tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81806341428302165172024-03-19T00:35:28.329-04:00Tall Girl on a Short BudgetTall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-78525327452572328702012-11-21T12:34:00.000-05:002012-11-21T12:34:11.748-05:00Merrily We Roll AlongGuess who started rolling! Little One is now 3 months old and rolling from her belly to her back. She's so close to going the other way but it seems like her arm gets in the way all the time.<br />
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Future Olympic tumbler right there.Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-77570244215316628932012-11-20T14:22:00.001-05:002012-11-20T14:22:39.436-05:00Pumpkin Frozen YogurtIt's that time of year when pumpkin can be found everywhere. And I'm quite OK with that. I love pumpkin and saw <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/10/22/skinny-halloween-treat-4-ingredient-homemade-pumpkin-frozen-yogurt/">this</a> pumpkin frozen yogurt recipe on Pinterest.<br />
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Do you have four ingredients? What? That's it? Gotta try it...<br />
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So here it is...slightly adapted:<br />
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Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt</h3>
15 oz can pureed pumpkin<br />
2 cups low fat vanilla yogurt<br />
1 tablespoon sugar<br />
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice<br />
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Mix all ingredients well. Pour into ice cream maker and let run for about 5 minutes. Remove and enjoy. Store any leftovers in the freezer.<br />
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Add whatever toppings you like. Whipped cream makes it feel more pumpkin pie-y (if that's a word). Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and pieces of pie crust would be other good toppings.<br />
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<br />Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-6859661365632626252012-11-14T11:57:00.001-05:002012-11-14T11:57:11.824-05:00My Favorite BlogsThough I'm not so great at being consistent about writing on my own blog, I have a few blogs that I love to read. Check them out!<br />
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<h3>
Nice Girl Notes</h3>
www.nicegirlnotes.com<br />
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-- A lifestyle blog about a mom with three adorable girls. This blog is hilarious and touches on topics ranging from childhood memories to getting preschoolers to do chores. My favorite blog post is a <a href="http://www.nicegirlnotes.com/oklahoma-but-not-the-musical">storytelling post about her brother</a>. And pretty much everything else on her "Best Of" page.<br />
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Elle Apparel</h3>
www.elleapparel.com<br />
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-- I like this blog because of the awesome tutorials and the ideas for sewing projects. I'm not the greatest at decorating and fashion (though I like pretending I am) and this blog has some great ideas for both. My favorite post is the <a href="http://elleapparel.blogspot.com/2010/12/winter-shirt-dress.html">tutorial for making a t-shirt dress</a>.<br />
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<h3>
How Sweet It Is</h3>
http://www.howsweeteats.com/<br />
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-- This blog features some of the most delicious and creative recipes ever. Some of them are a little out there for my tastes but most of them make me fatter just looking at them. My <a href="http://tallgirlonashortbudget.blogspot.com/2011/10/all-bark-and-no-bite.html">cake batter bark</a> post is based on <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/12/cake-batter-chocolate-bark/">her recipe</a>. I've been eyeing up her <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/chocolate-fudge-peanut-butter-cake-2/">chocolate fudge peanut butter cake</a> and need an excuse to try it...among others. :)<br />
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<h3>
MADE</h3>
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www.danamadeit.com<br />
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-- I love this blog for all the tutorials on kids clothes. They are so cute! When I get some time I'm going to whip up some <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-circle-skirt.html">circle skirts</a> for Little One.Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-62333917273547733232012-11-12T19:59:00.000-05:002012-11-12T19:59:06.516-05:00Photographing BabySo I have been drastically ignoring this blog. It's been just over a year since I last posted....*hides face in shame*<br />
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What has happened in this past year? Nothing major...only a baby, an inter-state move, and new jobs for the hubby and I. No biggie.<br />
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Anyway, this is the Little One:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 months old!</td></tr>
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She was born August 11 and has taken us on quite a trip through new parenthood (which isn't even close to being over yet).<br />
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Little One turned 3 months old yesterday. I've planned to get her photos done at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. I spent way too much on her photos at 9 days old, primarily because I wanted somebody to come to me to take the pictures as I couldn't drive yet and Daddy had had his new job for a week and couldn't take time off yet.<br />
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So as the 3 month marker approached I was thinking about what to do in the back of my head. I decided to give it a go myself and if the pictures didn't turn out then I would have only wasted a little bit of time. I'm happy to say that I think the pictures turned out great (you're free to disagree). And even better my Shutterfly order of prints came to $12. Compared to the $70 I spent before....who wouldn't love that? Here's how I did it.<br />
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First I read some photo tips on the Internet and checked out some ideas on Pinterest. I ended up not really using any of those cute ideas mainly because I didn't want to spend the time gathering up all the supplies or because I didn't have comparable item(s).<br />
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Next I waited until Little One was in a good mood. I changed her diaper and undressed her all in one shot and she was ready to go. You may want to dress your baby or use some cute props. In these Little One is wearing a simple white flower headband. Things like headbands, hats, diaper covers, and onesies are all good props. Avoid using things with writing as that will take attention away from your adorable baby. If you want a full body shot I'd recommend some kind of diaper cover, cloth diaper, or clothing. The shots with her disposable diaper in them just looked weird to me. Or if you're brave you can let baby go commando. Good luck with that.<br />
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I used the room with the best light in our apartment (none of them get good light at all). That room hapens to have a bed in it so I was able to prop stuff up on the bed. I used bed pillows to position her and large pieces of cloth as backdrops.<br />
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My large pieces of cloth were bought on sale last week at JoAnn fabrics for the purpose of making dress up clothes in the future. However the satin and lace really gave the photos a nice look. You could really use anything...a sheet, afghan, comforter, etc. Just make sure it's a decent size and is clean enough to put your baby on it.<br />
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Basically position your pillow(s), drape your cloth over them, position baby on top, and snap away. Take as many pictures as you can. A lot of mine came out blurry because of the wriggling baby. She also had a short span of toleration for this activity. If your baby wants to be held you can get a helper to take the place of the pillows, drape the cloth over them, and have them hold baby in place. A helper would be nice to help get baby smiling, but I managed this photo by myself. And in only about 15 minutes too.<br />
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Try a number of different backdrops. It's hard to know how they'll look until you blow them up on your computer. I tried to use solids or simple patterns because I wanted the focus to be on the baby rather than on the things around her.<br />
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I thought that the purple backdrop (though it looks rather blue in this shot) made her skin look a little too blue.<br />
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The pink one was ok...I still thought the skin tone looked off.<br />
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I liked the purple with the lace over it best.<br />
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I also used the bedspread and wall as a backdrop.<br />
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I also brought out a baby blanket and draped her with it.<br />
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In this one my hand is actually underneath the blanket holding her foot at the angle I wanted. And more importantly, holding it still.<br />
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You could also add in toys or stuffed animals. I tried to keep it simple but there are loads of possibilities!Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-61446301569639841032011-10-30T12:39:00.000-04:002011-10-30T12:39:22.564-04:00All Bark and No BiteI love trying new recipes. I especially like quick and easy ones. This one is especially quick and easy.<br />
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Cake Batter Chocolate Bark<br />
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What does that mean? Think chocolate bark. Maybe you've had it before? Raisins or nuts mixed with milk or dark chocolate is probably the most common variety. Or maybe you've had white chocolate with some crushed candy canes mixed in (perfect for Christmas). Now think cake batter. Ever had cake batter ice cream? Like that. Mix the two together and you get Cake Batter Chocolate Bark.<br />
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I found this fantastic idea on <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a>. It was super easy to make and took about 30 minutes to whip up (including clean up time). Also, it only had 4 ingredients.<br />
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You can go <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/12/cake-batter-chocolate-bark/">here</a> to get the recipe. It's very simple and easy to follow. You'll need:<br />
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White chocolate & dark chocolate melting chocolate wafers (you should probably taste a few just to make sure the chocolate is safe to use).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDTJlEp9ToDjS5pjyubZ4IsNQXpBriepBtWJ2pTJxzveF57evq5VK8q8zMrS0xUXj0uZKg74k0yyLr7FvF_wiXLKCmJLOybYzNG0vjZtMMe18vZQA_EKjr7gHSAq5v5QTZC4QSGKQnxg/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDTJlEp9ToDjS5pjyubZ4IsNQXpBriepBtWJ2pTJxzveF57evq5VK8q8zMrS0xUXj0uZKg74k0yyLr7FvF_wiXLKCmJLOybYzNG0vjZtMMe18vZQA_EKjr7gHSAq5v5QTZC4QSGKQnxg/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sprinkles<br />
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Cake mix<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekOp56fmcyLPGcsi7rzY-pOJDoJ38f3lay4vJ_tLOvvGEsR0kOjVNd5HbkaMXLtUy_5K8fLY3tTMG75hPZcCdYJMon16zFBkbz-dYMi64QpGY-W2ui44fjstx9CaNr2ps_M2Ea8w6uFk/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekOp56fmcyLPGcsi7rzY-pOJDoJ38f3lay4vJ_tLOvvGEsR0kOjVNd5HbkaMXLtUy_5K8fLY3tTMG75hPZcCdYJMon16zFBkbz-dYMi64QpGY-W2ui44fjstx9CaNr2ps_M2Ea8w6uFk/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Melt the chocolate & spread it on a cookie sheet. First the dark...<br />
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Then the white...<br />
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But mix the cake mix into the white chocolate before you spread it on the dark chocolate.<br />
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Then sprinkle away!<br />
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Once cooled, break into pieces.<br />
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For some reason all my dark chocolate separated from the white chocolate when I broke it up. I followed the recipe instructions to put the chocolate in the freezer between layers but maybe it was too cold? Or maybe I didn't spread it thinly enough. In any case it's still chocolate. And it's still delicious. Maybe you could try mixing the sprinkles into the white chocolate too as a lot of them fell off as I was breaking the bark up. My counter looked like the murder scene of a clown. Seriously.<br />
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In any case, this is delicious. And highly recommended. If you know how to keep your chocolate in one piece let me know in the comments!Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-11087031673928363762011-10-26T21:17:00.000-04:002011-10-26T21:17:12.570-04:00Perfect PillowcasesThe easiest (and probably most used) sewing project I have ever done has been making a pillowcases. Or should I say pillowcases as I've made many many of them. They're so easy! Can you sew three straight seams? Then you can make a pillowcase. And it will be way cooler than any other plain, solid colored, boring pillowcase that came with your plain, solid colored, boring sheets.<br />
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When my husband and I got married a year ago I made a quilt for our bed. Since then I've been meaning to make some pillowcases to match but kept having other more interesting things come up. But this weekend I decided to just do it. So I did. They turned out pretty awesome.<br />
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I also tried my hand at making decorative throw pillows. They turned out better than expected.<br />
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So after looking at these you're probably thinking to yourself, "Wow, those are awesome! I want to make some!" Good. You've come to the right place.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>SIMPLE PILLOWCASE</u></span></b><br />
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I'll start with the easy pillowcase. You will need the following:<br />
-- 3/4 yard of main color fabric<br />
-- 1/4 yard of accent color fabric<br />
-- spool & bobbin of matching thread<br />
-- cutting mat, straightedge, and rotary cutter (or other means of trimming/straightening your fabric)<br />
-- iron/ironing board<br />
-- straight pins<br />
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Recommended fabrics are cotton and flannel.<br />
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Sometimes when they cut your fabric off the bolt at the fabric store it doesn't turn out square. To be certain you have enough fabric get a little extra. By "a little extra" I mean about an extra 4 inches or so (that would be 7/8 and 3/8 yard for the main and accent colors respectively).<br />
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<b>Step 1: Boring Pre-Craft Preparations</b><br />
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You should wash (read: pre-shrink) your fabric before cutting it out. This step isn't absolutely necessary but it guarantees that your fabric won't shrink after you sew your magnificent pillowcase. Often this process unravels the edges of the fabric so you'll probably be thankful for getting the extra few inches.<br />
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Next you should iron your fabric to get all the wrinkles out.<br />
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<b>Step 2: Cutting the Fabric</b><br />
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Now you need to cut your fabric to size. I made pillowcases for standard size pillows and cut the main color piece to 42 inches by 26 inches and the accent color to 42 inches by 9 inches. Your fabric is probably 42 inches from selvage to selvage (aka the uncut part that doesn't unravel on either side of your fabric). If it's 43 or 41 inches, don't worry. It will all be OK. I promise.<br />
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To make your cuts, fold your piece of main color fabric in half, matching up your selvage edges. Line up your fabric on your cutting mat with the selvage edge along a line. The sides which are unraveling are probably not quite even. Even them up by lining them up with lines on the mat. I lined them up and evened them off at the edge.<br />
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You will need to make your fabric 26 inches wide. Fin the 26 inches mark on your mat and line up your straightedge. Make sure it lines up at the bottom....<br />
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...and at the top.<br />
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Now run your rotary cutter along the straightedge to make a nice, neat, straight cut.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-4sk-uCUfFv6cGKbFGbqO6RwUBcSM1boE6SxhQrbx8MSA_QxOhK6uBL70X1gw-GYiF1iFHNqggsdHg5-QN8lg8yoYo0F8Vh9u5_fXetdCvcfeV7bSR-nFDjMrtEsLbMf0ghQuwsiKCE/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-4sk-uCUfFv6cGKbFGbqO6RwUBcSM1boE6SxhQrbx8MSA_QxOhK6uBL70X1gw-GYiF1iFHNqggsdHg5-QN8lg8yoYo0F8Vh9u5_fXetdCvcfeV7bSR-nFDjMrtEsLbMf0ghQuwsiKCE/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yay! Your fabric is now 26 inches wide! Next you need to cut your accent color fabric. Use the same method as you just did with the main color fabric but cut it 9 inches wide. Line the fabric up and even it off first.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYTaqz125sKOCGxJ-JZDI6yOBY-Ka_BQKT9da6Vs9-ATBYKBm74v-ChOap4DOlkcAaBSCNHAO79COOhWwvB0M7XthTroHA5-pDmRrtBGT1bCFa6dwtBSlJe_Aqub4CEbER7iRQv8glE0/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYTaqz125sKOCGxJ-JZDI6yOBY-Ka_BQKT9da6Vs9-ATBYKBm74v-ChOap4DOlkcAaBSCNHAO79COOhWwvB0M7XthTroHA5-pDmRrtBGT1bCFa6dwtBSlJe_Aqub4CEbER7iRQv8glE0/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
Then cut it so it's 9 inches wide.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKduRvePZiQ-tSmI0wlryEpi9ws9V_eRnZoe_UEMh7gIvVfICJEENuGtmqo5bPZ1jSvsIt027QQWRxH7IibrqfbGTaxHWYTY7nJAYUTz1naZ9MSKqpxNRpNqatwkfqXsYDUjvZaSauh8c/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKduRvePZiQ-tSmI0wlryEpi9ws9V_eRnZoe_UEMh7gIvVfICJEENuGtmqo5bPZ1jSvsIt027QQWRxH7IibrqfbGTaxHWYTY7nJAYUTz1naZ9MSKqpxNRpNqatwkfqXsYDUjvZaSauh8c/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Good job!<br />
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<b>Step 3: Sew the Pieces Together</b><br />
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Fold your accent fabric piece in half raw edge to raw edge (the edges that want to unravel which you should have just trimmed up). Your folded piece will be 4.5 inches by 42 inches. Match up the corners neatly. You should have a really long, narrow rectangle of double thick fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXLYZrk5Aa_8INY8O9duhVpFwb2bt4mMxlCpxDIJx2ayCimD8RpGJKYm6d5Vuboe0oTN3MmlkMOm_bWGdGJqXJqgCEwaunJ-tEVYWk7yrGr7bxvr6DmGzvCjRkiTtpuh3it1H7ROnpF8/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXLYZrk5Aa_8INY8O9duhVpFwb2bt4mMxlCpxDIJx2ayCimD8RpGJKYm6d5Vuboe0oTN3MmlkMOm_bWGdGJqXJqgCEwaunJ-tEVYWk7yrGr7bxvr6DmGzvCjRkiTtpuh3it1H7ROnpF8/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Next match the accent piece to a raw edge of the main color piece. They should be about the same length. Make sure that you pin it to the right side of the main color fabric (the side you want to see when the pillowcase is done). Pin in place. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEwbFkklWEd9Kfuuwid4p5vPw5d5a49C8xKhxn4UC2nd0ynjlbxRitrsjyer-OI-jMW7ooGxv9LWWDmqeQs8Q2J4jfzdOS-jkZp8RMSVSJuCQ-P0jenVnpr1z2nquUL0L7tMK2FTO-So/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEwbFkklWEd9Kfuuwid4p5vPw5d5a49C8xKhxn4UC2nd0ynjlbxRitrsjyer-OI-jMW7ooGxv9LWWDmqeQs8Q2J4jfzdOS-jkZp8RMSVSJuCQ-P0jenVnpr1z2nquUL0L7tMK2FTO-So/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The selvage edges should match up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8vQq63Ypdy5uiVRipZ6cdsYmDmiGL8m26XpZ5eMQMihiHKNJYFAEUvN4sEeSjUwE8AoN_JV2gmDPmB1hHqwoxF9rDyLsd8y48vbDveXoexSpiade9bqu8sBOh4aPqBzy3VB4X1PTVN8/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8vQq63Ypdy5uiVRipZ6cdsYmDmiGL8m26XpZ5eMQMihiHKNJYFAEUvN4sEeSjUwE8AoN_JV2gmDPmB1hHqwoxF9rDyLsd8y48vbDveXoexSpiade9bqu8sBOh4aPqBzy3VB4X1PTVN8/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Next sew along the raw edge. Leave a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGLO-OnyfS-Alr3B6nDotbg5qgQ63hryJgnba_z-yUWEWIynEiZ7vAEhBvTKMbwBUC1t77Oymrj-DcUawKbW1pqYbYpNKboRJo2XG_YBT6LMZSJ4st782Ie89pULU-e3kWtpP_O-rgyg/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGLO-OnyfS-Alr3B6nDotbg5qgQ63hryJgnba_z-yUWEWIynEiZ7vAEhBvTKMbwBUC1t77Oymrj-DcUawKbW1pqYbYpNKboRJo2XG_YBT6LMZSJ4st782Ie89pULU-e3kWtpP_O-rgyg/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Don't forget to remove your pins BEFORE the presser foot runs over them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZQ5Hqf9HnxNCIk9JQ6AfqGaqIYGGDv2BHSOn-QnkC1VA3guID6FNNGsdxM39fu2p9o_BDmp7d0rXYNfvRS95IKMwmCWUxm3ORGgOfvEWgC-MuKrxJZ71lfSQxWfmlGFZ7ZW_BQsk3hw/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZQ5Hqf9HnxNCIk9JQ6AfqGaqIYGGDv2BHSOn-QnkC1VA3guID6FNNGsdxM39fu2p9o_BDmp7d0rXYNfvRS95IKMwmCWUxm3ORGgOfvEWgC-MuKrxJZ71lfSQxWfmlGFZ7ZW_BQsk3hw/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once you have completed your seam (1 down, two more to go), press open the seam with your iron.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxxaHT549TwsyNSeoUbupDhNzU5eHdnN34EeTqjD4KvGyMwtqXfSS85DR_x-77vwqfFwx0vUH4AxKdQuPjAWenN8WruWdD8Yf-Juid_8mB5X9114pFRBSo93m4xedcdcLjjAnJUeY2Nk/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxxaHT549TwsyNSeoUbupDhNzU5eHdnN34EeTqjD4KvGyMwtqXfSS85DR_x-77vwqfFwx0vUH4AxKdQuPjAWenN8WruWdD8Yf-Juid_8mB5X9114pFRBSo93m4xedcdcLjjAnJUeY2Nk/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One side of the pressed open seam - the side of the accent color fabric - should have a double thickness (see picture below).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu13m0d2OrbfODEiEaZ0JJ_n4NKpx0PmiAB3EV9FWcpNDjOy0_gXVcpAc8gV9VK3Ufcn678b9WQ1kJrZ5m-WpwWBHnGJY4ByMN8C3nPsIkcvkdhI_Ms72iMNeGcTlSv9N-oU7-GoTup48/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu13m0d2OrbfODEiEaZ0JJ_n4NKpx0PmiAB3EV9FWcpNDjOy0_gXVcpAc8gV9VK3Ufcn678b9WQ1kJrZ5m-WpwWBHnGJY4ByMN8C3nPsIkcvkdhI_Ms72iMNeGcTlSv9N-oU7-GoTup48/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Step 4: Sew the Pillowcase Seams</b><br />
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Match up the selvage edges (trim them so they're even if necessary) and pin into place. Make sure that the seam you just sewed lines up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtsCbv8Qul3bZSRabXi3nfpcpIRqN-9gnZjpnGjNnHXOGcCTxgJZl_ePHPtyA-1kloKzApobBTiOv-Y7N-99xfyPL8LQPo4219Af5sUyFm7vNhyphenhyphenb62jbZ01SjAoH-aZ2E8pKQ29a-ZfA/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtsCbv8Qul3bZSRabXi3nfpcpIRqN-9gnZjpnGjNnHXOGcCTxgJZl_ePHPtyA-1kloKzApobBTiOv-Y7N-99xfyPL8LQPo4219Af5sUyFm7vNhyphenhyphenb62jbZ01SjAoH-aZ2E8pKQ29a-ZfA/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sew along the side you just pinned (it should match the above picture). The seam allowance should again be 1/2 inch and don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. The backstitch part is particularly important in this step.<br />
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At this point you should have a tube. Pin up the end of the tube that doesn't have the accent fabric. Sew another seam along this edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and the end.<br />
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<b>Step 5: Finish the pillowcase</b><br />
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Trim the hanging threads and then turn the pillowcase inside out. Push out the corners as shown. Put one hand inside a corner. Hold the outside with your other hand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK1bCgcM-2EdPd1TSqwwhaDurmFQM9P-ZRUgoLSugXYTVat3AOk8BzHwjh_DFizFgCJuRG1PErzvYRaTV8Nzas26NX0kTyC0Z-vkOwRnBivt1plhKEU4ynSIVQCjTdYR5CC3lahRg4xU/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK1bCgcM-2EdPd1TSqwwhaDurmFQM9P-ZRUgoLSugXYTVat3AOk8BzHwjh_DFizFgCJuRG1PErzvYRaTV8Nzas26NX0kTyC0Z-vkOwRnBivt1plhKEU4ynSIVQCjTdYR5CC3lahRg4xU/s400/DSC_0033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Push out with the hand that's inside the pillowcase so that the corner is crisper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd2nngpTSRT4qkdMWfBJtoTNDVj2BsSpZwmWWVVougt0AZWkFNo-TvF6HMIrY-OB6w1v6cLMbdwfKgvmEVag3Ph-OY7cMcoR9bjCtU_Ucn3H23z5Srly1FHgdwE76tZBvjR-NWxqWFnQ/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd2nngpTSRT4qkdMWfBJtoTNDVj2BsSpZwmWWVVougt0AZWkFNo-TvF6HMIrY-OB6w1v6cLMbdwfKgvmEVag3Ph-OY7cMcoR9bjCtU_Ucn3H23z5Srly1FHgdwE76tZBvjR-NWxqWFnQ/s400/DSC_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Iron if you so desire and then put it on a pillow! Congratulations, you made a pillowcase! Have your cat help you model them on your bed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J0rmfwdkqdnglz-dB-Sq7KDnm6SevgOmambDoL9s-A8JssuiIlRikTRR9SoBHtfpMlGBX8lTcqMrnveTA3Tc2uiIP0GtSb9lPxPYYSt5ZEI_l5Dq5qhU1-At9VZOhHO5IjnTfge3124/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J0rmfwdkqdnglz-dB-Sq7KDnm6SevgOmambDoL9s-A8JssuiIlRikTRR9SoBHtfpMlGBX8lTcqMrnveTA3Tc2uiIP0GtSb9lPxPYYSt5ZEI_l5Dq5qhU1-At9VZOhHO5IjnTfge3124/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">DECORATIVE STRIPY PILLOWCASE</span></u></b><br />
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This one is for the more adventuresome. You will need the following.<br />
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-- Strips of fabric in a few coordinating prints; the amount will depend on how wide you want your stripes<br />
-- spool & bobbin of matching thread<br />
-- cutting mat, straightedge, and rotary cutter (or other means of trimming/straightening your fabric)<br />
-- iron/ironing board<br />
-- straight pins<br />
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I used cotton fabric but you could use flannel or even a decor fabric if you're feeling extra adventuresome.<br />
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<b>Step 1: Cut Fabric into Strips</b><br />
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You'll need to cut your fabric into strips (or calculate how much fabric to purchase). Math time! (You never thought word problems could be applied to crafts, did you?) Your strips will need to be sewn together to be about 29 or 30 inches wide. If you want 4 stripes they'll each be about 7.5 inches wide each and you'll need to add an extra inch for the seam allowance so you'll cut your four strips 8.5 inches wide. If you want more stripes or stripes of varying widths calculate accordingly (remembering to add 1 inch to the width of each strip for the seam allowance).<br />
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<b>Step 2: Sew the Strips Together</b><br />
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Sew the strips together in whatever order you like, backstitching at the beginning and end of each seam and leaving a 1/2 inch seam allowance.<br />
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<b>Step 3: Press the Seams Open</b><br />
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This will take a little bit since there are probably a lot of seams.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvEu2mjDk0BDy4-XZ2gbdk5w73lRkUI5xFjPfxnlePwZCCEw_uDi1Z5NB4wbab_EhvyiytKiXOrNthVs0LgOME02oSkMNqEQJ_heA_9tKPNQEWv1S9fXCZUuLlX4uNaiRH-WVtskWgdg/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvEu2mjDk0BDy4-XZ2gbdk5w73lRkUI5xFjPfxnlePwZCCEw_uDi1Z5NB4wbab_EhvyiytKiXOrNthVs0LgOME02oSkMNqEQJ_heA_9tKPNQEWv1S9fXCZUuLlX4uNaiRH-WVtskWgdg/s400/DSC_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Step 4: Finish Selvage Edges</b><br />
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The edges of all the strips probably won't be even. Fold over so that the shortest piece has been folded over about 1/2 inch. Iron in place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f-yKTGtGNJcyy45ZuebL2HAMkMdReECw_1jdlAu8DUYa9lXkn2mAcwdobAf85MJ08NvADXqUGFxs6l9adYETM9dZ30Vsoil4BKCEDvPN_ypTAfzsXdgY_wf1ql3wUj6q9HEpVReJOPQ/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f-yKTGtGNJcyy45ZuebL2HAMkMdReECw_1jdlAu8DUYa9lXkn2mAcwdobAf85MJ08NvADXqUGFxs6l9adYETM9dZ30Vsoil4BKCEDvPN_ypTAfzsXdgY_wf1ql3wUj6q9HEpVReJOPQ/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then sew a seam along the folded over edge. I used a fancy stitch on my sewing machine. If you use a straight stitch sew it about 1/4 inch from the edge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKAwUZP3XUpdG0y8-svUjzgmtTgGyzGJK5rqueALQh6Ezh3z2QHJGnqKcmJ2Ffjf_XdIAnY-h7bAA4aQPurgsxL7aIoElglrVpY9awU_ToyR5_VgOjldGUz4RbtVzBHhKC9jG37KE9hI/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKAwUZP3XUpdG0y8-svUjzgmtTgGyzGJK5rqueALQh6Ezh3z2QHJGnqKcmJ2Ffjf_XdIAnY-h7bAA4aQPurgsxL7aIoElglrVpY9awU_ToyR5_VgOjldGUz4RbtVzBHhKC9jG37KE9hI/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I really like the way this finished edge turned out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3xj8TbCiBAPBHZQ8zbZshkQvObXaGk92zHSYd_gfoNjbNqvNWLszM8WH1nLIfr9tp3F0lGdTLmRo7kRPXZJbqIdGTZX37J6iur_ZfZh0YI9_psBwf1C23uFZ8MMaAOi0oYyvgfNtqLQ/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3xj8TbCiBAPBHZQ8zbZshkQvObXaGk92zHSYd_gfoNjbNqvNWLszM8WH1nLIfr9tp3F0lGdTLmRo7kRPXZJbqIdGTZX37J6iur_ZfZh0YI9_psBwf1C23uFZ8MMaAOi0oYyvgfNtqLQ/s400/DSC_0044.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Step 5: Sew Side Seams</b><br />
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You want these edges to end up on the back of your pillow. Fold the two finished edges to the middle of the "back" of the pillowcase. Instead of being folded in half with the edges along the edge of the rectangle formed by the fabric, the edges should be in the middle. I hope this makes sense as I didn't get a good picture. Overlaps the edges a little bit (about 1.5 or 2 inches) and line up the raw edges of the sides. This picture shows the overlap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherM9VgIucfoZV7zQG6IjgBOXiMWfojerdFr4Mx8wx67lvpJSWpoFvNQJG97-oqab7_8F6LXNIAA7HuQ0Zy9HnA5PpgMmCOSZMsUEqvyfyVIybrRWpA3uGV0Cw-ehx7fT61JEGOZQn_Z4/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherM9VgIucfoZV7zQG6IjgBOXiMWfojerdFr4Mx8wx67lvpJSWpoFvNQJG97-oqab7_8F6LXNIAA7HuQ0Zy9HnA5PpgMmCOSZMsUEqvyfyVIybrRWpA3uGV0Cw-ehx7fT61JEGOZQn_Z4/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Pin the edges.<br />
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Sew seams along the sides with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Then turn right side out. The finished edges should overlap a little bit.<br />
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Put the pillowcases on your pillows and enjoy!<br />
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This picture shows how the opening should be a "slit" across the back of the pillow in approximately the middle of the pillowcase.<br />
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You could do all sorts of things to spruce these pillows up. Here's a few ideas:<br />
-- put buttons as decorative closures to close the back of the fancy pillowcase<br />
-- embroider your name on the accent part of the simple pillowcase<br />
-- stitch a fancy, decorative stitch along the edge of the accent part of the simple pillowcase<br />
-- make the stripes go the other way on the decorative pillowcase<br />
What ideas do you have to make these more interesting?Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-14359734599349263892011-10-21T20:20:00.000-04:002011-10-21T20:20:23.795-04:00Bite Sized Balls of BlissFinger food is so easy to eat. It doesn't require utensils, and often it doesn't even require a plate. The best finger foods are, obviously, desserts. Cookies, fudge, candy, chocolate covered pretzels....you name it, it's delicious. Recently, I had heard about a fancy new-fangled finger food dessert: cake balls.<br />
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The concept is easy: form balls of cake, dip in chocolate, and eat. Last weekend I attempted to make some of these decadent delights and I must say that they turned out pretty well, even if they were more time consuming than I anticipated.<br />
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To make cake balls, you will need the following ingredients:<br />
- Cake mix and required water/oil/eggs/etc. (or ingredients for a from scratch cake recipe)<br />
- Jar of frosting (or from scratch frosting)<br />
- 1 lb. chocolate candy coating<br />
- Any desired decorations/toppings<br />
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Use any combination of flavors that you think would be good. I used devil's food cake, fudge frosting, and milk chocolate coating and they turned out very chocolaty and rich.<br />
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Follow the directions to make your cake mix or cake recipe.<br />
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Pour your batter into a 9x13 pan. It doesn't really matter what kind of pan you use but I think that a 9x13 pan is the easiest to clean. It also has the least amount of edges (which didn't seem to crumble well later in the process).<br />
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And then bake your cake according to the directions.<br />
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Mmmmmmmmm. Take the pan out of the oven and let the cake cool. Once the cake has been cooled, get a bowl out. With your hands take chunks out of the cake. This part is fun.<br />
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Then crumble up the cake into the bowl. You should get a nice fine crumble. The edges don't always crumble as nicely so you might want to leave those out.<br />
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Next get out your jar of frosting (or make your frosting). Add it to the cake crumbles a little bit at a time, mixing in between with a mixer or a spoon. Stir in enough frosting just until the mixture starts holding together. I only used half of my 16 oz jar of frosting so if you're making your own frosting I would recommend only making a half recipe.<br />
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Next you'll want to roll the mixture into little bite sized balls and place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet.<br />
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The balls should be about 1 inch across. If you have a melon baller or cookie dough scooper those would come in pretty handy during this step. I got 54 balls out of this recipe. The last couple were really sticky and didn't turn out very smoothly because they had some frosting that hadn't gotten mixed in well.<br />
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Place this cookie sheet into the refrigerator for a little while until the balls firm up. Maybe about 30 minutes or so.<br />
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When you're ready to dip the balls in the chocolate coating, pour about half the wafers into a microwave safe bowl and microwave on a low power for about 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. I microwaved at 30% power for a total of about 1.5 or 2 minutes. Stir in between each 30 seconds and stop microwaving when it's mostly melted. Stir until the last couple pieces melts all the way.<br />
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Then get your cookie sheet out of the fridge and dip the balls into the chocolate.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can use a spoon, toothpicks, or whatever else you like to stir the balls around and coat them. Once coated, remove from the bowl and place back on the cookie sheet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Once all the balls are coated you can put the cookie sheet back in the fridge until the chocolate sets. If you desire you can sprinkle things on top of the cake balls or roll them in things to make them fancier. Sprinkles, nuts, coconut, and crushed candies would all be delicious. If you have another color of chocolate coating you can drizzle some of that on top in a pretty pattern to make them fancier. Use your creativity!<br />
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Once the chocolate is set you can remove them from the cookie sheet and store them in containers in a cool place or in the fridge. After taste testing, of course.<br />
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These are very versatile and can be made in many flavors combinations and can be decorated to look very fancy. They would be perfect for all sorts of occasions from picnics to baby/wedding showers to birthday parties.<br />
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Enjoy!Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-10030996172259029652011-10-11T22:13:00.000-04:002011-10-11T22:13:41.974-04:00Personalized StationeryMaybe you feel like making something nice for yourself. Maybe you need a relatively quick gift idea. Maybe your creative side is crying out for a fun project for the afternoon. You want to make some personalized stationery.<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdROdhIMr_awbyPstE3J0eZqPSOKqeXAJH8ZxlEQ7W9DauNsEKhNCmOgpw-gudAYYfQcoEsAaL4VZo2UqD89tDL4nzBp9omvgug5Qm9MgelHtxoZ4SntrENapZWtfpeVneZnR8IxkU5E/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdROdhIMr_awbyPstE3J0eZqPSOKqeXAJH8ZxlEQ7W9DauNsEKhNCmOgpw-gudAYYfQcoEsAaL4VZo2UqD89tDL4nzBp9omvgug5Qm9MgelHtxoZ4SntrENapZWtfpeVneZnR8IxkU5E/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>To make this stationery you will only need a few supplies:</div><div>-- Blank note cards (scrapbook paper or cardstock cut to size would also work)</div><div>-- Rubber stamps and/or clear stamps and blocks (you can find some great ones in the dollar bins at Michael's or Pat Catan's)</div><div>-- Rubber stamp ink pads</div><div>-- Wet paper towels</div><div><br />
</div><div>Start off with your stamps. You can find some nice, inexpensive rubber stamps. (Six of these only cost $1!)</div><div><br />
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</div><div>And gather some clear stamps, too, if you would like. You can find $1 bin clear stamps too! Clear stamps usually come in packages or sets of related stamps rather than individually and are usually a bit more expensive.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Take each blank card (or paper cut to size) and stamp an image or a monogram on the front. You can make your cards top fold or side fold. Mix it up and have some stamps centered and others off center. Maybe you want a set of cards with identical stamps or perhaps you want a variety of covers on your stationery. Have fun with it! Make the project yours! For a special touch, you can even stamp a medium sized letter on the envelopes next to where the return address goes.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As you stamp you can let the ink dry by standing the cards up on their sides to maximize space on your table. Once dried you can tie the packet of cards with a ribbon and <i>voila</i>! Adorable!</div><div><br />
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</div><div>COST:</div><div>$10 -- 40 pack of blank pastel note cards</div><div>$5 -- three ink pads</div><div>$1-$15 -- stamps (this will vary depending on how many you purchase, how many you already own, etc.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>And the best part is that most of those supplies are usable for future projects!</div><div><br />
</div>Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180634142830216517.post-24847411690506696282011-10-10T21:44:00.000-04:002011-10-10T21:44:50.337-04:00IntroductionsHello world! It's me!<br />
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I'm Tall Girl. I have big plans and big dreams. <strike>Many of these involve crafts.</strike> Most of these involve crafts. I love being creative and coming up with new ideas. I also love to read and would read all day if I could. Favorite book? <i>Jane Eyre</i>. Favorite sport? Volleyball. Favorite food? Ice cream. Favorite color? Green. Sometimes purple, but usually green. Favorite subject? Math. I'm a nerd. And I love nerd jokes. Don't judge.<br />
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This is my hubby, Tall Boy.<br />
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He is a definite ham and a giant nerd. He tells horrible puns. Have you ever read the jokes they put on Laffy Taffy? His puns are like those. They are funny but awful at the same time. He's pretty awesome at fixing things and he's great at being thoughtful. All around he's a pretty nice guy.<br />
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This is my cat, Dippy.<br />
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She basically has the most awesome life ever: sleep, eat, sleep, chase yarn, sleep, chase ball, eat, sleep, stand on owner's throat while they try to sleep, sleep, repeat. She's pretty dumb though. She falls off of most things and runs into walls. Her most useful trait is that she loves to chase and eat bugs.<br />
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So now that the introduction of my little family is done, I can tell you a little bit about what this blog will be about.<br />
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In my opinion there are Five Commandments of Crafting.<br />
1. Crafts must have a purpose. I don't like making things for the sake of making things. I have more than enough knick knacks to dust, thankyouverymuch. When I make something it must be useful in some way. (Even if that use isn't immediate.)<br />
2. My crafts must be cute. Unless they're intended to be notcute. I'm a perfectionist and I don't like my handiwork to turn out looking like a Picasso when it was intended to be a Michelangelo. Sometimes this involves some pretty awesome MacGyver tactics, but in the end it looks like I intended. Mostly.<br />
3. Completing the craft must be fun. That's kinda what the point is.<br />
4. The cost of completing a craft must not require taking out a second mortgage. I don't have a house and I don't think my landlord would appreciate me mortgaging my apartment so this is a biggie.<br />
5. I get bonus points if I turn something old/broken/ugly into something new/cute/awesome.<br />
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I follow these Commandments (they are subject to change) and I make awesome things. Cheaply. Not cheaply as in crappy fall-apart-the-first-time-you-use-it though. Cheaply as in I-didn't-spend-much-on-this-and-it-turned-out-really-awesome. So I'm going to attempt to share this knowledge with you, readers. Hopefully it comes in useful. :)Tall Girl on a Short Budgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456187716361471636noreply@blogger.com2