Men's Dress shirt to Little Girls Jumper

I have been working on A LOT of sewing projects in the last couple months while we have been snowed in, and this one was the first...a girls jumper from a men's button down shirt.

Unforunately I can't find the "before" picture, but this shirt is pretty similiar except the one I used had two pockets meaning more work for me ripping the pockets off, but so worth it.

The best part of this sewing project is that a lot of the major sewing is already done for you.  Basically the back of the shirt becomes the front of the jumper allowing you to utilize the yoke and the pleat.   

The front of the men's shirt becomes the back adding character with the lovely row of buttons.  This row of buttons adds charm, but best of all, I didn't have to master them because it was already done for me! 

  I used the material from the sleeves to make the simple shoulder straps, and I have enough leftover to make a headband in the future.  This time I attached the straps too far apart so I'll probably be fixing that at some point, but for now we can live with it.  All in all, I am pretty pleased with this creation.

I tried to get some shots of my daughter in "action" so I bribed her (don't judge).  I let her have one of the roses hubby got me for Valentine's day...so just ignore the fact that it looks like she is going to eat it.  (-;

I am linking this post to Kimba's DIY day...check out the tons of creativity gathering over there!






And also I'm linking to Somewhat Simple Strut your stuff Thursday! Lots more inspiration over there!

**If you are interested in reconstructing your own creation, check out craftster for a great tutorial.  It definately helped me on this project.

Frugal Decorating...Tomato Cage Christmas Trees

Would you ever guess that these "Christmas Trees" are really just tomato cages turned upside down and wrapped with pine garland?

A very easy and frugal way to decorate for the holidays with something most gardeners have in storage over the winter months.

For starters, you need to dig out those old tomato cages sitting in your barn or garage.

For those unfamiliar with them, these cages are used to provide stability to your tomato plant.

This cage is bent up pretty good, but for purposes of showing you exactly what I am talking about, it will suffice.

Take the prongs of the tomato cages which would normally be inserted into the ground, and secure them together.

I used duct tape, but you could use a variety of materials. As you can see, when placed upside down, it resembles a christmas tree shape.

Next you wind an evergreen garland around the structure, and add any embellishments.

Some people even use real evergreen tree branches, holly, apples, and ribbon to dress up their trees.

I have to say that this project turned out WAY better than my expectations. I think these would also make great trees to flank the front door!

I secured my trees with some large garden hooks/staples that are typically used for securing weed blocker to prevent the wind from blowing them over.

I can't tell you how excited I am about this project because it definitely gives great results with little effort...and thankfully I had all the supplies at home so it was completely free for me to make 3 of them!

"Homemade" Donuts

This is a super easy, yummy project to do with the kids. These donuts won't win any awards, but they are quick, easy and edible. The kids love making them, and eating them!

For starters you just get a tube of those ready made biscuits. I have used various kinds over the years.

By the way, my hubby caught me taking a picture of the biscuit tube, and thinks I have lost it! You should have seen his face. :-)

First I take the biscuits out of the tube, and set them on a cutting board for my kids to make the biscuits into "donuts". Today we used a cap off of the jar of vanilla. I have used various things like a tiny heart shape cookie cutter or other caps off of other things.

After cutting the holes in the donuts, we fry them up in my cast iron pan. I usually use canola oil, but you can pick your poison.

You have to keep an eye on them cause they cook pretty fast, and as soon as you go to unload the top rack in the dishwasher, you'll end up burning them. I caught mine just in time, they were getting close to the dark side. ;-)

Then I just take them, and dip them in confectionary sugar. A nice sugary treat for the kids! You can glaze them or drizzle them with chocolate.

Today I am in a hurry as I have company coming over so confectionary sugar it is!

My brother just arrived, and they have passed his taste test!