DIY Reusable Grocery & Produce Bag From a Dishtowel: New Video and I’d Love Your Opinion

Posted on May 22, 2019 by

Are you ready to join the zero-waste movement? Have plastic grocery and produce bags been trying to take over your home? Have you been shoving these plastic bags into closets and cupboards for years now so they fall at your feet each time you open up your pantry?

Sounds like it’s time to make the switch to reusable, cloth grocery bags. Not only can these eco-friendly bags can be made from fabric you already have, but check out your local thrift shop for dishtowels, or even curtain panels to make them double earth-friendly.

This reusable bag was made from a thrifted dishtowel which I fell in love with the moment I saw it and all of it’s orange goodness. 🙂

For the complete step-by-step directions, click here.

In addition to sewing, one of my favorite things about blogging is the photography and creating images for you. I’m just curious, if you were to pin an image from this post, which image would you most likely pin on Pinterest? Thanks for your input, I can always count on you guys for your good ideas to help me improve!

Happy Sewing!

Beth

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration and tutorials, click here.

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Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Posted on May 12, 2019 by

Mother's Day

 My beautiful mom!

Each time I look in the mirror, your eyes smile back at me.

Each time I sew, your hands guide me along.

Each time I fall, your arms lift me up.

Each time I pray, your voice whispers in my ear.

Each time I laugh, your joy surrounds me.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

I am one of the fortunate ones.

My mom gave me the biggest gifts a Mother could give. I was safe, warm, protected, cared for, loved, enjoyed and part of an amazing family.

Here’s she is at sixteen. I wish I had her dress!

mom 1940

My mom came from a long line of wonderful women.

Here’s my Grandmother!

Mother's Day

And my Great Grandmother!

Mother's Day

And here’s my beautiful daughter, Katie. Her grandmothers would be so proud of the wonderful woman, wife, mom and daughter she is. I know I am!!!!

Happy Mother’s Day to all these beautiful women.

I’m proud to say I’m part of this line of amazing women!

Love,

Beth

If you came here for sewing and refashioning inspiration, click here.

Posted in Sewing | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments

DIY Reusable Tea Bags: New One Minute Video

Posted on May 11, 2019 by

Tea has long been a part of daily life and rituals all over the world. Many people are embracing this herbal goodness again as a way of slowing down and becoming more mindful.

You can even be a mix-master and create your own signature tea blend. But why stop there? Especially if sewing is your cup of tea. Make that special blend even better by creating your own custom, reusable tea bags.

Ok, now let’s get this sewing par-tea started.

DIY Reusable Tea Bags

View the video:

Click here for the complete step-by-step directions.

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration and tutorials, click here.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

Posted in Sewing | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Accessorize Your Car with a DIY Fabric Steering Wheel Cover: New One Minute Video

Posted on May 7, 2019 by

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize: It’s not just for clothes and homes anymore. Nope, even cars want to get in on the accessory action. Why not adorn the interior of your car with a colorful, handmade steering wheel cover?

Not only will it bring a bit more style to an otherwise boring space, but your hands will thank you. No more grabbing a hot steering wheel in the summer and freezing your hands in the winter. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to make. So, if you’ve been telling yourself you want to learn how to sew, then this would be a perfect first project. Triple bonus!

You can watch the YouTube video here:

Or, you can watch the Facebook version here: (As usual, be sure to click on the bottom right hand corner so you can hear the music. It’s much more fun to watch. 🙂 )

Click here for the complete step-by-step photo tutorial.

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration and tutorials, click here.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

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DIY Reusable Microwave Popcorn Bags: New One Minute Video

Posted on April 30, 2019 by

Popcorn—not only does it tastes great, it also connects us to people we love and good times. From snuggling up together on a couch watching movies to cheering on our favorite team, popcorn plays a big part.

But, if you’ve been trying to create less waste and eat a bit healthier, you can ditch those greasy, chemical-laden, store-bought microwave popcorn bags and make an earth-friendly, reusable, healthy alternative. These reusable microwave popcorn bags are a snap to make and are even a great learn-to-sew project.

Scroll down to view the videos. Click here for the full step-by-step directions.

reusable popcorn bag

reusable popcorn bag 2

reusable popcorn bag 3

reusable popcorn bag 5

reusable popcorn bag 4

You can view the You tube video here:

You can enjoy the Facebook video here:

Enjoy!

Beth

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration and tutorials, click here.

Posted in DIY, fabric, food, Sewing, Tutorial, video | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Throwback Saturday: Polka Dot Shirt Redesign Tutorial

Posted on April 27, 2019 by

polkadot shirt redesign tutorial

“Life is trying things to see if they work.”

-Ray Bradbury

This shirt and post are the perfect examples of Ray Bradbury’s quote. When I started out redesigning this huge shirt,

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

I wasn’t really sure where I was going with it. I knew it needed to be smaller. But other than that, it was just trying things to see if they worked.

I love how the sleeves turned out, but that only happened after several different attempts at sleeve treatments.

Not to mention, I tried an animated GIF to see if it would work.

It did.

SAH-WHEAT!!!!

[gickr.com]_bbb212ed-a675-ae04-c113-1b9c0832b32d

If you’re interested in learning how to make an animated GIF, go to gickr.com. My funny blogging friend Rarasaur turned me on to it. It’s SUPER fun and easy to do.

Now on to redesigning this huge polka dot shirt.

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

Right sides together, pin and sew the sleeves back into the armhole.

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial

Now, excuse me while I go find that ruggedly handsome contractor husband of mine. He needs to take me out to dinner in my new shirt.

polka dot shirt redesign tutorial polkadot shirt redesign tutorial

You might also enjoy more refashion and sewing tutorials here.

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How to Make Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps: New One Minute Video

Posted on April 17, 2019 by

If you want to bee the life of your next party, show up carrying your salad in a bowl covered by a homemade beeswax cover. Everyone will be asking for the name of the hip new marketplace selling them. You will definitely create a buzz when you tell them you made them yourself.

It’s a beautiful way to reduce daily plastic waste and be more eco-friendly. These reusable covers are washable so they’ll last up to a year and then all you have to do is re-wax them. Sounds like you’ll get a double re-use score when you make and use your own beeswax food wraps.

You can view the YouTube version here:

Or, for those of you on Facebook, you can watch it here: (Be sure to click on the bottom right hand corner so you can hear the music. 🙂 )

Click here for the step-by-step directions.

For more refashion and sewing tutorials, click here.

Happy re-using!

Beth

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New One Minute Video: How to Make Custom Luggage Tags

Posted on March 2, 2019 by

I wrapped up the last of the gifts with a mischievous grin on my face. I had done it. No one knew. Not yet at least. Now, I just had to wait a few more days. The thought of their shocked faces as the realization sunk in was going to be great. I love surprises and I hoped they would love it, too.

I made them open their gifts at the same time. It was pretty obvious: Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen,  lip balm and macadamia nuts. It didn’t take them long to comprehend.

We were going to escape the frozen  Snowpocalypse!

We were going to Hawaii! Sunny beaches, snorkeling, drinks with umbrellas!

Hawaii definitely didn’t disappoint. I would go back in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact, I NEED to go back soon. It’s been several years and I’m ready.

If you’re one of the lucky ones escaping the frozen tundra this winter, here’s a quick little luggage tag project so you can spot your luggage right away and get on with your adventure.

You can watch my Facebook video here:

You can watch my YouTube video here:

Click here for the complete step-by-step photo tutorial.

Aloha! Bon Voyage! Adios!

Beth

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration, click here.

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New One Minute Video: How to Sew a Skillet Handle Cover

Posted on February 25, 2019 by

Excuse me while Snoopy and I do a happy dance!

SNOW DAY TODAY!!

Our little valley has been inundated with mountains of beautiful snow for the last few days and I just got the call a few minutes ago that school was cancelled!

Soooooooooooo….

Seems like a good day to try out one of these Cast Iron Skillet meals that have been taking over my Pinterest feed lately.

But, how many times have I grabbed onto something hot coming out of the oven without thinking about how I’m going to get burned. Not anymore though, now that I made one of these beauties.

This Skillet Handle Cover is quick and easy to make, will keep your hands safe and is a great way to use up fabric scraps.

You can watch my Facebook video here:

Or, you can watch the YouTube version here:

Click here to go to my full step-by-step photo tutorial.

Happy Snow Day!

Beth

 

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New One Minute Video: How to Make a Felt Rose Pillow and Harold

Posted on February 12, 2019 by

This Valentine post is a not only a cute felt, rose pillow tutorial, but it’s a love story. Not your typical love story, but a love story none the less.

It goes like this:

I get to wake up every morning to a beautiful, panoramic view of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

But that’s not the best part. Nope!

The best part is seeing the little green house that sits across the field in my view and remembering the man who used to live there.

Harold.

You see, 24 years ago Harold made our dream of building a house come true. Even though he didn’t know us very well, he generously said yes when we asked him if he’d be willing to sell us a piece of his property. He practically gave it to us. He was paying it forward, he said. He wanted us for his neighbor, he said. He liked us, he said.

Wow!

And, as if the property wasn’t enough of a gift, he unknowingly gave us the gift of generosity, the gift of devotion, and the gift of love each and every day. I wish he would’ve known exactly how powerful his gift was.

Each morning, as I look out my window my first thoughts are of love, of generosity, of compassion, and devotion all because of Harold.

When I look over at his house I and remember him out puttering around in his garden, I see generosity. When I remember seeing his adult children rallying around him as he grew old, taking turns living with him and keeping his place up, I see devotion. When I see his little green house, I see love.

Thoughts of generosity, devotion and love. Pretty good way to start every day if you ask me.

This one’s for you Harold! We love you!

And, if you happen to have a soft spot for everything that celebrates love, this delightful DIY rose pillow can be made in an afternoon and will look great on your couch, chair or even in your love nest.

Click here to watch the Facebook video: (Be sure to turn unmute the sound, it’s much better with the music 🙂

Here’s the YouTube version in case you don’t have Facebook:

Click here for the full step-by-step tutorial.

Click here for more sewing and refashioning inspiration and tutorials.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Beth

Posted in Sewing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments