D.I.Y

Three and Sweet as Can Bee

Dear Sis,

Celebrating Charlotte’s third birthday with family and friends was a joyous occasion. Josh’s parents and Great Granny arrived the night before. 

Party Game: Honey Bee Tree

Bee Hive Cupcakes

We found the bee liners and candy bees at Hobby Lobby.

The bee plates, napkins, cutouts used as wall decor, and thank you cards were also purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Charlotte enjoyed all the thoughtful gifts from friends and family!

Bee Craft

We found these wooden bees at Target over the summer.

Party Favors: Honey Bee Soaps

Thanks for buzzing by!

Love,

b

Sheer Dress Redone

Hi Sis,

Early this week, I sadly posted this sheer dress for sale. While, it wasn’t my first creation, as I had made a few dresses before the kids where born. It was the project, that turned me into a seamstress. Prior, to this dress my sewing was a means to end. Now, I sew for fun! This dress sparked the sewing of of over a dozen dresses within about a years time, as well as other projects. For once, my knitting needles are laying in their basket, wondering when I am going to pick them up again… probably this winter. lol.

The dress had a few issues, and as a delicate fabric I didn’t want to reconstruct it. Here was the dress originally. It was a beautiful cream, with trimmed sleeves.

  • The dress had a washing accident, where the hem tape bleed color onto the bodice and upper skirt. I fixed this by dyeing the whole dress. But, it never looked as beautiful in my eyes again, as it did when it was cream.
  • While washing and dyeing the dress, the sleeve trim was ruined, and had to be removed.
  • The dress was too short, I’m talking 5-7 inches off the ground. I had used all the fabric to make dress.
  • I returned to my post baby weight, and the bodice didn’t fit any more. And as a seamstress, and ill fitting bodice is a hard thing to look at, especially if you made it!

I’m goofing in this picture, but I think it shows a a few of the issues, that were driving me crazying.

 

I posted it for sale in the morning, and was anxious all day.  It was a 10 p.m while laying in bed, unable to sleep… that I figured out solutions to all of my problems. I really didn’t have to do that much seam ripping, and I sure didn’t have to take apart the bodice to fix it. I found away to drop the skirt almost three inches. 

Thankfully, I woke up the next morning, and the dress hadn’t sold. I removed it’s listings, took it to the sewing room, and fixed it.

On the first day, I removed the skirt from the bodice, and took in the sides seams. This was a bit slow, as I had to remove the pipping on the bottom, and restitch the hook and eye tape back on. I also, found some matching silk ribbon, and used it to create an outline on the sleeves.

On the second day, I seam ripped the entire flounce of the skirt, and reset it 2.75 inches lower.

And today, I stitched the skirt back onto the bodice. Eve (my four year old photographer) took these photos.

If you look closely, you will see that the back of the skirt is still too short… but it is better than before. It’s on a hillside, but the back is still over 4 inches off the ground. I can drop the entire back panel another 1/2 inch, and I think I will! But, as a whole the dress is much improved,. I’m relieved that it didn’t sell, and I can’t wait to wear it!

Love,

Jamie

 Clicking on an advertisement helps cover the expense of hosting our blog. Thank you for your support!




Pre-K Round Up for Eve

Dear Sis,

I know Eve is only a third of the way through preschool, but I wanted to make this post for you before my recollection fades too much. William is four weeks into Kindergarten now and that is quickly becoming my new normal!!! 

Art/Fine Motor

Emotional Intelligence/Health

All materials are in the borrow box.

Language

You will need to order all these items:

Math

Science

Social Studies

All materials except consumables are in the borrow box.

Thinking Skills

I hope this helps!

Love,

b




Longhorn NB-5T Regency Frock

Dear Sis,

We are finally working on adding a new era to our impression wardrobe! I’m started with Charlotte because I thought it would be a great way to ease myself in.

I found an e-pattern on Etsy: Longhorn NB-5T Frock sold by Virgil’s Fine Goods. It went together very nicely!

I fully lined the dress with white muslin so that it functions without an undergarment. The outer fabric is a sheer we found at JoAnn’s with the shirting fabrics. They had the same fabric in blue as well. 

All these drawstrings make the garment very flexible in size! The growth tucks also will help the gown grow with the child. The pattern suggests that with small modifications this same gown should fit from 3T-5T!

I used machine sewing anywhere the stitching would not be visible from the outside to save time. So you will notice the running stitch on the top layer of tucks, but machine stitching on the petticoat layer:)

Love,

b

Blue Cotton Sheer Dress

Hi Sis, 

I finally used up that fabric that we have been storing since 2013. Your originally purchased this fabric for the 150th Gettysburg Anniversary. While, you where busy figuring out how to make a corset for me, I was putting together two sheer dresses for both of us. My pink sheer turned out wonderfully, but your blue sheer looked like a giant great-grandmother’s nightgown with a hoop skirt.

Now, with more sewing experience, and knowledge of what looks better for your body type and height, I’m sure I could have made this dress into something much nicer for you. Due to your height, I’ve determined that adding something to the waist and bottom of the skirt, seems to help balance your overall silhouette, when we are working with very light shades of fabric. Also, custom fitted sleeves are a huge deal. Those bishop sleeves where so big, you could have used them as fishing net.

I’m sorry, I turned you into the pajama monster! But, I actually used most of your dress pieces from your old dress, to make this one. I only had to cut a a back and one sleeve out of scrap and left over fabric. And we still have one bodice… apparently, we tried to make two for you, and about a yard left. Eve wants a matching dress, but she told me not to make anything for Grant. It’s just supposed to be me and her that are matching this time. lol

Speaking of Eve, my recently turned four year old… she took all of these pictures! She had a blast, she loves to take pictures! She even says photographer, which is mouthful for her. I of course had to delete many photos where my head is chopped off, and I have a million pictures of plants. 

For dress construction, I actually used patterns!!! That is rather odd for me, as I generally make stuff up. lol I used the Past Patterns “A Sheer Muslin Dress with Bishop Sleeves, and Over-sleeves, for the sleeve pattern. I did make the bishop sleeve a lot smaller.  I know bigger sleeves where fashionable, but I generally go for smaller sleeves. For the bodice, I used Past Patterns, Pleated Bodice. Note for anyone using that pattern… I think the waist is very short, and the sizing for the measurement chart was off. My mock up was four sizes away from what I would have thought I needed, by looking at the sizing chart. Anyway, it wasn’t complicated, and it turned out very nice! If I make it again, I think I will tweak the back a bit more. I don’t really like the big puff. But, on a sheer I don’t find it offensive, but I am considering using the pattern on a wool or silk. 

For the skirt, I cartridge pleated it. And I paired the dress with a sash from one of my other dresses.

Love,

Jamie

Homemade Challah

Dear Sis,

We recently signed up for PJ Library. The kids are enjoying the books that come each month and I enjoy sharing Jewish tradition with them with fun age appropriate stories and activities. Charlotte’s most recent board book had a recipe for Challah in the back and both the kids were eager to make it!

Baking Challah in Bulk Batches

Having fresh challah on hand for shabbat and holidays can be as easy as pulling it out of the freezer early in the day. This recipe makes 6 traditional loaves or 12 mini loaves for smaller families who don’t need a full loaf for a single meal. Toppings and add-ins create variety. This time me made two sugar topped with chocolate chips added, two loaves cinnamon sugar topped raisins added, and two loaves topped with sesame seeds. 

Ingredients

  • 5 c + 1 T warm water, divided
  • 4 t dry active yeast
  • 1 c granulated sugar
  • 1 (5 lb. bag) unbleached bread flour
  • 4 eggs, divided
  • 1 avocado cup oil, divided
  • 2 T salt

Dough Preparation

  1. Dissolve yeast in 5 c warm water, in a large non-metal bowl. Stand until dissolved. Meanwhile, in another bowl whisk together 1/2 the flour and the salt. 
  2. Stir sugar into yeast mixture until dissolved. Stir in remaining flour, 3 eggs, and 1/2 c oil to make a pasty dough.
  3. Stir in 1 c salted flour at a time until too thick. Then knead in each addition until dough is smooth an elastic. Brush surface of dough with oil. Cover and rise 2 hours. 

Shaping Loaves

  1. Divide dough into loaf portions, 6 regular or 12 mini. Working with one loaf portion at a time, divide into 4-6 portions and roll out. I prefer 4 strands because it makes a narrow loaf that is perfect for my kids little hands:)
  2. If you wish to incorporate add-ins, press flatten the dough length a bit and arrange the raisins, milk chocolate chips, or other add-in in the center. Then fold the dough around the raisins and roll to seal and reshape into a rope. 
  3. Braid the loaf. Video tutorial: How to Braid Challah 
  4. Place loaves on parchment lined baking sheets, 2 loaves or 4 mini loaves per sheet. Brush with oil, cover, and rise 45 minutes.

Baking

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, beat together an egg and 1 T warm water to make an egg wash.
  2. Brush each loaf with egg wash.
  3. If you wish to add toppings to your loaves, now is the time. We put sugar on our chocolate chip loaves, cinnamon sugar on our raisin loaves, and sesame seeds on our plain loaves.
  4. Bake 20-30 minutes. Baking time varies by loaf size. 

Freezing Loaves for Later Use

  1. Wrap warm loaves in foil. Place in freezer bag. Cool completely. Freeze for later.
  2. Thaw early in the day you intend to use the loaf. Serve challah at room temperature or reheat in foil covering to serve warm.

Shabbat Shalom!

Love,

b




Homemade Peppermint Yogurt Soap

Dear Sis,

This recipe was originally written in 2015 as three individual posts because the process is done over a span of several days. You pointed out that it would be easier for our visitors to have all the information in one place, so here goes:)

PART ONE

Supplies

  • Scale
  • Ice Cube Tray
  • Glass Liquid Measuring Cups
  • 2 High Side Stainless Bowls or Pots
  • 2 Long Handle Stainless or Plastic Spoons, preferable slotted
  • Digital Insta-Read Waterproof Thermometer
  • Immersion Blender
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Square Silicone Pan or Soaps Molds
  • Plastic Dishpan & Vinegar
  • pH testing strips

Ingredients

  • 4.5 oz distilled water
  • 4.5 oz whole milk yogurt
  • 9 oz coconut oil
  • 21 oz olive oil
  • 4.1 oz bead lye (sodium hydroxide)
  • 2 t peppermint oil

Safety

  • Hair Tied Back
  • Onion Googles
  • Long Sleeve Top
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Long Pants or Skirt
  • Apron
  • Socks & Closed Toe Shoes

Yogurt Soap Preparation

  1. Measure distilled water and whole milk yogurt.
  2. Whisk together water and yogurt.
  3. Pour into ice cube tray.
  4. Freeze.

Frozen




PART TWO

Step One – Measure Fats

Measure Fats

Place the 21 oz olive oil in the largest of the 2 High Sided Stainless bowls or pots. 

Measure 9 oz coconut oil in a microwave safe dish. Microwave until melted.

Step Two – Work Spaces

Lye Station

Lye Station

Place frozen yogurt/water cubes in the smaller of the 2 High Sided Stainless bowls or pots. Set out a thermometer, spoon, contained lye, and the googles, gloves, and apron. 

Blending Station

Blending Station

Set out measured fats, immersion blender, spatula, and mold.

Neutralizing Station

Nutralizing Station

Fill dishpan with warm water. Add a few splashes of vinegar.

Vinegar water solution neutralized lye. Use this water solution to wipe down surface and tool that may have come in contact with lye. 

Step Three – Measure Lye

Take care to pull back hair, dress in long sleeves, pants or a long skirt, with socks and closed-toe shoes, and put on apron, googles, and gloves.

Measure Lye

Gently spoon bead lye into dish to measure 4.1 oz.

Step Four – Dissolve Lye

Dissolve Lye

In a well ventilated area, pour lye into frozen yogurt cubes.

Stir continuously. Begin measuring temperature when cubes are nearly thawed.

Dissolve Lye

Continue stirring continuously, until temperature plateaus. It may take up to five minutes. Don’t jump the gun on this step, for as long as the temperature is rising, the lye is still dissolving. If you proceed too soon, there will be undissolved lye in your soap! You’re pH test will flop for sure. My batch plateaued at 70.3 degrees for a full minute and a half before I went on to the next step.

Step Five – Saponification

Saponification is the chemical process which occurs between the lye (base) and fats (acids), that results in soap.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to get photos for this step. I ran out of hands:( …but I’ll give more written details to compensate.

Combining Fats & Dissolved Lye

Pour melted coconut oil into olive oil. (All fats should now be in the larger of the 2 High Sided Stainless bowls or pots.) Pour dissolve lye into fats. Stir by hand a bit. Then add 2 t peppermint oil, if using.

Blending

Trade spoon for an immersion blender. Place the thermometer in the mixture again. As you blend the oil will loose its translucent quality. You may notice an ammonia like odor as you work. This odor is normal and harmless as long as you are working in a well ventilated area. The mixture will thicken, lighten in color, and become opaque. A low powered immersion blender’s motor will even change pitch as the mixture thickens. The thermometer will show another temperature spike as these changes occur, four degrees or so.

Pour into Mold

Mold

Pour saponified mixture into mold(s). Using a spatula to scrape the bowl or pot clean.

Place the molds in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Then remove to room temperature. The soap should be solid in about 12 hours.

Step Six – Clean up

Leave the goggles, gloves, and upon on until clean up is complete.

  1. All items that have lye or soap mixture on them, should be rubbed down with dish soap directly before rinsing well with hot water.
  2. Wipe down all work surfaces with vinegar solution.
  3. Wash gloves in hot soapy water, dip in vinegar solution, and towel dry hands before removing safely gear. 




STEP THREE

pH Testing

pH test

Moisten soaps surface with distilled water. Rub a pH test strip into the damp paste.

Safe soap is in the range of 7 to 10.

For a pH of 11 or 12, let soap sit a few more days and test again.

For readings above 12, only handle soap with gloves. Although pH will decrease over time, a pH of 12 or higher should be discarded.

Cutting

Cutting

I prefer a chefs knife, but a large pizza cutter or a cheese wire are also tools practical for cutting soap into bars. I cut my square mold 3×3, for a total of 9 bars.

Bars

Bars II

Curing

Curing

Curing means simply allowing the soap to dry out a spell. Place on a rack to increase air circulation in a location free of excessive humidity. Stand 1 month before using.

There is no harm in using uncured soap, it just gets gummy and disappears very quickly. It is well worth the wait!

Happy Soap Making!

Love,

b