By far, my very, very favorite pumpkin bread recipe!

Recipe by: Laurie Bennett

Ingredients

•                     1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
•                     4 eggs
•                     1 cup vegetable oil
•                     2/3 cup water
•                     3 cups white sugar
•                     3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•                     2 teaspoons baking soda
•                     1 1/2 teaspoons salt
•                     1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•                     1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•                     1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
•                     1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

            Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.

2.In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.

3.Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

 

Crazy Ribbon Baby Blanket

Every child has something that they love to snuggle up with. Most of the time it is a blankie! This Crazy Ribbon Baby Blanket is perfect to sew for your own little one or as a gift because there are plenty of ribbons, textures, and colors to stimulate the senses. It is easy peasy too! If you just learned to thread your machine today then this is a great beginner project for you! This pattern is designed by me and you have my full permission to make and sell these. Just please give credit where credit is due!

 Thanks and Happy sewing!

Materials Needed:

*2 x 13″ squares of coordinating fabrics (pre-washed) (I like to use one soft like Minky, Chenille or Satin) and the other of plain ol’ cotton fabric because I usually make a matching blanket to coordinate with a handmade outfit)

*Several spools of coordinating ribbon in several textures and widths (ex: grosgrain, satin, printed, solids etc.)

*Coordinating Thread

*Sewing Machine, Scissors, Iron, Lighter

Let’s Get Started!!

Step one: Cut ribbons into 3″ strips and hold the flame from your lighter just out of reach of the ribbon ends. The heat from the flame will seal them so they do not fray. You only need to do this to one edge of the ribbon because the other edge will be caught in the seam allowance and will not show. The number of ribbons you need depends on the different widths of ribbon you use but a good estimate is about 64 (about 16 ribbon strips per side). *Tip* You can cut some of the ribbons on an angle to mix things up! You can even cut them at different lengths for a unique look!

 

 

 

 

 

Step two: Lay one of your fabric squares right side facing up on a flat surface. Begin laying your ribbons on your fabric 1/2′ from the corners, lining up the raw edge of the ribbon (the end you did not heat seal) with the raw edge of the fabric. There is no need to extend the ribbon past the edge because when you sew the ribbon will be caught in the seam allowance. Do this all the way around the entire square making sure your ribbons are lined up right beside one another, pinning them in place as you go. Sew in a 1/4″ seam allowance all the way around the edge, catching in the ribbons as you go. Take your time here! You don’t want any ribbons sliding out of place. (Also, as a side note, I found ribbon that matched my fabric at Hobby Lobby. It is only printed on one side so I decided to lay it so the green satin would have the floral print on it and the white side of thr ribbon would be on the floral side. I really like it this way and now I can also make a matching hairbow to go with the blanket! Whoop Whoop!)

 

 

 

 

Step three: Lay your other square fabric piece right side down (right side of fabric should be against the ribbons) and pin in place. Begin sewing all the way around making sure to leave a 4″ opening for turning along one side. Be very caeful not to twist your ribbons. *Tip* When you get to the corners (before you turn your fabric to sew a new side), keep your needle in the fabric but raise the presser foot. You will have a nice, neat corner this way!

Step 4: Turn your blanket right side out through the 4″ opening. Pull on the ribbons to make sure they are secure. This also helps pull your edges out.Push a pencil or chop stick (or anything you have on hand) into each corner to form crisp corners. Iron (be careful because some fabrics like Minky cannot be ironed). Topstich a 1/4″ all the way around the edges. This will also close up the opening you used for turning. Viola’! Now go give that sweet baby his/her new favorite blanket!

 

 

by: Ellie Krieger

Seriously some yummy stuff!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup (1 small jar) strained carrot baby food

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup bran cereal flakes

• 1/3 cup raisins

• 1/3 cup walnut pieces, lightly toasted in a dry skillet for 2 minutes, until fragrant and chopped

Directions

I just started this website so I could share all of the great ideas floating around in my head. I hope that you find inspiration (and share a little, too!) so get comfy, kick up your feet and stay awhile! Welcome to Wishes and Whimsy!