Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party...Theme Week

Today is the start of our summer theme weeks!!! Woo Hoo!! This week is anything red or white or blue...any or all of those colors will be great. You can share any project too...even an older post you've had from the past. Sewing projects, painting projects, recipes etc.

You don't have to participate in the theme if you'd rather not...just share anything you like!

Here are the topics for each week in July...

• week of July 1st - July 7th...ANYTHING RED, WHITE OR BLUE
• week of July 8th - July 14th...SUMMER ACTIVITIES, GAMES OR PARTY IDEAS
• week of July 15th - July 21st...SUMMERTIME RECIPES FOR COOKOUTS OR PARTIES
• week of July 22n - July 28th...SUMMERTIME CRAFTS 

So get your posts ready. You can even go back into your achieves and use an older post to fit the theme.

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If you're NEW to Sew Darn Crafty, then grab a cup of something tasty, sit back and join in on the fun (starts Sunday and lasts all week long here at Sew Many Ways).

If you want to add the button to your blog's side bar or your list of parties that you're in each week...Click HERE for a tutorial for adding a button

WHAT IS A LINKING PARTY...

I subscribe to a linking service, which provides the ability to link thumbnail pictures on my blog. The picture is a link that other bloggers provide to share their projects.

Two things can happen at a linking party...looking and/or linking

• you can be greatly inspired by wonderful projects, ideas or vacation pictures (looking) and/or
• you can share what you've been up to (linking)

If you want to be inspired by all the great ideas...just click on a picture and it will take you to that post from a wonderful blogger who was willing to share her thoughts and ideas.

HOW AND WHAT TO LINK TO THE PARTY...

Sew Darn Crafty is all about YOU!! Show off your projects, share a tutorial, show us your vacation pictures, share a family favorite recipe...share anything. Not only does linking inspire us all, it also brings lots of new people to your blog for a visit. Click here for past parties and lots of inspiration

Easy steps to join in on the fun...

• link up to the specific project post, not your whole blog. Makes it easier to link right to that post and not  search through all your entire blog. To find the http address to a specific post, just click on the Title of your post. Copy and paste the address that's at the top of your computer into the linky steps.
• link as many projects as you'd like...old or new
• anything goes...cooking, sewing, knitting, crafts, organizing, remodeling projects, vacations, parties etc...
• visit other links to share some blogging love! You know we all love comments!
• linking is open til Saturday night, so plenty of time to join in
• just click the blue "click here to enter" button below and follow the easy steps

Have fun linking up! Don't forget to come back and take a look at all the great projects during the week

~Karen~

Tutorial - How to Pack Lightly

Just in time for your summer vacation

Pack Lightly Tutorial at Brighton Park Blog

"The first time I had to pack light; I mean really pack light, was a trip I took with my husband and then one year old twins which included  a 4 1/2 hour flight. By the time I had gotten the boys' clothes, diapers, wipes, and numerous  baby paraphenalia (times 2)  packed I found I had very little room left for my husband or myself. That trip was 7 days and I packed my husband and I shoes, swimsuits, clothes, toiletries and all in one small garment bag. It was the lightest I had ever packed for a trip ever, and yet I found I was really wanting for nothing once there".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Handbag Charm

Dress up an old handbag with this cheerful charm

Purse Charm Tutorial at RosMadeMe Blog

"After I made the bias binding last week, I had about 18 - 20"  of piped cord left over...  not enough to pipe around a cushion... but too much just to bin, so what to do with it?  I sat there twiddling it and started to make a flower shape, but really did I need another flower brooch... err no!  And then it came to me, a handbag charm and for this you will need".... Read more

Sew, Sew Saturday...

Hi all my wonderful blogging friends. On Sew, Sew Saturdays, I usually share something I've made or a sewing tutorial. However, I couldn't resist sharing something sewing "related" with you.

My blogging friend Leanne, from Australia, sent me the funniest thing I've ever read and thought it would be great to share it on my blog. OMG will I share it!!! How could I not.

The picture below is "Advice From The Singer Sewing Manual" in 1949. I made the picture larger so you can read it!! It's priceless...

The best...

"Never try to sew with sink full of dishes or beds unmade"...

Yeah right, I DON'T do the dishes or make the beds so I have more time to sew. Lol

"When you sew, make yourself attractive. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick on"...

Seriously, I'm lucky to have a bra on and my hair brushed. Sewing time is priceless on my day off, so I just throw on some clothes and I'm ready to go.

I think I will frame this and put it in my sewing room just to keep me smiling!!

Thanks Leanne...awesome email! You really need to start a blog, by the way. Lol

Happy Sew, Sew Saturday,
~Karen~

Tutorial - How to Add a Background in Photoshop

Add a textured background to your photo

Photoshop Tutorial at Growing up a NJ Wife Blog

"Today I'm going to show you {hopefully} how to take a picture with a bland background and give it a little spice. Here is the original picture I took.  I did a little touching up already on the skin and eyes.  So from my stand point everything is done except adding some texture to the background".... Read more

Find a Friend Friday...

A great BIG thank you to all my blogging friends for linking up each week...between Find A Friend Friday and Sew Darn Crafty, there are so many great blogs out there!!! There are also so many wonderful people who pop in for a visit...so BIG hugs to you too. I couldn't do these linking parties without all of you.

If you are new to Find a Friend Friday (FaFF), you are in for a treat! It's a simple linking party to add a link to your blog so friends, old and new, can stop by and visit.

It's great to share your blog with everyone, but it's also fun just to look around. Even if you don't have a blog, you can find a wealth of great people willing to share their talents. and another great blog to follow.

This is an easy one to participate in...you are just linking to your own blog. No projects to sew, no furniture to paint, no cookies to bake or pictures to take. You are just sharing your blog and then friends will stop by for a looksy.

• click on the blue "click here to enter" link in THIS section
• copy and paste or just type in your blog address...example: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com
• enter title of link...your blog name or phrase to grab attention
• add a photo of you, your profile picture or your blog button or whatever you think will grab some one's attention...(I'm thinking a picture of a big piece of chocolate cake, but that's just me LOL)

That's it...super easy. Have fun checking in on all the new blogs that are linking up each day!

Take care,

~Karen~

Thoughts on Thursday...

I laugh every time I read this...because it's so true!

I've done this leaving for work, early in the morning walking down our front walkway with bushes on both sides. Those little buggers spread their webs across the walkway.

A few quick karate moves at 7:00 am in the morning definitely wakes you up...and then you drive to work thinking there's a spider in your hair!!

True story was yesterday driving to work and one was crawling on my neck...I was a driving ninja!! Called my husband crying. (not really crying,  just that voice of OMG there was a spider on my neck) Like he was going to drive the 30 miles to where I was and kill it!! Lol

I HATE spiders...


Happy Thursday,
~Karen~

Eggs-tra Special Campfire Starter...

Summertime means...campfires, s'mores, relaxing and family fun.

Want to make fire starting eggs-tra easy? I saw this idea in a book years and years ago, and wanted to share it with you.

Recycle a cardboard egg carton and fill it with "match light" charcoal. Fill each egg cup with one brickette.

Make sure they are match light charcoal and the carton is cardboard, NOT the styrofoam kind.

Close up the carton and it's perfect to take with you to the campground.

Add to your campfire site, barbecue grill or your fire pit. This is the fire pit we keep in our back yard for s'more parties!! (we don't keep it next to those trees...I just had to move it in the shade for the picture)

The cardboard carton is easy to light with a match and then the charcoal starts too!!

Storage, transporting and ease of starting...Perfect!!

Make up several cartons and keep them on hand to take with you camping or just keep in a safe place for those last minute fires you have in the backyard for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows!

Have a great day,
~Karen~

Tool Time Tuesday...Knee Pads For All Hobbies

Welcome all my blogging friends to another edition of Tool Time Tuesday!!

Today we are off to the hardware store, the sporting goods store or your significant other's workbench. We're going to be using Knee Pads!!

I'm going to be honest with you. These knee pads are my new favorite crafting accessory...

Stylish...definitely NOT!

but let me tell you, they are FABULOUS!

For me, the largest work space I have in my house or my craft room is the "floor".

I use the floor for...

• cutting out sewing patterns
• layering and pinning a quilt for quilting
• assembling craft projects
• organizing paper work
• painting
• etc...

Here I am painting a table I had in my sewing room that was used for an ironing board, but now we need it for a computer table in the family room.

The knee pads are awesome. Lately, these 47 year old knees are giving me problems...especially my left knee. Every time I kneel, the patella (that ball on your knee cap) rolls, feels absolutely gross when it does it and then hurts for days after. The foam cushion in the pads feels so good on the knee cap

You can buy them in any hardware store...I've seen them in different sections...tile section, rug section and general hardware area. They have simple foam pads that are only $3.00 - $4.00 and the price goes up with how fancy they are. Lol !!!

The pads I have on are old roller blading knee pads, so check sporting good stores too.

If you do a lot of crafting on the floor like I do, use the knee pads now, before you do have knee issues...they are great!

Happy Tuesday,
~Karen~

Cole Slaw Recipe...Great For Picnics and BBQ

I love summertime picnics and cookouts, because of all the yummy food!! Nothing better than a grilled hot dog with mustard and a pile of cole slaw on the side or on top of the hot dog!!

Here is a recipe I've used for years. I don't remember where I found it, but this tastes just like the cole slaw from KFC.

Cole Slaw

1 bag shredded cabbage mixture
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 cup milk
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise (try to use the real fat kind. Low fat just doesn't work)

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together except the cabbage. Add cabbage and stir to coat. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2-4 hours...longer or overnight is best. Really produces more liquid the longer it sits.

Enjoy!!

Mix all ingredients together first before adding the cabbage.

Add cabbage...

Stir to coat...

Cover, refrigerate and let marinate 2-4 hours or overnight.

Enjoy with your favorite summertime meal!!

~Karen~

Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party...Week 71

Hello all my blogging friends. Summer is definitely here in the northern hemisphere. Last week we were up to 95 degrees and humid, humid, humid. What does that mean for me...I stay indoors!! Lol That might mean more crafting too!! I know it's winter for other parts of the world, so that means freezing temps and again I would be indoors too...so more crafting.

Where can we show off all this crafting? Well, Sew Darn Crafty Linky party of course!!

Don't forget that July's parities have theme weeks. If you have any special posts that are coming up on your blog, here are the topics for each week in July...

• week of July 1st - July 7th...ANYTHING RED, WHITE OR BLUE
• week of July 8th - July 14th...SUMMER ACTIVITIES, GAMES OR PARTY IDEAS
• week of July 15th - July 21st...SUMMERTIME RECIPES FOR COOKOUTS OR PARTIES
• week of July 22n - July 28th...SUMMERTIME CRAFTS 

So get your posts ready. You can even go back into your achieves and use an older post to fit the theme.

As for now...let's see what you've been up to this week

****************************************

If you're NEW to Sew Darn Crafty, then grab a cup of something tasty, sit back and join in on the fun (starts Sunday and lasts all week long here at Sew Many Ways).

If you want to add the button to your blog's side bar or your list of parties that you're in each week...Click HERE for a tutorial for adding a button

WHAT IS A LINKING PARTY...

I subscribe to a linking service, which provides the ability to link thumbnail pictures on my blog. The picture is a link that other bloggers provide to share their projects.

Two things can happen at a linking party...looking and/or linking

• you can be greatly inspired by wonderful projects, ideas or vacation pictures (looking) and/or
• you can share what you've been up to (linking)

If you want to be inspired by all the great ideas...just click on a picture and it will take you to that post from a wonderful blogger who was willing to share her thoughts and ideas.

HOW AND WHAT TO LINK TO THE PARTY...

Sew Darn Crafty is all about YOU!! Show off your projects, share a tutorial, show us your vacation pictures, share a family favorite recipe...share anything. Not only does linking inspire us all, it also brings lots of new people to your blog for a visit. Click here for past parties and lots of inspiration

Easy steps to join in on the fun...

• link up to the specific project post, not your whole blog. Makes it easier to link right to that post and not  search through all your entire blog. To find the http address to a specific post, just click on the Title of your post. Copy and paste the address that's at the top of your computer into the linky steps.
• link as many projects as you'd like...old or new
• anything goes...cooking, sewing, knitting, crafts, organizing, remodeling projects, vacations, parties etc...
• visit other links to share some blogging love! You know we all love comments!
• linking is open til Saturday night, so plenty of time to join in
• just click the blue "click here to enter" button below and follow the easy steps

Have fun linking up! Don't forget to come back and take a look at all the great projects during the week

~Karen~

Pattern Review, Give Away and a Discount Too...

I thought it would be fitting to do a pattern review on one of my Sew Sew Saturday posts...click here for other Sew Sew Saturday posts.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from Kayla from Whimsy Couture asking if I would be willing to do a pattern review. Absolutely!! The best part is the pattern is sent via email.

I want everyone to know up front, I wasn't paid to do this review...I was just sent the pattern to use and write a post with my opinion. The pattern I chose was the Ladies Peasant Top.

I'm going to be honest...I haven't sewn clothes for myself in a while and I've also never used a pattern that was sent to me from an email, so I was a little nervous.

Isn't it so cute...same pattern for the Peasant Top in the following 3 pictures!

My first thoughts were of the old style patterns you buy like Simplicity. You know, the tissue paper kind, where you lay out the patterns for the front, back and sleeves etc. I'm thinking how am I going to print all those pieces and then tape them together from an email.

Well, NO worries with Whimsy Couture Patterns...holy mackerel they are BRILLIANT!!! and I'm not kidding. I've only worked with the Peasant Top pattern, but I can only assume all the other patterns are just as great.

I literally just printed 3 pages with regular computer paper...2 extra if I wanted to tailor the shirt!

Excellent sizing charts, fabric cutting charts and the instructions!

This is the most AMAZING part...that's the patterns piece. That little white thing in the corner!

It was fast, easy and definitely user friendly.

Here is my daughter Kelsie modeling our version with a little fashionable belt.

I would highly recommend Whimsy Couture for wonderful sewing patterns of all kinds.

Here's the fun part for you... 50% off all patterns for Sew Many Ways readers and a Give Away for a package of 3 patterns!! WOO HOO!!

Section 1...discount for all my readers.

For all Sew Many Ways readers...just visit Whimsy Couture Pattern Shop Blog any time. CLICK HERE to visit, shop and enter the code below...

TAKEOFF50


Section 2...Give Away

If you'd like to enter the give away, just leave a comment on this post.

If you have a Facebook account, they would love it if your "liked" them!!!  CLICK HERE to visit their Facebook page and give them lots of LOVE from Sew Many Ways! I will pick a winner next Saturday!!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have fun shopping and good luck with the give away!!
~Karen~