The Seasoned Summer

There is a wonderful shop in the town where I work called The Seasoned Home. On one side of the store is the most wonderful spice area. You can find anything you may need to zest up foods of all kinds. My favorite indulgence are their spice packs. They take out all the guess work and hunting for all the spices needed for a great rub. This summer we are grilling like crazy. Since I do the semi-vegetarian thing (only chicken, turkey, and fish) these are a great way to keep things interesting. One of my favorites is the Key-Lime pack. It is amazing, melt in your mouth good when grilled up on white fish.

I am hoping to try out the Bloody Mary mix while on the road this 4th. (not literally on the road, but while at the music festival). Me thinks it would be a nice way to enjoy a good camping brunch.

Meanwhile we have been running around trying to pack for this 4th of July. The kids have been so patient and good with all the crazy. I also think they enjoy all the camping gear that has been pulled out of storage and new stuff coming in. My favorite new purchase has to be the camping shower. I have a feeling by day 3 it is going to be heaven!

Recycle For Roth

Recycle For Roth
Originally uploaded by doodlesprouts

I really REALLY wanted a cargo skirt for our upcoming 4th of July vacation. The hubby and I are spending 4 days the Rothbury music festival here in Michigan. When you are living like a vagabond for 4 days, you want to carry lots of things like sunblock, food, water, id, all that little stuff. So I turned a pair of my hubby's old cargo shorts into a very cute skirt for summer. I LOVE it (and him for surrendering the shorts!!) They are already nice and worn in. The sewing was easy. A little big in the waist, but I consider it comfy big. This is one of my favorite upcycle projects by far.

In fact I have been to the Goodwill store and found a cute pair of men's khaki pants to turn into another skirt. Don't think I will have it done in time. My other Roth project is a knit skirt that can also double as a cover-up. Stay tuned!!

It's A Wrap

It's A Wrap
Originally uploaded by doodlesprouts

This skirt project has been sitting around for a while. Just one of those things I guess. Now that Michigan finally has summer weather, the linen fabric is perfect!! Nice and cool. I don't mind the wrinkles, it adds character. I used McCall's pattern 5430. It says 1 hour, but this skirt took far more than that to sew. I think the pattern is worth doing. Just be realistic about the amount of time it takes. This wrap has enough coverage in the front that I am not to worried about the wind. That was brilliant.

The skirt has already passed the work test, just need to see how it holds up on a day out with the kids!

Stealing Thoughts

Okay, it is not really stealing, just passing along....

I was reading Jessica's (Turkey Cookies) blog and found this wonderful piece of insight. It comes from the New York Times. Please take a read of May It Please The Court - And The Pursuit Of Happiness By Maira Kalman. It is a great read for women everywhere!!

(art by Maira Kalman)

Fabulous Finds

Weakness thy name is Pyrex. Vintage Pyrex to be exact. While the song remains the same this week with a busy schedule, I did squeeze in some rummage shopping. I found a couple of treasures! In my quest to rid the house of those yucky looking plastic storage containers, I have found the old Pyrex to serve as a fun replacement.

I also did a little Etsy shopping and found this great container for summer sipping. Buy Golly Miss Molly has a fun vintage shop, full of special little goodies. I could not resist this cute retro container. Right now I am keeping some lemon water nice and cold in the fridge.

Keeping It Simpicity

Whew, I realize I have been MIA for a little bit. We are in the midst of potty training. Things could be going better. While I have a break in the action I thought I would update on a finished project. YEAH!!!! This is simplicity pattern 3887. A top that looked like it would be great for summer. Light weight fabric, simple design. All in all I think it works. It does that have that tentish look to it, kind of a bummer. I am still thinking of maybe shortening it a little and then maybe trying to take it in on the sides. Not sure yet. When things are hot and humid up here, this might be the way to go. I love the fabric. It is a light gauze that is the most beautiful shade of blue. Maybe some fun jewelry will change things up a bit.......


I am working on a top from Weekend Sewing. I hope to finish it this week. When you can't leave the house due to a little one, you might as well craft!

Who Done It

Finally something a little crafty to post. I finished the Who? hat by Sara Amoroso. Such a great pattern and creative way to work cables. I forgot how fun a cable pattern can be. This particular project went to a young lady who can really rock a hat. (her lovely momma took the photos!) Lately my world has been full of hat knitting. I have been asking why this is?? While I continue to ponder this question, something more challenging might be the next. Something NOT a hat would be good. Mittens might be the next thing I try and tackle. Sounds like a good summer project.

Score!

We hit the neighborhood garage sales this weekend. The favorite find has to be this old tabletop Foosball game we found. Just need a little cleaning a new ball. Now we have some fun summer entertainment!