Month: July 2013

Summer Sewing – Shorts

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Recently I decided I needed to get rid of a few old pairs of shorts so that gave me a reason to sew up some new ones.  I made these shorts using the Bernina My Label program.  It is a pattern drafting program based on your measurements.  The patterns fit pretty well for the most part but I have had to tweak some things on them.  For example, on these shorts I had to add some to the crotch area – a crotch extension – on the back side or they tended to pull in the back and I hated that.

shorts made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner with Bernina My Label program
shorts made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner with Bernina My Label program

The printed shorts above were the first ones I made to test out the pattern since I had only used it once before.  At the time I didn’t have enough solid color fabric to make any shorts and decided this cotton print would be okay to just wear around the house or on the weekend.  I also added one pocket on the side of these using a pocket pattern from another book I have on skirts called Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt.  I have not made anything from the book yet, just used this pocket pattern on my shorts since I liked the style.  I only put one because I wanted to see how it looked and if I liked the style.

tan shorts with pockets made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner
tan shorts with pockets made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner
tan shorts sewn by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner
tan shorts sewn by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

The tan pair I made using a lightweight cotton fabric.  I decided to sew the pockets on both sides of this pair.  I have already gotten a lot of wear out of these in just the last couple of weeks since finishing them.

red shorts made by Kimberlee with Bernina My Label program
red shorts made by Kimberlee with Bernina My Label program

The red pair of shorts I made with stretch twill fabric I bought at Hobby Lobby.  The fabric has a nice drape and is easy to wear.  It is a bit stretchy and requires a little patience when working with it as it will stretch as you sew if you pull it – kind of like working with knits.  I decided to not do any pockets on these as I figured with the stretch factor they might not look too good.  I also just finished another pair in this same fabric yesterday in the sky blue color.

Overall these shorts turned out well and I like how they fit me.  They sew up very quickly with an elastic waist band so they are a pull on type of short.  For the types of fabrics I used I thought this style was the best choice and often an elastic waistband is much more comfortable than a traditional waistband with a zipper, in my opinion.  Also, depending on the type of shirt or top you wear I think this style of short can be more slimming if you have a good fit.

I think I am all set with shorts now and ready to move on to some other projects.  Thanks for visiting my blog.  To receive regular updates please subscribe via bloglovin, email, or RSS feed in the sidebar.  Have a great day!

 

 

New ebook Bundle of the Week

Bundle #31: Homeschooling Resources

This week’s bundle is packed full of resources for homeschoolers, including five ebooks plus two special bonus offers. With your purchase, you’ll get tips for developing curriculum and teaching specific subjects, printables for you and your students, and encouragement for the school year at a discount of more than 80%!

This collection includes:

Get yours today!

Water Noodle Workout

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Lately I have been trying to swim laps or workout in our pool at least 2 or 3 times per week.  I get tired of swimming traditional laps so I decided to create my own workout using a water noodle – a long foam tube.

 

Water Noodle Workout - 15 - 20 minute workout by Kimberlees Korner
Water Noodle Workout – 15 – 20 minute workout by Kimberlees Korner

If you click here Water Noodle Workout you can view the pdf file and print it if you would like to use the workout I designed.  There are 13 different exercises in this workout, using the foam water noodle.  The workout takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Water workouts are a great way to tone up without a lot of impact on the body or the joints.   This workout will tone your whole body with a focus on the core and the legs.  I hope you enjoy it.

water noodle workout by kimberlees korner
water noodle workout by kimberlees korner

Note:  I designed this workout on my own and took and the photos.  I am not a fitness expert but a mother of 3 who has been working out regularly, on my own or with books and dvds,  for the past 10+ years.  User of this workout assumes all risks when using this workout.

Kale – Cooking and Health Benefits

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Recently I have been introduced to kale and now I love this dark leafy green vegetable.  It is full of lots of health benefits and high in anti aging antioxidants.

saute kale with olive oil
saute kale with olive oil

Here are some of the other health benefits:

  • B vitamins to boost brain power and help prevent memory loss
  • contains lutein which helps prevent eye disease
  • a good source of calcium for your bones
  • silica for the skin, hair, teeth and nails

I have been adding fresh kale leaves to my cranberry fruit smoothies in place of spinach and love the refreshing taste it gives them.  Here are 2 recipes I have been using for smoothies:

smoothie made with cranberry juice, frozen mixed berries, protein powder, yogurt, flaxseed meal and kale
smoothie made with cranberry juice, frozen mixed berries, protein powder, yogurt, flaxseed meal and kale

Cranberry and Kale Smoothie 

  -3/4 cup cranberry juice                                            -3/4 cup frozen mixed berries                                  -1 Tbls flaxseed meal or Chia seeds                         -1/3 cup plain or vanilla yogurt                               -1 scoop vanilla protein powder                              – handful of torn kale leaves-no stems

 

Place all of the above ingredients in blender and blend for 1-2 minutes or until all berries are processed.  Enjoy!

 

 

smoothie ingredients in blender before blended
smoothie ingredients in blender before blended
Orange juice smoothie with frozen berries and fresh kale leaves
Orange juice smoothie with frozen berries and fresh kale leaves

Orange Tropical Smoothie                                     -3/4 cup orange juice                                               -3/4 cup mixed frozen strawberries, pineapple,       mango & peaches

-1/2 cup plain yogurt                                                  -1 Tbls flaxseed meal                                                -1 scoop vanilla protein powder                              -handful kale leaves-no stems

 

 

Place all ingredients in blender and blend 1-2 minutes until smooth.  Enjoy!

 

I first learned of putting kale in smoothies after I joined a green smoothie group on facebook.  The group is called Green Cup of MOJO and has lots of interesting recipes posted regularly.  You can click on the highlighted link to find it – I am not sure if you have to be invited to join.

I have also started cooking kale.  It is similar to cooking with spinach or swiss chard.  Here is a recipe I have tried and we enjoyed:

Kale saute with olive oil, onions and garlic
Kale saute with olive oil, onions and garlic

1 bunch of kale                                                            1 to 2 Tbls olive oil                                                      3 to 4 cloves of chopped garlic                                   1/2 onion chopped into large pieces

Directions:  Saute kale in olive oil until it cooks down – stir frequently so it doesn’t burn.  Add garlic and onions and saute 2 or 3 more minutes.  Serve.

 

 

Thanks for visiting my blog.  Please follow via RSS feed or with bloglovin to receive regular updates.  Have a great day!

 

 

 

Bundle of the Week ebooks on Homemaking

Bundle #30: Homemaking

A little organization and pre-planning goes a long way when you’re managing a home, and this week’s bundle will help you get organized, tame the paper clutter and simplify your home. Plus, discover the secrets for throwing a party without the stress and get all of the printables you need to set up your home management notebook today!

This week only, get all 4 ebooks plus more than 300 printables for just $7.40, a savings of more than 75%!

Planner Perfect by Jenny Penton
Planner Perfect: A Fresh Idea on Organizing Your Life is designed to help you become a master at managing your home. Intended for moms during every season of life, you’ll find tips for creating a space of your own, effectively using a calendar, organizing in a way that maximizes your strengths and talents, vacation planning, prioritizing your health, keeping your home clean, meal planning and more!

Plan a Fabulous Party {Without Losing Your Mind} by Mary Carver
From baby showers to birthday parties, we all know that hosting a party usually ends up being more stressful than we hope it will! In Plan a Fabulous Party {Without Losing Your Mind}, Mary walks you through the steps involved in planning any type of party and leaves you prepared to handle unexpected complications or challenges. With questions and prompts, reminders about possible stumbling blocks, planning checklists, survival stories and last-minute cleaning tips, this guide is a must have before your next party, big or small.

10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa Woodruff
Can you imagine being able to find any piece of paper in your house anytime you needed it? 10 Steps to Organized Paper will motivate, encourage and lead you step-by-step through turning your mountains of paper into organized systems. Not only will Lisa walk you through the paper purging process, but she’ll also help you create a system that’s easy to maintain so that you can find the papers you need when you need them!

Homestead Simplicity by Lisa Barthuly
Sometimes it can be difficult to strike a balance between simple living and wanting the best for our family. In Homestead Simplicity: A Primer, Lisa shares her simple hints, tips and recipes to inspire and encourage you. Discover Lisa’s secrets to cooking from scratch (easily!), keeping your pantry stocked, making and using homemade cleaners and toiletries and more, including some of her favorite recipes.

The Life Your Way Printables Complete Download Pack from Mandi Ehman
With more than 300 printable pages to help you get organized, The Life Your Way Printables Complete Download Pack includes both full-size and half-size home management printables, cheat sheats, holiday planners and more, plus free monthly updates with new printables!

The Homemaking bundle is only available through 8am EST on Monday, 7/29. Get yours today!

Craftsy Summer Class Sale

Craftsy

 

Have you taken an online Craftsy class yet?  I first learned about Craftsy over a year ago and took the   Jean-ius class, this is a class on how to sew your own jeans by using an existing pair of jeans you love to make a pattern.  I have been sewing for over 25 years but learned lots of great techniques and tips on how to sew jeans to make them look professional.  If you check out my pinterest board on my sewing projects you can see my jeans or through my craftsy projects.

I am writing this post to inform you that Craftsy is having a summer sale on some of their classes.  This would be a great time to try out an online class for a very low price.  Here are some of the advantages to taking a Craftsy class:

  • watch it when you want to – learn at your own pace
  • watch the class as many times as you want to – once you buy it you have it forever and can access it at any time
  • lots of great knowledgeable instructors

I have also taken the Just Shoot It class on photography and learned a great deal more about my camera and how to take better photos (still improving them all the time though).  This class also inspired me to buy a better camera – a Canon DSLR.  Having a nice DSLR has also made a great difference in my photos.

I am also signed up for a few other classes that I have not yet totally completed.  I bought those classes on a previous craftsy sale knowing that I can take them whenever I want to on my own time.

You can click on the link above to view the online sale.  They offer lots of different types of classes on a variety of crafts – click above to check them out.  The sale ends this Sunday July 21, 2013 so don’t delay.

Thanks for visiting my blog.  Please follow me via RSS feed or through bloglovin by clicking on either icon in the sidebar to receive future updates.  Have a great weekend!

 

 

Upcycle Project – Old Jeans into Bag

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I finally finished the denim bag I started over 2 months ago.  The project got put aside when I began working on some new skirts and shorts and my summer tunic.  Too many ideas and projects and not enough time is forever a problem!  Here is my finished bag:

Bag by www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
Front side of bag by www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
Back of denim jeans bag by Kimberlees Korner
Back of denim jeans bag by Kimberlees Korner

This bag was made using a very old pair of jeans that were mine – I had not worn them in many years.  Below are the steps I used to make this bag.  Really if you want to make an upcycled bag you can just kind of go with it and use your own ideas and sewing skills.  That is more or less how I created mine.

1.  Cut off the jeans at the crotch area – draw a chalk line and cut

draw chalk line at crotch area of jeans and cut on line
draw chalk line at crotch area of jeans and cut on line

2.  Even up the bottom and sew a little at the lower crotch area to straighten the seam on front and back side

sew lower crotch area to be a straight seam on front and back side
sew lower crotch area to be a straight seam on front and back side

3.  Do machine embroidery wherever you desire – I did mine on lower pocket areas and made it so I could use the pockets

machine embroidery on denim bag by www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
machine embroidery on denim bag by www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog

4.  Lay the denim bag section over your lining fabric and cut out lining

cut out lining by laying denim section over lining fabric
cut out lining by laying denim section over lining fabric

5. Cut straps from denim leg pieces and lining fabric – I did mine 23 in. long by 2 in. wide – cut 2 of each

cutting straps from jean leg section
cutting straps from jean leg section

 

cut straps from lining fabric using jean piece for guide
cut straps from lining fabric using jean piece for guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Cut tab closure piece  – 6 in. long by 2 1/2 in. wide – 1 denim, 1 fabric and 1 interfacing                                 Angle one end 60 degrees if you want it to be slanted not straight

cut tab closure at a 60 degree angle
cut tab closure at a 60 degree angle

 

cut tab closure of denim with RS of fabric facing down
cut tab closure of denim with RS of fabric facing down

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Sew up bottom of bag with 1/2 in. seam allowance and square off ends of bag by sewing in 1 1/2 in.            on each corner – I cut this off after sewing to remove bulk

sew a straight line 1 1/2 in. from corner to box bag bottom
sew a straight line 1 1/2 in. from corner to box bag bottom

8.  Sew up lining on sides and bottom and square off ends as done in step 7

9.  Cut 2 circles aprrox. 6 in. around and cut into a spiral for the scrappy flowers

6 inch circle for scrappy flower
6 inch circle for scrappy flower

10.  Sew scrappy flowers by using a stitch length of 5 and stitch 1/4 in. away from edge of inner side of cut        spiral.  Pull to thread to gather and coil fabric into a circular flower.  Stitch with narrow zigzag in the              middle to hold flower in place.

Cut circle into a spiral
Cut circle into a spiral

 

sew along inner edge of spiral piece with long stitch length to gather for scrappy flower
sew along inner edge of spiral piece with long stitch length to gather for scrappy flower

 

coiling flower up after gathering to create flower
coiling flower up after gathering to create flower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Sew scrappy flower to back pocket of bag on corner

12.  Straps – sew down each long side with RS together using edge of presser as a seam guide.  Turn RS        out using a dowel.  Press and topstitch edge of each strap – baste straps in desired area on top edge            of bag

use edgestitch foot to topstitch edge of straps
use edgestitch foot to topstitch edge of straps

13.  Sew tab closure – fuse interfacing to lining – sew tab with RS together around long edges and angled          end – leave straight top side open – clip corners and turn RS out

sewing of tab closure
sewing of tab closure

 

 

baste straps and closure tab to edges of bag
baste straps and closure tab to edges of bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.  Use a 1 to 1 1/2 in. piece of velcro to sew onto tab on fabric side of tab and other side of velcro to                denim bag – I place one verical and 1 horizontal for easy adjustable closure.  After sewing velcro on            sew tab with basting stitch onto middle of bag

15.  Fold down approx. 1 in. on top of open lining part of bag with WS together

16.  Place lining WS out down into denim bag.  Using edge stitch foot sew around bag to close up lining            and secure straps and tab in place – you can then remove basting stitches

place lining inside bag WS tog. and sew around top using an edgestitch foot
place lining inside bag WS tog. and sew around top using an edgestitch foot

17.  Make small pleat on either side edge of bag, if desired, to make opening at the top a little smaller

18.  Sew other scrappy flower onto tab closure with narrow zigzag stitch to hide velcro stitching

Bag is done!  Fill it with stuff!

denim upcycled bag from Kimberlees Korner
denim upcycled bag from Kimberlees Korner

Recommended items for easier sewing:

  • denim needles size 90 or 100
  • edgestitch foot for topstitching
  • quality sewing thread

This is a fun and easy way to recycle jeans.  I made another bag like this about a year ago using some sewing embroidery motifs and sewing fabric for the lining.  I did not put the tab closure on that bag because I wanted to use it for a knitting tote not a purse.  The flower one I am using as a purse.  

recycled denim - jeans turned into knitting bag by Kimberlees Korner
recycled denim – jeans turned into knitting bag by Kimberlees Korner

 

recycled denim bag - jeans turned into a knitting bag by Kimberlees Korner
recycled denim bag – jeans turned into a knitting bag by Kimberlees Korner

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently I am working on some other ideas for using old jeans.  To receive future updates on my other projects subscribe via RSS feed or through bloglovin by clicking on the icons in the sidebar.  Have a great day!

Sewing – Summer Tunic

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navy tunic made by Kimberlees Korner www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
navy tunic made by Kimberlees Korner

This is one of my latest summer sewing projects that I finished recently – this navy tunic top.  I made this top using Simplicity pattern 1668.  Once again it was one of those bargain 99 cent patterns I got from Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago.  The pattern can also be made into a dress with a waist tie.  So far I have only made the tunic.

I love this top!  It is lightweight and comfortable to wear.  The size I made, according to my measurements, fits well.  Although I think the next time I will scoop out a little more depth for the arm syce area.  I prefer for my sleeveless tops to have a little more depth under the arm.  I think it is because I have bigger shoulders so I usually need a little more room in this area.  Another great thing about this top is it matched my chevron skirt that I also made recently.

The top has a gathered shoulder area and a gathered front that has elastic in the center.  The back of the top has a large pleat.  See photos below for front and back views:

navy summer tunic top - matches with my chevron skirt I made   both items sewn by Kimberlees Korner
navy summer tunic top – matches with my chevron skirt I made
both items sewn by Kimberlees Korner
back view of navy summer tunic made by Kimberlees Korner
back view of navy summer tunic made by Kimberlees Korner

This pattern has quite a few pattern pieces but is fairly easy to sew.  I would recommend it to anyone with intermediate sewing skills.  Sewing the front elastic casing area was a little involved and requires some patience.  Also, for the armhole facing I did not use the recommended bias tape – I just made my own from 1.5 inch bias strips.

I made this particular top out of a lightweight broadcloth.  I am planning to make another one this summer.  I have not decided what color yet – maybe white so it will go with everything.

Currently I am working on a denim upcycle bag made from old jeans.  I am hoping to finish it soon so I can post it on my blog in the next week.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  To receive updates you can subscribe via RSS feed or through bloglovin by clicking on either icon in the sidebar.  Have a great day!

 

 

Ebook Bundle of the Week #29 Cooking

 

 

Bundle #29: Cooking Basics

This week’s bundle takes you back to the basics with 5 cooking resources to help you meal plan, create your own recipes, make homemade condiments and reduce waste. With a little planning, you can save time and money in your kitchen, and this week only get all 5 ebooks for just $7.40, or 85% off their list price!

How To Cook For Yourself by Rachael Roehmholdt
How To Cook For Yourself: A Complete Beginner’s Guide is your guide to meal planning, grocery store strategizing, and learning the ins and outs of cooking basics and techniques. Rachel takes you through the entire process of selecting meals, grocery shopping, and getting a great meal on the table in no time. Learn how to cook for yourself in a way that is simple and can easily integrate with your life, right now!

Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil by Mary Platis and Laura Bashar
Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil is a fabulous resource for cooks of all experience, from the novice to the professional. With detailed descriptions, a variety of recipes for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, and plenty of beautiful and vivid photographs, Mary and Laura show you how to poach, braise, marinate, infuse, and even bake with olive oil!

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha Faber
Making your own condiments isn’t difficult! Restocking the Pantry is packed with nearly 75 pages of recipes and tips, and Kresha shows you exactly how easy it is – not to mention frugal and healthy – to make your own favorites at home, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, hot sauce and more, for a total of 55 recipes!

Design a Dish by Millie Copper
In Design a Dish, Millie shows you how to use formulas rather than recipes to design dishes with the ingredients that are available so that you can reduce food waste and save money! Once you start using formulas for your meals you will discover just how easy it is to nourish your family for less!

From Garbage to Gourmet by Carrie Isaac
From Garbage to Gourmet features more than 80 recipes and creative ideas for using things like broccoli stalks, potato peels, carrot ends, herb stems, corn cobs, and more, plus hundreds of strategies to help you prevent food waste and create delicious food out of things you normally throw away. Carrie has taken the strategies she’s learned in her quest to reduce waste and stretch her budget and packaged them in a beautiful ebook that will make you forget you’re reading about food waste!

The Cooking Basics bundle is only available through 8am EST on Monday, 7/22. Get yours today!

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