Soldiers Angels

With news of the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan I felt helpless. What can I do as an individual thousands of miles away to help our soldiers? Hopefully we are all praying for their safe return and for the families of the fallen, no matter how we feel about the war. But I was also thinking about a tangible contribution. The charity sewing group that I attend, Creative Hearts, contributes quilts for soldiers and I got this link from one of the ladies in that group, http://soldiersangelsgermany.blogspot.com/2005/07/donations-needed-for-landstuhl.html?utm_source=Invitation+List&utm_campaign=54e447971c-SAG_April_Newsletter_2011&utm_medium=email. There is lot of info about what has already been given and what they regularly need. With unusually high casualty numbers this summer, the need is greater than ever. Since I am a coupon queen, I think I will start to clip coupons for the needed products and start stockpiling and I hope you will join me!

The Help

I spent this sweltering Texas afternoon in the cool comfort of a movie theater with my sister in law and niece. We went and saw "The Help". It was fantastic! Sometimes when you love a book, and I really loved this one, the movie can be a disappointment. Definitely not the case with "The Help". If you have not read the book, in my opinion, you must. You will laugh, you will cry, you will cringe and you will cheer along with these incredible characters. Here's a link to the official movie site where you can find out more, http://thehelpmovie.com/us/.

Doh!

That's what I said when I ran over a pin while working on my latest project. I know you're not supposed to sew over pins. But I couldn't see it and I was easing in a seam and then it was too late. Thankfully my machine still works perfectly-those Janomes take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! I would like to tell you and myself that it won't happen again, but I'm not gonna bother.

It's kind of like over the weekend. While working on some tape measure bags, I set my machine for a zigzag stitch and forgot to take off my quarter inch foot. Until the needle slammed down and shattered on the foot. That wasn't pretty either. Again, the machine still worked perfectly.

I'm giving my machine the day off. It's earned it!

By Request...

A couple of friends have requested the recipe for Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole that I took to Creative Hearts today. This is what I call "Elegant Comfort Food"! I got this out of Southern Living years ago and you can find it here, http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/leslies-favorite-chicken-and-wild-rice-casserole-10000001923740/.

I made a couple of changes. I added chopped mushrooms and flat leaf parsley to the onion and celery saute then I added about 1/4 cup white wine to the pan for more flavor. I also used one can Cream of Mushroom and one can Cream of Chicken soup, the light varieties of both and I did not use all the sour cream called for. I reduced the grated cheese to 1 cup and left off the breadcrumb topping. I think it is delicious and I hope you do too!

Beware-this recipe makes a lot. A LOT! Thankfully it freezes well and you will never have trouble finding people to help you eat it!

Lotus Dress

This is my latest creation, Amy Butler's Lotus Dress using fabric from her "Love" collection. I don't know about you, but shopping for a dress is about my least favorite thing to do. It's almost as bad as shopping for jeans. When you're one size on top and another on the bottom and long waisted, among other issues, it can be a challenge. So when we received an invitation to a summer wedding, I decided I would attempt making my own dress.

I had already made the cami version of this pattern and loved it. I measured myself and used the recommended pattern size, plus 2" added to the length. I made the dress in the same size, plus 2" added to the length. It was too big!!! Imagine my elation when I had to take it in a total of 4" in 4 different places! I will definitely be making this dress and cami again.

I have also had similar success with Amy's Barcelona Skirt and Liverpool Tunic patterns. I would consider her patterns advanced, but her instructions are clear and well illustrated and will guide you step by step. I am mastering darts because of Amy!

I guess what I'm saying is when life gives you hips and curves, try making your own clothes!

By the way, I have also recently found a perfect fitting pair of jeans. I know, miracles really do happen people!