18” Doll Socks Upcycled from Girl Socks {Tutorial}

I am excited to share with you a fabulous and EASY tutorial on how to make 18” doll socks from girl socks!! This will take you all of 15 minutes to make, the hardest part might be finding a pair of old socks that no longer fit your grand/daughter.

What you need:

1 old sock, sewing machine, scissors

Directions

Get your old sock and cut off the foot section.

Make sure the length of the tube is at LEAST 3” in height.  Then cut the sock tube in half  (like pictured below.)

Next turn wrong sides out , fold in half, and sew with a 1/8” seam all of the unfinished edges. Be sure to do reinforce the beginning and end of your stitch.  These will be pulled on A LOT! Do this for both socks.

Turn inside out and YOU ARE DONE!!!  She can wear the socks up or flipped down…

Admire your work and see how happy your grand/daughter will be with real socks for her doll!!  This is my daughter and her doll Lanie…

This is a great way to upcycle your grand/daughter’s old socks rather then use them as dust rags!!!

If you liked this tutorial you might like some of my other 18” Doll Tutorials.  Check out Maridith’s Designs 18” Doll Tutorials! 

I am sharing this at these great parties.

If you like this go on ahead and pin it!!

Barbeque Uglies Recipe

First, I need to say I am sorry I missed posting Strictly Homemade Tuesday’s Linky Party yesterday.  My mind is on Spring Break since my daughter is tracked out!  Haha! 

As a peace offering I have a wonderful recipe for your family.

I normally do not post recipes as they are not one of my strong points on this blog but today I am have to share with you one of our favorite meals in our home.  They are called Barbeque Uglies, yes, they are kinda ugly but they are delicious.  If you try them they will be a hit.  I promise.

Ingredients

• -1lb ground beef
• 3/4c bbq sauce your choice
• 1 can of biscuits from the cooler section (Grands, store brand 8ct)
• 1c shredded cheese

1. Brown the ground beef and drain fat (remember do not pour fat down the sink)

2. Pour your bbq sauce into the pan with ground beef and heat thoroughly. Set aside

3. To prepare your pan open can of biscuits and if roll flat and cut in half. (cut in half only if using a cupcake pan, if using a ramekin dish keep whole)

4. Press half biscuit into cupcake pan or whole into ramekin (press into corners)

5.Now add meat mixture and fill to top of biscuit and add cheese to the top.

6. Place in oven use the cooking time and temperature found on the side of the canned biscuits.  Mine said 400degrees for 11 minutes.  Time can vary.  Pull out of the oven when edges are brown.

I love all in one meals…just add a veggie and fruit and you are good to go!!!

I am sharing this at these parties. 

If you like this go on ahead and pin it!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday 3/20/12

Hello friends!  I hope you are all doing well this week. Welcome to another week of Strictly Homemade!

It is Spring here in NC and everyone in my house has Spring Fever.  We are outside every second we can to enjoy the fabulous weather.  With the weather change comes the thought of warm weather clothes.  Everyone is looking to update their ward robe! Last week on Strictly Homemade we had several people link up ideas to make or freshen up clothes!  Take a look…

First, Sophie, from The Forge shows us how to make a Vintage Lace Insert T-shirt.  I see these shirts everywhere right now for sale but you can MAKE YOUR OWN!! It is straight stitches…don’t be scared!

Then The Project Corner made a beautiful maternity top called the Maternity Dolman Sleeve Top.  This would also be cute as a non-maternity top.

 

Last, but not  least, Moda Bake Shop, shows us in great detail how to make a Lucky Layers Tiered Dress in 2T.  It is so cute!!! I just love this and can see my little girl in something like this!

Thank you ladies for your wonderful inspiration pieces.  Excellent job!

Now onto the linky party! You know the rules….Strictly Homemade where homemade rules!

Bay Window Seat Cover {finally}

Back in September of 2011, I asked for your help with choosing a material I should recover my bay window seat.  Yes, I realize it was back in September, but I am busy (and a procrastinator).  My wonderful blogger friends voted for STRIPS.

I ordered the material you suggested and then it sat there…laughing at me every time I came across it.  Or maybe it was the little voice in my head saying…”why do you buy material and not make the time to make anything with it??”  grrrr… silly conscience.!

Last weekend, I was tired of

1) looking at the old seat cover…

2) Looking at the this beautiful material not being used. Therefore, I just dove in and finished it in one sitting.  (after the kids were in bed)

Here is a close up!

Now it is done and I could not be more pleased with the results.  It refreshes the room!!

One more view!!!

I can’t decide if I am happier with the window seat area or the fact I was able to check this project off my list!!!

Happy Spring everyone!

I am sharing this at these great parties!

Oh, and if you  like this go on ahead and pin it!!

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Lots to Post about…Giveaways, Babies, and NCAA Basketball

Happy Friday, friends.  I have lots to post about on this beautiful Friday.

Remember I have a wonderful giveaway going on here at Strictly Homemade to 2 lucky winners for 3 patterns from Seamingly Smitten.  Ends Sunday  March 18th.

At the same time I am hosting a giveaway at Seamingly Smitten where I am giving away 3 of my 18” patterns to one lucky recipient AND then another winner will win the actual Karen Ballroom Gown.  You will not want to miss this.   Go check it out!  Ends March 22nd. 

Next, I am proud to say I became an Aunt again today to this precious little boy named, Haywood.  You may recall I made his baby bedding.   There is no greater joy then when a baby is born!  Congratulations to my precious sister, brother-in-law, and niece.  I am beyond thrilled and will be meeting him soon!

Last but not least, it is MARCH MADNESS here in this house…my baby girls is got her gear on and is ready for a big ‘W’ by NC State Wolfpack.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

18” Karen Ballroom Gown Pattern is READY

I am so excited to announce that my newest pattern “Karen” Ballroom Gown is ready for purchase and is in my 18” Doll Pattern Shop for $2.50. 
This pattern was named after my mom!!  On the right (I am in the middle)

Besides loving my mom and naming most of my patterns after people I love.  Once I decided on this pattern design, I upcycled  a dress my mother once wore in the late 80’s, I believe.  Yep, I am pretty sure no one is going to wear this again…

Great material just way past it’s prime.  haha!  Styles may change but material can be reused…remember that!!
Here is my daughter with her doll, Lanie!! I should warn you that sewing for your daughter’s doll is addicting and fun!!

I had this pattern tested and look at what Teresa sent me… she upcycled an old dress also to make this dress.  Isn’t her dress beautiful I just love it!!

So now that you have seen the pattern, I know you are excited to make one for your daughter, granddaughter or friend.  This pattern is for sale through my Etsy Shop, Maridith's Designs Order now!
All purchases are made through Paypal but you do not have to have a Paypal account it takes credit cards!   Once payment is received you will receive an email from me within 24hours (but most the time sooner)

Thank you!!
If you like this…go on ahead and pin it!!!
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Strictly Homemade Tuesday 3/13

Hi Friends! I hope you are having a wonderful week and where ever live you are getting a little taste of Spring.  The weather here in NC has been gorgeous!!! No matter the weather I am glad you are here at Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party

In preparation for the spring everyone likes some new clothes! How about this season make your own clothes!!   I am hosting an awesome giveaway by Seamingly Smitten where she has been kind enough to offer two of my readers 3 of her PDF patterns.

Check out the giveaway because truly if you sew or know someone who sews you will love these patterns. Thank you so much Seamingly Smitten for this fabulous giveaway!!

Now onto the party….I am not going to post features today.  I will announce those tomorrow.  I know it is late.  My motto these days seems to be a day late and a dollar short…ugh!!

Seamingly Smitten Patterns Giveaway

I am super excited to announce a fabulous giveaway hosted by my blogger friends, Jenny, from Seamingly Smitten.  Jenny, is one of the most talented seamstresses in blogland and truly one of the nicest.   I can’t wait to share with you what she is offering my readers!!!

Seamingly Smitten is offering

2 of my readers 3 PDF Sewing Patterns (you pick)

If you sew, or you want to learn to sew, or you know someone who sews and can make you clothes (you need to enter this giveaway!!)
Seamning Smitten has an  Etsy Shop where she sells patterns she has created.  These patterns are perfect for beginner sewers to the most advanced sewers.  No matter your sewing skills the finished product is nothing less then boutique-y. 
I’ve had the pleasure to use several of her patterns and I have loved everything I have made.  I think my favorite pattern to date is the Ruffled Collared Cape, but really it is hard to chose.
Ruffled Collared Cape

Miss Mod Top (I even made myself something!!)

Ruffled Galore Pinafore (horrible picture but the pattern is SO CUTE)

These are just the ones I have made.  She has LOTS more to offer. 
Like the drop waist sundress.  I love this and will be ordering this for myself!!
 
Her newest pattern the Double Ruffle Halter Dress

Plus, lots more!!  Go check out her Esty Shop!!  
She also has a wonderful blog called Seamingly Smitten were she offers tutorials, sewing tips and shows off other's creations using her patterns.  You will want to check out her blog!!
To enter this fabulous giveaway you are given many opportunities.  I am going to try something new this time and use an outside source to monitor this giveaway.  That way it is fair and square! 

Baby Boy Bedding for my Sister

One of the many pleasures of being a seamstress (I use that term loosely) is to make special items for people I love and care about.  I was honored to be able to make the baby bedding for my sister’s soon-to-be son, Haywood.  I am thrilled to let you get a sneak peak at the baby bedding all set up ready for his arrival. 

Isn’t her bedding beautiful???  My sister designed it!

A close-up of the pattern and bed skirt.

As a small touch I added a pillow with his nickname in the mix.  I love her changing table. 

Last summer, when she was like 5 weeks along, we decided to up and spray paint the changing table green.  We just knew it was going to be a boy.  Wow, we got lucky!!

I can not tell you how excited I am to become an Aunt again to her precious little boy.  My sister only has 3 weeks (or less) to go.   Yippee!!

Lauren, I am so happy for you and I love you with all my heart.  I am praying for you and Haywood.  Can’t wait to meet him!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday with Features

Hello my fabulous and wonderful crafters and readers! I hope you are doing well today!  I am so glad you are here and ready to be inspired by some homemade goodies.

Normally, I do features on Thursday’s but I am going to change things up this week and do a combo Tuesday.  Last week we had some amazing homemade ideas.  I really had a hard time picking out my favorites, but there were 3 that really stood out. 

First, is Red Lobster Shrimp Alfredo from Loopy Loop Creations.  This recipe looks so yummy and for those of us who can’t afford to go out to dinner you can make a homemade meal that tastes like you are at Red Lobster. Of course, if you make these then you need to also make the cheddar biscuits too!!!

Next, is Rachel from Decorating, Dining, Drinking thru Durham.  She has a wonderful (funny) post called Stop…Stencil Time and tells us the real truth about applying a stencils on the wall.  She did an amazing job!!  I told her since she lives close to me she could come over and work on my house!!!

Last but not least, St. Patrick's Day is coming up and we are all wishing for a Leprechaun with a pot of gold, right?  Well, Pam’s Party Planning made these adorable Leprechaun Marshmallow Pops.  Yum!

Thanks again ladies for linking up and be sure to grab a Feature Button on the lower right side!!

Now onto this week’s Strictly Homemade Party!! You know what to do. Also, be sure to stop by a few blogs and leave sweet encouraging comments.  You know comments feed creative souls!!

You can make your own crib sheets

I am not sure why it never dawned on me before to make my own sheets but with kid #3, the crib sheets in this house are getting a little worn.  Especially, since my middle child sweats excessively at night and the crib sheets are rather dingy.   Poor last kid she just gets hand-me-downs!!!

While my daughter (last kid) was sick and I was washing sheets every day and I decided that is it, she needs new sheets.  I went to go and buy some from Target but I remembered why I only have 2 sheets.  My crib is a Baby Tenda and it is 1” longer and 1” wider then most cribs. The do not sell sheets anywhere that fit these measurements. 

 

Picture from Baby Tenda Website (nice 80’s picture people!!)

The only option for me is make my own!! I now know how easy it is I have made her two!!

Today I am going to share with how to make your own crib sheets!! 

Here is what you need.

-2 yd of flannel material or cotton (44-45” wide) pre-washed!!!

-4 yds of 1/4” elastic

-Thread, measuring tape, scissors

1. Cut material based on your mattress dimensions.   MOST CRIBS are 54”X27”X4” so you would add 16” to the length and the width cutting your material 70”X43”. Tip: I fold my material in half lengthwise and cut. Keep folded.

2. Cut a 8X8 square from each corner.  (if your material is folded you only have to cut twice)

3. Right sides together pin and sew your corners.  Stitch this seam twice since it will be pulled often. Do this on all 4 corners.

4. Either serge or fold over 1/2” and sew the entire perimeter of the crib sheet.  I did not fold over twice for a finished seam  but if can not stand it being unfinished do so now.

5. Cut your 4 foot long elastic into 4- 12” pieces.  Finding the center of the elastic, and mark with a pin and place at corner.  With a zigzag stitch start at the center and pull the elastic while sewing.  Then repeat on the other side. Start at the center pull the elastic and stitch.

It should look like this afterwards. 

Once you have completed all 4 sides you are DONE!! You have just made your baby his or her homemade crib sheets. 

Now put them on your crib and marvel at your craftiness!!

The best part of making your own sheets is you can customize them to match your bedding!!!

I am sharing this at these great parties!!

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