Easy Applique Method

Adorning oneis, tee's, backpacks or Christmas stockings with a simple applique is an easy way to make the simple and inexpensive look designer and expensive. This method is not only very easy for the beginner, but will last as the edges are finished not just applied with fusable web.

1. Begin with the exact pattern and a lightweight interfacing. Trace the pattern (the traced line will also be the stitch line) on to the interfacing, in this case we are doing a star.

2. Cut out the interfacing leaving at least a 1/4 inch from the traced line. Now here is the trick! Cut a hole inside the traced lines. Don't worry... you'll never see this in the finished product.

3. Pin the traced interfacing to your chosen fabric. Sew all the way around on the traced line, do not leave a space for turning! Remember to backstitch to start and finish your seam.

4. Trim to 1/4 inch from the sewn line. For sharp corners, clip the excess fabric at the points and make a small clip all the way to the stitch line on the inside corners being careful not to trip the thread. Now turn it right side out through that hole you previously made.

5. Poke out the points. Use any pointed item on hand, mechanical pencil with no lead showing, knitting needle, paint brush handle, just be careful not to poke through your fabric.

6. Lastly, iron your item flat & Viola! Now you can either hand or machine applique it on to your project!

Crayon Roll Tutorial

Crayon Rolls are the perfect gift for so many ages and so easy to personalize with a favorite character or color.

What you will need:

¼ yd print fabric

¼ yd coordinating fabric (for the inside)

thread

Pen Quilting or chalk

Ruler

How to:

1. cut out a 6” x 16 ½” rectangle and a 5” x 16 ½” rectangle from the print fabric and then a second 5 x 16 ½” rectangle from the coordinating fabric (inside fabric)

2. Set the two 5 x 16 ½” rectangles to the side. Fold the 6” rectangle in half and sew long ends together to hold in place. You now have a 3" x 16 1/2" rectangle.

3. Mark 17 lines ¾” apart on the folded rectangle. These mark the stitch line for the crayon pockets.

4. Placed the folded and marked print fabric onto the coordinating fabric matching one long edge and ends as below, pin in place.

5. Stitch along marks reinforcing ends of each line.

6. Place last rectangle on top of the others with right sides together and stitch around 3 sides leaving one short edge open for turning.

7. Take a business car and cut the top off at an angle to make an arrow shape. Cut 1 arrow of print fabric and 1 of the coordinating fabric.

8. stitch right sides together, turn rightside out and press flat. Set aside.

9. Carefully fold 1/4" of the unfinished edge of the crayon roll over to create a smooth edge, press. Then place arrow's flat end into the open end of the crayon roll, pin in place and sew along edge closing the opening.

Now here you can change it up if you like. I add a button hole and a button to the outside of crayon roll, but you can put ribbon instead of the arrow, or a zipper, Velcro, snaps, whatever you please and think your child will enjoy more. Get creative and have fun!!!!

Rockerchic's Rockin' French Toast!

Here is my family's Favorite French Toast!

You can make this recipe out of ANY kind of sliced bread: White, Wheat, Whole Grain... But Raisin Cinnamon Swirl is my favorite!

Ingredients:

Bread Slices... two or three slices for each person your cooking for

Eggs

Canned Evaporated Milk

Sugar (or splenda)

Cinnamon

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Nutmeg


Optional toppings:
Powdered Sugar, Butter, Maple or Fruit Syrup, Honey...

Ok...

Mix all the ingredients in a shallow bowl. You'll want to use the measurement of one egg to two slices of bread.

Only add one teaspoon of canned milk for every egg you add...

Spices and sugar are to be added as you prefer, some people like subtle spices... But I overload mine!

After mixing that all up good, then you heat your pan... and use pam or butter (I use pam) to keep it from sticking... Only put it on med. low heat.

Soak each peice of bread in the mixture... coating each side...

Cook in the frying pan until done on each side and the middle of the bread is cooked throughly, it will be just a little stiff...

Then serve with breakfast meats, fruit, and cheese....

I hope your family loves it as much as my family does!!!

Let's go Holiday Shopping!

Alrighty....The Powers of CEM have graciously allowed me to add a few blog posts!! So without further ado...here are some holiday inspired CEM 'fake' treasuries! Spread this blog far and wide...it's shopping time!!



Click the pics to start shopping!