be prepared

[source]

My husband is the new Cubmaster, and my son will be starting scouts soon.  Which means I'd better get comfortable sewing on patches!  I came across this great tip/trick on Pinterest, and I thought I'd pass it along...  When sewing on your rank numbers, sew them together before sewing them onto the shirt.  I used a simple zig-zag stitch and a matching thread.  Do not put wrong/right sides together; lay the numbers side by side.  When it came time to sew the patches to the shirt, I found that using double sided tape worked the best to hold them in place while I sewed around the outside.  Just place a piece of tape on the wrong side of the badge before placing it on the shirt (or sash).

I have to admit, I thought throwing a few patches on would be super simple.  Let's just say that I have my work cut out for me!  I hope to get a little more comfortable with the process, because I've got years of scouting ahead of me.  I might just have my boys sew their own patches on by hand!  *B

super bunnies

[pattern]

new needles

[source]

Did you know that you should switch out the needle on your sewing machine after eight hours of use, at most?  It's true.  And it's even better to switch it out after every major project.  A fresh needle really can make a difference...  You might notice a sense of sluggishness while sewing, like your needle is struggling to get through the fabric. Or you may be increasingly frustrated with frequent snags, uneven stitches, and/or tension problems.  A huge tell-tale sign for me is when I start hearing a tapping or popping sound while I sew (aka. a dull needle).  So don't wait until your needle breaks.  Change it frequently and you'll find yourself sewing with renewed ease!  *B

retro eggs

[tutorial]

smooth hooking

[source]

I can't remember exactly how or where I came across this tip...  But if you find your steel/aluminum crochet hooks starting to stick/squeak against your yarn, lube them up!  Squirt some unscented hand lotion into your palm, then dip and twist the tip of your hook until it's thoroughly coated.  Wipe hook clean with a paper towel.  The residue from the lotion leaves your hook smooth and makes crocheting a breeze!  *B

birthday girl

Made this sweet little hat from this pattern.  It was turning out smaller than I had hoped, so I modified it a bit at the end...  And then I followed the directions from this tutorial on the cardstock insert (except I used a 12x12 sheet).  This was my first Amigurumi project, and I think it turned out absolutely adorable!  So very happy with it :)  The plan is to make one for each kid to wear every year as they celebrate their birthday.  One (girly) hat down, two more (boyish) hats to go!  *B

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt (book)

I've heard a lot about this book, and I've seen drool-worthy quilts made from its templates.  After getting my own copy (thanks mom!), I'm surprised at how much I've enjoyed reading through it.  I'm a wannabe farmgirl, so I am loving all the letters from the farm wives!  And I'm excited to get started on my own sampler, whenever that may be...  *B