We have a winner!

I'm about to go to bed, so I had better pick a winner. Drumroll please... (thanks Honey, you're a goofball)

The winner is Katie. Here's what she said.

"I like the daisy dot in white! How sweet. My best friend just found out she's having a girl and I'm making her a nursing cover *using your tutorial!* and think these would be a sweet addition!"
January 30, 2010 9:46 AM

Congratulations Katie! You've got one lucky friend. :) E-mail me at tadacreations@gmail.com.

And thank you to shoesgotsole.com and csnstores.com for the fun giveaway!

Glitter

I've allowed the glitter in and it's here to stay.

p.s. This is the last day to enter the
Robeez/Bobux giveaway.
A winner will be chosen tonight. Good luck!

showing him the ropes

By the way, I've made a ton of changes to the sidebar on my blog to make it easier to find things. If you are in Google Reader, pop on over to take a look and let me know what you think.

I hope you are all having a blessed week-end.

Ribbon Baby Blanket {Tutorial}

Want to make a Ribbon Baby Blanket?

Then, let's get started with my free tutorial!

This blanket measures 14"x14" (excluding ribbon trim, which extends 1.5"). It's the perfect size for baby's hands or quick games of peek-a-boo at the changing table. Of course you can choose any number of squares in any size to make the blanket just the way you like. This is just how I make mine for gift giving.

*All seams will be sewn with a 1/2" seam allowance.

You'll need:

1. (4) 8"x8" squares of coordinating cotton fabrics. Please prewash all fabrics as they are manufactured with harmful chemicals and sizing to prevent fading in the commercial environment. I've read that fabrics are actually treated with formaldehyde. Yuck! Definitely keep that stuff away from little ones.
2. (4) 8"x8" squares of minky dot chenille or regular striped chenille. I buy my minky dot from Chenille Magic. It's so much softer than what you can buy at JoAnn, it's worth it.
3. 4" strips of a variety of coordinating ribbons and ric rac in different widths (I used 64 pieces). Stay away from ribbons with a printed pattern on them like polka dots. They are just painted on and the paint can come off in baby's mouth. That's why I like to use stripe ribbon, ric rac and layer for more interest Striped ribbons are woven and not painted on.
   

Step 1 {Cutting your pieces}

Lay your minky face down. I find it's easier to see the dot pattern from the backside.

When cutting the fabric squares, pay attention to whether you want the directional pattern to be on the diagonal or if you want it centered just so on the square. Cut with an eye toward what the finished product will look like. I used a combo of random and diagonal in mine. Please also note that there is a direction in the minky. You'll just want to keep it running consistent throughout the blanket.

Using your rotary cutter, mat and guide, cut 8"x8" squares from your fabric and minky.

Go ahead and cut your ribbon and ric rac strips to 4". You won't need them for a bit, buy you might as well get everything ready now. I use my rotary cutter for these too, it works pretty slick. I started by cutting 4 each of the 6 different types of ribbon and 2 ric racs I used. I later cut more as needed.

Step 2 {Sewing your squares}

Arrange your squares in a pattern that's pleasing to you. I like to have the minky squares opposite each other when the piece is finished, so no one section is thicker than another. So when you see minky on the top, the underside of that square will be fabric, and vice versa.

Pin two adjacent squares, right sides together. And sew with a 1/2" seam allowance. Repeat with the other three pairings. Whenever possible, I like to have the fabric pinned underneath the minky. Just so there will be less stretching of the minky as you sew it. Eventually you will have no choice to have it on the bottom, but you can just use extra pins to keep it in place at that point.

*Just read on this blog that you should ave the minky on the bottom and use a walking foot and a longer stitch length. I've had no problem doing it my way, but you may want to try this instead.

Lay out two of the four sets you have just sewn together and place them right sides together to sew the center seam.

Being careful to match up the centers with seams laying open. Be sure to pin the seam allowances down so they don't get wonky when sewed into the new seam.

Flat seam = nice
Wonky seam = not so nice

After it's sewn, flip it over and double check that the center forms a nice tight intersection. Now would be your chance to remove the seam and try again if it's off.

I'd feel really bad if that happened to you.

But I wouldn't be able to relate to that. Nope, not me. ;)

Next, iron seams open flat.

*I've had no problem ironing my minky, but since it's made out of polyester you'll want to use a cooler setting on your iron.

Then top-stitch close to the seam to keep them laying flat.

Repeat for the second side of the blanket.

Step 3 {Embellish}

Now is the time to add any applique details you like. See my separate tutorial on how to applique.

Or add coordinating fabric yo-yo's. You can find yo-yo making tools at your local quit shop or craft store. Or you can just follow Heather's tutorial here.

Before you are ready to add the ribbons, you'll want to make sure all the edges are squared up. There is bound to be some stretching of the minky, so don't be alarmed if there is a little bit to trim off.

Step 4 {Add Ribbon Tabs}

Start by playing around with the 4" lengths of ribbon and ric rac you've already cut out. Cut more as needed. I like to have the ribbon pattern repeat on every side, but you can certainly make yours random.

First pin the outside edges. Since you will be sewing with a 1/2" seam allowance, I like to place my outside pieces at 5/8" from the edge. This makes it less likely that the ribbons will be caught in the adjacent seam when sewing the top and bottom blanket pieces together.

Next pin the ribbon in the middle. Whittle away that distance by continuing to pin in the center of the next opening so they are all equally apart.

Do this along all four sides of one layer. I like to flip one side under so I can see what the finished product will look like, to make sure I like the placement of colors.

As needed, you can hold your ribbons down with two pins instead of one. But I like to have as few pin marks through the ribbons as possible to minimize the chance of snags or runs.

Sometimes they will want to lay crooked when there is only one pin in place. Just be sure to hold them down straight as you are sewing. If they get sewn on crooked now, that's how they will be on the finished blanket.

Now sew all around the edges to secure the ribbons, with a 3/8" seam. This is just so you can remove the pins before sewing the blanket top and bottom together. Remove all pins.

Step 5 {Sewing the blanket together}

Lay the other blanket square on top of the one you have sewn the ribbons to. Flip it over so the one with the ribbons, is now on top. I like to be able to see that 3/8" line I just sewed, on top as a guide.

Sew along all four sides with a 1/2" seam allowance. Make sure to leave about a 3" wide opening to be able to turn it right side out.

After the top and bottom are sewn together, clip the corners so there will be less bulk when you turn it inside out. You can see the opening I left, in this photo.

Turn the blanket right side out. Pull on the tabs in the corner to pop the corners out. Hopefully none of the ribbons have gotten caught in an adjacent seem.

Oops! One got caught.

No big deal. Locate the stitches that are holding on to that run-away ribbon and use your
best friendseam ripper to cut it loose. If it's really bad (been there, done that), turn it inside out again and remove the whole seam, re-pin and start again.

No...that will not be fun.

There, that's better. Don't worry about the little hole you just created. The final top-stitching will take care of it.

Now top-stitch the entire blanket along the ribbon edge and make some little stitches in the center to secure the top and bottom layers together. Then go find a baby to play peek-a-boo with.

Ribbon Love

Pair it with a coordinating big brother or sister crayon roll or with these adorable Diaper Cakes.
 

Seriously cute!
 

My faves are the Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon and Peter Rabbit.

Now you've got the perfect baby gift.

That's a wrap!

Incorrigible

Our attempts to stop him from pushing buttons is futile. Even baskets can't stop him. They work to keep him from opening the bathroom door, but I guess the thrill of pushing buttons knows no bounds. He will stop at nothing.

Now to think of something else. Or we could just close the armoire. Yep, I think we should just close her up. We watch too much TV anyway. Great idea Sam!

p.s. Don't forget to enter to win a free pair of Robeez or Bobux baby shoes. It ends this Sunday.

Coming Soon...

Two new tutorials by TaDa! Creations.

Ribbon Baby Blanket
and
How to Applique

(*Photos are almost done, and I'm hoping to have these written up before the week is through.)

In Print

Who needs a scrapbook, when your wedding has been featured in a magazine?



My cousin Gretchen and her husband Jeremiah have the honor of their wedding being featured in the Spring/Summer edition of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Weddings.



I think their photographer did a great job of capturing the unique location of their wedding.



It was fun to be a part of their big day.

It's Giveaway Day!

The kind folks at csnstores.com offered to let me pick out an item for one of my lucky blog readers to win. I had fun perusing all they have to offer, including mailboxes, stylish kitchenware, outdoor home accents and shoes. I ended up choosing their Bobux/Robeez shoes for infants and toddlers.

I adore these little leather slip-on shoes for babies. Sam has had several pairs. I should probably get him another pair now since he is obsessed with shoes. He runs to get his when he sees we are getting ready to leave.

Wanna win a pair for your little one? They would also make a great gift for a new mom or a little ones birthday.

All you need to do is hop over to ShoesGotSole, take a look at the Robeez and Bobux brand baby shoes they sell, come back here and leave a comment about which pair you would choose.

Tweet it, blog it, or become a public follower of my blog for extra entries. Be sure to come back and leave separate comments for each additional entry you do (with a link to your tweet/blog if you do that and be sure to follow publicly as that's the only way I can confirm it).

I'll let the random number generator pick a winner Sunday night.

Good Luck and Happy Monday!

Gottcha day {Haiti Adoption Update}

John and Jennifer are trying to get on the last flight out tonight to meet their children. I would imagine that the kids will be sleeping by the time they get in late tonight. So tomorrow will be their "Gottcha Day!" I'm so excited for them.

Please pray for safe travels, for their transition ahead, adjustment, attachment and bonding of the family.

Awesome Chicken

I came across a wonderful recipe called Aussie Chicken. It's based on a dish that Outback Steakhouse serves. Though I've never ordered it. I come from the line of thought that you should order steak at a steakhouse, seafood at a seafood place, etc...

This chicken was so good, we've dubbed it Awesome Chicken. I've been making new recipes over here, left and right. A few have been flops (in my opinion), but others have been amazing. I found this one over at The Finer Things in Life. I brought it to a friend in need this week and her husband requested she get the recipe from me (here you go Sweetie!). David and all 3 kiddos loved this one too, so it's a keeper.

I didn't have time to take photos yesterday and we gobbled it up so fast I didn't think you'd want a photo of an empty casserole dish, so I'm using hers.

Aussie Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
• seasoning salt (I used Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning by McCormick because I'm not a fan of Lowry's)
  
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half (go ahead and use more, you'll be glad you did)
  
• 1/4 cup mustard (she doesn't specify so I used yellow, but next time I'll use Dijon)
  
• 1/4 cup honey (I use more like 1/3 cup.)
• 2 T. mayo
• 1/2 Tbsp. dried onion flakes
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (I will slice them thinner next time)
  
• 2 cups shredded Colby/Jack cheese

Sprinkle and rub the chicken breasts with seasoning salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp.

In a small bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayo and dried onion flakes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken in the skillet and saute for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned. Move chicken to a 9×13 pan.

Apply the honey mustard to each breast, then layer with mushrooms, bacon, and shredded cheese.

Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken is done. Be sure to cut into a breast to see that it is fully cooked before serving.

Serve with the extra honey mustard sauce.

Enjoy!

This recipe is linked to Colleen's Kitchen Recipe Swap.

A Giveawy is Coming!

I'm excited to share with you that I will be hosting a giveaway for the kind folks at csnstores.com this coming Monday. They offered to let me pick out an item for one of my lucky blog readers. Of course I said YES!!! How lucky are you guys!?!

I had fun perusing all they have to offer, including mailboxes, stylish kitchenware, outdoor home accents and shoes.

I decided to give away a pair of Robeez or Bobux baby shoes. Be sure to stop back Monday and I'll give you all the details about how to enter.

p.s. Did you know that you can find the super cute vintage looking ride-on toys there too? Like this one. Oh stop the cuteness!