Steals and Deals on Cozy Mysteries

 

Decorate Your Designs with Fringe

One of my Paula D Sewing Patterns customers sent me photos of a tote she decorated with the beaded fringe she purchased. Laurie is in the business of making curtains, and when she has some fabric left over from her curtain projects, sometimes she makes a tote bag from the fabric. You can find her on Instagram at Lauriescustomcurtains.

 Here's a close-up picture of the beaded fringe that's on the tote:
 

I also used the same fringe to embellish the ends of a neck-warmer scarf.

Fringe is made of many different materials, and although you can usually find something to match or coordinate with your project, it can often take a lot of looking!

Several years ago, I made two sets of pillows to go with my striped sofa. I used cotton or a poly/cotton fringe to edges the pillows. 

I don't finish all my projects in a timely manner. Too many projects, not enough time! Here's some fabric and matching fringe that I've had for quite a while, but it's still languishing in my craft room. 

It

Fringe is easy to work with. Just stitch it into your seams on pillows. Remember, right sides of fabric together with fringe sandwiched in between, and when you turn it, the fringe will be on the right side.

For other applications, you can sometimes stitch the header of the fringe directly to the garment, accessory, or home dec item you're making, and it can become part of the design.

Fringe is quite versatile. I've even used beaded fringe to make necklaces.  

You can find fringe at your local fabric store (don't forget to check the upholstery fabric department as well as the trims department). Online sources include Etsy and eBay (just search by color, length, or other criteria).

 

Tuna Rice Dog Treats

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1 5-ounce can chunk light tuna, water packed
1/2 cup instant rice
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Put water in saucepan. Open tuna can, leaving lid in place. Put the liquid from the tuna can into the saucepan by pressing it out with the lid. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add instant rice, and cover the saucepan immediately. Leave the cover on and let the rice cool to room temperature. When cooled, add the applesauce, cinnamon, and tuna and mix well. Pick up a rounded spoonful of the mixture, squeeze it so that it sticks together, and roll in a ball. Store in refrigerator for up to two days. These treats may also be frozen. If they will be frozen for a long time, wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap so that they won't become dry. Thaw frozen treats completely before giving them to your dog!

Makes about fourteen 1-inch tuna rice dog treats.

Tip: Using vinyl gloves when rolling the tuna rice balls makes the process less messy.

 

Note:  These dog treats have Rocky's canine seal of approval. He loves them!