Five Favorites - Fall Edition III

1. Giant Bows

I started hearing about bow “wreaths” last spring, and then the patterns rolled in at the fabric store I work at… so then I decided to try my hand at it. I did two of the “Big Giant Quilted Jelly Roll Bows,” one for myself, and one to display at work. I didn’t actually use a jelly roll, and the pattern calls for thirteen 2.5” strips per side, which wasn’t economical for my purposes, so I chose my own fabrics instead. 

For mine, I used scraps I had from Moda’s French General line (my absolute favorite cotton line!), and I really would say this was a scrap-friendly project. For the back, I just used plain pieces of Robert Kaufman’s Essex Linen line, as that gives me a more neutral option than the busyness of the other side. 

For the bow for the store, I did one side fall and one Christmas, and again, just selected fabrics that coordinated. The pattern itself is very straightforward, but quilting the pieces takes some time. I used one layer of fusible fleece and one of 3 oz poly batting to help them keep their shape without being too bulky. 

2. Highlights 

I’ve had a variety of haircuts over the years from close to a pixie to down to my waist, but I have never experimented with the color. I felt that my hair was becoming very monotone, and felt it was time to shake things up a bit, so I talked to my hairdresser and she suggested “baby lights.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about them at first, but I think I really like the dimension they add to the color, and the best part is that she said they grow out really well, so they don’t need frequent redoing (I am not very patient waiting for beauty procedures to be done, hence why I don’t get manicures). So I think I’m glad for this change! 

3. Multi Packs of Machine Needles 

I sew on a variety of different fabrics, and usually I buy a separate 5 packs of needles for each type, and while I don’t mind having plenty of spare needles around, a friend told me about a costuming pack of needles that had a huge variety of options and I was sold! The price was very reasonable too, and I’m sure I’ll be buying more of these in the future. I had no idea there was such a thing out there, or I would have been looking for it years ago. (As usual, I am no being compensated for recommending these.)

4. Roasted Vegetable Soup 

I feel that one can’t go wrong with a good vegetable soup recipe in the fall, especially served with grilled cheese. Here are the results of my tinkering around to make a favorite recipe… 

1 sweet potato, washed and poked with a fork

3 red or yellow bell peppers, washed and sliced

1 can fire roasted tomatoes 

1 shallot, peeled and sliced

1 head garlic, the top cut off

1 large carrot, washed and ended

Olive Oil

Handful spinach

Smoked paprika 

Chili Powder

Bone, chicken or vegetable broth (1+ cups) 

Salt and Pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place first six ingredients in a lined 13”x9” baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Cut sweet potato in half, and scoop out into a large baking bowl. Squeeze garlic cloves out into the bowl, then add the rest of the vegetables from the pan, juices and all. Add spinach, spices to taste, and 1 cup of broth. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth, adding more broth as needed. Serve with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or crackers of choice. 

Makes 4 servings. 

5. Wide Legged Pants

I am loving the fact that these are in again! I didn’t mind the skinny jeans trend, and I don’t think I’ve ever stopped wearing bootcut, but I am thrilled to see the wider ones everywhere! I’ve purchased a couple pairs, in both jeans and twills, and I’ve been having a lot of fun styling them. My favorite pair is a couple years old, and I found out when I went to order another pair that it’s discontinued, so I think I’ll have to use it as a pattern when they start to wear out.