DIY Embroidery Hoop Project

During the summer months I work full time at an upholstery and furniture repair store. I work in the showroom where all the magic happens! The displays in the window are crucial for our business, as they attract more customers, so we can continue to create more magic! We are always switching out the fabrics that are displayed in the window; most of the time it's according to season. While surfing the internet for window display ideas, I came across a picture that sparked my imagination.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Embroidery hoops
• Fabric
• Fabric scissors or a VERY sharp pair of scissors (emphasize on the VERY for a reason... I promise)
• Razor blade or X-Acto knife or Utility knife (i.e. something small and VERY sharp)

HOW TO DO IT:

Cut the fabric out large enough so you have at least 2 inches on each side of the hoop

(I know this looks a lot more than 2 inches, but I was indecisive on which branch I wanted to display... weird I know).

Flip the hoop and the fabric over, so the backside of the fabric is showing with the hoop on the bottom.

Place the other half of the hoop inside the other one from the backside.

Turn over and pull the fabric taut.

Screw the tightening device tighter, so the fabric doesn't loosen.

Take a razor blade (X-Acto knife or utility knife) and cut the excess fabric off around the hoop.

To hang the hoops I used fishing line, simply because I wanted the illusion of them floating.

Now our window display is ready for Fall!

There are many options to display the hoops. Share with me your ideas!

Best Zucchini Bread

This summer, my family decided to grow a zucchini plant in the garden. To be honest, I had no idea what a zucchini even looked like or what the heck I was going to do with one, or tons for that matter. 

Recently, a very very LARGE zucchini came in from the garden and it just sat in the fridge taking up valuable space. Our fridge is quiet small, so when I say valuable space... it had to go. 

My mom suggested zucchini bread, so here we are!

Yield: 2 loaves

Bake Time: 50-60 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 cups fresh grated zucchini or 2 cups frozen

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups flour

1½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup nuts optional 

PREPPING THE ZUCCHINI:

I decided to include this step for you because I had no idea how to prep the zucchini for grating (I suppose if you already know how you don't have to read this part right? I hope this helps more than takes up valuable space like this zucchini).

Wash the zucchini (I hope you already did that, but there it is anyways).

Trim off the ends.

Split the zucchini from end to end (you don't have to do this if your zucchinis are less than 2 inches in diameter; larger zucchinis have bitter seeds that need to be removed). 

Remove the seeds by running the tip of a spoon down the zucchini (basically like carving a pumpkin, but of course it's a zucchini).

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease loaf pans.

Mix all ingredients in order, as listed above in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. 

Pour into loaf pans evenly (each pan should be half full).

Bake both loaves together at 375 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Time may very depending on oven; insert toothpick to make sure bread is done.

Slice. Slather on some butter (or don't, plain's good too... sorta) & enjoy!