Let's try this again...

Wowza, haven't posted in so long. I've gotten a little hung up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and really neglected this site.  I really  missed not having a place to "put" things though - patterns, tutorials, and fun stuff that can't be communicated with a photo.  I will probably bounce around the blog like I bounce around in my life - fashion, home decor, sewing, diy.
I've been really blessed the past couple of years to be able to teach some awesome sewing lessons. I'll be posting some cool stuff as we go along and I'm excited to get back into it!  Check out the tutorial below for making a square pillow WITH a zipper!  don't be afraid! I've always said, if you can read, you can sew. Enjoy!

Baby schtuff

Missing posting - thought I'd jump on this one because it's  fun and fast project and great for gifts.  It's funny I don't post a lot, but I create one (or nine!) somethings every day.  I don't usually think they are blog worthy, but most of them are probably perfect for blogging because they are usually made with things I have in my stash and I can walk out the door with them in under an hour, also.

I have a special college friend that means the world to me.  Her younger sis just had her 2nd babe and gave him a cool, albeit tricky name for friends and older family to say.  Lucien - LOVE it!  Well, to gift to her and help her out a bit, I designed a cute t - has a cutie pie tag on it that says "Hello my name is"... then I found a handwriting looking font to spell out his name.  I used the Avery transfer sheets made specifically for knits.  I really like this stuff.  If you flip the garment inside out and wash/dry it's just fine.  I emailed her pics and needless to say, she love it.  It will get mailed out this week. With... another onesie that I used a bit of wonder under to make a little tie I appliqued onto the front. BOTH onesies took about 20 minutes to make.  That might even be exaggerating it because I stopped to talk to my very cool 10 year old daughter while I was working.  I love that kid :0)

baking...

making these today.  they aren't out of the oven yet or I'd already be shoveling them down my throat with a cold glass of milk.   i may or may not have tested the dough.  a few times.

S'mores Cookies

11 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 ½ cups flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
3 regular sized Hershey’s bars, broken into pieces
1-2 packages graham crackers, broken into squares

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking pans with parchment paper. I used one 11x17 pan and one 9x13 pan but you can really use any sized pans you want.

Lay out graham crackers side by side on the pans as close as possible (they should be touching). I used a large cookie sheet with sides.  You may have to add or remove graham crackers according to how much dough you have. If you want your cookies thicker you will use more dough and less graham crackers.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon to combine. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixer and combine on low speed.

Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. You can even do this batter ahead and leave it in the fridge. 

Place tablespoons of dough on graham crackers about 1 – 1 ½ inches apart. I used my small ice cream scoop that holds 1 tbls. and just overloaded it.  Press down slightly with fingertips.

Bake for 6 minutes then remove from oven to press Hershey’s bar pieces on to the top. You can place as many pieces or as little as you want depending how much chocolate flavor you want.

Bake for 7 more minutes or until dough is beginning to turn golden brown at the edges. Remove to a wire rack to cool. For clean cutting make sure cookies are completely cool and cut with a sharp knife.

uh huh

Jimmy Fallon is hilarious.  I am tired of the rain.  Weiner, rehab? really? Please stop wasting valuable space on the news with your news-mate Sarah Palin,  I don't care what's in your old email.  If someone read mine, they'd put ME in rehab.  Want: new sandals, a sunny day, a weed-free garden.  Tired of school work for my 10 year old.  There are 8 days of school left, if they don't know it by know, they aren't going to learn it now.  I have used my Cricut every day this week.  I really need another trip to Trader Joe's - apparently they have a Pomegranate Limeade that makes a great margarita.  I need new nail polish and Clinique isn't sold online?  At my Mission Control (my desk, decaf coffee and 2 computers) we are attempting to do emergency marketing and PR to get our local food pantry filled up again. (and by 'we', I me moi)
I neeeeed to run this week a couple of times. Ahh, that brain dumping felt good.

Sewing inspiration

Had to get in gear with some sewing projects - I pulled together some cute card cases and a Kindle cover.  I am working on a I Touch/Phone cover as well, but didn't love the closure idea I first had so back to that soon.  This laminate is terrific to work with and ensures that your electronics are super cute and protected a bit.  They are all lined and padded inside.
I love (read: obsessed) this new Sis Boom print. I love a nice trellis pattern and this one has all the right stuff, great proportions, deep, rich color and flair.  Happy Girl.   The card cases photo shows the open one in fabric by Sis Boom, as well as the pink and the bottom turquoise print. The one in the middle is upholstery fabric that's a gorgeous linen/burlap feel with French words embellishing it.  I'll be bringing the card cases down to Space this week or next.  One has already been claimed.(stolen by my daughter)  Some others will end up on my Etsy site.

Rainbow kind of party

I had a blast doing the TENTH! birthday celebration this year.  The girl chose peace signs as her theme.  She spyed the rainbow layer cake on-line with me and she asked if I would make it.  It was super easy and fun to make.  Everyone was so surprised at how cute it was.  I already had my niece ask for one for her upcoming birthday.

Rainbow cake beginning - mixed up a white cake mix and divided into bowls.  

Baking layers 2 at a time

colors all stacked with white frosting

yum!  everyone was so surprised what lay inside the plain white cake

I LOVE LOVE the candles I found to match the cake

A slice o'happy

cardstock I printed peace signs, cut into shape and sewn on the machine into a bunting

hershey kisses with mini stickers I printed on my computer

dipped marshmallows.  the girl did these - so fun!

These were her friends party cakes.  they loved the rainbow love. 

loves

I put these pretties in my Etsy shop - they are super fun little pony-tail holders that are really soft.  They hold your hair well, but if you are like me, and it spends time on your wrist, it won't cut off your circulation.  Love when that happens, right?  At just $6 - they are perfect! 

Today my loves are Netflix and September issue.  Grace Coddington, Vogue Creative Director, is an interesting person- former model turned magazine-ista girl.  She's interesting in that in her office and her own space, she commands attention with her red hair and amazing ideas.  Once she leaves her cocoon, she becomes an underling of Anna Wintour.  Fun to watch - at one point, I had all of the September issues of Vogue saved from high school until I was about 31.  Sadly, they were damaged by water.   I was devastated. 

I just worked out watching the end of the movie - now off we go on our day! Got some new Sis Boom laminate pretties to ponder.  

redux

Ok peeps - let's roll it - new look and new name.  Purple Pineapple wasn't doing it for me - it didn't describe who I am and what I do.  The truth is, I do LOTS of things and I need a catch-all name to represent me.  Really me.
Let's see if I get better at posting.  More posts that are informative.  hmmm.
I am currently sitting on my bed watching an old Sex in the City where Carrie finally realizes who she IS and leaves Paris.  I'm sort of feeling that transformation - I am job hunting now and wonder WHO I might become?  I still want to have all of my fun freelance projects going on, but not sure how that might work. In the mean-time, I'm feeling like I want to just Get To It.
Wish me luck!

Valentine's Day Research

Ok, Valentine's Day is upon us and I have done some difficult research for you all. Here are the results:
I eat Dark chocolate everyday. Just a small amount, but must have it. Bar chocolate I am hooked on now is Ghiradelli Sea Salt Soiree. Ridiculous name, don't judge me, but it's got that true dark chocolate flavor.

*all of these places are local FFLD County, CT locations, but all of them have websites and will ship to you - enjoy!
If you live near Fairfield County, CT Fresh Market in Westport has a great selection of Bar chocolate as well. One great brand with unusual flavors they carry is Vosges. Bacon, chilies, curry, goji berries. Their selection varies, but you can also order online. They also carry other brands that are fun and interesting.
Cocoa Michelle's is terrific - get the Dark Ganache and Sea Salt, do yourself a favor and pick up a hot chocolate. Amazing. Love how pretty the chocolates and presentation are also.
Bridgewater chocolate - get the cherry hearts. the coconut igloos are also great. Let's be honest people, all of their chocolates are good.  The gift boxes make an impressive presentation.
Belgique is also great, everything is good. Dependable, expected and expensive. However, their Kent store is more of an experience- pretty ride up (during another month perhaps) and adorable yellow house-looking building set in a crushed stone lot with pretty landscaping.
Chocopologie is fantastic. We love their Hannah - Burnt Caramel with Hawaiian Sea Salt, Madeleine - Dark Chocolate truffle, Carrie - Crunchy Mocha Nougatine Truffle. Usually get chocolates AND a couple of their amazing little cakes. If you want to be a star, get one (or more!) of the cakes. Truly life changing.
Munson's (good old fashioned, lots of choices and CT company) and Godiva are good, but have gotten bit too processed and commercial; and with so many other options listed above, these are good go to places, but for something really special, the above places are very high quality, delicious and artisan.
CTBites blog did a top 10 in Ct for chocolate, but we've tried them all (multiple times!).
Ok, I think that covers it. he he he

Bag Love

Sew Mama Sew posted a cute Amy Butler bag on their blog a few weeks ago.  Not sure how I missed it, but I found it a couple days ago.  I finished it up last night and today - it's fantastic!  It's on it's way to be a donation in a Silent Auction to raise funds for a terrific community group I am a member of. I highly recommend this pattern - it's super cute, trendy, fun, functional.  As with all of Amy's bags, it uses a enormous amount of interfacing, but it's worth it.  Exterior is leftover upholstery weight from my living room, lining is my coveted Sis Boom animal print.   Enjoy!

beautiful rainbow

got these babies in the mail today.  SO exciting to be able to order such great colors you can't find in local shops.  LOVE them! and can't wait to use them.  Stay tuned for where they end up...

Invisible Zipper application

LOVE using invisible zippers - you know, those zippers that sit inside the garment, but from the outside look like a regular seam?  Many people are intimidated by the installation process.  Believe me, it takes longer to fit the invisible zipper foot onto the machine than it does to install it.
It's a few basic steps -
-install the invisible zipper foot onto your machine.  Most machines don't come with this. You can buy a kit at your local fabric store for about $4 that includes the foot and shank adapters (that thing that attaches it to your presser foot arm) to fit all sorts of machines.  Just look at the photo on the back of the pack to see which foot you need.  They are colorized.  Figure out the one you need, now go throw out all the other ones.  Unless you buy a new machine, you'll never use the others.
-Unzip your zipper and roll the zipper coil out flat with your fingertips.  Iron this down flat on your ironing board and let cool for a second.
-Lay your zipper face down on the right side of the fabric about 1/8" in from the edge.
-Go to your machine and place the fabric/zipper under the pressure foot.  You want to place the zipper coil in the left groove of the pressure foot.  This ensures that the stitching stays next to the coil close enough to achieve the invisible look from the outside.  Use a regular length straight stitch.
-Stitch as far down as the pressure foot will allow.
-Repeat for the 2nd side of the zipper.  You will have to slide the zipper foot over to the right a touch so this 2nd coil goes into the groove on the right side this time.
-Zip the zipper up and make sure you like how it looks
-install your regular zipper foot.  Turn the garment inside out, place right sides together and stitch this lower seam.  Begin the seam at the lowest part of the stitching where you installed the zipper.  This closes up the gap at the bottom of the zipper and finishes this seam fully.

See?  3 simple steps - stitch 2 zipper sides and one seam and you are done.
This method is less steps than a traditional zipper and I think looks SO professional when done.
Enjoy!
  

nail polish happies

Rimmel London nail polish - Steel Gray, #270.  Just go buy it. 

new goodies

New cutie watches in the shop!  LOVE the gift bags.  they make me happy.

Spirit Pants

Got these babies done in about 90 minutes.  They are from a great book I picked up on Amazon.  I really like the Farbenmix and Studio Trantrum patterns, but they are sold as individual patterns and they are VERY flamboyant.  It's hard to choose one pattern. The patterns are traditional tissue patterns and the directions are pretty good. I would say appropriate for an advanced beginner.  BUY this book - you won't have to choose !  The price is terrific also: it's about the same price as one of the patterns.   The book includes TEN patterns.  The only thing you need to remember to do is add the seam allowance and you are off and running.  Like my girl and her Dad.  They were off and running to the UConn game.  They won 62-3.  My guess it was because of the Spirit Pants!

Amazon Shop - The Purple Pineapple

Hi all -
I am super excited to announce that I decided to build and Amazon Shop, The Purple Pineapple after so many people have asked about what goodies they should have in the sewing kits. The list of items will continue to grow and if there is anything specific you need, just holler. Have fun shopping!
Click here to get to the shop.

Madeline got herself onto the Sis Boom Blog!

Thanks for the shout-out Jen! Both of us enjoyed working with this pretty fabric and the skirt came out adorable!

Go here to see the little feature Jen did on the skirt.

best daughter-in-law ever? or omg, get this girl a life!

I did some cute little cookie favors, about 60 of them, above that I sealed with stickers. I love to create a logo that I apply to everything I can when I plan a party. Nothing stays unlabeled. I have an extra sheet of labels that we'll pop onto some cups or elsewhere once we get to the party venue.

I also did the cute little water bottle labels. Just a scan of the pretty fabric, sized to fit the label, insert the logo and print away. These are actually made of a water resistant vinyl sticker that simply runs through your home printer. Ingenious! I use these goodies a lot and it really personalizes the party.

** my daughter named the water "Frwater, b/c it's a combination of Fran and water." love that her little mind goes there.

Hope you enjoy and get inspired for your next soiree!

C-ya,

Cindy

party on with sis boom

This one is for you Jen :0)

I am a baaaaad blogger. I've said it before - I love to CREATe, it's the documenting that's the issue.

I made this cutie pie skirt for my daughter today. We are having a big party for my mother in law this weekend and I am in charge of the cookies and the decorating. So, duh, I got carried away. No surprise there. The purple print is Ann Flower Mural. Double duh, it's Sis Boom. The turquoise print is a discontinued one called Patsy. I love that one. Sad to see it go.

My daughter chose the fabrics and I used the Insa pattern for it. I modified it a bit because I hated the way the directions were written and I didn't feel like going up and down the stairs int the 95 degree weather we're having. The best part is that she will match the table clothes I made. I love that!

I'll be sure to post the other goodies I made - flower arrangements, cookie favors, etc. when I have a chance.

C-ya all later!

oh, and here's the corsage I made for my Mother in Law:

this stuff is adorable! plus the site is cute and inspiring. I NEED this - great for tying up baked goods for friends, wrap around a gift card, where ever!

The Twinery.