Tara Miller Designs

Post Christmas Catch-up

Here is a post I had intended to write before christmas but, like a few other things, it didn't get done. I saw this recipe in my local paper and just had to share it. I wanted to make it for christmas breakfast but that was one of the few that didn't go as planned. Sticky Buns have been a family favorite for as long as I remember. This recipe is the easiest and least time intenisve I have found and it is delicious to boot! As you can see it was a big hit at our table!

My new favorite cookies

 
At my neighborhood cookie swap, I found a very inspirational cookie that I could not stop shoveling into my mouth. However, when I recreated the recipe I found that it was in need of tweaking. The yield was too small, I prefer more salt and a little more rise. Plus I needed an excuse to use my new illustrator skills and whipped up a super cute recipe page for your christmas pleasure. I tested these out last night while babysitting a friends 3 yr old son. He approved whole-heartedly. May I present Peppermint double chocolate cookies recipe (inspired by Angie Walker's recipe)

So Excited

I just downloaded this based on this article I read a while back. The company referred to in the article no longer carries the software but I found another company that offers similar. Now to find the picture!!!

Christmas is coming

And I am almost ready! Stocked up on some Simplicity patterns yesterday at Joann's $1.99 sale and I can't wait till after the holidays to get started on adding to my wardrobe. In the mean time, I have been making sure that Christmas at the Miller house is everything I mean for it to be for Devon. Up to bat: a hand embroidered pocket advent calendar  and embroidered stocking (every girl must have a stocking!). Garrett graded it an A because of the amount of loot it can hold.
 
This advent calendar is made from felt and has 25 hand embroidered pockets, approx. 2.5 in square. My idea being that I can fill each pocket with treats or treasures when Devon is old enough.
 
I used blanket stitched the four corners and #25.

 

I also made #25 the most special with some added details. Each number is embroidered with either split, stem, back or chain stitch using these great instructions. There is a rod pocket at the top for a wooden dowel to ensure the advent hangs straight.

I free handed the pattern for the stocking based on pictures and the general size I wanted, then I asked Garrett his opinion and he had me draw it bigger. I sandwiched ready made red piping to outline the shape of the stocking. The bottom of the fold down has turquoise rick-rack to match the body of the stocking. It is lined with muslin and interfaced with a thick wool felt that Garrett snagged from a friend's house.
Neither took very long, maybe a full day of sewing for both projects. The hand embroidering took the longest but it was a watch tv at night project.

Holidays, Baby and families...oh my!

I cannot believe it has been a month since my last post. It doesn't seem that long to me. It has been crazy around the Miller household. I am working on making most of my christmas presents and I am almost finished. I am just waiting for the Simiplicity pattern sale at Joann's next week before I can start on my last present. I don't want to give it away in case the bearer might read but I will be modifiying Simiplicity 2479.
Devon is cruising! And, I fear, transistioning from 2-3 naps to 1-2 naps. Wow, She is unbelieveably happy and good but still a handful. Between Devon, keeping house, making christmas presents and fending off family visits and gatherings, blogging has, obviously, fallen by the wayside.
However, we are back on track and have plenty of blog fodder.

First up my present to my brother, Shaun, for his birthday back in Nov. I whipped up this piratey laptop case to counter his strong alligance to Ninjas. I just cannot condone the belief in a creature tha died in the 19th century. He needs to break ties with the dark side and join the pirate cause. I only hope this case will serve as a constant reminder of how wrong he is.

This case is lined with pirate fabric and has 2 in gussets at the bottom. It is nice and roomy to accomodate cords and software. Lightly padded as well. I loved making it, giggling the whole time.

Check back for more in a few days, the little one is waking!