Lulu Learns to Sew

Sometimes we wonder why we even make plans in the first place.

So begins the saga of the super easy (hmmm… “sew” easy?  too far?) pillow covers.

Trusty ole gray and beige - nice, safe, and very boring - are the dominant non-colors in our homes.  Elizabeth, always a real go-getter, decided it was time to do something about all that blah.

We set out on a mission to recover the pillows that came with her gray couch.  With the babies loaded up in their car seats, we headed to the Jo-Ann on the west side of town.  And, wow, so much fabric, so many choices.

After picking a swatch from nearly every roll in the “Home Décor Fabric” section, we decided that it was impossible to decide without taking the swatches home.  Anyway, we had a coupon that began the following day.

Back to the north side we went.

Picking the winning fabric actually wasn’t all that difficult.  Determining the quantity of fabric required for covering four pillows with two whiny/hungry/tired small children was quite difficult.

Nevertheless, we reached a decision and planned to reconvene the following day.

Once again, we loaded up the babies and headed west.

Now we never imagined ourselves as all that trendy, but evidently our taste in fabric is all the rage.  The previously full roll of fabric was nearly empty.  So we scooped up the remaining bit and asked the cutting board attendant if we could order more.  She checked her electronic doodad and informed us that not only was there none available in any warehouse, they would not be restocking the fabric in any stores or online.

Seriously?

Thankfully, her brain worked much more quickly than ours and she suggested that we use a different fabric for the backs of the pillows.

Genius.

Fabulous idea and the second fabric we chose was half the price.

We paid for our goodies and headed out (after we had to ask another employee to borrow scissors so we could remove a very special Minion toy that had gotten stuck to the shopping cart.  So embarrassing.)

A quick trip to the Home Depot and lunch at Chipotle (FTW) and we were back to the north side.

Everything was dandy until we realized that the kind cutting board attendant hadn’t included the amount of fabric we requested (as in “The whole roll please.  We need the whole roll”.)

One more trip to the west side and we finally had all the materials we needed to make the pillows.  And at this point, we were probably better off just buying some new covers.

Nevertheless, the show must go on… no good deed goes unpunished… something like that, anyway.

Please keep in mind, we are in no position to give a tutorial on the actual use of a sewing machine.  We are still learning about that beast ourselves.  However, here are the step-by-step instructions for creating your own pillow covers…

Determine the amount of fabric needed.

• Measure the length and width of the old pillow cover.
• Add two inches to the length and two inches to the width.  This is the length and width needed for the FRONT of the new pillow cover.
• Add eight inches to the length and 2 inches to the width.  This is the length and width needed for the BACK of the new pillow cover.  (The additional fabric allows for an “envelope” closure on the back of the pillow.)

Measure and cut the new fabric to the appropriate length and width.

• We used a measuring tape to measure and mark the fabric.  Then we used the measuring tape as a straight edge to draw a line where we should cut.

Prepare the BACK of the pillow case.

• The BACK of the pillow case will have an envelope closure.  So, measure and cut the length of the fabric in half.  (If beginning with a width of 12 inches and a length of 18 inches, you will end with two pieces, each 12 inches wide and 9 inches long.)
• With the inside of the fabric facing up, make a half inch fold along the width of each BACK piece.  We secured the fold using straight pins.

Iron the FRONT and the BACK pieces.

• Get out all the wrinkles and make sure the half inch folds on the BACK pieces are nice and straight.

Hem the folds on the BACK pieces.

• Our best advice here is to have your mom show you how to use a sewing machine.  You could also ask your granny.  She probably taught your mom.  (Hi, Granny!)  

Pin the FRONT and BACK pieces together.

• Lay the FRONT piece with the outside of the fabric facing up.
• Place the BACK pieces with the inside of the fabric facing up, on top of the FRONT piece.  The folded edges should overlap near the middle.
• Use straight pins to pin the BACK pieces to the FRONT piece.

Sew the BACK pieces to the FRONT piece.

• Once again, ask your mom to stand next to you while you sew a one inch hem around the perimeter of the pillow case.

Turn it right-side-out, stuff the pillow in through the handy envelope closure, and VOILA! – a whole room makeover!

That is, assuming you measured everything correctly… in our case, we needed to do some adjusting to the length and the width to get a nice snug fit for the pillow… otherwise it just looked like a dog bed.  BUT once it was all finished, what a difference it made in Elizabeth’s living room!

Your turn.  What are you making?

Making Friends : Meet Dixie

This being a blog about making things and all, we feel it is only appropriate, nay our duty, to share the stories of other makers. For, as we are learning, we live in a great big world full of ladies (and gentlemen) just trying to make it.

So, to begin the first in a series of stories about makers, we would like to introduce you to our friend, Dixie.

Dixie makes pictures.

More specifically she has a business called Dixie Gaultney Photography, where in her words she makes

“Memories of memories. Is that a little too meta? But that’s what I do - I take the things that are important to you: your engagement, your wedding, the sweet tiny hands of your baby, your family; and I freeze time for you in the most beautiful way possible. So you can look back ten years from now and say, ‘Oh look! This was when...’ That’s how stories happen.”

And that’s just what she did for us. In a matter of only 20 minutes, with rain clouds looming and sprinkles beginning to fall, she took four adults and two babies and gave us memories of memories.

She was patient and kind and obviously took great pride in her work. This work of making memories of memories is important to her because

“Your moments with these people are important to you. And because I've been in your shoes - wanting to look back with photos that will tell the story of how I felt. I think it’s important to remember, and to be reminded! It’s important to me to make sure you have wonderful reminders of your stories.”

Well, thanks, Dixie. We certainly are left with great reminders of our families at this stage and the beginnings of the “Making It” adventure. 

We asked Dixie what she most wanted people to know about her. In her true, sweet spirit, she said:

“Usually, when people ask me to tell a fact about myself, I tell them that I actually had a pony when I was little. (Don’t think fluffy little thing with ribbons and bows; it was a wild Chincoteague pony, and he was pretty awesome.) But that’s not what I want you to know most about me… I guess in this case the most interesting thing I can think to tell you is that I am a confirmed introvert. As I’m writing this, I’m having a “quiet day” because I have been so social this last week I just need to not talk for a while. Crazy that I would wind up loving a profession that is all about meeting people in new situations, right? But hey, it’s what I love to do—and even though I’m an introvert, I want to meet you. So let’s hang out. I’ll bring my camera.”

You can find this self-proclaimed introvert being social on facebook and instagram (@dixiegaultneyphotography). You can also see more of her lovely work on her website: photos.dixiegaultney.com.

What do you make? We’d love to share your story.

Just Peachy

The jam making tradition began over 20 years ago with two ladies we like to call Nana and Aunt ReeRee.  Every summer they made batches and batches of jam, jarring up summer for the rest of the year.  Family members and neighbors counted themselves lucky if they got a strawberry or peach jam as a gift at Christmas or for a birthday or other special occasion.

We just finished this summer’s batch of peach jam following their recipe right down to the source for the best peaches, Pratt’s Country Store in Fountain City.  The folks at Pratt’s are always helpful.  Plus they give you a handy basket to tote home your peach haul.

The finished product is just as tasty as Nana and Aunt ReeRee’s.

You’ll have to taste it to see. 

In other news, there’s a midnight snacker at the Dunn House who leaves remnants of peach jam in the vanilla ice cream carton.  True story.  That sort of snacking makes for sweet dreams.

Place your order by emailing makingitcrafts@gmail.com. 

Ode to Blueberry Jam

picked and looked and smooshed and canned

this blueberry jam’s homemade my fraaands

Seriously.  This jam is homemade from start to finish.

We began by spending a gloriously cool summer morning picking the fattest blueberries you’ve seen.  These beauties were grown by Grandparents Dunn on their property down two gravel roads in Claiborne County.

We only brought one little helper on this trip.  She didn’t want to miss a second of the action.

The best part about picking is that when you’re finished, Grandma makes you lunch – complete with homemade desserts and a root beer float (if you’re a clean picker).

Back in the "big city," we put all that goodness in jars so it can be enjoyed for the rest of the year.

It doesn’t get more homegrown than this.

Delicious blueberry jam.  From our family to yours.

Place your order by emailing makingitcrafts@gmail.com.  You may also send us a message on facebook (and don’t forget to Like us!)

Making a Sale

For us, a great sense of relief comes from passing along well-loved treasures to new homes (aka getting rid of junk).  It’s just so nice to open that hall closet withOUT the fear of avalanching porcelain dolls, too tight jeans, and dorm room lamps.  And really there’s no better way to find new homes for these once-cherished items than a good ole fashioned yard sale – or garage sale, or rummage sale, or, in our case, carport sale.  In honor of this great American tradition, we thought we might share some tips we learned from hosting a sale of our own.

While it’s true that a seasoned yard-saler will find any and all sales any given Saturday, it remains quite important to publicize your sale.  We began the day with only a couple signs at one nearby intersection.  When we noticed an abnormally low flow of shoppers, we stapled up more signs, posted some pics on Craigslist and voila – Black Friday at Target on the carport.

It’s also important to make shopping easy on your customers.  They will be much more likely to buy if clothes are on hangers and similar items are displayed together.  Shopping a carefully curated collection is much more appealing than digging through a cardboard box of mismatched socks.

Finally, give your items reasonable prices.  While you may have paid a small fortune for those designer jeans in 2010, you will not sell them for more than $3 at your yard sale.  If you want to get top dollar for your gently worn collection of bridesmaid dresses, you will find much more success with an online auction site like Ebay.  Your typical yard sale shopper is out for a great bargain and may not fully appreciate the name brand on your old handbags.  Moving merchandise is the name of the game, so price accordingly.

If all else fails, give your shoppers a snack.  A little hospitality goes a long way.  Our new friends loved trying samples of our strawberry jam.
 

Place your order by emailing makingitcrafts@gmail.com!

Good luck and happy selling!

Mmmm Berry Delicious

Strawberry Jam is now available!

This batch is made from delicious, fresh-picked strawberries grown by Scott’s Strawberry and Tomato Farms in Unicoi, TN.  Lucky for us, they set up a couple roadside stands nearby so we didn’t have to go far to collect our ingredients.

More than just strawberries grew this spring.  Our small humans did some growing of their own… providing a whole new set of challenges to jam making.

Thankfully this guy was able to corral the beasts while the heat rose in the kitchen. 

Email us at makingitcrafts@gmail.com to place your order.  Jars are $7 each or 2 for $13.  We can arrange local pick-up and shipping if needed.

Come on Over

How about we have a party? 

Once again we found ourselves with a pile of raw materials (see Jars on Wood, but this time it was apples, not wood) and the need to make something.  So in preparation for the fall, we decided to experiment with apple butter recipes.  Back to the kitchen we went.

Now we have two versions of apple butter.  Both are tasty, but certainly different.  There are varying philosophies when it comes to the art of making apple butter.  We're not sure which is best, so we figure this is the perfect opportunity for a party.  Just drop by.  Taste some apple butter.  Tell us which is the most delicious.  Have some snacks.  Laugh a lot (obviously the best part).  

We will also have our other varieties of jam available for sampling - a great opportunity to taste test if you are considering placing an order for your special event this summer.

For now, let's plan on February 22nd... unless Elizabeth delivers Baby Hargett a little early, in which case we will need to reschedule.

Please consider this your formal invitation to come on over. 

If you plan to attend, and we hope you will, please let us know (an email to makingitcrafts@gmail.com is enough). 

PS – while the apples were simmering (literally all. day. long.) we made some signs (remember that pile of wood?).  We would love to make one for you.  At $10 each, we think they’re a steal.  And you can customize to your liking.  Beat that, Hobby Lobby.

Also, from now until Valentine’s Day our Jars on Wood are 50% off!

Place your order by emailing makingitcrafts@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you soon!     

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  What a great year.  Our first batch of jam sold out.  No one is more surprised than us.  Many thanks to our first customers who spread sweet preserved fruit cheer near and far.  If you were lucky enough to get a jar, please consider sharing with a friend.  It’s the nice thing to do.

We will be busy in the kitchen again as soon as the strawberries ripen.

Until then, we are taking orders for the upcoming wedding/shower/special event season.  And we’re not the only ones who think jams and jellies make a great gift.  Here’s a look at preserved fruit taking center stage around the www.

1. Source // 2. Source // 3. Source

Our 4 ounce jars (pictured below) are sized perfectly for saying thank you to all your guests.  Individual jars are priced at $3.00 each.  Quantities of 100 are available at $275.00.  If you would like us to include a label (customized with your event date, sweet message, monogram, etc.), individual jars are $3.25 and quantities of 100 are $300.00. 

Because we prepare our jams and jellies when the fruit is in season, we are currently taking orders for the following flavors:  Strawberry Jam for events in June and later, Peach Jam for events in July and later, Blueberry Jam for events in August and later.

It’s never too early to think about how you'll make your friends and family feel welcome at your special event.  Place your order soon by emailing makingitcrafts@gmail.com.

Making Merriment

How do you make a happy holiday?  To begin, hang a stocking (burlap, lined with muslin, tied with a bow) by the chimney, the front door, your favorite chair... you get the picture.  Santa will need a place to put all those well-deserved presents.  If you don't have a stocking, let us make one for you!

Next, give great (affordable and one-of-a-kind) gifts.  We suggest some jars on wood.  They are lovely either as a decorative piece or for organizing your office supplies.  (See more options here.)

You might also consider spreading some cheer with a jar of homemade jam.  These are especially loved by neighbors, your child’s teacher, your hair stylist, and the mailman.  Gift wrapping is available (as pictured below).  

Place your order by sending an email to makingitcrafts@gmail.com.  We are already selling out of several varieties of jam (we really can’t believe it either), so start shopping soon! 

Making It

With very little experience, and nothing particularly interesting to say, we are entering the world of about one billion other bloggers (that may be an exaggeration, but we know it’s a lot).

The thing is we had this dilemma. How do we spread the word about our delicious jams and cute crafts? Etsy is great, but it’s not free. We don’t exactly have a marketing budget for this little endeavor. Craigslist is, well, would you buy food from Craigslist?

So here we are, World Wide Web. If you have a better idea, please share. In the meantime, be a friend and take a look around the site. We’ll just try to make it.