tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20696489420141973452024-03-14T02:18:32.436-05:00Amanda Moutos Designs{Modern Crochet Patterns and So Much More}Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-82037194285609752062014-12-02T13:14:00.001-06:002014-12-02T13:14:30.337-06:00The Elf on the Shelf Makes His First Move<div style="text-align: center;">
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Well, I did it.</div>
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I finally bought an <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Elf on the Shelf</span></a>. My oldest is four-years-old, so I knew she was old enough to appreciate him. Yep, folks. I finally joined the rest of the Elf-loving world.</div>
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We named him Cheer E. Lee (pronounced Cheerily), and my daughter hasn't stopped talking to him about her Christmas list, having pretend tea parties with him, and showing him her favorite dance moves. My little guy, just two-years-old, could really care less. But the incentive to act nice seems to have kept them both in check. Of course, this <u>is</u> only Day Two, so we'll see how long it lasts.</div>
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Cheer E. Lee came back from the North Pole this morning, only to have photo bombed our living room mirror. If you stand in front of his portrait work, you will be instantly transformed into an elf. Watching my daughter laugh so much at his handiwork, and wave her finger at him as she told him he was sneaky, was the best part of waking up.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjvBD8LnCwA/VH4KtB0CphI/AAAAAAAACA4/PqTmPDzYIFA/s1600/Elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjvBD8LnCwA/VH4KtB0CphI/AAAAAAAACA4/PqTmPDzYIFA/s1600/Elf.jpg" height="309" title="Elf on the Shelf Mirror Photobomb - Amanda Moutos Designs" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Now you can be an elf like me!"</td></tr>
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Recreating this set up in your house is easy. Just attach a marker in your elf's hands with a rubber band and tape him to the top of a mirror. Then draw an elf face with dry erase markers on the mirror. You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like. I originally started with a circle that had eyebrows and a mustache. And since I can't let anything alone, I added as I went along. Then write a little message, and watch your kids laugh when they stand in front of it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnpZS-JikmKNr3elR7El8VYAyzEoIk73NfO2rXndZwE-OS_zYBk1T3zn0mEYrbs7yNWQjEqPVjtyewNjqx5gY5f2MZIBQ5eSdCw9C51t7hlIKTvHIvYWtFfS_Rh0fqvv-WhVO53cjmbo/s1600/Elf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnpZS-JikmKNr3elR7El8VYAyzEoIk73NfO2rXndZwE-OS_zYBk1T3zn0mEYrbs7yNWQjEqPVjtyewNjqx5gY5f2MZIBQ5eSdCw9C51t7hlIKTvHIvYWtFfS_Rh0fqvv-WhVO53cjmbo/s1600/Elf2.jpg" height="640" title="Elf on the Shelf Mirror Photobomb - Amanda Moutos Designs" width="360" /></a></div>
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It's as simple as that! I wonder what Cheer E. Lee will be up to tomorrow?</div>
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Amanda</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-30314313356348885692013-11-20T19:01:00.000-06:002013-11-20T19:01:11.454-06:00Handmade Highlights, Month by Month<div style="text-align: center;">
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I haven't posted since July, but I've had many ideas swirling around in my head for this blog. You see, I don't like to blog about my daily activities, since I have just as much time in my day as you do. I do like to <em>read</em> other blogs, but forcing myself to sit down and write what is on my mind is what sometimes takes a little effort. So instead, I try to sit down and post about a new project or something I'm really into.</div>
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Besides the usual, albeit boring, tasks we do each week, I <em>have</em> had some creative fun here and there. So let me share a few things that I've been up to. I left off in JULY, where we returned from our annual family vacation. My son had just turned one. My daughter then turned 3 at the end of the month. </div>
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In AUGUST, we took an unexpected second trip to the coast for my sister-in-law's wedding. It was my first beach wedding experience and it was wonderful spending time with family members we didn't see the first visit.</div>
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In SEPTEMBER, Olivia started preschool, which she absolutely loves. Here she is on her first day of school. I made her a little dress and headband to match.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYUvATItG5DdK8qmde9xEkK-pNEH3mYb9Sd7rLyJ1tvGp06zE5vjklEPvMVCq_CL5s4kGXRJ_kEKtT7H6HEah2OV-croooAzHsqC8Ysi2WVGG3Kauia71U5Rx3lX8Q7iJ_1SllH8Cwtc/s1600/IMGP8464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYUvATItG5DdK8qmde9xEkK-pNEH3mYb9Sd7rLyJ1tvGp06zE5vjklEPvMVCq_CL5s4kGXRJ_kEKtT7H6HEah2OV-croooAzHsqC8Ysi2WVGG3Kauia71U5Rx3lX8Q7iJ_1SllH8Cwtc/s640/IMGP8464.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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She's also holding two apple pins for her teachers. We spent a lot of time at the library this summer, where I found the sweetest little book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Felt-Holidays-Festive-Projects-Celebrate/dp/1454702818" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: orange;">Heart-Felt Holidays: 40 Festive Felt Projects to Celebrate the Seasons</span></em></a><em>. </em>I attached brooch pins to the back, embroidered "From Olivia 2013" to the back, and also embroidered each teacher's name on the front. They were adorable.</div>
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A matching backpack was the last thing I made for her. You can find the backpack tutorial I followed <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/04/sliced-tutorial-owl-tag-along-toddler.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>, though it is slightly altered in size. It had to be a little bigger, so that it would hold papers and a folder.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71OR_xVgF2o/UovghnTRhRI/AAAAAAAAB6E/xuAE6sgYTKE/s1600/IMGP8461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71OR_xVgF2o/UovghnTRhRI/AAAAAAAAB6E/xuAE6sgYTKE/s320/IMGP8461.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And, of course, it <em>had</em> to have <em>something</em> crocheted on it! You may recognize the eyes and beak from Mamachee's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151062291/instant-download-crochet-pattern?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=owl" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Killian's Owl Hat</span></a> pattern. She's a sweet friend of mine, that lovely Tara Murray.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFIHiRRdSioV6pEkDBKTCRu_lDCRWFwrd16ifNkxKxS6q-MrKCLDDWfJTyEsKkji1eLsWVkLCDyV62DL8nhsF3G6InrnqnhAJuRHPPHoP0gNjEJDwVJxWzfsz8yRd996-Qh5ko89bFtY/s1600/IMGP8460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFIHiRRdSioV6pEkDBKTCRu_lDCRWFwrd16ifNkxKxS6q-MrKCLDDWfJTyEsKkji1eLsWVkLCDyV62DL8nhsF3G6InrnqnhAJuRHPPHoP0gNjEJDwVJxWzfsz8yRd996-Qh5ko89bFtY/s320/IMGP8460.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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In OCTOBER, I designed the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166321159/instant-download-witchy-hat-table?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Witchy Hat Table Centerpiece</span></a> crochet pattern...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uF3c5RlI_TQ/Uoviul1-UJI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/mX5ux3TJyqw/s1600/Witchy+Hat-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uF3c5RlI_TQ/Uoviul1-UJI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/mX5ux3TJyqw/s320/Witchy+Hat-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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and the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166256506/instant-download-witchy-hat-crochet?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Witchy Hat in 6 Sizes</span></a> crochet pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpiOYyaRdxs/UovitjRLbHI/AAAAAAAAB6U/4hpxFhcRdmI/s1600/Witchy+Hat+Modeled+-+Child+Size2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpiOYyaRdxs/UovitjRLbHI/AAAAAAAAB6U/4hpxFhcRdmI/s320/Witchy+Hat+Modeled+-+Child+Size2-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then I made Halloween costumes for the kids. Here they are as Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. (Clicking on the photo will show a much larger, clearer view).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdX0oHK5GnI/Uo1U_c9bmMI/AAAAAAAAB7M/-PoqLKd-IaQ/s1600/Halloween+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdX0oHK5GnI/Uo1U_c9bmMI/AAAAAAAAB7M/-PoqLKd-IaQ/s320/Halloween+2013-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This photo was taken by <span itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Timeless-Reflection-Photography-Studio/123826544331270?ref=br_tf" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Timeless Reflection Photography & Studio</span></a>. So cute with my little man giving a GROWL!</span></div>
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In NOVEMBER I designed the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/168923256/instant-download-2-for-1-frostbite?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Frostbite Mittens</span></a> crochet pattern, which are available in all of my shops (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaMoutosDesigns?ref=si_shop" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Etsy</span></a>, <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/579892/pattern-store?_ct=fhevybu-ikrdql-fqjjuhdijehu" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Craftsy</span></a> & <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/amanda-moutos" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Ravelry</span></a>) as a 2 for 1 combo, along with...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8xEEXiA9Js/Uovmy8gBg9I/AAAAAAAAB6o/WARl60hY3rE/s1600/Frostbite+Mittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8xEEXiA9Js/Uovmy8gBg9I/AAAAAAAAB6o/WARl60hY3rE/s320/Frostbite+Mittens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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the new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/168937395/instant-download-despicable-minion?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Despicable Me Minion (Inspired) Mittons</span></a> crochet pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RghtQ1oaEBY/Uovm6saMs_I/AAAAAAAAB60/GpvldkWwoiM/s1600/Minion+Mittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RghtQ1oaEBY/Uovm6saMs_I/AAAAAAAAB60/GpvldkWwoiM/s320/Minion+Mittens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It has been a busy and fun several months. And as the Farmer's Almanac claims, we could be looking at a nasty winter. So I look forward to designing so many more patterns to share with you, since we're certain to be snowed in for a while. In the meantime, Happy Crocheting!</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-4665356170465185302013-07-05T12:15:00.000-05:002013-07-05T12:15:31.633-05:00There's No Place Like Home<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow! What a vacation! 15 days, 2,750 miles, several get-together's, a 1st birthday party and a beach view was what our little family just experienced. The most important part of the trip? We celebrated this little guy's first ever birthday and it was so great.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE18BgYgYuE/Udb882q-nUI/AAAAAAAAB3A/6SUXsqH8dp0/s1600/Trevor+and+Mommy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE18BgYgYuE/Udb882q-nUI/AAAAAAAAB3A/6SUXsqH8dp0/s640/Trevor+and+Mommy4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, I think we need a vacation from our vacation. As Dorothy says, "There's no place like home." Our little travelers did so well over 4 <u>full</u> days of riding in the car, during different parts of the trip. At each new location, they also took to their new sleeping places well. It's a lot to ask of a one-year-old and a nearly three-year-old, but they did it, and with little complaints.</div>
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I love these moments and can only hope to be blessed with a long life filled with many more. Now, I look forward to putting pen to paper and sharing all of my new ideas and patterns with you. We'll talk soon!</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-66146813221528429532013-06-03T15:04:00.000-05:002013-06-03T23:59:12.379-05:00Sleeping with the Fairies<div align="center">
In just 12 days, we'll be leaving for a two week vacation. We try once a year to visit my husband's side of the family. The drive is about 12 hours to our first destination. Halfway through our trip, we go North, another 6 hours. And finally, our trip home is 16-18 hours.</div>
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Needless to say, I've been working frantically at finding things to keep my nearly 1 and nearly 3 year old kiddos entertained during the trip.</div>
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I had just enough fabric to make my daughter a Tinkerbell pillow case. She and her brother were Tinkerbell and Peter Pan, last Halloween. She just started using it and she loves it. And so when we leave, she'll have a little piece of home with her. You may recognize this fabric, if you saw my <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/05/waterproof-reusable-snack-bags-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Waterproof Snack Bags</span></a> tutorial.</div>
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And since I can't leave well-enough alone, I added a pretty crochet edging to it last night. I finally got a chance to try out my <a href="http://www.sharpcrochethook.com/order-crochet-hooks.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sharp Crochet Hook</span></a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7sY_ksDse8/Uazz5MZ2aBI/AAAAAAAAB1w/rSc0jTnHYG4/s1600/Pillow+Case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7sY_ksDse8/Uazz5MZ2aBI/AAAAAAAAB1w/rSc0jTnHYG4/s400/Pillow+Case.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was my first attempt at a pillow case, and I was literally shocked at how easy it was. And when I held it up to the pillow case I patterned it after, it was exactly the same size in every way. Maybe I'll do a pillow case tutorial next?</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-81725338244203403422013-05-30T14:39:00.000-05:002013-05-30T14:39:52.591-05:00Waterproof Reusable Snack Bags {A Tutorial}<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have been planning for our summer vacation, with an attempt at making our trip a little easier. Today, I have made waterproof reusable snack bags.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5h5Ze2Qbe9g/UaePR8RXl1I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/7uWbdgiI1Ww/s1600/Snack+Bags3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5h5Ze2Qbe9g/UaePR8RXl1I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/7uWbdgiI1Ww/s400/Snack+Bags3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I made these bags with an amazing product I was lucky enough to find on a trip to the store. It is called <a href="http://www.thermowebonline.com/p/iron-on-vinyl-2-yard-pack-%E2%80%A2-gloss" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Iron-On Vinyl</span></a>, and it's from the popular brand, Heat 'N Bond. <a href="http://www.thermowebonline.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Therm-O-Web</span></a> makes this product and I absolutely love it! I bought mine at Wal-Mart by the yard, but the 2 yard pack from Therm-O-Web would have been perfect for the amount of bags I made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eCDT3IcsxksPdaW54CVNqh4I0fn__mWSegaddIM4exU9OVa281bPyVT_2BPnrfLvRjBEG85bBAVtzXqulNg0LdCsRPn6V1nUcUGrKCwnRhLgAj-BjrhvOEN9LF5UtLqKNxlPgfwGMOI/s1600/Snack+Bags2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eCDT3IcsxksPdaW54CVNqh4I0fn__mWSegaddIM4exU9OVa281bPyVT_2BPnrfLvRjBEG85bBAVtzXqulNg0LdCsRPn6V1nUcUGrKCwnRhLgAj-BjrhvOEN9LF5UtLqKNxlPgfwGMOI/s640/Snack+Bags2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't have to say much about these bags. Because, well, they're awesome. You fill 'em up. They empty 'em. You wipe 'em out. And then repeat!</div>
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And since they take just a small amount of fabric and a short amount of time, you can whip up a bunch easily. I made a half dozen, so that both my son and daughter had three each. </div>
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Want to make some of your own?</div>
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Let's get started.</div>
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:</div>
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* 2 pieces of 7.5" x 16" fabric [1 piece for outer and 1 for liner]</div>
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* <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/?page=shop&cat=6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Silhouette Heat Transfer Vinyl</span></a> [Optional]</div>
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* 2 pieces of 7.5" x 16" <a href="http://www.thermowebonline.com/p/iron-on-vinyl-2-yard-pack-%E2%80%A2-gloss" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Iron-On Vinyl</span></a> [1 piece for outer and 1 for liner]</div>
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NOTE: 1 yard of Iron-On Vinyl is enough to make 3 bags</div>
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* Office Binder Clips or Pins</div>
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* Coordinating Thread</div>
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* 4"-5" piece of Velcro</div>
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* Ruler</div>
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To begin, I'd like to give you some tips on how I fused the vinyl to my fabric. I started with 100% cotton fabric. I pre-washed and dried the fabric. This is so important. You don't want to worry about possible shrinkage <u>after</u> your project is finished.</div>
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Next, I ironed my fabric nice and flat. Then, I cut out the size I needed from the vinyl BEFORE I cut any of my fabric. The vinyl has some stickiness to it, but it is completely movable before fusing. So if you make a mistake when you place it on the fabric, it's super easy to move it and start over. Basically, this stuff is amazing. It rocks. Period.</div>
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To fuse, carefully follow the instructions that come with your Iron-On Vinyl. Peel off the paper backing from the vinyl and place it where desired on the fabric. After positioning the vinyl onto your uncut fabric, you'll place the paper backing on top. Make sure to not to touch your iron directly to the vinyl, or it will melt. The paper backing protects from this.</div>
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Iron the vinyl to your fabric, in sections, for 8 minutes each. After the area has cooled slightly, remove the backing paper and cut the fabric around the vinyl to be the same size. It's much easier to do it this way, instead of cutting your fabric first. This way, you're not struggling to make sure your vinyl is placed perfectly on your cut fabric.</div>
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This is one piece of my newly waterproofed fabric. It's so awesome.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrMbLfIpkDQ/Uaeh4eXzVQI/AAAAAAAAB0k/yWbiyaIUJq4/s1600/snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrMbLfIpkDQ/Uaeh4eXzVQI/AAAAAAAAB0k/yWbiyaIUJq4/s320/snack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I feel like I have an oilcloth factory in my own home! If you shop for fabric often, you know that oilcloth is not cheap. And the Iron-On Vinyl really comes close to oilcloth, with its waterproof properties. Plus, you can use just about ANY fabric, instead of choosing from a limited selection of oilcloth prints.</div>
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As you can see in the photo, I have sewn one side of the Velcro strip to this outer piece of fabric, 3/4" from the edge. Then, I sewed the other side of the Velcro strip to the lining piece of fabric, also 3/4" from the edge. </div>
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HERE'S A TIP: I like to sew the soft (not scratchy) strip of Velcro to the lining piece of fabric. This way, little arms aren't scratched when they reach in to the bag.</div>
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For a cute label, I used my <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/?page=shop&cat=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Silhouette Cameo</span></a> to cut out the word "snacks" in <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/?page=shop&cat=6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">heat transfer vinyl</span></a>. You can iron the label directly onto your fabric, or you can iron it on after you have fused your Iron-On Vinyl. I think it's easier to do it this way, as long as you place the paper backing on top again, to protect everything from the heat of your iron. I placed mine about 4" from the top edge.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44m5BIHmb08/UaQHufk6YYI/AAAAAAAAByo/DQYvFUGeRzg/s1600/IMGP8055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44m5BIHmb08/UaQHufk6YYI/AAAAAAAAByo/DQYvFUGeRzg/s320/IMGP8055.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Now, we'll start by lining up our outer and lining pieces RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. Make sure that the Velcro strips are on opposite ends.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6_8omk43Es/UaejjTvbe9I/AAAAAAAAB0w/vQQSoxq1_9U/s1600/snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6_8omk43Es/UaejjTvbe9I/AAAAAAAAB0w/vQQSoxq1_9U/s320/snack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can pin these together if you wish, but I wanted to minimize the amount of holes poked into my vinyl-coated fabric. I used office binder clips to hold the pieces together. They work great, and can be removed/repositioned easily.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwb6qdGaVmc/UaekvFj1qaI/AAAAAAAAB1A/VKCADFE7XYY/s1600/snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwb6qdGaVmc/UaekvFj1qaI/AAAAAAAAB1A/VKCADFE7XYY/s320/snack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next we'll sew the outer and lining pieces together. Start at the "bottom," which is the opposite end of the Velcro on the outer piece. Note that you will be on the same end of the Velcro on the lining piece.</div>
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Use a 1/4" seam allowance, here. Make sure to back stitch at the beginning AND end, and leave a 4" gap for turning your piece right-side out, later on. You can see the gab I left open at the bottom of this photo. Clip your corners, being careful not to clip into your stitches.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXPzjW-la0g/Uaelo4MrI6I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/w9urpdYka7Q/s1600/snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXPzjW-la0g/Uaelo4MrI6I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/w9urpdYka7Q/s320/snack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, to turn the bag right-side out, reach in and use a non-sharp object to help push the corners in. This will help them look nice and professional. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0WvmdFzoWgLTW-Cr1SSWytSE5ZX1bb1c5RNMrDrp1rzjsmjqPLYVwyWktPvluGMa__mJXq6eNsySVYJYbS09dNCqo7K9NOj5guDiI0mTF1q4DDpN5UVsH66JrDHwe1vwiwEpr5-lhHU/s1600/IMGP8060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0WvmdFzoWgLTW-Cr1SSWytSE5ZX1bb1c5RNMrDrp1rzjsmjqPLYVwyWktPvluGMa__mJXq6eNsySVYJYbS09dNCqo7K9NOj5guDiI0mTF1q4DDpN5UVsH66JrDHwe1vwiwEpr5-lhHU/s320/IMGP8060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finish pulling the bag right-side out and push all four corners out. I like to use one of my trusty crochet hooks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JQqmL8rSy_p_a8x10DQMGar1lm_XGEFclYkb5s9OgOp-5pG8DrbCp28xcQf2TTJ-kZS1PVye8cfDz7V-rD0bXGoVgz7R7Zv49DZMsSydMRirekvia0dHhyphenhyphenD8jC3k-Dd_Y0XzDfOXP4s/s1600/IMGP8061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JQqmL8rSy_p_a8x10DQMGar1lm_XGEFclYkb5s9OgOp-5pG8DrbCp28xcQf2TTJ-kZS1PVye8cfDz7V-rD0bXGoVgz7R7Zv49DZMsSydMRirekvia0dHhyphenhyphenD8jC3k-Dd_Y0XzDfOXP4s/s320/IMGP8061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At this point, you'll want to "finger fold" all four edges of the bag flat. The stitches will tend to "sink" in, so you'll want to work them out to the edge and fold the edges flat with your fingers. Pull out your iron again, and place the vinyl backing paper on top of the bag. Carefully iron the entire bag. This will make a huge difference in the look of your finished product.</div>
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You can see how much nicer the bag looks after it has been ironed flat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA54ERf_dSVP07gCWWJHtXT_b6y2vJDK7KstSKNp1gYUZamiVXjJ0VkgTc4e8K5pCg_6XKAa1heMM8irIlka_Cln9oYcQ1z2bvXm5ADPyWsIg-_AmvITjPhPAhYt1gc1SChz0faVuZ40/s1600/IMGP8062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA54ERf_dSVP07gCWWJHtXT_b6y2vJDK7KstSKNp1gYUZamiVXjJ0VkgTc4e8K5pCg_6XKAa1heMM8irIlka_Cln9oYcQ1z2bvXm5ADPyWsIg-_AmvITjPhPAhYt1gc1SChz0faVuZ40/s320/IMGP8062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, we will close up the hole left open for turning. Using a 1/8" seam allowance, sew a line across the short end of the bag. This is what I have been referring to as the "bottom."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TYrSBIXVe4/Uaemk9cTg2I/AAAAAAAAB1g/6z8aC4PvQqo/s1600/snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TYrSBIXVe4/Uaemk9cTg2I/AAAAAAAAB1g/6z8aC4PvQqo/s320/snack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that you have turned the bag right-side out, you'll be sewing onto the vinyl side. Don't be intimidated if you can't get the fabric to move through your machine easily. I have worked with vinyl before, and find that if you work slowly and don't get discouraged, you can do it. Another helpful tip is to stick a small piece of tape to the underside of your sewing foot. I typically use regular, clear tape, but only had freezer tape around me today. The tape should help the vinyl glide smoothly through the machine.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joFgDRGgpdY/UaQIX-DuqEI/AAAAAAAABzo/GN_i5WceZjw/s1600/IMGP8064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joFgDRGgpdY/UaQIX-DuqEI/AAAAAAAABzo/GN_i5WceZjw/s320/IMGP8064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If the tape trick doesn't work for you, just remember to take it slow. Hold on to both ends of your thread when you begin, and gently tug to get the fabric going. And always remember to back stitch at the beginning and end, so that your stitches don't come out.</div>
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The final step is to turn your rectangle into a bag. Fold your long rectangle so that your Velcro pieces line up together.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRpSaheek2k/UaQIkWUZykI/AAAAAAAABz8/a0UnRSZAqjo/s1600/IMGP8068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRpSaheek2k/UaQIkWUZykI/AAAAAAAABz8/a0UnRSZAqjo/s320/IMGP8068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Press the bag flat with your hands. DON'T IRON IT ONCE FOLDED TOGETHER. You will cause the vinyl to stick to itself, or possibly melt. Then, sew a line up each side with a 1/8" seam allowance.</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYizRyEN6kE/UaQAyDlQtoI/AAAAAAAAByI/u2lifqTwzeY/s320/Snack+Bags.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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And voila! You have an adorable new, waterproof and reusable snack bag!</div>
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Wasn't that easy?!?</div>
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I hope you love the
project, and please try it! I promise you won't be disappointed! And as always,
if you want to share a project you have made using this tutorial, I'd love to
see it! You can email me photos at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com or link up a post
you've written in the comments below. </div>
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Happy Creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-37384941604419469882013-05-01T15:31:00.000-05:002013-05-01T15:36:11.711-05:00Peek-a-boo Lace Socks {A FREE Crochet Pattern}<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have a freebie to share with you today: my Peek-a-boo Lace Socks Crochet Pattern!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cMgjf3ZSQg/UXi3rYZUZtI/AAAAAAAABwM/g_TOXKkXang/s1600/3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cMgjf3ZSQg/UXi3rYZUZtI/AAAAAAAABwM/g_TOXKkXang/s400/3-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were a blast to design. And they're even more fun to wear. Wear them under a pair of pumps for an instant "Sexy Librarian" look!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyzs40topB7SMI_CX6oewSmLn3fxjj5YvalrgAW6o9lDebqMXrGmQBpI5pAk3MCLV8H5LiGOpW42Y8d30Y3oCIjzrdHx67GBEErzcwwez_XIspsZAugT_5JnXX3l4tjlw7sLUWMWN34I/s1600/Peekaboo+Socks+Modeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyzs40topB7SMI_CX6oewSmLn3fxjj5YvalrgAW6o9lDebqMXrGmQBpI5pAk3MCLV8H5LiGOpW42Y8d30Y3oCIjzrdHx67GBEErzcwwez_XIspsZAugT_5JnXX3l4tjlw7sLUWMWN34I/s400/Peekaboo+Socks+Modeled.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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These socks are a little tricky if you are a beginner. I wouldn't suggest them for your first project. The reason is that you'll use a large hook with thin, crochet thread, and keeping the correct gauge is difficult unless you have a little experience under your belt.</div>
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The large loops created by this hook and thread combo give them a stretchiness that helps them to span several shoe sizes. Although the pattern makes two sizes, each size spans about 4 shoe sizes. The small size fits around US Sizes 4-7. The large size fits around US Sizes 8-11. So no matter your shoe size, you should be able to make a pair that fits!</div>
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Click on the link to take you to my Craftsy shop, where you can download the PDF pattern for FREE!</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/peek-a-boo-lace-socks/53617" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="//djiqd110ru30i.cloudfront.net/upload/579892/pattern/53617/full_7600_53617_PeekabooLaceSocks_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
Source: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/peek-a-boo-lace-socks/53617" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline;">Peek-a-boo Lace Socks</a> via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/user/579892/pattern-store" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda Moutos</a> on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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THIS PATTERN IS <u>NOT</u> FOR COMMERCIAL USE</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-22288544631687760842013-04-30T08:00:00.000-05:002013-04-30T08:00:10.173-05:00May 2013 Giveaway<div align="center">
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It's time for a Giveaway, a chance for me to thank all of my loyal readers and fans for sticking with me. And for the 5th month of the year, I'm giving away a free crochet pattern of choice to 5 winners.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrFQymP9-H4/UX7CeDfe6BI/AAAAAAAABxM/SWEioAqchHE/s1600/May+Giveaway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrFQymP9-H4/UX7CeDfe6BI/AAAAAAAABxM/SWEioAqchHE/s400/May+Giveaway2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Entry is EASY! Good luck, everyone. You guys rock!</div>
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You can find the Rafflecopter entry form after the jump...</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d096cb9/" id="rc-d096cb9" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-12296783249905192302013-04-11T10:00:00.000-05:002013-04-11T10:00:09.330-05:00Matching Mommy & Me Makeup Bags For Mother's Day [A TUTORIAL]<div align="center">
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Olivia <u>loves</u> the <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Make-Play-Makeup-For-Under-5-Dollars-TUTORIAL.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">play makeup</span></a> I made her. Whenever I'm getting ready, she rushes in, asking for her makeup. I had been keeping it in my own makeup bag, but I thought it was only right to make one to hold her new stash. And in the meantime, I made one for me, too. Plus, it was just another reason to break out the sewing machine!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J0EAIlUpZ9cUcONkgrkqfGXRUriqFYuLIqa3_dWr9znvQXVJsh9RwSqCrnTag3wI6ba_I7iAInG4ctpSgJ3VAZj7sFddbVyt3MGgAUZGVzX4_IWy1OLUvBdqpCnpIzRl7sZe3_lU-tE/s1600/Makeup+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J0EAIlUpZ9cUcONkgrkqfGXRUriqFYuLIqa3_dWr9znvQXVJsh9RwSqCrnTag3wI6ba_I7iAInG4ctpSgJ3VAZj7sFddbVyt3MGgAUZGVzX4_IWy1OLUvBdqpCnpIzRl7sZe3_lU-tE/s640/Makeup+Bags.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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She's still only allowed to play with her makeup if I'm watching. I just don't want her to lose the tiny brushes somewhere around the house, just begging for her baby brother to find (and eat) them. Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, I couldn't resist to share this fun tutorial with you. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thrH6vqom8E/UWTDNmeXsKI/AAAAAAAABmY/Xin8Wo5J4TY/s1600/Makeup+Bags2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thrH6vqom8E/UWTDNmeXsKI/AAAAAAAABmY/Xin8Wo5J4TY/s400/Makeup+Bags2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is one project you can do for yourself or a friend, and enjoy the finished product with your favorite little gal, no matter how young or old she is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fNgKQJ_xqPywPLhXJ4MQQFUboPPpKW3i4lkyCJCaa_bdfJunw-1xEdgfVGlTyvmucnN2R4wbsT9ygN3op5fxP4xnLt6iV8RQSil6dDcZyuK-o3Me1XBC-6dcDdP_OfHIOMKdkfBG5G0/s1600/Makeup+Bags7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fNgKQJ_xqPywPLhXJ4MQQFUboPPpKW3i4lkyCJCaa_bdfJunw-1xEdgfVGlTyvmucnN2R4wbsT9ygN3op5fxP4xnLt6iV8RQSil6dDcZyuK-o3Me1XBC-6dcDdP_OfHIOMKdkfBG5G0/s320/Makeup+Bags7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These bags hold so much more than I expected. I don't wear much makeup, really, but both bags have so much more room than I need. And the little ones could fit a bunch more faux makeup containers and brushes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc-jODLnUavtZ1wnW4h52olMuhscGzwYxml4ed2ZrdYLPrwJ-QwQWkOHn3PpD7VkCWuGEiNtrwuQm_9YH4Cp28Z5ouexME7RgMVAMebjEKWQSBBXAdhjhU71eO609ZA4IRzzQ2q1kzlM/s1600/Makeup+Bags3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc-jODLnUavtZ1wnW4h52olMuhscGzwYxml4ed2ZrdYLPrwJ-QwQWkOHn3PpD7VkCWuGEiNtrwuQm_9YH4Cp28Z5ouexME7RgMVAMebjEKWQSBBXAdhjhU71eO609ZA4IRzzQ2q1kzlM/s400/Makeup+Bags3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And one of the best parts? The inside is just as pretty as the outside! Since I hate ugly, visible seams, I made these so that every seam faces in towards the wrong side of the fabric. And you never see them. Score.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2Bl0Fl0x-CbM_OZfALKq1mvnTTwkERi5dx_fvgZVTaGVYsYcrvPwoNpKQGLwJrYKzknDXPispEX2gxr3Xx64LypE6ifwlTceyuk8GKq2LU6zM9PRJVu1B95p13DChJcaSnLmk_2_6g4/s1600/Makeup+Bags4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2Bl0Fl0x-CbM_OZfALKq1mvnTTwkERi5dx_fvgZVTaGVYsYcrvPwoNpKQGLwJrYKzknDXPispEX2gxr3Xx64LypE6ifwlTceyuk8GKq2LU6zM9PRJVu1B95p13DChJcaSnLmk_2_6g4/s320/Makeup+Bags4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They're as cute as can be.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPu35qWlMro/UWXSVkUxcpI/AAAAAAAABnQ/_7OIOYC5mFE/s1600/Makeup+Bags5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPu35qWlMro/UWXSVkUxcpI/AAAAAAAABnQ/_7OIOYC5mFE/s320/Makeup+Bags5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They have fun, boxed-out bottoms, which helps them to stand up on their own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-clu_Ikv4NjIfxz29Ot0wOSXircPHONK6sBHSfxi0ugyKGJ3qqHhk95NQlhV_bS7RBCd_VYhUgtD08eDFbf_Srf2POggsW0reTllQmA0Z8THblrPPul6l5Xnzb6Ziyi-mlRT5eNWbPk/s1600/Makeup+Bags6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-clu_Ikv4NjIfxz29Ot0wOSXircPHONK6sBHSfxi0ugyKGJ3qqHhk95NQlhV_bS7RBCd_VYhUgtD08eDFbf_Srf2POggsW0reTllQmA0Z8THblrPPul6l5Xnzb6Ziyi-mlRT5eNWbPk/s320/Makeup+Bags6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And they really do hold the perfect amount of goodies inside.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IyWxOb3YPEU/UWXSuRUpvKI/AAAAAAAABnY/A5fGzm1U2Cg/s1600/Makeup+Bags8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IyWxOb3YPEU/UWXSuRUpvKI/AAAAAAAABnY/A5fGzm1U2Cg/s320/Makeup+Bags8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plus, I may have snuck in an extra one for a certain Minnie Mouse-loving niece of mine. She'll need some play makeup, too. Shh!! It's for Christmas. Yes, the earlier, the better in my book!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO4YvW9YvkM/UWXSxooNemI/AAAAAAAABng/CdIYM8k1Chg/s1600/Makeup+Bags-Minnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO4YvW9YvkM/UWXSxooNemI/AAAAAAAABng/CdIYM8k1Chg/s320/Makeup+Bags-Minnie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Want to learn the low-down on how to make them?</div>
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Let's get started.</div>
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:</div>
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* (1) 7" zipper (or longer) [for each bag]</div>
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* (2) pieces of 7.5"x7.5" outer fabric [for the adult size] AND/OR (2) pieces of 6.5"x7" outer fabric [for the child size]</div>
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* (2) pieces of 7.5"x7.5" lining fabric [for the adult size] AND/OR (2) pieces of 6.5"x7" lining fabric [for the child size]</div>
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* (1) piece of 3"x4" fabric for the small tab [for each bag]</div>
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* (1) piece of 9"x4" fabric for the handle [for each bag]</div>
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* Coordinating Thread</div>
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* (2) pieces of 7"x7" iron-on fusible interfacing [for the adult size] AND/OR (2) pieces 6"x6.5" iron-on fusible interfacing [for the child size]</div>
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*Ruler</div>
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*Disappearing Ink Sewing Pen</div>
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If you're a visual person, like me, I have prepared some pics to help you out. The first photo shows the adult size fabric pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8VY0rCsTBU/UWYLEqTFr7I/AAAAAAAABns/-AsDWQ3GoSA/s1600/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8VY0rCsTBU/UWYLEqTFr7I/AAAAAAAABns/-AsDWQ3GoSA/s320/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Then, we have the child size fabric pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abqzWdWm5Hs/UWYLKWLn6wI/AAAAAAAABoA/K-sRQOP6Fv4/s1600/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abqzWdWm5Hs/UWYLKWLn6wI/AAAAAAAABoA/K-sRQOP6Fv4/s320/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial2.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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After you have your fabric pieces gathered up, cut and iron on your fusible interfacing to the <u>wrong side</u> of your outer fabric. Follow the directions on your interfacing label closely. There is no need to add interfacing to your lining. The interfacing will give the bag the structure it needs.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcBBweCXwSU/UWYLKj1zblI/AAAAAAAABoI/bBJVtAPS8lY/s1600/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcBBweCXwSU/UWYLKj1zblI/AAAAAAAABoI/bBJVtAPS8lY/s320/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The brand I use is Pellon 931TD Fusible Midweight interfacing. It requires that you use water in your iron, spray soak the area, then iron it on. Here's my little tip: Since it can be easy to mistake the fusible side of the interfacing with the opposite side, I use a trick to keep from having a mishap. If you iron the interfacing with the fusible side up, it will stick to the iron. This is no fun. So, I use a ratty old t-shirt, which is designated just for this purpose, and place it on top of my work. Then, I spray soak the t-shirt, with my fabric underneath, and iron until my interfacing is fused.</div>
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We'll begin with the tab and the handle of the bag. These are optional, but they do help little fingers grab onto something while opening the zipper. Start by ironing both pieces in half, going from a 4" wide piece to a 2" wide piece. This pic shows the fold opened up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-qh_kMgJzU/UWYTVnG7MxI/AAAAAAAABpw/G3_FEvQo830/s1600/IMGP7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-qh_kMgJzU/UWYTVnG7MxI/AAAAAAAABpw/G3_FEvQo830/s320/IMGP7655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, iron both sides in toward the middle. I have the longer handle piece opened up to show you the three folds.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-paQVk9ljJ68/UWYTYY3W0kI/AAAAAAAABp4/I2yvek0R7tU/s1600/IMGP7656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-paQVk9ljJ68/UWYTYY3W0kI/AAAAAAAABp4/I2yvek0R7tU/s320/IMGP7656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold the pieces down to 1" size with raw ends inside, then pin if you like. I usually don't, but I have shown you how, here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p3a9yL6WdK0ThGJOY1gTzNIQ61trf-TTPqUtA-y9WiivnU1uqK4Tf2YV2nx_zJiqEQTW8HsHpVnmarFfD4xBxrKoU_-DgCxCOmK1fGkGxBaRZ4H2VfxGiSZcxKMAwQivUxOjjKm5xf0/s1600/IMGP7657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p3a9yL6WdK0ThGJOY1gTzNIQ61trf-TTPqUtA-y9WiivnU1uqK4Tf2YV2nx_zJiqEQTW8HsHpVnmarFfD4xBxrKoU_-DgCxCOmK1fGkGxBaRZ4H2VfxGiSZcxKMAwQivUxOjjKm5xf0/s320/IMGP7657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a great tip if you have never used a sewing machine: Every time you start to sew, make sure to hold down your threads for the first stitch. If you don't do this, the thread will most likely slide back out of your needle. Then you'll have to thread it all over again. Yuck. So in this instance, I'll hold my threads with my right hand, and guide with my left.</div>
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For purposes of this project we will <u>always</u> backstitch at the beginning and the end. Sew down the 9" side of the handle with a 1/8" seam allowance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMQ4Z0pZbeFS0Zukw7GmMfz-d6UeAt5wAD-1aoaySR5Zeg9DqUi5yQQUoSK5rcPnmZGPLTpSqgWRVRWe0GTRxi8RRnrkTQF7PwL5IxRPDgsbs0KDRZemPGLMR2EWxtBFS8E3h7i2R6Xg/s1600/IMGP7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMQ4Z0pZbeFS0Zukw7GmMfz-d6UeAt5wAD-1aoaySR5Zeg9DqUi5yQQUoSK5rcPnmZGPLTpSqgWRVRWe0GTRxi8RRnrkTQF7PwL5IxRPDgsbs0KDRZemPGLMR2EWxtBFS8E3h7i2R6Xg/s320/IMGP7662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sew down the opposite side. Then repeat with the smaller tab piece. You'll sew the 3" sides of the tab. When you're finished, you should have a 1"x9" handle and a 1"x3" tab. Ironing these flat after sewing makes a big difference in how nice they look later on.</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcraw1zc5Ho/UWYT3emLbmI/AAAAAAAABqg/a31-hL6h1pM/s320/IMGP7664.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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Next, it's time to make a "zipper sandwich." And no, I did not make up the term. It's actually what you call it. :) DON'T BE SCARED! I <u>promise</u> it's easier than you think.</div>
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First, place your lining fabric <u>right side up</u>. I apologize, as the lining I chose for both bags doesn't have a right or wrong side. They both look the same on each side. But trust me. You'll start with the fabric right side up, then you'll place your zipper on top.</div>
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Place the zipper <u>right side up</u>. Line up your zipper across the top of the lining fabric. Then, line up your zipper with the end of your fabric. See how I've done it on the right side.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1LGHqPw5Zk/UWYSDLr6uyI/AAAAAAAABog/1urFC-t4kXc/s1600/IMGP7637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1LGHqPw5Zk/UWYSDLr6uyI/AAAAAAAABog/1urFC-t4kXc/s320/IMGP7637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, place your outer fabric <u>wrong side up</u> on top of the zipper. Line up the fabric across the top of the zipper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y8lcT5Q_M885BmfC5P2g2YUk1NOjILBRPlswSAgT-Rc_bqwLaE6wmyZylO9-UpO1WYhB2Nk1r0Es9OmnUi-Ul3TelGQHizINSmBcq9uOytaMEIixVuwKisWaKdMFTcQDaAnkLUICTuM/s1600/IMGP7638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y8lcT5Q_M885BmfC5P2g2YUk1NOjILBRPlswSAgT-Rc_bqwLaE6wmyZylO9-UpO1WYhB2Nk1r0Es9OmnUi-Ul3TelGQHizINSmBcq9uOytaMEIixVuwKisWaKdMFTcQDaAnkLUICTuM/s320/IMGP7638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, we'll pin the "sandwich" together, before sewing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aIQi7AMjSrPF8ZG3bMUnqmE1kw5rFgmIh2HRNEtWIeN2SDJDHCUnBColE48qMP7GfuFi0bNdQ-JNYRg-Im1I_4lBttNRMcvMb-7iygzBqPlQrVtJbxjR1ugSepcyMJpjdnwStSvSfl0/s1600/IMGP7639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aIQi7AMjSrPF8ZG3bMUnqmE1kw5rFgmIh2HRNEtWIeN2SDJDHCUnBColE48qMP7GfuFi0bNdQ-JNYRg-Im1I_4lBttNRMcvMb-7iygzBqPlQrVtJbxjR1ugSepcyMJpjdnwStSvSfl0/s320/IMGP7639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Get your zipper foot out, and let's get started! Most sewing machines come with this foot, but if yours doesn't, it looks something like this. I have seen them look slightly different, but all serve the same purpose. Mine is made so that I can clip it to the machine either to the left or the right. This makes it nice, so that I can sew with the zipper on either side.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EsufI57Sk/UWYSQjYLtII/AAAAAAAABo4/wOT8bptJ1Ns/s1600/IMGP7644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EsufI57Sk/UWYSQjYLtII/AAAAAAAABo4/wOT8bptJ1Ns/s320/IMGP7644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see here that I will be sewing with my zipper to the left of my foot. So I have clipped my foot on the left side, and have placed my thread so that it goes under my foot, and off to the right.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPuEoPsELfQ/UWYSRol1wNI/AAAAAAAABpA/jVDMQO-zd0E/s1600/IMGP7642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPuEoPsELfQ/UWYSRol1wNI/AAAAAAAABpA/jVDMQO-zd0E/s320/IMGP7642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whenever I'm sewing a zipper, I like to start on the end opposite the zipper pull. You can see that my zipper is longer than I need, facing away from me, and so the pull is closer to me.</div>
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Scootch your zipper foot as close as you can to the zipper, without sitting on top of it. It may take a few tries to get the zipper stitch right for beginners (i.e. sewing into the teeth), but that's why we have our handy dandy seam rippers. :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2p-FE6AeE/UWYSqAMdexI/AAAAAAAABpI/INfYy7vXPw0/s1600/IMGP7645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2p-FE6AeE/UWYSqAMdexI/AAAAAAAABpI/INfYy7vXPw0/s320/IMGP7645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Start sewing along the side of your zipper, making sure to backstitch a few stitches at the beginning. We'll later do this at the end, too.</div>
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When you get close to the zipper pull, stop. We're going to move it. Make <u>sure</u> your needle is <u>down</u>, into the fabric. If the needle is up, everything will move and get all wonky for our next step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDjmGKh5R8RNzWjvbeZxesm168_-pAX6r12A-pklauU_Q8JJ-T7m9GJ2m4EsZkkhIpKj-7QLZhS_6WaXhF2dL496nvY4SHPj9lEYFRhq1dt9dq8OR5UqrIAIaHiQ5EWYxZ0aQ6Omkmzs/s1600/IMGP7647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDjmGKh5R8RNzWjvbeZxesm168_-pAX6r12A-pklauU_Q8JJ-T7m9GJ2m4EsZkkhIpKj-7QLZhS_6WaXhF2dL496nvY4SHPj9lEYFRhq1dt9dq8OR5UqrIAIaHiQ5EWYxZ0aQ6Omkmzs/s320/IMGP7647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lift your foot to the up position. You can see here that we'll be holding the foot as high as it will go, for purposes of moving our zipper pull out of the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2WVELtSLlKDqq-XO-1DJIUUyailYvsIQC6RaDj8KzqdykEq5fqMwFxG5TD9brwG-55ta9DBJvzTncQIYXBC7JbC87qgqXQ6BriwlOi1h-kxzsNAaNGnUI1JxmvqzQKFx4qsubM0GpyU/s1600/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2WVELtSLlKDqq-XO-1DJIUUyailYvsIQC6RaDj8KzqdykEq5fqMwFxG5TD9brwG-55ta9DBJvzTncQIYXBC7JbC87qgqXQ6BriwlOi1h-kxzsNAaNGnUI1JxmvqzQKFx4qsubM0GpyU/s320/Makeup+Bag+Tutorial4.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Hold your zipper foot out of the way with your right hand, then carefully slide the zipper pull open...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ6O7YqUu6GQRib-cZfGPCG3JZwOZfXyBlq_oZdSnVteZMnQid7FWJ_-resaQ6uq101xXlwXiv4GvUX1tFF5P26iRfh2W1kUKrZgLB0BfBDWp7tRdZEPMfShsXMRtZv-RVXo9QQ9ToKs/s1600/IMGP7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ6O7YqUu6GQRib-cZfGPCG3JZwOZfXyBlq_oZdSnVteZMnQid7FWJ_-resaQ6uq101xXlwXiv4GvUX1tFF5P26iRfh2W1kUKrZgLB0BfBDWp7tRdZEPMfShsXMRtZv-RVXo9QQ9ToKs/s320/IMGP7652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...past the foot, and out of the way.</div>
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Now, line your fabric up again. Put the foot back down, and finish sewing down the line, making sure to backstitch at the end.</div>
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Fold open both the outer and lining fabric pieces, so that they are facing <u>wrong sides together</u>. Then iron them, nice and crisp. Be careful not to have your iron too hot, and accidentally melt your zipper. Yikes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYs604dYPLCWfukSNcW4kPGcQ1BVQqGg2yPhrNRd-DS6JEdKkMUMhASDCcdAzRXmmNITvPags0FjtFhRKLFHgH8gMU5Ik8MgDgn0sBxrfcqfsSdACVS82a2AA-znEejNi8hHdXr1PqdU/s1600/IMGP7658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYs604dYPLCWfukSNcW4kPGcQ1BVQqGg2yPhrNRd-DS6JEdKkMUMhASDCcdAzRXmmNITvPags0FjtFhRKLFHgH8gMU5Ik8MgDgn0sBxrfcqfsSdACVS82a2AA-znEejNi8hHdXr1PqdU/s320/IMGP7658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't get a pic while I was sewing it, but you can see here that you'll want to topstitch close to the zipper in the next step. See that small line of stitches? Those are my topstitching stitches. I can't stand it when fabric gets caught in a zipper. This topstitching solves that problem. It also looks pretty.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaV_w86tUEU/UWYTyZ6MqPI/AAAAAAAABqQ/g-hGPuKCUF8/s1600/IMGP7660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaV_w86tUEU/UWYTyZ6MqPI/AAAAAAAABqQ/g-hGPuKCUF8/s320/IMGP7660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next we'll make a "zipper sandwich" on the other side. Place the lining fabric <u>right side down</u>, which will face your already sewn lining fabric, matching it up across the top and the end like we did before. The piece sewn in should be facing right side up.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8Tbs3SnaLA/UWYg_t657xI/AAAAAAAABq8/PHwmeuIA1O0/s1600/IMGP7668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8Tbs3SnaLA/UWYg_t657xI/AAAAAAAABq8/PHwmeuIA1O0/s320/IMGP7668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the opposite size, you'll place your outer fabric <u>right side down</u>, where the other piece of outer fabric is right side up beneath it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQAPa3v_wcY/UWYhECwTQBI/AAAAAAAABrI/hRcvYMo01Lg/s1600/IMGP7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQAPa3v_wcY/UWYhECwTQBI/AAAAAAAABrI/hRcvYMo01Lg/s320/IMGP7667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a better picture of the entire sandwich. I am pinching the two pieces we started with. Then for this second side of the zipper, you'll have the lining pieces facing right sides together, and the outer fabric will also be right sides together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDvJMnti8TE/UWYg2mCdZmI/AAAAAAAABq4/PDj4OcX5o8c/s1600/IMGP7666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDvJMnti8TE/UWYg2mCdZmI/AAAAAAAABq4/PDj4OcX5o8c/s320/IMGP7666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sew this just like you did the first time around. I have moved my zipper foot to the other side, and my threads are now under my foot and to the left.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrrkT1a8ONE/UWYi78KfRoI/AAAAAAAABrU/aGIVKH3TcYw/s1600/IMGP7670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrrkT1a8ONE/UWYi78KfRoI/AAAAAAAABrU/aGIVKH3TcYw/s320/IMGP7670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Iron, then topstitch this side, just like the first.</div>
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Now, open up each side, and fold the outer pieces with right sides together, and the lining pieces with right sides together.</div>
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We'll start by pinning the lining pieces, once again <u>right sides together</u>. See those double pins I've placed close together? These are the start/stop points for this process. We'll start where the double pins are on the right, sew around the corner, continue around the entire bag, then finish at the double pins on the left. Pin your start/stop points 2-3" apart. You'll need these 2-3" for turning right side out, later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmcyRXYnLSAWtcGW5rRyNVVjTDX1UtatV8stMxJuC1e_I1WjXHmLDJkgwgorE9Js_tdSyw3zKzVv5b4gQZcb8aFZCouhqFRqGRZX7EieMfgJOillSUfqu3U32PtrPl41K_OXS9vqRpBU/s1600/IMGP7678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmcyRXYnLSAWtcGW5rRyNVVjTDX1UtatV8stMxJuC1e_I1WjXHmLDJkgwgorE9Js_tdSyw3zKzVv5b4gQZcb8aFZCouhqFRqGRZX7EieMfgJOillSUfqu3U32PtrPl41K_OXS9vqRpBU/s320/IMGP7678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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BEFORE YOU CONTINUE : UNZIP YOUR ZIPPER ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY OPEN! If you forget this step, and sew your bag with the zipper closed, it will be difficult, if not impossible to open up when we turn it all right side out. I love my seam ripper, but not <u>that</u> much.</div>
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Continue pinning around your bag. I like to fold the zipper down and pin it in place, too. In this pic, it is folded toward the left, with the fold on the right.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkC78-U53XI/UWYwZcMXPsI/AAAAAAAABsA/sy5VLWhgEmw/s1600/IMGP7680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkC78-U53XI/UWYwZcMXPsI/AAAAAAAABsA/sy5VLWhgEmw/s320/IMGP7680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, if you are inserting the tab and/or handle, this is the time to add them, before you sew it all shut. Placement is up to you, but I like mine to line up close to the top. To do this, take out a pin on the side where you'll be placing the handle...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQMSWtyFuxw/UWYwkW1ZZdI/AAAAAAAABsQ/uv0F9_wPEDk/s1600/IMGP7684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQMSWtyFuxw/UWYwkW1ZZdI/AAAAAAAABsQ/uv0F9_wPEDk/s320/IMGP7684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold your handle in half, pinning for help if you wish...</div>
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Then insert, loop side first, into the outer fabric side...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhXIaEEWI8Uc_Aks_jRtuMmZ40RCPiCaXrJ39LSE2U-NX6aXbKTQY_Em8yAuNbd403htcih_AVAEyzgXgg6uWfF9SMzkPDzbtMsOFDD9h6DxtdwJf5NQSi1Z4lzlYJr60c9N9lGjg-Uc/s1600/IMGP7686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhXIaEEWI8Uc_Aks_jRtuMmZ40RCPiCaXrJ39LSE2U-NX6aXbKTQY_Em8yAuNbd403htcih_AVAEyzgXgg6uWfF9SMzkPDzbtMsOFDD9h6DxtdwJf5NQSi1Z4lzlYJr60c9N9lGjg-Uc/s320/IMGP7686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And finally, line up with a little sticking out OR flush with the side of the bag, and pin. I like a little sticking out, so that when I sew, I know it is for sure going to stay in place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFPjYeTYTOgQJumsVnDXArB07oS0bIbF8t1R8bsUU5fhuYyhelNu4XxOthfzLCdQub66yhyphenhyphenKu6-Fu5MnbhNbBHY92ujiBPtAdzuRx_R_I0IO3MhLF1VjPRFyK2YSudjr6heqSASvil00/s1600/IMGP7688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFPjYeTYTOgQJumsVnDXArB07oS0bIbF8t1R8bsUU5fhuYyhelNu4XxOthfzLCdQub66yhyphenhyphenKu6-Fu5MnbhNbBHY92ujiBPtAdzuRx_R_I0IO3MhLF1VjPRFyK2YSudjr6heqSASvil00/s320/IMGP7688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Repeat this step for the tab, on the opposite side. Remove one pin, near the top. Fold the tab in half, pinning if you wish...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWpnf_7KNCjSyTVI1z2b68TKi8Puy3wQAM1CmO2Gw1t_DcOLqyMxYZeSIsNlbqMJqc8MnGYYRgbz74HUUcs0xrdase6QWmvkxF5XtwQ1imnhZPKYIDyOuwRCbQfqi9heKFzBoteOnnu0/s1600/IMGP7681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWpnf_7KNCjSyTVI1z2b68TKi8Puy3wQAM1CmO2Gw1t_DcOLqyMxYZeSIsNlbqMJqc8MnGYYRgbz74HUUcs0xrdase6QWmvkxF5XtwQ1imnhZPKYIDyOuwRCbQfqi9heKFzBoteOnnu0/s320/IMGP7681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Insert the tab, folded side in...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPf6qA_kKKo/UWYw4fXK_4I/AAAAAAAABsw/tMsZPUw0N_A/s1600/IMGP7682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPf6qA_kKKo/UWYw4fXK_4I/AAAAAAAABsw/tMsZPUw0N_A/s320/IMGP7682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Line up and pin in place.</div>
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So now, we're prepped and ready to sew! Woohoo!</div>
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We're going to start where I talked before about my double pins. The double pins on the right are the starting point. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, start here, making sure to backstitch. Turn around the corner, and keep sewing...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR9bofu4R6GTo6jB4_kMyGZpF5vMAHyHVdk0K80Q3j5UUKnGf3-AkV2erQ6GBdyxjw6PD3HpDu6HcFmbJHDxg_2ZAP42Or9Rj_CSpYoqFeu0olXtT9EM_wGappBq9zmHGkaz_OdBaoRw/s1600/IMGP7690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR9bofu4R6GTo6jB4_kMyGZpF5vMAHyHVdk0K80Q3j5UUKnGf3-AkV2erQ6GBdyxjw6PD3HpDu6HcFmbJHDxg_2ZAP42Or9Rj_CSpYoqFeu0olXtT9EM_wGappBq9zmHGkaz_OdBaoRw/s320/IMGP7690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...Until you come to the zipper and tab or handle. Slowly sew across these, being careful not to break your needle. I've done this by accidentally sewing on the small piece of metal/plastic on the zipper that stops the pull on either side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAs5THKkhrTcoDY3iwjWSZCn8u0VdtkdtdirV7sMSgpsBgq29GKspWvizkHZiYz5IyD8ZTc-ZgVrkA71kF-6CPcreiKmPPr-kh3bT8v6QJzwtgWCWSYCxExeqK2u4snUFGuOkZvuTpcO4/s1600/IMGP7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAs5THKkhrTcoDY3iwjWSZCn8u0VdtkdtdirV7sMSgpsBgq29GKspWvizkHZiYz5IyD8ZTc-ZgVrkA71kF-6CPcreiKmPPr-kh3bT8v6QJzwtgWCWSYCxExeqK2u4snUFGuOkZvuTpcO4/s320/IMGP7692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once you sew across the zipper and then the tag or handle, backstitch all the way back before the zipper. You can even do this once again, if you are concerned about it holding up. Continue by moving forward again, sewing down this side to the corner. Turn the corner and sew along the bottom, then turn the corner and sew along the side...</div>
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Now we're on the opposite side, ready to sew the other tab or handle and zipper. Slowly sew across these, then backstitch all the way back to before the tab or handle. Continue sewing across this side...</div>
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Turn the corner and stop at the double needles. Make sure to backstitch. Clip your ends and admire your work. :)</div>
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You can now clip off any extra zipper length from your bag. The zipper is now secured, since we did the backstitching on both ends.</div>
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Now, it's time to box out our bottoms. Start with one outer point, pull your fabric away from itself and fold it to a point, matching up the sewn lines, vertically. Now pin in place.</div>
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Repeat for all four corners.</div>
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Next, we'll mark a two inch line on each corner. I like to pull out "Ol' Trusty Rusty," my favorite ruler. It's actually an L shaped ruler, with no real rust issues, but it's <u>old</u>. I also use Rusty to guide my rolling cutter. Good ol' Rusty...</div>
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See how Rusty is lined up, below. Place your ruler with any inch mark on the stitch line. The 3" mark is lined up, below. Then move up or down the stitch line until exactly one inch to the left and right meet up with the fabric folds. Rusty is showing us the 2" mark on the left side and the 4" mark on the right side. Thanks, Rusty.</div>
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Pull out your disappearing ink pen, and mark a line straight across your ruler. You rule, Singer pen.</div>
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See the pretty line? Sigh. So easy.</div>
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Now, sew right down this line. Could it get any easier? I love it. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end every time.</div>
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Here's my sewn corner. And yes, my bobbin ran out of lavender thread just at this point. I didn't need another bobbin with this color, so I didn't see any point in re-threading it. Welcome back, white thread.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ub8H8uQfvPQ/UWY7V8RTzZI/AAAAAAAABu4/Uzxn6N9kvrk/s1600/IMGP7710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ub8H8uQfvPQ/UWY7V8RTzZI/AAAAAAAABu4/Uzxn6N9kvrk/s320/IMGP7710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, clip off this corner, fairly close to your stitches.</div>
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Mine is cut about an 1/8" away from the line.</div>
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Now it's time to turn your bag right side out. Stick your hand through that 2-3" hole you left open. Grab the inside of the bag. Pull through, and...</div>
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Voila! It's a bag, folks!</div>
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Now, stick your hand back in and help push out the boxy corners with your fingers.</div>
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There is just one last step! You need to close up those 2-3". Some choose to hand stitch it shut. I prefer to use my machine. Line up the two pieces, folding in the raw edges just like the rest of the seams, and pin. Sew with a 1/8" seam allowance, and you're done!</div>
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Pretty! Repeat for the next bag, and you're gonna have a giddy little lady. Trust me. When Olivia saw her mommy-made bag, she squealed, "Kitties! Can I have it?" Yes, my little doll, you may have it {and my ♥} forever. Love, Mommy</div>
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I hope you love the project, and please try it! I promise you won't be
disappointed! And as always, if you want to share a project you have made using
this tutorial, I'd love to see it! You can email me photos at
SugarMamaShop@gmail.com or link up a post you've written in the comments
below.
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Happy Creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-86365543855032605402013-04-08T19:39:00.002-05:002013-04-08T19:39:55.451-05:00"Stay Put Bookmarks" via Make It & Love It {Here's what I made today}<div style="text-align: center;">
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Today was "cutting day." I ran across a great idea on <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/07/sewing-project-planner-free-printable.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Positively Splendid</span></a>. It was one of those, "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. The idea was for a way to make my life easier, by organizing my crafting plans. So for the day, I cut fabric for several projects. Then I organized them, all ready to be sewn.</div>
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The theory is correct. Cutting fabric <u>is</u> the most tedious part of sewing. After this, the fun part begins. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a ton of things all lined up, and ready to be sewn. And by the end of the night, I had just enough time left to sew these Stay Put Bookmarks. You can see Ashley's brilliant process <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2013/04/the-stay-put-elastic-fabric-bookmark-never-lose-your-place-again.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>, at Make It & Love It.</div>
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The camo bookmarks are for my bookworm Dad-In-Law. The polka dot bookmarks are for surprise gifts. :) They're easy, fun, simple and brilliant! Make some today, too!</div>
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And, I always have to add my tag. I love the personal touch it gives. Plus, my friends and family will always remember who made it.</div>
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I borrowed one of my daughter's Easter gifts to show how they work. Gotta love that first read and learn Bible! :)</div>
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These are so much fun. I had to resist making a dozen more!</div>
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Happy Creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-85717044168153447392013-03-25T02:53:00.001-05:002013-04-08T22:38:51.845-05:00How to Make Bunny Masks {An Easter Craft} TUTORIAL<div align="center">
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Today, I want to share with you an easy tutorial for making cute bunny masks. They're fun and adorable. They're perfect for Easter, too!</div>
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You need only a few basic supplies to make these masks. And in minutes, your kiddos will be enjoying them. These will be going in our Easter baskets, next weekend. I also included adult sizes with the pattern. I think they would be so fun for all the family to wear in photos.</div>
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Let's get started.</div>
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:</div>
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* My Bunny Mask Pattern</div>
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* A small amount of felt in 2 or 3 colors.</div>
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* Black Cotton Yarn</div>
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* Scissors</div>
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* Thin elastic {I used Dritz brand Braided Elastic, 1/4" size}</div>
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* Sewing machine OR Needle & Thread</div>
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First, start out by printing my Bunny Mask Pattern. You can <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/bunny-mask-pattern/49322" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">download it here</span></a>, in my Craftsy shop, for FREE. Cut out the appropriate amount of pieces, in either child or adult sizes.</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/bunny-mask-pattern/49322" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://djiqd110ru30i.cloudfront.net/upload/579892/pattern/49322/full_8494_49322_BunnyMaskPattern_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/bunny-mask-pattern/49322" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;">Bunny Mask Pattern</a> via <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/579892/pattern-store" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda Moutos</a> on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></div>
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You'll need (2) face pieces, (1) nose piece and (1) teeth piece for each mask. Cut (10) 2.5" pieces of black cotton yarn for whiskers. Cut (1) 16.5" piece of elastic for a child size mask OR a 17.5" piece of elastic for an adult size mask.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNLN6OlvREI/UU9xvD4FDWI/AAAAAAAABiQ/-JX1W4LekhA/s1600/IMGP7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNLN6OlvREI/UU9xvD4FDWI/AAAAAAAABiQ/-JX1W4LekhA/s400/IMGP7344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the FRONT MASK ONLY, cut the slits on each side for inserting the whiskers.</div>
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Insert the yarn 1/2" through the slits on the front face piece. Fan them out as you like, then pin them how you like them. This photo shows the back side of the grey bunny and the front side of the white bunny.<br />
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Sew across the whiskers, close to the slit. Go back and forth several times to ensure they are sewn down well.<br />
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Pin your teeth to the back side of the front face piece of your mask. Use the dashed lines from the pattern for help with placement. Make sure that the pins are on the front, so that they don't get stuck inside when you sew the face pieces together.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5t3XDuDzAQ/UU99NtHVGdI/AAAAAAAABi8/ErSXG6-7sGM/s1600/IMGP7354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5t3XDuDzAQ/UU99NtHVGdI/AAAAAAAABi8/ErSXG6-7sGM/s320/IMGP7354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, pin the back piece to the front piece.<br />
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Sew around the mask using a 1/8" seam allowance, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end, to keep it secure. NOTE: Make sure to move the yarn whiskers aside, so that you don't sew over them. You can even play around with different colored thread if you like. Also, you can leave the bottom of the teeth straight, like the grey bunny. Or cut an upside down V in them, like the white bunny.<br />
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Using the photo as a reference for placement, pin the nose to the front of the mask. Sew the nose to the mask using an 1/8" seam allowance, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end.</div>
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Use the pointy end of your scissors or a craft knife to make the holes for the elastic. Use the pattern for help with placement.</div>
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Tie a knot on one end of your elastic. Starting from front to back, thread your elastic through one hole.<br />
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Then, from back to front, thread through the other side. Knot the other end of your elastic. If you are concerned with the knots coming undone, you can use a lighter to quickly melt the elastic ends.</div>
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And....you're finished! Wasn't that fun, quick and easy!? Plus, they're adorable!!!<br />
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I hope you love the project, and please try it! I promise you won't be
disappointed! And as always, if you want to share a project you have made using
this tutorial, I'd love to see it! You can email me photos at
SugarMamaShop@gmail.com or link up a post you've written in the comments below.</div>
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Happy Creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-19504217156187032302013-03-24T13:59:00.000-05:002013-03-24T13:59:10.498-05:0010 Things You Didn't Know About Me<div style="text-align: center;">
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Today is cold. It's very cold. There has been snow coming down since last night, and it is supposed to continue through tonight. This is our 3rd big snow storm of the year. The first two were within a week of each other, and dumped a total of 22" on us.</div>
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Since I'm so cold, I thought I'd sit down and let the laptop warm up my legs. And once I unthaw, I'll get back to business, getting this house ready for Easter weekend and family! Yay! This is just a quick post I thought I'd write, to share with you some things about me. I don't share much about myself, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to do so.</div>
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And thus...</div>
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10 Things You Didn't Know About Me</div>
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1. I am <u>deathly</u> afraid of mannequins. This tops the list, for I am severely in fear of anything mannequin-like, as well. Most dolls and stuffed animals also creep me out. The real thing that bothers me is that I think they come to life when I'm not there. I know this isn't really the case, but I tend to have a very wild imagination.</div>
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2. I can't watch scary movies. This is along the same lines as #1, because of that imagination I have. I think that if I really were to accept it and go with it, I could write some really scary stuff. I wish I had a flowery and sunshine-y imagination, but everything that I dream up is always scary. What's wrong with me!? :)</div>
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3. I'm uber-competitive. I don't like to stand in front of an audience and be praised for my accomplishments, because it embarrasses me, but I can't stand not to be on top. I have a very strong drive to always be the best. It's not a mean-spirited urge, but it's one that keeps me on my toes.</div>
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4. I have embraced the pale. For years as a teenager, I tried keeping up with my friends and their sun kissed summer bodies, by laying in horrid tanning beds. But several (seeeeveral) years ago, I accepted that I'm a pale gal, and there's nothing wrong with that. Plus, I don't want to be wrinkly when I'm much older.</div>
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5. I have two kids. Well, if you know me already, you probably know that. But if you don't, I have a girl and a boy, and they are amazing. I am so inspired by each one of them, every day. I absolutely love being a mom. It's exhausting, but it rocks.</div>
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6. I have been married for over 7 years to a total hunk. I truly think it was divine providence that brought us together. How else would we have met? We are best friends, and we always support each other. Marriage has been a blessing in my life.</div>
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7. I love to bake. I always thought that my dream would be to own a bakery, I love it so much. But then, I would probably not enjoy it if it were actually my job. So keeping it a hobby will be just fine for now.</div>
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8. I was in the band in 6th-9th grade. I played the Alto Saxophone. I played the Tenor Saxophone in the jazz band. I was actually really good on both. I have awards to prove it. I played the piano, outside of school, under instruction of a piano teacher. I rocked the keys, too. And I loved recitals, but hated the end where everyone applauded. There goes my embarrasment about praise, again. The reason I quit the band was because I thought it was geeky. Man, was that a bad choice.</div>
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9. I was in Speech & Drama. I loved being in plays, though never was a lead. There was a girl in my grade, still one of my very best friends to this day, who was much more into it than I was. She was most often lead in many of our plays. She deserved it. She rocked. But I think I loved speech competitions even more than plays. My strong suit was the standard oratory. 8 or 10 minutes, if I remember correctly, of a memorized speech, given to a room full of competitors. I have awards from that, too. It was a rush.</div>
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10. My very first car was a Ford Fairmont. Never heard of it? No surprise. Google probably won't even tell you what it is. Just think of the typical boxy drawing a child makes when you ask for a picture of a car, and that's a Ford Fairmont. It was red with a white (pleathery?) top and PLAID interior. It died on me every time I hit a stop light. My friends called it "The Sweetmobile" and it definitely fit the, albeit sarcastic, moniker.</div>
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So there you have it! Ten very odd and random facts about me, but facts nonetheless. And hey, now you know me a little more.</div>
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Happy Sunday!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-39693520887549584652013-03-21T16:49:00.001-05:002013-03-21T16:49:11.679-05:00{Semi} Homemade Cherry Turnovers<div align="center">
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This is a recipe that popped into my head yesterday, and I couldn't wait to try it out. Do you like Pillsbury Toaster Strudel? Well these are BETTER! And you can make more of them for less moolah!</div>
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Make these for breakfast, brunch, dessert, a snack, when you're bored, when you can't sleep, when you want something sweet, when you want something fruity, when.... Well you get the picture. They are SO yum-o and I almost got a stomach ache from eating too many of them.</div>
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Here's how to do it:</div>
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INGREDIENTS:</div>
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* 2 Cans of Crescent Rolls</div>
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* 20 oz Can of Cherry Pie Filling</div>
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* 1 egg, beaten</div>
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* Powdered Sugar for Sprinkling</div>
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MAKES: 8 Turnovers</div>
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DIRECTIONS:</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Open one can of Crescent Rolls and spread out each of the 8 triangles on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.</div>
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2. Spoon a small amount of Cherry Pie Filling across each triangle. Leave at least 1/4" edge all around.</div>
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{I like to make sure there are at least 2 or 3 cherries per triangle, so that they are not just filled with the cherry gel. Try not to mound them up too high with filling.}</div>
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3. Brush the beaten egg around the edges of each triangle, where you made sure not to spread the filling.</div>
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4. Open the second can of Crescent Rolls and lightly stretch each triangle, before laying across the bottom triangle and filling. Lightly press around all the edges of each turnover, so that the top and bottom pieces stay together.</div>
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5. Lightly brush the egg across the top of each turnover. This will help them to brown as they bake.</div>
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6. Bake for 18 minutes, or until golden brown and fully baked.</div>
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7. Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar and top with remaining Cherry Pie Filling.</div>
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Try not to gobble them up too fast! The good news is that they're so easy, you can make another batch if you do. :)</div>
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Happy Creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-67179523264364150262013-03-18T11:07:00.002-05:002013-04-08T22:39:09.145-05:00Green Eggs & Ham Bow Tie Onesie [A TUTORIAL]<div align="center">
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As I posted before, St. Patrick's Day was just another reason to create something cute for my little guy. I'm not into all the shamrocks, rainbows and luck, but it <em>had</em> to be green, of course!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUSPpa6QAj02idkC1Y3wOgJEq_sX_4n32b1vOOPiPobUWX66epkdYNdJ0PVKYlNi8FAsC4RZUUAyExR17m3N_WfrissoHcMHijDT54lBp7J0ITDlL0ZMBC9tHogoeo-D3yc8HCffo5_M/s1600/Green+Eggs+and+Ham+Bowtie+Onesie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUSPpa6QAj02idkC1Y3wOgJEq_sX_4n32b1vOOPiPobUWX66epkdYNdJ0PVKYlNi8FAsC4RZUUAyExR17m3N_WfrissoHcMHijDT54lBp7J0ITDlL0ZMBC9tHogoeo-D3yc8HCffo5_M/s640/Green+Eggs+and+Ham+Bowtie+Onesie.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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One great thing about this onesie is that lil man can wear it <em>any</em> day, not just St. Patty's Day. It's green, yet unassuming. Besides, who can resist a baby in a bowtie?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGVcoap9g8_eh7l1uQNmAgtvtrIap6bpQx6-irOrAuUf-oWdJmWil9XvdddRFbeQMcDQiQZlj18OwzuWLijwU2IuwGK5EgCfjUYPoD6L9pOq2IFCT43e3qow7ZBu7mEU0JmuwTJnvdYU/s1600/Green+Eggs+and+Ham+Bowtie+Onesie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGVcoap9g8_eh7l1uQNmAgtvtrIap6bpQx6-irOrAuUf-oWdJmWil9XvdddRFbeQMcDQiQZlj18OwzuWLijwU2IuwGK5EgCfjUYPoD6L9pOq2IFCT43e3qow7ZBu7mEU0JmuwTJnvdYU/s640/Green+Eggs+and+Ham+Bowtie+Onesie2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This onesie is a combo of two types of crafting bliss: Fabric Transfers and Sewing. As I promised in my <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Easy-DIY-Double-Bow-Tie-Bowtie-Tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Double Bowtie Tutorial</span></a>, I'll show you how to make one of your own.</div>
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<a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Easy-DIY-Double-Bow-Tie-Bowtie-Tutorial.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2vcrqUKHAcKM9f2ATUSaZa9bzgx39XkopIeFk564J4k0lDARp00mHuckrYTD75XVj0CcZkg-WwEjNtJc6HXhWilDwzyCIz3SDYkr8oofkfVCowIlfdAFIDEaN6bZp7Q60JkUvgAP9tE/s320/IMGP7242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:</div>
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* A onesie or t-shirt</div>
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* Printable Iron-On Fabric Transfer Sheets {I used <a href="http://www.joann.com/photo-effects-ink-jet-transfer-paper-8-1-2-x11-6-pkg/prd2814/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Transfer Magic</span></a>}</div>
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(Make sure to buy <a href="http://www.joann.com/dark-t-shirt-transfer-paper-for-ink-jet-printers-3-pkg/prd40983/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Fabric Transfer Sheets for Dark Fabric</span></a>, if you are going with a colored material)</div>
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* Green Eggs and Ham image {<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/green-eggs--ham-bowtie-onesie-project/48519" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Click here</span></a> for the FREE DOWNLOAD PDF}</div>
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* Scissors</div>
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*Iron and a cloth to protect your surface {You'll want to iron on a hard surface, like a table, instead of your ironing board}</div>
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* A finished Bow Tie from my <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Easy-DIY-Double-Bow-Tie-Bowtie-Tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Double Bow Tie Tutorial</span></a></div>
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*Sewing Machine or Needle & Thread</div>
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Let's get started. First, I always suggest prewashing and drying any time you are working with 100% cotton, as this onesie is made of. This way, you won't have any strange issues with shrinkage <em>after</em> your project is finished.<br />
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Next, you'll need to download the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/green-eggs--ham-bowtie-onesie-project/48519" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Green Eggs & Ham image</span></a> from my Craftsy pattern shop. It's a free PDF file. Simply open it up, and print the image onto your Tranfer Paper. NOTE: You'll notice the image has been mirrored. This is not an accident. Any time you are working with transfer paper, you'll want to make sure the image you choose to print is mirrored, so that it won't end up backward once you iron it to your fabric.</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/green-eggs--ham-bowtie-onesie-project/48519" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://djiqd110ru30i.cloudfront.net/upload/579892/pattern/48519/full_6156_48519_GreenEggsHamBowtieOnesiePROJECT_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/green-eggs--ham-bowtie-onesie-project/48519" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline;">Green Eggs & Ham Bowtie Onesie PROJECT</a> via <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/579892/pattern-store" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda Moutos</a> on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></div>
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Now, trim the paper as close to the image as you can, without cutting into the design. I made the mistake of forgetting this step the first time I used Transfer Magic, and learned my lesson. Even in the areas where there is no image printed, the paper will still transfer onto your fabric, leaving you with a large, filmy square of nothing attached to your fabric. Ick. I even trimmed the little egg separate from the rest of the image. Then I ironed it where it should be placed in the picture.</div>
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Position the iron-on where you like best. I chose to place mine just below where my bow tie would go. I find with onesies, that if you go too low, the image will be on the baby's belly, and then later covered up if you put pants on him or her. Follow the package instructions closely next, as you iron the image onto the onesie. Generally, you'll use a cotton heat setting, for anywhere from 30-60 seconds or so. And it's important to iron on a firm surface, instead of an ironing board. This is where a cloth comes in handy, to protect the surface where you are ironing. Just use a piece of fabric or another t-shirt. A towel would be too bulky for this. Make sure to iron as long as you're supposed to, or the image will not set correctly.</div>
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Let the area cool completely before trying to remove the backing paper. Start on the edge of the backing paper, and SLOWLY peel it off of the onesie. I like to hold my hand on top of the image, as I pull the paper off, so that it doesn't stretch into a permanently weird shape. {Hand raised up} Done that one, too.</div>
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Next. step back and admire the cuteness! And move on to attaching the bow tie.</div>
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Take your finished <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Easy-DIY-Double-Bow-Tie-Bowtie-Tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">double bow tie</span></a>, and pin it to your onesie. You need only to pin the bottom layer of the bow tie. No stitches will be made through the top. I personally like the look of the bow tie being as close to the top of the neckline as possible. This way, you don't really see the fabric peeking above it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTSIaAhv_TI/UUc4WOktS8I/AAAAAAAABhY/i1y-g8biFj8/s1600/IMGP7307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTSIaAhv_TI/UUc4WOktS8I/AAAAAAAABhY/i1y-g8biFj8/s320/IMGP7307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Use your sewing machine (or needle and thread, if you must) and tack down the bow tie on each side. Just run the machine for a few stitches back and forth a few times. This will make sure it's nicely secured, and keep it from coming off in the wash. Make sure to pull the top layer aside, and stitch through the bottom layer ONLY. This way your stitches will be completely hidden.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Shp1LysTxiU/UUc6oP4yLYI/AAAAAAAABhg/KIGLYxk7VJ0/s1600/IMGP7309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Shp1LysTxiU/UUc6oP4yLYI/AAAAAAAABhg/KIGLYxk7VJ0/s320/IMGP7309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Clip off your ends and you're....wait! You're done!</div>
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Could it get any easier, folks? I hope you love the project, and please try it! I promise you won't be disappointed! And as always, if you want to
share a project you have made using this tutorial, I'd love to see it! You can
email me photos at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com or link up a post you've written in
the comments below.</div>
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ONE FINAL NOTE! This project is NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE, as I wouldn't want anyone to get in trouble for copyright infringement on the image. So don't sell it! Make it and squeeze your OWN baby in it! { Or a friend's :) }</div>
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Happy
creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-39334764865224780012013-03-15T08:00:00.000-05:002013-04-08T22:39:20.843-05:00The Easiest Double Bow Tie You'll Ever Make [A TUTORIAL]<br />
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St. Patrick's Day is this weekend, and while I don't really celebrate the holiday, it was a perfect opportunity to dress up my little man. Plus, I get to share all the fun with you. Today we'll learn how to make super easy Double Bowties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl6iZANCKfM3KCvv0hGkgBLWBTXQHvpQKrDj8MmeYDcg8BhHDXYCA7xUHXaqjCRQEJE3pzNc4BYN9upvcZHViQxC_XthYdkoy8Nrohlkctj6nCxh0_jsjSvLmJ9SVMZfN_Oh4nFm398A/s1600/Double+Bowties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl6iZANCKfM3KCvv0hGkgBLWBTXQHvpQKrDj8MmeYDcg8BhHDXYCA7xUHXaqjCRQEJE3pzNc4BYN9upvcZHViQxC_XthYdkoy8Nrohlkctj6nCxh0_jsjSvLmJ9SVMZfN_Oh4nFm398A/s400/Double+Bowties.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a great project if you're looking to use up scraps of fabric. And the bowties can be altered to just about any size you like. Also, you can easily attach these to your favorite style hair clip, like an alligator clip, and let your little girl wear one, too. Trust me, they're adorable both ways.<br />
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And when you attach one to a onesie, you might just sqeal like I did! {<a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Green-Eggs-And-Ham-Onesie-TUTORIAL-for-St-Patricks-Day.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tutorial for the outfit can be found here</span></a>}<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPpnGkoyWLw/UUJa0_4lEtI/AAAAAAAABc8/oQLEZvXWuXQ/s1600/Green+Eggs+and+Ham+Bowtie+Onesie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPpnGkoyWLw/UUJa0_4lEtI/AAAAAAAABc8/oQLEZvXWuXQ/s640/Green+Eggs+and+Ham+Bowtie+Onesie.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The ties in my tutorial were made to fit a baby. Mine's 8 months old (nearly 9 months, sigh). The finished measurements for the bowties are 2" x 4". I needed to make two bows, since I wanted a matching one for my daughter's hair. For two bows, all you'll need is a piece of fabric that is 4.5" x 20". That's it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj013Bg7dmfzX26xTksp6NLeLs9ehxg7ECzqGYD8vBdoNDYKSxhuEVJUCI0oEzuU-3Rz-CXpb3Vidf_NtRJkxwND79EkMnZi1wGMhOeVCm9xwEC0TelrbOnjjwUF2SlXKshPJDmXgiztEY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj013Bg7dmfzX26xTksp6NLeLs9ehxg7ECzqGYD8vBdoNDYKSxhuEVJUCI0oEzuU-3Rz-CXpb3Vidf_NtRJkxwND79EkMnZi1wGMhOeVCm9xwEC0TelrbOnjjwUF2SlXKshPJDmXgiztEY/s320/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After you cut the pieces for two bowties, you'll end up with (2) 4" x 4.5" pieces, (2) 4.5" x 4.5" pieces and (2) 2.25" x 3" pieces.<br />
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OR If you are only making one bowtie, you can cut just (1) 4" x 4.5" piece, (1) 4.5" x 4.5" piece and (1) 2.25" x 3" piece.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67cALUnoWuQ/UUKMb_hpQgI/AAAAAAAABdc/W-n8r5J9G44/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67cALUnoWuQ/UUKMb_hpQgI/AAAAAAAABdc/W-n8r5J9G44/s320/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold your top and bottom bow pieces down {right sides together} and iron across the 4.5" side, so that you end up with (1) 2" x 4.5" piece and (1) 2.25" x 4.5" piece. Fold in and iron both 3" sides of your middle tie piece {wrong sides together}, so that you end up with a piece that is about 3" x 0.75".<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qRWynRTEpI/UUKPHB1BLkI/AAAAAAAABdk/5DD1vFdHPlI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qRWynRTEpI/UUKPHB1BLkI/AAAAAAAABdk/5DD1vFdHPlI/s320/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now comes the fun part: Pull out your sewing machine! Use some coordinating thread and sew the pieces, using the photo for help. For the middle piece, stitch along the short 0.75" ends with 1/4" seam. There will be a raw end along the long side, but this will be hidden when you assemble the bow tie. So just sew the short ends, and this will be good enough.<br />
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For the two bow pieces, you will leave the folded end alone. Sew all the sides (except the folded edge) using a 1/4" seam making sure to leave a gap in your stitches so that you can turn right side out. I left about 1.5" for turning, and this was perfect. Make sure to backstitch each time you start and finish a line of stitching, so that your stitches don't come undone when you are turning them right side out.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jTaNVUugLI/UUKSHsPp-xI/AAAAAAAABds/2Tox_5mM7aM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jTaNVUugLI/UUKSHsPp-xI/AAAAAAAABds/2Tox_5mM7aM/s320/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After you are finished sewing, you're through with using the sewing machine. The rest will be hand-stitched. Clip your corners, making sure not to clip any stitches. This makes the finished product look much nicer.<br />
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Then before turning, I like to do one more trick. By folding down and ironing the longer side with the opening, you'll have a clean edge along that open hole when you turn it right side out. Fold down both sides (wrong sides together), using the stitch line as your guide, and iron flat.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PZItxDVh88/UUKeJ6wFjLI/AAAAAAAABeE/oEWAA3tuvlg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PZItxDVh88/UUKeJ6wFjLI/AAAAAAAABeE/oEWAA3tuvlg/s320/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, turn your bow pieces right side out, using someting pointy (but not too sharp) to help with the corners. I like to use a small crochet hook. A pencil works just the same way. Iron all your pieces nice and flat. And trust me, this makes all the difference in a professional, polished look.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSbR_X3iuoI/UUKfNQE4ZLI/AAAAAAAABeM/-fF15Mzl2Y0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSbR_X3iuoI/UUKfNQE4ZLI/AAAAAAAABeM/-fF15Mzl2Y0/s320/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is an example of how your bow will be assembled. You'll stack your smaller 2" x 3.5" finished bow piece on top of your larger 2" x 4" finished bow piece, and the middle tie piece will go perpendicularly through the center. Since the finished bow pieces have 1/2" difference to their length, each side of the bottom, larger piece will show 1/4" on each side. This makes the double bowtie look more obvious.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viNc3fIulkM/UUKff0TCYaI/AAAAAAAABeY/U7rsksRHge0/s1600/IMGP7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viNc3fIulkM/UUKff0TCYaI/AAAAAAAABeY/U7rsksRHge0/s320/IMGP7235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now comes the last part, which is the folding and hand sewing section. There are two ways I will shoe you to fold your bowtie. You can either use a 3-fold variation or a 5-fold variation. This photo shows the 3-fold variation with the teddy bear fabric bow (on top) and the 5-fold variation with the green and white polka dot fabric bow (on bottom). Both are cute. Both are simple. It's totally up to you and the look you're going for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C3Eli6EZx9iLri2Xrz5Z5IszbcOqBDzpYu0n6EbwbdaVNC2E9gpPydUcwNCQ7PB4QbZgZd2SNPAW4xfPW6cz3XCSJ5ZPR3ADBlFZPJyPaeHEwAxuBd5vWGU38hXvU-ZUBByyjI9L9Zg/s1600/IMGP7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C3Eli6EZx9iLri2Xrz5Z5IszbcOqBDzpYu0n6EbwbdaVNC2E9gpPydUcwNCQ7PB4QbZgZd2SNPAW4xfPW6cz3XCSJ5ZPR3ADBlFZPJyPaeHEwAxuBd5vWGU38hXvU-ZUBByyjI9L9Zg/s320/IMGP7242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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**First, we'll learn how to make a 3-fold variation.**<br />
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...And yes, I know I need a manicure.<br />
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Start by stacking your smaller bow piece on top of the larger bow piece. Hold them so that the opening is at the bottom. We didn't need to sew this shut, because it will be hidden later, by the middle tie piece.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7sQg8eXBgMo/UUKldBnSKUI/AAAAAAAABek/BCVxJuX5yP8/s1600/IMGP7243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7sQg8eXBgMo/UUKldBnSKUI/AAAAAAAABek/BCVxJuX5yP8/s320/IMGP7243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pinch the layers in the exact middle. The inside of the fold should be on the front side of your bow.<br />
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Now, fold back the top end to meed up with your first fold.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hcmrfH4Z5E/UUKlmuIBuMI/AAAAAAAABe4/AUEiVX16lKM/s1600/IMGP7245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hcmrfH4Z5E/UUKlmuIBuMI/AAAAAAAABe4/AUEiVX16lKM/s320/IMGP7245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is just another angle (from the front) of this second fold.</div>
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Finally, fold the bottom to meet up with the first fold, just like you did with the top. You'll have worked three folds, which will accordian front to back, to front. Move on to the needle and thread steps.<br />
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**Second, we'll learn how to make a 5-fold variation.**<br />
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...And yes, I <em>still</em> know I need a manicure. (I'm always taking donations.)<br />
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Start by stacking your smaller bow piece on top of the larger bow piece. Hold them so that the opening is at the bottom. We didn't need to sew this shut, because it will be hidden later, by the middle tie piece.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7sQg8eXBgMo/UUKldBnSKUI/AAAAAAAABeo/r9Xi7XfKbCU/s1600/IMGP7243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7sQg8eXBgMo/UUKldBnSKUI/AAAAAAAABeo/r9Xi7XfKbCU/s320/IMGP7243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pinch the layers in the exact middle. <em>This time, </em>the inside of the fold should be on the <em>back </em>side of your bow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70sEvFeZWeqY2mIh5I6jj8bpCKkljhJwwxLaiOWz551P5MEOwBp1FJOlr6a6Zq-Zxr6U6frq37ZZaO1Muc05qSNlAwoj1bXIvGvm4OEBwKFn4Vayh3blIyYPEPWtxXix8pnuHLQMjQt4/s1600/IMGP7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70sEvFeZWeqY2mIh5I6jj8bpCKkljhJwwxLaiOWz551P5MEOwBp1FJOlr6a6Zq-Zxr6U6frq37ZZaO1Muc05qSNlAwoj1bXIvGvm4OEBwKFn4Vayh3blIyYPEPWtxXix8pnuHLQMjQt4/s320/IMGP7248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, fold the top end forward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL4sUORyi0AraQdcIk2Z_6CmhyphenhyphenItnV61hOc7tpO1i3He1sQAh6Z0BLQ6dFnBPirxRkINranks9uB3_7fijj7Ul-b1WYkyaFeLQE3lfh0wChR5berGsVuuh3EJK3hmTzEsHOF3WiFRiEk/s1600/IMGP7249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL4sUORyi0AraQdcIk2Z_6CmhyphenhyphenItnV61hOc7tpO1i3He1sQAh6Z0BLQ6dFnBPirxRkINranks9uB3_7fijj7Ul-b1WYkyaFeLQE3lfh0wChR5berGsVuuh3EJK3hmTzEsHOF3WiFRiEk/s320/IMGP7249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, fold it again, backward, to meet up with the second fold.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRGjpy9jzgY/UUKntoav_RI/AAAAAAAABfc/szLk-FA05ss/s1600/IMGP7250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRGjpy9jzgY/UUKntoav_RI/AAAAAAAABfc/szLk-FA05ss/s320/IMGP7250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold the bottom forward, just like you did with the top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFRVa4aKwCjv9G2HaeRyLxWOn7PZ-AnNxQUZk9uYjmQ9nUnoXDiYaD8K-7DWE7MJXQfpohp6PHwrNfETWUH-poWYBCPStEHtRdZ0fqubwtdovdz4mfIUFemPItIBCvM38z2Z3spUghkM/s1600/IMGP7251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFRVa4aKwCjv9G2HaeRyLxWOn7PZ-AnNxQUZk9uYjmQ9nUnoXDiYaD8K-7DWE7MJXQfpohp6PHwrNfETWUH-poWYBCPStEHtRdZ0fqubwtdovdz4mfIUFemPItIBCvM38z2Z3spUghkM/s320/IMGP7251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, fold it again, backward, just like you did with the top. You'll have worked five folds, which will accordian front to back, to front to back, to front. Move on to the needle and thread steps.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1O9KiOs9MUnQnPcOGcaF8DEvB4hG8Bz5NNBnTbgUrZuhUWZbN6-GBfvdjYQ5hYqY5R3zKGFvynfrYGL8GuzMPQFY2C6itOY7KVGZ6lYI4D73zZgdxKLTkL9mOjHbysh3cjY1vOTnoEc/s1600/IMGP7252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1O9KiOs9MUnQnPcOGcaF8DEvB4hG8Bz5NNBnTbgUrZuhUWZbN6-GBfvdjYQ5hYqY5R3zKGFvynfrYGL8GuzMPQFY2C6itOY7KVGZ6lYI4D73zZgdxKLTkL9mOjHbysh3cjY1vOTnoEc/s320/IMGP7252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our last step is to secure the bow into your desired folding variation, with a needle and thread. Then we'll attach the middle tie piece to finish.</div>
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Insert your needle and pull through all layers of your folded bow, directly in the center of the bow. You can see how this is done, below. The photo shows the bow from the back side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-73H0uFxk0Sz2K6y23_4hBmcJ2sAmMjZjjR58zi0nTJfXsqLNqVxct7Zncm0KOdUfyFuYAEhsqjfSg2THnrO07nSmKpA4p6zSD5RIVY0aGCeE2aYrgvtwppcQOpe2_P9r-Na2a1cuV4/s1600/IMGP7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-73H0uFxk0Sz2K6y23_4hBmcJ2sAmMjZjjR58zi0nTJfXsqLNqVxct7Zncm0KOdUfyFuYAEhsqjfSg2THnrO07nSmKpA4p6zSD5RIVY0aGCeE2aYrgvtwppcQOpe2_P9r-Na2a1cuV4/s320/IMGP7253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, wrap your thread several times around the center to really secure the folds. Then, insert your needle and pull back through the folds, going in the opposite direction from which you started.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRJChf5EUCw/UUKpblW5p1I/AAAAAAAABf0/V3-0-4GC9j0/s1600/IMGP7254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRJChf5EUCw/UUKpblW5p1I/AAAAAAAABf0/V3-0-4GC9j0/s320/IMGP7254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tie the ends together with a square knot. I like to tie 3-4 times, just to be certain it will stay tied. Clip your ends, so that they won't show later on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pAoSqJhSIuDlda2No9luKkVNkqKlEB8NCk7lhVRuurrtlS72p1HS24UNrDCq5v5X2Gd6CAWHo4bbCdJncR_XqCN1FXfCmWMuVn7UA7EgW0mlIbdJLS-KUj3cM_6BySwecm_fHgMXdXs/s1600/IMGP7255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pAoSqJhSIuDlda2No9luKkVNkqKlEB8NCk7lhVRuurrtlS72p1HS24UNrDCq5v5X2Gd6CAWHo4bbCdJncR_XqCN1FXfCmWMuVn7UA7EgW0mlIbdJLS-KUj3cM_6BySwecm_fHgMXdXs/s320/IMGP7255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here, you can see the finished 5-fold and 3-fold bows, before we add the final piece, the middle tie piece. Also notice that I have trimmed my middle tie ends close to the stitches. This is because they are plenty long, and I wanted to reduce bulk.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7HQIfddShE/UUKpyewJhBI/AAAAAAAABgM/_qkVbdRz3mk/s1600/IMGP7257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7HQIfddShE/UUKpyewJhBI/AAAAAAAABgM/_qkVbdRz3mk/s320/IMGP7257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aren't they pretty?!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCp375HXjDVAjQ8ivZdALUd_dCBFbSHk_KqpU6CKyKFVAGctI0fFWq4LmH_42l41cwDKelnCynJaBDLX0Q8PQJUnQKBATGXbyL6PotI0q4PdqIdM6P4zxhwkOndbqAvjO9O2qh3mrm1M/s1600/IMGP7256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCp375HXjDVAjQ8ivZdALUd_dCBFbSHk_KqpU6CKyKFVAGctI0fFWq4LmH_42l41cwDKelnCynJaBDLX0Q8PQJUnQKBATGXbyL6PotI0q4PdqIdM6P4zxhwkOndbqAvjO9O2qh3mrm1M/s320/IMGP7256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the FINAL step, you will secure the middle tie in just a few places along the back side of the bow. Don't go all the way through to the front. Just take up enough of the fabric across the back, so that you can secure the tie to the back of the bow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKwvtZhsww6KUAhpwnIP0D8NKDYYAxofhZKzuiarOHlX3UaqNWX-iYwTEvqyHRDW4NGVE_djZIJX2EeIueGGw1_HS03lK40WJXcae7AJVpHvxye3cPMImxPjY3cQ8JcZG6wE38Q3P6VU/s1600/IMGP7258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKwvtZhsww6KUAhpwnIP0D8NKDYYAxofhZKzuiarOHlX3UaqNWX-iYwTEvqyHRDW4NGVE_djZIJX2EeIueGGw1_HS03lK40WJXcae7AJVpHvxye3cPMImxPjY3cQ8JcZG6wE38Q3P6VU/s320/IMGP7258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wrap the tie around the front, and bring it around to the back again. Secure the piece to itself with several small stitches. These will be hidden behind the bow. Tie your ends together like before. Hide them by pulling under and through the middle piece, and clip them off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jrAjri-l4yWRp8WrRhnBeFp_sopl8pARCbXj_-BZoBtAeyZSZS1mzIvFTeYV8UlJx5JvQojH4FbFrzsZ5kcXVhTLFBOO0jOfLchGHOvGPKaooybKiF3vxzihn9-5irEtU9BpUeRRxOU/s1600/IMGP7262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jrAjri-l4yWRp8WrRhnBeFp_sopl8pARCbXj_-BZoBtAeyZSZS1mzIvFTeYV8UlJx5JvQojH4FbFrzsZ5kcXVhTLFBOO0jOfLchGHOvGPKaooybKiF3vxzihn9-5irEtU9BpUeRRxOU/s320/IMGP7262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And...can you believe it? You're done!<br />
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Some great ideas for the bowties include adding them to clothing, making hair accessories out of them, attaching them to necklaces, handbags or scarves, or even dressing up shoes! Oh, the possibilities are endless! I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial, and please let me know what you think!</div>
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And if you want to share a project you have made using this tutorial, I'd love to see it! You can email me photos at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com or link up a post you've written in the comments below.</div>
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Happy creating!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-45377914359740706562013-03-12T15:00:00.000-05:002013-04-08T22:39:57.201-05:00Easter Lacing Cards for Kids -- a FREE Printable [A TUTORIAL]<div style="text-align: center;">
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Easter is coming! Easter is coming! Spring is nearly on our doorstep, family will be arriving in a couple weeks and fun is in store! I love Easter time. I'm not really the kinda person who has ever really loved the idea of Santa or the Easter Bunny, when it comes to celebrating holidays that are supposed to be surrounded around our Lord. But I'm also not a total Scrooge.</div>
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I'm okay with letting my toddler believe in Santa and go on Easter egg hunts. What's the harm? As long as we teach our children the <em>real</em> meaning for these precious days on the calendar, I welcome the fun of the other "stuff." And so in the spirit of crafting, quiet time for Mommy, and a little Eastery spin, I designed some Easter Lacing Card printables for you.<br />
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This is such a fun activity for kids! And when you have little bitty children, like me, it's nice to have activities for them to be able to take part in at this age.<br />
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These are so much fun and super easy to make.<br />
STEP 1: Simply print the 3 page PDF file, which offers an adorable sheep/lamb, a cross, a chick/duck, a heart and a chocolate bunny.<br />
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STEP 2: Then cut out each shape along the outline to use as a stencil, using scissors or an X-Acto knife.<br />
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STEP 3: Use double-sided tape, or an inside-out loop of tape, to secure the cut out shapes on top of your desired surface. Great ideas for lacing cards include chipboard, craft foam, cardboard and more!<br />
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STEP 4: Cut around your new stencil, using scissors or an X-Acto knife. Then use a hole punch to punch along the printed dots.<br />
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Kids can have HOURS of enjoyment with lacing cards, and it is a great activity for working on dexterity and concentration. Let your child use some colorful yarn, shoe laces or ribbon to thread through the holes. If your child is old enough to handle a large, blunt-eyed needle, let him or her use this to help.<br />
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Hours of fun...and quiet for you! And don't forget to take them in the car with you, too!</div>
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Click on my Craftsy link below, where you can snag these printables as an INSTANT DOWNLOAD for FREE! <span style="font-size: x-small;">{Own a Silhouette cutter? </span><a href="http://sugarmamashop.wix.com/sugarmamahtml#!contact_us/c11m6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Send me a message</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, or email me at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com, and I'll share my Silhouette file with you for even easier cutting!}</span><br />
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And if you like my posts, I'd love for you to <a href="http://www.google.com/friendconnect/signin/home?st=e%3DAOG8GaA%252Bkp%252Fx8fBYJM7rojFvtrlCWx7tbNwd91iV2Xii6PlsyQy4QVVYIp4EW06A6xca%252FWIYfvkj7VvTIPwNcWB0ohwvN5TTBW3xeMDEnXQ8TX3mJ%252B5SAFk9f7dxJ6v0W%252FrtrZPbdzQF62yYeY4Cwlu1EnpEDuGbwFN%252Fubxop3fuAcLMxQgv3dqR9VtoSghQh8%252F0T0qczhmR2sL6EWPIq6%252F4%252FkaKb1DRyFc0buycoh5nzRJeotzVcW7228%252B0ZdJzbZLthxeAKzWT%26c%3Dpeoplesense&psinvite=&subscribeOnSignin=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FOLLOW</span></a> this blog. Just click <a href="http://www.google.com/friendconnect/signin/home?st=e%3DAOG8GaA%252Bkp%252Fx8fBYJM7rojFvtrlCWx7tbNwd91iV2Xii6PlsyQy4QVVYIp4EW06A6xca%252FWIYfvkj7VvTIPwNcWB0ohwvN5TTBW3xeMDEnXQ8TX3mJ%252B5SAFk9f7dxJ6v0W%252FrtrZPbdzQF62yYeY4Cwlu1EnpEDuGbwFN%252Fubxop3fuAcLMxQgv3dqR9VtoSghQh8%252F0T0qczhmR2sL6EWPIq6%252F4%252FkaKb1DRyFc0buycoh5nzRJeotzVcW7228%252B0ZdJzbZLthxeAKzWT%26c%3Dpeoplesense&psinvite=&subscribeOnSignin=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this link to follow</span></a>, or even subscribe by email on the left sidebar, and you'll never miss a post!</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/paper-crafts/free-easter-lacing-card-printables/48007" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://djiqd110ru30i.cloudfront.net/upload/579892/pattern/48007/full_8327_48007_FREEEasterLacingCardPrintables_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/paper-crafts/free-easter-lacing-card-printables/48007" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">FREE Easter Lacing Card Printables</a> via <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/579892/pattern-store" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda Moutos</a> on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" style="color: #7a7a7a; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></div>
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Have fun, enjoy and may God bless you!</div>
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♥ Amanda</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-45222393568927807432013-03-05T17:00:00.000-06:002013-04-08T22:39:36.913-05:00How to Make Play Makeup - For Under $5! [A TUTORIAL]<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eyLIiZdzKg/UTZyqNO-JbI/AAAAAAAABao/9q4tmouHz4s/s1600/Play+Makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eyLIiZdzKg/UTZyqNO-JbI/AAAAAAAABao/9q4tmouHz4s/s400/Play+Makeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If your little girl is anything like mine, she is totally intrigued with Mommy's makeup process. What could be 5 or 10 minutes usually ends up being 15 or 20, after I explain to her what each item is. She loves it when I rub some on her face, or what she thinks is real make up. All it takes is my finger and an imaginary swipe across the eyeshadow to keep her content. After all, little girls just want to be like Mommy. And I don't want her to grow out of that!</div>
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Since she's still only 2 years old, I wanted to make something for her to play with ONLY while I am putting on my makeup. So until she's a wee bit older, the play makeup will stay with me, and will come out when I'm getting ready.<br />
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You might be surprised at how easy and inexpensive this project is. I was able to buy everything at my local Dollar Tree store for $4.23, which included 0.23 cents in tax. I walked out with a blush brush, two cheap makeup containers, and a two-pack of fingernail polish. What a deal!<br />
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Here's how to do it:<br />
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Open your cheepo makeup's and use any blunt object to carefully crush up the powder. I used the wrong end of a butter knife. Toss that mess in the trash can. Wash your containers in warm water with soap. You can use your hands or a dish brush. Dry with a paper towel and get ready for the next step.<br />
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Sloooooowly pour from one of your nailpolish bottles into the newly cleaned container. My bottles had enough of a lip so that the shaker ball didn't fall in. If you are very careful, you shouldn't have trouble with this. But I know I wouldn't want to fish one out, so try to keep this from happening.<br />
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After you have poured to the top of the rim, start on your second container. At this point, I had used a little over half of each nailpolish bottles.<br />
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Now, it's time to WAIT. After going through this experience, I can tell you that the smell from the nailpolish is going to permeate the room where these are drying. I kept them in our master bathroom, and regretted it! The bedroom smelled like a nail salon, and that was even with the fan on. So if I do it again, I'll put them downstairs in the laundry room or garage. The point is to put them in a well-ventilated area, where no one will run the risk of bumping into them.<br />
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After 24 hours, the nailpolish had evaporated to a point where there was plenty of room to pour in the last half of each nailpolish bottle. I poured them in and waited another couple days to let them fully dry. Even after an entire bottle of nailpolish in each tin, they still sunk in a little. But they are so cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s3qOoXemHn2j-lK6vEU8Zg0m9NT_mkXO5YyY10iEbrB2oZMpWMj7ApUtLAFoeATMVcAnqbNXE2EHAE-4oO3xsQeiwwPGRXnelO-oTrk8P1swZUzTfwhnWbLde6OiuOLNPkYj0LBcHOc/s1600/IMGP7182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s3qOoXemHn2j-lK6vEU8Zg0m9NT_mkXO5YyY10iEbrB2oZMpWMj7ApUtLAFoeATMVcAnqbNXE2EHAE-4oO3xsQeiwwPGRXnelO-oTrk8P1swZUzTfwhnWbLde6OiuOLNPkYj0LBcHOc/s320/IMGP7182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know my little gal is going to LOVE using her "makeup" while I get ready in the morning. And I'm going to love watching her pretend. I think I like watching her more than she likes playing. It melts me a little inside. :)<br />
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Oh, and think of how cute these would be as inexpensive party favors for a princess or dress up birthday party! Oh the gears are moving now....<br />
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UPDATE:<br />
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Now you can make her a makeup bag to hold it all! Check out my <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2013/03/Matching-Mother-Daughter-Makeup-Boxy-Bags-TUTORIAL.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Matching Mommy & Me Makeup Bags Tutorial</span></a>!<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-35675182119200396662013-02-18T17:38:00.000-06:002013-03-02T18:16:05.740-06:00When I grow up, I wanna be a pattern designer!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Where have I been? ...Creating patterns! Woo! I am so excited, I can barely stand it. It feels so great to officially call myself a pattern designer. And yes, while I'm still new at this, and only 6 patterns in, I have nowhere to go but up.</div>
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My first pattern for the year was the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/121673930/ruffle-gladiator-baby-sandals-crochet?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Ruffle Gladiator Baby Sandals</a>.</div>
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I have added them to <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/ruffle-gladiator-baby-sandals/42982" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ruffle-gladiator-baby-sandals" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, as well, for instant download.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdet4i17H0M/USKoQABWw-I/AAAAAAAABV4/HPIa3TASu9o/s1600/Ruffle+Gladiator2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdet4i17H0M/USKoQABWw-I/AAAAAAAABV4/HPIa3TASu9o/s320/Ruffle+Gladiator2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My latest listing is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122589770/crabby-baby-loafers-crochet-pattern-pdf?" target="_blank">Crabby Baby Loafers</a>.</div>
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They are also on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/crabby-baby-loafers/44896" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crabby-baby-loafers" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGGTy4jekws/USKpCQ-_nQI/AAAAAAAABWA/wTWtxtzF11Q/s1600/Crabby+Baby+Loafers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGGTy4jekws/USKpCQ-_nQI/AAAAAAAABWA/wTWtxtzF11Q/s320/Crabby+Baby+Loafers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally....</div>
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My newest pattern has hit the stores today! This is my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/124025717/mini-kicks-crochet-pattern-baby-sneakers" target="_blank">"Mini Kicks" Baby Sneakers</a> pattern. :)</div>
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Here are the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/mini-kicks-baby-sneakers/45616?fresh=true" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mini-kicks-baby-sneakers" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> links for the kicks.</div>
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I hope you ♥ them!</div>
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Happy crocheting!</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-19128844953810746082012-10-04T10:44:00.000-05:002012-10-04T10:44:08.288-05:00Fall Makes Me Happy - and Hungry<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fall is officially here at our house. Last week, we cleaned, put out the Fall decorations, and made Fall-inspired meals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I opened up the basement storage room to find the goody-filled tub labeled "Fall." I always like that feeling I get when I look at the decorations from years past, almost forgetting this piece and that. It's like opening up presents, when I think to myself, "I remember this! I love this!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I removed most of the bird themed decor where I planned to change things up, and replaced them with the treasures in my tub.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A snapshot of some of my shelves</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ02E55shAsRGnECeORueCr3tJYbZCyOFcNKY90AoxZ8NEY4WRgp5CvFoYpAwiXDEtd5JAbJQ1eM9mPy2PhImY83VcVNRFU0x2wwUsk-SDvxANu5BkBcxPZg8cqFL51XSpJYO0WQYo2-s/s1600/IMGP5514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ02E55shAsRGnECeORueCr3tJYbZCyOFcNKY90AoxZ8NEY4WRgp5CvFoYpAwiXDEtd5JAbJQ1eM9mPy2PhImY83VcVNRFU0x2wwUsk-SDvxANu5BkBcxPZg8cqFL51XSpJYO0WQYo2-s/s320/IMGP5514.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The top of the entertainment center</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHd4fcsdcJbHaPXEpzs51oiyqoITmWI6uWmpm_p5X6UvxvWYSpqXRc7HDk0br_dJC9RsC0Uz_SdNze3fxqJsju626NZGjxnrM82MtLTm7cvL6Lz5UHdlo-2D0FxBopZz8XqMpb_0FpRM/s1600/IMGP5516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHd4fcsdcJbHaPXEpzs51oiyqoITmWI6uWmpm_p5X6UvxvWYSpqXRc7HDk0br_dJC9RsC0Uz_SdNze3fxqJsju626NZGjxnrM82MtLTm7cvL6Lz5UHdlo-2D0FxBopZz8XqMpb_0FpRM/s320/IMGP5516.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My favorite season brings apples on our tree, yummy comforting meals and a real sense of calmness. The colors on the leaves and the overcast weather make me want to be productive. I can't say enough about Fall. We're like "this" [fingers crossed]. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is a new recipe I tried last week. It was amazing. If you love vegetables, especially delicious Fall squash, this one is perfect for you. Just take my recipe and run with it. Add your favorite veggies, if you're feeling adventurous! I found the recipe from <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/sizzling-chicken-veggie-skillet-115854.aspx" target="_blank">Kraft recipes</a>, and changed it up how I wanted it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CHICKEN & PARMESAN VEGGIES</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2KTAPqj39I/UG2odjgZ6ZI/AAAAAAAABUA/_MWOcFRcbcs/s1600/IMGP5495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2KTAPqj39I/UG2odjgZ6ZI/AAAAAAAABUA/_MWOcFRcbcs/s320/IMGP5495.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span property="v:amount">4 </span>small <span class="ingredientNodeInner" property="v:name">boneless skinless chicken breast halves</span> (1 lb.)</span></div>
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<span property="v:amount">1/4 </span>cup<span property="v:name"> Italian Dressing</span></div>
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<span property="v:amount">1 </span><span class="ingredientNodeInner" property="v:name">zucchini</span>, coarsely chopped</div>
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<span property="v:amount">1/2 </span>cup thinly sliced <span property="v:name">red onion</span>s</div>
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<span property="v:amount">1 </span>cup mixed vegetables (I used a combo of green beans, corn, carrots and peas)</div>
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<span property="v:amount">1 </span>cup halved <span class="ingredientNodeInner" property="v:name">cherry tomatoes (I actually used some of my husband's home-grown cherry tomatoes. He had placed them in a bag in the freezer, and I let them thaw a few minutes, halved them and removed the peels)</span></div>
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<span class="ingredientNodeInner" property="v:name">1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese</span></div>
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<span class="ingredientNodeInner" property="v:name"><strong>HEAT </strong>large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cover with lid. Cook 5 to 7 min. on each side or until done (165ºF). Transfer to platter; cover to keep warm. </span></div>
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<span property="v:instruction"><strong>ADD </strong>dressing, zucchini and onions to skillet; cook on medium heat 4 min. or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in mixed veggies and return chicken to skillet for 4 min. or until vegetables are heated through. Stir in tomatoes; cook 1 to 2 min. or until heated through. </span><br />
<span property="v:instruction"><strong>TOP </strong>with cheese and serve.</span><br />
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<span property="v:instruction">...Then go make an apple pie to go along with it. I'm off to harvest apples from the front yard!</span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-47481792736333053522012-09-01T00:01:00.000-05:002012-09-01T00:01:00.766-05:00$200 Instant Bucks Amazon Giveaway<h1 align="center">
<strong><a href="http://momsvacationspots.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/amazon-200-instant-bucks-giveaway1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1073" height="286" src="http://momsvacationspots.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/amazon-200-instant-bucks-giveaway1.jpg" title="amazon $200 instant bucks giveaway" width="342" /></a></strong></h1>
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<strong>Welcome to the $200 Instant Bucks Amazon Giveaway!</strong></h1>
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Thank you for stopping by another fabulous event hosted by,</div>
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<a href="http://jennsblahblahblog.com/">Jenn's Blah Blah Blog</a> and <a href="http://divafabulosa.com/">Diva Fabulosa</a>! This time we bring you the <strong>$200 Instant Bucks Amazon Giveaway!</strong></div>
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Check out our wonderful co-hosts <a href="http://parsimoniouspash.com/">Parsimonious Pash</a>, <a href="http://www.smartysaver.com/">SmartySaver</a>, <a href="http://colleensbooknook.com/">Colleen's Book Nook</a>,</div>
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<a href="http://momalwaysfindsout.com/">Mom Always Finds Out</a>, and <a href="http://mukhangpera.com/">Mukhang Pera</a>.</div>
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<strong>We would also like to thank every blogger that is taking part in this event! </strong></div>
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We couldn't do this without everyone! Thank you to all our fabulous readers for allowing us to bring you these awesome events! It's because of you that we do what we do day in and day out! <strong>A HUGE Thank You to our Amazing Readers!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I know I could DEFINATELY put $200 to good use on Amazon. They always offer so many things I love to purchase, and things I need. I've ordered everything from diapers to electronics, housewares to clothing on Amazon.com and it's always been a great experience. Good luck, readers!<br />
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<strong>About our Sponsor:</strong>
<a href="http://www.instantbucks.com/index.php?r=jenniferw777" target="_blank">Instant Bucks </a>- If you haven't heard of Instant Bucks, keep reading and we'll fill you in!
Instant Bucks launched in May 2012 in Southern California. Instant Bucks is a consumer loyalty site that offers amazing rewards for completing research surveys, online shopping and so much more! They strive to bring you new daily opportunities to earn online rewards and save money.
Instant Bucks is an online community that rewards you for doing things you're already doing online. Why not get rewarded? With Instant Bucks you'll earn online rewards for completing tasks such as:
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<li>Easy Surveys</li>
<li>Watching Videos</li>
<li>Sampling Products</li>
<li>Shopping Online</li>
<li>Coupon Clipping</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.instantbucks.com/index.php?r=jenniferw777"><img alt="" border="1" class="alignright" height="250" src="http://www.instantbucks.com/images_ib/banners/010.gif" width="250" /></a>
There's a variety of ways for you to earn online rewards. They also offer a fast turnaround on rewards and plenty of opportunities for you to earn those awesome rewards.
<strong>As a member of the Instant Bucks Community you'll:</strong>
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<li>Earn virtual currency called "Instant Bucks"</li>
<li>Refer family and friends and earn. There's no limit on what you can earn from referrals</li>
<li>No limits on reward redemption</li>
<li>High paying offers</li>
</ul>
<strong>Once you build up your "Instant Bucks" you'll be able to trade them in for great prizes such as:</strong>
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<li>Gift Cards - Wal-Mart, Amazon, Restaurant and more!</li>
<li>Hotel Stays</li>
<li>Airlines</li>
<li>PayPal Cash</li>
<li>Shopping</li>
<li>iTunes</li>
<li>Coupons</li>
</ul>
A special thanks to Instant Bucks for making this event possible! They're generously offering one lucky person the chance to win a <strong>$200 Amazon Gift Code</strong>! <strong>Thanks, <a href="http://www.instantbucks.com/index.php?r=jenniferw777" target="_blank">Instant Bucks</a>!</strong>
<strong>About the Giveaway</strong>
Giveaway will run September 1, 2012 12:01am EST - October 1, 2012 at 11:59pm EST. One lucky person will have a chance to win $200 Amazon Gift Code, must be at least 18 years old to enter, and is open to US residents. To enter use the Rafflecopter form below, GOOD LUCK!
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d03cb51/" id="rc-2d03cb51" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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Disclaimer: <em>Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique</em> is not responsible for shipment of prize, nor did I accept any form of payment to promote this event. All entries will be verified.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-61479900599050129492012-08-21T09:43:00.000-05:002012-08-21T09:43:18.621-05:00SodaStream Giveaway<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jennsblahblahblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/button300.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5653" height="300" src="http://jennsblahblahblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/button300.jpg" title="button300" width="300" /></a></h1>
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Welcome to the SodaStream Giveaway</h1>
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This awesome event is hosted by,</div>
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<em><a href="http://jennsblahblahblog.com/" target="_blank">Jenns Blah Blah Blog</a></em> and <em><a href="http://divafabulosa.com/" target="_blank">Diva Fabulous</a></em></div>
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and <strong>sponsored by <em><a href="http://sodasteam.com/" target="_blank">SodaSteam</a></em></strong></h3>
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Thanks to our wonderful co-hosts, <em><a href="http://www.katsdailyinspiration.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration CAN be Found EVERYWHERE</a></em>,<em> <a href="http://ohmyheartsie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh! My Heartsie</a></em>,<em> </em></div>
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<em><a href="http://www.ilovetogossip.com/">I love To Gossip</a></em>, <em><a href="http://pinkninjablog.com/">Pink Ninja Blogger</a></em>, and <em><a href="http://momsvacationspots.net/">Moms Vacation Spots</a></em></div>
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I desperately want one of these! You have NO idea! I would use it all day, every day. I would even carbonate my orange juice! :) Good luck.</div>
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Jenn's Blah Blah Blog was lucky enough to recently review an awesome SodaSteam machine. Please feel free to read full Jenn's Blah Blah Blog's <a href="http://jennsblahblahblog.com/sodastream-genesis-home-soda-maker-kit/" target="_blank">SodaSteam Review</a>.
One lucky person will receive the <em><strong>Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit</strong></em>.
<img alt="Fountain Jet - Soda Starter Kit" src="http://www.sodastreamusa.com/Assets/ProductImages/fj_soda_starter_black.jpg" />
<strong>This awesome kit is valued at $99.95</strong>, you can also take a quick peak at it <strong><a href="http://www.sodastreamusa.com/Fountain-Jet-Soda-Starter-Kit-P184.aspx" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong>
Kit includes:
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<em>Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)</em></div>
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<em>1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years</em></div>
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<em>Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda</em></div>
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<em>Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors</em></div>
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<em> 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice</em></div>
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Giveaway will run from 8/20 at 12:01am EST and end on 9/15 at 11:59pm EST, must be 18 years or older to enter. This giveaway is open to US residents only, SodaSteam can only ship within the continental US.
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Disclaimer: <em>Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique </em>received no payment for posting this event, nor is it responsible for shipment of prize. The prize will be shipped from the sponsor.
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d03cb47/" id="rc-2d03cb47" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-47884208861254315142012-08-16T12:15:00.000-05:002012-08-16T15:53:16.991-05:00LuckyLu Creations Review {Plus a giveaway!}<div style="text-align: center;">
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Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample some products from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations" target="_blank">LuckyLu Creations</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LxRWtGalek/UCmH0L7_8dI/AAAAAAAABLQ/p4BbzOtpieE/s1600/LuckyLu+Creations-Kara+Dowling-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LxRWtGalek/UCmH0L7_8dI/AAAAAAAABLQ/p4BbzOtpieE/s320/LuckyLu+Creations-Kara+Dowling-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations" target="_blank">LuckyLu Creations</a> offers beautiful handmade greeting cards, invitations, cupcake toppers, banners, party favor tags and more. They also offer personalized product tags, iron on fabric tags, sew on fabric tags, mini thank you cards and logo stickers. LuckyLu Creations uses CPSIA complaint materials for their fabric labels. All items found at LuckyLu Creations are made in a smoke-free home.</div>
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I was ecstatic when Kara Dowling, owner of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/luckylucreations" target="_blank">LuckyLu Creations</a>, offered to let me review some of the products she sells. She sent a great selection of items that included a 15 pack set of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101344840/glittery-cupcake-tags-with-bakers-twine" target="_blank">Hand Colored and Glittered Cupcake Tags</a>, sew on fabric labels displaying my company logo, and foldover fabric labels displaying my company logo. Since my primary business is running a crochet shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarMamaShop" target="_blank">Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique</a>, I have wanted to try out fabric labels for my products for quite some time!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZf90MGlCvs/UC0nwpCWeEI/AAAAAAAABSg/azruJkQ9q0s/s1600/IMGP5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZf90MGlCvs/UC0nwpCWeEI/AAAAAAAABSg/azruJkQ9q0s/s320/IMGP5116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The tags arrived in a cute, individual plastic bag with the LuckyLu Creations logo sticker on front. This sticker is an adorable example of the logo stickers she makes custom for any company. The labels arrived safely wrapped in a manila envelope, ready for use! I was stoked!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnEmoEGZNlXSZ0XvcRPvig72XErsX7YsZA1VdQ9Gt91FBtDKXnbxDaEhTEzx3eBO5RyDoRzFMTk9OjYzERjhDDxh6yBLyN7XrmbNmuVYvf_mfb-4vWBKF6XulSOYU_Ur5DoMGWClzRd8/s1600/IMGP5070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnEmoEGZNlXSZ0XvcRPvig72XErsX7YsZA1VdQ9Gt91FBtDKXnbxDaEhTEzx3eBO5RyDoRzFMTk9OjYzERjhDDxh6yBLyN7XrmbNmuVYvf_mfb-4vWBKF6XulSOYU_Ur5DoMGWClzRd8/s320/IMGP5070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101344840/glittery-cupcake-tags-with-bakers-twine" target="_blank">The Glittery Cupcake Tags</a> were sent as a pack of 15, with five fun cupcake designs. The back of the tags say "To:" and "From:" with plenty of space for you to write in the lucky recipient's name. The front of the tags display super cute cupcakes that Kara has taken the time to hand color and hand glitter. That's right...she does it ALL by hand! I can only imagine the amount of time this takes, especially since the tags are immaculate! They are made of such nice quality paper. They are not at all flimsy. And they hang from fun lengths of baker's twine, adding to their charm.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElD1Vm_UWtg/UCmrjkZIcsI/AAAAAAAABNQ/AJMeHgzM3AA/s1600/IMGP5056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElD1Vm_UWtg/UCmrjkZIcsI/AAAAAAAABNQ/AJMeHgzM3AA/s320/IMGP5056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My new fabric labels printed out beautifully. Like I said before, I have wanted labels for quite a long time, but didn't know where to purchase them. And seeing how most of the companies I had researched only offer labels in large quantities, I wasn't ready to purchase something without really knowing how they would turn out. Having a sample in my hands really helps me make my decision. I will be buying my labels from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuckyLuCreations" target="_blank">LuckyLu Creations</a> from now on.</div>
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I was given TEN sizing options, which I thought was incredible. All I had to do was figure out how large or small I wanted my labels to be. Below is a list Kara gave me of all the size options for the labels. Kara writes, "Here's an estimate of how many labels fit per sheet, this number is subject to change based on the seam allowance you prefer. Other sizes are available, please just ask. Fold-over labels are the same price, however the quantity will be cut in half to account for the extra fabric needed for the other half of label. The quantity per sheet may change slightly depending on the amount of seam allowance you prefer.</div>
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20 labels 2 x 2 in size<br />
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28 labels 2 x 1.5 in size</div>
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30 labels 1.5 x 1.5 in size</div>
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32 labels 1.75 x 1.25 in size</div>
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30 labels 2 x 1 in size</div>
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48 labels 1.25 x 1.25 in size</div>
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50 labels 1.5 x 1 in size</div>
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65 labels 1.5 x 0.75 in size</div>
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80 labels 1 x 1 in size</div>
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80 labels 1.5 x 0.50 in size"</div>
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For both the regular and foldover sew-ons, I chose to go with the 1.5" x 0.75" size with a 1/4" seam allowance. After grabbing my measuring tape, I visualized these to be around the size I wanted. I was worried anything smaller might not be large enough to read. My fears were unfounded though, as the labels are extremely high quality and completely legible, and would probably be fine even a little smaller. The mind-blowing fact is that they are only $10 per sheet! So for the amount of regular labels that fit with my logo at the chosen size, they end up only $0.25 cents per label, and only $0.42 cents per foldover label! So worth it! And Kara sells these by the sheet, instead of in huge batch requirements.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJa0rz3db_M/UC0n27y8D8I/AAAAAAAABSo/hJ6Y4gF6tr8/s1600/IMGP5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJa0rz3db_M/UC0n27y8D8I/AAAAAAAABSo/hJ6Y4gF6tr8/s320/IMGP5118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As I'm terrible at cutting a straight line, I enlisted my trusty rotary cutter and cutting mat for the job. The labels were easy to cut, as the fabric is the perfect stiffness to cut cleanly. I folded my labels, ironed them on a low heat setting for a clean look, and went to sewing them on by hand with a needle and thread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EjOtuU7Qu1FRO56dvE852uqabEBZ6V3oD-5nhUr3kiLw8URl9gRxD3e0pXYS7dwPSiDa5dFX7aU_QgwR2N3v9sNjqEQQoJeyKbVFd5IFz9RA8rxPy3dzN7c1oKkqATZ14VzKRK_FJfg/s1600/IMGP5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EjOtuU7Qu1FRO56dvE852uqabEBZ6V3oD-5nhUr3kiLw8URl9gRxD3e0pXYS7dwPSiDa5dFX7aU_QgwR2N3v9sNjqEQQoJeyKbVFd5IFz9RA8rxPy3dzN7c1oKkqATZ14VzKRK_FJfg/s320/IMGP5123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I knew the first item I would label would be one of my daughter's favorite hats. I love this pink hat on her, and think it is so neat that I can now label the kids' items with anything I dream up. I'm actually thinking of having Kara print some labels that say, "Made by Mom," or "Crocheted with Love by Amanda." How fun is it that I can make all types of homemade clothing and accessories for my kids, and have them labeled forever! These labels turn my handmade items into even more cherished keepsakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSOzhrsgX3_Ij7_Yo6npfLAzRXjD7w6BW41Q6OQ-jAT2cI3qWk387c-vEFLGYF17cMl7eYhE-b_M6mdnRQdrRGaf80XoFXoKgnrHQ6M7RHTXd8sU967ul1gWq0DfsySc-QmHcbFtHrqk/s1600/IMGP5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSOzhrsgX3_Ij7_Yo6npfLAzRXjD7w6BW41Q6OQ-jAT2cI3qWk387c-vEFLGYF17cMl7eYhE-b_M6mdnRQdrRGaf80XoFXoKgnrHQ6M7RHTXd8sU967ul1gWq0DfsySc-QmHcbFtHrqk/s320/IMGP5125.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The result? My daughter's hat is now tagged! I absolutely love how it turned out! I can't quit looking at it and thinking about how this label tells the world that I made this hat. The final step to consider is laundering. Kara gave me specific instructions for washing items that are donned with my new labels. She let me know that she has done a colorfast treatment on the labels. The fabric company instructs using caution with detergent, and that it is best to hand wash the labels. This works out fine for me. Since my items are crocheted, I always suggest handwashing my items.<br />
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Kara said that in her experience of working with and selling the labels, she hasn't had any personal issues with using detergent on them, but that machine washing should be done on the gentle cycle. Although, she doesn't recommend using a heavy duty cycle, with vigorous or heavy agitation, as this could affect the design printed on the labels. I absolutely love my new labels and plan to purchase more in the future from LuckyLu Creations. Check out some of my other favorite items, found in Kara's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92098344/girl-superhero-supergirl-mini-valentine" target="_blank">Supergirl Mini Lunchbox Notes</a> - Surprise your little girl in style!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ13xSg0d4c5VKlZmEI_B4y3nwih3NakdDqN8Ko07H6obCmv0KC_s-ctoUSmwQslxC1fUuEH81qC5SJ6XsLhZQGONgSMaXDTNLs9YPFMYKVfBhdoLYqmprS2r4LOnCM0IwDlpaUzGLt0/s1600/super.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ13xSg0d4c5VKlZmEI_B4y3nwih3NakdDqN8Ko07H6obCmv0KC_s-ctoUSmwQslxC1fUuEH81qC5SJ6XsLhZQGONgSMaXDTNLs9YPFMYKVfBhdoLYqmprS2r4LOnCM0IwDlpaUzGLt0/s320/super.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99673124/personalized-football-favor-tags-with" target="_blank">Personalized Football Favor Tags</a> - Add style to your football kick-off party!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_o4d9-gQvU4/UCmUtewemBI/AAAAAAAABMU/_NgZRHo6uBc/s1600/ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_o4d9-gQvU4/UCmUtewemBI/AAAAAAAABMU/_NgZRHo6uBc/s320/ball.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103974057/princess-and-the-frog-happy-birthday" target="_blank">Princess and the Frog Happy Birthday Greeting Card</a> - The attention to detail is amazing!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5l6f_xGvtdU/UCmUPs1SDAI/AAAAAAAABMM/dHLcAsD_pRM/s1600/frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5l6f_xGvtdU/UCmUPs1SDAI/AAAAAAAABMM/dHLcAsD_pRM/s320/frog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kara was a joy to work with. She took so much time making absolutely sure that my labels were perfect. Kara considers herself a perfectionist, and it couldn't be more apparent in her work. Her handwork is beautiful and extremely detailed. She offers a unique one-on-one shopping experience, and her prices can't be beat! Please check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations" target="_blank">her shop</a> for all that she offers, because I know you'll think the same!</div>
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Here, Kara tells us a little bit about herself. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpOjDF2XUf8/UCnjhDRmZWI/AAAAAAAABQw/WNCNdH8DYS0/s1600/kara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpOjDF2XUf8/UCnjhDRmZWI/AAAAAAAABQw/WNCNdH8DYS0/s320/kara.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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"I am a Southern California transplant, now living in Maine, and am a mother of two little ones. My husband and I also own an Indoor Children's Play Center, so busy is an understatement, but I love what we do. I have been scrapbooking for as long as I can remember, and have always made my own cards. I finally decided to start selling them 3 years ago and the rest is history. Last year, I added Fabric Labels to my shop, and they became hugely popular. Part of the reason is because of my biggest order yet, for 1000 labels that were added to items in the Emmy Award gift bags. Pretty neat! My labels are popping up everywhere (most recently on a baby blanket for Snooki's new bundle of joy, from "Jersey Shore") And my paper-based items have quite the history, too. Most recently my popcorn tags were added to the MTV Movie Award Swag Bags. I love custom orders and making party decorations, too!"</div>
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<strong>GIVEAWAY!</strong></div>
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LuckyLu Creations is offering you a chance to win your own Glittery Cupcake Tags and 2 sheets of Fabric Labels, like the ones I received! She is graciously sponsoring our 8K Facebook Fan giveaway. {<a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/sugar-mamas-8k-fan-celebration.html" target="_blank">ENTER HERE</a>} from 8/15/12 - 9/14/12!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LxRWtGalek/UCmH0L7_8dI/AAAAAAAABLQ/p4BbzOtpieE/s1600/LuckyLu+Creations-Kara+Dowling-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LxRWtGalek/UCmH0L7_8dI/AAAAAAAABLQ/p4BbzOtpieE/s320/LuckyLu+Creations-Kara+Dowling-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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CONTACT INFORMATION:</div>
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LuckyLu Creations</div>
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Kara Dowling, Owner</div>
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E-mail: <a href="mailto:luckylucreations@gmail.com">luckylucreations@gmail.com</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/luckylucreations">http://www.facebook.com/luckylucreations</a></div>
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Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations">http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations</a></div>
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WE MAKE FOLLOWING LUCKYLU CREATIONS EASY!</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>NOTE: I do not receive payment for reviewing products. I give my honest opinion and am not a spokesperson for the companies I review.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">If you would like us to review your product, please contact Amanda at <strong>SugarMamaShop@gmail.com</strong>.</span></div>
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Follow @SugarMamaSweetB on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SugarMamaSweetB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</div>
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Website: <span style="color: #ff87ab;"><span style="color: #ff87ab;"><a href="http://www.sugarmamassweetbowtique.com/">http://www.sugarmamassweetbowtique.com/</a></span></span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-76782705989758126412012-08-14T23:01:00.000-05:002012-08-14T23:01:01.725-05:00Sugar Mama's 8K Fan Celebration!<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's finally here! While planning our 5,000 Facebook Fans Giveaway, the fanbase shot up to 8,000! And to celebrate, <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SugarMamasSweetBowtique" target="_blank">Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique</a></strong> has partnered up with some of our favorite companies to bring you this fabulous giveaway, where we'll be choosing 24 winners for over $800 in total prizes!<br />
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We'd like to thank our lovely co-host, <strong><a href="http://www.teamibrahim.com/" target="_blank">Team Ibrahim</a></strong>, for helping us with the giveaway!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SugarMamasSweetBowtique" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcWDsL69MU7S9bdtzQBdmGAqrp29qLTAprLpnoWeFMlZLAizyowOjMX4ws1eM6RzDD-yeWIPrqda0gvp293LlJXdSgsgZSgNrv_Sm4alqvZiiRsxMsJgZcHosQhlqjWS7rOrNap8iy80/s1600/8k.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teamibrahim.com/" target="_blank" title="Team Ibrahim"><img alt="Team Ibrahim" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JMNxKskSx3Lk4uO9ws-DSfUR0fFkzn5BKvWJU8GMZFv2_ylpH3LfWVlfWPPtDhWlTsxnKpqew3RAzz2AKCPKv_onJBb1js6FjY-32YTD0ajQMz0EYSuzSiSbKEwCUvI4K3p0ORAxcmRb/s200/teai_button.png" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div>
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Prizes offered from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarMamaShop" target="_blank"><strong>Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique</strong></a> include:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106889366/crochet-animal-friends-your-choice-of" target="_blank">Emmy Jane Elephant, Betsy Lou Bear, Helena Hippo and Manda Panda</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarmamashop" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pwD_YjMWaM/UCrv1zkdwJI/AAAAAAAABRo/BLo7kfaZjRo/s320/Animal+Friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can also <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106889366/crochet-animal-friends-your-choice-of" target="_blank">buy them here</a></strong>.<br />
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<u><strong>Our Sponsored Prizes Include</strong></u><br />
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#3 <a href="http://www.technogelworld.com/"><strong>Technogel</strong></a>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/06/technogel-pillow-review.html">Technogel Pillow of choice {RV $169}</a></div>
#4: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoolfWorks"><strong>WoolfWorks</strong></a>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/woolfworks-review.html">$20 Gift Certificate</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxd8I0_vLMU/UBrluY7dAvI/AAAAAAAAA5o/iT0ZiebTyYE/s1600/8kcollage1-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxd8I0_vLMU/UBrluY7dAvI/AAAAAAAAA5o/iT0ZiebTyYE/s320/8kcollage1-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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#5 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/posiesandpetals"><strong>Posies and Petals</strong></a>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/posies-and-petals-review.html">$20 Gift Certificate</a><br />
#6 <a href="http://www.oliverslabels.com/jennifers"><strong>Oliver's Labels by Jennifer</strong></a>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/olivers-labels-by-jennifer-review.html">$25 Gift Certificate</a><br />
#7 <strong><a href="http://www.rosybows.com/">Rosy Bows</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/rosy-bows-review.html">$20 Gift Certificate</a><br />
#8 <strong><a href="http://www.tlcwoodcrafters.com/index.html">TLC Woodcrafters</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/tlc-woodcrafters-review.html#">Dinosaurs Name Puzzle {RV $55.95}</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8V9PpA_mAW4/UBruvHz4WBI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/yzvVMPYO8Y8/s1600/8kcollage2-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8V9PpA_mAW4/UBruvHz4WBI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/yzvVMPYO8Y8/s320/8kcollage2-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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#9 <strong><a href="https://melissaberry.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home">Melissa Berry, Independent Scentsy Consultant</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/melissa-berry-independent-scentsy.html">"Scratch the Cat" Scentsy Buddy AND "Skinny Dippin'" Scent Pak</a><br />
#10 <strong><a href="http://www.coastal.com/">Coastal.com</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/coastalcom-review.html">Prescription Glasses {RV up to $98}</a><br />
#11 <strong><a href="http://www.lightsdesigns.com/">LightShine Designs</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/lightshine-designs-jewelry-photography.html">Handcrafted Necklace and Earrings set {RV $20}</a><br />
#12 <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KKchildrendesigns">KK Children Designs</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/kk-children-designs-review.html">Organic Cotton Knit Dress {RV $63}</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5e2A1WoYXIHkQ0ILf6-nASgtWA0m7ylk3-qkV__mndeCYmd2ki7CpMLpulhAtnnCNQ9VCiWo1oVDZCje9aTaYmSTI4erQByQRBPAOEC7tRlrUs0L74eUDansk-rTPdhfVlo77PrcAxM/s1600/8kcollage3-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5e2A1WoYXIHkQ0ILf6-nASgtWA0m7ylk3-qkV__mndeCYmd2ki7CpMLpulhAtnnCNQ9VCiWo1oVDZCje9aTaYmSTI4erQByQRBPAOEC7tRlrUs0L74eUDansk-rTPdhfVlo77PrcAxM/s320/8kcollage3-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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#13 <strong><a href="http://www.threemonkeysunique.com/">Three Monkey's Unique</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/07/three-monkeys-unique-review.html">Embroidered Birth Blanket {RV $25}</a><br />
#14 <strong><a href="http://www.eclecticwillow.com/">The Eclectic Willow</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-eclectic-willow-review.html">Hand-Poured Gourmet Herbal Candles {RV $20-24}</a><br />
#15 <strong><a href="http://www.foxybabyboutique.com/">Foxy Baby Boutique</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/foxy-baby-boutique-review.html">Fairy Wand and Hair Accessories {RV $20}</a><br />
#16 <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stargazinglily">Stargazinglily</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/stargazinglily-review.html" target="_blank">$27 Gift Certificate</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kwI-DDs9Iknqgg4Qfcpbro6oGH4usomlqejiuKq8TFvZl2PnPqoj9_YSqmeCzFJa4Uu-B2vKa-7x7ng9xZ9zhYgOQq5hz-oR0hP_bvrCJXtVqjrJed3XXWB46OtuDL9a2l3vdI8oL-E/s1600/8kcollage4-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kwI-DDs9Iknqgg4Qfcpbro6oGH4usomlqejiuKq8TFvZl2PnPqoj9_YSqmeCzFJa4Uu-B2vKa-7x7ng9xZ9zhYgOQq5hz-oR0hP_bvrCJXtVqjrJed3XXWB46OtuDL9a2l3vdI8oL-E/s320/8kcollage4-550w-numbers+in+trebuchet+bold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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#17 <strong><a href="http://www.profootcare.com/" target="_blank">Profoot</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/profoot-review.html" target="_blank">$20 Prize Pack</a><br />
#18 <strong><a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/" target="_blank">Bear Haven Boutique</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/bear-haven-boutique-review.html" target="_blank">Boy OR Girl Stuffable Bear AND an Outfit to go with it {RV $24 to $26}</a><br />
#19 <strong><a href="http://luckylucreations.etsy.com/" target="_blank">LuckyLu Creations</a></strong>: <a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/luckylu-creations-review.html" target="_blank">Glittery Cupcake Tag 15 Pack AND 2 Sheets of Fabric Labels</a><br />
#20 <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyQuirked">Simply Quirked</a></strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SimplyQuirked" target="_blank">"Freedom Multistrand" Necklace & Earrings Set {RV $22}</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsJH1sZ6EEg/UCnYMPPrNFI/AAAAAAAABPg/qMoP8qbrACk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsJH1sZ6EEg/UCnYMPPrNFI/AAAAAAAABPg/qMoP8qbrACk/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d096cb8/" id="rc-d096cb8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Disclaimer: <em>Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique </em>and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Find full disclaimer information on the Rafflecopter terms and conditions section.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">As this is a multi-sponsored giveaway, this giveaway is open ONLY to residents of the 50 United States, due to shipping, tax and legal requirements.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Shipping is FREE to all winners. Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique is not responsible for prize shipment. Sponsors are required to ship their prizes in a timely manner, preferably within 30 days of picking winners.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">The following statement is posted on behalf of Technogel: "If the winner of the giveaway is a blogger as well, he/she should be invited by the blogger to eventually make his/her own review on his/her website. We are willing to consider the possibility to give to the winner a free giveaway as well."</span><span style="color: #999999;">.</span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-79106431577327712982012-08-13T08:00:00.000-05:002012-08-16T12:29:42.097-05:00Bear Haven Boutique Review {Plus a giveaway!}<div style="text-align: center;">
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Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample some products from <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/" target="_blank">Bear Haven Boutique</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiWecwzlJFXUCVvZ4VkXouG3a7vwoPRDASX5F45UHdWhynWrOADT2jHI8v8RKezVXHPT2_FgnRnV4UDcvTytWkotOjVHHcY6KgG70zZHGipZbUjy0mSLvuj2p19TSRVbAKs6v12i_dhc/s1600/Bear+Haven+Boutique-Lesa+Rumbalski-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiWecwzlJFXUCVvZ4VkXouG3a7vwoPRDASX5F45UHdWhynWrOADT2jHI8v8RKezVXHPT2_FgnRnV4UDcvTytWkotOjVHHcY6KgG70zZHGipZbUjy0mSLvuj2p19TSRVbAKs6v12i_dhc/s200/Bear+Haven+Boutique-Lesa+Rumbalski-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/" target="_blank">Bear Haven Boutique</a> offers great products, such as stuffable plush kits, unique toys, gifts, clothing and accessories, all at great prices. They also offer party supplies, baby shower gifts and personalized items. Bear Haven Boutique is located in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.</div>
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I was so excited when Lesa Rumbalski, owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bearhavenboutique" target="_blank">Bear Haven Boutique</a>, offered to let me review some of the products she sells. I have a daughter and a son, so Lesa sent some products that are perfect for them! We recieved two stuffable animal kits, each with an outfit to wear!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8O3GxN450NU/UChmKrlqCtI/AAAAAAAABKA/XpHQg5g0SJQ/s1600/IMGP5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8O3GxN450NU/UChmKrlqCtI/AAAAAAAABKA/XpHQg5g0SJQ/s320/IMGP5018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lesa describes her stuffable animal kits like this, "My stuffable animal kits include everything you need to make your own stuffed animal. You get the stuffable animal skin, the fluff (or as my daughter calls it, 'fluffin'), the 'wish insert' which is usually a star or a heart, and a birth certificate so that you can name your new pal. You also receive a reusable tote which you can decorate for your new pal or use for library books or to carry special items!</div>
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In addition to the <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/category_s/1820.htm" target="_blank">stuffable animals</a>, I also carry <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/category_s/1821.htm" target="_blank">stuffable dolls</a> and outfits for all of the stuffable friends. I also carry clothing for <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/category_s/1827.htm" target="_blank">American Girl dolls</a> and a unique selection of <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/category_s/1846.htm" target="_blank">educational toys</a> and fun boutique gifts."</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImRah90UfF0/UChmQUHE-pI/AAAAAAAABKI/WfEopqV3Y3I/s1600/IMGP5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImRah90UfF0/UChmQUHE-pI/AAAAAAAABKI/WfEopqV3Y3I/s320/IMGP5025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first animal we opened up was <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/large_stuffable_bunny_p/67912400076.htm" target="_blank">Cottonball the Bunny Rabbit (16")</a>, a perfect present for my daughter. Cottonball came with a fun, Pink "Winter Wonderland" Outfit (16"), complete with earmuffs and a "Love" red star wish insert! There was an instruction sheet, with detailed infomation on how to create our new friend and a blank certificate, celebrating the adoption of our new bunny friend.</div>
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The pink outfit fit her perfectly after being stuffed. The back of the dress is a simple velcro closure system, making it easy for my daughter to remove it if she likes. Bear Haven Boutique offers a ton of great <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/category_s/1830.htm" target="_blank">clothing</a> to fit the stuffable animals they sell. My daughter loved stuffing the bunny, and I thought adding the red "Love" star wish insert was a cute touch. My little girl also loved the reusable tote bag, as she is really into carrying around purses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Tx61-VyWH46yAOquMoA35YzQOqbUF-rTqp00HTSZ5LlQQBCujWWHe0Wz3TMbFQliXNSVUuD1KMfQ5peso1WL0Pd8FzY_P-f_yhPs60fUljxEfvj6XbB278Zgf1vxFaMSK8MfHNk3fQ/s1600/IMGP5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Tx61-VyWH46yAOquMoA35YzQOqbUF-rTqp00HTSZ5LlQQBCujWWHe0Wz3TMbFQliXNSVUuD1KMfQ5peso1WL0Pd8FzY_P-f_yhPs60fUljxEfvj6XbB278Zgf1vxFaMSK8MfHNk3fQ/s320/IMGP5029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My son's new animal was next. This adorable Bull Dog (15") came with a "Bear Sox" Baseball Outfit (16"), a "Courage" blue star wish insert and his own pet adoption certificate. The animals are so easy and fun to stuff. The kits even come with all the stuffing you need. You simply stuff, stuff, stuff the filling into your pet from the back, cinch up the stuffing pocket, close the velcro strips together and voila, you're done!</div>
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The last step is to fill out the certificate. My kids will have their pet adoption certificates to look back on for a fun keepsake. It even brings back fond memories of owning Cabbage Patch Kids when I was little. They're able to name their new friend, add the date and place where they "first met," write in their own name as the new "best friend," and write why the new animal pet is special to them.</div>
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We had a blast making our new stuffed buddies! The quality of the animals is top notch. I can see these as really wonderful birthday party activities for kids. And not only would they provide a party activity, they would also serve as a parting gift for attendees. I fully recommend Bear Haven Boutique products to all of my family, friends and readers. If you are in the market for fun party gifts and accessories, Bear Haven Boutique has great stuff at even better prices. Check out some of my other favorite items, found at Bear Haven Boutique's <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/personalized_hot_pink_zebra_birthday_hat_p/ggh202.htm" target="_blank">Personalized Zebra/Hot Pink Birthday Hat</a> - Customized with age, name and thread color of choice!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJVTpNYAOxKHlUWRnu7a-mlifjtczYPP-MNeLJ-uunYBx-RhKIwEBxI3vf1P4ud_cNcQgOpQhz6NARSDrgIM8gs_szh8v6afFrTbRskgM7gYx4z2-QhcLairUFvXKhNJVIgnmunmpx4o/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJVTpNYAOxKHlUWRnu7a-mlifjtczYPP-MNeLJ-uunYBx-RhKIwEBxI3vf1P4ud_cNcQgOpQhz6NARSDrgIM8gs_szh8v6afFrTbRskgM7gYx4z2-QhcLairUFvXKhNJVIgnmunmpx4o/s320/hat.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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The Dinosaur Excavation Kits: <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/dino_excavation_kit_triceratops_p/20041-tri.htm" target="_blank">Triceratops</a> OR <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/dino_excavation_craft_kit_p/20041-trex.htm" target="_blank">T-Rex</a> - I can only imagine the fun kids would get out of these, especially at a birthday party!</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CnYRMt--MPs/UCcT3g02sGI/AAAAAAAABIQ/0nywQzJtkFI/s320/dino.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4KPBOEswOQ/UCcTrN39cEI/AAAAAAAABII/zn4T8WmMUNw/s320/dino.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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The <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/party_dress_with_bow_for_18_inch_doll_p/15077.htm" target="_blank">18" doll Party Dress</a> - Fits perfectly on American Girl dolls!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C33YihD4ZM0/UCfFhKv5VgI/AAAAAAAABJE/ocO_J7N2cYY/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C33YihD4ZM0/UCfFhKv5VgI/AAAAAAAABJE/ocO_J7N2cYY/s320/dress.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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Lesa's products are fun and creative! You can find some great party gifts and activities at Bear Haven Boutique. Please check out her <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for all that she offers! Plus, this is a great time to take advantage of a special coupon code, <strong>5kgiveaway</strong>, good for 15% off between now and Sept 15, 2012, for all Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique fans! And check out Lesa's <a href="http://bearhavenmama.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> for fun party-planning ideas, giveaways and much more!</div>
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Here, Lesa tells us a little bit about herself. </div>
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"I started Bear Haven Boutique five years ago as a way to make a little extra money while staying home with my children. Since then, I have been building an online presence and now also a local presence in my community. While I specialize in children's parties, my collection of unique toys and gifts has become an important part of my business as well!</div>
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My goal is to provide parents a way to have an awesome party without breaking a budget. For those that are local, I work with budgets and ideas to plan the best party possible. For those far away, I show them how to plan an awesome party on my <a href="http://bearhavenmama.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> using products from my <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/" target="_blank">online store</a>. </div>
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I love getting to be a big kid, and of course, my kids like that too! I also like being able to help make a child's day extra special!"</div>
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<strong>GIVEAWAY!</strong></div>
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Bear Haven Boutique is offering you a chance to win a Boy OR Girl Stuffable Bear AND an Outfit to go with it! She is graciously sponsoring our 8K Facebook Fan giveaway. {<a href="http://sugarmamassweetbowtique.blogspot.com/2012/08/sugar-mamas-8k-fan-celebration.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;">ENTER HERE</span></a>} from 8/15/12 - 9/14/12!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiWecwzlJFXUCVvZ4VkXouG3a7vwoPRDASX5F45UHdWhynWrOADT2jHI8v8RKezVXHPT2_FgnRnV4UDcvTytWkotOjVHHcY6KgG70zZHGipZbUjy0mSLvuj2p19TSRVbAKs6v12i_dhc/s1600/Bear+Haven+Boutique-Lesa+Rumbalski-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiWecwzlJFXUCVvZ4VkXouG3a7vwoPRDASX5F45UHdWhynWrOADT2jHI8v8RKezVXHPT2_FgnRnV4UDcvTytWkotOjVHHcY6KgG70zZHGipZbUjy0mSLvuj2p19TSRVbAKs6v12i_dhc/s1600/Bear+Haven+Boutique-Lesa+Rumbalski-3moAd-ends11-1-12.JPG" /></a></div>
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CONTACT INFORMATION:</div>
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Bear Haven Boutique</div>
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Lesa Rumbalski, Owner</div>
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E-mail: <a href="mailto:lesa@lesasgoods.com">lesa@lesasgoods.com</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bearhavenboutique">https://www.facebook.com/bearhavenboutique</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ilovebearhaven">https://twitter.com/ilovebearhaven</a></div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.bearhavenboutique.com/">http://www.bearhavenboutique.com</a></div>
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Blog: <a href="http://www.bearhavenmama.com/">http://www.bearhavenmama.com</a></div>
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Pinterest: <a href="http://pinterest.com/bearhavenmama/">http://pinterest.com/bearhavenmama/</a></div>
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Google+: <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/103773610140119958653">https://plus.google.com/u/0/103773610140119958653</a></div>
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WE MAKE FOLLOWING BEAR HAVEN BOUTIQUE EASY!</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-44697649818201764992012-08-13T00:07:00.000-05:002012-08-13T00:07:15.730-05:00Free Blogger Sign-Up Event: Soda Stream<span id="internal-source-marker_0.6646613785570143" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The first chance I get to review a SodaStream, I'm jumping on it! But for now, I'll continue to promote some great SodaStream giveaways, like this one. Help promote it on your blog, too!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jenn's Blah Blah Blog and Diva Fabulosa have another fabulous </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">FREE Blogger Opportunity</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What will your readers have the chance to win?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">About the SodaSteam Fountain Jet</span><br />
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you choose to join us for this wonderful giveaway you MUST post a promotional blog post or send $5 to </span><a href="mailto:jennsblahblahblog@hotmail.com"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">jennsblahblahblog@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> via PayPal. Open to US residents only.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bloggers get a FREE Facebook or Twitter link, additional links only $2, daily votes $3! Co-host spots available!</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you want to learn more or sign up you can visit </span><a href="http://jennsblahblahblog.com/free-blogger-opportunity-soda-steam-giveaway/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog HERE!</span></a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2069648942014197345.post-88987966819289776732012-08-13T00:01:00.000-05:002012-08-13T00:01:00.414-05:00Kelty Speedster #Giveaway via @RealMomReviews!<div style="text-align: center;">
I have paired up with Real Mom Reviews to bring you this awesome Kelty Speedster Giveaway! All moms should be excited, as one of you could win your choice of a Deluxe or Deuce edition (RV $399.95 or $499.95)! Good luck!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.realmomreviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Kelty-Giveaway-Event21.png"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-17298" height="225" src="http://www.realmomreviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Kelty-Giveaway-Event21.png" title="Kelty Giveaway Event " width="250" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to the Kelty Speedster Swivel Giveaway event, sponsored by <a href="http://www.kelty.com/" rel="no follow">Kelty</a> and hosted by <a href="http://www.realmomreviews.net/giveaways/" target="_blank" title="Mom Reviews">Real Mom Reviews</a>! Getting out and about with the kids is not always an easy task! With the Speedster you can easily go jogging with an extra kid, or two!
The Speedster is available with either one or two seats. The single seat is called the "Deluxe" model, and the double seat is called the "Deuce" model! Both the Deluxe and the Deuce are made of poly fabric with sturdy aluminum frames! The single weighs in at 22lbs and the double 26lbs.
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Speedster Swivel-Deluxe:</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Speedster Swivel-Deluxe was Babble.com '2011 Best Stroller' award recipient! The high-performance Speedster Swivel has a secure five-point, adjustable child's harness and is made for on-the-go familys. It's loaded with extras like parking brakes, an adjustable-height handle, and a fully padded seat and frame!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Safety Features:</strong>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Rear wheel brakes</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Runaway leash</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Stroller Features:</strong>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Swivel front wheel, with lockout option</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Easy folding design</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Bell to alert others</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Independently reclining seats</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Fully padded seat and frame</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Adjustable height handle (34-45")</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Quick-release wheels</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Adjustable sun/rain hood</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Lightweight aluminum frame</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Reflective accents</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Seat-back storage pocket with key fob</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Under-seat storage bin</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Water bottle holders</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.realmomreviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Kelty-Jogging-Stroller.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17299" height="407" src="http://www.realmomreviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Kelty-Jogging-Stroller.png" title="Kelty Jogging Stroller" width="300" /></a>
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Speedster Swivel-Deuce:</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This high-performance Speedster Swivel - has a secure five-point, adjustable child's harness. This is a top-of-the-line stroller for the on-the-go family. It's loaded with extras like parking brakes, an adjustable-height handle, and a fully padded seat and frame.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Safety Features:
</strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Rear wheel brakes</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Runaway leash</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Stroller Features:
</strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Swivel front wheel, with lockout option</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Easy folding design</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Bell to alert others</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Independently reclining seats</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Fully padded seat and frame</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Adjustable height handle (34-45")</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Quick-release wheels</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Adjustable sun/rain hood</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Lightweight aluminum frame</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Reflective accents</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Seat-back storage pocket with key fob</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Under-seat storage bin</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Water bottle holders</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.realmomreviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Kelty-Double-Jogging-Stroller.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17308" height="337" src="http://www.realmomreviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Kelty-Double-Jogging-Stroller.png" title="Kelty Double Jogging Stroller" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Either stroller will make getting out and about with your kids so much easier- depending on how many children you need to tote around with you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Buy It:</strong> You can purchase the Speedster Deluxe for 399.95 and the Speedster Deuce for 499.95!
<strong>Win It:</strong> Kelty has offered one super lucky reader their choice of a Deluxe or a Deuce! Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents 18 or older. Please make sure you read the <a href="http://www.realmomreviews.net/giveaways/rules/" target="_blank">Giveaway Rules</a> before you enter! Giveaway ends on September 3rd at 11:59pm EST! Good Luck!<br />
<br />
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. <em>Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique </em>is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06145a258/" id="rc-06145a258" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348730740415819673noreply@blogger.com0