{DIY} Removable Pillow Cover

Okay, so I decided to give you my novice version of a slipcover for those ugly throw pillows  you may have stuffed in a closet somewhere. Here's mine...I wasn't lovin' the 1992 mauve color. Instead I wanted it to match my Shabby Chic End Table in my living room so I got some fabric from JoAnn's and went to town. 

FIRST, WASH AND DRY YOUR FABRIC according to its directions! Then iron it. Do not skip this step!

First I got some newspaper (use tissue paper if you want) sharp scissors, and measuring tape.

I measured this pillow to be 16" by 17 1/2". So..I needed a 1/4" seam allowance so I added 1/2" to each measurement which brought me to 16.5" x 18" 

Now I applied the measurements to the newspaper and cut out my new pattern. For the back, since I wanted to make a slip cover I planned to have two overlapping pieces. So I took the longer measurement (18") by 6". The second piece I (should have) measured 18" x 14". You want the second piece to be closer to the size of the entire pillow so it covers adequately. 

Once you have the pieces all cut then pin, pin, pin. Don't be cheap with the pinning either. You want it to end up right.

I did two identical pillows so I overlapped the fabric so I only had to make the cuts once.

Here the front piece all cut out

This is the smaller back piece.

All the pieces cut out.

Now, take the two back pieces and on the long edge that you plan to sew for the opening fold it over and press. Then fold it over once more. I folded at about 1/8"-1/4" but didn't measure this part. I just wanted to hide the JoAnn logo. Iron both steps.

Next, top stitch the entire edge that you folded over. This will be the finished edge when you're done. Repeat for the larger back piece.

Next, put pillow front and the smaller back piece together with Right sides together. Put the small piece on first. Pin the upper edge.

Lay the larger back piece over the front and smaller piece. Make sure the finished edges are both in the middle of the pillow. Pin away!

Sew all around the pillow case with a 1/4 inch seam. There usually are markings on the machine to help guide the fabric. When you reach the corner, stop. Make sure the needle is through the fabric and lift the presser foot. Turn the fabric and put the presser foot back down. Keep sewing. Do this at each corner.

When you are finished sewing take the corner and clip straight across like this. It will help prevent bunching in the corners. 

Here's what it should look like. 

Turn the pillow cover inside out and make sure to push out the corners. Remember I said I "should have" measured the larger back piece differently? Well this is why...there wasn't enough fabric to overlap to cover the pillow adequately. 

So..since I have a pretty cool sewing machine I improvised. I used my button holer attachments and got out my sewing manual and made a button hole and sewed on a button.  

{Philly Love} Philadelphia Zoo

So, another stop on our Staycation '12 via the CityPass was the Philadelphia Zoo. It was a gorgeous day. The last time we went to the zoo was with Princess8's school and it was miserable, wet, rainy and chilly. Not fun. This day we had a great time, especially since their Daddy was able to join us. We didn't pay for parking because we found a spot on the street so we were glad about that. Surprisingly the zoo family membership is pretty cheap so we may consider doing that in the future.

Tigers are such beautiful animals. I prefer to stay behind that glass though :)

We had to move out of the way so they could move the camels. I think they give out camel rides but we must've just missed it.

These girls make me take pics of them whenever there is one of these things.

In the petting zoo with the farm animals.

I love giraffes too. Right after this we saw Cecily Tynan (our Channel6 weather girl) walk by. She did the news from the zoo that day. I should have asked for her autograph, but chickened out. Oh well..

The feature at the zoo right now is The Lorax. It was pretty cheesey but the kids kinda liked it. I loved the movie The Lorax though! It was a great movie with a good message in it. May have to buy that one. 

Well, that's about it for the zoo. The Philly Zoo is pretty great. They have a ton of animals and are reasonably priced. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone visiting the area. We will be going back again. :)

How to Roast Garlic

Roasted garlic is so easy to make! I don't even use my regular oven unless I am roasting a lot. I just use my toaster oven set on convection bake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

All you do is take your head of garlic and slice a little off the top like this.

Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. 

Wrap it in the foil like this. Here I am roasting a lot because I was attempting to make Roasted Garlic Soup. I wasn't thrilled with the results of this recipe which is why you haven't seen it yet. 

Roast in the preheated oven (or toaster oven) for 30 minutes.

Mmm...doesn't that look amazing?! I LOVE Garlic! DH....not so much. I usually have to make sure I do this when I know he won't be home for a bit so I can air out the house. He likes garlic, but not the strong smell.

Once it's cooled enough to handle just squeeze the cloves into a bowl. This is my favorite part because I get to lick my fingers when I'm done. :)

There ya go! Roasted garlic. Super easy and great for recipes like Roasted Garlic Grits....we'll get to that recipe one day.... Enjoy!