Month: May 2013

Honey Vanilla Chamomile Iced Tea

Honey Vanilla Chamomile Iced Tea

I love to try out new iced tea recipes when the weather gets warmer.  I decided to try this version of the Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile tea.  It is very refreshing and relaxing on a hot day.  Chamomile is commonly used to help with sleep so I enjoy drinking a glass in the evening.  You can find more info on Chamomile at this link.

Here is how I made my iced tea:

  • Place 4 cups water in pot or tea kettle – bring to a boil (I used a pot since I no longer have a tea kettle) 
  • Turn off heat
  • Place 10 tea bags in boiling water 

    Tea bags steeping
    Tea bags steeping
  • Steep 10 to 15 minutes (I like mine stronger so I steeped 15 min.) – remove tea bags
  • Add desired amount of sugar or honey to hot tea mixture and stir to dissolve – I used 2 tablespoons of honey, you could also leave out the sweetener if you prefer
  • Place 3 cups of ice in a 2 quart pitcher
  • Pour hot tea over ice in pitcher
  • Refrigerate and Enjoy
2 tablespoons of honey to sweeten pitcher of tea
2 tablespoons of honey to sweeten pitcher of tea

 

 

 

Categories: Recipes

Chevron Fabric Projects

2 Comments

I recently came across some mini chevron cotton print fabrics at Hobby Lobby.  They appealed to me because both prints had colors that I love in them.  I bought the fabrics not sure exactly what I would make with them.  Therefore, I always buy at least 3 yards of fabric to ensure I have enough.  I learned this lesson a long time ago from a lady I worked with that told me you need to buy at least 3 yards so you have enough to make a garment.  If I have extra left I usually cut it into 2 1/2 in. or 1 1/2 in. strips for other projects.    I was thinking I would make skirts from both of these fabrics but different styles and then decided one would be a cute top with the right pattern.  Here is what I ended up making:

2013 05 15_2083
Blue & Green Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner

 

Chevron Skirt - Kimberlees Korner
Chevron Skirt – Kimberlees Korner

The pattern I used for the skirt was one I have had for a couple of years, Butterick B4803.  I had made the different versions in the pattern of the long length and decided I wanted a shorter skirt this time so I used the basic view E and measured from my waist to just above my knee to figure the length I would shorten the pattern to.

I love to sew skirts for summer.  They are easy to make for one thing and sometimes a lot cooler and more comfortable than shorts or pants.  This particular pattern has only 2 side seams and and elastic waist and a narrow lower hem.  So easy to make.  I will be making more this style and length.

As I got in my closet the other day and decided to wear the skirt for the second time I discovered this top that I had embroidered a couple of years ago.  The embroidery design matched the skirt colors perfectly – how great is that?  I did alter-upcycle the shirt some though to look more updated with the skirt.  Note:  I will do a future post on my upcycled t-shirt at another time.

Chevron Skirt with Embroidered Top by Kimberlees Korner
Chevron Skirt with Embroidered Top by Kimberlees Korner
Front of Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner
Front of Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner

 

Back of Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pattern I used for the top was one from my Bernina My Label software program.  I used the basic tunic pattern, removed the darts, added a cap sleeve, a scoop neckline and decided to place elastic in the center front and back to gather it in some.  I used 1/8 in. wide elastic approximately 7 in. long stretched across 10 in. of the center front and the center back.

If you enjoyed this post you may want to follow via RSS feed by clicking the icon in the sidebar or through Bloglovin.

 

Books To Help You Learn More About Pinterest

Book Review on Pinfluence and Pinterest Power
Pinfluence and Pinterest Power – Great books to learn more about pinterest

Have you joined Pinterest?  Have you joined but don’t really know how to navigate your way around or see what Pinterest can do for you?  These two books can help you learn the world of Pinterest.

I joined Pinterest almost two years ago after a friend told me about it and how much I would enjoy pinning.  At first I just made a few boards, pinned a few things, and followed some of my friends.  Then, about a year ago I really got into the groove of using Pinterest.  I have started following some really interesting people, gained more followers myself, and found some really great things on there I would have never found without Pinterest.  For example:  blogs I now follow, crochet and knitting ideas and patterns, cleaning tips, garden ideas, photography info, recipes, sewing tutorials and lots of other valuable info.  There is something for everyone on Pinterest.  I consult my boards regularly for information, recipes and helpful tips on how to do things I am interested in learning.

A few months ago I decided I wanted to learn more about the wonderful world of Pinterest and how to use it more effectively.  I bought these two books:  Pinterest Power by Jason Miles and Karen Lacey and Pinfluence by Beth Hayden.  Both of these books are wonderful resources on learning Pinterest, in my opinion.  These books will give you the information you need to create a profile, have great pinterest boards and market your business.  There are lots of other good tips in these two books as well on things like Pinterest contests, email marketing, and connecting with other pinners.  The books are directed more toward marketing a business on Pinterest.  I think those that don’t have a business and just want to learn more about navigating Pinterest would also benefit from reading these two books.  The books have the basic information on creating beautiful boards, understanding pinning, repinning and commenting on pins.

If you like this review follow my blog via RSS feed by clicking the RSS icon or follow with Bloglovin.  Also, check out my Pinterest boards and follow me.

 

I am in no way affilated with these books or authors.  I just really love Pinterest, love to read and learn new things and wanted to share this information on my blog.  

 

Categories: Books

Tags: ,

Sewing Pattern Review

Simplicity Pattern 1915 made in mint green broadcloth
Simplicity Pattern 1915 made in mint green broadcloth

 

I recently made this top after acquiring some new patterns from Hobby Lobby.  They were on sale for .99 cents and I couldn’t resist buying a couple of new patterns.  I really do not need any more patterns but it is hard to say no when they are such a bargain.

This pattern was pretty easy and had good instructions.  If you have basic sewing skills and have made a few garment before you should be able to make this.  You will need to know how to gather as the whole neckline is gathered.

The fabric I used to make my top was a lightweight broadcloth in a pretty shade of mint green.  I have plans to make another one in purple and possibly put some embroidery on it.  As you see from the photo of the actual pattern there are other options for making the top look different.   The version I made this one was version E.  I think I will make my next version C with the curved hemline.

Simplicity Pattern 1915
Simplicity Pattern 1915

The top also has an option for tucks at the lower hemline of the sleeves.  The following photo is a close up of the sleeve tucks.

Simplicity Pattern 1915 - close up of sleeve tucks
Simplicity Pattern 1915 – close up of sleeve tucks

I hope you enjoyed the pattern review.  I plan on doing other pattern reviews in the future so make sure you subscribe to my blog via RSS feed or through Bloglovin if you like this post.

 

 

Categories: Sewing

Tags: ,

White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

Cookies baked & cooling on rack

I created this cookie recipe after buying some Pinachio cookies from Trader Joes.  They were so good and I decided I could create my own version of them.

This recipe is for a slice and bake cookie.  The recipe makes 2 rolls of dough.  You could easily freeze 1 roll for up to 3 months and just bake 1 roll now.  That way you always have some dough in the freezer when you want fresh cookies.  Just take the dough out and allow to thaw at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, slice and bake.

Here is the recipe for the cookies:

yield:  about 3 1/2 dozen

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios – (I used my food processor to chop them)
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips

In large mixing bow, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add gradually to cream mixture.  Fold in pistachios and white chocolate chips.  Shape dough into 2 rolls and wrap each separately in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.  Unwrap dough and slice into 1/4 inch slices.  Place slices approx. 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheet.   Tip: I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy clean up.    Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove to wire rack to cool.

Sliced dough on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

 

 

 

Upcycled – Dress into Skirt

2013 04 11_1927I made this dress many years ago.  I haven’t worn it in a couple of years as a dress but liked the fabric – it is a cotton knit – and didn’t want to get rid of it.  So, I decided to convert it into a skirt since I seem to wear more skirts than dresses.  The following steps are listed below if you are interested in how to do this to one of your own dresses.

Step 1:  Measure from your waist down to see how long you want to make your skirt – I wanted a long skirt so I decided on 30 inches.

 

 

 

2013 04 23_2045Step 2:  Place on a cutting table or surface and measure from bottom hem up to waist 30 inches plus 1 1/4 inches for the fold over for the waist band casing – My total was 31 1/4 inches.

Step 3:  Mark with a chalk pencil all the way around 31 1/4 inches from bottom hem.2013 04 23_2046

Step 4:  Cut on the chalk line just made in step 3.

Step 5:  Serge cut edge with your serger or zig zag on a regular machine to prevent fraying.  Not totally necessary with knit fabric but I think it makes a more finished look on the raw edge.

Step 6:  Turn down waist band WS(wrong sides) together 1 1/4 inches – pin and/or press.

Step 7:  Sew using straight stitch close to serged edge, or approx. 1 1/8 inch from folded edge, leaving about a 1 to 2 inch opening for inserting elastic.

Step 8:  Measure elastic around your waist and cut to size needed.

Step 9:  Use a safety pin on one end of elastic to guide through casing.

Step 10:  Stitch elastic together by overlapping 1/2 to 1 inch and zig zag over overlapped edge to secure.

Step 11:  Pull elastic back into casing and evenly distribute fabric over elastic.

Step 12:  Use a straight stitch to close up casing opening.

Step 13:  (optional) Stitch in ditch, or side seams, of skirt seams to prevent elastic from rolling.

Here is my finished skirt-    2013 04 30_2020

 2013 04 30_2023

 

 

 

 

 

I have also done this to another dress and made it into a short skirt just above the knee.  This is a quick and easy update to your wardrobe.

Categories: Sewing

Tags: , ,

Hello world!

1 Comment

Welcome to my blog!

This blog is a place for me to share the many things that interest me.  There will be future posts on crochet, knitting  and sewing.  I will also share some baking and cooking ideas along with health and fitness information.

Check back often to see what is new.

Kimberlee

Categories: Welcome