Free Printable Wall Art

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Meet Henry

Meet Henry, the newest member of the Loiacano mob...uh, I mean family.... Yeah, family. He's our newest little rescue and we already love him to pieces. We got him two weeks ago today and he and Sophee get along great, which makes us very happy! She now has a little buddy to hang out with. I'm sure he'll be making more than one appearance here on the blog! -Ruth-

Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Well folks, it's Fall somewhere, ay? It's finally starting to cool down here in North Texas (read lower 90's). Since I couldn't wait for soup season any longer...Behold, one of the many to come sweet potato recipes! I made a sweet potato and roasted cauliflower soup last year. It was marvelous, but a little bit more labor intensive. This recipe is so simple and straightforward, just how I like things! Check out how easy it was...

Sweet Potato Soup

1 large sweet potato (3 cups)

2 cans vegetable stock or homemade stock 

1 can of water

1/2 diced yellow onion

1 large clove garlic

1 tbsp. dried  basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cube sweet potatoes and dice garlic and onion. Add all ingredients to pot and boil on high for 20 minutes. Let simmer for another 5. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. An alternative method (and simple) is to place all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low all day. Enjoy it! -Ruth-

Pattern Drafting: Basic Tools and their function

This post has been updated and re-written on my new website, HERE. 

In the last post, we reviewed the basic pattern drafting tools. Today, I'd like to discuss a bit further what their intended purpose is. Stay with me, because next time...we will discuss the basic pattern foundation! Again, if you haven't taken my survey, please click the link below and answer a few short questions. I'd really appreciate it! Thanks heaps!

Isn't that Sewing Survey

Craft Paper *Essential

Okay, so paper is essential for flat pattern drafting. You can use butchers paper, craft paper (my favorite), or even newspaper. Really, any paper that is approx. 36" X 24" will do. 

"L" Square

This tool helps to create accurate 90° angles and straight edges. It measures, rules, and squares simultaneously. 

Hip Curve

The hip curve helps to shape the hip line, hem, and lapels. 

Vary Form

The vary form ruler blends and shapes armholes, necklines, and side seam curves

French Curve *Essential

Essential tool for accurately shaping armholes and necklines

Pencils, Paper Scissors, Eraser, and Measuring Tape *Essentials

You must have these or else you will have no way to draw! Duh!

Awl 

The awl will pierce a small hole in your pattern to indicate the end of a dart, pocket, trim, or button hole. The awl is also handy for scoring paper to fold, as well as "walking" your measuring tape around curves for accurate measuring. 

Notcher

The pattern notcher will create flawless pattern markings. For example, dart legs, seam allowance, center lines, ease, and to identify front from back patterns. 

Tracing wheel

Pointed and very sharp wheel transfers marking onto a clean sheet of paper

Clear Plastic Ruler *Essential

Perfect for measuring seam allowance as well as any measurement really. 

Pattern Drafting: The Basics

This post has been updated, re-written, and posted to my new blog, HERE. 

I've been making a lot of patterns for work lately. I thought I would share some of my essential tools for the job. I also would really appreciate if you took a minute to answer my 7 question survey. I would love to know if you are interested in learning to sew and draft your own patterns! Thanks in advance! -Ruth-

Isn't that Sewing Survey

The basics:

Tape-It's always smart to have it around

Paper-Uh, duh! I like to use craft paper because that is what we used in school and it's the most stable (besides oak tag, can you say expensive)

Rulers-While you don't need all fancy pattern making rules, you should have a french curve and a clear plastic at the very least.

Eraser-I need this more than I'd like to admit.

Pencils-I recommend having at least two colors so you can differentiate between old and new pattern lines. 

Weights-You will need some sort of paper weights to hold down your craft paper. I use some household objects, but I also have two professional weights.

Measuring tape-Must. Have. Need I say more. Really helps to accurately measure curves (paired with your awl.)

The Extras:

Awl-I highly recommend investing in one of these if you will be doing any sort of intense pattern making. They are only a few bucks and make all the difference in the world for marking darts and scoring lines. 

Stapler-I find the one with the extended arm especially helpful when I need to close darts.

The "rabbit"-I love the rabbit because it helps me easily hang and organize my patterns.

Cutting mat-I have several cutting mats. I love them because I don't ruin my craft table and because they have an awesome measuring grid!

Tracing wheel-Only one of the most brilliant inventions. Ever.

Pattern Notcher-Since I'm a bit OCD, this is one of my favorite tools to mark my patterns.

Next time we will discuss the basic tools and their functions. Until then...Cheers! -Ruth-

Custom Canvas DIY

I thought I would give this technique a try, as I have never attempted it before. This is what I came up with. Not too bad for my first try. I think these could make really cute, simple stocking stuffers, don't you think?

Custom Canvas

Canvas (any size)

Paint (multiple colors)

Peel and Stick Alphabet

Paint sponge

Choose your phrase. Make sure you have enough letters to complete it! Peel and stick alphabet to canvas. Using paint sponge, get creative and paint over top the letters. It works best to use one direction for your stroke. Let canvas dry. Carefully remove stickers to reveal your custom text! -Ruth-

ITS Handmade :: Grand Opening Celebration

To celebrate the Grand Opening of my new Etsy Shop, I'd like to say thanks for all your support by offering 20% Off the shop for the first week! 9-13 thru 9-20 -Ruth-

Italian Zucchini Boats

This my friends, is Italian Zucchini boats! One of my all time favorite staple suppers. It's quick, it's easy, and it's delicious! If you are following a gluten free diet, paleo diet, or just trying to eat a little lighter, you have got to try this recipe. It's delicious!

400°F | 35-40

Italian Zucchini Boats

 3-4 large Italian Zucchini Squash

(you can also use summer squash)

1/2 lbs. ground Italian sausage

1 jar spaghetti sauce

parmesan cheese

1-2 tbsp. olive oil

Italian seasonings

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Next, cook your meatballs. Simply roll the Italian sausage into bite size meatballs and cook on your stovetop. Use medium heat to avoid burning and cook for approx. 5-7 minutes depending on the size. Slice squash in half long ways and hollow out the middle enough to fit filling. Place your squash in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and Italian seasonings. Next,  fill up the boast first with meat balls, then sauce, and then cheese. Cover with tin foil and bake for approx. 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven. Poke squash with a fork just to make sure they are tender. If so, add a bit more cheese and place in broiler for a minute or two. Enjoy! -Ruth-

Free Printable Wall Art

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The origin of a name...

The other day, while having lunch with a new friend, I realized that I have never told all of you about the origin of this blogs name! The idea of this blog started with a much different vision! While working at my previous job, (the job that brought us to Texas) I worked with some pretty righteous ladies. One of them in particular, Terah, is an amazing women! Well, together we had this vision of staring a fashion blog. We were going to blog about life as a fashion designer, blog our daily outfits, blog about things we were sewing or crafting, blog about creating a unique style on a budget, and various other fashion related things. It was a great idea! Until, I found a new job. Then, the inevitable happened. I started my new job and we were no longer as close as we had been when we worked side by side everyday.

The official launch date for the blog was June 1st, 2012. Well, the blog launched as planned...However, twelve days later, I started my new job. And, well. . . the rest is history. But, I've haven't yet gotten to the origin of the blogs name! We spent a few months getting all the code and details worked out, but we were having trouble coming up with a clever name. At the time, Lyle Lovett had just come out with a new album, Release me. I used to insist that while working we listened to KXT 91.7, a super cool, independent, non-for-profit, radio station here in North Texas. So, at the time they were constantly playing the song Isn't that so, by Lyle Lovett. One day while the song was playing on the radio, it hit me, Isn't that SEW! Sure, it's improper English, but it was clever, catchy, and cute! So, it was decided, Isn't that Sew would be the name of this little blog. 

Isn't that Sew never became the hip fashion blog that was intended, but rather, became an online documentation of my life. And, that's okay! Sometimes, I wish we could have pursued the initial concept, because with Terah's talent, vision, and hard work I think we could of had an insanely successful blog! But, things happen as they may...and you know what, I love this little bog of mine! And i love all of you! So, thank you for sticking around and caring about what I have to say. It means a lot to me! Hey, and listen to the song, it's pretty catchy! And the lyrics are pretty awesome! -Ruth-

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Elana's Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is amazing! If you have a few spare minutes this weekend, you must try them! I love Elana's Pantry because, unlike other gluten-free or paleo recipes, her recipes are so simple! I am not fibbing when I say that these cookies taste just like regular chocolate chip cookies! Mine were even soft baked! This recipe calls for almond flour, butter, agave nectar, and chocolate chips. See, simple! Well, there is some salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract too. So good y'all. So good. Go check out her site, she's amazing! http://www.elanaspantry.com/ -Ruth-

Crush of the Month |GIVEAWAY|

Happy Friday y'all! Beth over at Until Only Love Remains is hosting her first fridays Crush of the Month Giveaway! I, along with heaps of other awesome ladies help to sponsor these giveaways. You could win these two lovely prints by Lindsay Letters!  And if I do say so myself, they are beautiful! Just enter through the rafflecopter below! -Ruth-

it is the first friday of the month and that means it is time for my crush of the month giveaway! i have been so blessed by you and all my readers that it is time to give back! each month i giveaway one of my favorite things. today i am co-hosting with Chelsea of Lost in Travels to bring you two of my favorite Lindsay Letters prints - Whatever is Lovely and Be True (a $40 value!). i have been in love with Lindsay Letters ever since i first stumbled on her shop and have given many gifts from her shop (like this) as well as bought a couple gems for myself (like this & this). i want you to have the opportunity to find these pretties on your doorstep and be able to display them in your home!

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

this giveaway is run via rafflecopter with plenty of chances to enter! after a week has passed, one winner will be selected at random and announced! all entries will be verified, so please play by the rules! 

this giveaway is sponsored by the following wonderful ladies: Jess of Jess Vartanian, Samara of The Secret Life of Samara, Samantha of  Elah Tree, Suzana of This Girl Loves, Leslie of A body that Won't Break, Ruth of Isn't that Sew, and Erin of Mr. & Mrs. Toews. 

if you would like to be one of the sponsors for the next CRUSH OF THE MONTH GIVEAWAY become a sponsor! you can find more information by clicking here and for 10% off advertisement options use code CRUSH at checkout!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Three Years...

Happy Anniversary Mark! I love you! 

INSTA-RECAP || August 2013

Another one down my friends, another one down. Welcome September. September is special month around the Loiacano household because it is the month my husband and I got married and it is Mark's birth month! Needless to say, we love September. And, while the majority of the country is busily preparing for Fall, here in Texas, seems like we are in the dog days of summer. Folks, it has been like 105° around these parts! It generally stays warm here through October and seems like we can celebrate Fall when others are approaching Winter. But, hey...no complaints here! Just that, I won't be having any pumpkin spice lattes or homemade soups for at least another six weeks! But, I tell you...I can't wait for that soup! Happy September! Enjoy your day off!!! -Ruth-