July 9, 2009

Sewing Machine Cover

My husband bought me a sewing machine back in February for Valentine's Day. A complete surprise. Something I had been BEGGING for. Well, come July and its sitting on my desk like this......unused......
So I decided to learn how to use it this week. My first project was a sewing machine cover. Sewing machines are usually pretty expensive, so its important to keep them covered to protect them from dust, scratches, etc.

I think my machine is a pretty standard sized machine...so here is how I made the cover. It took me less than an hour. Keep in mind that I cut my fabric too large by accident, so you may want to measure your sewing machine to get a more accurate measurement. Also, I wanted my cover to touch the table, but some people just want them to cover everything but the base, so its totally up to you. You can make it however you want.

1. First I cut out 2 rectangles measuring 17" x 14" and one long strip measuring 7" x about 45".
2. Then I rounded the 2 top corners of my rectangles.
3. Next, I pinned one of my rectangles to the strip. I ended up having to trim a little bit off the end of my strip because 45" was too long. But thats okay. Better too long than too short. Pin the sides and the top, leave the bottom open.
4. After pinning the strip to one of the rectangles I sewed about 1/4 inch around the edge using my pressure foot as my guide.
5. Pin the 2nd rectangle to your stip and sew in the same manner as the first.
6. On the "wrong" side of your cover, fold up the bottom edge as far as you need to in order to make a hem. I folded mine up 2 1/4 inches because I cut my fabric too large. I later learned that on a hem you usually fold it up about 1/4 inch, press and then fold it up another 1/4 inch and press it again.
7. Press your seem with an iron.
7. Sew your hem and your sewing machine cover is finished!!

May 1, 2009

Great Deal!

Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey? Well, he's a financial guru who has helped millions of people get out of debt and take control of their money, including my husband and me. We've recently become debt free thanks to Dave and the feeling is undescirbable!!!

Right now, on Dave's website you can get any one of his books, audio CD's, DVD's, children's programs, and lots more for only 10 dollars each!!!! Thats an amzing deal! I think its only going on this weekend, so hurry up! If you have any desire at all to be debt free then you will love Dave and his ideas.

March 13, 2009

Thank You's

Just a little background: In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, each ward (congregation) has what we call the Primary. Primary is made up of children ages 3-12. There is a Primary presidency made up of a President, 1st and 2nd counselors, and a secretary. I am currently serving as the 2nd counselor in our ward.

We often have to ask people to substitute teach a class when a teacher is sick or out of town. So I made a bunch of the above thank you's to keep in our closet and give to those who help with the kids. Its pretty cheesey, but I thought it was cute. I wanted to do something that went along with the month of March (like the candy gold coins), but I can't find them anywhere in Korea, so this is what we went with. I'm looking for ideas for April. I'd love to hear any ideas that you may have.

March 12, 2009

Fabric

Yesterday I went to the fabric market here in Seoul. I was OVERWHELMED when I walked into the 4 story building. 2 of the 4 floors were strictly fabric. Every type you could possibly imagine. I had my daughter with me, so I wasn't able to spend the time I would have liked. And I'm not sure when I'll be able to get there without her....So,

I've been desperately trying to find fabric online that isn't going to cost me a fortune. I think I've looked at hundreds of online fabric stores and have come to the conclusion that Fabric Worm is the best place to buy fabric if you MUST buy it online. He sells it by the half yard. Which is great, I can't find any other store that sells it that way.

The fabric at the market here in town was SO CHEAP!!! I paid around 2 dollars for a yard of 100% cotton. I've got to get back there when I don't have my daughter with me and I can spend about 7 hours just browsing.

PS I found this super cute quilting blog...CrazyMomQuilts. Check out her Ragged Squares Quilt. Thats going to be my next project. Once I get my fabric :)

March 5, 2009

Strawberry Yogurt Pie

I went to lunch at my girlfriend's house today and I made this yogurt pie for the occassion. It turned out so delicious. I used lite/lowfat everything, so it made it VERY easy to justify eating it :)

12 oz. Cool Whip Dessert Topping
16-24 oz. Strawberry Yogurt (or any flavor you desire). I just kept adding more until it tasted good.
2 any brand ready-made graham cracker pie crust (or make your own)
1 cup sliced frozen or fresh strawberries (or whatever fruit you want)

Combine Cool Whip, Yogurt, and sliced fruit
Pour into pie crust
Cover with pie lid
Freeze for 3 hours or overnight
Remove from freezer about 20 minutes prior to serving
Top with additional Cool Whip and Strawberries if desired
I like to crumbled graham cracker on top for a little extra decoration

February 10, 2009

Sale

Oldnavy.com is having a pretty good sale on baby, kids, and maternity clothes. Plus its only 7 dollars shipping no matter how much you purchase.

January 27, 2009

Snapfish


I usually upload and print my pictures from WalMart.com. Well, the other day I tried to order something like 200 photos and they wouldn't ship it to my APO address. So I tried Snapfish for the first time. The prices are comparable, but let me tell you...the quality of the Snapfish pictures were way better than the Walmart pictures I've been getting for years. And they often have great deals, like your first 20 prints are free. Anyway, thought I'd share my opinion.

Did You Know You Can Get it For Free?


I didn't know this until just the other day, thanks to my sister-in-law. Walmart.com gives lots of free samples of selected products so you can try them before you buy them. Click here to see whats available now. I know they have Crest Whitestrips right now, which, from what I've heard, are kind of expensive. So hurry! Unfortunately I couldn't find any samples that would ship to an APO address.

January 21, 2009

Dusting Solution


I have lots of blinds in my new apartment. In Korea there is a very thick black dust that covers everything inside and out. I've tried to use a cloth and dusting spray, but that usually just smears the dust and takes hours to clean. So I bought some of these little Swiffer Dusters and they worked wonders! I loved them! My blinds look amazing and it took half the time to get them all clean.

January 15, 2009

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilladas

I got this recipe from my mother-in-law and it was a big hit!

2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
Mix together in a large bowl

In seperate bowl mix
2 cups cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)
2 cups cheese
3 chopped green onions
1 cup of the above soup/sour cream mixture

Dip tortillas in soup/sour cream mix
Place chicken filling in tortilla and roll up
Place in greased 9x13 pan (makes about 8 enchilladas)
Cover enchilladas with remaining sauce and extra cheese if desired
Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 30-45 minutes