Get Ready, Here Comes 2009

Ivy says: Here it comes, 2009. And with the new year comes change. We all make resolutions and sometimes we manage to keep them, sometimes we break them within the first month. What are you resolving to do in the new year? My biggest one for myself is to manage my depression and not let …

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The Love Post

Ivy says: Christmas time always makes me think back to times I’ve had with my friends and family and all the love I’ve been shown over the years- not just at Christmas, but during the entire year. So, this year I’m showing some love to my friends and some other people I greatly admire. First, …

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Make It In An Evening: Ninja Tutorial

retrochick.JPGIvy says:

Long has the debate raged about whether ninjas or pirates are cooler. I like them both, but sewing a ninja plushie is a whole lot easier than sewing a pirate plushie. Check this coolness out:

Completed ninjaAwesome, eh? This project is good for the beginner sewer, and could even be a good first project.

Time to make project:

As an intermediate sewer, this took me about 2 hours to make, not counting fabric shopping and general messing around.

Skills Emphasized:

These are skills you will use when making this project. It will help you learn:

  • Hand sewing
  • Button sewing
  • Machine sewing
  • Sewing curves
  • Sewing straight lines
  • Extremely simple pattern making
  • Stuffing a plush toy

Materials Needed:

This project is rated inexpensive. My cost of materials, gotten on sale, was $4. Material costs should not exceed $10, provided you have the common sewing supplies like a sewing machine and needles, etc.

  • 1/2 yard of fleece fabric
  • 1 piece of white felt
  • 2 buttons
  • Poly Fill stuffing
  • Thread, in black and white
  • Large piece of paper to make pattern (Newspaper end rolls are great for this)
  • Needle for hand sewing, medium sized
  • Scissors, or rotary cutter and rotary cutting mat
  • Sewing machine

Click the jump for the full tutorial:

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Confessional Sunday: Christmas Presentless

Ivy says: Alright, Home Eccers, here’s my confession: I have bought very few presents for my kids for Christmas this year because I have no idea what to get them. They all have too much stuff already. In addition, other than the things I’m making for people and one gift I’ve bought for my brother, …

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Sweets For The Season: Orange Chocolate Checker Cookies From Meredith

retrochick.JPGIvy says:

The lovely and very talented Meredith from Like Merchant Ships has graciously offered to do a guest post for our Sweets For The Season series. Here it is:

Orange Chocolate Checker Cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour
2 tsp finely shredded orange zest
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted*

*Frugal substitution:  6 Tbsp. cocoa powder and 2 Tbsp. shortening, melted and combined

If you crave Terry’s Chocolate Oranges at Christmas, you’ll love this cheaper, slice-and-bake alternative.  Crispy citrus meets fudgy chocolate, all in one bite.

To see the directions and picture, click the jump:

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Make it this weekend: Ultra Easy Rag Quilt

retrochick.JPGIvy says:

Technically, this isn’t a quilt, since it’s not quilted. You can quilt it, if you want, but that takes the easy factor down a notch and takes the fast factor down a few notches. As an intermediate sewer, this took me about 4 hours to make.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Free Shipping on orders $35+

5 total yards of flannel material
Scissors or a rotary cutter and rotary cutter mat
Ruler or yardstick OR 8.5 inch quilting square
Thread to match or complement the fabric
Sewing machine (preferably with walking foot)
Spring action scissors
Seam ripper
Pins (optional, if you’re risky like me)

Click through the jump to get started.

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The Home Ec 101 Sewing Machine Buying Guide

Ivy says: When I first started sewing, my mom gave me her ancient (okay, 1970s, which is about the same age as I am and I totally feel justified in calling ancient) sewing machine and bought herself a new, fabulous machine. Although it’s pretty old, it’s solid, and is a total workhorse. It has served …

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Reader Tips: Gift Card Warning

Ivy says: Let me tell you, Home Eccers…I love you all equally, but some are a little more “equal” than others. 😉 One of those Home Eccers I love a little more equally is the fabulous Jay of Triple Venti. He writes in today to give us this important piece of information: I thought this …

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Removing Cigarette Smoke Odor From Couches

Dear Home Ec 101, I recently purchased a sofa and loveseat from a lovely couple who listed the furniture on a popular online auction site.  The set appeared to be in great shape, and I got the furniture for what appeared to be a bargain.  When I got them in place in my basement rec …

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