Casseroles and Dresses

 When I "dreamed" this up ..... this Corndog Casserole .... I was half joking. But, here it is. The hash browns are not the shreddy kind, but look more like diced potatoes, but that is what happens when I send he, who loves to run errands, to the store. I threw them in a skillet and browned them a little first. I should have melted the cheese first for more even coverage. The corndogs look like some kind of bizarre alien eyes staring up in their bed of potatoes. They were only partially thawed and that made it hard to get the stick out. The breading was nice and crisp, though. It did take 25 minutes in the oven and I was glad I had added a little salt and pepper to the potatoes while they were in the skillet.

 The best part of the meal (for me) was the salad. I topped mine with a little blue cheese dressing. My mate piled croutons and lots of blue cheese on his. He was enthusiastic about the casserole, too. He concocted some mustard and ketchup to dip forkfuls into. I am not a big condiment person, preferring to let the flavor of my food speak for itself.

I don't know that I would make this again. Maybe if the grandchildren were here and I needed a quick solution for a meal. But, I have concocted stranger menus, so who knows?

 While he , who runs errands, was on his mission for hash browns and Blue Bunny home made vanilla ice cream (his fave), I was in my ensconced in my sewing room surrounded by my favorite things. I have been trolling Zulily to see what sells and the pricing. Knot dresses seem to be a good idea for summer. This one is a size 6 with a red contrast yoke and contrast trim ruffling at the hem. I love the knot idea. This allows for longer wear time, as the length can be adjusted just by lowering the knot in the shoulder strap.

 I realize that these aren't the best pictures, but my choices are limited. Remember that almost every surface is cluttered with various tools and materials for the bathroom re-do. Size 4 and size 6 pink flowers on a black background. I had some black gingham (remember, I save everything ), so I cut some strips on the bias and made some trim to enhance the hemline. I like these a lot, but every time I finish one, it becomes my favorite.

 I love the colors in these dresses. Size 2 and 5. I know some sisters these would look so cute on.

 This little shirt is sized at 18 months, I added the skirt and the trim. So feminine and sweet.

This trio gets lost in each other. Size 2-3 and 5 and 6. I love the print. Perfect for slipping on top a swimsuit.

I will need to stage a better background for pictures. I made a total of 19 dresses and 12 skirts in the past couple of weeks. I have seen a wide price range on Zulily for similar items. Prices that I would not pay and some I would consider if I didn't sew. I try to keep in mind that children outgrow clothes quickly and that they can be pretty rough on them.

The last two seasons have found tank-top dresses in my kampstore. I purchased the tanks and sewed skirts to the hemline for a long-waisted dress. They sold well and I will be adding the knot dresses this year, as well as the skirts. They will all sell for $12.50 ...... or 2 for $20. I am using my stockpile of fabric and when it is gone ...... well, it's gone. Meaning I probably can't duplicate at a later date. The sizes will range from 2 - 12. I will post better pictures later this week.

So, in response to some comments, yes, I do sell my creations. On that note I shall excuse myself and slink off to my sweat shop and get busy.