Tuesday, November 30, 2010

How to Make a Fleece Tied Blanket

In reference to my previous post "Make Fleece Blankets for Cancer Patients", here are some step by step instructions I thought I'd put together for everyone, especially if it's your first time, : ) like me. It might take awhile.

{Materials Needed}
2 pieces of 1 yard fleece (your choice of color combination)
3x3 cardboard piece
Sissors
Measuring tape


{Step 1}
Lay out your first yard piece on a large flat surface like the floor. Then place your second yard piece ontop of the first piece, lining up 2 sides making them even. You'll have to cut off any excess material so that both pieces are the same size.




{Step 2}
Cut off the excess edges and throw away. Don't fret!! The material with move around and come "unaligned", but you can just adjust, it doesn't have to be perfect.




{Step 3}
Once both pieces are fit, place you 3x3 carboard piece on EACH corner of the place setting; cutting out the corner. This sets up the strips we're going to cut.

 

{Step 4}
Take your measuring tape and measure in 1 inch intervals along the side. These one inch intervals are where you're going to cut along the fabic to make the strands to tie. I cut down to about the same length of the 3x3 piece. See pictures.



{Step 5}
Once you've cut your strips - making sure to stay aligned as well as possible - knot each strand. You can choose to square knot or double knot so they don't come apart in the washer.


{Step 6}
Once all the ends are tied, you're done! Good job!!


* {Note} When you're cutting the strips, test the material and see which 2 sides the material gives on. The side that material stretches with, cut the strips a little larger because they'll pull then when you go to tie the knots.

Make Blankets for Children @ Children's Hospital

I would love if EVERYONE were able to participate! My brother's girlfriend Emily actually had this idea so I definitely have to give her credit for this idea. It's incredbily sweet and the kind of thoughtfulness I think we should all have, myself included.

{Her Idea}: Making fleece tied blankets for the cancer patients at Children's Hospital. We'd like to get as many made as possible and then they'll get delivered on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Put a smile on someone's face and let them know that there are so many people out there thinking about them on this wonderful holiday.

{Directions}: I have attached a link to the website for the instructions on making these blankets. They aren't hard or expensive. Even 1 blanket would make the day for someone so please remember that!

http://www.ehow.com/how_4392701_make-fleece-tied-blanket.html

You can pick any colors or designs! She also requested that the city and state, along with your name, go on the back in the corner.

{Delivery}: The goal is to get as many possible done by Friday December 17th and I'll get them sent out to Emily. Get with me and I will collect all of the blankets when they're ready! Contact me at Ashamrick@aol.com

Here's a sample of what they look like...


Thank you everyone for participating! We'll post pictures when they're delivered!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Kitchen {Before & After}

The kitchen! I don't know about you guys, but for some reason, I love Before and After pictures... so for those of you with the same sickness, here you go : )

Before


 

{We painted the kitchen green from a yellow color... which now, I'm getting the urge to change again so we'll see how that plays out}


{There were no appliances so we added a stainless steel fridge, gas stove and dishwasher. At a later point we did install a microwave above the stove.}


{The opposite side of the kitchen with the dining area. One day I'll convince Steven to extend the kitchen for an ACTUAL dining area : ). }


{The horrible countertops and sink we pulled out of the kitchen. Not sure what these people were thinking or if there was a clearance on maroon, but they had this in the kitchen and bathrooms. No way these good stay! lol}

After

So far we've replaced the countertops, put in new appliances, painted, installed a new cast iron sink and put up doors on the laundry room on the opposite side of the kitchn.

 
Still want to do... install chandelier lighting over the kitchen table and track lighting in place of the recessed lights. Put in a backsplash over the countertops. I'd also like to either replace the cabinets or stain them a cherry color then add knobs and handles. Another goal is to install cabinet molding on top of the cabinets and under cabinet lighting. Man that's a lot!! But we'll get it done eventually : )


{With the new countertops installed. Here's the new sink and faucet}


{Ignore the mess : )... but here's an update so far. I've rearranged a few things with the fall decorations down so I'll post a better pic when I take one. This was just a quicky one.}


More to come!! Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think or if you have any creative ideas!

New Home

To get everyone a little updated, we bought our first home in April and moved in this summer. We had no idea how trying the "buying a house" process would be! I wouldn't recommend it : ) All is over. We purchased a foreclosure home with the idea we were going to fix things up while we're here and eventually sell to make a profit. This was a great investment home for us so I'm going to try and post the projects we go do throughout the timespan, possibly years : ), we get them done. So keep coming back.

Here is the house... {lots of work to do!}



{Exterior work to do}
  • landscaping
  • repainting or residing the house
  • new windows

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Product Additions!

It's been awhile, but for those of you diligent followers, here's a quick update! : )

As I've mention,ed I recently got professional pictures taken of the jewelry with the hopes of creating a catalog in order to expand our exposure. The pictures have turned out amazing thank you to Kayla Folks at http://www.kaylafolks.blogspot.com/ . She does amazing work! If you're interested in receiving a Spring-Summer jewelry catalog, don't hesitate to let me know. Just shot me a quick email to Ashamrick@aol.com letting me know! I hope to get it set up and sent out. The list keeps growing! Here is a quick sample...



As for our new venture, I've partnered up with a friend, Jessica, to do children's gifts and accessories. From bows to pacifier clips, we'll have it and bring it to you. We're currently in the process of loading our products to our Etsy site {www.etsy.com/shop/mysweettrinkets.com}. Go ahead and check it out and spread the word! Here is a quick sample...




Thank you to all of you for your help and support!