Fabric Pumpkin Pattern

It's (nearly) October, and that means Halloween is right around the corner! My roommate loves to decorate for the holidays, and I want to lend a hand, so I'm sewing up some fabric pumpkins.

This pumpkin is about 7" around, but you could blow up or shrink the pattern to whatever size you want. I'm working on several different sizes to scatter around the room. It is a quick project with maximum satisfaction. I recommend very springy stuffing and stuffing lightly to keep the crinkly effect.

Pattern provided by Schlosser Designs: link

Elephant in the Basil Forest

In the forest of basil where leaves perch atop tall woody branches or neglect, a lone elephant lurks among the trees.

The only thing better than being crafty...

...is going home to family, gardens, and delicious food. It's absolutely delicious (healthiness is an added bonus). A great way to showcase fresh (esp. homegrown) veggies. Lettuce/Garden greens and red onion dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, topped with tuna steak and surrounded by garden green beans, baby potatoes, fresh-picked tomato, and sliced hard-boiled egg.

Nicoise Salad:
Tuna
Lettuce/Greens
Red onion
Green beans
Baby potatoes
Eggs
Sliced tomato


It might look complicated to cook all those veggies for one meal, but you only need one pot of boiling water. Blanche the beans first and remove, then drop the potatoes and eggs (gently) into the same pot. Place dressed greens in the center, and veggies/eggs around. If you've got an extra pair of hands, get one to prep the salad while the tuna cooks. The tuna could be seared, grilled, or even pan-fried; just rub on a little olive oil, salt and pepper before throwing it on the heat. Or get creative and use a dry seafood rub. Anything goes! Make it yours and make it delicious. Finally, place the tuna on top and enjoy!

Paper Embroidery is my Zen

My latest WIP. Paper embriodery requires a little pre-planning, but it takes the work out of placing each stitch precisely when you've got thread on the needle. This is how I unwind after day of classes/labs, homework, and mediocre dorm food.

...yes, I know my thread box is a mess.

Tutorial on paper embriodery at craftystylish.
doe*c*doe blog (weekly embroidery patterns)

Shiny new things

Picked up this pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond. It's extra firm; perfect floorpad, backrest, or concussive weapon. $20
...and Lappy finally came! No more long breaks at, or bus rides from Parkview with nothing to do. I'm looking forward to impromptu blog posting and weekend LANs, mostly.

Swag-market Sweep

Friday marked the end of the first week of class, and was celebrated by thousands of people gathering for the annual mass chaos known as Bronco Bash. I didn't even bother taking my camera; there wasn't enough room to take a photo. You do your best to weave through the mob of people finding booths with vendor giveaways, student organizations, clubs, and local businesses while listening to local bands play at the stage.

Every year, over 400 student organizations, university departments, community members, local businesses and area restaurants participate in Bronco Bash. This is a great opportunity to showcase your organization to over 25,000 participants.

That 25,000 number is very real but I managed to find a few choice bits:The haul is meager, even paltry compared to most, but I wasn't grabbing every pamphlet, piece of candy, or signing my name away for t-shirts (and credit cards).

Props of the day goes to The League of Women Voters for stocking absentee ballot applications in addition to voter registration. I can't wait to get my ballot in the mail. Michigan needs a good student-voter turnout.