What I've been up to...

       Since my last post my family has moved...to South Dakota! Why? Would I ever move there?? Well...My Husband started working near the oil fields and me not willing to move to that area the west side of SD was my compromise...so what use to be a 15 hour drive for him to come home is now a 6 hour drive! He's able to come home almost every weekend which is awesome!! So far I don't mind this area at all..the winter has been mild and the temps fluctuate like crazy! 30's last week 60's this week! We live in the country just outside of a small town that is just outside of Rapid City-if you've never heard of this place It's where Mt. Rushmore is ;)

       With having a clingy and needy baby (he's 20 months old now but busy as they come!!) I took a break from crocheting and aside from photographing my nieces wedding this past summer I haven't pursued photography in our new town either. :(  but I have started crocheting again and it's been fun! I've even started a photo album on my Facebook page with ready made items for sell! I'm planning to continuously add to that album...check it out if you get a chance! Couture unraveled 
Here's a few pictures of things I've made! And with that I bid you adieu ;)
                                    

I love these slipper boots! They are THE best I've ever made! The pattern is easy to follow and...gulp...they actually stay on your feet!!!! Imagine that! Here's a linkto purchase the pattern...if you'd like me to make them for you shoot me an email coutureunraveled@yahoo.com.

God Bless!!

Crochet girl newborn pant and bonnet set~spring time baby!!!

I just noticed the other day that all the tulips planted here at our rental home are awakening!! 

I was shocked and it was that one thing that got me realizing spring really is here!!!! Yahoo!!! I love spring! Mostly because its the season right before summer which is my favorite season of all!!! It could also be because I'm due with a baby boy June 12th and with the arrival of spring, I'm getting really close to meeting this little guy!! ;)

So...since I was feeling spring-y I decided to make a newborn girl pant and bonnet set in cream and yellow....for me, yellow is like the ultimate spring color! So refreshing and clean and pretty!! ;)

The pants pattern I  purchased from DaddyMackHats on Etsy

She sells the pants pattern along with already made ones....they are super cute and the pattern is very easy to follow!! I would highly recommend purchasing this pattern!!

The bonnet pattern is from Crochetlatte and it is free!!! I love it! Pattern is super easy to follow and the finished bonnet is super adorable!! 

I hope everyone is having a great week and that spring is on its way wherever you are!! 

Victoria

~Couture Unraveled~

Newborn leg warmers pattern

I really enjoy making newborn props! I don't know why, but it tends to be what I'm drawn to in this big ol' world of crochet!

The most recent new born prop I've been drawn too are little leg warmers....so I made a pattern up to share with you!! 

I am hoping to get a picture if these cuties being used real shortly!! When I do, I will be sure and let you all see it!!! 

Ready for the pattern??? 

Well...here we go then!! 

Newborn leg warmers

Hook size "I"
Hook size "K"

Worsted weight yarn(medium thickness)

Make 2

*NOTE*
Before beginning chain...leave a bit longer tail to use for stitching leg warmer closed.

Using hook size "I"
Ch 22; turn

Row 1; sc in 2nd ch from hook; sc in each ch across (21 sc)
Ch 2; turn.

Row 2; *Sk 2 st, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc each in next stitch*
Repeat from * to * around when 3 stitches are left skip 2 st, 1 hdc in last stitch, ch 2; turn

Row 3; 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc each in top of dc from previous row and in each dc across. Hdc in last stitch. Ch 2; turn (6 shells across)

Repeat row 3 until piece measures 4 1/2" then go up 2 hook sizes. In my case I went up to a size "K" 6.50mm

Then continue repeating row 3 until piece measures 6"
(This will give the flare bottom)
Tie off. Weave in end.

Finish:
Using long tail from beginning, fold leg warmer together with right sides together and stitch the seam closed. Stop 3 rows before the bottom. Or at the point it begins to flare. Tie off, weave in ends. Turn right side out. Add ribbon bow! Or embellish however you like!!

Measurements open and laying flat are:
Thigh: 5 1/2
Mid: 5 1/2
Ankle: 6 1/4
Length: 6

Disclaimer:
This is a free pattern, please do not sell this pattern. You are free to sell your finished product. If you sell online please give my link to the pattern! Thank You!!
**At this time the pattern is untested, if you find any problems with this pattern please let me know so I can get it fixed-thank you!**
Victoria ~Couture Unraveled~

I found this diaper cover pattern online to make a set!! Can't wait to see this set on a tiny newborn!!

Thanks for stopping by! Leave a comment so I know you were here! ;)

Nottingham newsboy hat pattern

This right here is my 18 month old baby girl Charlotte AKA Charlee! I can't even explain how much joy this little spitfire brings our family!! She's a spoiled, sweet, not so sweet, girly girl of a princess!!

...and she knows it too! Lol!

Now! HERE (excuse the picture-i took it off my FB page) is the newsboy hat that I sell a ton of!! Super popular!! 

(I made this pattern up after I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for online...if this hat is similar or the same as a pattern that already exists I promise I did not know about it! Thank You!)

I have never ever written a pattern before...ever!! If you should have any difficulty following this pattern please PLEASE feel free to ask and I will try to help as best I can! I am also gonna include some pictures which should help...well...they always help me anyway! ;)

For the yarn I use Vanna's choice acrylic

Hook size "I"

**(When creating this hat for picture purposes, I used a little thicker yarn and added an extra row to make it size 0-3 months. If using Vanna's choice yarn and wanting same size go up to a size hook as well)**

Ok...here we go!

Start by:

Chain 2

Rd 1-DC 10 in ch 1 space

Join with sl st in 1st DC 

ch 2(counts as 1st DC now and throughout)

Rd 2(increase row)-DC in same stitch as ch 2, *2 DC in next stitch*

and in each stitch around; join with sl st to top of ch 2 (20 DC)

Rd 3(increase row) chain 2; 1 DC in same stitch; *1 DC in next; 2 DC in next* repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top o

f ch 2. (30 DC)

Rd4(increase row) chain 2; DC in same stitch as ch 2; *1 DC in next 2 stitches; 2 DC in next stitch* repeat from * to * around; join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. (40 DC)

Rd 5(increase row) chain 2; DC in same stitch as ch 2; *1 DC in next 3 stitches; 2 DC in next stitch* repeat from * to * around; join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. (50 DC)

This is what it should look like at this point.  Now we will work on lengthening the body...

Rd 6- skip 1st stitch; DC in next (I have posted pictures below to help); DC in skipped stitch creating an "X"; *skip 1 stitch just in front of 1st DC; 1 DC; 1 DC in previous skipped stitched*; repeat from * to * blank around; DC in remaining stitch; join to top of ch 2.

Rd 7-9 chain 2; 

repeat round 6

(4 total rows of "X" stitch)

Rd. 9- ch 2; HDC in 1st stitch and each stitch around. Join to top of ch 2.

Rd 10-  chain 2; HDC in back loop (refer to pictures below) around; join to top of ch 2.

Rd 11 repeat row 10 (for size 0-3 months add addt'l row here)

BRIM

Rd 1- 24 SC in back loops of  HDC's (pictures below)

Ch 1; turn

Rd 2- SC 7; 2 SC in next stitch; SC 8; 2 SC in next stitch; SC in remaining 7; ch 1; turn

Rd 3- skip 1st stitch; SC 7; 2 SC in next; SC 8; 2 SC in next; SC 7; leave last stitch un-worked; ch 1 turn.

(Repeat rd 3 one more time for size 0-3 months)

To Finishing

Sc. In same stitch and evenly down side of brim. Sc LOOSELY in back loops (like previous hdc rows) around to other side of brim. Crochet evenly up side of brim and across brim. Join with a sl st to 1st sc. Tie off, weave in ends.

Finished measurements newborn sz
Laying flat

6 inches across

5 inches top to bottom

Finished measurements sz 0-3 months 

6.5 inches across middle 

5.5 inches top to bottom

Finished hat!!!

The button I used is purchase from a shop called The Hickory Tree

The buttons are unique and made from trees off the shop owners property in Michigan!! I absolutely LOVE THEM!!!

***Please do not sell or copy this pattern. You are free to sell what you make but please credit the pattern back to me! Thank you!!***
Victoria ~Couture Unraveled~

I'm Back!!!

Time flies when your having....fun?!

Ok...so maybe it's more like time flies when your having...life!

The baby pictured below is now 18 months old and in the beginning of summer she will be a big sister to a baby brother!! It was a shock....as we "planned" to be done after her...but...God had other plans...and everyday I get more excited to meet this little man!! It's been 6 years since I had a little boy!! Wow!!

So...there's that!

I have still been crocheting like a mad woman! Selling at a local boutique called Pipsqueaks

The owner is a a wonderful lady and I enjoy making stuff to sell there!!

I also sell to my SIL who owns TrenchBowl photo props  a very popular online photography section(among other vintage and such items)in her Traditions in Thyme store!! You can find her here and here!

I've decided I'm gonna try and put posts on this here blog of mine again! Maybe do some give aways here and there and post some of my favorite patterns I use! Free and purchased!!

Your welcome!! ;)
***************************

As soon as I figure out HOW to share photos on this blog from my phone!!! (the only Internet we have at this time) I will share some photos and patterns!!

I hope everyone has been good and I will be back soon!!! 

<3>

Welcome Baby

Please Welcome

Charlotte Rose

Born 8/22/2011

Yes she is almost 2 months old now...and I have been enjoying every minute of her!

;)

Picture taken by About Heart Photography

a local photographer, she does an AMAZING job!! ;)

Here's what I've been doing:

Aside from the fact that I am now a Mother of 6 (wow) I have still been crocheting, cooking, and well...not so much crafting. You see, right now we are living with my parents in their 800 square foot house, it's small, cramped, and a little hot, but it's better than our travel trailer! ;)

Tomorrow we are heading out on a trip to Rapid City, South Dakota!! YAY!

Going to meet some family there, have some fun in a motel, and the hubby thinks he wants to move their, so I guess we will be looking into that too...

So...that's what I've been up to...

Hopefully I will be able to get back to Blogging more than once every 4 months! HA!

p.s.

Here's what Charlotte looks like now

(as you can see, I am no photographer)

but I can make cute babies!LOL!

OMGosh Where has the time gone??

WOW! I haven't been on my blog in like FOREVER!!! Life has just been so busy...let me explain...

First my Husband lost his job in Feb., so we decided to move out of our rental in fear of not being able to make the rent...so we moved into our travel trailer....YIKES! 5 kids and a big ol' pregnant lady living in a TRAVEL TRAILER!! YA...it was NOT fun....so my parents "hired" my hubby and BIL to add a small edition onto the back of their 650 sq.ft. house...We have since "moved" into this small edition(which is a master bedroom with walk-in closet and a small bathroom) although it's by FAR better than living in the travel trailer, which might I add, I now have NO interest in going camping this summer...AT ALL! I still look EVERYDAY for a cheaper rental...(where we live the price of rentals is RIDICULOUS)

and......

My husband, after losing his job, has started his own business with our BIL doing all things construction...

no really...

they got a general contractors license!

It's been a lot tougher than we thought it would be getting it off the ground, and we haven't exactly been able to count on some of the people we thought we would be able to...but GOD is GOOD and FAITHFUL and has sent others in their place!!! I would like to request prayers at this time, for the success of my Husbands business and for our family, that we will be able to get our OWN place to live BEFORE BABY ARRIVES!!!(THANK YOU)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We found out... 

 IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

and here she is!!

LOVE technology these days!!!!

This ultrasound picture was taken at a high tech ultrasound Doctor appointment, the first ultrasound showed that my baby's umbilical cord was attached in the "wrong" spot on the placenta...known as Battledore Placenta...there are a few different scenarios that can happen...you will have to google it if you want to know the different "types" of Battledore, here is what we found with mine,

the umbilical cord is usually attached at the center of the placenta, it's the "meaty" part of the placenta and gives the baby the best nutrition, mine is attached more toward the outer edge, which is not as meaty. What does this mean?! It means that my baby may or may not get very big in the womb. As of right now, baby is exactly the size she is suppose to be for how far along I am!Yay!!!

So, as long as she keeps growing(and I keep growing, ugh) all is OK..I think!!! Praise The Lord!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

and now...

What's up with ~Couture Unraveled~?!

I have put my Etsy on "vacation" possibly for good!

I am wanting to do more pre-makes instead of custom made crochet because it's less stressful and more cost efficient for me!!I am also now selling in a local boutique store!!

 I still have my Facebook page and you can see any NEW items I have created lately from there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SO...THAT is what I have been up to in the last few months!!! I will try and check in a little more frequently! LOL!!!

SO how many of you have officially started SUMMER BREAK?!

We start next Friday and we also leave for my hometown of Watertown, South Dakota, for a mini vacation!!!! YAY!!! Super Excited about that!

What do YOU have planned for this summer?

any

Projects? Vacations? at home FUN?

Tell me about them...maybe it'll give others(or me)something to do or try!!

Have a Blessed Day!

~Couture Unraveled~ 



WINNER!!!

Sorry this is late!! I have been a little under the weather lately!! First pregnancy symptoms and NOW the nasty sickness my kids all had! Good Grief! I need to feel well again!!!

OK..done complaining...

The winner of the $25 CSN GC is..................

Shel

Congratulations to her!!!!!

(She has been notified and has 48hrs to reply or we will choose a new winner)

Thanks to ALL who entered!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!!

;)

CSN Giveaway

HERE IT IS!!!!!

(sorry I didn't get this up yesterday like I was suppose to...sick kids and Doctor visit kept me BUSY all day!)

CSN contacted me awhile back and asked if I would be interested in doing ANOTHER giveaway for a $25.00 GC from them...without hesitation I simply replied YES!!

I jump on the chance to give stuff away to my readers!!

So let's get started!!

First let me tell you a bit about this online store...

CSN is comprised of more than 200 different shopping sites under the overall csnstores.com umbrella.

You can purchase almost ANYTHING from Baby cribs and Bedding to a light fixture for your bathroom!!

With 5 kids you can bet my bar stools get a beating!!!! So I am needing to replace them every few years...I saw these modern bar stools on their site and LOVED them!!!!

This Bar stool looks AMAZING!!! I just LOVE the texture in the steel back!!!

Wouldn't this one be fun in your Kitchen!! I am REALLY loving the stainless steel!!

Now this one SCREAMS STYLE!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the intricate design in the backing!!

The camel colored seat is sure to match any color scheme!!

Want something a little more basic...here ya go!!

This simple bar stool is perfect for just about ANY kitchen!!

So now that you've seen some of the bar stools I am drooling dreaming about!!

Let's get to the giveaway!!

Go check out the modern bar stools and see which one you like the best!

Come back and tell me in a comment and THAT is how you will enter this giveaway for a

$25.00 CSN GC!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want MORE chances to win? Try doing some of these for extra entries!!

 {1 entry} Become a blog follower of ~Couture Unraveled~

{1 entry} Become a fan of ~Couture Unraveled~ on facebook

(type ~Couture Unraveled~ into the search box)

{3 entries(3 separate comments)} Blog, Facebook or Tweet about this giveaway

comment with the link.

PLEASE LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENTS!

Since I was a bit late getting this party started...I will add an 8th day to this giveaway!!

Ends on February 16th @ 11:59 PM (pacific time)

GOOD LUCK!!!!

CSN Giveaway coming soon...

First off! Let me explain why my Blog has had literally NO ACTION for almost a month...

you see...I'm pregnant and I feel like doo doo! I have absolutely no drive to do anything and quite frankly...I'm lazy tired!

I'm 8 weeks and 3 days today...YUP I have FOREVER a LONG time to go!!

anyway...awhile ago I did a giveaway for CSN and they have contacted me AGAIN! YIPPEE!!

So, In 1 WEEK(Feb. 7th) I will be posting ANOTHER giveaway for a $25.00 online GC!!!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

SPREAD THE WORD and LINK your friends back here!!

SEE YOU IN A WEEK!!

FEBRUARY 1ST...SAVE THE DATE!!!

In the meantime....I am participating in the Handmade with Love event Feb.2nd-6th through 

Family and Life in Las Vegas  

and I just SO HAPPEN to be giving away a $30.00 GC!!

You better go check it all out and get in on all the action!!!

Victoria W.

~Couture Unraveled~

Sleepy Owl Hat

WOW!

Have I been busy!

Thanksgiving, 5 kids and 1 Mom getting sick (no fun at all), Christmas(fun), 5 kids home ALL DAY EVERYDAY(a little fun and no fun all at once!)

AHHHH

However...In all my sane quiet moments

I did manage to make a couple new items for a friend that was due to have a baby around Christmas time!

~Couture Unraveled~

Sleepy Owl Hat

~I have seen these Owl Hats all over everywhere Etsy. I FINALLY got a chance to sit down and make one...and this is how it turned out! I LOVE it...seriously!!

but no hat is complete without a pair of booties...so I made these..

and since her Baby was due right around Christmas time I also made her a "sparkly" pair for coming home in...

Both items are now available in my Etsy

BUT

If you would like to make this hat yourself....

here is the link that I found for the owl hat...

(i did change my hat up a bit from this pattern...but this is the basic pattern for it)

the bootie pattern was purchased from Mon Petit Violin)

on Etsy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SO...

I have a question...when you go onto Etsy to purchase something...would you prefer:

1.buy it pre-made in whatever color/size it comes in

(making it available for shipping right away)

2. have it custom made at time of order in color/size you need/want?

(having to wait longer for your purchase, but it is made to order)

{I am trying to see if I should start offering pre-made items in my Etsy}

right now it is ALL custom made to order!

Thanks!

Feedback would be much appreciated!!!

~Victoria W~

~Couture Unraveled~

New Life to Old Furniture

With 5 kiddos...

you better BELIEVE I am constantly needing to bring LIFE back into my OLD furniture! Sometimes however...I need a little help!

This guest post

By Caroline Smith

will give you some FABULOUS ideas and a great website to check out to do just that!

Money is tight this time of year...but you shouldn't have to sacrifice style in your home because of it...THIS is a great post you REALLY should to read!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Easy Tips to Bring New Life to Old Furniture

When old furniture begins to look so unattractive that the thought of having visitors causes hives, it is time for action. Although your budget may be strained, a lot of older furniture can be updated without massive expenditure on new items.

The first step in giving old furniture a new lease on life is to do a survey of your home to see what is still useable. It is often surprising what is stashed away in basements, attics, or garages that can be redone. Then, it may be a good idea to look for additional furnishings on free sites like FreeCycle or Craigslist, or to purchase pieces inexpensively at yard sales. The following are ideas which may prove to be inspiring:

INEXPENSIVE UPDATING

Sometimes simple changes can give a whole new look to home décor, and they stretch a dollar just about as far as it can go. For a noticeable difference in your home, try these projects:

• Take any bureau or vanity and remove the hardware; sand down the surface and paint. Use painters tape to mark off special areas and use two or three different colors for a more striking effect. If painting straight lines seems difficult, just dip a sponge into a complimentary color of paint and sponge on the second coat.

• Buy inexpensive fabric remnants to recover throw cushions.

• If the fabric on chairs or couches is old and frayed, the look can easily be modernized by using slipcovers rather than spending a small fortune on reupholstery. Modern slipcovers for sofas are so easy to put on and can be tossed into the washing machine whenever they need cleaning. If the cushions have low areas, fill them in with old towels before slipping the covers into place.

• Spray paint the bases of lamps for a completely new look, and watch for new lamp shades at thrift stores.


FURNITURE RECYCLING


You do not have to send an old piece of furniture to the landfill if you recycle it at home. Check out these ideas for reusing household items:


• Turn an old bookcase horizontally so that it lies on its side and attach castors to the bottom. Cover a piece of foam, measured to fit the top, with a colorful tablecloth or pretty sheet and attach to the top. This creates new bench seating and extra storage at once and is great in a child’s room for putting away toys.

• Make an old couch or chair look completely new by painting the wooden arms and legs.

• Use stencils to create whimsical artwork on cabinet doors.

• Turn over an old crate or wooden box and attach a cushion for a new foot stool.


Imagination is important when working on old furniture. Let yours run wild, and you will get some extremely exciting results and save yourself several dollars in the process.

By Caroline Smith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Caroline is always looking for imaginative ways to reuse old furniture and save money. On her website you can find a variety of slipcovers for loveseats that can be used to prolong the life of beat up old furniture.

Blessings!

Victoria W.

~Couture Unraveled~

Hostess with the mostest

I will be Hosting Thanksgiving again this year with my small family!

(my Dad,Mom,Sister her Husband and 2 kids)

I say small because it is...

compared to my Hubby's family of 12 kids!

I'm Serious!

Although my Mom came from a large 12 kid family and I LOVED getting together during the Holidays! A memory I am Thankful for!

I get so excited this time of year!

Thanksgiving is the start of the Holiday season!

I hope you ALL get to spend the Holidays surrounded by Loved ones!

and good food! ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a different note...I wanted to share with you all my

wreath

I have had the stuff to make my own wreath for quite awhile now...

well...

I FINALLY broke out the materials and MADE it...

WOOP! WOOP!

"jump around, jump around,jump up,jump up and get down"

(yes, that's a song!)

OK..Here it is....

OK! So it's not the "grandest" wreath...but it looks alright

Doesn't it?!

Doesn't IT?!

These darned rosettes used up ALL my hot glue sticks...and took me a LONG time to make!LOL!

but they sure look pretty!

;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

alright...

I gotta get BAKING now!

I'm the

HOSTESS with the MOSTEST!!

~~~~~~

Wishing EVERYONE a HaPPy Thanksgiving!

Who's going shopping this FRIDAY?!

CSN ~WINNER~

*WINNER*

I am SO excited to be able to announce the winner of the $35 CSN GC giveaway!!!

This is the 1st giveaway I have done!!

(besides my ~Couture Unraveled~ but that can't count!LOL)

I sure hope I can bring more Giveaways to you in the future!! If YOU have a product you'd like me to do a Giveaway for...Please click the PR Friendly tab above!! Thank You!!!

and now.......

The winner is........

comment number 162 picked by Random Generator at Random.org

~TDEAN30~
"I don't see anyone stealing your luggage with this one - Britto Collection By Heys USA Britto 30" Butterfly Spinner Case http://www.luggage.com/B700-30-BUTTERFLY-BBH1008.html"

CONGRATULATIONS
TDEAN30!!

An Email has been sent out!! You have 24hrs. to claim your wins!!

Thank YOU to all who entered and to all my *NEW* friends!!!

Have a great Friday!!

Turkey meatballs and gravy

I LOVE me a good Turkey Dinner...and I LOVE me some meatballs!!

So anytime you can make a meatball that tastes like a Turkey dinner in a ball

I'm game!

~~~~~~~~~

Here's how it all began...

Once upon a time.... 

Just Kidding!

Seriously now...

My sister was on the Weight Watchers plan and one of the meats that is low in fat and calories is ground Turkey...so she experimented and made Turkey meatballs in a muffin tin...

although they were still good...they were a little dry.

So I took what she did and changed it up a bit

(I'm not on the Weight Watchers plan...so this recipe is a little less...OK...ALOT less"healthy" than hers was!) To make it more healthy...omit the frying part and JUST bake them...also omit the cream gravy part!)

Ingredients:

2~1.25lb packages ground turkey

1 box stuffing mix (we use stove top)

4T. mayonnaise (I actually did like 2 heaping T.'s)

2 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients except stuffing mix into the bowl and mix it up a bit

(I used my hands and they FROZE! a spoon works OK too)

add the box of stuffing mix

(if you are halving this recipe...only use 1/2 the package or less) 

and dare to get dirty!! Your hands!

Dig in and mix it all together...Yes!

ewww...

how could something that looks THIS gross turn into something so YUMMY?!

LOL!

Put enough oil to cover the bottom of your skillet and turn the burner onto medium to medium high heat. 

 Let it warm up a bit before adding any meatballs.

OK...now start making your meatballs...the size is totally up to you...I made mine by putting a glob into the palm of my curved hand! A cookie scoop would probably work good too!!

Now add them to the heated oil

let them cook for about 5 min. or so...on the one side than flip them over and let them brown on the other side

they should look something like this.

Keep flipping until pretty much all the sides are browned. 

(they do not get cooked through at this point...we are just trying to brown them.)

Once you are done with the browning..put them into a baking dish *they don't have to be a single layer*

*IMPORTANT*

If you plan to make the gravy...do NOT scrape out the skillet...and just set it off to the side...mine had no "oil" left behind...if yours has quite a bit of oil left behind...go ahead and drain that...just don't scrape the pan all out or rinse it out..very bad...very very bad!hehe!

So...are you starting to drool yet?!

=P

I know I am!

OK....next

add water to the bottom of the baking dish...about 1 inch of water

*Don't skip this part...we will be using the water later...and it adds steam while baking so it helps prevent drying out!*

cover the pan with tinfoil and place it into a preheated oven set at 350*

this will bake for 45 min.- 1 hour! Depends on how soon you need want to eat!

Once the meatballs have cooked for the about 40 min. - 50 min. start the gravy....

I like to make a cream gravy for this...but If you by chance have some turkey gravy that you love....you can definitely use that and skip this part!

Grab the skillet you fried the meatballs in....you know...the one I told you to put aside and NOT scrape out!!

Yep...that one!

Put it back on the burner cuz we're gonna make a roux!!YAHOO!

add about 4 T. of butter or margarine into the skillet and add 1/4C. flour to it melt them together over a medium heat...I so forgot to take a pic of this...sorry!

It should be a semi thick paste.

Next add some milk...my rule of thumb is this...you just dump milk into the skillet till you have your desired amount of "gravy"

Cook the milk and the roux together over a medium high heat until it starts to boil.  At this point it will start to thicken. then turn the heat down to a medium heat.

add some salt and pepper and all the chicken bouillon cubes. Cook until bouillon cubes dissolve.

Now take out the meatballs and fold back one corner of the tinfoil and dump(or you can use a turkey baster)the juice into the gravy...THIS is most of your flavor! Uncover the meatballs turn your oven off and put your meatballs BACK into the oven...this gets rid of any "juice" left behind and keeps the meatballs warm while you finish up the gravy!

Now just mix it up! The rest is a matter of taste and add...

taste it...does it need anything?!

salt? pepper?

I have a couple gravy tricks to share with you:

1. if you "accidentally" over salt your gravy...add a little sugar...it counteracts the salt...

tried,tested & proven to be true! ;)

2. If you "accidentally" burn the gravy a little...add a teaspoon(at a time)of peanut butter until you no longer have the "burnt" taste!!

tried,tested & proven to be true

by yours truly!!LOL!

Now...serve yourself up a plate of Deliciousness....

Oh! MAN!!! YUM!!! YUM!!! YUM!!!!

and did I mention

YUM!!!!

I do hope you enjoy this meal! and if you EVER try it...PLEASE come back and tell me what you think of it!!

I will leave you all with a picture of My husbands plate:

(He made me do it!hehe)

First...I must tell you...the night I made these turkey balls...my Husband and my Dad were cooking up the pheasant my Husband hunted...My Mom and I are just.Not.That. Into pheasant...so WE ate the turkey balls...OK..here's the pic:

If anyone is interested in a Recipe post for the pheasant..let me know!

Have a wonderful "hump" day and rest of the week!!

Don't forget to Enter my Giveaway!!!

Blessings

Victoria W.

~Couture Unraveled~