Tool Time Tuesday...and Tears of Joy

Last Tuesday my sister called me at work to tell me about the flood in my sewing room. I can't believe it's been a week already. You all know I could have cried...well, I did and they were tears of JOY!!!
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I am overwhelmed by all the emails I received after I posted about it. The blogging world amazes me each and every day. Your words of encouragement, your sympathy and all the stories of your own floods really meant the world to me. I can't thank you enough. We have dried out and are waiting to move things some where upstairs...definitely not staying down there again. Setting up a whole new sewing room could be a lot of blog posts in my future. Our insurance will cover the 2 sewing machines, the computer and the rug (I am hoping at full replacement cost), I'll know more this week. I think everything else dried out pretty well. I lost some things, but am grateful...it could have been a lot worse. I'll keep you posted!
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Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
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Now onto Tool Time Tuesday...
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I have been using this idea for years and years. However, it deals with electricity, so I'll put a disclaimer in here...please be careful, check labels, use grounded extension cords (three prong) and when in doubt of your electrical system in your own home, ask an electrician. I know what you're thinking...what the heck is she doing on this TTT.
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Well, it's for your iron...whether you are quilting or doing your home ironing. I have had several irons over the years and the dial to switch it on and off usually is a pain to turn, especially if it's under the handle. I started using a power strip to simply flip a switch on and off. This makes it very easy and safe because most power strips have a red light on it to let you know when the iron is on. I use the power strip when I'm putting a quilt together so I don't waste energy leaving the iron on in between sewing blocks or rows. I just flip the switch when I need it and off it goes when I don't. I have my ironing board with a power strip set up all the time in my sewing room and one in my closet for ironing our clothing and I've never had a problem with it. Just follow this tips.
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A power strip is a bar that just gives you extra outlets. A surge bar is something that you use to protect a computer or tv. You can use your iron on both, but just make sure you check the label.

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See that tiny little line on the back of this label where it says electrical ratings...make sure your iron is ok to use on the power strip. This strip will hold 125 V and 1875 watts.
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Here's the iron in my closet. I didn't even think to check the iron in my sewing room...oh well I think it's soaked.
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This is the label on the back of my iron...120 V and 1200 watts, so that power strip is good.

Here is the power strip. It usually has a short cord and a three pronged plug.

If you need an extension cord to get to your outlet, make sure it is a heavy duty one with three prongs.

Here is a close up.

Plug the power strip into the extension cord and then the extension cord plug into the wall.

Now your iron can be plugged into the power strip.

and you are ready to go. It may seem silly and not everyone will use this idea, but if you're ironing board is always set up, give it a try and see how easy it is just to flip a little switch instead of those crazy little dials that don't turn very well. Maybe it's just me, but I hope I helped one person out there!! This picture is the iron in my closet. Thought I would take some more pictures to share a couple of closet ideas.

This picture is of one of the short walls in the closet. It has a stackable wire rack system that I use to sort our laundry. The long shoe bags are for just the shoes I wear often. The plastic boxes on top are all of my other shoes in categories.

Here is the wire laundry system. I tied on the name badge holders that I use for everything to divide whites, lights, darks and towels.

Here is a close up of the shoe boxes...high heels, black heels, summer flats, flip flops, brown casuals and black casuals. I printed those on big labels and they just stick to the box. Don't think I'm shoe rich or anything...a lot come from Payless, Target or from my sister...all cheap cheap, but cute, cute.

Another wall has a Closet Maid system. I bought the different parts at either Home Depot, Walmart or Job Lot. I asked for gift certificates for Christmas and my birthday to get that and soooo worth it. Although the rest of the Closet Maid sysytem isn't too bad in price, I did buy the 2 -eight cubby systems for $25.00 each at Job Lot!!

Here's my husband's shoe cubby system. He's a size 13 so only one shoe per box. I long time ago, I had this system in my sewing room and used these cubbies for fabric and fat quarters.

This last picture is of the other wall. We are blessed with a great closet and we don't have to change things out seasonally. We don't spend a lot of money on clothes... Lots of hand me downs from my sister, always sale item for me and my husband and gifts for birthdays or Christmas. One tip for a organized closet (or a crazy person like me) is matching coat hangers. Hubby and I have all black, Kelsie has white and Courtney has pink...ok I am nuts.

One more tip...when you clean your closet out, place the coat hangers in backwards at first. Over the course of the year, you will take out the coat hanger of the items that you use all the time, putting it back in the correct way. At the end of the year or longer, the items on the coat hangers that are still hanging backwards are things that you don't wear or haven't worn. Now they can easily be picked out to give to charity. I think the rule is, if you haven't worn it in over a year or more, it should be given away.
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Hope these were all helpful tips for your ironing and your closet organization.

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Have a great Tuesday,

~Karen~

I Just Want To Cry...

but I won't, because my story is insignificant compared to what other people are dealing with in their lives right now. People are dealing with sickness, grief, loss of a loved one, worrying about money and their jobs. I know that my story pales in comparison, but I still want to share with you my life these last 2 days...I know all the bloggers out there who sew or quilt will understand.
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My sewing room is in our basement. I just recently re organized ALL of my things and I mean ALL of my things. Sewing, crafting, gift wrapping, books, magazines, everything. I even took a few pictures for a blog post. Above that section of our basement, on the first floor of our home is where my 85 year old father lives. He and my mom moved in with us 5 years ago, so I could take care of my mom who was at the end stage of Parkinson's disease. My dad has been by himself now for the past 2 years.
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One of the rooms in my dad's apartment that is over my sewing room is his laundry room (do you see where I'm heading with this story?) Yes, some of you may have guessed it. His washing machine mal-functioned...didn't click over to the next cycle and kept on filling up and up and up and up and over and out of the drum of the washing machine and onto the floor. Just visualize this for a moment...it was RAINING in my sewing room...all over my Bernina, my serger, my laptop, my 8 foot long shelf of hundreds and hundreds of quilt books and magazines. My husband had to cut the carpet into sections and carry it out in a wheel barrow, because it was so saturated with water. Remember my large wall with the peg board system...well each little cup with pins in it or baggie with patterns in it was filled with water. Thankfully all of my fabric was on the other side of the room and not caught in the "storm". Woo Hoo!!
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I am so thankful for my sister who just happened to stop by for a visit around 11:00 am. My husband and I don't get home from work until 5:30. If she didn't stop by that morning, I think you might have seen my Bernina floating down the street!! My sister, my brother-in-law and my husband (who came home from work for a little bit) worked so hard the whole day to get it all cleaned up before I came home from work, because they knew if I saw it the way they did, I would have cried.
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Like I said in the beginning...this story is a minor one in comparison to other things that we have dealt with in our lives over the years. It's something that happened to the "things" that we have. "Things", and they are just that. We hung all my magazines and books on ropes to dry out with the wood stove that has been burning down there. The floor is dry, the furniture is back in place...it's still a big mess, but we just take it one pile of stuff at a time.
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Remember, I am the one who always sees the glass as half "full" and there is always a silver lining. Well guess what? I had just taken Kelsie's Halloween costume upstairs the night before. Yahoooo!! I think if I had to make that dress over again, I would have to be severely medicated or just fly down to Disney World and buy her a real Belle dress. Another saving grace...all of the I Spy swap fabric is upstairs in our office, safe and sound. Thank God.
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I have pictures to share at some point, but they are still too disturbing for my to even look at...oh my gosh, the disorganization is killing me.
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Sorry, I haven't replied to any comments these past 2 days, but I know you understand. I'll be back soon and ready to blog again in no time.

Take care,
~Karen~

Tool Time Tuesday...Zipper Bow

How many of you have a box or a bag of zippers some where in your sewing/craft room? You know those zippers from your mom, grandma or Great Aunt Mable ( I can say that, because I did have a Great Aunt Mable). Well, I have that box too. Don't get me wrong...I love zippers, but you can't sew a zipper in a quilt, so I won't be using a zipper any time soon. Plus, after this weekend's fiasco of sewing Kelsie's Halloween costume...I'm officially DONE with zippers...except for the way I used the zipper below. Now I love zippers again.
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I think I mentioned before that Kelsie is going as Belle from Beauty and The Beast to her Senior Halloween party. She wants a short party dress rather than the full length ball gown. For some reason making this dress was like a Halloween nightmare in itself. It's not like I haven't sewn clothes before. I did it all the time...just not lately. It's like riding a bike right? WRONG!
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Here's a list:

• yellow satin frays like there is no tomorrow (right through a stitched seam) It disappeared right before my eyes into a pile of threads
• try not to sew the front skirt into the zipper in the back it will leave a mark!
• careful when you are snipping threads...try not to snip a triangular hole in the front of the skirt.
• trying to hem a satin skirt that is fraying is like trying to hem the hair on your head
• and sewing over a metal zipper will break your needle

Thankfully, I have Kelsie's comforting words of wisdom..."Mom, it's only a costume it doesn't have to be perfect". I love her!!
If I'm brave enough next week, I'll take a picture of her in full costume...maybe.
Now onto a very fast Tool Time Tuesday:
Take a zipper...
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open it...
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and make a bow for that special someone who likes to sew.
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This was a little fat quarter gifty. I didn't have a ribbon to match the fabric, so this zipper was just perfect.

It's like a 2 for 1. It's a bow and then she can use the zipper after. Plus you're going green, so that's a 3 for 1.

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Hope you like this one...I'm going to "zip" off to bed now.

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Have a great Tuesday,

~Karen~

I Have a Few Questions For Ya...

Hi Everyone,
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This is Hallie, our tortoiseshell cat. These pictures of her have no purpose in this post, just wanted to show you what we have to deal with. This is how she sleeps in our bedroom or how she hangs out on the back of our office chair. She is like no other cat we've had before. She. Is. Nuts...I won't even get into the stories with you, just thought I would share the pictures.
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Now onto a few blogging questions that I have.
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• What is the "Friends" button under the "Followers" icon. I thought I was friends with all of you? Should I be doing something with that button every time I become a follower on some one's blog? I have 7 "Friends" right now...Hi girls!! Thanks for being my friend!

• Next, where do you store all you blog photos, once you download them off your camera? I store them on my computer in the "My Pictures" section. It is ridiculously full right now. Which leads me into my next question...

• Do you delete a picture from where ever you store it, once you have put it on your blog or do you keep it..."just in case". You know those "just in case" things, like that tiny scrap of Moda fabric that you're saving "just in case" you get inspired to do applique some day and need that little piece of red fabric for a berry on a Christmas wreath or that empty hot chocolate container that you saved "just in case" you feel the need to peel off the label, soak it in hot water for hours and have a cute stainless steel container to store more junk in. Ok, I got way off base from the question. Go back and read it again.

• Why can't I "copy and paste" something from some where else. For example, I had permission from some one's blog (that I was sharing with all of you), to use her description of her blog. I went to her blog, high lighted the long description, right clicked on it and clicked "copy". Now, when I go back to my blog post and right click where I want to "paste" it, it won't let me. Why? Is it a copy right issue...because I had permission from her, not that the computer knows that or anything.

• and my last one for now, because I know there will be more at some point...Has anyone used the "monetize" button on your blog? It's up there on the top of your dashboard. If you click on it, it will explain Adsense. It's a way for advertisers to post on your blog and you get money from them. My questions are...how much money do you really get? do other bloggers really click on those advertisements? Do you like just a simple, personal blog with no advertising at all? I've had a few different companies email me about advertising on my blog, because of the number of followers...I'm not so sure. What do you think? I think it's one more thing for me to think about and that I don't need!!

Ok, that it's for now. If I get any comments from this post, I can't guarantee I can get back to you soon. Monday is my late night to work and then I work early Tuesday morning. Don't think I am ignoring you, but it might not be until Wednesday when I can get back to you.
Thanks in advance for all your help,
~Karen~

Two Yummy Recipes...Apple Pie and Potato Bake

The first recipe is my family's absolute favorite. They would eat homemade apple pie everyday if they could. During this season, I do make it a lot, that's why I use the boxed crust. Don't boo me for this...I've tried homemade. The box is just so much quicker.
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Here's my apple pie recipe for you to try...
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APPLE PIE

• 3 pounds apples (I love Macoun, Gala or Braeburn) peeled and sliced
• 1 cup white, granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoon water
• 2 pie crusts (try the box!!)
• a little extra white sugar to sprinkle on top crust

Bake at 425 for the first 15 minutes, then drop the temperature down to 350 for 35-45 minutes (maybe longer). I always go by the texture of the apples inside, not the color of the crust. My family like the apples really cooked. I usually stick a knife into the vent hole on the top crust. If the apple doesn't feel tender, I cook it longer. If the crust is browning too much, I cover it with foil until the apples are done.

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In a small bowl, mix the 1 cup sugar with the 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons flour.
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Layer the sugar mixture with the sliced apples.
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Stir to coat all apples.

Place bottom crust in pie plate and fill with sugared apples. Dot with the teaspoon of butter. Why the butter...I don't know. My mom always did, it's butter so you can't go wrong and she is looking down on us from above, so you'd better just do it!!
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Cover apples with top crust and seal the 2 crust together by pinching the edges. In a small bowl, mix egg yolk with 2 teaspoons of water.
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Whisk egg mixture to make an egg wash for the top crust.
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Use a pastry brush or just use your fingers to coat the entire top crust with the wash. Just a light coat...sprinkle with white sugar all over the top. This gives you a golden, sweet, crunchy top.
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Don't forget to use a knife to cut vent holes to let out the steam. I've always used the letter "H" for every pie I've ever made. It's my husband nickname.
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and here you have it...a delicious apple pie just waiting for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

spacespaceThe next recipe is called Potato Bake and is another family favorite. I do make it for our regular dinners, but when we have my side and my husband's side of the family over, I double this recipe...and every bit of it goes.
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Potato Bake

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• One 2 lb. bag frozen Ore-Ida hash browns (the cubed kind) thawed
• 12 oz sour cream (about 3/4 of a 16 oz. container)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ( 8 oz bag is 2 cups)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (DO NOT DILUTE)
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped onion, optional (great with or without)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• dash of black pepper

Topping mixture:

• Plain corn flakes, crushed (sprinkle as much as you'd like to cover the top)
• 1/2 stick melted butter

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients except the topping mixture. Spoon into greased casserole dish. Top with crushed corn flakes and drizzle with the 1/2 stick melted butter. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until golden in color and bubbly.

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one whole stick of melted butter in the main mixture and 1/2 stick is melted and drizzled on top.

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This is just the melted butter...took the picture, not sure why?!?

Mix all of the main ingredients in a large bowl to incorporate it well.

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Spoon into greased casserole.

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Top with the crushed corn flakes and melted butter. Bake and enjoy.

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I am so mad I didn't get a picture of it when it came out of the oven and before it went to the table. You really wouldn't want to see it when it came back from the table...it was an empty mess. Proof positive it was delicious!!
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Hope you can try these 2 family favorites if not now, maybe over the upcoming holidays.

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Happy cooking,

~Karen~

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ps...I did very well on my "To Do" list today...you would be very proud of me.

Oops...Forgot One

Sorry, I didn't download this picture from my camera. I think I'll blame it on the scanner/camera wizard from the last post.
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This great set of I spy fabric is from Di from NY...thanks Di...too cute


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Stay tuned for 2 great recipes...
~Karen~

I Spy Fabric and Great Blogs to Share...

Hi everyone...it's Sunday morning here in the northeast. It's cold, raining cats and dogs and the wind is whipping. We went to church last night, so we are in for the day...woo hoo! I am determined to catch up, catch up, catch up. I know you all know that feeling, but I am going to do it today. I'll do a post tonight to let you know how far I've gotten...just putting pressure on myself from the whole world...that ought to get things done.
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Here's the first thing on my list, sharing the 3 packages of fabric I received this week from our I spy swappers. For some reason on Saturday when I put the memory card in the scanner of the computer, the picture/scanner wizard thingy didn't pop up and let me down load the pictures. It did it earlier this week, not sure why it didn't do it Saturday and it gave me a little trouble this morning. Must not be much of a wizard then!
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Well, here are the cutest fabrics...I say it every time, but they get better and better, with no duplicates. Don't forget to check below these pictures for links to 2 wonderful blogs I have to share.
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This set is all the way from Holland from Kim
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These are from Elizabeth in Mississippi.
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and these are from Pokey in California.
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Thanks ladies for another unbelievable batch of fabrics.
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Remember the post I did that linked all the swapper's blogs. Well, Lynda from Maine just started one right after that list, so I wanted to share her blog with all of you.

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The name of Lynda's blog is From My Farmhouse Window. You must go see her beautiful pictures of the fall foliage and of course her beautiful quilts! Go take a peek.

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Another swapper Lexi from Tea and Crumpets wanted me to share a blog called Craft Hope.

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From the about page of Craft Hope it explains "Craft Hope is a faith-based, love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world."

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There are different project happening all the time. The most recent one is "Margaret's Hope Chest". Please go read about it on the Craft Hope's blog, but Margaret's Hope Chest will provide a quilt to homeless children in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Public School System during the Christmas season. The deadline is November 15th, but you may already have a quilt made from your stash that you could send.

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Thanks for stopping by and now I'm off to start checking things off my "To Do" list.. one of which is a recipe I have to share with you later.

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See you soon,

~Karen~

Tool Time Tuesday...Eliminate Hanger Crease

Can you picture me every time I'm in any store? I'm the one with the far off look on my face, deep in thought. I walk very slowly and look closely at every item. When I'm shopping...I'm thinking Tool Time!!
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When I saw these polyethylene pipe insulation tubes (first picture below), I knew one day they would be a blog post. What is polyethylene...it's a foam that they use for everything from cushioning items in packing, to insulating pipe, to pool noodles. They use it for everything.
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Today, I will be using the foam tubing they use to insulate plumbing pipes. It keeps the pipes from freezing. They are in hardware stores and I even found this one in a discount store. They are cheap, cheap! I paid 95 cents for this piece. They usually come in 6 foot length and are hollowed out in the center usually sized in the diameter of the pipe. I have seen 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch size. They also have a pre cut slice down one side to easily wrap around the pipe. I think it's best to go with the 1/2 inch. The measurement is for the pipe that goes inside the hollow center.
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Ok, enough of the description...onto today's project.
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Here's the 6 foot length of insulation tubing.
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This is the pre cut slit on one side.

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For this Tool time, all you will need is a coat hanger and scissors.

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Measure the tubing up to your coat hanger. Depending on the hanger size, you can probably cut 5 pieces from the tubing.

The tubing cuts very easily with scissors.

Open up the sliced edge and...
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just slip in your coat hanger. Once you start to use your hangers (examples below), you may need a spot of hot glue so the tubing won't spin on the hanger once the item is on it.
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spaceNow, here you have it. A covered coat hanger that prevents the dreaded (maybe only dreaded to me though) coat hanger crease! Don't think I'm nuts, but I hate those crease marks.
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spaceHere is the first example of how it can help. My husband's suit pants will no longer have that wrinkled line across the knee that I have to iron out whenever he wears them. The roundness of the tubing keeps the pants smooth.
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I also like it for my table cloths. I'll have my Thanksgiving table cloths all ready to go when I need them and no lines every where.
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The last idea might be the best for quilters. Do you have seasonal quilts that you store a way when not in use. Well, to keep those unwanted fold lines away, just hang your quilts on the tubing!!! This is really great for wall hangings too.
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The way I figure it, one plastic coat hanger is under 10 cents a piece, because you buy them by the bunch. The tubing is mostly under $1.00, so each section is about 20 cents. So for a total of 30 cents, you have something like those expensive trouser hangers. Even those trouser hangers still give you the "Dreaded Crease"...say crease with an echo...it has more drama than just a post about a hanger!!
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Have a wonderful Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday....I like that echoing special effect,

~Karen~