NFL Huddles Needlework Kits

No matter how much a person loves to create something beautiful with his or her own hands there are some parts of the process that are more fun than others. Some like looking at patterns and dreaming of what to make. Others drape themselves in luscious fabric and have pain when attempting to cut it. Still others like the actual work but hate the finish...the hand work, the hems or buttons.  (I've been at all of these places at some time or another and that's why I have UFO's). Then there are others who like a put together kit...no hunting the right color threads, no trying to decide the right thread count Aida cloth, no fuss, just get down to stitching. 

With the Get-Down-to-Work folks in mind I found these cute football kits. These are NFL Huddles Needlework Counted Cross Stitch kits made by the Nomis Yarn Company. 

Green Bay Packers Counted Cross Stitch Kit

Each kit is complete with 14 count white Aida cloth, appropriate color thread, a chart, instructions, and a needle.

Chicago Bears Counted Cross Stitch Kit

 These kits are unused and in the original packages. The design is 7 x 9 inches.

Los Angeles Rams Counted Cross Stitch Kit

Cleveland Browns Counted Cross Stitch Kit

Happy stitching. Keep your seams straight!

New Listings

Boy, the holidays have been a whirlwind. Lots to do, lots of people to see, and never enough time to get everything done. Sound familiar? I love the holidays but I am glad to get back to my life. I even found time to list patterns....and here they are.

Simplicity 2172 Misses Victorian Dresses Size 14-22...UNCUT

Simplicity 1773 Misses' Medieval Costumes Size 6-14 UNCUT

Simplicity 1551 Medieval Queen Dress in size 8-14 UNCUT

Simplicity 1550 Fantasy Fairies Costumes in size 14-22 UNCUT

Simplicity 1558 Steampunk Costumes in size 14-22 UNCUT

Vogue 8447 in size 12-14-16 UNCUT

 More coming tomorrow...I promise.
Happy sewing and keep your seams straight!

What to Make with Boutique Yarns

After a trip to the local thrift shop I found myself well-stocked with boutique yarns, read Sashay and Boutique Ribbons. After a while I sat and thought "What does one do with this gorgeous stuff besides making scarves?" Here's a few ideas I found around the web:

Ribbon Remix Scarf uses 1 skein of Red Heart Soft, 1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Sashay, 2 yards of grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/2 inches wide, 5mm (size H-8) hook, and a yarn needle.

 Knit a Lei Scarf designed by Anneliese Anneliese. There's an easy to follow tutorial or print out the downloadable instructions.
You'll need:

• One skein Red Heart Boutique Ribbons yarn (I chose "Fire")
• Size 8 circular knitting needles, 32 inches long
• Sewing needle and thread for finishing
  
  
  How about a crocheted ruffled skirt? This pattern is sized for the little ones, sizes 2-4, designed by Amy at Crochet Creative Creations.
  
  
  
  Crochet Hook: I/9 or 5.5 mm hook

  Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

  Click here for crochet pattern

  
  
  How about a purse? This is so cute.This is from Dearest Debi. She has a written pattern and a tutorial. 
  
  
  
  You'll need a skein of Bernat Satin and a skein of Boutique Sashay Yarn, a size I (9) hook and a size J (10) hook. 
  
  
  So, there's a few things to do with this beautiful yarn I think a pillow would look good. Maybe flowers to add to a headband. How about a few ruffles on a little girl's skirt? So much to do. So much I want to do. Sleep is so over rated. 
  
  
  Post by Eileen
  
  

How to Make Chunky Chocolate Soft and Chewy Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

 We had our cookie exchange at work last week and I brought in my old standby, Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Chunky Cookies (now that's a mouthful). I use a cake mix cookie recipe to make the soft, chewy cookies that have become a family favorite. I like to add lots of "stuff" to them, chips, nuts, raisins, craisins....whatever I have on hand (I usually keep lots of stuff available) so the cookies will be reminiscent of the Chunky candy bar I loved so much as a kid. The family loves them so much I thought I would share the recipe, so here it is.

You'll need:
2 Fudge Chocolate Cake Mix (any brand will do but I am partial to Duncan Hines)
4 eggs
1 cup of unsalted butter (2 sticks), Softened
1/2 cup nut pieces, shelled
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a mixer cream the butter on a low speed. Add the eggs one at a time.  Add the cake mix (make sure the mixer is off or there will be a cloud of chocolate dust in the air...trust me...). After the mixture is well-blended add the nuts, chips, and raisins. Spoon (tablespoon) the mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cookie rack. Makes about 6 dozen cookies.


The recipe is child friendly...a good way to get the kids involved and let them create their own masterpieces. I have used yellow cake mix instead of chocolate cake mix, put some in a bowl for each helper (aprons on, thank you), with bowls of nuts, chips, and raisins. The children made their own batches of cookies. While the cookies baked the children drew pictures on brown paper sacks that would hold the cookies. After the cookies were baked they got to take home their masterpieces to share with their families.

The picture shows a batch made with butter pecan cake mix.

Pecan Soft Chewy Cookies

Have fun and have a Happy Holiday Season.
Eileen

More Vogue Lovelies!

I love Vogue patterns. Here's some recent additions to the shop.