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Paleo Shrimp, Bacon and Tomato Pasta Recipe

by Nancy Bandzuch · 2 Comments

I’m excited to share with you one of the yummiest and healthiest meals I’ve ever dreamed up: Paleo Shrimp Bacon and Tomato Pasta. I served mine over zucchini noodles and it was oh so very wonderful! Paleo or not, this meal was a home run.

It had been on my mind for a while to jump on the paleo bandwagon, so a few weeks back my husband and I did a Whole30. It was successful, for the most part, with a few bumps, but we are both glad we did it. More than anything we are glad we did it because to forced me to get out of my cooking rut. I had started to make the same 10 meals over and over again, with not real desire to make anything else. Food around our house had gotten a little boring, and when you are married to a foodie, like I am, that is not a good thing.

But, when you take away dairy, grains, beans and sugar, well suddenly I had to find something else to make. This dish, Paleo Shrimp Bacon and Tomato pasta was one of best meals we had while on the Whole30 and even now, with the Whole30 behind us, we still plan on making and enjoying this meal.

One of the most pleasant surprises of the Whole30 was Zucchini noddles. I was a little leery about

We used a Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer* and were surprised at how easy it was. Just stick a zucchini in the end and twist. In fact I would say that I liked zucchini noodles better than regular pasta. Really. They are juicy really take on the overall taste of the dish really nicely. Plus they twist up and are fun to eat.

Okay, ready for the recipe? It’s nice and simple:

Paleo Shrimp, Bacon and Tomato Pasta Recipe

Recipe Type: Pasta

Cuisine: Paleo

Author: Nancy

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 20 mins

Serves: 4 servings

Eating Paleo can be delicious and easy with great recipes like this one.

Ingredients

6 slices of Paleo Bacon (no added sugar)
1 medium onion diced
10 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed if frozen
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 medium zucchini

Instructions

Cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan, reserve the fat for further cooking.
In bacon fat, cook diced onion until translucent. Next, add garlic and cook over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes. Then add shrimp and tomatoes. Cook shrimp, turning once, until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Remove from pan and combine with crumbled bacon.
Spiral cut zucchini into long noodles. Throw the noodles into the pan you have been using for 1-2 minutes, just to warm them up and have them pick up some of the flavor.
Top noodles with shrimp and tomatoes and serve.

If you are just starting your Paleo or Whole30 journey I would highly recommend this dish. It is easy to make and satisfying, and a great way to start the diet.

Thanks for being here today–and happy eating!

How To Use My Felt Patterns

by Nancy Bandzuch · 6 Comments

Hello friends!

Today I am finally writing a post I should have written a long long long time away–How to Use my Felt Patterns. I am constantly adding patterns to my PATTERN SHOPPE and I wanted to show you that ANYONE can make one of these patterns. ANYONE! The reason it took me so long to write this post is because there really isn’t anything difficult about using the felt patterns I create–really. I strive to make patterns that are cute and fun, but simple.

In the end my patterns come down to 2 very simple things–cutting and stitching. Granted often there is some finishing work associated with each project (stuffing, binding…) that is a tiny bit more complicated, but not much. I try to be very clear and very detailed with those instructions in the actual pattern (offering words and images to help you), but for now, and for this post, I just wanted to clearly explain the basics of using my patterns and to show you that ANYONE, yes ANYONE can successfully accomplish any of these felt patterns–even if this will be the very first time you have held a needle in your hand!

–Supplies–

First a quick word about the supplies you will generally need for my felt patterns.

Template–each of my templates are already to-scale so simply print them out on ordinary computer paper.
Felt–I use a wool blend felt. The felt you buy at the craft store is acrylic felt, meaning it is made from plastic, so it will melt if you iron it and I have found that it isn’t as soft. Also, it’s doesn’t seem to last as long. It often times starts to look worn quickly. On the other hand, 100% wool felt is expensive. A wool blend, especially the stuff I get from BenzieDesign, comes in beautiful colors, is soft and holds up well–and it’s good price!
Embroidery Thread in matching (or contrasting) colors—Often times my patterns call for a wide variety of colors of felt and thread. I use DMC thread, which can be found at any craft store (even Walmart). If you like to work with felt, start collecting thread. I still have thread I used as a girl for 4-H projects!
Clear Tape–This is used in the cutting process.
Sharp Scissors
Fabri-Tac, or another permanent fabric glue–used in several of my patterns and always an option if you’d prefer not to hand stitch.

–Cutting–

As a first step, cut your printed templates out. The best way (in my opinion) to get an accurate cut while working with felt is to tape the pattern directly to the felt you are cutting. After you have cut out the paper template cut a piece of felt that is slightly larger than the template. Using clear tape, tape the template directly onto the felt and cut around it with sharp scissors. Using this method you can even cut out very detailed shapes like working. Just use lots of tape, make sure your scissors are quite sharp and take your time!

–Lay It Out–

Once all of your pieces are cut it is important to visualize how the whole project will come together–especially if several of the felt pieces are overlapping. So, before you begin to stitch, lay out all of the pieces you just cut. You will be working from the bottom up, so remove the top pieces and begin but stitching down the bottom pieces first.

–Stitching–

I generally call for just a few very basic stitches in my patterns.

1. Running Stitch

More often than not my patterns call for the top felt pieces to be sewn down (or appliqued) with a basic running stitch. Now, there is nothing more basic in the world of stitching than a running stitch! A running stitch is straight stitch that is as long as the space between each stitch. I like to save time by stitching as I have pictured above. This way my hand never has to go to the back of the fabric.

2. Blanket Stitch

I love the blanket stitch so often my patterns require a blanket stitch around the outside of the project. Blanket stitch is also very simple, but requires a little getting used to. I did a whole post and video on this stitch. Check it out HERE.

Annndd, if you are in a time crunch you can just glue down the felt pieces as opposed to stitching them down. Maybe I’m biased (I am definitely biased) but I feel like stitching is better, especially if you are making a special keepsake for someone you love.

As I said there are often a few more steps after these in my patterns–steps that allow you to transform your project into an ornament/doll/book/etc. You will have to refer to the specific pattern for those details.

But, really, ANYONE can accomplish these patterns! The thing you might need the most of is time. My patterns do require time, but don’t all good things in life take a little time?

On this same note, Monday I will be launch a big pattern–something I am so excited about…and here is a sneak peak!

My Pretty ABC’s is a felt alphabet book pattern for the pretty little girl in your life. My pretty little Bernadette loves her book–and I can’t wait to share the pattern with you! Now that you see just how easy following a felt pattern can be, I hope you consider buying this pattern and making it for the special little girl in your life!

Thanks–and check back on Monday for the big pattern launch!

Stuffed Felt Owls

by Nancy Bandzuch · 5 Comments

These Stuffed Felt Owls I made for Valentine’s day are still deeply loved by my little girl–and why not? They are adorable wonderful to hug and colorful. I thought about waiting to post the tutorial for these Stuffed Felt Owls until next year, but I decided against it because, really, if one thing isn’t season, it’s love.

And also owls. I love owls deeply, no matter the season.

And felt. We all know everyday is a felt holiday in my world.

These Stuffed Felt Owls are just too cute not to share. Enjoy!

All in all, these Stuffed Felt Owls are very simple to make, and require very little in terms of supplies. Even a beginning stitcher can easily accomplish this project over the course of a nap time. I created a template for you (see below), so really, you have no excuse! Let’s get crafting!

For full sized template PDF, CLICK HERE.

Supplies:

TEMPLATE. Here is your FREE template. Simply click the link and print out the PDF on regular computer paper.
Felt–Use whatever colors you like, but I would suggest using at least 4 colors, one of which is orange for the feet and beak.
Clear Tape
Embroidery Thread
Polyfil
Safety Eyes (optional)
Sharp Scissors

As a first step, cut out the pieces needed for your Valentine’s Stuffed Owl. Since I wanted all of the pieces on the template to be to-scale, the tummy piece and the face are on top of the body piece. So, cut out your 2 body pieces first and then cut into the body pattern and cut out the tummy and face shapes after that.

Because you are working with felt and cutting out small specific shapes, the best way to get a clean cut is to use clear tape instead of straight pins while cutting out your pattern. Simply cut out the shape from the pattern sheet and then tape it directly to the felt you intend to use. Cut through the tape as you go.

Lay out the pieces after you’ve cut them out.

Next, it’s time to get stitching! PS–you could glue on the face, tummy, wings, eyes, ears, beak and feet with hot glue, but I find that when I glue things on my kids have a tendency to pick and pull the pieces off. However, when I stitch they don’t. So, it worth the time spent, for me, to stitch instead of glue.

Stitch on the face and tummy pieces first, using a running stitch.

Next, stitch on the wings and ears, also using a running stitch. Finally add the feet, beak and eyes. Note here, I used small black circles of felt for my eyes. However, I WISH I had used these black safety eyes. They are safe for kids and look great when the animal is stuffed. Next time.

As a final step, stitch the heart onto the tummy.

Now that the front of the Valentine’s stuffed owl is done, its time to turn this thing into a stuffed animal!

To do that, place the two body pieces together and blanket stitch around the outside.

Blanket stitch is probably the stitch I have the most questions about. It a great stitch that is pretty easy and if you plan on making any more stuffed animals or plushies it’s pretty important to master. So, if you need a few more details on how to blanket stitch, check out THIS TUTORIAL. I hope it is helpful, and if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

So, blanket stitch around the outside, but leave an opening at the bottom.

Fill the bird with polyfil, making sure to get up into the little ears. Get the owl pretty full, but not so so full that the sides you already stitched start to pull apart. Then, blanket stitch the owl shut.

And, done! You and your loved ones are ready to share some Valentines cuteness.

I made an owl for both my son and my daughter…however…somebody claimed 2. Oh well. I am just tickled that she loves them so much. THAT makes my Valentine’s day!

All the best, and may you have a Lovely Valentine’s Day!

4 Free Owl Pouch Templates–PDF Instant Download

by Nancy Bandzuch · 21 Comments

Hello friends!

This weekend I spent sometime converting 4 of my favorite projects–4 owl pouches and their templates–into one handy, beautiful PDF, ready to be downloaded, printed and crafted with. And, I’m excited to be offering this FREE to anyone and everyone interested in subscribing to my newsletter–a place where I will be sharing more free patterns, coupon codes and absolutely ZERO pointless emails. I promise.

Once you have completed signing up you will get an email directing you to this free PDF. If you have an issue, please let me know!

Here’s why I decided to start a newsletter–

See, I love you–you know that, don’t you? But, sometimes I don’t feel very connected to you. It’s hard to reach you on Facebook, I’m not good at commenting well, anywhere, and pinterest is pretty, but it’s hard to get to know you or anyone over there.

There are times I want to send people like you, people that love felt and stitching and crafting and kids, gifts, but I have a hard time getting them to you. I don’t have a straight line of communication with you.

I want you to have free patterns and special coupon codes for my etsy shoppe. People that come to this little blog often and actually stitch along with me, well I want to say thank you and stay connected with you. And the best way to do that is through a newsletter.

It took me a long time to get to the point where I actually wanted to create and send and maintain a newsletter. A really long time. But then it occurred to me, a newsletter can be so much more than just a recap of what I’ve been posting about on the blog–in fact it can be something totally different.

A newsletter can be a gift I send directly to people I know will appreciate it.

And so, because I love giving gifts–and I love even more giving gifts to people I know will love what I’m giving, I really hope you will think about signing up for this newsletter.

I promise never to spam you.

I promise to send ZERO pointless emails.

I promise to spoil you rotten with freebies, coupon codes and love.

I promise to never forget what an honor it is to have a direct line of communication with you.

Thanks for being here–and thanks for all of your support every step of the way!

Felt Doll Dress-Up Pattern

by Nancy Bandzuch · Leave a Comment

I’ve been digging around in my felt bin again–and working on another simple pattern that is ready to share with you. This time it’s a FELT DOLL DRESS UP PATTERN. And, I gotta let you know, I made this for my niece but I have had a blast playing with it. I just can’t stop! How would that outfit look with a new hairdo? Add a flower to the hair? Maybe the purple shoes instead of the green? What if I added a necklace? Dress that dress down with boots?

It’s more fun to dress up this little felt doll that it should be! I dare you not to have fun.

This FELT DOLL DRESS UP PATTERN will allow you to make a fun, wonderful (and cheap) gift for the special little girl in your life. Head over to my etsy shoppe and grab the pattern (I have it listed for just $1), then stop by the craft store and pick up some felt–and you are in business–the business of crafting!

Just check out all the fun combinations my daughter and I came up with! She’s funky and spunky and classy and sassy, casual and dressed to impress. And, she’s a mermaid too! I think I could play with this all night long.

Like I said, I’m selling this pattern for only $1 over in my etsy shop. I really hate to charge for these cute little patterns, but it is the only way I can justify the loads of time I spend on them. And plus, it’s only $1!

This is an instant download, so as soon as your payment is fully processed the pattern will instantly start to download and you can get to work.

Thanks again for your support.

This pattern is yet another reason why I love felt–and as you can probably tell from poking around here, I really love felt.

All the best,