We're Staying Here After All!

Hello, all! I'm sorry if the post about me moving away is still showing up on your feeds. I tried to delete it. I attempted Wordpress but it didn't end up working out. So, I'm sticking with Blogger because it's familiar and easy-to-use, regardless of the fact that it could use an update ;) I'll be here still! Keep checking back, old friends. Thanks for your faithfulness and support!

Cheese-less Cheesy Popcorn Recipe

I'm sure that title sounds like an oxymoron, but it's not. This recipe was created by yours truly, a popcorn connoisseur. It works best with "Whirley-Pop" or air popper popcorn; as long as it's homemade. This recipe doesn't call for cheese, but tastes completely cheesy! The secret ingredient is Nutritional Yeast. You can find it at most health-food stores and it's not very expensive at all. This won't work with regular yeast, but there is some magical quality to the stuff that makes your taste buds sigh, "Cheese..." What you're provided is a delicious, buttery, no-nonsense popcorn that is truly addictive! I am NOT exaggerating!

 

Just kidding! I would never let my popcorn spill!

 

Cheese-less Cheesy Popcorn

Makes a double-batch to fill a large bowl

Ingredients

1 Cup Organic Popcorn Kernels

2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

1/2-1 Cup Butter

1 1/2 Tablespoons Salt

1/2 Cup Nutritional Yeast

An Appetite

 

Method

Make up your popcorn 1/2 cup at a time in either a Whirley-Pop or an air popper. The Coconut Oil is for if you're using a Whirley-Pop or a knock-off Whirley-Pop that ultimately works just as well.

Once the popcorn is all popped and in a large bowl, melt the butter. It's up to you how much to use. 1/2 cup will sparsely butter the popcorn and 1 cup will make your fingers shiny when you pick up a handful. This all depends upon your personal butter preferences. Toss the popcorn with the salt then add the butter. Gently mix that in, using a spatula or your hands. Finally, add the Nutritional Yeast. Mix it up until thoroughly combined. Make sure none of the Yeast falls to the bottom of the bowl. Now might be a good time to say something about the Godly virtue of Self-Control. I promise, it'll be hard to control your portions, so get the family together for a snack or you will end up eating the entire bowl by yourself! But doesn't that look tantalizing?!

 

 



Thanks-Christmas Gifts+A Mini-Tutorial

I hope everybody had a lovely Thanksgiving! In my family, we spend Christmas with my Mamma's side of the family and celebrate "Thanks-Christmas" (Christmas celebrations on Thanksgiving) with my Daddy's side of the family. Gratefully, I had time to sew some small gifts for the family. The theme was about the best football team on earth, Ohio State University! You may not agree with me, but please don't post any Michigan nonsense in the comments. Saturday proved our point. Anyway, I took some photos and I have links to any tutorials I used. But, I've found that it's really hard to think of something to sew for young boys. I have 3 cousins, ages 8-15 on my Daddy's side and I couldn't find any tutorials on Pinterest. So, surprisingly, I decided to make my own and the idea that came to me was to make a Minifigure wallet! You can read the tutorial here. But first, a few pictures and helpful tutorials by others...

 

These here, above and below, are the clutch/purses I made for my Grandma and Aunt. I used Beth Huntington's "Pendleton Clutch" tutorial (you can find on eHow here ) I also encourage you to check out her amazing website "The Renegade Seamstress"  (http://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/ )

For Grandma's Clutch (above), I used the wool from a felted brown vest with plaid cotton for the lining. Sorry it looks a bit lopsided, it's actually not. And for Aunt Amy's Clutch, I used the wool from a reclaimed coat, red polka-dot cotton for the lining and red gingham ribbon for the accents on the front. The tutorial was quick and easy. I will certainly be using it again!

 

I also fashioned 2 Ohio State University ear-warmers for my Aunt and my cousin Hannah. They are made from the comfiest felted sweater and the are so cozy and soft! They are both original designs but easily replicated, so I won't bother with a whole tutorial.

I made these ear-warmers by first measuring around my head and subtracting 5 inches. Then, I cut a rectangle to the measurement and tapered the ends. Now, all that's left is to stitch a button to one end and 3 inches of elastic, folded in half to the other. You can add an applique or a flower or anything you want! But, of course, an Ohio State emblem is the best way to go!

 

 

And, finally, I made my Uncle Steve an Ohio State iPad cover inspired by this one from StyleMingle . It's pretty self-explanatory and worked out really well!

 

 

And I must make one more honorable mention. Although I wasn't able to take a picture before I gave it as a gift, check out Lula Louise's Reversible Shoulder Bag tutorial here.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you liked it or have any questions, comment below or email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com Have a blessed day :)



Lego Minifigure Wallet Tutorial

I was trying to find a tutorial or an idea on Pinterest for a gift I could make for my young brothers and cousins this Christmas. But what I got was...nothing. Not one thing I could use on the whole of Pinterest. So, as I always do, I had a great idea! The thought process went something like this, "What do boys like? LEGOs. Right. What's something Lego-related that I can sew that won't look...girly? Hmmm...wallets! Yes. Wallets that have pockets to tote minifigures! And I can make them out of felt and keep with our Ohio State University football theme!" And that was how the idea was born. Beautiful process, isn't it? After the initial "rough draft", I made 3 for my cousins and took pictures so it's a tutorial now! This is so easy, that it's realistic for a beginner and, once you get going, it only takes about 15 or 20 minutes to stitch up!

 

 

Aren't they cute? I understand if you don't agree with me that Ohio State is the best football team in the world, but please, no Michigan nonsense in the comments! Now, on with the tutorial!

Step 1

Gather your felt. Using the small, precut sheets is the easiest way. You can actually use any fabric you want, (I'm not trying to be bossy, here) but I chose felt because it's durable and easy to applique with. I love the stuff and keep it in stock all the time! Have fun experimenting with colors and applique ideas.

 

 

Step 2

Cut 2 pieces of the base color, each 8"x4" and one 8"x2" This is the outside, inside and minifigure pocket for the wallet.

 

Step 3

Mark the pocket. This is easy to measure. Place the short pocket piece on top of the inside wallet piece. Mark the middle with a straight line (in chalk) then make another straight mark 1 1/4" to the right and another mark 1 1/4" to the right of the second line. Repeat for the left of center pockets. Stitch with contrasting thread down each line, leaving the ends open as shown below.

Note: I didn't think of this until it was too late, but now would be the time to put in some Velcro or snaps to hold it shut. They're not necessary, but a very good idea.

 

 

Step 4

Stitch across the top of both pieces (leaving 1/4" un-stitched at each end) with contrasting thread. Fold the outside wallet piece in half and place your applique(s) as your heart desires. Stitch or glue it in place. The great thing about felt is that you can leave raw edges and it's totally okay! Just stitch around your applique and no one's the wiser. If you're making this wallet for a girl, you can sew a flower on the front! Other ideas for appliques are: Yellow Lego Face, Football, the Lego logo, Pizza, a heart, Initials,  anything! I would love to see what you come up with.

 

Step 5

This is the true beauty of using felt; no fussing around. No need to turn things around or inside out because raw edges are perfectly acceptable! Pin the 2 wallet pieces wrong sides together (be sure your applique and pockets are on the proper side and not upside down or anything) Stitch, in contrasting thread, around the sides and bottom of the wallet with 1/4" seam allowance. Then, stitch straight up the middle, through all the layers to create 2 inside pockets and a folding guideline. Now, all that's left is to trim the seam allowance even (you can use pinking shears, if you want)

Inside pockets!

Voila! A very thoughtful, personalized gift to give to your favorite brother or sister or whoever loves Legos and likes to tote them around! If you get really generous, you can even fill the pockets with the gift of minifigures! If you have any questions, post a comment below or email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com. I would love to see the variations you come up with! You can even link to show pictures of what you made below. Have a beautiful day, everyone!



It wouldn't stay flat for me :P

 



Mirial's 1840s Elsie Dinsmore Birthday Gown

 

This is the 1840s Elsie Dinsmore dress I made for my sister Mirial's 8th Birthday. She had been telling me for months that she wanted an Elsie tea party so I was quite prepared when her birthday came around :) I used Jennie Chancey's "Girl's Romantic Era Dress" Pattern (Purchase it here ) I recommend ALL of Jennie's patterns! They're well written, easy to understand and simple to put together. You can find her historical costuming patterns at sensibility.com .

This is also my entry for the Historical Sew Fortnightly (find out more here ) Challenge #24: Re-Do. I am making up for missing out on challenge #10: Literature. Since this dress is made specifically to be a garment that Elsie Dinsmore would have worn, I believe it counts to complete the challenge :)

 To create this dress, I had to make a few modifications of my own to the pattern even before I cut it out. {TIP: No need to fully pin down the pattern pieces to your fabric. Use chalk! It doesn't have to be fancy and you don't even need to purchase it from a craft store. Simply put a few pins in to secure the pattern piece and trace around it with the chalk. Easy-peasy!} I widened and extended the cap sleeve to create a balloon sleeve and flared the bottom of the bodice so that I could gather it to the waistband. I drafted the waistband, the sash and the scalloped collar myself (sorry, they're not included in the original pattern) I also widened the waist of the skirt so that it could be gathered as well. The waistband seams are top-stitched. My dear Grandmom finished the dress for me on the day of the party while I frosted the Petit-Fours. She attached the lace, put in the elastic at the wrist and stitched on the hook and eye at the top of the back closure :) Thank you Grandmom!!!
  

Here are the HSF Details:
Challenge Re-do: #10: Literature
Fabric: Deep Blue Velveteen
Pattern: Sense and Sensibility's "Girl's Romantic Era Dress"
Year: 1845
Notions: White Lace Trim, 4 Pewter Buttons, Hook and Eye
How Historically Accurate is it?: Very close (except for elastic)
Hours to Complete: 5-ish
First Worn: October 26, 2013
Total Cost: Approx. $5 (I know, it seems impossible, but it's true!)

Mirial with my (now retired) Elsie Dinsmore doll

 

The Care and Keeping of your Stringed Instrument (Applies to Violin, Viola and Cello)

I have been blessed with some wonderful new music students this week so I made up this checklist for the two who are taking Violin. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share it with others. It's a nice checklist for beginners to keep in their case as a reminder because it seems like a lot to do when you first start. If you are a music teacher, feel free to pass this on to your students. And if you're interested, I can email the original printable document to you (it's 2 pages). Just email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com :)

The Care and Keeping of Your Stringed Instrument

Applies to Violin, Viola and Cello

By McKenna

cherishingmyrole.blogspot.com

Playing Preparation

When you're getting ready to play your Stringed Instrument, be sure to follow the steps below to ensure the safety of your instrument. Remember, a Stringed Instrument is delicate and must be taken care of properly so that it doesn't break or crack. Naming your instrument is never frowned upon. Here are a few things to remember.

1. When you get out your case, be careful that you don't bang it around. Place it gently on a flat surface (like a bench or table), lid facing up, then carefully open the case.
2. Take the bow out of its holder and tighten the screw at the end (twist it to the right or away from you) until it's firm but there's still a slight dip in the wooden or carbon-fiber backbone. Don't forget the rosin!
3.  If playing a Viola or a Violin, take it out of its cozy little nest in the case, attach the shoulder-rest to the belly of the body below the chin-rest with the side that dips down on the right*.
4. The final step before you're ready to play is to tune your Stringed Instrument. There are 2 ways to do this**. You can tune your Stringed Instrument to a piano or use an automatic tuner; that's up to you.

Quick Note Regarding Tuning

For Viola and Cello, the tuning pattern is: D-G-C-A, meaning, that's the order in which you tune each string. The order of strings from Left-Right when you're holding it properly is C-G-D-A***, but this is not the order in which you tune the strings...it's weird, I know. You may use the fine-tuners most of the time for tuning; twisting the screw to the left lowers the sound of the string and twisting it to the right makes the sound higher. Very occasionally, you will need to let out your fine-tuners and use the big tuning pegs to do some close tuning.

 

For Violin, the tuning pattern is: A-D-G-E, meaning, that's the order in which you tune each string. The order of strings from Left-Right when you're holding the Stringed Instrument properly is G-D-A-E****, but this is not the order in which you tune the strings...it's weird, I know. You may use the fine-tuners most of the time for tuning; twisting the screw to the left lowers the sound of the string and twisting it to the right makes the sound higher. Very occasionally, you will need to let out your fine-tuners and use the big tuning pegs to do some close tuning.

 

 

 5.  Congratulations! You're all ready to play. Go for it!

*If you're not sure how you should put the shoulder-rest on, just place it on your left shoulder and the side that dips down to your collar bone (the small side) goes on the right of the belly.

**I'm sure there are more ways to tune your Stringed Instrument but those are the two ways I know of. I suppose you could tune by ear if you had perfect pitch!

 

***The notes on the piano, in reference to the strings for Viola is: The first C below Middle-C, the first G below Middle-C, the first D above Middle-C and the first A above Middle-C

The notes on the piano, in reference to the strings for Cello is: Exactly like Viola above, except an octave lower on every note :)

****The notes on the piano, in reference to the strings is: the first G below Middle-C, the first D above Middle-C, the first A above Middle-C and the second E above Middle-C :)

After You're Finished

There are a few things to do after you're finished with the fun of playing your Stringed Instrument. Be sure to follow these steps. They're almost more important than the steps you took before you played. It keeps your Stringed Instrument safe for storing so it doesn't break or crack or sweat or any number of horrible things!

1. After you're finished playing, place your bow somewhere safe and, if playing Viola or Violin, take the shoulder-rest off your belly...I mean, your Stringed Instrument's belly.* Place it either in the top pocket of the case or upside-down in the small part of the nest where the neck of your Stringed Instrument rests; there should be room there.
2. Next, carefully place your Stringed Instrument in its little nest in the case. Just look how cozy it is! Be sure to secure the velcro over the neck so it doesn't slide around.
3. Don't forget to take a soft, dry cloth and clean the rosin residue off the strings. This is important because it keeps your strings clean so they last longer.
4. Finally, loosen the hair on your bow by twisting the screw to the left (or towards you) and put it back in its holder in the lid of your case. Now all that's left is to zip or buckle up your case and store it in a place where it's not too hot or too cold so it stays comfy.
5. Be consistent in your practice! They say "Practice makes perfect." Well, that's not true. As my Mamma puts it, "Perfect practice makes perfect." Put another way, you can always practice without learning anything. Banging your hands around on the piano can count as practice, but not perfect practice :)

*Well, that was embarrassing...

Creating an Atmosphere of Love...Part 2

I know that you've been waiting a long time (Over 2 months!) for the second installment of my Atmosphere of Love series and I thank you for your patience. This is the second time our family has moved this year and, unfortunately, it has taken a toll on my blogging time. But everything has a time, orchestrated by God according to His perfect plan for our lives. It's such a comfort to know that He orders my days and I don't need to worry about anything!!!

 

 

Include and Involve your Siblings

 

Today, I'm just going to take a moment to encourage you to use the power of involving your siblings. I've always found that when I include my brothers and sisters in anything that I'm doing, it strengthens my relationship with them. Even something as simple as washing the dishes can make you the hero of the day! I think we all know this. Your little sister just wants to help you make the bed or switch the laundry. "But it's such a nuisance!" you think with a scoff, "It'll just slow me down. Not that I don't love her, it's just that there's a more efficient way to do things!" Well sure there's a more efficient way to do it, but you've lost an opportunity to be a blessing and to be the soaring hero with the sweet red cape, in the mind of your little sister! So take an extra moment today to be a blessing to your siblings in big and small ways.