Car Tote/Garbage bags

We're going on vacation!  That's right, we're taking a family vacation....the whole family....EIGHTEEN PEOPLE!  Umm...what?! Does Yikes even cover it?  And we're driving.........umm....say whaaa?    That's right.  We're getting in a caravan of vehicles and hittin' the road.  From the tundra of North Dakota/Minnesota to the lovely gulf coast beaches of Fort Myers, Florida. 

 

Such a venture really attracts my need to organize and plan!

 

Knowing we have about a 30 hour drive (one way!) - 30 hours of being entertained - 30 hours of trash to be contained - I set out to find something to hold stuff....toys, books, crayons, games, trash...whatever.  I was looking for anything that could help keep the cars at least somewhat organized. That quest led me to these little guys: 

 

My car tote/trash bag
 

I found the original pattern at http://tinkerfrog.blogspot.com/2011/01/ba-dunk-ba-dunk-or-where-to-put-your.html

For the most part the instructions were easy to follow....not completely, but mostly.  Here's my instructions:

Materials:

2 - 12" x 12" squares of laminated fabric (the kind of fabric you would use for a raincoat)
2 - 12" x 12" squares of cotton fabric
2 - 18" x 2" strips of cotton fabric

1. For the straps:

I believe the easiest way to create the straps is to pin the edges of the cotton fabric strips together with the right sides together.  You will also want to turn up the edge of one end of each strap to give it a finished look when it's completed.  Sew the edges and turn the strap right side out. 



This is what I mean by turn up the edge of one of the edges of the strap for a finished edge. 


 

Another way to create the straps is to press each one in half and turn the raw edges to the center.  Pin along the edges, making sure to include one end, and sew it. 

Like this:



Strap pressed in center with raw edges turned in, pinned and ready to be sewn.

Either way works.  It just depends on what you prefer and are comfortable with.

2. Pin the two pieces of laminated fabric, right sides together on three sides.  Do the same with the cotton fabric and sew the pinned sides. 

3. This is where I thought it got tricky. You need to create a gusset on each corner you just created. Whoa! A what?! Don't worry. You can do it! Here's how: nest the side seam with the bottom seam.  Nesting seams means to match the seams together. 

Here's what it looks like to nest seams:



Nesting seams - push pin through one seam and into another, then back to get the seams to match up and be nicely nested.

Nesting seams is really pretty easy.  However, I found this very difficult because you aren't able to see both seams at the same time because one is at the bottom of the bag. 

When you feel you have the seams nested as best you can, measure down 2" from the corner:

Find the area where the width measures 4" wide:

After I measured 2" down and 4" across, I drew a line and pinned it down:

 

 

This is the line you will sew to create the gusset.

 

 

 

Viola! Gusset made! Now you have a bag that will stand by itself. 

 

 

 

We're almost done....

 

 

4. Pin the straps to the outter fabric of the bag by measuring 2 1/2" toward the center from each seam and pin raw edges of straps in place. Baste 1/8" from fabric edge. 

 

 

 

Straps pinned on. I pinned them at the top as well as a little ways down so that they would 1) stay out of the way and not get sewn into the seam at the top and 2) so they didn't move around and get sewn on crooked. 

 

4. Turn outer fabric right side out and keep inner fabric wrong side out.  Put outer fabric inside inner fabric and pin together (RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER!) around the top, leaving a 4" gap and making sure to nest the side seams.  This gap is where you will pull the fabric through to turn the whole thing right side out.  Confused yet?  Don't worry - this part sounds A LOT worse than it really is!  For the visual learners, here are some pictures to help you. 

 

a. Outer fabric is right side out and is inside the iner fabric, which is right side in - making the right sides together.

 

b. Pin along the top edge.

 

Bag pinned at top.

c. Side seams nested.

Nested seams

 

 

I always make sure the seam allowances from the side seams will lay flat by pinning them down before sewing.

Side seam allowances pinned down to make sure they lay flat.

d. Leaving a 4" gap to pull the fabric through. 

Bag pinned at top with 4" gap for turning.

 

5. Sew around the pinned portion of the top of the bag. 

 

6. Pull bag through the gap.

 

7. Pin all the way around the top portion of the bag. 

 

8. Top stitch around the top of the bag. This should be pretty close to the edge.  You want to make sure it's not too far down or you'll miss closing the gap you left to turn the bag. 

 

And that's it!  You're done!!! YAY!

 

Now tie it to your car's head rest and enjoy! 

 

 

 

While I plan to use these in the back seat areas for our big road trip, I have already tied one to the head rest of the passenger side seat of my car facing the front so I can use it as a trash bag. 

 

The laminated fabric is good if you plan to use this as a trash bag for things that can get wet or sticky like pop cans, juice boxes, etc.  I also made a couple with all fabric lining, which worked just fine too. It's up to you - what ever works. 

I'll be sure to let you know how it works! 



A Random Decision with Definite Purpose

A few years ago I my cousin, Jessica and I decided to donate our hair.  At that time we decided we would continue to donate our hair together when it grew back long enough to donate.  We thought this would be every couple years or so. 

I was very, very afraid to cut my hair!  My hair has never been short - ever.  But alas, I survived and my hair actually did grow back - just like I suspected it would.

Tania and cousin, Jessica, after the big cut - Feb., 2008

We weren't exactly able to donate together again that soon. And life being what it is, we now live half a country away from each other. Since the big cut nearly five years ago, Jessica has joined the Air Force, stationed out of Tuscon, AZ, and has served two tours in Afghanistan. 

Fast forward to 2013!

I decided it was time.  I was determined to get myself to Tuscon somehow so Jessica and I could donate together again.  She had just cut her hair!  Oh no! 

Then I decided to put out a call to everyone I know to donate their hair to people who need it more than we do.  I mean really, obviously I can grow my hair and do whatever I want to it.  I also know there are people out there who for whatever reason, do not have that luxury.  Why not give my hair to them?  It'll grow back. 

In the process of putting the call out to everyone I know to donate their hair, that included what I thought was the most unlikely of hair donating candidates - the other Farmer's Daughter.  I have never ever seen her in short hair.  In fact, I believe the shortest I had ever seen her hair was still below her shoulders. I NEVER thought she would go for it. 

To my surprise she said YES!

What?!  REALLY?!  Did I hear you right?

Turns out I did. 

So, one Saturday for various random reasons, we found ourselves on a west-central Minnesota road trip. 

Just your average Saturday random road trip....

Needless to say...in a few hours of driving we got to talking.  And BAM!  The decision was made.  We'll do it today!  AAAAAA!!!!! 

REALLY?!  TODAY?! 

What the heck, why not?! 

There's no time like the present. 

So our road trip made a stop at the mall, where our adventures of the day continued. 

We were scared, but we didn't let that stop us!

 

 

 

 

 

 Joslyn before...

just look at all that beautiful straight blonde hair!

 Both Farmers' Daughters before






Getting ready for the big cut!

Still smiling....no cutting yet. 

                        

There's always time for a text. 

AFTER!

I think she likes it!

 The Farmers' Daughters after!



Remnants of all the snipping!



I think Joslyn's before picture could be summed up in two words..."sheer panic!" 

 

Yay! We both love our new do's, but mostly we love that we donated our hair so that someone who has lost theirs can feel fabulous!! Almost everyone can say cancer has touched their lives in some way and we just wanted to pay it forward.  

We decided to donate ours to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, they donate the wigs they make, unlike other well known hair donation organizations.  You can read about the requirements at:

 Pantene Beautiful Lengths 

We know there are more of you out there who have long luscious locks that would be perfect candidates to donate!! We challenge you to donate!! Then come back and tell us about your experience and why you did it!! We would love to hear from you and see the before and after pictures!! 

 

Here it is!  Our beautiful tresses ready to be sent off.

Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

~Romans 12:13

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
~Matthew 10:42

Re-purpose a dresser into an entertainment center!!

I love this dresser! My mom and I bought it at a second hand shop for like $60???

I forget exactly how much, but nonetheless, it was very worth it!!

(Reminder: I have a non-focusing-corroded camera! UGH!!!) 

Have you ever seen a cuter dresser?!

As you can see I have a couple records and some dvds! I dont like all the clutter on top of the dresser
(the DVDs are not usually there, I was organizing!!) 

So I made this!!!!!

I said A-Boom-A-Chick-A-Boom!!! 

You too, could make any ho-hum dresser much cuter and functionabler!!! 

(We are DIY'ers, we are allowed to make up our own words!!)  

Here's how you go about it!! 

Find your dresser and take out the drawer of choice! I have a hard time throwing stuff away, maybe you could make a cute cabinet out of yours, but I brought mine to the dumpster! 

Take a good look at how your shelf will fit in there, each one will be different. 

My dresser didn't have a support in the middle, so I added a piece to the back to support the MDF.   Be sure to have your level handy before you tack yours in there. 

I used some small nails, as you see the main rail, where the drawer slid on, was extremely wore out. The reason why my support doesn't look level to the rail, is I decided the MDF would rest half way down the rail.  

Then you will want to measure the area where your MDF will go and then measure again! 

Cut with a skill saw or table saw.

(Sorry no picture! Its pretty hard to cut and photograph!!)

I gave mine a fit test! And glad I did because it needed shaved down a bit.

YESSSSS!!!! 

Next, you will need to cut a hole for any cords. I used a hole saw.  

EEEEEEE! Things are getting exciting at this point!!! 

If you are like me, this is a defining point....Do I paint or stain?! Hmmmm.....paint?.....stain?......hmmmm.....

My decisiveness skills stink!! Most of you would have had this thought out already!! 

In the end, I chose paint.

 Antique white. I love antique white, Im sooooo boring!! 

Carefully, paint the inside, or stain.  And paint your MDF shelf. 

I forgot the dang picture of the MDF, but here's what I did...I painted 2 coats, then sanded lightly and kind of roughed up the exposed edges with the sand paper. 

(MDF sands easily! I used 60 grit.)

I also took a little stain on a t-shirt and went over the edges and the surface just to dim the brightness and of course give it the aged or as I like to call it, the "previous experience" look!  

I used Minwax Paste Finshing Wax to finish the shelf. I love that stuff, it leaves an awesome dull sheen. And it helps to later be able to clean or dust.  Just apply and buff out. 

Want a neat trick for using the paste?!

Cheese Cloth!! You can pick up cheese cloth anywhere. Just get a good sized ball and apply through the cheese cloth! I forgot where I learned this, but it has saved me so much time and mess and distress! 

When everything dries, put your shelf in! Since the MDF is pretty heavy and you will have stuff on top, its unlikely you will need to screw or nail it down.  

There you have it! DVD Player and Record Storage! or AKA Repurposed Dresser to Entertainment Center!! Now go get em!! Good luck! 

-Joslyn-

Operation Bathroom Re-do!

When some ladies get broken up with, they cut their hair, or go find a rebound, or lay in bed and eat chocolate,  but me, oh no! I go directly to my favorite home improvement store and go about my home improvement!! 

Operation Bathroom Re-do:

My bathroom is weird...kind of long and skinny, but with a great closet!! 

(My photos stink, my camera has corrosion, so it doesn't focus on any setting...Gaaaaa!!) 

BEFORE: 

I put these hooks up last summer. The wood is from the old outhouse in my backyard!! My experience with screwing hooks directly into the wall usually turns out disastrous, so I always put some kind of board up.  This outhouse siding has paint on it, likely lead paint, so I always spray a few coats of polyurethane. The paint really adds to the character! Although this board has lost a whole lot of its "character" already, I still like the rustic look! 

Please do laugh at my ridiculous decorating skills! When I moved in here a year and a half ago I just used old nails!  

AFTER:

I used a medium gray by Dutch Boy called Route 66. But the paint was Pittsburgh Paints Grand Distinction in Ceramic Flat Enamel (I wanted eggshell but the store was out.) Great paint! I don't like the flat in this room, but if your walls have imperfections, flat is the way to go.  

I have had that cross towel holder for over a year!! Got it on eBay for $1.99!!

Had to have more hooks back there!! Same outhouse boards, same vintage hooks! 

These hooks were in my house when I moved in, and I love that they have the paint on them! 

These are the newest addition hooks, also vintage to the house. 

The moral of this story, if I can get out there and put on a fresh coat of paint and redecorate in a weekend, you can too! And don't think you have to buy or find new decor, look around your house for things that may be hiding out in other rooms! Or take a walk out side and find some inspiration in nature!! 

Project Cost:  Paint   $31/gal.

                   Supplies   $10

                       Total    Under $45

 

Gratitude!

What were you Grateful for in 2012?! What about things you are thankful for in your daily life? I try to answer this question frequently! It can sometimes be difficult to focus on those things that go well for us! 

Between natural disasters and horrific murders, a feeling of despair can envelop our lives. I decided after some personal obstacles arose to start a gratitude journal! Both of us Farmers Daughters are going to do a 2013 Gratitude Journal! In fact, I told my mother and aunt about this idea and they too decided to start one! 

I decided to go the old-fashioned, pen and paper route! But, I love stationery! 

We challenge you to start your own journal!  Whether you jot down one or two words on your wall calendar or put it in your phone planner, take at least 5 minutes a day to focus on the fabulous things in your life! There are sooooo many things!! 

We will post some entries throughout the year! (Update!: Our journal entries have their own page now! Look for "Gratitude Journal Entries" on a tab at the top of the page!)
We encourage you to share your entries too!

Here's to a FABULOUS 2013!! 

I have chosen to be HAPPY because it is good for my health.

-Voltaire

Capturing Rural Beauty

These farmers' daughters have a passion for capturing the beauty of rural life and the world around us...no matter where we might be or what's going on. Here's some of the beauty we've captured so far:

 

Sunrise

 

 



Tree in Mist



Bats





Harvest Time Horse

 

 

 

 



Sheep Portrait

 

 

 

 

 



Barbed Wire

From Box to Basket

I was in desperate need of baskets, but didn't want to spend half a fortune buying them.  Those little guys can add up in a hurry!  So here's what I did......

  I turned these boxes:

 

Into these baskets:

 

Okay- so maybe my crafting shelves are still not exactly what you would call 'in order' but having more baskets to hide/store my clutter are a start. 

 

Here's what I did:

 

1. I cut all the flaps off the tops of the boxes (four small fruit cup boxes and two larger diaper boxes).  Some instructions will tell you to use an exacto knife.  I didn't.  I ripped them off and used a kitchen shears for the more 'exact' cuts across the top. 
2. I spray painted the outsides of the boxes with some spray paint I had on hand.  
3. Then I spray painted the inside of the baskets with a really cool gold color.  I thought I would be able to just call them done at this point, but they just didn't look quite right so I decided to make liners for the baskets. 
4. I searched and searched for a pattern for basket liners that was easy to understand....came up with a bunch of nothing.  None of the patterns I found were easy to understand, so I decided since I know how to use a tape measure, I would be able to measure the sides and cut pieces of fabric to match.  So that's what I did.  I measured each side and added about an inch to the width for a seam allowance (1/2" on either side).  However, for the part that folds over the basket, I added an extra couple inches to the top.  So - measure the sides of your box and add about three inches for the top and one inch for the side measurements.  Then pin them together and sew them up.  Not too hard at all.  I used fabric I've had in my closet for years...I finally used it!