Monday morning. 

It really makes my day when I see that people are interested in what I have to share here.  Thank you to each and every reader, follower, commenter and lurker :)

Oh and hey!  Check out my Sew Mama Sew Giveaway here and my giveaway on Dianapantz here -- it's giveaway mania!!!  :)

~Katie

Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!!!!

*****The giveaway is closed!!!!  Thanks to everyone who entered - I will announce the winner over the weekend!!!!*****

Hi there!  Today is Giveaway Day over at Sew Mama Sew and if you are stopping by for the first time - Welcome!!!  I'd love it if you would take a look around :)  I'd love it even more if you would enter my giveaway!!

Here is what is up for grabs -- a Zipper Pouch and Kate Clip set made up in Denyse Schmidt fabrics.  This is a tiny little pouch, but it's just right for some cash and coins :)

Here's an inside shot - the lining is red with tiny little polka dots, one of my favorite fabrics ever, it's so versatile! 

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and tell me where you are from!  One entry per person please :) Oh, and I'll ship anywhere in the world :)  Thank you for visiting!!! 

Christmas Ornament Roundup

There are so many adorable tutorials out there for Christmas ornaments, I just had to share some of my favorites :)

Source: saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: craftycupboard.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: christopherandtia.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: stumblesandstitches.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: thecheesethief.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Free December Calendar Printable

Source: anythingbutperfect.com via Katie on Pinterest

I had to share this absolutely adorable (and free!!) printable from AnythingbutPerfect.com  I just printed it out and I'm going to get it laminated tomorrow.  I'm planning on using it to organize my blog posting and sewing (and make sure it gets done) for the month.  Go check it out!!!

Huge Giveaway on Vintage Wanna Bee!!!

 One of my favorite bloggers is having a huge giveaway!!  Nichelle, the author of Vintage Wanna Bee and owner of the shop of the same name, is celebrating reaching 1500 followers (in just 1 year!) by giving away a $100 credit to her shop - just click the pic above so you can go enter too!!! I love Nichelle's products, I have a rosette necklace and a cute little pair of rosebud earrings from her and I just ordered a Keep Calm and Carry On Necklace during her amazing holiday weekend sale over Thanksgiving weekend.  Check out her shop right here :) Nichelle's blog is so much fun to read -- she has a super-friendly writing style, is always promoting other bloggers and shops and also can also write an introspective post and really open herself up to her readers.  I'm consistently inspired by her, both as a writer and a crafter.  She's just great -- so go enter the giveaway!!! PS - I'm also going to be having a couple of giveaways here pretty soon - one for Sew Mama Sew's giant Giveaway Day *which starts next Monday and runs all week* -- and one for when I reach 50 followers *just 2 more to go*  Stay tuned!!  

Giveaway on Dianapantz

Wow!  I am beyond excited about the amazing amount of people who have commented on my giveaway for the Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!  Each comment makes me so happy!!!  And guess what -- I have another giveaway going on right now over on Diana's awesome blog - check it out right here!!!!  And as always, thank you for reading :)

Apples for Jam

Source: amazon.com via Katie on Pinterest

I was so excited to see this book at TJ Maxx while I was waiting in line last night!  I have read about Apples for Jam on Soulemama before and have had it on my wishlist for a while.  I picked it up last night at the bargain price of $6!!!

There are so many delicious looking photos and recipes in here - I can't wait to make Risotto with Fried Egg, Chicken Sauteed with Cheese and Milk, Pomegranate Sorbet, Mixed Brown Bread and more!  All in all, the book includes more than 200 recipes for all-natural and delicious sounding recipes...have you ever tried something from this book? 

Owls!

Hello there!  :)

 I've been building up quite the little collection of the cutest owl things and I wanted to share them with you today....

Here are some owl things that are on my wishlist (which keeps on growing!!!)

~Tiny Owls fabric~

~Kokka Owl Fabric~

~Owl Necklace~

~Letterpress Coaster Set~

~It's a Hoot Crochet Pattern~

~Owl Magnets~

I could easily add 50 more things to my owl wishlist - these are just a few of my favorites!  I found all of these on etsy - there are a million adorable owl items to be found on that site :) What are you collecting right now? 

Small Business Saturday - Part 2

 

I'm back with some more shops to share on Small Business Saturday!  As I kept looking around the internets, I realized I had more I wanted to share so I added another post :)

Dianapantz - Diana sells winter wear, babypantz (the cutest!!) and awesome bags in her shop.  She recently made the leap to focus solely on her business, so go check her out and show some support!!

Plum Island Soap Company - a local company with the most amazing, all-natural products.  The facial moisturizer is a must in the winter!!!

Vintage Wanna Bee - Nichelle is having a HUGE sale in her shop of rosette and charm necklaces and hair accessories.  I want a Keep Calm and Carry On necklace for myself!

Gussy Sews - What can I say here?  I love Gussy, she's my blogging and small business idol!  You have probably already heard of her but if not - go shop her ruffly accessories!!!

The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery - cute, cute, CUTE cross-stitch patterns.  You will fall in love :)

Pink Lemonade - Another one of my blogging and small business idols, Paige is only 15 years old and running a hand-made business with adorable accessories.  I've already placed an order with her this holiday weekend for some cute little rosettes :)

Savor - handmade soaps and lotions and more.  I have purchased here and I can say that the soaps are just lovely :)

Keys and Memories - vintage style jewelry made from old typewriter keys - pretty and unique~



Small Business Saturday

It's Small Business Saturday!!  Hopefully next year I will have my own small business to promote, but for this year, I'm going to share small businesses from my favorites list on Etsy for you to check out. 

Two Marie's Jewelry - run by one of my best friends, she makes beautiful, professional looking pieces that will get you lots of compliments!  And free shipping on everything, every day!!

Gem and Metal - adorable jewelry featuring lots of owls (my favorite!!!) 

Kiwi and Green - vintage Pyrex, and other vintage treasures!!

Jenna's Attic - vintage sheet goodness!!!

Erin Ink Design - cards, art prints and magnets - some featuring my fave thing ever - Pyrex!!!  I have some of her magnets and they are awesome!

City Chic Country Mouse - ironing and kitchen accessories - I recently received the Sewing printed ironing board cover and pad and it brightens up the mundane task of ironing!!!

Keykalou Patterns - awesome sewing patterns - I have a ton of them and highly recommend Michelle's designs - and all patterns are on sale for $5!!

Simbiosis - sewn items such as Ipad sleeves, pouches and clutches of all different sizes and styles.  I have purchased here before and Julia sews everything so perfectly!  She's having a huge sale right now!!

Hope you find something for everyone on your list - support handmade whenever possible!!!  :)

Oreo Truffles

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

I have had this recipe pinned for a short time now and I was dying to try it!  These truffles are a 3 ingredient recipe that are so easy to put together :)  And, they were a big hit on Thanksgiving - they will definitely be made again!!

Here are my ingredients - melting chocolate picked up at Joann's, Double-Stuffed Oreos and a block of cream cheese - that's it!

I got to use my awesome new food processer - just toss in a bunch of the Oreos and pulse away till you have this....

Then you simply mix it with the cream cheese, roll into balls and refridgerate.  Cover with the melted chocolate and garnish with some of the crushed Oreos (click the first photo above to get to the original and more detailed instructions :)  Like I said, they were a huge hit and so easy (if a bit messy!!!) 

Pleated Tote Bag

Hello there!  I know it doesn't seem like it, but I have been sewing :)  I recently finished this bag and it came out awesome!  It's all I can do not to use it myself, but I really want to make a few tote sized bags to sell and this is the first one!  I've used this pattern before (it's an OOP Simplicity) and it's a quick and easy pattern to sew up.  I've made it before (here and here) and I will definitely make a few more of these.  It's lined in chocolate brown and has one patch pocket.

I'm trying to be better about my photographs, too.  I have no patience though!  I took a few photos and when I put them on my computer I knew I had to take a step back and try some different lightings - the original pics I took were SO BAD!! 

 The first photo above is in my bedroom, in the morning, with lots of natural light.  I like taking the picture with my dressform, so that you can really see the size of the bag.  The second photo is in my bathroom, no natural light at all.  Not too bad, but I think I like the first one better.  I guess it's true, there is no substitute for natural light!

Next up, I will be working on a ton of custom ordered make-up bags.  I've already made one up and it came out really cute :)  I also made some Oreo truffles that came out soooo good!  I have it Pinned on my Yummy board and will post about it tomorrow!  Hope you are all having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend :)

Honey and Nutmeg Facial Mask

                                                                         Source: lizmarieblog.com via Katie on Pinterest

I found this all natural facial mask floating around the internet this past week and couldn't wait to try it!  It's super simple, just mix honey and nutmeg (and cinnamon too if you like!) and smooth it over your skin.  Leave on for 30 minutes (I only lasted 20!) and rinse off.  The nutmeg gave it a nice, exfoliating texture and honey is great for moisture.  I followed up with this all-natural moisturizer and the next morning my skin had a great glow.  :)

Gussy's Inspiration Workshop - Thanksgiving

Source: google.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: budgetwisehome.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Katie on Pinterest

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner??? I just don't know where the time is going! I've got to work 7-3 on Thursday, but then I'm looking forward to having a delicious dinner with my family :)

I can't forget to remind myself to be grateful (thankful) of all the good things in my life around this time. Take a minute to count your blessings this coming week and enjoy some quality time with the ones you love :)

Another first!

I'm guest-posting for the first time!  Check out my tips for making the most of your creative time over on Dianapantz :)

I'm finally sewing up a bag that has been sitting in pieces patiently waiting to be put together -- finished product coming soon!

I'm going to have a giveaway when I get to 50 followers on Google -- just 2 more to go!!  Hope you are having a great Sunday!

I Tried It! Easy, Homemade Drain Cleaner

Source: tidymom.net via Katie on Pinterest

So, as you know I am obsessed with Pinterest and have been gathering and saving pins of different recipes and tutorials that I want to try out. Here is a quick one that I tried out last night. All you need is some white vinegar and baking soda. Dump about a cup of the baking soda down your clogged up drain. Next, pour in about a half cup of the vinegar. I covered my drain with a small plate to keep everything down. Wait about a half hour and then run the hot water for a minute or two. You may need to repeat it, but if kept up, it should keep your drains nice and clear :)

This Week

It's been a good week so far!  Got away for a night to the mountains of New Hampshire....

Received my new ironing board cover in the mail - I love it!!!  I have been eyeing this one for months now - purchase your own right here :)

And found some time to whip up this cute, little checkbook cover as a custom order!  Hope you are having a great week too!