I've never ever done a single stuffie...or for that matter, any sewing project.

This is the first real craft I've done in years.  So please don't be too hard on me.

Some things I know I screwed up.  Well the mouth is the main thing.  I need to find fabric glue.  I was stupid and tried to use Mod Podge.  Duh.  That obviously didn't work.

The second thing is, I looked through the book (The Cute Book) and tried to do the French knot stuff.  I thought I did exactly as it said, but nothing I did came out the way it was supposed to.  All the 'knots' ever did was look like a regular small stitch.  So I improvised for the eyes and nose.

Third thing...the back is a mess because I wasn't sure how to start and end the sewing.  Do you just use a small knot?  And if so, what if it pulls through the fabric?  So the back is kind of a mess where I tried to knot it off.

Other than that, though, I was quite pleased with how my first project turned out.  It took about 20 minutes at the most, and that was with me running back and forth between the next room trying to get all my materials.  Oh, I also used different colors.  I love blue and this funky green thread matched the green felt I had.  I think they look cuter than the boring grey and maroon.

So here are the pictures.  Beginner's work for sure.

This recipe is suitable for Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet.  But I would have it any time because it's that good.    Serve with a salad, maybe some wild rice or a veggie on the side.  (obviously rice isn't ok in the first phase of South Beach )

Chicken Capri - Phase 1 [From the South Beach Diet Cookbook]

1 cup reduced fat ricotta
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup crushed tomatoes
4 slices reduced fat mozzarella cheese

In blender or food processor, combine the ricotta with the oregano, salt, and pepper. Process to blend. Rub the chicken with the garlic powder. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 12 minutes per side. Place the chicken breasts, side by side, in a large baking dish and allow to cool.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spoon 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture and 1/4 cup tomatoes onto each chicken breast. Top each breast with 1 slice mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of the breast registers 170 degrees and the juices run clear.
Makes 4 servings.

 

I was just kind of curious, what is the reason cupcakes are so big in the craft world right now?  I just realized how many cupcake crafts I've seen here lately.

It's not complaint because who doesn't love cupcakes? 

Just wondering if I was missing a bigger picture?

Oh, and now I hope to do a cupcake craft of my own sometime soon.