Easy Table Runner Tutorial

I learned how to make this table runner at a Relief Society Fun Friday Craft Activity. I also found the tutorial on a flyer at Joann Fabrics in Logan that had the website address to make this same table runner (10 Minute Table Runner).

You will need:
* 1/2 yard fabric
* 1/3 yard contrasting fabric

1. Place the two pieces of fabric together (right sides together).
2. Sew down both long sides with 1/4" seam allowance.
3. Now you have a long tube. Lay flat and press so the contrasting fabric is bordered evenly on long sides with other fabric.
4. Iron seam flat. Trim short ends even.
5. Flip inside out and fold in half lengthwise with contrasting fabric out. Stitch 1/4" seam on both short ends.
6. Press seams open. Turn seams inside to form a point, press.
7. Sew on decorative button at the edge of point to secure in place.

NOTES: I have a strip in the middle of the one pictured because I didn't quite have enough contrasting fabric so I improvised by adding the small piece. I also didn't use large buttons like you are supposed to because I just used whatever I had. I strongly suggest you use large buttons. The finished size from point to point and side to side is: 56" x 13 1/2".

Swedish Meatballs

This is one of my favorite recipes! Its quick and easy and it doesn't make an overwhelming amount for my small family. Anyways, here it is:

1 bag frozen Great Value meatballs (you don't use the whole bag, just whatever amount you want to use of the bag.)
1 10 3/4 oz cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 TBSP parsley flakes
hot cooked noodles (I use wide egg noodles)

Cook the noodles according to the package directions. I used a half of a package and it was plenty of noodles. Meanwhile, mix the soup, sour cream, milk, nutmeg and parsley and meatballs and heat thoroughly over medium heat. Don't thaw meatballs before, just place them in the sauce mixture frozen. Once sauce and meatballs are heated through and noodles are cooked. Serve sauce and meatballs over noodles. Garnish with extra parsley.

Homemade Laundry Detergent - Cheap and Easy!

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in quite a while. I am almost 12 weeks pregnant and just starting to get my energy back. I hope to blog more often.

 I have been making my own laundry detergent for a couple months now. It has saved us a lot of money. I've never done the exact math on it and even if I did it probably wouldn't be accurate. Lol Math is not one of my strengths I'm afraid, but I do notice the difference of not having to buying laundry detergent often like before. We used to buy Tide Orignal Scent for approximately $20.

My husband has very sensitive skin and we have only been able to use Tide Original scent and nothing else but dryer sheets that are the original scent. This homemade laundry detergent works very well even with clothes that are soiled from potty training.  My husband loves this laundry detergent and has never had an issue with his sensitive skin.

So anyways lets get to the directions so you can make it yourself!

You will need:
1 cup  Borax
1 cup  Washing Soda (do not confuse this with baking soda, they are NOT the same)
1 bar   Fels Naptha (in the laundry section)
1 cheese grater or food processor
1 container of your choice

Take the Fels Naptha bar and finely grate it into your container or use a food processor to turn it into a powder. Turning it into powder is best. I just bought a cheese grater from Dollar Tree since I didn't have the funds for a food processor at the time. If you do get a cheese grater make sure it will finely grate it.

Now mix the borax and washing soda into the container and put the lid on the container and shake it or stir it well.

                                                                           All done!

To use you will need a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon.

Small load - 1 Tablespoon
Medium load - 2 Tablespoons
Large load - 3 Tablespoons

Don't expect this laundry detergent to create bubbles when adding it to the water, it doesn't do that.

Toilet Paper Holder Tutorial

 I found this idea on Pinterest but the pin led to an etsy shop that was selling them for $45!!! which I personally think is outrageous to pay for such an item. It took me a while but I figured out how to make my own.

The picture actually doesn't do it justice. Its cream colored with a small pattern. It's easy to make and doesn't take very long. Enjoy!

Step 1: Cut Out Fabric

2 - 33.5" x 6" pieces
4 - 1 1/4" x 8.5" pieces    (you may want to make this longer, depending on how you want it to tie)
                                                                                                                                                    

Step 2: Sewing the Holder

 Take both 33.5" x 6" pieces and put them, right sides together. Pin along the long sides.

                                        Sew down the pinned long sides with a 1/4" seam.

                        Turn it inside out so the right sides are on the outside and iron flat.
                                               (this hides your edges on the inside.)

Fold it in half and pin along the top. Measure 7.5" and 8" from the bottom, mark across and sew. You should end up with two sew lines. This picture may not show it well.

                          At the top, fold in both edges by 1/2" as shown in the picture and re-pin.

Step 3: Sewing the Ties

 Take one tie and fold it in half from the right, then fold it in half from the left. Pin all the way down.

Sew down on the left and right side, keeping close to the edge. Repeat with other ties.

Next pin the straps in place by placing the ties in between the two main pieces at the top and sew along the edge with about 1/8" seam.

 I also sewed across the tips of the ties to keep it from fraying. Not sure if it's actually necessary but it's but to you.

                                                                    Tadaa! All done!