Friday, January 17, 2014

Phat Food Friday: Seasoned Cheezy Sausage Bites

 
 
Today I am sharing with you one of my FAVORITE recipes!
You may have tried a similar version...but THIS on has been perfected.
I first tried these treats at my mother in laws house during the holidays.
They are so good, I make them nearly every week.
Why? Because they bake quickly, are DELICIOUS and are super easy to reheat.
Read on for my tips on the BEST Seasoned Cheesy Sausage bites!
 
 
 
Gather your ingredients:
  • 2 cups Bisquick
  • 1 cup Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour
  • 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • One 16 oz. roll of Jimmy Dean Sausage, softened
  •  (You can use their hot sausage if your family likes spicy foods...
  • I use the regular sausage for the kid friendly crowd here)
  •  1 1/2 Tablespoon scoop ~optional
  • 1"x11"x17" jelly roll pan.
 
 Preheat your oven to 375⁰
 
 
 
Measure out 2 cups of Bisquick and add to your mixing bowl.
 
 
 Measure out 1 cup of seasoned flour and add to your mixing bowl.
 
 
Add 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the
16 oz. roll of Jimmy Dean Sausage, softened (I let it sit on the counter while I get everything else out...this step helps mixing everything together).
 
 
Mix all ingredients together.
You can do this step by hand if desired.
 
 
When all ingredients are combined...
 
 
Grab your handy 1 1/2 Tablespoon scoop ...
 
 
and drop even scppos of your mixture onto your 1"x11"x17" jelly roll pan.
 
 
You can spoon them out and roll by hand if you don't have the scoop
...it is just helpful for uniform sizes: )
I like to roll them so they are nice and uniform, but this step is optional.
 
 
Slide them in the  375⁰ oven and bake 12 minutes.
Remove from pan and inhale enjoy!
 
 
These are great for a quick breakfast, or after school snack.
 
Plus they are great party appetizers!
 
Fort later: let them cool then store in an airtight Tupperware or zip lock bag in the fridge.
To reheat:
Spray plate with water.
Place Sausage Bites on plate.
Cover with a damp paper towel or they will DRY out.
Microwave for 10-12 seconds per ball (3 pieces=30 seconds)
 
Mmmm....have a tasty day!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

DIY: "Coloring Book" Fabric Tablecloth!

 
I am SO excited to be sharing with you my first project for 2014!
Although, I have had this project on my "MUST do" list since this past fall.
I first laid eyes on this fabric while surfing my Facebook sewing groups.
I knew I HAD to have it!
 
 
 
Being an art teacher, my mind went into overdrive...OH the possibilities!
Currently, I am a stay at home mom to my toddler.
She LOVES to color and I had to do something for her that would get lots of use.
 
 
Tips for using this fabric...
WASHABLE Crayola crayons and markers completely come out when washed in hot.
Permanent markers like sharpies will NOT come out, AT ALL.
 
This fabric is the Tindy from Ikea.
You can view all of the specifics on it here:
Unfortunately, you cannot order this fabric online. You need to go into an Ikea to purchase it.
It has a lightweight canvas feel to it, but it is no too bulky that you can not sew though it easily.
If you can not get to an Ikea, there are great tutorials online that show you how you can draw your own fabric that is similar to this!
 
 
In just a few easy steps, you will have a custom fit table cloth for your little one.
 
You will need:
  • 1 and 2/3yard black grosgrain ribbon, cut into eight 7.5" pieces
  • One yard of Tindy fabric from Ikea
  • White thread
  • Pinking shears
  • Cutting ruler & Rotary cutter OR Scissors
  • Iron
 
 
 
First, determine what size your table is, and add 4" to the length and width measurements.
For example, my table was 21"x 21" so I needed to cut a square 25" x 25".
 
 
Make sure you line up the edges of your fabric nice and straight.
 
 
Next, I serged off just a bit (less than a 1/4") of the fabric edge.
 
 
I repeated this on all four sides..
 
 
 When finished, I have a nice straight edge that will not fray!
*If you do not have a serger, simply fold over the edge of the fabric 1/2" and press for this step.
 
 
 
Next, fold over the edge of the fabric 1" and press.
 
 
Topstitch all four sides. First, 3/8" in from the edge of the fabric, then repeat 5/8" in from the edge.
Your neat stitches will look like the photo above.
 
 
Next, you should place the table upside down on the fabric.
 
 
Determine the amount and angle that you will trim the corners off at.
 
 
Cut.
 
 
Repeat the same steps for all four corners.
 
 Next, Cut out 4 strips of fabric 6" x 4". These pieces will be folded in half then in half again to create bias edge trim for the corners. This will hide the ties that we will sew on next.
 
Be sure to fold in the short edges too.
 
 Now, lay one piece of bias strip right sides together on top of the corner edge as shown above and pin in place.
Then, lay two of the end pieces of ribbon on top of the edges.
Zigzag stitch the ribbon securely in place as shown above.
 
 
Fold your bias strip over, then over again as shown above.
 
 
Stitch the bias strip down securely, making sure to catch the front and back of the strip. Press.
 
 
Voilà! 
 
 
 
Tie those four corners to your table legs, and you are all set!
 
 
Wow! It worked...
 
 
& she LOVES it...almost as much as I do!

 
 
Here is the wash test I did on a few scraps...
Washable crayons worked well and came out 90% with only the detergent...when pretreated with pray n wash...these came out 100%
But the washable markers came out 100%
 
 
Thanks for stopping by!
Have a COLORFUL day!
 
 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Holiday letter to all sewists!

Well, living here in the remote Alaskan landscape has brought me back to one of my very first creative outlets...SEWING! I learned how to sew slowly through my childhood, and made my first dress at fifteen. I put the skill on the shelf until needed for mending and alterations. I pursued my art education degree through my twenties and then taught for a few years. Now, I am a stay at home mother and having moved here it has been difficult for me. Family and friends are in the Midwest and on the east coast. so, it is rare to never that I get to visit.
 
 
See that...NO JOANNE'S! Aaaahhhh! Can you tell I'd rather be sewing than 4 wheeling?
 
Having rainy weather and a napping baby, I began to sew again! It has been a great creative and artistic outlet for me while I am "stranded" here on this Alaskan island. I have found many great friends and comrades in sewing thru a few different online forums. It has been a fantastic way for me to share my hobby, ask for help in the craft and to build friendships. Thanks to all you ladies for being there for me! Some days here it is just so dark, dreary and cold~ but your friendships have helped me through to the sunny spots : )
 
 
Yup...July at the ocean here requires many water proof layers...the water IS freezing!
 
Through my sewing journey this past 2 and a half years, I have discovered the joys and fails associated with pdf patterns, serging, pattern testing, having an Etsy shop, and blogging. Throughout  my time here I am glad that I have had the chance to expand my skills and sew for my family!
 
I want to share with you all a few pieces of clothing that I am so proud of! The patterns came from my favorite pattern shop: Create Kids Couture. Their paper and pdf patterns are fantastic! These patterns are fabulous boutique designs that are easy to follow and result in heirloom garments!
The ladies on staff are so helpful and kind as well. If you have any questions or problems understanding the info, they are there to help.
 
 
Here is the newest pdf release for Create Kids Couture...
 Petunia's Pretty Petal Dress and Pants PDF Pattern
 
 
THIS smile makes it even more fun!
 
 
My little dollie here just started to say "pitty" (pretty) when she wears her dresses!
  
 
 
WOW! Look at ALL that poof in the skirt...no tulle either!
 
 
So, naturally for the holidays, I had to make a CKC mash up!
 
 
What is a mash up~ you ask?!
Its when you take a few of their patterns and combine your favorite features.
 
 
I just love the ruffles, pick ups and lace!
 
 
Thanks ladies....
for your help, inspiration, sewing support, friendship
and most of all for allowing me to SHARE with you!
 
 
Hope you have beautiful,  Happy Hoildays!

Monday, December 9, 2013

DIY: Shirred Sash with Removable Rosettes!

 
With the holiday season in full swing, every little girl needs a dress to show off!
My little dollie will be wearing this lovely lace trimmed tress, the Joy from Create Kids Couture.
 
 
Now, my little sweetie is a skinny thing AND she refuses to wear the sash that is included with the pattern...so I had to improvise! 
 

 
I whipped up this lovely lace belt with shirring. To make wrestling dressing her even easier, I added the fantastic KAM snaps to the ends of this cute belt. Now dressing her is a cinch!
 
The key to the belt sizing is to cut the fabric to your desired length and width.
I usually make mine about 2.5" - 3" wide.
The length you need to cut is waist measurement plus 6" (5" will cinch up with shirring and the extra 1" allows 1/2" seam allowance for the short ends).
For example, my daughter has a 19" waist, so I cut a 25" long strip of fabric.
Easy peasy!
First, I simply roll hem the long edges to start.
Next, you need to fold over the short raw edges and stitch them down.
Then, you shirr! I have an easy tutorial for shirring here:
Finally, when you are finished shirring, attach 2 KAM snaps to each short end of your belt!
 
 
 
To dress up the sash, and give it a boutique look, I added a rosette to the belt.
You can find my free tutorial on how to make one here:
 
 
 
To get the most use out of this darling creation, I also added a KAM snap to the back of the rosette and to the front of the sash. Now, I can use the sash without a rosette, or even add a pretty heart for Valentines Day!
 
Instead of sewing the rosette onto a headband, I stitched it onto a small fabric square. The square is small enough to be hidden behind the rosette and it is 2 layers of fabric for durability. Be sure to add the snap BEFORE you stitch on your rosette!
 
You can purchase these great pliers and snaps here:

 
Of course, I HAD to whip up a coordinating boutique headband to match! 


 
Hopefully, pictures with Santa will get smiles this year!
 
Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day!