Easy Thank You Notes for Kids

EJ's mustache thank you note

I am one of those parents who require her children to send thank you notes.  For young children thank you notes can seem overwhelming.  To help reduce the stress of thank you notes for our children, I came up with a simple postcard format.

I use the Microsoft Publisher program to create the postcards.  We can print 4 postcards per 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of card stock.  On side one of the postcard we like to put a photo (usually a funny one) of the child along with the "thank you" words.  I've also added horizontal lines to the postcard which helps younger children have neat handwriting.  On side two of the post card I type the child's name and return address in the upper left corner (not shown for privacy) and leave the middle section blank where we write in the recipient's address.

Since going to the postcard format, our children seem to be able to endure the task of writing thank you notes.  Since it is less expensive to mail postcards, we also save on postage.

Do you enjoy receiving thank you notes?  Does your family send them?

Another Granny Square Afghan

While away on my blogging break, I used my spare time to complete this twin sized granny square afghan.  This colorful afghan was created with remnant yarns collected from other projects and 2nd hand stores.  I love its bright cheeriness, don't you?

Useless or Useful?

When our farmhouse was built in 1912 the average person simply did not own the obscene amounts of clothing that are common to U.S. citizens today, thus closet space was not considered a necessity - especially for country folks and farmers.  Although our home had an extensive remodel prior to our purchase, it still has only two closets.  Ever since we moved in I've wanted a wardrobe for the guest room.  I knew that finding one that was short enough for the dormer ceiling would be a challenge.  I prayed a short little prayer asking the Lord to bless me with one that would be the perfect size and fit for our guest room.

Last week while doing some volunteer work I found an old, battered wardrobe that had been discarded in a barn.  I asked if I could could have or purchase it really cheap.  They couldn't believe that I wanted the old, dirty, beat-up thing - so they gave it to me for FREE.  We hauled it home and cleaned it up with 1/2 c. Murphy's Oil Soap to 1 gallon water and two coats Liquid Gold furniture polish.  When we are buried under snow this winter, I plan to haul it down to the basement and completely refinish it.

before cleanup

after cleanup & in it's new home

 Just for grins and giggles, here are a couple more photos of our guest room.

reading chair & chest of drawers

 writing desk & dressing table

Cleaning up this old piece of furniture got me to thinking.  Many years ago my own poor life choices had left me pretty battered up and discarded.  I was unwanted and had been thrown away.  BUT, just like this old wardrobe where others could no longer see it's usefulness or any of it's hidden beauty, God saw.  He hauled me home, applied some soap & water, a little polish and throughout the years He's been refinishing and restoring me.  When others couldn't find any purpose in me, God found many.  When others discarded me, God retrieved me.  When others looked at me and said, "Yuck", God looked upon me and said, "She's just what I've been looking for".

So, useless or useful?  In God's eyes all are a gifted treasure.  His greatest desire is to welcome us home to His loving care for cleanup and restoration.

Isaiah 61:3 - "To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." NKJV

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

Cloth Napkins

Last week my very well used green & white plaid tablecloth became pinned between the table and a chair's armrest. When we attempted to pull the cloth off the table for cleaning, a large rip occurred near one of the edges. This tablecloth was one of our "everyday" tablecloths and was close to 20 years old. Eventually, even the most sturdy of fabrics will gave way. Instead of throwing it out, I decided to re-purpose it by sewing up 10 "new" cloth napkins. Not only did I get 10 free cloth napkins but I've also prevented additional waste being dumped into the local landfill, saved a tree or at least part of one, and prevented a small amount of paper making chemicals from being dumped into our environment. AND I'm not spending Mr.B's hard earned income on a piece of paper that was created with the intention of being thrown into the trash - talk about throwing money away.

Cloth napkins are small and don't take up much room in the wash. By adding them to almost any load I happen to be washing, I don't use anymore water or laundry soap than usual. I eventually hope to collect enough cloth napkins to use them exclusively.

Recycling old fabric into cloth napkins ... a very frugal idea.

Around The World in 3 Days ...

A couple months ago one of my friends, Mrs.P, asked me if I'd like to attend a quilting lesson hosted by a member of her church. We would learn a "quilt as you go" strip pattern called Around the World. Since I am a very amateur quilter who LOVES all things quilting, I heartily responded "Yes".

After a trip to the fabric store, a short lesson and a delicious meal enjoyed with my dear friend, I eagerly started my first "quilt as you go" 45" Around the World. I must report, although I am an inexperienced quilter, this is the EASIEST quilt pattern I've ever encountered. I learned my quilting basics from my grandmother - way back before rotary cutters and machine quilting. Back in the day, even a simple Patchwork was, well, work - all be it satisfying work.

Now, I am guilty of being too overly excited and charging ahead of my dear friend. We had planned to embark on our quilting projects together, this being her first time. Early this week she found out the repairs on her machine would cost more than purchasing another one. I was such an eager beaver, I absolutely couldn't wait and forged ahead without her - leaving her standing dazed and confused in my dust and wondering where I had gone. Not too good of a friend, am I? I sincerely hope to redeem myself by embarking on another "quilt as you go" 45" Around the World. This time, I plan to exercise patience and wait until Mrs.P has obtained another machine. Then we will work on our projects together - that is, if she'll ever speak to me again ...

Wishing You and Yours ...

a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

I am one of those people who absolutely LOVES blessing others with gifts. Christmas is a very exciting time of year for me because it is the PERFECT opportunity to bless our Sunday school teachers, music teachers, coaches, etc. with a little thank you.

In less than one hour I made these cute little Christmas stockings using remnant fabric that I picked up for only $1 and small pieces of left over trim from various projects. At less than $.017 each, they make adorable and reusable gift wrap for the recipient. They are the perfect size to stuff with all sorts of small gifts. Teachers appreciate pens, pencils, notepads, erasers, paperclips, bookmarks, travel sized lotion and body wash, etc.

This year we also blessed a few folks with homemade snowman soup, aka, homemade hot cocoa mix in a snowman mug with a peppermint "stir" stick. Snowman soup is one of my favorite gifts and almost anyone who knows me personally has received this at least once. I think this is the BEST hot cocoa mix I've ever had and I'd like to share it with you.

HOMEMADE HOT COCOA MIX

(gleaned from a t.v. program many years ago)

1 2lb. box powdered Nesquick chocolate milk mix (I use the store brand)

2 tbsp. ground cinnamon (optional)

1lb. confectioners sugar

11 oz. non-dairy creamer

1 8qt. box non-fat dry milk

1 10 oz. bag mini marshmallows (optional)

In a VERY large bowl mix the chocolate milk mix and cinnamon until combined well. Add the confectioners sugar and non-dairy creamer, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1/2 the dry milk until blended well. Add remaining dry milk, stirring until mixed well. Stir in marshmallows. Store in a large airtight container in a cool dry pantry.

To Use:

Add 2-3 tablespoons cocoa mix to a mug. Add hot water, stir and ENJOY. For a special treat top with homemade whipped cream and use a peppermint stick to stir.

Makes about 75 mugs of cocoa mix @ about $0.16 per cup & far tastier than what you'll find on the grocer's shelf.

Well, although I've been away from the computer this week, today the Christmas stockings covered a Make It For Less Monday and a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday. I also squeezed in a Frugal Feasting Friday with the homemade cocoa mix.

During the next couple weeks I plan to enjoy my family and won't be around the computer. I leave you all with the following prayer:

Lord, I pray my readers and their families experience a blessed Christmas season. As we approach the celebration of the birth of Christ, your abundantly generous gift to all mankind, help us to remember WHY Christ came. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17 NIV). Amen.

See you next year!!

Blessings,

Mrs.B

Make It For Less Monday

Today, I'd like to share another penny pinching idea with you. Almost every time I venture into a Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's Fabric or other sewing / crafting retailer, I make sure to stop by the deeply discounted remnant section of the store. Here in this area I've had the pleasure of finding all sorts of wonderful fabrics, trims, yarns, etc. always discounted a minimum of 50%, often times as much as 90 - 95%.

Recently I found the above floral valance and matching throw pillow fabric, 1.5 yards, marked down from $12.00 per yard to $5.78 for the entire 1 1/2 yard remnant. Also in the discount bin was the sage & gold tasseled valance trim, 1 7/8 yard for only 1.98! I had some left over pillow stuffing stashed away from a previous project, so for less than $8.00 I made TWO window valances and a matching throw pillow for my bedroom. Now, that's a bargain and I'm loving the "face lift" this beautiful fabric gave my room.

So, next time you venture into your local sewing / crafting center make sure you stop by the remnant section, you never know what kind of gems could be there waiting for you.

Note: I always set myself a remnant budget of $5 - $25 depending upon what I can afford at that given time. Also, there are times when nothing in the remnant bin strikes my fancy. In that situation, I just tuck my remnant money away for another day.

What A Blessing!!

Last week I arrived home from errands to find the UPS man had left a box on my front gate. It contained an abundant stash of fabric remnants sent to me by a very sweet and dear lady. Wahooooo! I am already contemplating several sewing projects!

To my special, secret pal - THANK YOU for this wonderful blessing.

Simple Tee-Shirt Dress Tutorial

The last time I made OG a tee-shirt dress, I mentioned to Ginger over at Ginger's Place (http://gingphill.blogspot.com/), that I'd post instructions with photos. So, with no further adieu ...
(please click on the photos for a close-up view, if needed)

Step 1 - Prepare the tee-shirt.
Put the tee-shirt on your child. Measure from the arm pit seam to your child's waist. On this particular tee-shirt, OG's measurement was 5 1/2 inches (note: Every shirt has a different fit, always measure each shirt individually Also, remember to measure twice, cut once). Add 1/2 inch for a seam allowance. I will cut this tee-shirt off 6 inches below the arm pit seam.


Step 2 - Pinking shears.
I use pinking shears, which prevents fraying, to cut the tee-shirt 6 inches from the arm pit seam. I discard the left over.
Step 3 - Preparing the skirt fabric.

Since I make these little dresses for OG to play in, she likes plenty of "leg" room, it's not fun to have a skirt too narrow at the knees when you're trying to run or ride a bike. I also prefer OG's skirt length to be below the knee, so I measure from her waist to the desired length. OG wanted this dress' finished hem to be 20 1/2 inches long. After measuring TWICE (I want to be certain the measurements are correct), I, again, use my pinking shears to cut the fabric 54 inches wide (that's 1 1/2 yards), by 22 inches long (the extra 1 1/2 inch length is for a seam allowance and the hem). The 54 inches being the distance around the waistline and knees. The 22 inches is the length from waist to hem of the skirt.

Step 4 - Right sides together.

Holding the long ends (54 inches), fold the fabric in half, right sides together. Pin this seam with straight pins.

Step 5 - Straight stitch.
Stitch the seam together using your machine's straight stitch.

Step 6 - Iron the seam open.

Step 7 - Hem.

Since this dress will be used for play, I am not going to hand stitch the hem. A machine stitched hem will be more durable. Fold the hem of the fabric over 1/4 inch and iron. Fold the hem of the fabric over a second time 1/4 - 1/12 inch and iron. Secure the second ironed fold with pins. Stitch the hem with your machine's straight stitch.

Your skirt will be tubed shaped like this:

Step 8 - Basting the waistline.

Using a single strand of thread (I like to use contrasting thread, it's easier to see when it comes time to remove it), hand stitch very LARGE stitches 1 inch below the waistline.

Step 9 - Gathering.

When you've basted the entire waistline, pull the thread creating a tight gather. See how bunched up the fabric is in the below photo?

Step 10 - Pinning the skirt to the tee-shirt.

Lay the tee-shirt flat on top of your work surface. Open the gathered end of the skirt so that it is the same width as your tee-shirt. Find the skirt seam and align it with the center of the back of the tee-shirt, with RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, secure the skirt seam to the center edge of the back of the tee-shirt with pins. Now work your way around the skirt and tee-shirt securing each gather with pins. (click the photo for a close up view).

Step 11 - Stitching the skirt to the tee-shirt.

Being careful that your tee-shirt is laying flat under the skirt fabric (we don't want the tee-shirt to bunch up into the waistline seam) straight stitch the skirt to the tee-shirt, removing the pins as you go. I like to double stitch (sewing a seam twice) the waistline for more durability. Clip and remove the basting thread.

Below is what the wrong side of the stitched tee-shirt and skirt will look like when you take it off the machine and pull the tee-shirt out.

Below is a close up of the right side of the stitched seam of the tee-shirt and skirt.

After you make one or two of these simple little tee-shirt dresses and are comfortable with the technique, you will be ready to get creative with various embellishments. OG wanted a ribbon sash and pockets on this little "sun dress".

Total cost:

tee-shirt - free

fabric & ribbon - $4.47

1 1/2 hours time

A Sewing Lesson

Mr. B phoned this afternoon and asked, "What have you been doing this weekend?" Well, most of you know that I don't ever have trouble finding something to do ... it's finding nothing to do that I wish I could find more of.

To Mr. B's silly question I responded, "Friday I spent the afternoon sewing and in the evening I drove EJ to baseball practice. Yesterday morning I drove EJ to a baseball game and yesterday afternoon, evening and today after church I, again, spent my time at the sewing machine."

While I was working on my projects, OG decided she wanted to make a little stuffed pig. She recently hand stitched a little stuffed bear but today ... today was special. She was allowed to use my sewing machine for the FIRST time! She was so excited and thrilled. I am very proud of how well she took instruction and even more proud of how well her first machine projects turned out. (yes, I said projects, with an "s", because after she finished the pig she also made a duck). These sewing projects count toward her home school classes for "life skills", or what was referred to as "home economics" when I was in school.
Here's the photos!OG completely focused and really concerned that the needle is going to go right through one of her little fingers!

Trimming the rounded edges for a smooth seam.

Stuffing the pink pig ... "Since it's a baby gift I need to make it real soft".

Hand stitching the stuffing hole closed.

Finished projects: OG's proudly displaying her little pink pig and yellow duck. I finished two crib sized summer quilts (my dear friend Mr. M and his wife are expecting TWINS!), two tee-shirt dresses (OG LOVES, LOVES, LOVES these comfy little dresses - she's wearing one and the other is hanging on the line), and a new skirt (also hanging on the line) for OG.

Growing, Growing, Gone!

Have you ever wished your children would stop growing, for just a little while? I remember several years ago when our 3rd child, JP, grew 8 inches and 5 shoe sizes in 1 year! We had to either put him in Payless brand shoes and thrift store clothing or have a naked kid running around (If my neighbors wouldn't have taken offense to a naked kid, we might have been able to get by with that until winter).

As we all ride the never ending roller coaster of the economy, (for you youngin's - yes, it's a roller coaster ... although hard to believe, I remember past economic times that were tougher for our nation than what we are currently facing), many are looking for ways to cut back on spending. I personally know many who've reduced their weekly grocery budgets, began cooking more from scratch, stopped eating in restaurants, forgone vacations and other travel, sold 3rd or even 2nd vehicles. Instead of going to the theaters, many are opting for home video rentals. But how do we keep our children from growing out of their clothes? Well, I haven't figured out how to stop them from growing but as of late, I have come up with some thrifty clothing solutions for my precious little OG.

Recently, OG has had a desire to wear more dresses. Our extended family continually blesses our children with an abundance of clothing, for which we are extremely thankful. Unfortunately, OG receives more pants/blouses than she does skirts/dresses. So, tired of seeing her wear the same two dresses for play, day after day, week after week, month after month (O.K. - that is a little bit of an exaggeration ... ), I have had to put on my thinking cap, because I'm too cheep to buy new skirts/dresses. And, of course, with skirts/dresses one also needs petticoats, aka slips. Our fabric store has had some really terrific sales this past month, but I am not an advanced seamstress. Years ago, before I had a little girl of my own, a lady was describing to me how to make a shirt/blouse into a dress. I decided to give it try. I also made OG a new denim skirt and two slips (her others are way too small for her), all for under $20.00. Below are photos of OG's new "play clothes". one of the two slips

a new denim skirt w/ kick splits at the knee

she will be pretty in this lavender dress (tee-shirt with attached skirt)

she loves this long sleeved tan blouse with the longer attached skirt, the skirt is embellished with ribbon.

I didn't have a pattern for the slip and skirts. They are a basic "tube", hemmed, and either gathered at the waist before attaching to a blouse/shirt (dress) OR have elastic sewn into the waist (skirt).

As always, I hope my sharing sparks your creativity and helps you also find ways to save, save, save!

What Could Have Kept Me Away For So Long?

This Christmas season was an unusual one for the B family. Due to work and school schedules, we had to postpone our immediate family celebration by an entire month! Even then Mr. B was working out of town. Although he was greatly missed, we all still had a most wonderful celebration. Much of my time away was spent completing the above pictured queen sized nine patch quilt. It was AB and KM's Christmas gift. Many of the fabrics used in this quilt have been used in other sewing projects, some of which were from my own childhood. This is the largest quilt I've ever made and I filled it with an all natural organically grown cotton batting. The sashing and backing were made from my late mother's king sized sheet set, which had been washed numerous times and is so very soft and cozy.

Above is a photo of me with my five. I certainly wish Mr. B had been home for this family photo.

Trimming our "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree. My favorite part of the Christmas tree are all the handmade ornaments we've collected over the past 24 + years. Many of the ornaments were made by my late mother but most have been made by our children for school craft projects.

We also enjoyed a couple suppers and evenings with my Dad (he's taking this photo) and my two youngest brothers, CA and KE, and their betrothed. My brother JJ is currently working in Alaska and couldn't join us. We had a grand time talking, laughing, and listening to/playing music.

This was the Christmas of all Christmas's for me and Dad. Sometime I will share the amazing story of our family's restoration - a restoration that only my Loving Heavenly Father could bring about.

On another note, I'd like to thank all the wonderful warm wishes you, my dear readers, sent while I was away. I can not tell you what a joy it was to pop in and see your loving and encouraging notes from time to time. Thank you.

In Christ's Love,

Mrs. B

Busy As A Bee

For those of you who personally know me, you know that I am very "bummed out" with Tuesday's election results. However, I am still fervently praying that the Democrats do not get those three remaining (Alaska, Minnesota and Georgia) Senate seats because in doing so the Democrats would have a filibuster proof Senate. I do not think a filibuster proof House or Senate is good for our nation, no matter what political party one supports. (Sorry, but my emotions are so jumbled right now, I can't post anything else about it at this time).

Today, I choose to post something uplifting. Well, at least it is uplifting in my little corner of the world. During my "down time" in the evenings I've been crocheting some hat and scarf sets. Last weekend I hauled out my sewing machine and supplies and made OG and I new denim skirts and a new blouse/skirt set for myself. Here's a couple photos of the finished work my busy little hands have been doing. I hope it inspires the creative energy that lies within you.

seven hats and matching scarves

my new outfit

Waste Not Want Not

When I was a girl, my grandmother was always saying, "Waste not, want not". I am one of those people who took the words of past generations to heart. I am known for taking scraps of just about everything you can think of and and finding new use of them. If I'm not creating something new out of leftovers, I'm usually saving the leftovers because, "I might need them someday" or "Maybe I could use this for ... ".

Most recently, I made this crib sized granny square Afghan out of some scrap yarn. I wish the lighting for the photo was better so you could see how the black makes the other colors "pop". "Scrap-a-ghans", as I like to call them, are one of my favorite projects. Not only can I use up my leftover yarn but they are easy to make. After finishing a project, I simply make granny squares out of the leftovers and store them in my crochet basket. When I have enough granny squares for a crib sized or full size Afghan, I stitch them together, and crochet a ruffle around the edges. In no time at all I have a scrap-a-ghan!

I am not sure who this little crib sized scrap-a-ghan will go to but, I'm sure the Lord will bring a little one across my path soon.

(Note: This scrapaghan was recently donated to our church craft bazaar. The money raised will be used by the Women's Ministries.)

A Crib Sized Patchworked Summer Quilt

Quilting is a task I truly enjoy. But, for many years I haven't had as much time to perfect the skill as I'd like to have. Just last week I completed a crib sized patchworked summer quilt. In my neck of the woods (zone 9) a summer quilt does not refer to the color scheme or pattern, it refers to the absence of batting. Now, I know there are many very fine professional quality quilters out there who would be appalled that anyone would even consider making a quilt without batting. Those same quilters most likely live in a much cooler climate than I. If they don't, they probably use air conditioning. You see, I grew up in zone 9 in a home that didn't have air conditioning. (Now that I'm an adult, I don't like it, but will use it VERY sparingly on the hottest of days). Thus, our family made summer quilts for use during the spring, summer and autumn. We made traditional quilts, ones with batting, for use in the winter.

I've yet to meet the person I will bless with this little quilt, but I am sure a lovely expectant mother will come along soon. With our temperatures quickly approaching the mid to high 90's with 80%+ humidity, I am sure this light weight version of an old favorite will be preferred during hot summer months.

Update: I recently found a new arrival for this baby quilt. I hope he enjoys it.