Vintage Apron

This little apron is going to Japan as a gift for my son's host mother on his student exchange.

Six midriff darts give the apron some shape.

I couldn't resist the strawberry buttons. I know, I know, it is corny!

Baby Gifts

I've been working for the past couple of months on some special baby gifts for a close friend. I have had a lot of fun gathering fabrics and doing projects-- especially since this friend really enjoys homemade things.
{the banner says "theo" which may or may not be the name of the unborn baby. i got the idea for the banner here}

{this is a little swaddling blanket made from a knit blend and striped thermal knit}

{i used a gray chambray and cotton prints from denyse schmidt-- one of my very favorite fabric designers. the backing is dark gray flannel and the letters are cut from bamboo felt. i got the idea for this baby life quilt here}

{i used part of my moda 1933 jelly roll for this vintage inspired quilt. i got the idea for it here}

{a couple of organic cotton onesies with some appliqued goodness}

I also made a diaper and wipes case and some chenille burp cloths. More pics to come.

Blueberry-Vanilla Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting

Ever since eating blueberry cake with mascarpone frosting in Memphis, I've been wanting to recreate it at home. After an incognito phone call to Fino's and an other inquisitive visit to their restaurant, I think I've gleaned as much information out of them that I'm going to get. And I think I've found a recipe that comes close to theirs!

I settled on a variation of Alton Brown's Carrot Cake recipe. Both the cupcake and the frosting are not very sweet. If I made them again, I would add a little more sugar to each.

Blueberry-Vanilla Cupcakes

2 1/2 cups flour
1 pint ripe blueberries
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
seeds from one vanilla bean
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
6 ounces plain yogurt (I used Greek yogurt with 2% fat)
6 ounces vegetable oil

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add blueberries, eggs, and plain yogurt. Mix until well blended. The blueberries should be crushed and the mixture purplish-blue. With your mixer running, drizzle oil into the bowl. Stir until just combined.

Using a 1/3 measuring cup, scoop out level portions of batter and pour into a pre-lined cupcake pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Turn heat down to 325 and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. As every oven cooks differently, I recommend checking on the cupcakes before the 20 minutes is up.

Cool and frost. Yield: 24 cupcakes.

Scripture Tote

This little tote bag holds a set of scriptures or "quad", pencils, note pad and lesson book. The outside is an upholstery fabric and the lining is a cotton paisley with inside pockets.

Iron-on butterflies are complements of JoAnn's.

Thanks for the pattern, Becca!

Tutorial: Ruffled Tank Top

I found some soft, inexpensive tanks at Target, but wasn't a fan of the plastic jewel action going on in the front. So, I decided to change them up a bit.

Materials:

}Tank top

}One 2 1/2" x 44" strip of fabric (I used one from Moda's 1933 Chloe's Closet Jelly Roll)

}Straight pins

}Thread

}Pinking shears

}Sewing machine

}Iron

Instructions:

}Cut a 2 1/2" x 44" strip of fabric using pinking shears. If you are using fabric from a Jelly Roll, you can skip this step as the strip is already the right size and pinked.

}Finish the short, raw ends of the strip by folding each end under twice. Press with iron and stitch to secure.

}Using a basting or gathering stitch, sew down the center of the strip, from one end to the other.

}Pin one of the finished ends to one of the tank's shoulder seams. Do the same to the other side. Pull the basting threads to gather the strip until it fits between the should seams.

}Match the top edge of the ruffle to the neck of the tank, pinning as you go.

}Stitch the ruffle to the tank by following the basting stitch. Sew down the ruffle again, stitching 1/4" from your first seam (see top photo).

}Remove pins, clip threads and enjoy!

Ballerina

Lucy had her ballet recital. This girl loves to dance and can't wait for next year's classes to start. She did a great job and I am so proud of her!

Henry was also very proud, but because he was awake for most of the night before, this is how he enjoyed the show.

Chair Change

I bought this chair several months ago for my sewing nook and extra seating when company comes. It has been calling out for a face lift since I brought it home. With our 90 degree humidity, it seemed like the perfect indoor activity for today. After a great morning debate over which fabric to use, I settled on this darling print.
(Sorry the after picture is kind of dark).

Maternal Sunshine

I am so grateful to have the mother I do.
My mom is a woman of beauty and conviction. She radiates enthusiasm.

She will tell you that I raised myself, but little did she know, I was paying attention to her all these years. From her, I've learned that pie is a breakfast food, to never underestimate the power of a stomach ache, and to be passionate about the things you believe, among other things. The things I've learned from her-- the intentional and the unintentional-- have shaped me as the person I am today. I love you, Mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Little Sounds Around the House