Autumnware

Easy sewing...

2007-04-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

It can't get much easier than one seam up the back. I bought the fabric as you see it and the straps were one long strand loosely attached at the bottom to be cut to length and sewn on. I believe I will be heading back for some of the other prints. It is extremely comfy, lightweight and will definitely fit fine all through the summer with the expanding belly. I also found similar material that extends longer that can be made into a sundress (next on the agenda).

The Boy and the Quilt

2007-04-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ben's mom found this book for us and it has become one of my latest projects. I'll look forward to the possible day when Aiden would like to make his own...if it ever happens. If not, he'll at least have one from me that can be snuggled under when reading the book.

It's a great story that has simple instructions to make a quilt like the boy in the story. The other day during Aiden's nap (when I should have been napping myself), I opted instead to sit on the back porch and cut squares for his quilt. This weather has been so incredibly lovely that my naps are being forsaken, despite the need.

New totes

2007-03-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

I finished a bag I'd started as a Christmas gift for my friend, in time to give it to her for her birthday on Sunday. Talk about procrastination. I'd come up with the pattern myself and was having a difficult time picturing how the process of assembling the shoulder strap should go, in my head. So I put it off for this long and finally picked it up to wing the strap issue I was having. I know what I would do differently now, but am pretty happy with the finished product and she absolutely loved it! I'm so pleased. As it was the first one that I designed on my own w/out a pattern and really liking the fabric (actually, loving the polka dots), I had a few moments of feeling a little bit sad about giving it away. But, it was worth it to see her smile and excitement over it. I'll just have to come up with another one for myself I suppose.

Flap folds over and the wood button is simply decorative.

3 pockets on front that the flap covers.

A pocket inside that has a button closure.

And finally, a small tote for myself that is perfect for a snack, wallet, phone and if needed, diaper/sippy cup.

Lentil Soup

2007-03-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

1 lb bag dry lentils
2-3 carrots, peeled/chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1/2 lb. baked ham cubed (optional)
4-5 chicken bouillon cubes
3-4 garlic cloves minced
2 Tbs. olive oil
sage and thyme to taste

In large 5 qt. kettle (after rinsing lentils) bring approx. 6 cups of water to a boil with lentils. Reduce heat and simmer until desired softness is reached (I typically let mine simmer double the recommended 30 min.).

In separate skillet saute carrots, celery, garlic and onion (and ham if you choose to use it) in olive oil until tender. Add to soup and add bouillon cubes/seasoning to taste.

For the love of beans..and a few other things-

2007-03-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the kitchen the last few days with the weather so heavenly, so when today turned out cold, wet and pouring sleet/snow I had the perfect opportunity to get myself back into gear.

Aiden helped me mix up some sun-dried tomato cream cheese, roasted red pepper hummus and lentil soup (I make excess to freeze). I finished getting my cooking-fix by baking some apricot bars that Aiden is currently enjoying after a romp in the snow.

Sun-dried tomato cream cheese:

1 pkg cream cheese, 7-8 pieces sun-dried tomato, 1/8 tsp mince garlic, 1 tsp chopped basil.
Blend well.

Hummus:

1 15oz. can garbanzo beans, 3 Tbs. tahini (optional), 2 Tbs. lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbs. finely chopped basil or parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cumin (I use more), 1/4 tsp paprika (I also typically substitute 1/2 tsp dill for this).
Drain beans and reserve liquid. Process beans until smooth and add remaining ingredients (add a few Tbs. of reserved bean liquid for desired consistency).

For a variation I like to blend in roasted bell peppers (approx. 1/4 cup) and/or black olives for different flavors.

Breakfast Blend

2007-03-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

Banana Orange Smoothie

1 1/2 cups plain lowfat yogurt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large ripe banana (peeled and sliced)
1 tbsp honey

Blend until smooth.

I go in spells where I like a big breakfast of eggs or omelets to periods of only wanting a piece of fruit or toast. This is something new I tried and really liked it. Light but filling. For leftovers or a different approach try freezing in popsicle holders for a cool treat!

#2

2007-03-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

My first apron!

2007-03-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited about finishing this apron. I've wanted to make one for a while...after ruining multiple shirts/pants with food stains from cooking as frequently as I do and wiping my hands on my pants without thinking or splattering something-or-other on my top.

But alas, as much as I want to have this hanging in my pantry ready to throw on, it's a gift (for another lover of red) and a sentimental one at that. The red material actually came from the bridesmaid dresses for our wedding almost 6 years ago. All the dresses were sewn by the attendants wonderfully gifted momma's (my mom, Ben's mom and Vada's mom). My wedding dress was also made, but I doubt I'll ever be ready to cut it up for an apron. It was suggested that I use the dresses my sisters wore and turn the material into aprons for them. I am really happy with how this one turned out. I liked the idea of making something personal out of something that was special, but not practical to get much wear out of.

Alisha has been at JMU and so sweet to come down on the weekend to hang out while Aiden sleeps and Ben and I get out for a date. She's coming down tonight and isn't aware of this yet. I've really appreciated her last minute availability...we're so bad at planning in advance (oops!).
Thanks Alisha!! You've been such a darling to grant us the hours away:)

Toolbelt

2007-02-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

I am fairly pleased with the finished toolbelt. Had I taken a little more time to think through how I was going to make it, I would have done things a little different. Like lined both of the top edges wth binding before sewing the sides. wasn't sure how I'd incorporate the belt part and the binding was a last minute decision so I only have that on the back edge. I kind of created as I went instead of creating a completed idea and then going about sewing it. Regardless, it fits him and he likes it. There are three pockets and the additional one on front has a snap closure for bolts or whatever else he'd like to tote around with his tools.

Pork Barbecue (crock)

2007-02-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

I'm more of a chicken/fish sort of gal, but having a meat/potatoes kind of guy for a husband, (plus a rapidly growing toddler) it calls for some meals made just for them. This one I occasionally did for Ben pre-Aiden days, but always ended up with so much excess since he's mainly the one eating it. This time I threw some in the freezer for a meal later on. Our good friends in Florida really like the recipe and it gets rave reviews from Ben, so I thought I'd share it. I made it yesterday with coleslaw (another not-so-favorite of mine).

3 lbs. pork loin/butt roast, cubed
2 cups chopped onions
3 green peppers, chopped (I only had one and it turned out fine)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
6-0z can tomato paste
1 1/2 Tbs. chili powder
1 tsp. dry mustard
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker (I put pork/onion/pepper in and mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl to pour over top/stir in. It gets more evenly mixed instead of adding individually to the crock.)
Cover. Cook on high 8 hours.
Shred meat with fork (I find that this is possible after about 6 hours and allows the flavor to saturate the meat better for the remaining 2 hours).
Serve with coleslaw and shredded cheese.

Blueberry Banana Bread

2007-02-23T04:38:00.000-08:00

This is my rendition of it. I have altered a few of the ingredients, opting for a slightly healthier variation.

1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (softened)
2 large eggs
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup flax meal
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

Heat oven to 350 degrees, grease bottoms of 2 loaf pans (I typically make 1 loaf and a tray of muffins).
Mix sugar and butter in large bowl. Stir in eggs. Add bananas, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour, w. germ, f. meal, soda and salt until moist. Fold in blueberries.
Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake about an hour or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (bake muffins about 20-30 min. or until toothpick comes out clean...keep an eye on them as they get done much quicker).
Keep at room temp, wrapped tightly for 4 days or refrigerated for 10 days.

Linus blankets

2007-02-20T05:24:00.000-08:00

I finished 4 linus blankets for the Made for China effort. I'd like to make at least one more, if not a few since they were so easy to pull together. I had leftover flannel from the robe I made for myself and some from Ben's blanket.

Honey-Whole Wheat Bread

2007-02-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

3 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup shortening
1 Tbs. salt
4 tsp yeast (or 2 pkgs)
2 1/4 cup very warm water
3-4 cups all purpose or bread flour

Mix together in a large bowl:
whole wheat flour, honey, salt, shortening and yeast.

Add warm water and mix well.
Stir in flour until easy to handle dough forms.
Knead until dough is smooth and springy. Place in oiled/greased bowl (turn dough so each side is coated). Cover loosely and let rise in warm place about an hour or until double in bulk.

Grease 2 loaf pans (bottoms and sides), divide dough and shape into 2 loaves (flatten out into 9x12 rectangle, roll up tightly, tucking ends/sides under) seam side down. Cover and let rise 35-50 min or until double.

Make sure oven rack is in the low position and bake 40-45 min. until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.

Dill Bread

2007-02-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today felt like a good bread baking day when I woke up. I've been craving some for a few days...had a bunch of cookies that we've been going through, but they just weren't cutting it. To me, there is nothing (cake, cookie, pie, ice cream...nothing) better than a slice of homemade bread right out of the oven. Aiden helped me measure/mix/knead and we made some Dill Bread from my folks' recipe collection and also some of my old standby, Honey-Whole Wheat Bread. I don't believe either are on the other blog. If so, oh well...here they are.

Dill Bread

1 scant Tbs. (or 1 pkg.) yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water.
add 1-2 tsp sugar

In large bowl mix the following ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese
1 tsp dillweed (I added 1/2 tsp dill seeds as well...I love dill)
2 scant tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 egg
1 Tbs melted butter
1/2 Tbs. minced onion
1 heaping Tbs. sugar

Add yeast mix to above batter

Add 2 1/4- 2 1/2 cups sifted flour and knead about 5 min. Let rise in greased bowl until double (approx. 1 hour)
Punch down, shape into loaf and place in greased loaf pan. Let rise 45 min.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 min. or until golden. Delicious!

Made for China

2007-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

I ran across this blog, that I've enjoyed stopping in at from time to time, a few weeks ago. She's doing a Made for China effort to collect gifts for orphanages that her sister will be visiting next month (her niece was adopted from an orphanage about a year ago). I thought it was a wonderful idea and am excited about making/sending a few linus blankets for her to take along. I'd encourage you to check out the site if you have a chance!

Accomplishments-

2007-02-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

I finished the Harley blanket today. I spent last night stitching around the rectangles/small squares and all of Aiden's nap finishing the sides (opting against binding and instead, folding under the sides and top stitching). I must have really poor posture at the sewing machine because my back was killing me after I finished. I'm really pleased with the result and Ben was as well. I found myself being more particular with things than may have been necessary...he didn't seem to be bothered with the little aspects that frustrated me. Thankfully:)
I used flannel to adjoin the shirts and on the back as well. It's super heavy with the batting and flannel, just the right size for cozying up with on the couch. The last blanket I made was 8" squares (patchwork) and knotted. I can't explain how good it feels to make one that's more completed quilting-wise. I am hooked now. Trying to figure out which one to make next...one for Aiden that I've marked in a quilt book or one for myself?

I also managed to whip up a special little gift for a sweet little boy who'll be turning one in a few days. Can't show the picture...sorry, at least until I know it was received. My little one liked the gift and I'm ready to throw one together for him now too.

Ben's blanket

2007-02-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

Ben requested (sometime over the summer?) a blanket made from special and/or old Harley t-shirts he had. It's been on my mind for some time now, how to start...where to start...what should it look like. To be honest, I really wasn't super excited about making it since t-shirt material is less than desirable to stitch with. So I've been putting it off for a while. I've realized I've been putting sewing in general off because I've started feeling guilty for not starting the blanket for Ben.

So I finally kick-started by cutting all the shirt fronts that he'd chosen and figuring out what material would feel nice next to the t-shirts, plus look kind of masculine at the same time. Here's the front finished. I've lined it and it's pinned to the back....now to stitch it together. (click on the picture for a closer view)

One down...

2007-01-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

I managed to finish curtains for Aiden's room the other day. I had browsed a few curtain isles at different stores and peered closely at the small scale models that hang above. I figured the ones I liked would be simple enough to make myself, without a pattern. I didn't finish them to perfection, but enough to be pleased with the outcome. My material was limited so they don't reach the entire length of the window. I'm glad that they are partial though. I really like the print, but it would have been overkill if it reached the sill.

The material was just wide enough to cover the width of the window so I left the selvaged edges alone and only hemmed the top and bottom. I cut 8, 2" x 40" strips to make the ties (pressed the edges under, folded in half and top stitched...I've learned not to try turning something that narrow). Measured 10" in on either side of the panel piece and pinned a tie on front+back, folded top down and stitched a wide enough seam to run the curtain rod through. Voila! They can be tied loosely underneath for the drawn up affect or left to hang.

Soup and cookies-

2007-01-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Today I was able to make bulk batches of two soups. Our freezer stash is dwindling and some of what's in there I'm tired of at the moment. Time to restock.

I made a Golden Squash Soup that is creamy and just right for a cold day. I also made a favorite of mine, vegetable beef soup (this recipe is for the bulk proportion, for a small family of 3 at least, or enough for a large family w/out freezing).

-Vegetable Beef Soup-

2 lbs lean ground beef
4 med. carrots peeled/chopped
med. onion chopped
1/3 cabbage head chopped
1/2 lb bag of each (give or take...I like lots of vegetables): frozen peas, lima beans, soy beans, green beans, corn
2 quarts tomato juice
2 quarts water
Stewed tomatoes optional as well
4-5 beef bouillon cubes (more or less to taste)
1/2-1 tsp dried basil

Brown ground beef in 5-8 quart kettle with onion. Drain excess grease. Add carrots, cabbage, tomato juice and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender. Add bouillon cubes and frozen vegetables and simmer until vegetables are tender.

-Carrot Cookies-
I tried this new cookie recipe today and it just bumped out a few others to take top on the current favorites list. Lightly sweet and more muffiny than most cookies. (I put my substitutions in parenthesis).
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 cup cooked carrots, mashed
2 cups flour (or 1.5 cups flour + 1/2 cup quick oats + 1/4 cup flax meal)
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup raisins (not a big fan of raisins, used 1/2 cup cranraisins + 1/4 cup sliced almonds)

Cream shortening and sugar. Add vanilla and egg. Beat until fluffy. Add cooked carrots (mashed and cooled). Sift flour, measure/add salt and b. powder, sift again (I'm not big on all the sifting myself, turn out fine w/out it). Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Add raisins (and nuts). Drop by teaspoonful onto greased (very important!) baking sheet about 2 in. apart.
Bake at 375 for 10-12 min.

Here's a highly recommended addition: Rub 1 tsp of soft butter into 1.5 cups powdered sugar. Add enough orange juice (approx. 2 Tbs or so) and zest from 1 orange to create icing, spread on cookies while still warm. Mmmmmm....

From the Mennonite Community Cookbook (pg 252).

Multitasking mistakes.

2007-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

I like to have multiple things I'm working on at once, not that I'm really good at multitasking, but to keep my options varied and my limited attention span satisfied. Yesterday as I was trying to bake cookies, get Aiden set up with paints and work on a calendar for myself, I ended up almost setting off the smoke detector in the kitchen.

I had already removed the 2 full trays of sugar cookies and had to finish up that last tray (that inevitably always happens) which only held about 6 cookies. I don't, but probably should consider using a timer when cooking. I tend to think I won't forget...since I've had Aiden, I forget more things than I'd like to admit. Those last cookies were toasty and windows/doors had to be opened (hence the smokey haze above).

My desk calendar hasn't been cutting it for keeping up with dates and I keep finding myself standing in the pantry where my '06 one used to hang. So, I decided I'd just make one for myself. The tedious work of drawing super straight lines, measuring and being precise is very therapeutic for me (this being the reason for distraction from the cookies). It isn't getting completed as quickly as I envisioned initially, but I guess I really only need to do a month in advance anyhow...or wait, I do need to have them in order to set plans now for months ahead. Never mind. I'm really happy with how it's going though. I am taking a picture that I already have of Aiden, Ben or the likes and adding it to the page, as well as arranging each month's name differently. Click on the picture for a closer view, the one for Feb. is a favorite of mine. A reminder of why rain is something to be thankful for (I often find it hard to appreciate rainy days).

My goal for this separate blog has been serving its purpose well already. I'm feeling more creative in the kitchen just so I have new/old recipes to add here. I'm finding/making more moments to pin, cut or sew pieces of projects that would generally sit otherwise. I'm also finding that as I am sewing more, I really want to learn to make more of my own clothing, though that will take much energy, patience and practice. The robe I am working on, let's just say it's a good thing it'll only be seen by Ben and Aiden. Ben asked as I was diligently sewing today, "Are you really going to wear that?"...followed by, "I didn't mean it to sound that way." It really didn't bother me because I was pondering the same question in my head. The last article of clothing I made for myself was a good 15 years ago, in middle school for 4H...a jumper, I believe. I could just say I'll stick to blankets/bags and stuff like that, but I really do want to challenge myself. I guess I might even show pictures of what my beginner attempts look like after it's done. We'll just have to see.

More Tortellini...

2007-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry, no recipe on this one, just a little rant on how much I love tortellini. I never really thought twice about the stuff. Never tried it until just recently. I am beginning to think I could be content eating it daily though. I was making spaghetti for dinner with meat sauce and had the noodles in one hand, tortellini in the other...It didn't take long to decide what was going in the water.
So, anyone who is familiar with the tasty little morsels and happens to have other suggestions on how to prepare it, please let me know.

New England Clam Chowder-

2007-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

For those of you who like New England Clam Chowder, this is rich and yummy. A friend of ours served it for us a few years ago and I had to have the recipe. It was my plan for tonight, ingredients were out and ready to begin, but Aiden having had a minimal nap earlier wasn't in the mood to help or entertain himself during the dinner prep time. So, we had the Campbells version instead, with some steamed sugar peas, crackers and cheese. For dessert the little one had prunes. (I wonder how long I can pull them off as 'treats' and actually get an excited response?)

1/4 cup diced bacon
1/4 cup minced onion
3/4 cup half and half
1/4-3/4 cup milk
4-5 diced, peeled potatoes
2 stalks chopped celery
1 tbs lemon juice
1/8 tsp pepper (additional seasonings to taste)
2-4 cans chopped or minced clams

In large saucepan cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp and onion is tender.

Option 1:In separate pan, barely cover potatoes with water and boil with celery until soft. (here you'll have to make a call on your own...it's been a while since I've done this. I forget if you drain the potato water or add the half and half to it. Mental note: Don't slack when copying recipes.) OR Option 2: use 1, 10.5 oz. can condensed cream of potato soup (I haven't tried this route).

Stir soup and milk into bacon/onion mix and heat through. Stir in clams, lemon juice and pepper.

A new take on Tuna Noodle Casserole-

2007-01-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

I rarely make a recipe the same twice...Whether it simply be adding a different vegetable or substituting/adding whatever sounds good at the moment from the fridge or freezer.

We grew up with many a different casserole garnishing the dinner table. I have to say, who doesn't love having one dish with the goodness of four food groups together? They're easy, tasty, and typically pretty flexible if you find yourself missing one of the ingredients. I usually have a last minute "mmmm...that would be good for dinner" thought and start to make the casserole, only to search the fridge/freezer/cupboard for what I thought would be there and find it already gone....thus beginning a new search for what to substitute in place of the lacking ingredient.

So here's a new take on the good old stand-by 'tuna noodle casserole' that was tested tonight due to the of substitution of a new love. Tortellini.

Approx. 2.5-3 cups cooked tortellini
1 cup thawed/frozen peas or 2 cups cooked broccoli
2 cans (6oz. each) drained tuna
1 box whole wheat stuffing mix

2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. flour
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

In a casserole dish, combine cooked tortellini, vegetable, and tuna.
Pour stuffing mix into separate dish and add hot water amount designated on box.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In med. saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Add flour and salt, stir until bubbly. Gradually add milk and bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until melted. Pour sauce over tortellini, tuna,vegetable mix and top with moistened stuffing mix.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Works in progress

2007-01-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

A few goals for myself (designated time period...within the year):

Finish first knitting project, scarf started 5 (gasp!) years ago that has been set aside, moved from our home at Camp Overlook to Orlando, and back to Staunton.
Relearn to cast-off, which is the current reason for the project taking this long. (Grandma, I'll be in touch about getting together for a new knitting lesson!)
Finish supposed-to-be-done-for-Christmas bag below (mustard canvas/spotted cotton) for a friend.
Finish creating/sewing activity book for Aiden (which was also supposed to be done by Christmas). This was an idea I'd had while he was still in my belly and thought I'd do it soon after he was born. Right. I soon realized how much work was involved as a first time Momma and that idea has been pushed back for over a year now. Two of four pages that are completed are shown below.
Material to be made into curtains for Aiden's room.
Finish small quilt that was started in November.
Start/finish flannel blanket or possibly make it a quilt?

I'd like to add to the list once some are completed, but want to keep it a reasonably attainable goal for now.

Felt shapes that button to Corduroy page (right) or snap to page (left). The star was hand stitched to the pocket (which will hold a crayon box) and in the late night, bleary-eyed, almost Christmas rush, I stitched it through the entire page....so it's not a pocket at this point. I'll need to undo and restitch it to the pocket only.

Kicking off

2007-01-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

I'll be making an attempt to juggle two separate blogs...one for family, one for things I love (which will include some family, but mostly good stuff from the kitchen and projects I'm currently working on).

I'm looking forward to learning a little more about myself in the coming year[s] through this outlet and hope those of you who keep tabs will find encouragement, laughter and maybe a new recipe to try along the way!