Author Archives: Sandi Larson

No-Sew, No-Tie Fleece Blanket Videos

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I know many of you have been looking for a tutorial that gives a little better view of the edging treatment on the no sew blanket, and hopefully these little videos will answer your questions.

No-sew, No-tie YouTube Video

Another No-sew, No-tie YouTube Video

You will cut the “fringe” just as you always have, or as the directions on the kits specify. Instead of tying knots, you snip in the middle of the strips, then pull them through the hole.

I had a really hard time finding a pair of scissors that would do a good job on the cutting. I loved the heavy duty craft scissors sold here: Heavy Duty Craft Scissors

I’ve also shown another edge treatment that I really like. On this T shirt blanket stitch method, you don’t cut strips and don’t cut out the corners. Use a craft knife to make little holes, then blanket stitch around the entire blanket. I’ve shown how to make the stitches on the same video.

I find both of these edging methods faster than the traditional knot tying method.

Have fun making your blankets, and let me know how you like it.

Sandi P

Appliqued Hand Towel

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I recently hosted a fat quarter challenge and had several fun new ideas. This one was created by my friend Sandra in Australia. You can find her web site here: Creatables by Sandra

Cut a hand towel in half and overlock the cut edge.

(please note if you want a longer towel you can use a full length one and just cut the bound edge off one end and overlock that)

Here is a scanned image of the pattern piece that you cut out of the fabric or fat quarter, Continue reading »

Almost Free & Very Unique Stickers

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Go to your local party goods store (or any store that sells helium balloons) and ask them for a few of their old balloon or party supplies catalogs.  They will probably be delighted to donate them.  Inside these pages are hundreds of full color photos of numberswiki.com

balloons all just the right size for stickers… cut out your favorites and run them through this delightful little sticker maker.    Sticker Maker

Don’t stop there… with your own sticker maker, you can use cut outs from gift wrap, scrapbook papers, even photos..

Basil for a year … Almost Free

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John and I go through a lot of basil.  I use it in all my tomato based dishes, from pizza to spaghetti, and all my sauces and salads.  I also use it for pesto, and basil oil and vinegar.  This is a great tip for having basil all year long for just a dollar or maybe two.

In the Spring, go to a farmers market or fresh food store and purchase one bundle of fresh basil.  When you get it home, carefully pinch off all of the lower leaves and branches, leaving only one or two leaves and the center small leaves on each stem.  Next, cut off the bottom 1/2 inch from each stem and put the stripped stems into a glass or jar of fresh water.  Set them into a window where they will get some light, but not in direct sun.  Continue reading »

Play Date Cards for Your Children

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Summer is here, and the kids are all out of school.  Well, most of them, and the rest will be out very soon.  For the next couple of months, you will be constantly listening to the kids telling you they are bored while sitting in front of seemingly endless cartoons or video games. 

What’s a mom to do?  Those trips to the park let the kids meet and play with other children, but wouldn’t some pre-arranged play dates make a lot of difference in your days this summer? 

Here is an easy solution.  Print up some play date cards for your child.  Make sure you do not include any information that could lead someone to your home, but a special e-mail address, or your cell number can be included as a contact number.  The card should have your child’s name (first only is fine), and best day(s) and times for play dates.  The card could be something like this:

 

Let’s Have a Play Date

My name is John, and you can reach my mom at:

The best times are Monday and Wednesday afternoons

 

You can find some perfect little printable cards  HERE 

Each time you go to the park, library, or other community event, your child can take a few cards and give them to his/her playmates.