tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65568976177615649062024-03-13T17:07:09.496-04:00Crafted ContextThis blog will take you through my crafting and creating adventures. Sewing, baking, scrapbooking, and crocheting, and whatever else I may feel inspired to try along the way!Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-75572782524010403912013-07-31T23:26:00.001-04:002013-07-31T23:26:49.391-04:00Sewing the Straight and Narrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7edlvvZFu9A/UfnTlKGLITI/AAAAAAAADFg/7hY4uAbopRA/s640/blogger-image-1195299422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7edlvvZFu9A/UfnTlKGLITI/AAAAAAAADFg/7hY4uAbopRA/s640/blogger-image-1195299422.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre and Post- sewing solutions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Full disclosure here: I am by no means an excellent seamstress. Yeah, I've done some really nice projects, like footie pajamas and aprons but most of the time I start guessing the correct way to do things and I'm sure I end up breaking several unspoken sewing commandments.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I always tell my fiancé that sewing is like driving- just press the pedal and steer straight. Well, to tell the truth if a sewing machine were a car I'd be pulled over doing field sobriety tests just pulling out of the driveway.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thats right- I don't sew a straight line all that well And most of the time, you wouldn't notice. I barely even noticed myself. Usually I'm sewing <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-footie-pajamas.html">pajamas</a> or other simple projects like <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2013/05/easy-diy-elmo-apron.html">aprons</a> for my nieces with wide seam allowances with nothing in the project that amplifies my impairedness. So when I chose to make an optical illusion quilt (from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Op-Art-Quilt-Illusions-Fabulous-Illusions/dp/0945169183/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375323969&sr=1-6&keywords=optical+illusion+quilt">this book</a>), I learned just how drunken I seemed at the helm of my machine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The quilt I chose requires sewing several long strips together, then cutting those blocks into strips and sewing them together another way. Some of these strips are nice and wide and quite forgiving to small errors. However, some of the strips are as small as 3/4". With 1/4" seams on both sides. Even taking too big of a breath while sewing can show on these areas of the blocks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The book has really good descriptions on how to cut very straight strips (another thing I didn't realize I did unsuccessfully). It's a little tedious, but certainly plays into getting straight seams.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For sewing a straight seam, the author suggests using mole tape to guide your seams, placing it 1/4 inch from the seam. However, I didn't want to go looking for mole tape (although it's probably easy to find at a pharmacy). I was also afraid of it making my machine sticky or marking it, as well as the inconvenience of removing it and putting it on again if I changed projects (looks like I finally accepted the fact that my projects take me uh, just a little longer than planned, and maybe other things would get thrown in there in the meantime).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EfF-UQ-5dxM/UfnTj4tvNcI/AAAAAAAADFY/RrAvLPOR58o/s640/blogger-image--1234657587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EfF-UQ-5dxM/UfnTj4tvNcI/AAAAAAAADFY/RrAvLPOR58o/s640/blogger-image--1234657587.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle moved over- you can see it doesn't line up with the red center mark anymore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My fiancé's mom suggested I use masking tape at the 1/4 inch mark, since it wouldn't mark my machine and I wouldn't need to remove it. I tried this, but still didn't seem to get a very straight seam, since I couldn't really see the edge of the tape all the time.<br />
<br />
Another suggestion from my fiancé's mom was to move the needle. Sure enough, with a piece of graph paper I was able to determine that I needed to move my needle over 2.5 to the right to get a 1/4 inch seam along the edge of the plate. For a little extra speed, I use my finger to help guide the seams.<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll have a completed project before we need a blanket again...<br />
<br />
What tricks do you use to ensure straight, narrow seams?</div>
Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-69753290294322420592013-05-23T21:28:00.000-04:002013-05-23T21:30:56.117-04:00Easy DIY Elmo ApronMy niece loves Elmo. I try to make them aprons every year for Christmas (yes, this post has been in the queue for quite some time). I didn't like any of the licensed fabric (okay, so maybe I didn't like the <i>price</i> of the licensed fabric...) and wanted something really fun for her. So I decided to make my own Elmo template.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0jhvundxH_U/UZ7BBy5IKOI/AAAAAAAACYM/6Vp65OKHF18/s640/blogger-image--1255976793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0jhvundxH_U/UZ7BBy5IKOI/AAAAAAAACYM/6Vp65OKHF18/s640/blogger-image--1255976793.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from my sister-in-law</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You will need:<br />
Red apron<br />
Small pieces of orange, white, and black fabric (thanks to our school mascot for being a tiger, I had scraps of all of these)<br />
Some iron-on backing, whichever you prefer<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-08QpM-lqx0M/UZz-6SDoGCI/AAAAAAAACWc/KUv-j3Cv8lU/s640/blogger-image--1645826704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-08QpM-lqx0M/UZz-6SDoGCI/AAAAAAAACWc/KUv-j3Cv8lU/s640/blogger-image--1645826704.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
1. Start with a print out of Elmo- I did a Google image search for Elmo and used the search tools to find a line drawing of just his face. I copied the image to a publisher document and stretched it to fit an 8 1/2 x 11" piece of paper. It's okay if the sides of his face are cut off. You only need his eyes and mouth on one piece.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Cut out the pieces of Elmo's face. Fuse your backing to the pieces of black, white and orange fabric, ensuring you have enough space for each of the pieces on their appropriate color fabric. You really don't need much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i2pdI1by9Zk/UZz-9aommdI/AAAAAAAACWs/OwPMDUn-h-k/s640/blogger-image--1454587463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i2pdI1by9Zk/UZz-9aommdI/AAAAAAAACWs/OwPMDUn-h-k/s640/blogger-image--1454587463.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JDyZadOSb5o/UZz--Xy4KeI/AAAAAAAACW0/YCjGEMgKHi0/s640/blogger-image--1047115332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JDyZadOSb5o/UZz--Xy4KeI/AAAAAAAACW0/YCjGEMgKHi0/s640/blogger-image--1047115332.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">3. Trace the pieces onto the backing. Note: I did not flip the pieces when I did this- it didn't make a difference for Elmo, but might make a difference in other characters. Remember you are tracing to the BACK of your material, so if you decide to do letters or something else with this same technique you will need to flip your paper over before tracing (or if you're tech savvy, flip it on the computer before you print it).</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Line up your pieces. I used the white cutout to make sure the eye and nose pieces were centered.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aSlJPeuJX4g/UZz-_8KzjtI/AAAAAAAACW8/YrgnDNT3JLE/s640/blogger-image--2120113982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aSlJPeuJX4g/UZz-_8KzjtI/AAAAAAAACW8/YrgnDNT3JLE/s640/blogger-image--2120113982.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5. Iron on according to your fusing material's instructions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-XjZMot5A8/UZ0A9Z6hclI/AAAAAAAACXU/jk8XW1UbcCo/s1600/blogger-image-656303438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-XjZMot5A8/UZ0A9Z6hclI/AAAAAAAACXU/jk8XW1UbcCo/s320/blogger-image-656303438.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
That's it! I thought about stitching along the edges, but the fusing material held pretty well. Another option would be to use puffy paint to outline it, but I thought it looked just fine without any extra work. So easy and my niece was soooo excited about the apron!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-75472550414018623152012-09-17T21:44:00.001-04:002012-09-17T21:59:19.899-04:00Dreamy Red Velvet Ice CreamSo as my ice cream maker churns away it hits me that summer is nearly over and I realize that I've been hiding something - not intentionally by any means. I haven't shared my ice cream making with you!<br />
<br />
My apologies my friends. In order to make it up to you I promise you another ice cream post next weekend after our new creation that is in the works is unveiled. <br />
<br />
I can already sense the excitement and sleepless nights awaiting you like a young child the week before your first ever day of that magical thing called school. I promise it will be as exciting as That first day when you discovered all the cool people who wanted to be your friends. And feel nothing like that dread that followed later as they assigned homework for your most loathed subjects. <br />
<br />
So now that you're thoroughly excited and will be unproductive at work constantly checking to see if I reveal the secret early (sorry but I won't), let's move onto my closet ice cream making. <br />
<br />
Red velvet ice cream. <br />
<br />
Oh yes. I did. <br />
<br />
Red velvet ice cream has been <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/01/12-for-2012.html">on my mind </a>since January. I didn't want just to add chunks or crumbles of red velvet cake to an incredible vanilla base I wanted a richer, smoother, more delectable ice cream. (And, let's face it, I was too lazy to bake a red velvet cake and THEN make ice cream...although I know others wouldn't have complained about the extra dessert that would need to be eaten...)<br />
<br />
And boy did I find it. Rich, creamy, mind-blowing red velvet ice cream.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Red Velvet Ice Cream</span></h2>
(recipe taken from <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/Red-Velvet-Ice-Cream-Recipe-15225143">here</a>)<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
2 cups heavy cream<br />
6 egg yolks<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 cup buttermilk<br />
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1 tablespoon red food coloring<br />
1 teaspoon white vinegar<br />
1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Bring cream to a simmer in a medium saucepan. While the cream is heating, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Once the cream has reached a simmer, temper the eggs by pouring some of the hot cream into the egg yolks while whisking. Add this mixture into the pan, again while whisking (tempering the eggs as such will keep any of the egg from cooking too quickly and help to avoid producing clumps of egg).<br />
<br />
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, continuously stirring until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A77xmme0M24/UFfNin-j2qI/AAAAAAAAAhc/MX-88nLy2oQ/s640/blogger-image-267391620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A77xmme0M24/UFfNin-j2qI/AAAAAAAAAhc/MX-88nLy2oQ/s640/blogger-image-267391620.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You should be able to run your finger through the mixture and it leave a path on the spoon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Remove from heat. Stir in the buttermilk, cocoa powder, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract [after some reflection after making this I think the best way to do this would be to mix the cocoa powder with a small amount of buttermilk until smooth- if you add it directly to the pan you will end up with several clumps and will spend an unnecessary amount of time breaking up the cocoa powder clumps.]</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Pour mixture into a container and cover with plastic wrap (make sure the plastic is touching your custard to keep from forming a film on the top of the mixture). Chill for at least 4 hours (I chilled mine for about 24) before freezing. (A thoroughly chilled mixture will produce a smoother ice cream as the crystals will be finer). Freeze according to your ice cream maker's manufacturer's directions (it takes about 25-30 minutes in my Cuisinart 1.5 quart ice cream maker). Transfer to freezer safe container and allow to firm (if you can wait!).</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3C_Z_l6QPbk/UFfKiT530mI/AAAAAAAAAhE/qRmE-iy8dCw/s1600/DSC_0369%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3C_Z_l6QPbk/UFfKiT530mI/AAAAAAAAAhE/qRmE-iy8dCw/s320/DSC_0369%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavenly Red Velvet Ice Cream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I think next time I make this I would like to try adding cheesecake chunks...yum!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-34006562446296594452012-08-31T08:40:00.002-04:002012-08-31T08:40:59.331-04:00DIY Footie PajamasSo I finally finished another project off of my <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/01/12-for-2012.html">list</a>. My super secret belated Christmas/birthday (okay, now belated birthday gift too) was a pair of pajamas for a friend. (And, if you're anything like me and it takes forever to finish a project in the limited free time you have, you're already late if you want to make a pair of these for Christmas.)<br />
<br />
These new pajamas are not just <i>any</i> pajamas. These pajamas are a one-of-a-kind pair of footie pajamas.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y031gNc2EKo/UECrMIQtlyI/AAAAAAAAAe8/j8B-lhWrZ_Q/s640/blogger-image-1854046155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y031gNc2EKo/UECrMIQtlyI/AAAAAAAAAe8/j8B-lhWrZ_Q/s400/blogger-image-1854046155.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excitedly awaiting cool nights to wear these awesome jammies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For well over a year, I've known that my fiance's friend has wanted footie pajamas. So on <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/11/operation-bff-black-friday-deals.html">Black Friday</a>, I found some material (the puppy paw print made sense at 4 am) and found my patterns. There was no pattern for footie pajamas, but my mom discovered a one-piece pajama pattern, and my sister-in-law who is into costuming was buying a pattern for fabric shoes. Perfect combination.<br />
<br />
So I'll walk you through the process describing the alterations I made to the method.<br />
<br />
I began with McCall's pattern M6251 (jumpsuit) and Butterick pattern 5233 (footies).<br />
<br />
I cut out the pieces for Jumpsuit E from the M6251 pattern. I cut all the pieces as directed, but cut the neck binding (piece 13) from the same binding material as the sleeve bands (this was done from a personal preference to have this instead of using the same fabric). You do not need the leg band (piece 15) as you will be attaching the footies.<br />
<br />
For the footies, cut the pieces for footies E (you do not need the fringe piece- piece 11 or binding). On the back piece (piece 9), I did not cut the notch in the back, but rather cut straight up from the bottom piece since I would be sewing the whole thing together instead of having an open-backed tie shoe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khA923EvA7M/UECuc83AsPI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hoZoX48TkKs/s1600/DSC_0400%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khA923EvA7M/UECuc83AsPI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hoZoX48TkKs/s320/DSC_0400%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Follow the jumpsuit directions from 1-10. I skipped step 11 because I thought it looked nicer without the neck binding folded over since I used the rib binding. So I just tucked the edges in and tacked them to the collar to give it a finished look.<br />
<br />
Continue with steps 12-15.<br />
<br />
Move on to the footies. Follow steps 35-38.<br />
<br />
With right sides together, pull the footie over the outside of the leg, lining up the center of the top of the foot with the notch on the front of the leg. Sew this together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2vE1zBWtI4/UECuuoU-_dI/AAAAAAAAAfc/zHm5vxPx6jM/s1600/DSC_0403%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2vE1zBWtI4/UECuuoU-_dI/AAAAAAAAAfc/zHm5vxPx6jM/s320/DSC_0403%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pull the leg so that the whole thing is inside out. Sew the sole to the bottom, following steps 45-46.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uv1PkBLKSm0/UECuxBIOdpI/AAAAAAAAAfk/QlyaDPx2vUo/s1600/DSC_0404%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uv1PkBLKSm0/UECuxBIOdpI/AAAAAAAAAfk/QlyaDPx2vUo/s320/DSC_0404%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After I was finished I put my feet in to make sure they would work (I wasn't sure what shoe size he was but was convinced it was bigger than mine). I was a little nervous because the feet weren't really big on me, but the fabric had some stretch to it and it worked just fine.<br />
<br />
Other words of advice: be careful not to stretch your ribbing too much as it doesn't recover well and will be permanently stretched (another option would be to cut a little smaller to allow for some stretching).<br />
<br />
The only other thing I'd consider doing differently is putting something a little more slip resistant on the soles of the feet (my sister told me they make iron on stuff for this? Amazing idea!).<br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps the next pair should have a hood on them too. Or an old-fashioned flap in the hind end, just for giggles.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-1162448583703253072012-06-25T13:39:00.003-04:002012-06-25T13:41:46.101-04:00Baby BouquetA little while ago (okay I guess it's been a couple months now) we had a baby shower for a coworker. We had food and games (and <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/04/making-do-creating-onesie-cutout-cookie.html">adorable cookies</a>!) We wanted to give her something in addition to the awesome food and excellent company and fun games. Something simple and yet cute. Enter the baby bouquet. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Qc7NU6XaHU/T-TyRxxXziI/AAAAAAAAASs/j4Iu17c7A6s/s640/blogger-image--42733341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Qc7NU6XaHU/T-TyRxxXziI/AAAAAAAAASs/j4Iu17c7A6s/s320/blogger-image--42733341.jpg" width="320" /></a>To make a baby bouquet you will need:<br />
Baby washcloths (I also used some burp cloths but I liked the flowers made by the washcloths better)<br />
Tape<br />
Greenery (and Skewers- optional) (the skewers were really helpful with the heavy burp cloths. <span style="background-color: white;">I got this particular greenery from Dollar Tree and it eliminated the need for floral skewers for the wash cloths)</span><br />
Vase<br />
Tissue paper<br />
<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Fold baby washcloths
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7MqBH0G75k/T-TyQj8dSKI/AAAAAAAAASc/XphkV94Lch0/s640/blogger-image-1973688241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7MqBH0G75k/T-TyQj8dSKI/AAAAAAAAASc/XphkV94Lch0/s200/blogger-image-1973688241.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7NbJB5a2fc/T-TyRJQWdII/AAAAAAAAASk/vFc451KKGNE/s640/blogger-image--1881407359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7NbJB5a2fc/T-TyRJQWdII/AAAAAAAAASk/vFc451KKGNE/s200/blogger-image--1881407359.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These ones actually were folded pretty nicely to begin with. They ended up being folded in quarters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nv20WnBmHbU/T-TyTeiYNTI/AAAAAAAAATE/Mk-PdVYjLw8/s640/blogger-image-1598653675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nv20WnBmHbU/T-TyTeiYNTI/AAAAAAAAATE/Mk-PdVYjLw8/s640/blogger-image-1598653675.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do as I say not as I do: tuck in the tag before rolling...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
Place the skewer (or greenery if yours is able to act as a skewer as this one) at one end of the wash cloth. I moved the greenery down so it would be out of the way while I rolled the flower.<br />
<br />
<br />
Roll the washcloth slightly toward the lower edge to layer the rose. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aUgCxaGH2MM/T-TyOiGQyOI/AAAAAAAAASE/uVnbktx2Dzw/s640/blogger-image-1073607811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aUgCxaGH2MM/T-TyOiGQyOI/AAAAAAAAASE/uVnbktx2Dzw/s640/blogger-image-1073607811.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or begin rolling at the end with the tag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tape the end to hold the flower in place. Cover this tape with floral tape and push up the leaves closer to the flower.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0z5gMZMb7LY/T-TyP5nf6AI/AAAAAAAAASU/kDN1XtgCj0w/s640/blogger-image--1900354872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0z5gMZMb7LY/T-TyP5nf6AI/AAAAAAAAASU/kDN1XtgCj0w/s1600/blogger-image--1900354872.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uj8mIZzWmxU/T-TySevHhWI/AAAAAAAAAS0/USSbrPETTCE/s640/blogger-image--1233248314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uj8mIZzWmxU/T-TySevHhWI/AAAAAAAAAS0/USSbrPETTCE/s1600/blogger-image--1233248314.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Place the flowers in the vase (if your vase is plastic you may want to put something weighted in the bottom to keep it from being top heavy and tipping over). Add greenery to fill out the vase, particularly if using skewers.<br />
<br />
Add tissue and add a bow to the vase if desired. <br />
<br />
And now your mom-to-be has a lovely bouquet to remind her of all of the love and support in this new and exciting role she will have!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tdiAI5aaVl4/T-TyPbUCWpI/AAAAAAAAASM/gLhI37r771Y/s640/blogger-image-1087131477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tdiAI5aaVl4/T-TyPbUCWpI/AAAAAAAAASM/gLhI37r771Y/s640/blogger-image-1087131477.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-7832954781064053272012-04-23T22:17:00.000-04:002012-04-23T22:17:52.056-04:00Making do: Creating a Onesie Cutout CookieLast week I was making cookies for a baby shower at work. My go-to place for cookie cutters (a small bulk food store close to home) had a cute elephant and I found a neat sun-burst cutter that I decided I would use for a lion to fit the shower's jungle theme. But I really wanted a onesie cookie cutter. Being the procrastinator I am, I was shopping 2-3 days before I wanted to make the cookies. No time for online purchases and shipping (and the inevitable $20 I'd throw in the cart with it). So I got creative.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PC1_T_6QVIM/T5SfQOoiIlI/AAAAAAAAANY/u5FYdd_HvRo/s640/blogger-image-759916661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PC1_T_6QVIM/T5SfQOoiIlI/AAAAAAAAANY/u5FYdd_HvRo/s640/blogger-image-759916661.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Shower cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I began with a gingerbread woman cutout (I didn't think a gingerbread man cutout would do as it wouldn't give the little middle piece between te legs). However, I found that using a ghost cutter also worked with a little more hand shaping it actually was less rounded. <br />
<br />
To begin: roll your dough and cut out the pieces. You don't need to worry about making complete cookies as you'll be beheading them in addition to cutting off the hands and rounding them out to make the leg holes. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K65205t6Py8/T5SkUIpVgfI/AAAAAAAAAO0/gM1Ec5kSpCU/s640/blogger-image-881789947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K65205t6Py8/T5SkUIpVgfI/AAAAAAAAAO0/gM1Ec5kSpCU/s640/blogger-image-881789947.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of overlapping pieces to cut down on the amount of scraps to reroll.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Peel away the extra dough and move your cookies away from each other to keep from cutting the others. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q9xYm-1emr8/T5SfSFKrSeI/AAAAAAAAANg/rW0Me8XcgG4/s640/blogger-image--1270240171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q9xYm-1emr8/T5SfSFKrSeI/AAAAAAAAANg/rW0Me8XcgG4/s200/blogger-image--1270240171.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Create the collar by rounding the neck with a round cutter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E7sdPU818qU/T5SkWd2XtoI/AAAAAAAAAO8/TrG-Q7JG-oo/s640/blogger-image--180377536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E7sdPU818qU/T5SkWd2XtoI/AAAAAAAAAO8/TrG-Q7JG-oo/s200/blogger-image--180377536.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If necessary, shape to make the onesie cookie straighter. Then round the leg holes with a round cookie cutter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUmWY2hwx3Y/T5SkSK0qIPI/AAAAAAAAAOs/7UGE3J8y_yc/s640/blogger-image--1600609050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUmWY2hwx3Y/T5SkSK0qIPI/AAAAAAAAAOs/7UGE3J8y_yc/s200/blogger-image--1600609050.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut off the arms to make cap sleeves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bake. Decorate. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Yes, this is several somewhat tedious steps and produces lots of scraps, but for the procrastinator, it works. <br />
<br />
Some other things I noticed while working:<br />
Instead of a onesie make a dress! Less cutting. And still super cute. (and less messing up the leg holes). You might want to trim off the feet in addition to rounding the head and cutting the arms into sleeves. Have a straight-edged dress or make it riffled with a pastry wheel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cGiL4ETfDYs/T5SfS3Gp-2I/AAAAAAAAANo/oZnL28cmy2Y/s640/blogger-image-1237914070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cGiL4ETfDYs/T5SfS3Gp-2I/AAAAAAAAANo/oZnL28cmy2Y/s200/blogger-image-1237914070.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Use a fluted round for frilly neck lines and leg holes to make it a little more girly.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-79689201929156210172012-04-01T09:16:00.001-04:002012-04-01T09:17:20.567-04:00Hats off to you!: Knit HatSo my first knitting project is a hat. I looked around for a basic pattern just to let myself get comfortable knitting in the round and using double pointed needles.<br />
<br />
I began with <a href="http://maggiebpatterns.blogspot.com/2005/10/noro-ribbed-hat.html">this </a>pattern, but had no idea what size my double pointed needles were. After comparing them to some other needles, I determined they were probably around a 6. The pattern called for 4.5 mm (size 7), but I wasn't patient enough to wait until I could go get more needles, so I worked the pattern with a set of size 6 double pointed needles.<br />
<br />
The pattern is quite simple, beginning with a basic knit 2, purl 2.<br />
<br />
Once I got a few inches in, however, I realized that my hat looked like I got off somewhere.<br />
<br />
After some thinking, I discovered the problem. I would always quit at the end of a row. When knitting in the round, a pearl stitch looks like a basic garter stitch and a knit stitch looks like a pearl stitch on a basic project. So I put down my project and when I picked it up again, I looked at the stitches below, not where my flowing piece of yarn was telling me was the last stitch, and flipped the project. In the end it did give the hat a neat little edge. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0vqBH7DGF0I/T3hTDYbbnGI/AAAAAAAAANA/TCipnKU9UEg/s640/blogger-image--942002830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0vqBH7DGF0I/T3hTDYbbnGI/AAAAAAAAANA/TCipnKU9UEg/s640/blogger-image--942002830.jpg" /></a></div>
Another alteration I made to the pattern was I did the initial k2,p2 for 18 cm instead of the called for 22 cm. She flips up the brim in this pattern, but I felt it was long enough and was really excited to begin the decrease and finish my hat, so I figured it would be fine without it.<br />
<br />
All in all, the pattern was a nice pattern and turned out great.<br />
<br />
However, I love the look of a fine yarn with small stitches, so look for a more refined hat in the future!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The pattern:<br />
You will need:<br />
Size 6 double pointed needles<br />
Worsted weight yarn (this used less than half of a skein of your typical Red Heart).<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Cast on 100 stitches amongst three of your four needles. Join, being careful not to twist stiches, and place marker (scrap of contrast yarn or a safety pin is fine).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Rib in “knit 2, purl 2” for 22cm</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then: *knit 2, purl 2-together** Repeat to end of round.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next round: *knit 2, purl 1** Repeat to end of round</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next round: *knit 2-together, purl 1** Repeat to end of round</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next round: *knit 1, purl 1** Repeat to end of round</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next round: *knit 2-together** Repeat to end of round</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next round: knit</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next round: *knit 2-together** Repeat from until 1 stitch before end of round.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Knit 2-together (five times) – 8 stitches remaining</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut a tail of about 15cm of yarn. Thread it through 8 remaining stiches and draw tight. Stitch inside hat to secure. Sew in loose ends.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-20094432928259753332012-01-15T03:14:00.000-05:002012-09-17T21:53:19.163-04:0012 for 2012Like everyone else, I'm in the mood to set goals for 2012. (As much as I'd love to set a crafty goal to complete every week, that would require at least another three hours to the day, every day, all year.) So...I'm going to try to be realistic and set 12 goals for 2012.<br />
<br />
1. Make super secret belated Christmas/birthday gift for a friend. (Sorry, it's not even started and I think that on occasion they read this so I'm leaving you with a cliffhanger.) [Update: <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-footie-pajamas.html">project is finished!</a>]<br />
<br />
2. Finish the quilt for my boyfriend (meant for last August-so I'm really not one for getting things done in a reasonable time frame. Apparently this should be another goal to work on for 2012...)<br />
<br />
3. Make caramel corn. Accomplishing this task will be my greatest accomplishment in 2012, as I've ruined <i>every</i> batch of caramel I've tried to make.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Bacon and Cashew Caramel Corn" height="227" src="http://www.bonappetit.com/images/magazine/2010/09/mare_bacon_and_cashew_caramel_corn_h.jpg" width="320" />
</div>
<br />
4. Super secret Christmas gift for someone this coming year (yeah, sorry, on number 4 and two of them are secrets. Clearly I've hijacked this list and it's for me. You're just reading it to hold me accountable. Granted "super secret Christmas gift" could mean that if I don't finish it, I could tell you "oh hey look I glued this picture to this piece of paper. Isn't it sweet?" Don't worry, I've already shared the details with <a href="http://tallgirlonashortbudget.blogspot.com/">Tall Girl</a>. She will hold me accountable. And judge me for you if I don't follow through. She won't disappoint.)<br />
<br />
5. Shadow boxes featuring stuff from my great grandma's quilting trunk. (Amazingness and awe to follow)<br />
<br />
6. Get better at knitting to knit something way more exciting than wash rags and scarfs. Hat? Maybe socks? (errrr...let's not get too ambitious with socks.....maybe that will be 2013. or 2014.) [Finished <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/04/hat-off-to-you-knit-hat.html">hat</a>!]<br />
<br />
7. Make awesome folded fabric ornaments (notice most of my stuff pertains to Christmas...plenty of time to <strike>procrastinate</strike>...uh...prepare...)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="folded fabric star ornament" height="320" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/quilting/1/5/w/d/-/-/finished-star.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="308" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute, no?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
8. Make melted crayon art.<br />
<br />
9. Improve my calligraphy. Okay, fine, learn calligraphy. Right now I just write <strike>really</strike> kinda nice with a pen designed for calligraphy.<br />
<br />
10. Ice cream. Lots of ice cream. I'm thinking red velvet right now. But I also really need to satisfy my quest for the most perfect coconut ice cream recipe. Maybe this should be moved to number one. Coconut ice cream is <i>that amazing</i>. [Update: <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2012/09/dreamy-red-velvet-ice-cream.html">Red Velvet ice cream </a>is amazing!]<br />
<br />
11. Home decor project. What? I'm not sure yet. Hopefully I'll be able to move out this year and who knows what I'll need. I'm hoping to maybe find a piece of needed furniture at a garage sale and refinish it or something.<br />
<br />
12. Project with my nieces. There are so many options out there I just don't know which to choose. Another to be announced project then. (I can't divulge details lest their gaming parents and computer programmig father decide I'm a bad influence, urging them to be <i>too girly</i> or something) There may be several of these. I just can't help it that these girls are just so cute and fun!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzfxJ6wfMEo/TxKEiLL1xLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/DLLfKRRduFI/s1600/DSC07503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzfxJ6wfMEo/TxKEiLL1xLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/DLLfKRRduFI/s320/DSC07503.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from about a year ago, but she only got cuter. Hard to imagine, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And I knew once I really got started with this list I'd end up with a million other ideas so here are some other projects I'd like to do sometime:<br />
New jellies/jams<br />
Make a tshirt quilt from old high school shirtsVirginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-61142931240929220562011-12-10T00:51:00.001-05:002011-12-10T10:50:53.524-05:00Stumped Shopping? Things the Crafters on Your List Never Knew They NeededChristmas is rapidly approaching, and if your shopping is anything like mine, it's getting to be crunch time. Or perhaps you're just not sure of what to ask for- you have everything you need, right?<br />
<br />
Well, here are a couple ideas for the baker/crafter on your list. Or maybe some new items you just didn't know you needed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linden-Sweden-Bakers-Adjustable-Cooling/dp/B00076VGQ4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1323520849&sr=8-6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61swo%2Bh2pjL._AA1050_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Counter-Saving Cooling Rack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No matter how much counter space you have, you can always use more. My sister got these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linden-Sweden-Bakers-Adjustable-Cooling/dp/B00076VGQ4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1323520849&sr=8-6">cooling racks</a> for me last year for Christmas and I don't know what I would do without them! I have two, and sometimes even then I wish I had a third. Such a great space-saver, and folds flat for storage when not in use. Sometimes the bottom one is a little difficult to fold, but the effort is worth it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=210&catId=123&parentCatId=&xPrntItmId=2236" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="http://www.pamperedchef.com/images/product/resized/2225_product.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measure-All Cup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This measuring cup is <i>amazing.</i> Just push up to the amount you need, fill, and pop it out! Get every bit of that peanut butter, corn syrup, or shortening you were using without the hassle of scraping it out of the measuring cup. I like the Pampered Chef one ($10 for the two-cup, $6 for the smaller one-cup)- the Pampered Chef one is unique because it allows you to flip the cup over and use it as a liquid measuring cup and both imperial and metric units (with increments as small as 10 mL and 1 teaspoon).<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=dritz+quick+turn&gs_upl=24321l26847l0l27693l16l12l0l0l0l0l592l4717l2-2.4.5.1l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=685&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3830156684026068852&sa=X&ei=x1rjTtX9DY2I2gX4-KGsBA&ved=0CE4Q8wIwAw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick Turn Fabric Tube Turner" height="200" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/MdD_W33nbKUxpKLJQ7rK3CrR4aSCBC0gzYepQhlMopich7BFCbdJntw2VrGfedVn_iVF8TyGgLjwwQAWQCDxntWEgHBh92g5S_iikNaa55HGl7FWZWlMtrSDXqeg-f84YGOzA4b9F2u5zQ0DCswBc-ylcwgPgyBOp9BXXBI-mPe2" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric Tube Turner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-796-Quick-Turn/dp/B003LGZCZ8/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1323522741&sr=1-3">Dritz Quick Turn</a> turns the pain of making straps into a breeze. The first time I used these I couldn't believe how simple it was. I had been trying to turn a strap for an apron for my niece, and finally went searching for a tool to help me. For under $5 at JoAnn's (in our store, not shown online), it made me want to make more aprons. I know they say you can't buy love, but give this to the crafter on your list and you'll automatically become their favorite person ever.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6VZ-cl2XvQ/TijfzDSfzpI/AAAAAAAAACQ/VwoSEawhZDk/s320/DSC_0209%255B1%255D" width="320" /></div>
<div>
Stamps - you can get many <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/07/greetings-from-my-stamp-collection.html">stamps for $1</a> at JoAnn's, Pat Catan's, Michael's, and sometimes even the dollar store. They usually change with the seasons, so there's always something new and different in the dollar section. If you want to spend more you can get great sets of stamps. I prefer clear stamps, but still get excited over any stamps I get.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If they already have stamps, how about some cool ink pads? The glue ink pad with glitter to sprinkle on is on my list this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's on your wish list this year?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Blogger's note: </i>I was not asked to give reviews for any of these products, nor compensated for these reviews. They're just some of my favorite products that I wanted to share!</div>
</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-18954057732364077012011-12-01T22:47:00.001-05:002011-12-10T08:33:23.606-05:00Kids' Book Nook: Making a Pillow for a Bookcase BenchEarlier I talked about <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/11/growing-like-weed-diy-instructions-for.html">my niece's first birthday</a> and my need to provide somewhat practical gifts- something they won't outgrow quickly- as well as the need for it to be somewhat creative and very personalized.<br />
<br />
When my sister-in-law mentioned that they'd like a bookshelf for my niece's room, I began searching the internet for just the right one. I wanted to make it personal in some way. They had adorable princess bookshelves and really beautiful maple bookshelves. Then my creative/practical sides (a dichotomy that surfaces in me quite often) started to voice their opinions. <i>What if she hates the color pink? What will she think of this bookcase in five years? In ten? If I do anything to personalize this beautiful bookcase I may end up ruining it. She's a climber- is she going to try to climb to the top shelf?</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
And then it hit me (okay, maybe browsing at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/ClosetMaid-3-Cube-Bench-White/-/A-13217123">Target </a>helped)- what about a bookcase that's meant to be climbed on? I liked the one at Target, but I was also attracted to the other cube furniture there that could be used vertically or horizontally, thinking it would be nice to give her something that could be turned upright when she got older and inevitably acquired too much stuff (it happens to everyone, right?). I began looking for bench bookcases, and it looked like Bed Bath & Beyond had something reasonable, but reviews discussed it needing no tools for assembly, and I became concerned about how sturdy something held together by some two-way tape and a few wooden pegs could be. I wanted to buy a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Closetmaid-Stackable-3-Cube-Organizer-White/-/A-13568559">longer one</a>, but Target only had <a href="http://www.target.com/p/ClosetMaid-Cubeicals-2-Cube-Organizer-White/-/A-12193722">these </a>in stock, so I bought two (and assembled them myself!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-re4a8UJnYHQ/TtoUAICHy-I/AAAAAAAAAL0/W0pssablVx0/s1600/DSC06226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-re4a8UJnYHQ/TtoUAICHy-I/AAAAAAAAAL0/W0pssablVx0/s320/DSC06226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then I set off to make the cushion. (I made two) (More split back pillow and standard pillow case ideas <a href="http://tallgirlonashortbudget.blogspot.com/2011/10/perfect-pillowcases.html">here</a>)<br />
<br />
For two ~11 x 23 cushions I used:<br />
1 yard patterned fabric<br />
1/2 yard muslin (I bought the very wide, high quality muslin)<br />
2/3 yard batting<br />
<br />
Cut the fabric<br />
For each pillow<br />
Cut two pieces of the muslin 1 1/2 inches longer each way than you want the pillow to be (for mine that was 12 1/2 x 24 1/2 inches)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KgLhl4F5aLA/TtoNr_BUTPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gjDeAPmX25g/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KgLhl4F5aLA/TtoNr_BUTPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gjDeAPmX25g/s200/DSC_0434.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cut one piece of the patterned fabric (the front) 1 inch longer than you want the pillow to be (12 x 24 inches)<br />
Cut the back pieces of the pillow- each side will need a half inch seam allowance to hem the seam. You will also want another inch or two to overlap, so my pieces ended up being 12 x 13 and 12 x 14.<br />
Cut two pieces of the batting to the size you want the pillow to be (11 x 23)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UPGgEYpiPM/TtoN_RXzFDI/AAAAAAAAAKU/hO0Sv2bN1D4/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UPGgEYpiPM/TtoN_RXzFDI/AAAAAAAAAKU/hO0Sv2bN1D4/s200/DSC_0436.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You can cut these on your rotary board if you hold the ruler down tight to the board.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sew<br />
Fold under and press 3/8 of an inch on one of the shorter sides on each piece of muslin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnNMCpRLAJw/TtoOUgSjkTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/diBKndkvrqI/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnNMCpRLAJw/TtoOUgSjkTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/diBKndkvrqI/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With the folds on the outside (your pillow inside out), pin and sew the three remaining sides together with 1/2 inch seam allowance. Trim the corners and turn the pillow casing right side in. Put in both thicknesses of batting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42bMGiEgYkQ/TtoOozB7C3I/AAAAAAAAAK0/43Thz_EeDss/s1600/DSC_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42bMGiEgYkQ/TtoOozB7C3I/AAAAAAAAAK0/43Thz_EeDss/s320/DSC_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pin and sew the folded sides together with 1/8 inch seam allowance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gY-L6a4E0fs/TtoOytC4BxI/AAAAAAAAAK8/zsV4QPbeoEk/s1600/DSC_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gY-L6a4E0fs/TtoOytC4BxI/AAAAAAAAAK8/zsV4QPbeoEk/s320/DSC_0445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tack the pillow to keep the batting from sliding while in use. This can be done by machine or by hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1BEs6yBwoc/TtoPGP2hIKI/AAAAAAAAALM/3DIBv_jmBMc/s1600/DSC_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1BEs6yBwoc/TtoPGP2hIKI/AAAAAAAAALM/3DIBv_jmBMc/s320/DSC_0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I liked the tacking done by hand better because it wasn't as tight.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5JwVzD6eFM/TtoPOmCAYWI/AAAAAAAAALU/RQHtKTONOCw/s1600/DSC_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5JwVzD6eFM/TtoPOmCAYWI/AAAAAAAAALU/RQHtKTONOCw/s320/DSC_0452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back pillow- machine; front pillow- by hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For the pillowcase<br />
To make the finished edges of your overlapping pieces, fold under 1/4 inch on a shorter edge of each piece of fabric. Fold under again and press.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFGdMf7myBw/TtoOMdZfnEI/AAAAAAAAAKc/iH51uoNvnTs/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFGdMf7myBw/TtoOMdZfnEI/AAAAAAAAAKc/iH51uoNvnTs/s320/DSC_0438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sew along the inner edge of this hem, about a 1/4 inch seam.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MW--o2ovpI/TtoSnfJ288I/AAAAAAAAALc/VMiYOFlGbyg/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MW--o2ovpI/TtoSnfJ288I/AAAAAAAAALc/VMiYOFlGbyg/s320/DSC_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pin these pieces to the front piece, right sides together and overlapping the back pieces. Sew all four edges with 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim the corners and turn right side out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpTMcwupHxQ/TtoTEe8yCnI/AAAAAAAAALk/AMcRjQU7mIA/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpTMcwupHxQ/TtoTEe8yCnI/AAAAAAAAALk/AMcRjQU7mIA/s320/DSC_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Put the pillow in the pillow case and place on bookcase. Tada! A bench!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yYr8NE3lqg/TtoVZbAyGtI/AAAAAAAAAL8/fnsLplqWlWU/s1600/11+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yYr8NE3lqg/TtoVZbAyGtI/AAAAAAAAAL8/fnsLplqWlWU/s400/11+-+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And she finally climbed up on it earlier this week.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-66940794413865815662011-11-26T00:42:00.001-05:002011-11-26T01:29:55.680-05:00Operation BFF: Black Friday Deals!So earlier I posted about our Black Friday traditions, and I'm proud to announce that Operation Black Friday Fabric was once again a success.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7-fAafvl08/TtCBrZhASUI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/hXcT0N40LSY/s1600/black+friday-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7-fAafvl08/TtCBrZhASUI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/hXcT0N40LSY/s320/black+friday-4.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our caravan. Yup, all shopping carts in this shot are ours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This year we added two people to our team, making five able-bodied people to maneuver carts (or baby-sit them), coordinate fabric, and apparently entertain the JoAnn staff.<br />
<br />
We got in line a little after five, chatting with other crafters about the Cricut and sipping hot chocolate. The line seemed longer, which my seasoned Black Friday Shopping sister (who had been shopping since 10 pm the night before) attributed to the earlier openings of other stores. With so many people and pretty much no major deals in scrapbooking, baking, or painting, we were clearly doomed.<br />
<br />
Once the doors opened at six, we snagged carts and went about grabbing fabric. Within minutes we had a Christmas tree, several bolts of fabric, and scored cutting number 73. As we waited for our number to be called, we continued browsing fabric and making alterations to our selections. Then the cutting process began....for all five of our carts full of flannel and fleece. (By the time they were done cutting our order, they were on cutting number 91!)<br />
<br />
303 yards of flannel and fleece, 30 yards of batting, 10 patterns, a few thousand yards of thread, and numerous buttons later, we carefully navigated through the store before we decided that attempting to shop for anything else at the time was futile. So we decided to check out what we had to avoid creating an avalanche in the middle of JoAnn's.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LMvpIfvem8/TtCBqlG4L1I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/V-FtPICH5fk/s1600/black+friday-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LMvpIfvem8/TtCBqlG4L1I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/V-FtPICH5fk/s320/black+friday-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our legendary special ops team. And order. Mission accomplished.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When we reached the register we found out that we had become the talk of JoAnn's as the one cashier excitedly claimed the opportunity to ring up our order. Our 333 yards of fabric/batting, patterns, thread, and other notions that jumped into our cart, er, carts ended up saving us more than $2,200 (costing us under 30% of the retail value) with the sales and the 25% off coupon (not applicable on the flannel because it was a Friday doorbuster, but applied to the fleece).<br />
<br />
This was probably the largest amount of fabric we've ever gotten on Black Friday, and amazingly enough, it was the fastest we've ever gotten out of there too. In two hours we went from the pathetic people standing outside to the proud owners of flannel, fleece, batting, and a Christmas tree.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu9OD0isqJ8/TtCBpDXCuvI/AAAAAAAAAJk/FNjTSKaXvr0/s1600/black+friday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu9OD0isqJ8/TtCBpDXCuvI/AAAAAAAAAJk/FNjTSKaXvr0/s1600/black+friday-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Operation BFF is a success.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And if you're jealous of our deals, the fleece is still $2.99/yard through Sunday, and if you got the mailer or massive stack of ads in the Thanksgiving paper, there is a coupon for 25% off your total purchase for Saturday morning, making the fleece $2.25/yard. How can you pass that up?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What was your big Black Friday deal?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-6271098839637545562011-11-24T02:33:00.001-05:002011-11-24T03:46:13.388-05:00Growing Like a Weed: DIY Instructions for a Growth ChartBuying things for babies always proves difficult for me. I have a need to be somewhat practical, but also a desire to give something creative and meaningful. What do you buy them when they already have everything they need? Do they really need another toy that they'll outgrow in six months? What does another outfit really do for them? But I don't want to give overly practical gifts like savings bonds (although I'm sure would be much appreciated about fifteen years down the line).<br />
<br />
When these children are my nieces, all of these needs are heightened. I want to give something cool, but nothing that just anyone would give them.<br />
<br />
Then, scrolling through a friend's facebook I found my solution: a growth chart. It was simple, inexpensive, and something that is meaningful.<br />
<br />
To make your own growth chart you will need:<br />
6" x 6' board - I used pine (did you know that a 6" board is actually 5 1/2"?)<br />
Sand paper<br />
Spray paint<br />
Ruler, yardstick, or tape measure<br />
Acrylic paint<br />
Paint brushes<br />
<br />
For lettering and numbers:<br />
Printed text and tracing paper (or a stencil)<br />
<br />
First sand the board. Next, spray paint it- first adding a sparse coat to help the paint stick to the board. Then spray an even coat over the board.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYqqORad5Nk/Ts3-U3DvG8I/AAAAAAAAAIU/nMRsg8jD0Xo/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYqqORad5Nk/Ts3-U3DvG8I/AAAAAAAAAIU/nMRsg8jD0Xo/s200/DSC_0283.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R94rlVaXDDU/Ts3-kFvFIVI/AAAAAAAAAIc/rPCPL5N95cg/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R94rlVaXDDU/Ts3-kFvFIVI/AAAAAAAAAIc/rPCPL5N95cg/s200/DSC_0289.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A light, sparse coat will help the paint stick the the board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once the board dries, use a tape measure to mark the measurements. I marked both sides of the tape measure, then went back through making each line an inch long (the ruler I use to cut fabric with was great for this). Mark enough lines to start the measurements just under a foot (so that the number 1 will be on the board) and to finish just over six feet (or if you're using a 4 foot board you could start the board around a foot and a half and go to around five feet).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eNvB2NbNaA/Ts3_Z5mhcTI/AAAAAAAAAI0/zEVXPDvSN1A/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eNvB2NbNaA/Ts3_Z5mhcTI/AAAAAAAAAI0/zEVXPDvSN1A/s200/DSC_0306.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVVJbdpbgzI/Ts3_Mvl9YXI/AAAAAAAAAIs/vmvLULtNhuo/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVVJbdpbgzI/Ts3_Mvl9YXI/AAAAAAAAAIs/vmvLULtNhuo/s200/DSC_0297.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Print out the name and numbers, and trace them using graphite . (I liked this way better because I wasn't limited to the fonts and sizes at the craft store, but it was more time consuming and took a very steady hand when painting). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VvshmXDBPo/Ts4ADFFdEnI/AAAAAAAAAI8/RbxDGN1dqks/s1600/DSC_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VvshmXDBPo/Ts4ADFFdEnI/AAAAAAAAAI8/RbxDGN1dqks/s200/DSC_0420.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
Paint the lines, making the lines at each foot slightly longer than the other lines. Paint the numbers and name. Add a design if desired (I used a design based on a fabric I used for another project for her birthday- more to come on that project later).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlZb2A8wp6I/Ts4AfHgJUtI/AAAAAAAAAJU/N7Rsq1j9jzE/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlZb2A8wp6I/Ts4AfHgJUtI/AAAAAAAAAJU/N7Rsq1j9jzE/s200/DSC_0426.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0b8Bv-J_8cc/Ts4ALhUXRGI/AAAAAAAAAJE/mgEaaBVRuyk/s1600/DSC_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0b8Bv-J_8cc/Ts4ALhUXRGI/AAAAAAAAAJE/mgEaaBVRuyk/s200/DSC_0422.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vTpToWZVCE/Ts4AVI21OJI/AAAAAAAAAJM/MTC43tfHWJE/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vTpToWZVCE/Ts4AVI21OJI/AAAAAAAAAJM/MTC43tfHWJE/s200/DSC_0425.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Voila- growth chart! A great baby shower gift, first birthday present, or Christmas gift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwArqXda6pg/Ts4BFfdi_2I/AAAAAAAAAJc/DTpEr63mhV4/s1600/DSC06231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwArqXda6pg/Ts4BFfdi_2I/AAAAAAAAAJc/DTpEr63mhV4/s320/DSC06231.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-9375224356339893522011-11-19T04:06:00.001-05:002011-11-20T23:21:24.028-05:00'Tis the Season- for Bargains!Its the weekend before Thanksgiving, and while I'm trying to figure out when summer even ended, my family is gearing up for the holidays. The lit candy canes are already lining the driveway and my mother has begun ferreting away mysterious packages that have arrived. And we have begun to prepare for Black Friday.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My sister is a serious bargain hunter, which means Black Friday to her is better than Christmas or her birthday. At the beginning of November she begins scouting out sketchy copies of ads posted online. Once the ads show up with the paper, it's serious planning time. She makes lists of what she needs from each store, clips coupons and devises a schedule. For my sister I think it's more about the experience and the savings rather than having to get that perfect gift. For me, there isn't really anything that inspires me to wait in line all night, hoping the crowds won't get too crazy, or to hope that there is enough in the store.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until we started going to JoAnn's. How can you ignore <a href="http://www.2011blackfridayads.com/joann/#pagelinks">flannel at $1.50 per yard</a>? Black Friday at JoAnn's is unlike any other store the morning after Thanksgiving.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My sister and I started going to JoAnn's five years ago. Fearing long lines, we arrived two hours early. We ended up waiting in the car for an hour before anyone else arrived, and even then it was the employees. The line begins to form about an hour before the store starts, and we've made friends with other regulars who we've stood next to in line for the past few years, discussing what we're shopping for, swapping craft ideas and sharing knowledge. We go every year for flannel for my grandmother who makes baby blankets to donate. Another woman gets fabric to make Christmas gifts for her family. Someone is always there for the Cri-cut deal. The line remains orderly, and we help people scope out where trees, the Cri-cuts and other various deals are, and people calculate how many people ahead of them want the same item to determine their odds of getting the deals.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8f4JbSVOxQ/TskPt6Trh9I/AAAAAAAAAIM/U5KCbFadQRo/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2g4xb8VSMk/TsiZDtpdYeI/AAAAAAAAAIE/5FwLFsre3I8/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2g4xb8VSMk/TsiZDtpdYeI/AAAAAAAAAIE/5FwLFsre3I8/s200/DSC_0154.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8xjm8slzJg/TsiUiS2OHyI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qahMlvTFk6I/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8xjm8slzJg/TsiUiS2OHyI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qahMlvTFk6I/s200/DSC_0106.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once the doors open, everyone gathers buggies and begins shopping. I've never seen anyone snatch anything from another or snag something from someone's cart, rather they ask others if they could have the bolt once another got their piece of fabric cut.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, the line to cut fabric is long. And it is even longer as several people (like ourselves) have carts (yes, more than one) overflowing with bolts of fabric to get cut. The best solution is to shop with more than one person: one waits while others shop, bringing fabric to the cart and making decisions as you wait.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the end, buying about a hundred yards of flannel at JoAnn's does take us about four hours, but the savings of more than $5 per yard is more than worth it. And of course we always walk out with some other wonderful deals on fleece and scrapbooking supplies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've already started making our Black Friday list. Where do you shop and what are you planning on buying this year on Black Friday?</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-30874983402518000192011-11-10T22:36:00.001-05:002011-11-11T07:44:47.997-05:00A Sweet Thank You to our Veterans: Chocolate Camo CakeIt's easy to get caught up in our lives- in work, in social events, in the daily grind. It's so simple to forget about our history and the people who have served our country. Whether you agree with politicians or not, and whether you support the issues going on overseas in the present (or in the past), one thing that I think all people can agree with is that our country's soldiers face a great deal of danger. They bravely face these dangers doing what they feel they can to serve our country. Today is a day to honor these soldiers, those who have left their families and risked their lives serving our country.<br />
<br />
My grandfather served in World War II, and my father and uncle both served in Korea. Once a month my grandma makes dinner for a handful of veterans as a way to say thank you. These men have certainly faced a lot- from head injuries to emotional turmoil.<br />
<br />
This month I made them a cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVCGoNiFE9M/Tr0P8tHkTQI/AAAAAAAAAGE/tbtHNRV_0AM/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVCGoNiFE9M/Tr0P8tHkTQI/AAAAAAAAAGE/tbtHNRV_0AM/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love this chocolate camo and wanted to share the technique with you. It can be prepared ahead of time to make a simple, easy decoration on a cake. It also beats flowers and ruffle boarders for guys who hate frilly stuff (soldiers and hunters are prime examples).<br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
Black Chocolate Wafers (Merkens black chocolate tastes like Oreos. Not even kidding)<br />
Dark Chocolate Wafers<br />
Milk Chocolate Wafers<br />
Dark Green Chocolate Wafers<br />
White Chocolate Wafers<br />
Parchment Paper (needs to be slightly longer than the sides of the cake you want to cover or size pieces you want to have)<br />
<br />
The amount you need will vary depending on the size cake you're making, but using so many colors I needed maybe one third to one half cup of each color (my estimates are extremely generous) for a quarter sheet cake.<br />
<br />
Melt the chocolate. I used a nifty warming tray my mom had that becomes a buffet server. This particular warming tray had temperature control, allowing me to set it on low and put the chocolate in glass dishes in a water bath. (I have used a warming tray in the past without temperature control, but for whatever reason lately it has been burning the more delicate chocolates- white and colors.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHk2r-9yhB4/Tr0Q0WQ0AcI/AAAAAAAAAGM/-U12cdt7ASY/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHk2r-9yhB4/Tr0Q0WQ0AcI/AAAAAAAAAGM/-U12cdt7ASY/s320/DSC_0341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Chocolate burns easily so you want to melt your chocolate slow and low. Other options include microwaving in 15 second intervals. Dark and milk chocolate can be melted at half power. White and colored chocolate should be melted at 40% power. I've been told that putting chocolate in glass dishes in a water bath in an electric skillet set low also works.<br />
<br />
I melted black chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and green chocolate. I didn't like the original color of the green chocolate so I added a little bit of the dark chocolate to it to make it fit in the color scheme better. I also made light brown by adding some milk or dark chocolate to white chocolate and light green by adding some of my darker green to white. I don't have exact amounts, but add a couple pieces or a small spoonful of the colored chocolate at a time until you get a color that you like.<br />
<br />
Once your chocolate is melted, you will start doling it out onto the parchment paper. I made mine slightly longer than the sides of my cake just to make sure it fit nicely. I work from dark to light in my chocolate, to keep dark chocolate from showing through lighter chocolate as the new layers inevitably overlap the old.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj-4Fe8CMY4/Tr0Q-Y8obTI/AAAAAAAAAGU/_6gqi6uXPq4/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj-4Fe8CMY4/Tr0Q-Y8obTI/AAAAAAAAAGU/_6gqi6uXPq4/s320/DSC_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used another piece of parchment paper as a guide to make sure my line was straight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Make spaced out drops of black chocolate with a spoon. You don't need a lot of chocolate on the spoon. Spread it around a little in different shapes to resemble the random shapes in traditional camouflage. Once you finish with one color it should be somewhat set (unless you're some kind of crazy speed demon you don't need to wait any), it just needs to be set enough to not smear into the next color.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5F6bxqUsuHU/Tr0RIwJOE5I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Td4hznd0Ekc/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5F6bxqUsuHU/Tr0RIwJOE5I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Td4hznd0Ekc/s200/DSC_0344.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black chocolate. Remember that you have several other colors too add!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Add dark chocolate in the same manner, overlapping on some of the black pieces and adding some pieces not touching the black. Try to make it look random. Follow suit with dark green, milk, light green, and light brown chocolates.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTtRRMTCt1E/Tr0RerOMYSI/AAAAAAAAAGs/tTbAZWK1LAo/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTtRRMTCt1E/Tr0RerOMYSI/AAAAAAAAAGs/tTbAZWK1LAo/s200/DSC_0346.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding dark chocolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXcDrT0_OAY/Tr0R3s8GJeI/AAAAAAAAAG8/7NN8_yayjjM/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXcDrT0_OAY/Tr0R3s8GJeI/AAAAAAAAAG8/7NN8_yayjjM/s200/DSC_0348.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding dark green chocolate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTHvIyF4yL4/Tr0SBfRct2I/AAAAAAAAAHE/KC1P2XgbsT8/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTHvIyF4yL4/Tr0SBfRct2I/AAAAAAAAAHE/KC1P2XgbsT8/s200/DSC_0349.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few spaces left to fill in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XmfQcYTBlo/Tr0SNavvCsI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Qgvgi7IGjzM/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XmfQcYTBlo/Tr0SNavvCsI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Qgvgi7IGjzM/s320/DSC_0351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed Chocolate Sides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fill in any empty spaces. You'll know what color to use by what is already surrounding the empty spaces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Frost the cake, making the frosting a little heavier on the sides. This will make sure that all of the chocolate is attached to the cake, allow something for the somewhat bumpy chocolate pieces to sink into and help keep it from cracking. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wXdURRmPFI/Tr0SXEVZtwI/AAAAAAAAAHU/y-HUQneII-0/s1600/DSC_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wXdURRmPFI/Tr0SXEVZtwI/AAAAAAAAAHU/y-HUQneII-0/s320/DSC_0377.JPG" width="320" /></a>Next, determine exactly how long you need your pieces of chocolate to be. (I laid a piece of parchment paper next to the cake and marked it to determine an exact length, then was able to lay that same piece next to the chocolate.) I peeled the strips of chocolate off the paper first, then cut the pieces of chocolate to that length. To prevent cracking make sure the flat side of the chocolate is down and use a hot knife (if you still have your warming tray on just stick the blade against the surface for a few seconds to warm it).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUnhxt1Fzr0/Tr0Siiy9YxI/AAAAAAAAAHc/M90GlD09EyU/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUnhxt1Fzr0/Tr0Siiy9YxI/AAAAAAAAAHc/M90GlD09EyU/s320/DSC_0379.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Place the cut pieces flat side out on the sides of the cake, sinking the rough side into the frosting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xhy-cjLJ-k/Tr0WNLmqO1I/AAAAAAAAAHs/twT4lOOwWEg/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xhy-cjLJ-k/Tr0WNLmqO1I/AAAAAAAAAHs/twT4lOOwWEg/s320/DSC_0566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know it's a hunting cake, but this camo looks awesome on chocolate frosting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Voila! Simple, masculine, camouflage cake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you to all who have served.</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-67072404257993713232011-11-07T22:50:00.004-05:002011-11-07T22:51:41.096-05:00A Piece of Cake: Easy Pumpkin CakePumpkin has been on the menu a lot lately, and I realized I left you hanging telling you <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-flavors-fresh-pumpkin.html">how to roast pumpkin </a>without giving you a way to use it. I'm a fan of delicious, and when delicious is quick and easy, it's major bonus points. Both of the recipes I've been using for pumpkin cake are cake-mix-based, making them simple and quick.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Moist Pumpkin Cake</b></div>
<div>
This recipe is from a recent issue of the Kraft Food & Family magazine, originally intended for cupcakes but still makes a great cake. A spice cake is recommended, but for less spice, you could use a yellow or white cake mix and add a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 spice cake mix</div>
<div>
1 cup sour cream</div>
<div>
15 ounces <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-flavors-fresh-pumpkin.html">fresh pumpkin </a>(or one 15 ounce can of pumpkin)</div>
<div>
1/4 cup oil</div>
<div>
3 eggs</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the cake mix, sour cream, pumpkin, oil and eggs together. Bake 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Easy Pumpkin Cake</b></div>
<div>
This recipe also uses a cake mix and doesn't come out quite as moist, but is a little more stable if you're going to carve the cake.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Follow the directions for a yellow or white cake mix, using 1/3 to 1/2 cup less water than called for and adding 15 ounces <a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-flavors-fresh-pumpkin.html">fresh pumpkin</a> (or one 15 ounce can).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bake according to the directions, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOBez-3-Z58/TrimMdvesoI/AAAAAAAAAF8/kJDJBuur12w/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOBez-3-Z58/TrimMdvesoI/AAAAAAAAAF8/kJDJBuur12w/s320/DSC_0632.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin pumpkin cake? Yes, please!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now to convince my mother that pumpkin cake is better with cream cheese frosting rather than whipped cream...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-7416911423006420382011-10-23T01:30:00.000-04:002012-01-15T11:54:49.660-05:00Fall Flavors: Fresh PumpkinFall brings with it an insatiable desire to bake treats laced with the warm, comforting flavors of fall. (Okay, so the urge might be to eat these delicious desserts rather than make them.) One of the most prominent autumnal flavors is pumpkin.<br />
<br />
Somehow every year Libby makes horrifying cries of pumpkin shortages. You have nightmares of visiting every supermarket in town, searching for pumpkin and imagine Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and Christmas without pumpkin roll. You worry about the cost of pumpkin with supply short and demand high, wondering who will be cut from the Christmas gift list to put pumpkin back on the menu. Okay so maybe it's not this dramatic, but you can save yourself a lot of headache and stress over pumpkin shortages (and get a better tasting, fresher, and local product) by making your own pumpkin puree. <br />
<br />
Roasting pie pumpkins is easier than it sounds. Trust me.<br />
<br />
<b>Selecting Your Pumpkin</b><br />
Many local farmers markets and have a wonderful selection of pie pumpkins. Many people use these cute little pumpkins for decoration, but inside lies a sweet, fresh, delicate flesh- perfect for satisfying those fall cravings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODozUEBop80/TqOcLWSVEhI/AAAAAAAAAEo/XLkL0Cc7dSU/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODozUEBop80/TqOcLWSVEhI/AAAAAAAAAEo/XLkL0Cc7dSU/s320/DSC_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Darker pumpkins that have some speckles on them are sweeter. If you are not planning to cook your pumpkins soon and intend to store them for a while, check them thoroughly for nicks and soft spots, as this is where rotting will begin. Don't forget to check the bottom and around the stem.<br />
<br />
If you have a cool, dry place such as a fruit cellar or cool garage, you can store whole pie pumpkins. Stored in these conditions they can keep for a while (at room temperature a couple pumpkins lasted about only two weeks on my kitchen counter). Washing the pumpkins (or any fall squash) before storage can help extend the life of the squash extensively. My uncle swears by a light bleach solution, saying he has stored squash into the spring and early summer using it (although sources say pumpkins will store for 2-3 months). The solution should be 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. And the bonus of this- extra freezer space and pumpkin seeds in the middle of winter!<br />
<br />
<b>Roasting Your Pumpkin</b><br />
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut your pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp (save the seeds for some awesome cinnamon or spicy pumpkin seeds).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBrdGFr8xaQ/TqOcwDCzMYI/AAAAAAAAAEw/y73umKEeaoc/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBrdGFr8xaQ/TqOcwDCzMYI/AAAAAAAAAEw/y73umKEeaoc/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Pour some water onto a baking sheet and place the pumpkin halves with the flesh side down and outter skin facing up.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwNnBNXTcyE/TqOdWvZyt9I/AAAAAAAAAE4/5JS8AfiwJ5M/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwNnBNXTcyE/TqOdWvZyt9I/AAAAAAAAAE4/5JS8AfiwJ5M/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bake the pumpkin for an hour or until a knife is easily inserted, meeting little resistance (like making a baked potato).<br />
<br />
<b>Pureeing the Pumpkin</b><br />
Once the pumpkin has cooled enough to handle, peel the skin from the pumpkin and break into chunks. Drain the pumpkin in a colander, then process the pumpkin in a food processor until smooth. If the pumpkin is still watery after it sits, skim off the water.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Fh1a7jncA/TqOesWHqpEI/AAAAAAAAAFA/9Ww8SGW7D1c/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Fh1a7jncA/TqOesWHqpEI/AAAAAAAAAFA/9Ww8SGW7D1c/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Storing Pumpkin</b><br />
My grandparents always canned their puree, but there are a lot of variables that go into packing an non-acidic food that can make it unsafe. However, the puree can be frozen in ziplock bags or containers.<br />
<br />
Next....make some cake! Bake a pie! Mix up a pumpkin roll! Cook some pumpkin soup!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://crafted-context.blogspot.com/2011/10/spooky-sweet-treats-halloween-cupcakes.html"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bXn3-vlH5Y/TqOh7nGMoRI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Mgd33ZQ8wYA/s200/DSC_0034.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKgC6U2mhjY/TqOg52FHBjI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Ewo7-YeUmTs/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKgC6U2mhjY/TqOg52FHBjI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Ewo7-YeUmTs/s200/DSC_0085.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Sweet inspiration...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And if tasting this pumpkin and the fresher flavor of your fall favorites isn't enough, the two pumpkins I roasted ($1 each at <a href="http://www.molnarfarms.com/">Molnar Farms</a>) made just over two pounds of puree, bringing the cost of pumpkin to about 6 cents per ounce as compared to Libby's at almost 14 cents per ounce!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
What is your favorite pumpkin recipe?Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-66432821518069420422011-10-18T23:37:00.001-04:002011-10-24T12:46:26.731-04:00Spooky Sweet Treats: Halloween CupcakesI am not sure where summer went, but sure enough fall is here. I feel I have neglected you, dear readers, and thus in the waning hours of National Chocolate Cupcake Day, I bring you a handful of wonderful Halloween cupcake ideas, with plenty of time left to make them for Halloween.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2_gI2DcPdg/TpzpQ_j2gOI/AAAAAAAAADs/0rH2HmUxlhY/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2_gI2DcPdg/TpzpQ_j2gOI/AAAAAAAAADs/0rH2HmUxlhY/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1KjAGvHruM/TpzvhwvFoGI/AAAAAAAAAEc/rdMa4BKHLzs/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1KjAGvHruM/TpzvhwvFoGI/AAAAAAAAAEc/rdMa4BKHLzs/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>"Mummycakes"</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made these by spreading a thin layer of frosting over the entire cupcake. Then I spread some black frosting over the spot where the eyes would go (brown or chocolate frosting would also look good and may not bleed as black tends to do after a while). I used a #44 tip (you can also use a basketweave tip with the textured part facing down and flat side up) to pipe lines across the cupcake, leaving room for candy eyes. If you don't have candy eyes, just pipe some white with a larger round tip and then black with a smaller round tip.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UfxzHr4bPk/Tpzq8BUC8MI/AAAAAAAAAD8/DzytvyvCwnk/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UfxzHr4bPk/Tpzq8BUC8MI/AAAAAAAAAD8/DzytvyvCwnk/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Spiders</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These were the most popular of my cupcake tray. I piped the base white with a 2D tip and added Oreo crumbs on top for texture. I then cut long black licorice strips into pieces about 2 inches long, slid them into the frosting between the layers of the Oreo and attached candy eyes with a dab of frosting. If you don't have candy eyes, pipe some white and add mini m&m's or a dot of frosting for the center of the eyes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP0n0-we5nY/Tpzri3fwfeI/AAAAAAAAAEE/88kXmZQyO1s/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP0n0-we5nY/Tpzri3fwfeI/AAAAAAAAAEE/88kXmZQyO1s/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Melted Witch Cupcakes</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rejoice! The Wicked Witch of the West is dead! I made the witches hats with a Keebler's Fudge Stripe cookie turned chocolate side up with a chocolate kiss on top. I piped a bow with a small writing tip and placed on top of a swirl piped with the same 2D tip as above.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6KgsZUZ_pA/TpzsAtUwMaI/AAAAAAAAAEM/9Xe3NrMbOMA/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6KgsZUZ_pA/TpzsAtUwMaI/AAAAAAAAAEM/9Xe3NrMbOMA/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Pumpkin Cupcakes</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made these cupcakes by frosting a pumpkin cupcake flat in orange. I angled my spatula to add some lines up the sides of the pumpkin. Then I placed the "stem" (an inch-long piece of pretzel rod dipped in chocolate) in the center and piped vines and leaves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoa9mvmepM0/TpzshsPsiQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/anz6-WJYK0g/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoa9mvmepM0/TpzshsPsiQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/anz6-WJYK0g/s320/DSC_0038.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Batty Cupcakes</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bat is a Wilton candy mold that is a pick that sticks in the cupcake. I molded the bats with Merkins black chocolate (which amazingly tastes like Oreos) and placed the picks into the cupcakes after topping the cupcake with the 2D tip and adding some festive sprinkles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some other inspiration I found after-the-fact:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://mrsfoxssweets.blogspot.com/2011/09/green-pink-purple-googly-eyed-monster.html">One-eyed Monster Cupcakes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Eyeball-Cupcakes-232942">Eyeball Cupcakes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2011/10/oooey-gooey-brain-cupcakes.html">Brain Cupcakes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/scarecrow-and-spider-cupcakes/07d18304-73b9-4d6f-be50-6442f65884dd">Scarecrow Cupcakes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Which are your favorites?</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-33451989905089748902011-09-12T07:48:00.000-04:002011-09-12T12:53:02.274-04:00My Secret Ingredient RevealedPerhaps I just need to get this out of my system so my boyfriend, family, and friends don't have to listen to me obsess over it so much. But it's just that good, I want to shout it for all of Youngstown to hear, and beyond.<br />
<br />
<blockquote style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mexican vanilla is amazing.</span></i></b></blockquote>
<br />
I'm just out of school, and with student loans and a car payment, I try to save as much as I can. I don't always buy the absolute best (<i>read: expensive</i>) ingredients, when I know I should, but I never thought anyone would know the difference. If I couldn't tell, how could I expect anyone else to?<br />
<br />
That was until I bought Mexican vanilla.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.globalgoods.com/images/vanillabeans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla comes from orchids. Who knew something so pretty could make something so delicious too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Until now I'd been buying vanilla extract from Sam's Club, GFS, and local bulk food stores. When my boyfriend and I went to Cozumel on a cruise this spring, I indulged myself with an enormous bottle of Mexican vanilla (32 amazing ounces). After all, in Mexico it was only $8 (a steal from the $7 I'd been paying for 16 oz). (You can buy Mexican vanilla <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Vanilla-Totonacs-vanilla-extract/dp/B003RM9SA6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1315827632&sr=8-2">online </a>cheaper than in stores--especially if you're buying in <a href="http://leosimports.com/mexicanvanilla128.aspx">bulk</a>, but it's still more expensive than Tone's or GFS extract.)<br />
<br />
I came home and opened it- it smelled like heaven (smelling it felt like vacation- a much more mild smell than any other vanilla extract I've used. The delicateness of the smell and the fact that the extract did not smell like alcohol let off a complex aroma, and I was hooked). I even considered taking a shot of it just for fun. I started using it here and there, in brownies, cookies...everyone said it was good and I thought it tasted good, but I didn't think it was anything too spectacular.<br />
<br />
The first time I really noticed an impact on flavor was when I made my niece's baptism cake. It was the first cake in which I'd made using Mexican vanilla- a white cake filled with custard and frosted with a rich Italian meringue buttercream frosting. As I sat down and had a piece of my cake, for the first time I thought, "Damn, <i>I make a great cake</i>!" and marveled in the simple, yet fantastic, flavor I was experiencing.<br />
<br />
Mexican vanilla was the little something that my baked goods had been missing. It's most noticeable in lighter items and those items that rely mainly on vanilla for flavor, such as frostings and vanilla ice cream. It's a much more complex and not so much bold, bringing simple baked goods to life.<br />
<br />
Since Mexican vanilla is more expensive, I recommend using less expensive vanilla extract for items where vanilla is meant to compliment a flavor, such as brownies and chocolate ice cream. Use Mexican vanilla for delicate items that rely on vanilla for flavor- fillings for clothespin cookies, vanilla frosting, vanilla ice cream. It's worth it.<br />
<br />
What is your secret ingredient?Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-44406490984579731742011-09-05T21:39:00.003-04:002011-09-05T21:43:22.774-04:00A Stitch In TimeThis past weekend was our county fair, and Saturday I had lots of free time to go around to the arts and crafts exhibits (which I'm sure my boyfriend was glad to get out of this year, as I was equally glad to not be drug on to the next exhibit before I was done <strike>gawking at </strike>admiring the intricate and beautiful work submitted).<br />
<br />
The sheer amount of entries and the quality of the work is absolutely amazing. To know that there is this much talent in our community is just amazing. And the work is inspiring, because most of the pictures submitted are by amateurs, and most of the quilts, baked goods, and other crafts are done just as hobbies.<br />
<br />
As I strolled through the quilts, I came across the most moving and interesting quilt I've seen yet. (I apologize that I didn't snap a photo of the quilters' names, so if you recognize the work and know the quilter, by all means please let me know so I can give credit). These woman really put a new spin on the t-shirt quilts that have been hitting the scene.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The story about the quilt was printed next to it (again I didn't happen to snap a picture so I don't have all the details)- the quilt was made from shirts and the inspirations left by a gentleman who lost his battle to cancer, but not without touching many lives. A group of women put together this quilt for his son, incorporating t-shirts, button-up shirts, the collars to shirts, and the pockets to shirts. The quilt was truly inspired by this man's spirit, but the one thing that drew me to the work was the quilting- the women stitched quotes from this gentleman, and (what initially made me notice the quilt and read the story) hands.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u43ECUGZx10/TmV4fg_0ygI/AAAAAAAAADg/t_vzXU_dHOA/s1600/DSC07867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u43ECUGZx10/TmV4fg_0ygI/AAAAAAAAADg/t_vzXU_dHOA/s400/DSC07867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These women stitched the hands of people whose lives this man had touched, and sewed the cuffs of his shirts at the wrist. <br />
<br />
At the end of the fair I was left inspired by two amazing ideas: fried cookie dough (the best of both worlds- warm, gooey chocolate chips and soft, doughy goodness) and the stitching on this quilt. I became obsessed with this idea, and after talking about it for the past two days, I came up with another idea, one I'm planning on doing with my sister-in-law for my nieces. We are going to trace the girls' hands every year (or maybe even using some of the rough tracings they'll make of their own hands in a few years), as well as saving some of their shirts to make a quilt showing them as they've grown.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we're going to have to wait about 16 years to see the results, but maybe someone out there has copies of traced hands from their own children and would like to do this with them (which I'd <i>love </i>to see).<br />
<br />
Another meaningful keepsake would be to stitch several children's/grandchildren's hands, one way to avoid waiting 18 years to make a beautiful quilt.<br />
<br />
What are the most meaningful keepsakes have you made or received?Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-88482272170160438292011-08-16T22:01:00.000-04:002011-08-16T22:20:29.214-04:00Pedal to the Point 2011Again, I've been a little absent, but this time with a much more acceptable excuse. I haven't been crafting in the past few weeks because I've been spending my free time doing some last minute attempts at training for the <a href="http://bikeoha.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/OHABikeEvents?pg=entry&fr_id=16221">2011 Bike MS Pedal to the Point</a>, a two day, 150-mile bike ride from Middleburg Heights to Sandusky and back. The event is organized to help raise funds for the National MS Society and to raise awareness about MS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fp9x6c0jRao/Tksbjq4k5pI/AAAAAAAAADQ/obOpROTlTtU/s1600/DSC07849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fp9x6c0jRao/Tksbjq4k5pI/AAAAAAAAADQ/obOpROTlTtU/s320/DSC07849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Despite my lack of serious training (once or twice a week at around 9 miles each time, with about 16 miles being my furthest ride), and with my 'hardcore' equipment (a teammate's old mountain bike we got looked over and a helmet), I set off with my team Friday night for a weekend that would challenge me and leave a huge impression on me. I can't stop thinking about it.<br />
<br />
Friday night we lived it up with a hearty dinner at Max & Erma's and plush beds in a suite at a hotel near the start of the race, complete with funnel cake fries and an animated story time of the biker's handbook they sent out a couple months ago.<br />
<br />
I was nervous as we began on Saturday, but was amazed at the response the event draws. Hundreds of bikers stretched and started out, as family both of the riders and of those living with MS cheered us on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AdcE9MQWh0w/TksZPFWY0AI/AAAAAAAAADI/E6UkvgVQW_c/s1600/DSC07828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AdcE9MQWh0w/TksZPFWY0AI/AAAAAAAAADI/E6UkvgVQW_c/s320/DSC07828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Not only did the event draw bikers, but volunteers were everywhere. From handing out bananas and peanut butter at rest stops (neither of which I wish to see for a while), to driving their own vehicles as support vehicles (SAG vehicles) for the riders who are in need of assistance throughout the course, I was amazed at how many people were involved in the event.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ickrHb11svc/TksZ36jKlJI/AAAAAAAAADM/4aNxnt9eFRQ/s1600/DSC07842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ickrHb11svc/TksZ36jKlJI/AAAAAAAAADM/4aNxnt9eFRQ/s320/DSC07842.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes on the tennis court at Sandusky High School waiting for another 75 miles in the morning...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After completing 75 miles on Saturday, we camped out on the Sandusky High School gym floor (which was surprisingly quiet- no one even snored!) and got up to face another 75 miles. Sunday was cold and brought a lot of rain. Water sloshing in our shoes and wearing sails, er, I mean ponchos, we made our way through the rain. I completed over 100 miles of the ride, with the total team miles traveled reaching over 570!<br />
<br />
The kindness of every single person I encountered was incredible. Each time we were stopped on the side of the road, whether it was just for a drink of water, to give our sore back ends a stretch, or if you popped a chain, several riders and SAG vehicles would ask if you were okay, and stop if they thought you needed some assistance. The community created among complete strangers was moving.<br />
<br />
The one thing that stuck with me most was the <a href="http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20110810/COMMUNITIES02/108110328/Granville-man-multiple-sclerosis-bike-150-mile-ride">Craig's Crankers</a> team (they also have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craigs-Crankers/221800754520378">facebook </a>page). As we approached the team, a mob of vibrant yellow shirts, I thought "This is amazing- this whole team is riding together." We pulled left of the team to pass them and at the head of the team was Craig, cranking his way through the course in a hand bike. Later I learned that Craig has MS. And seeing this cemented the feeling that the whole event gave me- we are all working together one way or another, from those financially supporting the teams, to the riders, to the people handing out energy bars and Gatorade at rest stops- we are all working together to make the lives of those affected by MS easier, and to one day have a cure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEjGUF9vATw/TkscZpECenI/AAAAAAAAADU/rXjTOkNNXOU/s1600/DSC07831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEjGUF9vATw/TkscZpECenI/AAAAAAAAADU/rXjTOkNNXOU/s320/DSC07831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm so proud of myself and my teammates! Way to go Jill's Jaunters! And thank you to everyone who supported us, both financially and through encouragement. I invite you to join the movement, whether it is through financial support, moral support, or riding yourself next year (you <i>can</i> do it!). Here are links to our <a href="http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=16221&team_id=240438">team fundraising page</a> and an <a href="http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/aug/12/biking-for-a-cure/">article </a>about our team captain, Megan Molnar and her mother Jill, who, despite MS, has such a beautiful spirit and whom I find absolutely incredible.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-73068774948222605492011-07-21T22:42:00.000-04:002011-07-21T22:42:54.927-04:00Greetings from my Stamp Collection!Greetings! (Again) So I know I've been a little MIA the past couple weeks. I could tell you all sorts of excuses- I cut off my communications from the outside world to prevent creepers stalking me, I've been on stake-out at my garden 24/7 keeping away skunks and deer, or I was just plain lazy/forgot. I'll let you determine which you think is the truth.<br />
<br />
This post is about greeting cards. When I started to get involved with scrapbooking, I started making greeting cards as a way to save money. I don't care who you are or how important you are to me, I just can't bring myself to spend $3 (<b><i>$3!</i></b>- that's a margarita at happy hour- don't worry, I'll be thinking of you!) for a piece of paper to which I'll sign my name, you'll tear open, read once (maybe twice), and set aside (or worse- throw away!), never to be seen again. (However, I might splurge if I've already been to happy hour and the card is really funny). And let's face it, I don't have a history of being much of a planner, so I love being able to go downstairs on someone's birthday or the day of someone's wedding and graduation and emerge fifteen minutes later with a card in less time than it would take me to go to the store. (And my boyfriend always wondered how I could stand last minute plans!).<br />
<br />
I started with a few stamps from the dollar store...then I noticed that JoAnn's, Michael's, and Pat Catan's all had cheap stamps. <i>Really</i> cheap stamps. So I began a collection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6VZ-cl2XvQ/TijfzDSfzpI/AAAAAAAAACQ/VwoSEawhZDk/s1600/DSC_0209%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6VZ-cl2XvQ/TijfzDSfzpI/AAAAAAAAACQ/VwoSEawhZDk/s320/DSC_0209%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some call it more of an obsession...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> You'll have to dig through the bargain bins near the registers for the stamps, but they change every couple of months or so, so there's always something new and exciting. Here are some of my most recent creations using the latest batch of stamps at JoAnn's:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRUYh27g1FE/Tijf8OQPzDI/AAAAAAAAACU/lFhIKb0Jdy0/s1600/DSC_0199%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRUYh27g1FE/Tijf8OQPzDI/AAAAAAAAACU/lFhIKb0Jdy0/s320/DSC_0199%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were plenty more. I just have to limit myself or else I'd be drowning in these things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wrqjcvGv8E/TijgHGAAT2I/AAAAAAAAACY/E44na7qY8nM/s1600/DSC_0197%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wrqjcvGv8E/TijgHGAAT2I/AAAAAAAAACY/E44na7qY8nM/s320/DSC_0197%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just loved the camera. I'm thinking of "...because you deserve to" inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ey7L3kUdtLg/TijgRgbmcRI/AAAAAAAAACc/phSgBx1vG94/s1600/DSC_0202%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ey7L3kUdtLg/TijgRgbmcRI/AAAAAAAAACc/phSgBx1vG94/s320/DSC_0202%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At first I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with these word-y stamps. They just seemed so busy. But I loved them as a background, either as an entire card or for just blocks on the card. The clear stamps and block make it easy to line up the stamp to look seamless in its repetition. The birthday stamp was a little more difficult to line up than the thank you one, but once you add the focal stamp to it, you can't really tell that the spacing is a little off.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARpvVpEI7-A/TijgbT0Gl3I/AAAAAAAAACg/0yHdIqGhOcM/s1600/DSC_0189%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARpvVpEI7-A/TijgbT0Gl3I/AAAAAAAAACg/0yHdIqGhOcM/s320/DSC_0189%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6njEc0kPL3c/TijgwK42M1I/AAAAAAAAACk/sGH3id-ix1E/s1600/DSC_0183%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6njEc0kPL3c/TijgwK42M1I/AAAAAAAAACk/sGH3id-ix1E/s320/DSC_0183%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also "discovered" sewing on cards in a card magazine. I'm pretty sure this is nothing new to those who follow the cardmaking world, but I want to share that it's not half as scary as it looks! I'd like to share some words of advice when sewing on cards (in the whole three or four I've made thus far):</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2T1pyrADGo/TijhYAuCpyI/AAAAAAAAACo/8UZAGgjpaJY/s1600/DSC_0195%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2T1pyrADGo/TijhYAuCpyI/AAAAAAAAACo/8UZAGgjpaJY/s320/DSC_0195%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Most importantly, (if you take anything from this post it should be this) make sure the card is <i>open</i> before sewing. It's a real downer to have to throw away all of your work (because let's face it, a needle is like lightning, never hits the same place twice- you're not going to get it to line up with the holes you already sewed through your paper). Not that I've been absentminded enough to do this or anything. I could just imagine that it would be sad to ruin your work like that.<br />
<br />
Loosen the tension on your machine. You don't need to do it much, just enough so it won't pucker the paper.<br />
<br />
Lock your stitch if possible. The thread comes out very easily if you tug even the slightest bit on it.<br />
<br />
I have yet to recommend sewing squares. I haven't been successful in making even borders, with the stitches always being a little shorter or further, never just right to make that perfect, square corner. My solutions- zig zag stitches, having a backup plan to cover up an uneven corner, or to avoid them altogether. (Does anyone else have any advice on this?)<br />
<br />
My favorite thing about making my own cards is that they are so personal. You aren't limited by the sentiments Hallmark prints, or the color schemes in American Greetings' cards. I plan to fill these cards with sayings or quotes that I will print on cardstock or vellum and fasten inside. They have dimension, personality, and they won't force you to give up happy hour!Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-8486504680890928052011-07-03T02:33:00.001-04:002011-07-27T13:30:55.433-04:00As American as Apple Pie...Disclaimer: this post is not about America (unless you consider the fact that I am <i>in</i> America, then it is). Or apples. Or apple pie. It is, however, about making pie.<br />
<br />
I am no expert in the pie field. I can count on one hand how many pies I've made on my own, and probably two hands (and maybe a foot) how many pies I've participated in making over the years. I do not claim to have experience and extensive knowledge (or even adequate knowledge) in the field. The pie baking in the oven is the collaboration of my determined wild black raspberry picking, my boyfriend's mother's knowledge in baking black raspberry pies, and my mom's assistance in mixing the crust (after two failed attempts on my part).<br />
<br />
Needless to say, with my limited experience I'm willing to take anyone's advice and seek assistance when making a pie (especially with such precious black raspberries!). So when my mom raved about this pie crust maker she got a while back, I decided I'd give it a shot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Harold 11" Pie Crust Maker" src="http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/a29FonEl-MPzg9oOKJORsYmKYgxd3-0o47JOB4oGuo6-ngqmbmZdhADh8-q_xhX5JPQXQI8fHTx-8w-iGJrQgu_r6D5gcfo2DmE9koMpbBsvS4PYajuobrFWBD2Q9kS_mS4gToRtg9OcG1ThKpJeolCxRizRRsDVwlRvV7wYM8Avi5XmRleWWtK-xEBGLIlg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A simple enough "invention"- just roll the dough between the plastic.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The concept was simple enough- roll the dough out between the plastic, unzip the case and flip the crust into the pie pan (awesome! I wouldn't have to roll the pie crust over the rolling pin to transfer it, something that for some reason always makes me nervous).<br />
<br />
The first attempt proved that I did not put enough flour in the pie crust maker, and the crust stuck to the plastic and tore as I tried to peel it out.<br />
<br />
Even with more flour (lots more flour) on the second attempt, you cannot get enough flour on top of the dough. The crust does peel away from the top layer of plastic if you are patient and pull the plastic away from your rolled crust slowly. (To avoid this you could open it up and put more flour on as you roll, which makes it more time consuming with constant opening and closing.) But there was enough flour to make the crust come off the bottom of the plastic easily. Taking a deep breath, I flipped the crust into the pan, the crust landing in a messy pile in the dish, folding into itself and sticking together.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I became more nervous about the various aspects of using the pie crust maker than in the task of rolling it out without any snazzy tools. Would it stick in some random place and put a big tear in the crust? Would it fold into itself as I flipped it into the pan? I feel much more in control of the crust when I roll it out on the counter, shifting the dough to make sure it's loose on the bottom and adding flour as I need it on top. I'd rather roll the crust over my rolling pin and drape it over the pie dish from there. And the extra items to wash were also a downside. All in all, I felt that the pie crust maker was more trouble than it helped.<br />
<br />
Has anyone else tried the pie crust maker? What is your preference?Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-34169459659537119722011-06-26T08:13:00.000-04:002012-01-15T11:54:49.654-05:00Saving SummertimeThe beginning of summer is my favorite time of year. Naturally I was originally in love with the season because it meant no school. Now I am no longer in school and while it means I'm working during many of the hours I used to spend swimming, playing outside, and reading, there is still something that makes me so happy about the summer months aside from the longer days- fresh produce. Yes, you can buy asparagus all year round and strawberries from March through July at the grocery store, but there's nothing quite like something fresh from the field.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately the sweet start of summer is beginning to make way for other delightful feasts and the strawberry season is coming to an end, so I'm making a last minute effort to save every morsel of succulent, sun-ripened goodness that I can.<br />
<br />
This weekend I took my niece to pick strawberries at Molnar Farms in Poland, Ohio. She's two and a half and I wasn't quite sure how long we'd end up being in the field, or if she'd even be interested (I hear stories every year about how I fell asleep in the strawberry patch at a local farm when I was in elementary school), but she thought it was wonderful. Sure, we picked a few smooshy strawberries and a few that are a little less than ripe. After about two quarts I asked her how many more strawberries she wanted to pick and she said "one." We snagged another berry before she changed her mind (clearly she can be a lot like me) and said "a lot!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfnJqNKRyPA/Tgax8ax_DfI/AAAAAAAAAAU/SuXwz6P1ovk/s1600/SAM_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfnJqNKRyPA/Tgax8ax_DfI/AAAAAAAAAAU/SuXwz6P1ovk/s320/SAM_1005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off our strawberries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
For the past few years I've commandeered my parents' deep freeze to freeze strawberries (and corn, green beans, peaches, etc, all for other posts I'm sure). And although strawberries lose their firmness once they are frozen, there's nothing like a little taste of sunshine in the middle of a snowstorm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KOfWAvgAy4/TgazbKM77lI/AAAAAAAAAAY/QnI8odqK3ts/s1600/DSC_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KOfWAvgAy4/TgazbKM77lI/AAAAAAAAAAY/QnI8odqK3ts/s320/DSC_0857.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I clean and quick freeze my strawberries before putting them in Ziplock bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here are a few things to do with frozen strawberries:<br />
<i><b>Smoothies</b></i><br />
Perhaps my favorite (and my niece's), a fresh smoothie is a simple way to get your fruit and kids think it's a super awesome treat (no one tell them how good it is for them!). Using frozen fruit replaces the need for ice in a smoothie, making it richer and thicker since it won't melt into water. To make a smoothie I usually put about 1 cup of yogurt in the bottom of my blender and add about a cup of fruit (usually a banana and frozen strawberries, and sometimes frozen peaches or blueberries-I've even frozen grapes). This half yogurt half fruit blend gives a smoothie thin enough to drink without a straw but not too watery. I add more yogurt if I am using all frozen fruit and less if the fruit is fresh.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Frosting</i></b><br />
Having some strawberries on hand in the freezer helps to change up frosting recipes. For a strawberry whipped frosting, I have use a brand called Bettercreme (by Rich's, available at GFS) and some bakeries use a similar whipped frosting and are willing to sell it. I simply put thawed strawberries in my mixer with the whip attachment and mix them for about a minute on low to medium speed to break up the berries. Then simply add the mix and whip until it's the consistency you wish to use it.<br />
<br />
A similar approach can be used for a shortening-based buttercream- make as usual but in place of the water add some thawed and mashed strawberries (and juice).<br />
<br />
<b><i>Jam</i></b><br />
If you don't have time to make your jam now, you can freeze the strawberries and make freezer jam (such as this recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/strawberry-freezer-jam/detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/strawberry-freezer-jam/detail.aspx</a>) later when you have time.<br />
<br />
Some other things to make with frozen strawberries:<br />
Strawberry Daquiris/Margaritas<br />
Pie<br />
Cheesecake<br />
Punch (acts as ice too!)<br />
Cobbler<br />
Ice Cream or MilkshakesVirginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-43604400167901232692011-06-12T09:43:00.000-04:002011-06-12T09:43:33.083-04:00The Truth About Ovens...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Recently we got a new oven.<span> </span>I was thrilled.<span> </span>Sure, the old oven worked fine, but the ever untrustworthy stove was slowly losing functionality in its burners and the handle had a habit of popping off right when you really needed to get whatever delicate pastry you were baking out of the oven.<span> </span>So alas, our 17 year-old oven finally retired and we got a new one.<span> </span>It’s a simple oven and we didn’t change between electric and gas or get any cool new features, but I still have a lot I am learning about the oven.<span> </span>When baking, it is important to be aware of your oven’s consistency (or rather, the places where it can be inconsistent) in order to produce consistent results.<span> </span>Knowing about your oven’s temperature and hot spots, and leveling the oven are three simple things you can do for less than $5 to improve your baking outcome.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Leveling your oven</b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">If you’re baking cakes a level oven will allow a more even bake and a lot less waste if you trim it (or if you don’t trim it, at least it won’t leave you with a lopsided cake!).<span> </span>We never thought about leveling our oven until I got serious about cake baking and my dad noticed that my cakes were consistently coming out lopsided.<span> </span>I blamed myself, thinking I hadn’t spread the batter evenly but alas, it was our trusty (or rather untrustworthy) old oven’s fault.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Leveling an oven is simple.<span> </span>Okay, it’s a little more complex than leveling a picture frame, but it doesn’t take much time or effort (not to mention saving frustration from having uneven cakes).<span> </span>It is important not to check the top of your range alone, but rather the racks on the inside of your oven.<span> </span>Don’t just check from left to right, but also ensure that your oven is level from front to back.<span> </span>If your oven is not level, simply slide something (such as a square of cardboard) under the legs where your level was reading low.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdI5GTpmTGE/TfS8Ku5nszI/AAAAAAAAAAM/GABX9asWFpU/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdI5GTpmTGE/TfS8Ku5nszI/AAAAAAAAAAM/GABX9asWFpU/s320/DSC_0797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the level on a cookie sheet keeps it from wobbling on the racks as you check the level.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><b>Knowing its true temperatures</b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">An oven thermometer will help you understand the temperature tendencies of your oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get one for around $5-6 from amazon.com, Bed Bath and Beyond, or local restaurant supply stores.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">Ovens run in cycles, kicking off when they reach a temperature higher than what is set and turning back on at some point lower (which varies for each model of oven, and is often up to 25 degrees different).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When reading your thermometer, you’re looking to ensure that the average temperature of your oven is the temperature you have set you oven for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some oven thermometers do not react quickly, so if it appears to read a consistent temperature it actually reflects the average temperature in your oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">It is good to check an empty oven but also to monitor your oven as you bake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temperature changes with the amount of items in your oven and the location of the racks, so I like to keep the thermometer hanging in my oven to monitor its temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the temperature fluctuates too much with several things in the oven, especially between locations (top and bottom racks), it might be a good idea to bake fewer things together or adjust baking time to compensate for the temperature difference (most things will bake just fine in a temperature slightly hotter or cooler).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also important to check the temperature on occasion as ovens sometimes change in consistency as they age.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">The important thing is not how your oven reads (high, low, or just right), but whether its temperature readings are consistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our new oven runs about 5 degrees under the set temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your oven lies about its true temperature and the thermometer consistently reads higher or lower, you should adjust your baking temperature accordingly; I add about 5 degrees to the temperature when I set my oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><b>Hot spots</b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">Knowing your oven’s hot spots will help you set up baked goods and rotate pans accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To check your oven’s hot spots, line a cookie sheet with bread and put it in a preheated oven (I did mine at 350 degrees).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will take a little while (mine took about 25 minutes), but the bread will begin to toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This shows where your oven is a little hotter, and demonstrates the importance of rotating pans for an even bake. (Or, if you’re a little inconsistent with some of your rolling/cutting for cookies, it shows how to set up thicker/bigger cookies to be in the hotter spots while the smaller/thinner cookies are in the cooler spots, allowing a tray to bake more evenly even if your cookies aren’t perfect.)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUJBAyVlHeU/TfS_gdMYm4I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/71EZHNMiTk4/s1600/DSC_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUJBAyVlHeU/TfS_gdMYm4I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/71EZHNMiTk4/s320/DSC_0804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oven is hotter in the back, with it's coolest corner being the front right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">As I’ve adjusted to our new oven, I’ve realized one wonderful thing: it has a window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While seemingly simple, it was actually quite an adjustment to just turn on the light and check my cookies and cakes rather than opening the oven door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This benefits my baking by allowing my oven to maintain its temperature, giving a more even and a quicker bake time (and in this weather, a much added bonus of keeping the heat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in </i>the oven!). [To really understand just how much heat you lose from your oven when you open the door, go ahead and open the door for a few seconds and as you close it, reset your oven temperature to the same temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will “preheat” again, sometimes taking a few minutes to gain the temperature that has been lost.] </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">Being familiar with your own oven will allow you to bake more efficiently in a new or unfamiliar oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t do much for an unlevel oven unless you plan to level it, but you can make adjustments for temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to err on the side of caution when baking in an unfamiliar oven and assume that the oven runs warmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t change the setting in the temperature in case it actually runs cooler (in which case it would be much cooler), but I monitor the goodies baking in the oven a little more closely, checking on them sooner. And even if the oven is the same one you've had for years, hopefully these tips will help you get a little more acquainted with your oven.</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556897617761564906.post-50956597886019268612011-06-04T01:38:00.000-04:002011-06-04T01:38:28.481-04:00And so it begins...<div class="MsoNoSpacing">Greetings blog readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I’m having a bit of trouble coming up with a name for this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t think of anything cool like Cake Wrecks and the things I think of are either taken or feel too narrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe I’m being picky about the whole thing because it’s a way for me to hide in my shell a little longer, hoarding my ideas and guarding my creations from the horrible, harsh world we all live in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh you’re not harsh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll remember that when you get to taste one of the recipes that doesn’t turn out so good.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I love to create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give me fabric and I will cut, pin, and sew and give you a blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give me eggs and I will make you a cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give me pictures and I will craft you a scrapbook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give me yarn and I will crochet you a hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want anything that sounds stupid like Virginia’s Crafts or Ginny’s Kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, I’m way more creative than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’ve always had a problem with showing the world what I do, and especially in writing (good thing a picture’s worth a thousand words, eh?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> D</span>on’t ask me why I was a writing major when I hated showing others my work in workshops and wasn’t all that thrilled about presenting my senior project to a room full of people who would be honed in not on my content, but rather the text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure why my love for creation stops just short of words with pictures, food, and fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no problem expressing my thoughts and ideas verbally (my poor co-workers, sister-in-law and boyfriend all heard about an awesome quilt pattern I found three days in a row now), but when I write it feels so much more permanent, and that scares me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hoping that through this blog not only will I share my creations with others, but grow in both ability and confidence as a writer as I tell you about my success and frustrations in crafting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll laugh, we’ll cry (oh too cliché?) You’ll laugh while I cry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a possibility for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s hope that doesn’t happen for your sake and mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my poor family’s.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I hope to become comfortable with the fact that writing is like all of the other creating I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like baking- sometimes it might not turn out just right, but usually no one notices if you messed it up a little. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like sewing- taking many pieces and putting them together one at a time (and sometimes requires a little tearing apart).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like scrapbooking- combining items from different places and different experiences into a cohesive album through a number of techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that this writing will help to put my writing skills into a perfectly Crafted Context.</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833745983856475960noreply@blogger.com0