Sew Mo'

"Snice"

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:44:00 +0000

I just woke up. It is 7:30am and we are getting our first taste of winter weather. Not quite snow, not quite rain. More like ice. How can we integrate the words snow and ice..."snice"? Yes 'snice' - that is what we are getting. Luckily, I am inside with my morning coffee and a Christmas tree to admire...

It's a good day to make scones. Here is a recipe I am planning to try from Jason Parsons, Executive Chef of Peller Estates Winery, which was featured on Cityline the other day.

Apricot, Truffle Honey and Basil Scones

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped)
2 tbsp truffle honey
1 tbsp roughly chopped basil leaves
1 tsp salt

Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Knead in the shortening then fold in the dried apricots, basil and truffle honey. Last add the buttermilk and pull the ingredients together to make a dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for a least 1 hour
Remove from the fridge and roll out to 1 inch thick and cut to desired size. Place on a large baking tray. Brush with buttermilk and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and cool on a rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Recipe makes 16 small scones

Friday Finds - Hats from qutewear

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:25:00 +0000

There is a definite chill in the air here in Toronto. Time to pull out those hats, or perhaps find a new one to ring in the New Year? Let me entice you with these adorable hats from 'qutewear', based right here in T.O.

Perfect for costume play, ski, snowboard, club gear, or just to be original.

She has hats for kids and babies too.

You can find more from qutewear at her icraft.ca exhibit or on Etsy.

Winter Fling a Craft Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Winter Fling a Craft Thing takes place this Saturday (Dec 5th). I will be there among many talented & crafty friends. Please come out and say hello - it's going to be a great show!

Winter Fling ...A Craft Thing may be new to the city of Toronto, but we like to consider it a continuation of an innovative seasonal 'A Craft Thing' indie arts & craft show that began in Detroit.

Shop local and support handmade this holiday season with 20+ of Toronto’s best indie arts & crafts makers.

Saturday, December 5, 2009, 11am to 6pm

St. Stephen in-the-Fields, 103 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto (College Street and Bellevue)

Another Craft Show & the Winner of the Holiday Kick-off Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Every year during the holiday season, The Artisans' Gift Fair hosts a fine collection of affordable one-of-a-kind gift products. Vendors gather at the Tranzac, located in the Annex in Toronto, at Bloor and Brunswick, displaying quality handcrafted gifts that range from funky contemporary to a sophisticated classic style.

Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

Please join us on any of the following dates. December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 - 2009 (Sew Mo' will be there December 12th & December 19th!)

Show time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Admission is FREE!!!

____________________________________________________________________________

And now, the moment has come to announce the winner of the Sew Mo' Holiday Kick-off Giveaway . I am drawing the name from a hat as I type this.....And the winner is...

(Insert drum roll here.....)

Beth!!!!! Hooray! Beth has won a fabulous Spectacle Case from Sew Mo'. Congrats Beth - I will be in touch via email shortly to get your mailing address.

Thanks to all of those who entered. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Kick-off Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Well, the season of giving has begun and what better way to kick start it but with a giveaway!

I am giving away one of these sassy little spectacle cases - which are not just for spectacles. The case has 3 pockets - one for your sunglasses/spectacles, one for your cell phone and one skinny one for your pen. Everything in one place - no more digging around in that purse.

Things you need to know:

1) This contest is open to anyone.

2) Contest ends Sunday, November 29, 2009 at midnight

3) Make sure you leave me your email address so I can contact you. I will also reveal the winner in a post on Monday, November 30, 2009

How to enter:

1) Simply leave a comment on this post

2) Get one extra entry (make sure you enter it as a new comment and provide the link) if you tweet about this giveaway on Twitter.
3) Get one extra entry if you become a Sew Mo' Facebook fan - or if you are a fan already - mention this giveaway to your friends on your Facebook wall. (make sure you enter it as a new comment and provide the link)

Good luck!

Fun Frugality

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:16:00 +0000

So I'm trying to be more frugal this Holiday season. Every year round this time, I get holiday decorating fever. All of the decor magazines have their holiday issues out and I must have all of them. I cozy up on the couch with a warm coffee & peruse the pages...So inspiring! The drawback? They make me want all of the latest colour schemes, tree decorations, wreaths, etc. - things that are just not in my budget! This year I promised myself I would just work with what I already own. Perhaps a little revamping will be required, but I am not allowed to buy any new holiday decorations - except for fresh greenery...come on - I have to buy something or I will go into withdrawal...

So here's my first project. I did it on Sunday in about 30 minutes. I bought this faux berry wreath at Pier One Imports 2 years ago. I put this up come October as it has kind of orange berries and looks great for Thanksgiving.

To up date it for Christmas I have added a few little silver ornaments that I already owned (from IKEA) and wired them on to the wreath with floral wire (found this at the bottom of my toolbox).

That's it. That's all I did and I think it looks very Holiday-ish, no? What do you think?

Hang Your Stockings!

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +0000

I love the look of Christmas stockings hanging over a mantel. Unfortunately, I don't have a fireplace. My childhood home didn't have a fireplace either, but I remember my mother hanging our stockings on our stair railing. It worked really well and looked very nice. I think I'm going to follow her lead and do the same thing in my home.

I've rounded up some tutorials (most from marthastewart.com) that have inspired me and will perhaps do the same for you.

Christmas Stocking with Wool Felt Icicles

Sequined Mohair Stockings

Modern Stocking

Rickrack Stocking

Sweater Stocking

Craft Show Chaos

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Hello strangers. It's been over a week hasn't it? Well, I have a good excuse. I've been sucked into the craft show scene the past 2 weeks. Here is a picture to prove it:

This was at Craft Off The Lot - a 4 day show right here in Toronto.

I am now preparing for Movies & Makers - An Art & Craft Show presented by Fox Theatre and GirlCanCreate.com . The show will feature the amazing work of local artisans from 10 am - 4 pm. Following the art & craft sale at 4:30 pm, the film Handmade Nation will be featured. Handmade nation is a documentary about the craft movement. If you would like to see the trailer for the movie click here. I will be staying for the movie as well! Can't wait to see it.

For more info on Movies & Makers and for a taste of the artisans featured visit the Movies & Makers blog here.

Is it too early to talk about Christmas Stockings? I found a great DIY for tomorrow's post...

Holding My Breath!

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:10:00 +0000

Well, here we are - almost midway into the month of November. The time of year when the Christmas commercials have started to appear on the television (whilst Halloween candy is still present - though reduced remarkably - on grocery store shelves). This is also the time of year when I start to hold my breath in hopes that my Christmas Cactus will bloom successfully.

Caring for the Christmas Cactus, in the general, is relatively easy, the hard part is getting the thing to bloom in time for Christmas...or to bloom anytime of the year for that matter. I have had my plant for over 10 years now. I scored it when I moved out of my parent's house into my first apartment (only because they were moving to a new house as well and were trying to get rid of as much as they could). It is a healthy plant and has given me much joy over the years with it's beautiful fuchsia blooms every November like clockwork.

The sad part of my story is that it hasn't bloomed since HH and I moved into our new house. This is probably due to the fact that I initially had a hard time finding a good location for it. I believe I have now found the ideal spot for it and it has been residing there since last January, so I'm hoping that it will bloom fully this year.

Here are some Christmas Cactus Care tips:

Light: Bright
Water: Evenly Moist (spring, summer); Drench, Let Dry (fall, winter)
Humidity: Average Home
Temperature: Average House temperature to Cool
Fertilizer: High Phosphorus
Potting Mix: All-Purpose

It seems many people go to great lengths to get their cactus to bloom (i.e placing the plant a closet from 6pm-6am for a period of 6-8 weeks). I have no doubt that this would work, but I think that is too much work! I say let nature take it's course. If your plant doesn't bloom, it is likely not in the right location. Also - don't panic if your plant doesn't bloom in November or December - I would think the blooming time varies depending on where you are in the world.

One more tip - once the buds form on your cactus DO NOT move the plant. If you do, the buds will gradually fall off before they get a chance to bloom.

Would love to hear any tips that you have so drop me a note if your feel the urge.

Upcoming Shows!

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:47:00 +0000

I'm still alive! Just been very busy these days preparing for the Christmas holiday season. I have two craft shows coming up that I thought my Toronto area readers might be interested in. I will be at both of these shows, but there will be many, MANY other amazing crafters! Come on out and support your local artisans. It's a great way to kick off your holiday shopping with some fantastic one of a kind gifts!:

1) Craft Off the Lot

November 12th - 15th, 2009 (see link below for hours)

1030 King Street West, Toronto

CRAFT off the Lot is an artisan represented exhibition bringing Canada's best and brightest talents for everyone to experience. Join us for a weekend of amazing one of a kind & hand crafted works. Whether you are shopping for yourself or a friend or just wish to see what Canadian design has to offer, CRAFT off the Lot is a great way to spend an afternoon.

2) McCarthy Tétrault Craft Fair

November 13th 12pm-2pm

Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington Street West, 29th floor

The Last Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:38:00 +0000

Like I said before - no farmer here! Let me introduce you to my carrot harvest:

A sad, sad site. I didn't pay much attention to my carrots this year so my harvest reflected the effort I guess. I looked up some carrot growing tips to keep in mind for next year:

1) Plant your seeds about 3/8 of an inch into the soil

2) Cover seeds lightly with mulch. Once seedlings emerge, add more mulch around the plants. A layer of mulch about 3-4 inches deep is recommended after the seedlings emerge.

3) Once the carrot seedlings begin to appear, thin them out to approx ¾” between plants. As the carrots mature, thin them out to about 3-4 inches between plants.

4) If you want to have carrots throughout the growing season, you can grow a new batch after the first carrots have grown for about 3-4 weeks

5) Want a fall crop of carrots? Give yourself at least 2-3 months before the first fall frost. This will ensure that the carrots will be ready to harvest before a hard frost hits.

6) When to pick your carrots? This can be hard to judge. The tops of the carrot will show at the soil line and you can gage when the diameter looks right for your variety. If the diameter looks good, chances are the length is fine too. But you will need to pull one to be certain. Carrots can be left in the ground once mature. A light frost is said to improve and sweeten the carrot’s flavor.

A Handmade Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:36:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending my friend Ethel’s beautiful & intimate wedding a few weeks ago and I wanted to share some of the ways she pulled it all together. She is one clever girl that Ethel - she did the majority of the wedding decor herself, by hand, along with the help of family and friends!

Ethel’s Dad made the ceremony arbor in his lil'workshop and Ethel decorated it with white sheets purchased at IKEA and dollar store flowers.

She did all of the flower arrangements herself (centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres, etc!) by ordering bulk from a local flower market and using recycled jam jars as vases.

The invitations, seating chart, table numbers and seating cards were all done by – you guessed it – Ethel!

And who needs to hire a DJ in this day and age? Ethel and Dave (the groom) created a play list and used Dave’s Mac book at the ceremony and the reception (and may I say – the music was the best – no cheesy typical reception music allowed.)

Ethel had a local dressmaker make her gorgeous wedding dress which echoed her dream $6000-ish designer dress. You like the veil right – well guess what? She made it herself! I’m not kidding you. Ethel also made her garter, which I am sure the groom enjoyed. She didn't make her earrings, but they were handmade and purchased from Etsy.

The mini pie favors were made by Ethel and her maid of honor and then sent off to the Ethel’s mother and aunt for baking and packaging. Ethel designed & printed the box labels and ordered the boxes and bakers twine online.

So there you have it. A gorgeous wedding can be had - by hand. All the best to you Ethel and Dave - you crazy kids!

Red is Her Colour

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Bonnie is now available in red! See in store for more info.

A Little Recycling

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I don't know about all of you, but I like to keep my favorite recipes in one of those little recipe organizer boxes. I find them very handy. When I find a good recipe online or in a magazine I rip it or print out the page, fold it up and stuff it in my recipe box until I have time to sit down and write it out on a recipe card or cut and paste it to a card at least.

I sat down to do that yesterday and realized I was out of the little recipe cards. Urgh! Just when I had the motivation to do it! While I was sitting at the dinning room table contemplating going out and buying more cards, I looked over at my Martha Stewart magazine (I know what you are thinking, but i can't help liking that Martha - she is so wise in the world of homemaking.....~sigh~). Sticking out of the magazine was one of those subscription cards that we all find in multiples in our magazines. Ding-ding-ding! I had an idea.

Those subscription cards are the same size as recipe cards! What a great way to reuse them. I gathered them all up and started cutting and pasting. Voila! recycled recipe cards and free!

Wow - I just re-read that...I sound like an old granny. Whatever.

Friday Finds - Zombie Dishes by soule

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:46:00 +0000

I was so excited when I found these dishes perfect for the weeks that ramp up to Halloween and of course for Halloween itself.

These Zombie Dishes are the work of 'soule' based in Seattle. Each dish is hand painted with a gloss black Zombie and each Zombie is unique. How cool is that?

These dishes will be a hit with your kids and also the talk of your adult friends at your Halloween soiree.

Not into the zombies? No worries, Soule has lots of other good stuff in store that have nothing to do with monsters. You can find these goodies at soule's Etsy store here.

Using It All Up

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:56:00 +0000

Once I have made a bag, I often have good pieces of scrap fabric leftover. I have been saving it all in my 'scrap fabric bin' and finally got around to figuring out a way to use some of it. Why waste perfectly good fabric right? So here is what I came up with:

The Simple Spectacle Case is 100% cotton canvas protective pouch for your reading glasses and/or sunglasses. This case features a big pocket for your sunglasses and a smaller outer pocket for your reading glasses or tissues, etc. Well made, lined with soft fabric to prevent scratches and reinforced for stability.

Also included is a pen slip for that ever elusive pen and a loop for attaching the case to your purse or anywhere else for easy access!

A great stocking stuffer (sorry- I had to say it, I know it's still early for that sort of talk!) or a cool way to wrap up that gift card for someone you care about.

More colours on the way! For more on the Simple Spectacle Case click here.

NEW - Bonnie Bag - Storm Grey

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Bonnie is now available in 'Storm Grey'!

This pretty bag is made with a heavy, durable cotton canvas in ‘Storm Grey’. Interior of bag is lined with durable medium weight cotton. This bag is built to last. Pleats on the front and back of bag add interesting detail in addition to the square metal hoops and up cycled leather strapping on the front of the bag.

For more click here.

The Lone Pepper

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Well, I can tell you one thing - I would certainly not succeed as a farmer...well at least not at this point. While I thoroughly enjoyed my first veggie garden this year and had some successes, I also had more than enough failures. Exhibit A: The Lone Pepper:

This little guy was the only pepper who survived long enough to be eaten. Looks good right? Look a little closer:

Please note - that is a dinner fork in the picture. A bit on the small side no? And besides that, he is supposed to be a red pepper.

I could blame my pepper failure on a lackadaisical attitude when it comes to gardening, or on my bad planning skills resulting in my giant tomato plants blocking most of the sun from my little pepper plants, and everything else for that matter - but no - I choose to blame my pepper failure on those dang slugs.

Slugs are greedy little things. They eat EVERYTHING!!! I found them on my peppers, on my tomatoes, on my zucchini and even on my basil. Who needs a dog for left overs when you have slugs (by the way - Sew Mo' does not endorse feeding leftovers to dogs.)?

So my plan for next summer is to prepare for the slugs and find a way to trick the little buggers without killing them. Helen and Sarah at Toronto Gardens have a humorous method to control slugs - for more click here.

And before I leave you, I must share this. While I was washing the mud off of the other veggies I harvested this morning - lookie, lookie what I found in the bottom of my sink:

Don't worry - I didn't eat him - I set him free after his photo shoot.

Friday Finds - Halloween Decor Part 1 - Scary Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Have I told you that I love Halloween? It is my favorite time of the year. The only thing that stinks about Halloween is that it is all for the kids. I'm going to change that this year and enjoy it as an adult. H.H. and I plan to decorate the exterior of the house to terrify all of those little ghosts and goblins...muahahaha. So evil...

Here are some items to inspire your Halloween decor, whether it be inside our out.

Vintage Halloween Gothic Blood Red Glass and Silver Dish - for Potions or Candy

This is so scary I wouldn't want to touch it, let alone open it - Vintage Metal Case for Halloween Decor

What is Halloween without a good skull? Rooster Man Joker Man Skull

I picture these in a powder room at a Halloween party...nothing like doll eyeballs staring at your guests while they try to do their thing - Vintage DOLL EYES

Frame this photo up and hang it in your haunted house - Where Ghosts Sit Photo

This needs no words - Terrifying Haunted Family Portrait Set

Doll heads = creepiness - Vintage doll box with three large doll heads very creepy and disturbing

OK, I'm scaring myself. Not so scary Halloween decor coming next Friday...

Good News!

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:38:00 +0000

I have some exciting news! Wanted to let all of my Toronto readers know that you can now find Sew Mo' bags at 'Fresh Baked Goods' in Toronto!

Fresh Baked Goods is a funky little boutique in Toronto's famous Kensington Market. Going strong for over a decade, the shop is home to all kinds of handmade goodies made by various local designers. The shop is owned by by 'Laura-Jean the Knitting Queen' and is the base for her clothing line, Fresh Baked Goods. Laura-Jean's line includes fabulous and funky sweaters, cotton print dresses, tops and skirts as well as other types of clothing and accessories.

I'm pretty pumped about this, so in celebration I am offering 20% off of Sew Mo' bags in store at Fresh Baked goods to my Facebook fans. To become a Sew Mo' Facebook Fan, click here. Once you are a fan just shoot me an email at mmoe21@hotmail.com and I will send you a coupon.

Thanks to everyone for all of their support to date and enjoy the coupon!

Fashion Geek by Diana Eng

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:40:00 +0000

This is something for the sewing fashionistas out there. I just discovered this book by Diana Eng a fashion designer and former contestant of Project Runway Season 2.

Her book is called Fashion Geek: Clothes Accessories Tech. In Fashion Geek, Diana pioneers an emerging generation of tech savvy women crafters (or would-be crafters) who demand stylish yet practical designs that are electronically charged. Now you can take simple, girly items such as a hoodie or scarf and transform them into must-have techno-accessories through approachable, step-by-step directions. Full-color photos make it easy to see how every project comes to life

Between the covers you will find 13 projects including the "Get-the-Message" bag that lights up when your cell phone rings, and a "Monster Music" hat with headphones in the earflaps. You will also find these:

"Lightning Bug Skirt"

"Blooming Buttons" jacket with flower buttons that light up as the jacket is buttoned

Hoodie

Aurelia Bag - Special Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:09:00 +0000

Just listed a new item in the store - a special edition Aurelia bag (there are only two of these bags in existence!). This clean lined bag features a combination of textures and fabrics on the exterior – up cycled leather, wool flannel, cotton canvas and linen – in varying hues of grey. Interior of bag is lined with medium weight black cotton. Detailed stitching and welded metal hoops on the front of the bag add contemporary texture. This bag has lots of room for all of your goodies!

I think she's pretty cute. For more info on Aurelia click here.

Pretty Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Wanted to share a little wrapping project I did the other day. My friend Ethel is getting married and I wanted to find a pretty way to wrap her gift without having to defer to commercial wrapping paper. I had some craft paper and old sewing seam binding kicking around. This is what I came up with.

Can't tell you what is in the boxes though cuz the wedding is today and she hasn't received them yet!

Friday Finds - Toinspireyou Fall Wreaths

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Today’s Friday find is continuing with the fall decor theme I seem to be obsessed with these days. ‘TwoInspireyou’ is a little Etsy shop that I came across run by two friends based in Geneva, IL. They have some fantastic wreaths for your front door (or back door, or side door, or for no door at all!). This one is my personal favourite:

Pumpkin Orange Berry Wreath

Here is the runner up:

Hint of Fall Wreath

Of course the theme of the wreaths change with the seasons so there is always something new in store so check it out here.

Tutorial - Pillow With Rosette Clusters From Felt Furnishings

noreply@blogger.com (Mo) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:16:00 +0000

I was surfing around the Etsy website the other day and came across a weekly article featured in the Storque (Etsy's online news paper) called 'How to-Tuesday'. It features Etsy sellers or handmade authors giving a tutorial on a project of their choice. I saw this one and wanted to share it with all of you sewers out there - Pillow With Rosette Clusters From the book Felt Furnishings.

I love this pillow (I'm also loving that chair it is sitting on...). So nice for fall and very simple to make. If you would like to make one for yourself here are the instructions. If you are interested in more felt projects please check out of Anne Kyrrö Quinn's book, Felt Furnishings.