Beyond All Measure

Free Printable Antique Paper Doll

2011-08-08T01:44:00.000-07:00

Lessons from Little House

2011-08-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading the Little House on the Prairie Series. I was struck by the faith and serenity of "Ma" Ingalls. The following is a quote from Little Town on the Prairie: Ma's words as recalled by her daughter Laura years later.

"This earthly life is a battle," said Ma. "If it isn't one thing to contend with, it's another. It always has been so, and it always will be.The sooner you make up your mind to that, the better off you are, and the more thankful for your pleasures."

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God Bless the USA

2011-07-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

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Honoring our fathers

2011-06-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

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My latest project

2011-06-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

One of my old potholders had developed a hole around the bias tape. I could have simply sewed it on the machine, but I am not very good at mending bias tape. Instead, I decided to use my favorite craft: crochet. I am not quite done yet. I am going to add some of the blue and green to the boarder. This was also my first try at a Lazy Daisy embroidery stitch. My button hole stitch is getting better. And I love the monogram!

In honor of our vets....In Flanders fields by John McCrae

2011-05-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,
... That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
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When you don't understamd ... trust God's heart

2011-05-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

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Remembering Easter:

2011-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

in all seriousness, WHY should I gain from his reward?

I cannot give an answer

but more than ever, I know, I KNOW with all my heart

his wounds have paid my ransom.....
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Recipe: The pursuit of the perfect bread

2011-04-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have been scouring the internet for a bread recipe that will be both easy and delicious. Most important, it needs to hold its own as a sandwich. I recently found a fabulous recipe. I have made it twice now and it is so simple, yet wonderful. When it is raising and baking it smells like pizza dough. Drives you crazy with the good smell!

It is everything my family wanted: moist, soft crust, whole wheat, not too heavy. And everything I needed: all common ingredients, simple to make, adaptable to bread machine, and healthy. Ideally it would be all wheat, but I have not found a whole wheat recipe that is not too heavy. I hate heavy bread. In fact, I am a white bread fan. But I am not a fan of the high blood sugar it gives me. So this seems a good compromise.

At first, I was worried about how to keep the bread from going bad, since it doesn't have any preservatives. Now I need to find a way to keep my family from consuming it all in one sitting!
At this rate I will be making a loaf each day!

The original recipe can be found here. I have changed it slightly.

Honey Wheat Bread

2 t. yeast
1 cup water, 110º F
1/8 -1/4 c. honey
1 c whole wheat flour
2 c. white bread flour
1 t. salt
1/4 c olive oil

Fill a glass measuring cup with 1 cup tap water. Put candy thermometer in it. It should be between 105º and 115º BUT NOT ABOVE 120º or it will kill the yeast. If it is too cool, heat in microwave for a few seconds (maybe more, depending on your microwave); too hot, leave thermometer in dish and let cool. Once temp is in the correct range, add yeast. Squirt or pour honey into yeast mix--I just eyeball it. Stir to mix. Set timer for 10 minutes. Let sit to get foamy and bubbly. You should be able to see the yeast getting active.

When timer goes off, pour yeast mix into bread machine bowl. Top with flours then salt. Spread flours out so it covers the yeast mix, if necessary. (I can't remember why I do this, but I do). Pour oil on top last.

Set bread machine to dough setting.*

When machine is done (mine takes about 1.5 hours) remove from bread bowl. Place in conventional in greased bread loaf pan. Bake @ 350º for 30 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack immediately. Cool COMPLETELY before attempting to cut. This makes a big difference in getting good slices with no tearing.

Next, I am going to try another rise once the bread is in the loaf pan.

* I have also used the white bread setting and it turned out fine. I just like the crust better in the oven.

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I love FREE vintage graphics!

2011-02-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

OLD PHOTO ALBUM. FREE GRAPHICS, VINTAGE ART AND PICS.: Free Pictures... Lady in Soft Pink

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I'm still here

2011-01-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

I have been posting to my other blogs. Here is my latest post about a precious little doll I received as a Christmas gift when I was 5.

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2010-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Cupcake Doilie Skirts No Fuss Fabulous

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

2010-04-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I wrote about my feelings of inadequacies about being who I think I should be in Christ. I have long struggled with the shortcomings I see in myself and the high expectations I put on myself. I have even gone as far as being angry at the Lord for not making me able to fulfill MY high expectations of perfection. I was panged with conviction when I realized that I am the pottery asking the Potter "Why hast thou made me thus?" (Roman 9:20)

The death of a friend brought this home to me. My husband's friend was in his 30s. Only a few years older than I am. A believer. A husband. Father to two grade schoolers. He had struggled with cancer for a number of years. Finally, they were going to be able to get rid of the last of it by removing his leg where the cancer was centered. When he awoke from the surgery, he couldn't feel part of his face. He assumed it was a nicked nerve, but the Dr performed some tests and discovered that the cancer had spread throughout his body.

It was everywhere.

And fast acting.

That was around Christmas time.

There was a specialist Down South who MIGHT be able to remove the cancerous tumors. DH's boss offered to pay the expenses. But it would mean taking him --nearly-- apart and reassembling him.

He declined.

He was ready to go Home.

He told his wife he would pray that she would find a new husband to help her raise his boys.

He showed up at work with a smile on his face. He told those around him about the Hope he has in Christ. He made sure that his life was in order and that his family was taken care of.

His testimony spread around work and beyond.

God was glorified by his life... and by his death.

So much more so than He would have been had this man's cancer gone into remission.

He passed into Glory a week or so ago and DH and I had the honor of attending his funeral. We saw the faces of weather-hardened construction workers who rarely darkened the door of a church. They came to honor the life of a man who lived what he said he believed.

They never heard him complain. His only concern was for those he left behind.

He did not ask God "Why did you give me this cancer? Why are you taking me away from my wife and from my children when they are so young?" He was not bitter that life had not gone his way.

He accepted the Potter's plan and lived his life as best he could given the circumstances he encountered.

And he has inspired me to do the same.

My trials and troubles seem so small compared to his

...and yet he stood tall.

So can I.

Perspective is truly EVERYTHING.

I remember my grandmother saying "I complained that I had no shoes... until I met a man who had no FEET."

Ah, perspective.

It truly makes a difference.

Vessel of Honor
sung by Sarah Forbes (uncertain of the author)

I sat on a shelf between the wood and the clay
My merciful Master wouldn't throw me a way
And though I was tarnished and tattered and worn
He saw deep inside me a glimmer of hope

Now a vessel of honor
filled from Above overflowing with mercy and love
A vessel of honor Lord let me be
All I desire is what You have for me

He took me and lovingly polished my sides
Dumped out the ashes of my sinful pride
He cleansed me and purged me both inside and out
He filled me with hope and discarded my doubt

Now a vessel of honor
filled from Above overflowing with mercy and love
A vessel of honor Lord let me be
All I desire is what You have for me.

A vessel of honor Lord let me be
All I desire is what You have for me.

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WHY IS GOOD FRIDAY GOOD?

2010-04-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Good Friday....

.... good?

....why?

because all of our goodness is no more than filthy rags
because He was willing to put away all His goodness and become sin for us.
because if He had not sacrificed His goodness, there would not be a resurrection from the dead
because He can fill us with His goodness and replace those filthy rags
because without His sacrifice we would not have any goodness to bring to a dying world
because that goodness that He brings to our lives makes this life worth living
because His act of kindness inspires us to bring His goodness to others

To the world, the cross is a sign of grotesque punishment, shame and suffering.

To me it is joy, hope and the greatness and GOODNESS of God Almighty.

May His name be praised forever for His Wonderful Gift to us.

Sarah
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BLOGGER IN DRAFT NOW HAS HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE TEMPLATES

2010-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the brand new Blogger Template Designer? The future of Blogger is looking very bright.

What do you think?

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Rare Vintage BOY Paper Dolls

2010-03-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

@what-i-found

Enter the world of knitting

2010-03-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

As an avid crocheter, I have long drooled over the lovely knitted patterns I have seen. I have also joked, however, that the knitters need a crochet hook to "fix" thier knitting mistakes... so I will just stick to my hook. Nevertheless, I still admire the knitted way.

My mother taught me to knit shortly after she taught me to crochet. I was about 8 or 9. After losing the stitches down the length of my work a few times, I got frustrated and put it down. Once or twice over the past few years I have picked it up again and tried to do it. Only to be frustrated again.

Two decades later I have decided to pick it up again.

I met a lady in a Drs. office who was knitting while I crocheted. We were both waiting for our appointments. She was also a left-handed crocheter and had started knitting to finish her edges with a more store bought look. She began to tell me about continental method. It fascinated me. It made more sence to me than the method I have previously attempted.

So I decided to give it a try. Here is the video I am viewing today as I start my journey into the world of knitting.

Do you knit? What method do you use? Any advice for a beginner?

Oh, and I won't be starting with the perverbial scarf. Instead I will be making swatches of different stiches that I can use later as one would granny squares.
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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

If it seems I have been absent lately,

2010-03-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

you can find me here. I have been blogging my crafty finds at my new blog, The Vintage Craft Basket. I will be back posting here soon!

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

DIY flower arranging: Making Cheapo Flowers Look Fancy

2010-03-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Prudent Baby: Prudent Tip: Making Cheapo Flowers Look Fancy

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Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

An eight year old's take on life...

2010-03-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

"All you've gotta do to win the game is keep moving

and make the right choices."

~ The elder, 8 years old.

An profound observation made while playing video games

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

My response to Oregon passing the tax increasing measures 66 and 67

2010-01-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

My home state voted IN FAVOR of this tax increase this week, proving that:

"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul

can always rely on the support of Paul"

-George Bernard Shaw

The state that has the 2nd highest unemployemnt in the union just guarranteed that companies with new jobs will NOT be coming to Oregon.

How STUPID are my fellow Oregonians?

Once again we are the laughing stock of the country.

Heaven help us................

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

2010-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have decided to divide my blog topics into separate blogs.

Homeschool Blog: When Thou Walkest By the Way

Godly Womanhood Blog: The Pursuit of Godly Womanhood

Craft Links: The Vintage Craft Basket

Personal Growth, Family, Painting, etc: Beyond All Measure

I will be moving posts to their appropriate new homes as time allows.

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

A Quote on resigning yourself to the will of God and His plan for your life

2010-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

"Come, boys," said I to my four sons, who were with me, "God can save us if it please Him so to do; but, if this is to be our last hour, let us bow to His will--we shall at least go down side by side."
the faith of Mr Robinson in Swiss Family Robinson. Quote from The Swiss Family Robinson Told in Words of One Syllable by by Mary Godolphin
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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

Please vote in my pole

2010-01-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

As I am redoing my blog, I am considering the direction I want to take the blog in the future. let me know what you like about the blog by voting in the pole in the left margin. Feel free to leave a comment if there is something you would like to see more of.

Thanks!

Sarah
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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

2010-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

As the new year begins, I am pausing to reflect on this past year...

...have I grown this year?

Emotionally?

Spiritually?

Mentally?

Socially?

Am I better person today than I was a year ago?

I beieve that I am.

It is my prayer that I never stop maturing, growing, moving forward. I don't want to turn 80 to find that I am no more mature than the average 18 year old. Unfortunatelly, I know far too many people who have not matured beyond their teen years.

And like a fish swimming up stream, if I stops swimming forward, I will be taken away by the force of the current pushing against me.

As Hebrew 6:1 says "...press on to maturity..."

Today I will not make a new years resolution. But I will reflect on the areas of my life that still need work. And determine to address some of those issues this year. So that next year I may again rest in the confidence that I have not become stagnant or lukewarm

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

Thank you letters for little ones (or for those who want to do it fast!)

2009-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is a re-post. I noticed all the thank you letters for kidlets popping up around the internet and thought I would share the ones I made for my boys this last year. I print them out on colored card stock or post card paper from avery.

There is so few words to fill in that even a kindergartner can do it with some help.

I mail them like post cards. Depending on your local postal system, you may get them returned to you unless they are exactly the right size and weight. My old town refused to send them (they returned 24 post card invitations one time AFTER the stamps had gone through thier machine) so I would have to go to the next town over to mail them.. I think someone in the post office was having a major power trip! I have noticed that the smalleer towns are more particular. I think the larger post offices don't have the time to be picky. I just hate that they make me pay for mailing them twice! LOL!

If you use them, let me know what you think.

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

See my progress

2009-12-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

click here to see what I am designing for my blog!
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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

Another flood?

2009-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

"Mommy..." my Eldest asked on our way back from the store yesterday.
"Yes?"
"I don't want to be here where Jesus is King on Earth." he declared.
"Really?" I asked puzzled and wondering where this was going.
"Yeah, because it is going to rain for 1,000 years."
I glaced at him through the review mirror with a puzzled look.
"Daddy said there is going to be a 1,000 year rain, that will make a really bad flood."
I smiled.
Then proceeded to explain that the thousand year REIGN was when Jesus is the ruler on earth for one thousand years.
DH and I got a good chuckle out of that last night after the little ones had one to bed.

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

Great no-cost wrapping paper idea at paper n stitch

2009-12-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

paper n stitch – Cheap and Chic Gift Wrapping Idea - A daily dose of handmade, design, and style inspiration

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

What I've been up to... (Part 3)

2009-12-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

While I have been surfing the web attempting to learn the web-gibberish necessary to improve this blog, I have also been ...

...Satiating my need for a baby

Isn't she beautiful?

Someday I will (Lord willing) have another baby, but for now a baby kitty will have to do.

Part 1

Part 2

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Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

What I've been up to... (Part 2)

2009-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

What I've been up to... (Part 1)

While I have been surfing the web attempting to learn the web-gibberish necessary to improve this blog, I have also been ...

...Crafting and Sewing

Pet Rock Magnets*

The boys and I made these as party favors

for the 1970's party we gave my mother.

Victoran Hat Christmas Ornament*

Handmade.

The frame is made from items in my recycle box!

Decorative "Guest" Bath Towel*

Christmas Gift for DH's Grandmother

I had fun making this.

Loved matching the colors.

The inside of the flower is a crocheted coil.

I think it adds nice texture.

Candy Bouquet*

This was a fun treat for my boys.

They have dubbed them "Candy Meteors"!

These are candy bars made into roses.

It can be done with almost any candy.

Makes a fun valentine gift-- even for the guy!

Click to see this larger!

This was a BLAST to make.

Simple and only ONE seam on the sewing machine!

This Birthday Banner* has been up for 3 birthdays now.

I wanna make one that says "Merry Christmas" next!

Boys Indian Pouch*

THIS IS NOT A PURSE! LOL!

I made this is a Kindergarden Sunday School class full of boys.

They thought it was "so cool."

My inspiration was Pa Ingles' "Shot Pouch"

In "Little House on the Prairy."

It was the holder for the matching game (shown below)

This was very easy. NO SEWING.

This is a handmade matching game.*
The most expensive part was the stickers
(not an issue if you have some on hand)
I took a bunch more pictures,
but this is the only one that turned out. (*POUT*)

All the items with an astric (*) are potential tutorials. If any of them interest you, let me know! I'll post those first.

More to come...

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-------I LOVE COMMENTS!!!!!!!-------

Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

What I've been up to... (Part 1)

2009-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

While I have been surfing the web attempting to learn the web-gibberish necessary to improve this blog, I have also been ...

...sporting a new hair do.

This is a photo my munchkin took- Can you tell?

As I have mentioned before, I love long hair but had damaged mine with a perm.

I didn't mind cutting it 'cause I knew I would grow it long again.

...Cooking

Apple Peel Jelly*

Optimis Prime Cake*

...Crocheting

Sunflower Washi (my own design)*

The Best Ever Potholder!*

I recieved this (and it's two sisters) as a wedding gift.

They were hand made for me by a 12 year old girl from my husband's church.

They have lasted longer than all the store bought ones I recieved!

I am in the process of reverse engineering the pattern to make some more.

...teaching my boys

Homeemade theatre* made from cardboard

The inside.
Complete with a curtain that the performer can see through,
but not the audience.

And a string that pulls the curtain back when the act starts.

Here are my boys decorating the outside..

This was part of our art class,

but I used it as a character developement exercize.

The boys have a hard time working together and sharing,

so I switched them around and had them draw in between

where the other had perviously.

That way, there wasn't "my side" and "his side."

Also the Elder had a hard time accepting

the Little One "messing up" his work.

It is not that he was drawing on top if his brother's work, just between,

but the Elder is SUCH a perfectinist, it was a BIG stretch for him!

We had to stop a few times and talk about attitude and being kind!

Learning about traditions (Social Studies)
Click on this worksheet to see what we are learning about.
Feel free to use it with your own munchkins!
Keep it--- it will be fun to look back at
when little ones are grown.

...Thrifting

Handmade rug-hooked potholders

Found at my very favorite thrift store called "H20" (Help-2-Others)

50 cents for a set of three!

These are going on my wall,

as they match my livingroom colors.

Here's the back.

I have been studying it trying to figure out how they finished it.

Vintage Craft Magazines

Purchased at St. Vincen't DePaul

Their craft books are $3.99 each (ouch!)

But their craft magazines are only $.49 each.

Even with the high price of the craft books, I still often buy them.

They have the best selection in the area

and they cost about the same as I would pay for SHIPPING

if I ordered off AMAZON.com

All the items with an astric (*) are potential tutorials. If any of them interest you, let me know! I'll post those first.

More to come...

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So when the dish soap freezes should I worry about the pipes?

2009-12-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

It is FU-RU-EE-EE-ZU-ING!
... down to 8 degrees last night.

Now I know that all you "northerners" just scoffed.
Before you think we are all major wimps, let me explain...

This is Oregon. It RAINS here. It MAYBE snows less then one inch about one or two days of the year. (not even any snow right now!)

We are used to 40 degree weather.

We are simply not PREPARED for the COLD.

Case in point: my wood stove keeps us warm when it gets down to 30 degrees. However, the past few days, we have had to close off all rooms EXCEPT the livingroom, and use the fireplace AND a space heater just to keep the room bareable. And I am typing this wearing two dresses, a wool sweater and insulated socks --while the sun is shining on me through the window! The stove just can't keep up.

Our whole family is sleeping in the livingroom in front of the fire place!

Houses HERE are simply not built for this kind of weather....

By the way, ever tried to cook in a freezing cold kitchen? It is almost impossible to wash dishes with frozen dish soap. Did you know that pam spray goes out in a solid stream when it's freezing? LOL! We usually have cereal for breafast. We have been eating a lot of HOT eggs. The kitches IS THE FRIDGE! Atleast I know that if I leave food out too long it won't go bad.

We have learned a few things about our new house. The kitchen needs insulated (it is the old garage). We need to replace the vintage windows (*pout*). There is no weather stripping around our front door. I am hoping that I can convince DH not to get rid of ALL the items that make our house unique (ie the vintage, original-to-the-house stuff).

One a side note, one nice thing about NOT being OCD is I don't really care about the fact that this is screwing up what is "normal"! I am having a great time!

Oh, and about the pipes...
my Hero Plumber (DH) says they are fine-- for now!

Ahhhh... that's more like it.

The cold where it belongs... in the MOUNTAINS.

So I get go home when I have had enough!

(photo: Mt. Hood as seen from Portland, Oregon-- source)

Truth be told, I am never happy.

2009-12-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Never.

No matter what I have, or where I am; no matter what I am doing.

I am always dissatisfied with life.

It's not that I am hard to please. Or that I want more THINGS.

Mostly, I am continuously dissatisfied with WHO I AM.

I am not who I want to be.

But I really don't know who I want to be.

I want more out of lfe, but I don't know what.

But what ever it is, I will not be satisfied without it.

And I feel I will never find it.

I SHOULD be very happy. I have a loving husband, two sweet kids, decent health, sufficient resources, so on. As far as WORLDLY possessions go, I am fine.

But in the deep recesses of my heart, I feel incomplete.

And I am forever asking, "WHY?"

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A number for every day of the month of December

2009-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Wreath numbers.. sweet.

or add your own words to the wreath

Just a thought to share

2009-12-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

link to pack man ring set

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Absent

2009-11-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

Although I have been absent from my blog, it (and you) have not been absent from my mind. I have been spending my normal blogging time trying to learn basic HTML so I can improve my blog.

A friend on facebook requested to see more of my artwork, so I am posting a pencil drawing.

You may also like my Sharpie Art and "Daddy's Hands" pastel painting.
My art work is copy righted. Please respect that.

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Tutorial: Decorate your porch for the holidays

2009-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you seen Thrifty Decor Chick's lovely front door? She shows us how to do it too!
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Google Alerts

2009-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of

Google Alerts?
which are little web crawlers that email you whenever key phrases you've submitted are posted on the internet. I created alerts for "free pattern" and "free tutorial."
Can't wait to see what comes to my email inbox!
Google does it again!

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Tutorial: Maid's Sweet Ruffle Cap

2009-11-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Sarah's Sweethearts: Craftee Saturdee Maid's Sweet Ruffle Cap

I've been meaning to write a tutorial for this, but Sarah @ Sarah's Sweethearts beat me to it!

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tutorial: marble magnets

2009-11-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

not martha - to make : marble magnets

I am thinking of making some of these for a Christmas gift.

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Tutorial: no sew fabric wreath

2009-11-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tutorials for splendiferous fall wallhanging

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Crochet Jellyfish

2009-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Journey Into Unschooling: Crochet Jellyfish

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Sweater Surgery: Sweater Surgery Light up Christmas tree inspired by The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sweater Surgery Light up Christmas tree

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Wordless Wednesday...

2009-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

(photo from here)
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Draped in Cashmere- A Decadent Scarf Tutorial

2009-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

isn't this lovely?

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2009-11-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Commenting is now (again)

available on my blog

2009-11-17T07:19:00.000-08:00

Blog house keeping:

It seems I am having some trouble with blogger.

The blog is not allowing comments.

If you are having this problem your blog or have any idea what might be going on could you email me?

Also have you tried to comment and not been able to? Where was your problem?

I could not even get to the comment page. Was it the same for you or did you have problems in a different place during the process?

sarah -dot- beyondallmeasure -at- gmail -dot- com

In the mean time, I am sorry!

Lady Bug Yard Art Tutorial

2009-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is just too funny!

Great yard art!

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Using a Proportional Calculator

2009-11-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

I aspire to designing my own patterns. I wish I knew how to turn the pictures in my head into finished garments.

I recently read this book, which explains how to take a basic shape of a bodice and alter it for additional styles.

I would love to be able to take these sort of patterns and enlarge them. There is a hard way to do this, which entails grids and drawing

...and long hand math. Eck. Eww.

So I went looking for a proportion scale. It will allow me to enlarge any pattern or shape you want, by making the math simple. I found two in calculator form free online.

Calculator #1
Calculator #2

Instructions on how to use the proportion scale for garment enlargement can be found here.
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Mod Podge Ceiling Fan

2009-11-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

...just imagine what dh will say when i tell him i wanna try this.....

~Ruffles And Stuff~: Practically Free Pom-Pom Lamp!

2009-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

~Ruffles And Stuff~: Practically Free Pom-Pom Lamp!

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2009-11-15T12:00:00.001-08:00

Have you counted your

today?

dozi: Paper flower tutorial

2009-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

dozi: Paper flower tutorial

(Click on picture to see the rest of the photo.)

These simple roses are so simple that even a small child could make them (with a bit of Mommy's help).I am thinking of using these as gift toppers for Christmas! The boys will love being able too help.

Sweet... Realistic too.

Well done Wendy!
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A Little Bit of Everything: Tutorial: How To Make A Lightbox

2009-11-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

So often I have wished I had a light box, but I an too frugal to pay the price. Here is a tutorial on how to make one yourself.

A Little Bit of Everything: Tutorial: How To Make A Lightbox

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30days: Guest Blogger: Disney, Ruffles and Stuff

2009-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Isn't this super cute.

The lovely little one and the hat!

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FREE Pattern-Making Calculator

2009-11-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Pattern-Making Calculator

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Rag Tabouret Tutorial

2009-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

A foot stool made of old clothes and fabrics
And no-sew!
How cool is that?

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Old Door

2009-11-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Never would have thought of this use for an old door.

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M*: starrberry beret...pattern

2009-11-14T00:00:00.001-08:00

I want to make one of M*'s starrberry berets
It reminds me of the bedtime hats from Little House In the Prairie.
Like this one:

I love hats.
Too bad they look so horrible on me!

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2009-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

I LURVE this scarf!

Oh, Christmas --Fat quarter Tree

2009-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, Christmas --Fat quarter Tree

Amazingly this is no-sew. I am going to do this with my boys!

A Quarter's Worth

2009-11-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

A Quarter's Worth

I absolutely NEVER thought of spray painting fabric! I will have to try this!
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Some soul searching

2009-11-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

First off let me say I am sick today. Ucky sinus stuff is giving me a foggy head, so please bear with me.

I started blogging because I wanted to help people. To make a difference. I would love to do that in person, but right now that is not very feasable. The reasons will become obvious as you read on.

In my heart, I have always wanted to DO something GREAT. Not for the sake of being known, but for the sake of knowing that my life meant something, that I had not simply wasted the time God gave me here on this earth. I want to leave a legacy. To be remembered. Not for the sake of being remembered, but, because if you are remembered, you life impacts beyond your own time.

I want to inspire future generations.

But inorder to do something great, you need to have your life in order. Life requires order. Without it, it is impossible to accomplish even the simplest things in life, not to mention the inspiring.

Order is what I lack. The ability to organize the aspects of my life so that I can do ANYTHING beyond struggling. Yet I find it hard to do anything except struggle. I just get my head above the water, and decide to finally try something (cause THIS TIME will be the time I succeed in going beyond the ordinary) and just as I get started, I find myself sinking again.

Case in point: I just got the house clean. And I mean CLEAN (not my normal clean-ish but TRULY clean) and thought "Wonderful, this year I can actually make the Christmas gifts I PLAN TO MAKE (instead of not finishing and having to go buy a gift last minute and then having a half finished item.) So I got started, not making gifts, but attempting to organize the gift supplies, and then I got sick. Then the dishwasher broke. Now the dishes are piling up, the boxes of supplies are still all over my kitchen floor, and I am barely functioning.

If you are Superwoman, blessed with a natural talent for organizing, and propensity toward order and cleansliness, thank God for that gift. Unfortunatelly for me that is not my gift.

I wish it was.

Sometimes I wish I could trade all of my artistic talent just for the ability to keep a clean house, organize my time, set and keep goals, and NOT have the criticism of the "normal" people around me.

{What good is the ability to paint beautiful pictures if you have no where to fit in a studio, can't find your supplies for a messy house, have to spend all your time cleaning just to corral the nonsence, and can't manage your time inorder to fit it into you scedule? (Ha! What scedule?)}

See, there is this woman I am s'posed to be.

Or atleast that I always wanted to be/thought I would be.

We all have seen her... she had ten kids, all well behaved, all well dressed in clothes she made. Their house is always clean. She grows her own food, makes her own bread, manages her husbands finances, homeschools all her children, and still has time to craft, teach sunday school, lead a children's choir and co-ordinate the local homeschool group.

I want to be that woman.

I am even sometimes angry at God that He didn't make me that woman.

Does she REALLY have it all together? Or does she cry over her short comings when no one is watching just like I do? Does she struggle EVERY DAY like I do? Or Did God give me a disproportionate measure of shorcomings.

If so....

WHY?

How is it that I could possibly bring Glory to Him in my current state?

Sometimes it seems cruel that He would make me as I am.

I know that He is not, I TRUST that He is not.

But the feeling of being
unable
to be what I am
supposed
to be
remains.

I believe that the Lord would not make me for something he would not allow me to do.

Yet the sence of failure remains.

Most days, I can push it down, pull my self up by my boot straps, and just push on.

Today it surfaced.

Thanks for listening.

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In honor of Veterans Day

2009-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

ed Head Riter has an awesome account of a true patriot.

Truly inspiring.

If you know a vet, thank them for me.

"Evil triumphs when good men do nothing."

-Edmond Burke

Key hole scarf -- free pattern from Midnight Knitter

2009-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I lovethis idea

Infact, I have been thinking of adapting it for my boys.

Remember trying to put a sock on a 2 year old? Well that is what it is like trying to keep a scarf on a gradeschool boy.

I think the key hole idea is great. But obviously the leaves/flowers would have to be replaced.

Any ideas?

(Photo from Midnight Knitter)
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Sharpie Art

2009-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

I made this display last summer after finding that my pizza stone had been soaked (an ruined) in a leaky garage. Being an artist at heart, I suddenly saw a palette instead of a baking sheet. Since my paints were packed away who-knows-where I decided to use what I had easy access to: sharpies (I use them for homeschool charts). I thought it was an original idea, but alas, I was not the first to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful art using permanent markers!

Tip: I drew mine with a pencil first to be sure everything was where I wanted it.

Check out these pieces of art:

Sharpie Art @ Crafty Pod

Justin Ashbee

Decorated Basement

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Kids Recycled Craft Challenge

2009-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is my son's "v-bomb" (v stands for the roman numeral 5, since ther are 5 parts to the bomb, he told me). This was my inspiration for his project. He had great fun! Thanks, Vicki, for a GREAT idea!

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Gift Topper--- love this idea

2009-11-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Bugs and Fishes by Lupin: Gift Wrap Idea: Brooches & Badges

Why not give a gift topper that wont be thrown away?

Still talking about cholocate milk....

2009-11-08T12:00:00.001-08:00

Mommy, why didn't God just make water

taste like Chocolate Milk?

Then I would drink all the water I could.

The Elder, almost 8

JOYS OF HOME: Dear Sweet Blog

2009-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Photo from Joy of Home

Joy@Joys of Home has some Awesome painted balls that could easily be converted to Christmas ornaments!

Super simple! If you use ping pong balls you could probably poke a hole in the ball for a ribbon! Poke one at the top and the bottom, run the ribbon all the way through (using an embroidery needle or crochet hook) and string a few beads on before you tie a knot!

You write what ever you want on them... I am thinking "Joy," "Noel," and "Emmanuel" for mine.

I'll post pic when/if I get around to doing this.

What would you write on your ornament?

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Vickie Howell | Blog: PROJECT: Recycled Sock Love Bug!

2009-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Isn't she sup-uh suh-weet!?

After all none of us have mate-less socks. Ever.

I wish.

*sigh*

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Projects & Freebies - Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, diy projects + freebies

2009-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

These freebies at Creature Comforts are super duper!

She also has some links to some awesome projects such as this one at 100 layer cake.

Go!

Snoop around!

I promise you'll like it.

:-)

Perfect Boxes Tutorial by Lovely Design

2009-11-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

I am going to use this idea for the drawers in my new kitchen! Photo from Lovely Design

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
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Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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Free Patterns @ KarensVariety.com

2009-11-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a beautiful doily?
It is just one of the amazing free vintage patterns available at Karen's Variety, including:
crocheting
cross stitch/embroidery
knitting
quilting
sewing
tatting
weaving
woodworking

There are also a number of free patterns among her informative articles.

Subscribe to the newsletter and recieve new free patterns delivered right to your in box.

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I'm off to try to organize my Christmas projects in a 5" binder I bought at the thrift store, make a list of what I want to do (I have WAY too many ideas to actually do it ALL), and match the needed materials with the pattern/idea. I will be shopping my own stash today! It's fun! Most of the time I have forgotten what I actually already have!

Do you have any ideas for how to match your ideas to your materials?

For smaller projects I usually put the yarn or fabric in a large Ziploc bag with the pattern.

How do you do stay organized?

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-------I LOVE COMMENTS!!!!!!!-------

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Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
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http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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What were they thinking?

2009-11-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

My father emailed this to me

Thought you'll might get a kick out of it...

"Well, at least if the state patrol stops us,
they can't cite us for the license plate being obscured.
They will have to find something else that we are doing wrong.
I don't know what that might be. "

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-------I LOVE COMMENTS!!!!!!!-------

Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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Come craft with me!

DIY Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

2009-11-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Bar Place Cards

Crocheted Thanksgiving Turkey Wreath

Making your crochet projects feel softer

2009-11-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for soft fabric. I go through the fabric store running my hand along the fabric. I do the same thing in a thrift store in the clothing isle. I won't even wear clothes unless it "feels" right.

But I am frugal and usually use cheep-o yarn. But cheep-o yarn doesn't "feel" very good. So I am always looking for ways to make is seem a bit less cheep-o.

I cherish the feel of brushed yarns, but I a don't want to pay the extra for it and rarely find it at thrift stores.

So PlanetJune's tutorial for how to make "regular" yarn feel fuzzy is the perfect solution. Even for sweaters or blankets! Doesn't everyone love SOFTER?

( Photo from PlanetJune)

A tip I heard a while back: If your worsted weight yarn seems scratchy (isn't it usually?) wash it with extra fabric softener-- multiple times if necessary.

Do you have any tips for making worsted weight feel softer?

Post them in the comments!

free pattern: tiny whale by Planet June

2009-11-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

Have you seeen this adorable free pattern?

Monster Crochet: New Year Chrysanthemums

2009-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

have you seen this?

Monster Crochet: New Year Chrysanthemums

I am planning to make Christmas gift bows using this pattern.

She also has instructions for making it into a head band.

(photo from Monster Crochet Blog)

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Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
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http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

2009-11-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is way off topic, but here goes....

I have not delved into my extensive health problems here on the blog.

But induldge me.

I weigh 230lbs.

There I said it.

Ugh.

Wheew.

When I got married I weighed 120.

Depressing, isn't it?

No, I am not a slob.

I am VERY careful about what I eat.

It is my genetics playing against me.

My Great Grandmother died of Diabetes complications and was 300lbs.

My Grandmother (I am her spitting-image) is over 300 lbs

and has had to have multiple hip/knee replacements.

I have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes,

I am on medication that curbs the hunger created by diabetes,

but I am not losing weight.

After my 1st son was born I was able to lose 45 lbs using

the American Diabetes Asocciation Diet.

However, I have a new Dr. who has forbid me to eat like I did then.

In order to lose weight, I had to eat ONLY 1000 calories per day.

My Dr says I will starve myself.

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1000 calories per day looks about like this--

Breakfast:

1/2 banana, unsweetened ice tea,

1 oz cheese stick,

oat and honey granola bar

Lunch:

sandwich with l piece of bread, no condiments,

one slice of lean meat,

unsweetened ice tea,

1/2 apple,

and 1 branch fresh broccoli

Dinner:

unsweetened ice tea,

1 cup of casserole,

1/2 c. cooked veggies.

lots of water

And NO snacking

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My children eat more than this!

Obviously I have not been using the 1000 calorie diet,

since Dr forbid it.

SO I have tried to increase my exercize.

And I have ended up hurting myself.

I have spranged an ankle,

and fractured a bone in my foot all in the last year.

My weight is just too much for my legs and feet to handle.

I am eating as little as DR will allow.

But I am not losing.

I feel like I have been beating my head against a brick wall.

I cannot eat little enough to lose the weight cause it is unhealthy.

and I cannot excercise regularly 'cause I hurt myself.

When I do exercise,

I start to lose the weight, then get hurt,

can't exercise for a while, and gain it all back.

AHHHHHHH!

It is sooooo frustrating.

I know that, ideally, I would hire a trainer or join a gym,

but that is not very financially viable right now.

Have you lost weight?

How did you do it?

Do you know of anyone

who has lost weight

without using the conventional

"eat less; move more"?

IT is embarrassing to even see those weight numbers in print

'cause the popular idea to day is

that over wieght people are gross slobs.

I AM NOT.

I am careful.

But it is not enigh.

DH makes me sick.

He consumes 5 sodas, 2 candy bars, and fast food

EVERY DAY!!!

YOU KNOW HOW MUCH HE HAS GAINED IN 10 EYARS?

15 LBS.

I can't even remember the last time I had a candy bar.

Occasionally I will take a bite of his.

Or buy one so I can have A TASTE.

.. and give him and the boys the rest.

HELP!

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Awesome free vintage "ornament" graphics

2009-11-04T00:00:00.001-08:00

Have you seen these free graphics at Briar Press?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

~ Crochet by the Sea ~: Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe for your Sturdy Pantry

2009-11-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for good recipes! This sounds GOOOOOOD!!!!

Wouldn't this make fun Gifts-in-a-jar?

~ Crochet by the Sea ~: Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe for your Sturdy Pantry:

An Award!

2009-11-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

... from Information is Everything. Thank you, Bhavesh!

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
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More paper dolls-- wonderful drawings!

2009-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

I adore this blog!

Take a look... I would love to copy some of these dresses into real patterns for my own clothes!

A Recipe shared-- Mouthwatering Sticky Buns!

2009-10-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Faith over at Crochet by the Sea posted these mouthwatering photos, last week. They looks so much like the ones my mother made for Christmas Breakfast when I was a child! She was sweet enough to share the recipe. Thank you, Faith!

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
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Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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Fall

2009-10-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com

Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com

WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)

http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/

http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure

Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice

Crochetville Handle: Beyondallmeasure

Come craft with me!

Free downloads from Lulu.com

2009-10-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Crochet Jar Topper Pattern

Santa Ami (I would use the pattern to make something else... a baby maybe?)

Dainty Doily

The art of crochet

Hope's Birds

Novelty Purse

Lacy Hoop Earrings

Crochet Dude's method for joining afghan squares

Travel Jewelry Pouch

Glass Flip Flops

Chic on the halfshell

Shaken not stirred shawl

Checkered Past Scarf

Chain Hat (no photo)

Brain Freeze

Angel Ornament

Baby Boy Hat

Cables and ruffle scarf

For more go to Lulu and search for "free crochet patterns"!
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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
http://www.beyondallmeasure.etsy.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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Come craft with me!

Something I would like to try---

2009-10-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

... but I probably won't get to it this Christmas.

Arent' they beautiful? It is called Temari. It is a 1000 year old craft that originated in China and found it's way to Japan, where it is not famous. Diana at Temari has instructions for beginners!

I love a good challenge! And it does look challenging. That's why it will have to wait until I have a few more projects completed!
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Sarahatbeyondallmeasure.blogspot.com
Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
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http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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from the mouth of babes

2009-10-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" Mommy, does chocolate milk come from brown cows?"

-- my 4 year old, 10-09
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Saving a gradeschool boy's pants-- tutorial

2009-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

My 7-1/2 year old ("the Eldest") has ripped the knees out of 6 pair of pants in the last 2 months. I JUST bought him these pants at the beginning of the school year. In addition, the pants I bought (2 months ago) are starting to look like capris!

So what's a mother to do? I am too cheap (frugal) to buy him new pants. So I improvised ....and I think it turned out quite well!

The damaged goods:

Using the grid mat as a guide, cut the pants leg above the torn-out knee. Then cut the undamaged leg in the same place (hence the need for the grid).

Next, cut the rip from the bottom part of the leg. Then cut the other detached leg so that it measured the same length.

Measure the boy from waist to below his ankle (or where ever you wanted the pants to stop over his shoe). Measure down the side seam of the "shorts" part of the pants, noting the measurement. Then measure what is left of the detached leg after removing the space that had been damaged, also noting that measurement. Add the two measurements together and then subtract the sum from the desired finish length (the boy's waist to ankle measurement). The number you get is the length of the fabric you needed to insert.

I chose a similarly colored fabric, but it was thicker than the original pants and was a bit stretchy. I placed the piece I removed from the pants on top of my fabric (double thickness ) as a guide for the width needed. I cut out a square lightly wider than needed. You may have better way to do this, but this worked for me.

See my expensive fabric marker?

Lay out the pants with the fabric square between the "shorts" part and the detached legs. Then mark a line down the sides of the fabric square indicating where the new side seams would be. The taper in the pant legs makes this a bit tricky. I eye balled it and it worked fine.

Sew along marked lines. Remember that the lines indicate sewing lines, not seam allowance. I used my serger. If you don't have a serger, I would suggest zig-zagging the edges, as the more reinforcement you give the pants, the more likely they are to survive the war the little boy will put them through.

Pin the insert-fabric to the bottom leg portion. Serge or sew.

The next step is the dreaded part. The ironing. But according to my mother-in-law, whose sewing projects turn out looking store bought, the difference between a good finished project and a not-so-good looking one is.... the IRONING.

So DON'T SKIP THIS STEP!

Be sure to iron inside (the seams down) and outside.

Pin the legs to the 'shorts' with right sides together.

Serge or sew.

IRON again

Try it on the boy and admire your work.

The inserts are not really crooked... I just couldn't get the little munchkin to stand up straight!

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Sarah.Beyondallmeasure@gmail.com
WWW.Beyond-All-Measure.Com (under construction)
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http://www.ravelry.com/people/beyondallmeasure
Craftster Handle: Measure-once-cut-twice
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A 1970s party, part 3-- more decorations, smiley faces to hang from the ceiling

2009-10-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

The smiley face is an icon of the 1970s. And it is still easy to find smileys all over: Walmart's logo (free stickers for the kiddies too), smiley ballons(Dollar Tree) , fabrics (Walmart), scrapbook papers, cards, gift wrap (Dollar Tree), and the list goes on.

These smileys were made with fusible stabilizer to make them stiff for hanging), yellow flannel, black puffy paint and rick-rack (I was fortunate to find a basket of vintage rick-rack at a 2nd hand shop!) My smileys ranged from 6-12 inches, depending on the scraps I had availible. The puffy paint is easy to work with, and this project does not require much finess. By the way, smileys DON"T have eyebrowns (my youngest and I had a debate about this! The question I had to ask my self is WHY was I arguing with a 4 year old? LOL!) I used hot glue to attach the rickrack to the back-- Viola! Super-Sweet-Smileys! I hung mine from the ceiling as you would 45 records for a 1950s party!

Grandpa lives on....

2009-10-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Three generations-- distinct similarities

Photo 1: My grandfather, circa 1930

Photo 2 My brother, 1983

Photo 3: My son, 2003

I gave this to my mother at the 1970's party we threw for her. She loved it.

A 1970s party, part 2-- homemade butter mints recipe

2009-10-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make butter mints like the ones the cook at our church made for weddings when I was a child. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted; so I created my own recipe.

Way better than any store bought mints. These are not hard. They are soft, melt-in-your mouth mints. Easy to make and mouth-watering to eat.

Sarah's Buttermints
makes approx. 200 1" circles

4 T. butter
1 t. vanilla extract
2 t.mint extract
1/2 t. butter flavoring ($2 at Walmart- wedding isle in craft section)
1 lb powdered sugar
a small cup of water
microwave safe bowl
a knife or small circle cookie cutter
cookie sheets (probably 2)

In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter in microwave oven at 30 second intervals. Be careful not to overcook. Add flavorings. Mix well (I used my mixer and a dough hook). Gradually stir in powdered sugar, about 1/2 to 1 cup at a time. Mixture should be smooth and thick. When mix gets f lackey, add water-- a few drops at a time until the mix sticks together-- but is not sticky to the touch. The last little bit may require kneading by hand. Turn out on a surface covered lightly in powdered sugar. With a rolling pin, roll mix to 1/4 inch thick and cut into small circles with a mini cookie cutter or into small squares (like store bought dinner mints) using knife. Place on cookie sheets. Allow to air dry for at least 2 hours (overnight works well). Keeps well in the freezer.

My sister-in-law tasted them and said, "Oh, WOW!"

They really are that wonderful.
WHEAT FREE! Egg free. Milk free if you substitute margerine for the butter. Gread for those with alergies, which our birthday girl has in EXCESS.

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A 1970's party, part 1-- the decorations

2009-10-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

The flower shapes I bought at a thrift store. They are made on a diasy loom. I have yet to figure out how to work it. These ones were already finished. Love the dirty orange yarn. The granny squares were made of old yarn from my stash. I need to block them and am planning to hang them from the ceiling (as you would old records if it were a 1950's party!)

This is the fabric I bought at walmart on the $1.50/yd table.I love the yellow with the red and blue flowers! The 2 middle fabrics will be the table cloths and the two outside fabrics will be the bias edging.

Can't wait to get started!

Ornament #3 -- Silver Coil Icycle

2009-10-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Materials:

1 sheet or scrap of soft blue cardstock, atleast 8"x 1" (I don't know the weight, but heavier)

Serger

Silver or white thread (I used what was in the machine: needle 1-evergreen, needle 2- no thread, top and bottom loopers-white ; I would have used silver if I had it)

Glue Gun

Glue Stick

12" of 1/4" silver cord for hanger

8-12" of 1/4" wired silver ribbon for bow

One "doting" kitten to "help"

Thread loopers as indicated in material list.

Serge along edge of cardstock, NOT cutting off any of the edge yet.

Your cardstock should look like above.

Set blade adgustment to 1/4" . Place cardstock into serger again, aligning so that there is about 1/4 inch between the edge of the previous serger stiching and the blade. This will make the width of the coil approximatelly 1/2 inch. The width is not THAT important. However, if it is too wide it may not coil.

It should coil as it is being cut.

This is how it will look when serged.

I tried a few different methods to tighten the coil.

Manipulating each round with my fingers (not shown) ended up working the best.

Apply fray-stop.

Trim excess thread.

Tie bow and trim ends. Double over cording,

Using hot glue gun attach bow to front and cording to back.

You did it!

Ornament #2 -- Gold Heart

2009-10-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

I just hate that my camera isn't working! The scanner simply isn't as good. The scanner top smashed it so it doesn't look nearly as purdy.

Gold Heart Ornament

materials

-----------

small amount of super-small Aida cloth (not sure the thread count as it was a remnant)

gold or gold-ish embroidery floss (I used DMC 3045)

8" long of 1" pleated ribbon edging in gold and red

Gold or red thread

6-8" of 1/4" white ribbon

2" Gold tassel

Cross stitch needle

Sewing needle

Don't worry if you haven't cross stitched before. It is super simple! This is great for a first-timer because it is so small of a project! Our friends at About.com have a start-to-finish cross stitch tutorial for beginners.

A few notes to mention:
The black lines (2-squares in from the edge of the graph) indicate where I sewed on my ribbon edging; they are not lines that you stitch!
I used a satin stitch (also called "outline stitch" or "back stitch" and illustrated here) around the entire heart after my "X's" were done to give it a finished look.

Follow the graph to complete your gold heart.

With the starting edge of your ribbon at the bottom of the aida cloth(but not UNDERNEATH), hand stitch your ribbon around the heart, trying to stay 2 squares away from the heart. Because the ribbon was pleated I found the corners a bit of a challenge. Consequently, I ended up sewing my ribbon in more of a octagon shape than a square. The corners were not at right angles as the ribbon would not allow for it (though it does look more even that the scan indicates). In the end it looked more like a circle, which I like better than a square anyway! When you have gone completely around your heart, fold over the ending edge of ribbon and sew it to itself to create a finished edge. Then sew the beginning of the ribbon behind it.

Fold the white ribbon in half and stitch it to the top middle of the Aida cloth on the back side.

I chose to cut the tassel off of its hanger-string. I then stitched through the top middle of the tassel and attached it to the bottom edge of the ribbon, centering it under the heart.

Sit and admire.

---------------

If something doesn't make sense leave a comment and I will try to clarify! If my camera was working I would to a step-by-step. Lord willing it will be fixed soon. My big brother took it to see if he can salvage the pictures on the memory card.... I hate losing pictures of my little ones....

Some "new" books I am excited about!

2009-10-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

I picked up these books at thrift shops over the past few weeks and have been very impressed. I haven't tried anything from them --yet-- but they look very promising! None of them are actually new, as you can see from the covers! They are all out of print, but currently availible at Amazon.

Clothes that Grow

Sewing without a pattern

Supersewing without a pattern

Beyond All Measure

Free Printable Antique Paper Doll

Lessons from Little House

God Bless the USA

Honoring our fathers

My latest project

In honor of our vets....In Flanders fields by John McCrae

When you don't understamd ... trust God's heart

Remembering Easter:

Recipe: The pursuit of the perfect bread

I love FREE vintage graphics!

I'm still here

THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

WHY IS GOOD FRIDAY GOOD?

BLOGGER IN DRAFT NOW HAS HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE TEMPLATES

Rare Vintage BOY Paper Dolls

Enter the world of knitting

If it seems I have been absent lately,

DIY flower arranging: Making Cheapo Flowers Look Fancy

An eight year old's take on life...

My response to Oregon passing the tax increasing measures 66 and 67

A Quote on resigning yourself to the will of God and His plan for your life

Please vote in my pole

Thank you letters for little ones (or for those who want to do it fast!)

See my progress

Another flood?

Great no-cost wrapping paper idea at *paper n stitch*

What I've been up to... (Part 3)

What I've been up to... (Part 2)

What I've been up to... (Part 1)

So when the dish soap freezes should I worry about the pipes?

Truth be told, I am never happy.

A number for every day of the month of December

Just a thought to share

Wordless Wednesday

Absent

Tutorial: Decorate your porch for the holidays

Google Alerts

Tutorial: Maid's Sweet Ruffle Cap

tutorial: marble magnets

Tutorial: no sew fabric wreath

Crochet Jellyfish

Sweater Surgery: Sweater Surgery Light up Christmas tree inspired by The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life

Wordless Wednesday...

Draped in Cashmere- A Decadent Scarf Tutorial

Lady Bug Yard Art Tutorial

Using a Proportional Calculator

Mod Podge Ceiling Fan

~Ruffles And Stuff~: Practically Free Pom-Pom Lamp!

dozi: Paper flower tutorial

A Little Bit of Everything: Tutorial: How To Make A Lightbox

30days: Guest Blogger: Disney, Ruffles and Stuff

FREE Pattern-Making Calculator

Rag Tabouret Tutorial

Old Door

M*: starrberry beret...pattern

Oh, Christmas --Fat quarter Tree

A Quarter's Worth

Some soul searching

In honor of Veterans Day

Key hole scarf -- free pattern from Midnight Knitter

Sharpie Art

Kids Recycled Craft Challenge

Gift Topper--- love this idea

Still talking about cholocate milk....

JOYS OF HOME: Dear Sweet Blog

Vickie Howell | Blog: PROJECT: Recycled Sock Love Bug!

Projects & Freebies - Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, diy projects + freebies

Perfect Boxes Tutorial by Lovely Design

Free Patterns @ KarensVariety.com

What were they thinking?

DIY Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

Making your crochet projects feel softer

free pattern: tiny whale by Planet June

Monster Crochet: New Year Chrysanthemums

Awesome free vintage "ornament" graphics

Wordless Wednesday

~ Crochet by the Sea ~: Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe for your Sturdy Pantry

An Award!

More paper dolls-- wonderful drawings!

Great no-cost wrapping paper idea at paper n stitch