Reversible Super Hero Cape

Since my little one is turning 3, I made him a super hero cape for his birthday. I wanted one that he could put on by himself (using Velcro).

Here's what you need:

• 1 yd green fabric

• 1 yd blue fabric

(I used a broadcloth for the fabric.)

• 4 pieces of different colored felt

• a strip of Velcro

Lay out one of your fabrics with the fold still in it (like on the bolt). Draw with chalk the shape you want. I measured my boy's shoulders as well as the length from his shoulders to just above the ground to help with the shape. The neck end measures 11" wide, and it's 32" long. After you cut your basic shape, use that to cut the other fabric exactly the same.

Then design 2 super hero logos out of the felt. Cut them out.
I sewed the letter to the shield first.
Then pin it to where you want it on the cape and sew around the edges.
After you have each side with the logos sewn on, put the right sides together and sew around the edge of the cape, leaving the neck seam open to turn right side out.
Turn right side out , iron the seams flat, and top stitch around the same 3 sides.
From your leftover fabric, cut a 3" by 22" piece. This will be the collar. Center it on the neck part of the cap and sew along that side.
Then, iron a seam on the top and sides of the collar.
Fold in half and iron.
Sew along all sides of the collar.
Sew the Velcro at each end of the collar.
And you're done!

Country Living Napkins and Napkin Rings

I saw these napkins made by Country Living (which I love) and knew I could make them. I used muslin for the fabric and bought crocheted doilies/lace at my local JoAnn craft store. I cut the muslin in 18 in. squares. For the off-white napkins, I matched the lace color and sewed it on about 3 in. from the bottom. Then I folded the edges under twice all the way around to make them neat. I found it's easier to sew them if you have ironed the folds down first. For the white ones, I sewed the edges first, then positioned the doilies in the corner and sewed in a circle.

I also saw these easy napkin rings on Martha Stewart. I used buttons with a shank on the back. I cut the satin ribbon to the size I wanted, putting both ends through the shank and tying a knot...and you're done! You place the ribbon under the napkin and wrap the loop around the button.(notice top pictures with them on the napkin)

Stawberry Jam

At our R.S. activity this week, I learned how to make strawberry jam. I was so excited to go home and try it out! I followed the directions for the cooked strawberry jam from inside the MCP (pectin) box. The only thing I did different was how they sealed the bottles. I boiled the jars, lids, and rings while I was making the jam part. When it came time to fill them, I took the hot jars out and filled it with the hot jam and tightened the lid. Something about the two being hot makes the jars seal after a little bit (couple of minutes?). You will hear a pop.
I used the little jars because the jam is only good for about 3weeks-1 month after it is opened and I wanted to make sure we'd be able to eat it all. I was glad I was able to see someone make it before I tried it. It was really fun to eat our own jam. Yummy!

Welcome

I just wanted a place to write down my home ideas...anything from recipes, crafts, decorating, books, things I do with my boy, etc.