Brag time: Student Accomplishment

Look at the smile on Julia's face! She made this pretty pillowcase, using all French seams, and machine embroidered her name on the band... in just two hours!

(I wish I'd taken this with my camera since my phone obviously didn't take a very clear shot.)

Not only did she do all this sewing, she also learned how to use the embroidery software to create a file with her name in the font she liked. After creating the embroidery file, she learned how to download it, via USB cable, to the embroidery machine. She also learned about stabilizer, how to hoop the stabilizer and how to hoop and center her fabric before embroidering. Not bad, huh?

Congratulations, Julia! You mastered a lot of new skills today and even found time to play with Holly and Murphy!

My Mom's Sauerbraten (Part 1 of 2)

I have to share a story about my Mom and this recipe. Cooking for the family, she once told me, was a way for her to show her love for us. She was a great cook, too. In some ways, it's part of her legacy and I think she wanted it to be. In her final days, it was important to her to pass on some of her recipes. It was important enough that, a couple of days before she died, she asked (as if it had been on her mind): "Did I give you the sauerbraten recipe?"

Luckily, I love sauerbraten so it's my pleasure to be able to make it and to know it's something she wanted us to continue to enjoy. We always had it with red cabbage, mashed potatoes, and gingersnap gravy (which is the traditional gravy served with sauerbraten.)

Have you ever had sauerbraten (German pot roast)? I think of it as a German version of corned beef. The preparation is similar in that the meat is marinated for days before cooking, pickling it somewhat with the vinegar based marinade. I'm planning sauerbraten for our Sunday dinner this week so began the marinating on Wednesday. My Mom's recipe says to do this for at least 3 days. By Sunday, this is going to be tender and so full of delicious flavor.

The Marinade Recipe
1 1/2 c. vinegar
1 1/2 c brown sugar
2 c water
2 bay leaves
2-3 tsp. whole cloves
1 -2 small onions, halved then sliced

Put it all in a pot. You might notice I put my cloves in a small pouch I made from a coffee filter an tied it up. Otherwise you'd have to strain the liquid at the end and you'd lose all those onions that will cook down and absorb all the flavors of the marinade.

Bring all of this to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes. You can see the onions begin to get translucent. Cool completely.

Take your favorite cut of meat that you like to use for pot roast. I use different cuts. Today, I'm using 2 small bottom round roasts. I also make it with rump roast.

Poke meat with fork, creating holes into which the marinade can seep. Put roasts in large plastic storage bags or non reactive container and immerse in cooled marinade. Turn at least twice a day for three days. I like using the zipper bags placed into a bowl because I just turn the whole bag over a couple of times a day.

The rest of this will continue on Sunday when I'll cook this is the crock pot with the marinade with sides of red cabbage, mashed potatoes, and ginger snap gravy. If you want to make this for this Sunday, you still have time so get that marinade started today!

Butterick Skirt I Made

I've never enjoyed making clothes for myself because it's too hard to do proper fittings without help. I decided I'd give it my best shot anyway and haven't been too displeased with the results. Here I am (in a very unflattering picture, but hey, I do it for you guys) wearing one of the skirts I made recently.

I made it using Butterick Pattern  B4461.

 It was a very easy pattern to make and, other than the fitting, I changed the embellishment. I started out with the ribbon like you see in the purple floral but I didn't like it so I added rick rack around the waist and above the hemline.

I redrew and recut the pattern pieces to fit me the way I like. Next time I make the skirt it will be a breeze. I like it a lot so I'm sure I'll be making it again.

Hey kids, don't forget you can like me on Facebook and you'll get lots of useful information as well as coupon codes and sales for Maureen Makes It. www.facebook.com/maureenmakesitpage

Monogrammed Hand Towels on Sale

30% off  SALE through 5/22/13. Regular price $24.95; on sale for $17.50 for two hand towels.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/43280917/wedding-anniversary-special-occasion

Be sure to like me on Facebook so you'll know when there is a sale or coupon code available. Facebook.com/MaureenMakesItPage

Introduction to Quilting: Tote Bag Project

I've always loved this project for beginners of all ages whether they just want to learn how to sew or they want to try their hand at quilting. It's a fairly basic lined tote bag but the front and back are made with precisely cut squares and sewn together using quilting techniques. Here's one that was made right here in my studio last week. I love these colors.

Here are some that were made by some teen students.

It's a great little project that is done in two hours and it lets you see if you think quilting is for you without having to make the commitment to making a full quilt. You learn to measure, cut, sew, and piece accurately in addition to learning basic sewing skills like making a lined bag and making straps. You use the rotary cutter and mat and rulers so you get a feel for some quilting tools as well. It's a fun project to consider trying on your own or in one of your lessons.



Hey kids, don't forget you can like me on Facebook and you'll get lots of useful information as well as coupon codes and sales for Maureen Makes It. www.facebook.com/maureenmakesitpage

Upcoming Sales I Like

Here are advertised sales from Joann's and Hancock Fabrics that I like and thought you might too.

Joanns
5/5 to 5/11
Simplicity Patterns 5/$5

5/10 to 5/12
McCall's Patterns $1.99
Vogue Patterns $3.99
Quilting Notions 50% off (This is where they have the chalk cartridge I have that so many of you like. Check out the quilting notions for pins, rulers, and many other items you'll use even if you don't quilt. My long, skinny pins with the flower ends are from the quilting notions, too.)

Hancock Fabrics:
5/2 to 5/22

Ginger 8" Dressmaker Shears $19.99 (That's a steal!! Those are the scissors I have that so many of you like. They're regularly about $38- $40.) 

Quilt rulers, cutters, and mats 30% off (I don't love this sale but if you can't wait for 40% or 50% off, it beats paying full price.)

5/10 to 5/13
Butterick Patterns $ .99
Simplicity Patterns $1.99
Maxi Lock cone thread ( for you sergers out there) $1.99
Package batting 40% off

5/16 to 5/19
Coats and Clark Thread 50% off
Coats and Clark Zippers 50% off
McCall's Patterns $1.99

Check out their ads online. You may see things you like that I haven't included here. Happy shopping!

Hey kids, don't forget you can like me on Facebook and you'll get lots of useful information as well as coupon codes and sales for Maureen Makes It. www.facebook.com/maureenmakesitpage

Sewing Machine Recommendations- New

I have an older post with machine recommendations but, unfortunately, some of those machines are no longer available. It's no secret to those that sew with me, I'm a big fan of Brother machines. That's not to say that I don't absolutely love Viking machines, because I do. But, for the money and what most people want to invest in a machine, my favorite machines all happen to be Brothers. (Are you listening, Brother?)

Now, because it's often hard to tell in the blogosphere if people are being paid to promote something or not, let me say right up front, Brother doesn't even know I exist. I'm simply sharing a "wish list" I keep on Amazon.com for students who ask for recommendations. Hopefully some of you will find this helpful. Without further fanfare.... my recommendations.

Edit: Here are some links directly to these items on Amazon. You can buy directly from these links.




Hey kids, don't forget you can like me on Facebook and you'll get lots of useful information as well as coupon codes and sales for Maureen Makes It. www.facebook.com/maureenmakesitpage

Manhattan Cocktail

Some say Mad Men has brought a resurgence of some old school cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. I say hooray for old school cocktails! With the new season of Mad Men just around the corner, you might want to brush up on your bar tending skills. Here's my Manhattan recipe (following the pics):

Ingredients:
1 1/2 shots of Seagrams 7
1/2 shot sweet vermouth
2 good shakes Angostora's bitters
2 maraschino cherries (preferably with stems)
ice

Fill a cocktail glass with ice and a bit of water so it can chill while you make the drink. In cocktail shaker, add ice, Seagrams 7, vermouth, and bitters. Shake to mix and chill. Empty water and ice from cocktail glass and add two cherries. Strain mixture from cocktail shaker over cherries. Enjoy!

Oh yes, I know, I know. There are differing opinions on how to make this classic drink. Some prefer rye. Some say stir, don't shake. Some say one cherry, not two. I say, "Shut up and drink!"

Salud!

Private Sewing Lessons on SALE

You asked for it and it's back: the Five Pack. Get five private sewing lessons for just $140. That's a savings of up to $45. It's like getting one class free. Just click the buy it now button and I'll email you your Five Pack certificate. (no need to put anything in the box). This sale ends 3/25/13 at 11:59 PM, Central Time.

Sale ends 3/25/13. Hurry!!!!

Lessons must be taken by 9/30/13. No refunds can be issued for unused lessons. Lessons are offered in League City, TX at Maureen Makes It Studio and Workshop. If you are unable to attend lessons at this location, you should not purchase this package. Please review this page for more information about lessons, times, and locations. Package can also be shared and you may purchase as many as you like. (Some families have multiple people who sew and one may take 2 lessons and another takes 3.) Please email me if you have any questions.

Texas A&M Aggies Baby Clothing Onesie Dress

My Texas A&M Aggies tank dresses are so popular and, I have to admit, I like them a lot myself. I was sitting here looking at these sleeveless onesies I bought and a light bulb went off. What about a version of the tank dress for babies? How cute would that be? And so the baby version was born.

One thing that is hard to convey is how unbelievably cute these are in these tiny sizes. This particular one is in 9 months size. (I've got it listed in my Etsy store if you really, really like it!) The tiny size just makes it that much more adorable. I'm making these in all sizes from newborn through adult, too.

Tshirt Design Makeover Tutorial

I have several tshirts in my closet, but I don't wear them out in public. I wear them for cleaning, sleeping, or lounging around the house, but that's it. There's nothing flattering about them, except for that rare one I find that's actually cut for a woman. I have this one shirt, though, that I want to wear in public and I did wear it once but I can't do it again. Could anything be less flattering?

I'm a huge fan of my nephew's high school basketball team where these shirts are worn (his name and number are on the back) as a fun way to show your support for the team but, geez, I feel like a bum when I go out wearing a shirt like that. I kept thinking of how I could change it up and that's how I went from what you see above to this.

It wasn't that hard to do, either. Here's what I did.

I took a shirt that fits me the way I like and it also has a v-neck which I prefer. I put it down on top of the "big shirt" and traced it with chalk. I used tracing paper to trace the v-neckline onto the big shirt, too.

Then I took the rotary cutter and started cutting about 5/8" outside of my chalk lines. I used scissors to cut out the neck since I wasn't going through both layers of the fabric with the V.

Next, I used single fold bias tape to the neckline. I decided to go with white so it would become an accent feature. I applied the bias tape to the inside of the neckline, matching the edge of the tape to the edge of the neckline and sewing in the crease of the bias tape as you can see in the picture below.

I did the same thing around the hemline of the shirt, first sewing the tape to the inside of the shirt. Then I folded the tape to the outside of the shirt and stitched it very close to the folded edge as you can see in the picture below. When it was all sewn, I had this great neckline.

Before I sewed the side seams and shoulder seams, I marked 4 inches up from the bottom of the shirt so I could keep this area open to create my vents. I applied bias tape to the vents the same as the neckline and hemline.

Finally, I serged all along where I had cut with the rotary cutter: the sides, up to the underside of the sleeves and then from the upper part of the sleeve up across the shoulder to the neckline.

And, voila, I have a new shirt that is fitted and attractive and looks like it was made for a woman.

Here's the before and after.  What do you think?

Now I'm thinking about all of the tshirts I have that I actually would like to wear if I gave them a makeover, too. Give it a try. It's pretty easy to do and only took about an hour.