Things to Try Thursday-Jeans to Bermuda Shorts

I saw this tutorial the other day at Growing Your Grass Greener for boyfriend shorts and decided to tweak it a little.

I had a pair of jeans that a friend gave me a while back. I never wore them that often, but I ripped a whole in the knee...so they never got worn anymore.  I decided to make a pair of Bermuda shorts out of them. 

I started by laying my jeans flat on the floor.

I cur the jeans write above the rip in my jeans...which is right above the knee.  You want to make sure that you leave enough length to hem the shorts.

Next, turn the shorts inside out and turn up a hem.  After you have the hem pinned try on the shorts to make sure they are the length you want...and that the hem is straight.  Just try the shorts on inside out so you don't get stuck with any pins...ouch!

Now sew a hem about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.  I used brown thread since that is the color of the rest of the thread in the shorts...that way they look a little more professional.

Cut off any excess material.

Turn those shorts right side out and go have fun!!

Happy Sewing!!

What's for Dinner Wednesday-Black Bean, Corn and Salsa Nachos

Well, I didn't really want to cook tonight since Mr. E is spending the night with my parents and the hubby is at work late.  I met my Mom at the grocery store for the kid exchange and she bought some stuff to make salsa...it is sooo good.  We generally sit around the table and gorge ourselves on the stuff!!! 
Anyway, I thought Miss C and I could make the salsa and put in on some chips...NACHOS!!!

Here is what you need:
Corn Chips
1 can black beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 jar of your favorite salsa
nacho trimmings of your choice

First, you want to rinse and drain your corn.  I rinse my corn three or four times to get off the metallic taste from the can.  Pour it into a semi large container.  It is easier if you have a container with a lid.

Second, rinse and drain your black beans.  Dump them on top of the corn.

Third, Pour on the salsa.  I used a Tequila Lime salsa...really good, but use your families favorite...or what is on sale. 

Fourth, mix it all up.

This is great as salsa for chips and salsa, but I took it a step further.

Place your corn chips on  a plate and sprinkle with cheese.  Nuke that baby for about 30 seconds.

Now add the salsa and other fixins.

Enjoy!!!

Happy Cooking!!!

What I Wore Wednesday #2

Well, here we are again...Wednesday!!  I had so much fun last week letting you all see what I wore that I thought I would do it again.  Nothing spectacular in the line up...just a glimpse at my SAHM wardrobe. 
I have tons of dress clothes that get little use these days now that I am staying home.  I just can't bear to part with them...especially the pants. I have long legs and when I find pants that fit I generally wear them until they are all worn out.

Here is what I wore last Thursday.  The kids and I hung out at home and played.  We went to my in-laws for supper that evening.

Top: Target

Pants: B. Moss

Friday was another causal day.  My Mom and I went running around to some local Thrift Stores in the afternoon.  My parents had supper with us that evening.  My Dad bush hogged the lot across the road from our house...Mr. E got to ride in the tractor...one of his favorite things to do!!

Top: Bowling Green Hot Rods

Pants:  B. Moss

Saturday the Hubby and I worked on cleaning our bedroom.  The kids spent the night with my Mom and Dad, so we had the morning to clean and run some errands.  We got a lot accomplished in just a few hours.

Top:  Give to my by some friends who live in Wisconsin

Shorts: Nike from TJMaxx

Sunday we went to Sunday School and then headed to my family reunion.  I changed into a pair of khaki shorts for the reunion...but still the same look.

Top: TJMaxx

Skirt: Gap , bought at Goodwill

I forgot to take a pic of Monday...but we didn't do anything special and it was another comfy lounge around outfit.

Tuesday I spent time playing with the kids in the basement (it is just too hot to play outside).  I also made the necklace I am wearing...tutorial to come soon. 

Top: Talbot's that I bought at Goodwill

Shorts: Target

Today the kiddos and I went outside to pick up some sticks from our front yard.  We were out for about an hour...whew it was hot.  We all came in and cooled off with showers.  We will be going to Bible Study at church this evening so I dressed up a little bit more than normal.  My necklace is from my Christmas in July partner.

Top: Banana Republic, bought at Goodwill

Skirt: Gap, bought at Goodwill

I guess I should be showcasing my Goodwill finds since I have been wearing a lot of them lately.  I have gotten some really cute stuff for the kiddos, the hubby, and me!!! 

Makin' It Monday-Resized Shirt to Cardigan

I have a lot to show you today!!  I am so excited about this tutorial.  I have become addicted to shopping at Goodwill, and this is one of the bargains I found a while back.
First, you need a shirt or sweater that is too big...or if you have one that fits, check out this tutorial. 

Turn the shirt inside out and lay a shirt that fits well on top of the big shirt.

With a pencil trace the top shirt.

Since my shirt is way to big I need to take the sleeves off and resize those too...that part comes later.

Next cut the big shirt down to size, cutting about 1/4-1/2 wider than the pencil line.

Pin the sides together and sew a straight stitch down the pencil line.  Once this is done flip the shirt right side out and try it on to make sure it fits like you want.  If so...GREAT...continue on.  If not...take out the seams and adjust accordingly.

With the shirt inside out sew a zig zag stich on the outside of your straight stitch.  This will help hold the material more securly. 

Now for the sleeves.  You will want to fold the sleeves in half and put place a pin to mark the top.  Line this pin up with the top seam of the shirt.  Pin down one side of the sleeve, and then the other. 

Sew around the sleeve to attach to the shirt.

Pin the excess sleeve material and sew a straight seam as an extension of the side straight seam.  Now, zig zag stitch all the reamining seams you sewed on the sleeves.  Cut any excess material from the sides and sleeves.

Flip the shirt right side out.  You can easily stop here and have a beautiful, well fitting shirt.  I really wanted a cardigan to wear with another Goodwill bargain. 

Here is what I did after altering the shirt.

Cut the shirt down the middle.  It is best to do some quick measurements to make sure you cut as close to possible to the middle.

Pin some bias tape to the front of the shirts.  Sew along the crease...about 1/8-1/4 in. seam allowance. 

Flip the bias tape over and turn under.  Pin in place.  Now sew the bias tape down...stitching from the front.  I added a small piece of elastic to mine and a button.  That way my cardigan will stay closed and not fly open all the time. 

Here is the final product.

I love my new outfit!!!

Happy Sewing!


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Toot Your horn Tuesday

Crystal's Craft Spot

Surprises are GREAT!!

A while back I entered a giveaway at Crystal's Craft Spot.  I love her site...and I thought it was neat that she was doing a surprise giveaway. 

Anyway, I was one of TWO lucky winners!!!  I was so excited to see that I won!  Doesn't that always make you feel good?  It does me.   I feel like a queen being showered with presents.

Here is what was in the cool package I received in the mail today...

She sent me this cool opaque paint pen...I have never seen one of these before...now to find a good project to use it on.
There were these darling little 3D paper flowers.  I already have embellishment plans for them.  Maybe soon I will be able to show you there new home.
There was also this pretty little piece of fabric. I haven't decided what I will do with it yet, but I know I will soon enough!!
The last thing in the package was some watermelon gum.  I am not big on fruity gum...but Mr. E sure is.  He took one look at the gum and said..." Is that for me?"  and snatched it up. 

Thanks Crystal for having such a cool blog...and for offering a cool giveaway!!
If you haven't stopped by Crystal's Craft Spot, then you really need to she has a fun crafty link party every week and I know you will find tons of eye candy.

Happy Winning!!