Speedy Christmas Tree Skirt Tutorial

Head on over to the Moda Bakeshop to see my newest tutorial!

To clear up some confusion (my bad!) about cutting the trees at 45 degrees, please see this clarification post. 

Recipe Overload

Working on updating my recipe section of the old home binder. I generally find recipes on allrecipes.com and on pinterest. I tried to link these up to where they came from when I could remember it. But I thought I'd share, since I have them all typed up anyhow. These are all recipes I have actually tried out myself and Hubby has given the stamp of approval. Hope you enjoy!

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Beer Cheese (link)
Leftover pulled pork

2 T. unsalted butter
2 T. flour
2/3 c. beer
1/3 c. milk
6 oz. freshly grated white cheddar cheese
8 slices whole grain bread
softened butter for spreading

To make the beer cheese sauce, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Once sizzling, whisk in flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant and bubbly. Add in beer and milk, whisking well to combine, then reduce heat to low and add cheese, stirring until totally melted and smooth. Keep over low heat and stir every few minutes while assembling sandwiches.

Heat an electric skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter the outside sides of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices butter-side down on the skillet, then top with a few handfuls of pulled pork. Cover in cheese sauce, then top with the other slices of bread, butter-side up. I cooked these grilled cheeses a lot quicker than the others I usually make since the cheese is already melted. As long as the pork and cheese sauce is warm, cook these until each side is deeply golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.

Serves 4

Grilled Cheese Sandwich...

Knit Baby Hat

Some day when I get around to it, maybe I'll post a tutorial on how to make a little knitted baby ski hat. Yup. Some day. For now, here are pictures of the most recent one. The griffins just make me happy.

Christmas in July in the works

Recently got my fabric for a new post for the Moda Bake Shop as part of their Christmas in July plans. So excited! This one will be for my mom. (Remember that runner I made for her? My great grandmother loved it so much that my mom let her have it, haha. So *this* had better really end up being for my mom!) :)

Diaper Elastic

Most of my cloth diapers are 2 years old now and just as everyone on the interweb claimed would happen, my elastic needs replacing. I bought a bunch of elastic from Joann's (it wasn't expensive at all, I think $6 worth finished up 11 diapers). 

I used three pieces of elastic for each diaper (a piece for each leg and a piece across the back). All three pieces measured 5 1/4" but if I was to do it again, I'd do more like 4 3/4". This is still allowing for room to make your seam and cut off the excess. 

I cut into the fleece at each end of where the old elastic was. Fleece doesn't fray, so I never even bothered to sew it back together. I did this a few weeks ago, the diapers have been through the wash quite a few times now, and they work exactly the same as they did before, but better because the elastic is tighter, of course. So don't be afraid to cut that fleece!

Cowboy Quilt

I am very excited about this quilt. I concocted the pattern myself and am very pleased with how it turned out! My fabrics are far too busy, which is unfortunate, but now I know and I won't do it again. :) Hoping to come up with a pattern some time soon. Ish. Ahem. 

I skipped the batting and used a super soft fuzzy backing and I really love how that turned out. I just folded it over to the front as my binding as well and I think it turned out great that way. Definitely want to do this more often. Especially since we're in Texas and batting is hardly necessary down here. 

Mom's Runner

On a table runner kick, can you tell? But this one's for my mom. :)

Inspired by this tutorial over at the Moda Bakeshop. 

Not quite sure if the modern pattern works with the traditional fabrics. I mean, it works but I don't know that I'd do it again.