Technology Tip Tuesday - Changing the Settings in Google Docs

Changing my default settings in GOOGLE DOCS.....

I have wanted to do this for a while.  I have tried, but it didn't seem to work.  Well I found a post and read it all the way to STEP 9... and it worked!

You have to go to 

FORMAT

PARAGRAPH STYLES

OPTIONS (which is at the bottom)

SAVE AS MY DEFAULT SETTINGS

Here is the website.....

https://www.lifewire.com/changing-default-document-formatting-google-docs-3540182

Technology Makes Everything Better - Scarves For My Class

When I first starting making scarves for my kindergarten classes, I used gold glitter paint.  Now that I have a Cricut, I use it to cut their names.  Technology is great!  It makes the scarves look so much better!

Start with the blanket from Walmart.

You need to unfold carefully - it will be folded in thirds - which helps because you are wanting to make 6 scarves out of one blanket. 

I used my quilting ruler and rotary cutter to make a straight line.  Also cut off the edges because they have a thread that hemmed it.  (You can use scissors or sheers to cut them.)

Now cut the ends, make slits.  I didn't measure and it doesn't matter if they are straight.  You are going to knot them.

Now you do the knots.

I had previously created and cut the names with glitter HTV with my Cricut.  If you don't have one, then you can use glitter fabric paint for the names.

Finally, I used the Cricut HeatPress for the names.  Set it on 315 degrees for 10 seconds.

DONE!

So now you have a great Christmas gift for each student in your class.  It only takes about 2 hours to make a class set of about 20 students.   Do the math... it is about 42 cents a piece each.  

THE KIDS WILL LOVE THEM!  I have made these for many years now!

Just a hint:

It is more fun and less stress to do it in stages.

Create the names and cut them one day.

Cut the blankets another day.

Then sit down with a good movie and cut the ends and tie the knots.  

Iron all at one time.

ALL DONE!!

How to Make A Floor Pillow AKA Dog Pillow

I now love to sew.  Thanks to technology and the advancements that have taken place over the last 50 plus years, I now own a sewing machine.  Well of course I have my mom's old sewing machine just because it was hers.  I kept it because I remember her using it even though she didn't like to sew.  If she were with us now, I think she would like the new type of machine where it it digital and is very "smart". 

Thanks to technology I found the class.  Where would we be without the internet?  Still looking things up in the phone book, I guess.  So back over the summer I just Googled something like, "sewing classes in Houston" and found this place called Sew Houston.  Yolanda responded to my email and list of questions.  She seemed so nice and as luck would have it, an introduction class was happening soon.

I took that class and a few more.  Now I feel like I am pretty "crafty" when it comes to sewing.  I have practiced A LOT!

My friend, Janet, decided to embark on this adventure with me!  A floor pillow pouf.... AKA Gizmo's new napping pillow!

IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!  I can't wait til CHRISTMAS BREAK and I plan to make another one.... maybe more! :)

You need:
3 fabrics (1/2 of each)
1 yard (this will be the bottom)
stuffing/filler - bought mine at Walmart

At the class, she provides the machine, thread, tools, etc.

So to get started:
1. Lay out the THREE fabrics.  (Put the bottom one to the side.)
2. Trace the pattern, 5 times (which will make 15 of these special triangles)
3. Cut them out.

4. Put them in the order that you want.

5. Sew them together.

Right sides together for the first two.  Then open it.  Lay the third piece facing down so it is RST on the second piece.

6. Repeat until done.

7. Sew the last one to the first one so that it makes a circle.

8. Then use a circle, any circle for a pattern that will be big enough to cover the center.
You can use scrap material from the triangles (that is what Janet did) or use a corner from the bottom fabric.  (That is what I did.)

(You can use Steam a Sew or Wonder Under to adhere it so that it won't move. Read directions on that package when using those.)  You cut it, iron it on, peel off backing, and then stick it to the fabric and iron.... I THINK.  Not sure.  We had help with this step.  When doing it again, I will read the directions to the product, so that we apply it correctly.

9.  Use a decorative top stitch to sew on the top. 

10.  Lay the top piece RST on top of the one yard of fabric.  Pin in each triangle to hold in place.  Cut a circle around the top.  (The bottom fabric was turned over after the picture was taken.  It needs to be RST!  I keep saying RST so that I don't forget!)

9.  NOW SEW around in a circle and stitch it together (1/2 inch sem allowance).  LEAVE ONE TRIANGLE OPEN - so you can fill it later.

10.  Turn entire pillow RIGHT SIDE OUT.

11. Stuff it or put the filler in the pillow.  (Bought my box of filler at Walmart.com)



12. Sew closed.  Stay right close to the end.  I didn't want to attempt this.  Yolanda helped us!

DONE!!

TAKE HOME TO GIZMO! (of whomever)

TEACHERS NEED A BREAK: How to Make an Oven Dress

I am thankful for the technology we have these days! I remember my mom being so upset over her old sewing machine and how much trouble it gave her. 

Technology has come a LONG way over the past 40 years.  Once I saw how "new and improved" sewing machines had become, I decided that I would give sewing a try.  Over the last few months I have made several things.  It has become my latest hobby. 

I need a stress reliever with all the requirements of my teaching job and being in grad school.  Sewing is fun, relaxing, and productive. 

Here is how I make the oven dress:

1. Cut out 4 of the pattern.  TWO are from a pretty (outside) pattern and TWO are from a plain (inside) pattern.

2. RST - Right Sides Together

One of the pretty and on plain.  Do that for both.

3.  Sew the NECK and the outside edges together.  Do not sew the two straight top lines or the bottom.  (The tops will be connected together later and the bottom is where the towel will be later.)

Don't go all the way to the end, so that you can turn it under and it will make a nice hem.

4. Clip the neck and on the sides where it curves, so that when you turn it right side out, it will look smooth.

5. Iron the bottom edges.

6. Turn right side out and iron flat.

7. Put two completed pieces together to attach the tops.  RST (Right Sides Together) and sew each of the lines.  Be sure to back stitch when you stop and start.

8. Flip over and admire your work. :)

9.  Insert the towel on each end.  I like to use basting spray so that it stays in place. 

You can use a decorative stitch since the thread will be noticed here.

DONE! Hang on your oven or towel rack.  Use it daily! :)