Not everything I make is edible. I got this idea from Motherwear, only I wanted it in flannel to keep me warmer in winter and spring. I bought the fabric, and made the braid with strips I tore from a really old sheet, which was super soft. I really think the neck line "makes" the nightgown. I also plan on adding nursing openings when they become necessary.
I've already washed and worn it, and am really pleased with the results. I made it in an afternoon, using a large t-shirt as my guide. The pleats were harder to figure out than expected. FYI- you have to make the top, mainly in the neck, wider than the hem to have enough of a pleat to hide the nursing openings, something they (naturally) don't show or explain on the site. If you want to know more email me, ok?
The most amazing tasting Banana Cake I have ever made. That's why there is only a photo of the very last piece! I made it again to test the recipe, but I forgot the oven was still on, while I was putting the kids down for their naps. It survived, but was a bit drier, though still moist and delicious. Email if you'd like the recipe, ok?... maybe I'll put it on allrecipes.com.
Did I mention I love my silicone bundt pan? 'Cuz it's awesome.
Pan de leche, similar to brioche, was the recipe used here. I hadn't made it in a long time, and the cold makes me want to bake more. Also this is a slightly sweet bread that doesn't need eggs, and I was out after making two banana cakes.
The second time I tried to make a cinnamon swirl ring, and it turned out great!
The only downside is that it was hard to slice for the toaster (wedges instead of uniformly thick slices). I used 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar and one of cinnamon for the filling, spreading it all over the rolled out dough, like making cinnamon rolls, just a lot less sugar. Then I let it rise a really long time, more than two hours, 'cuz the house was cold, and I wanted it as fluffy as possible. Next time I'll try adding raisins... though that can get tricky, and sticky...
My last night (Monday, Feb 13) creation was my bouquet for Valentine's Day. I chose and arranged the flowers all by myself, and I like the result, or it wouldn't be photo-worthy. The best thing about it is that it will last until our little boy is born next month, and I can even take it to the hospital with me if I want! They don't let you have real flowers in your room, as they could trigger allergies. I really think it's worth it, especially if you buy your flowers in IKEA on a sale day. This bouquet cost as much as a fresh one would today, and will last as long as I like.
And I was tired of roses... though they do smell lovely.
The last thing I got out of my unfinished projects box was this shirt, which I made from a mini dress I bought last summer (with the idea of making it over). It was already empire-waist-ed, and had a mock turtleneck that buttoned in the back. Well, I cut off the neck, cut the dress at the empire waist, and sewed the neck onto the front. Oh, and finished the neckline again, with a double turned under edge.
Then I shortened the final product by cutting the top of the skirt part of the dress, leaving it at long shirt length. I also took it in on the sides, about a two inch seam at the bottom narrowing towards the top, making it less of a dress and more a loose shirt. I added elastic to the top front of this "skirt" part, to make it a nursing shirt like the one explained here. I then sewed the top to bottom at the sides, overlapping the front, and then sewing the back of the "skirt" to the top again.
I really like this design, actually, I bought two of these dresses, and already have one modified which I have used and lent, and is well loved. I had this one cut up and ready to go, but never finished it, til today!
So that's what I've been up to lately. Most are from the last week, all from this year.
Hugs to everyone!
