Friday, January 12, 2007
Keep Warm in Style
By the end of this weekend you could crochet yourself a great scarf to keep warm.
If you really like the fun furry yarns they have out, here are a few tips to help you work with it.
If you like your scarf long and thin you will need only one skein, if you like your scarf a bit wider then buy two skeins. Choose a larger size crochet hook (J or larger). Fancy stitches don't really show up with the furry type "yarn" so a double or triple crochet works better and will go faster.
Notice which way the nap is ??? Most people will have a preference to either pull from the center of the skein, the outside, or roll it into a ball. But for this yarn you want to make sure that as you are making your stitches you are SMOOTHING the yarn not fluffing it up. By working with the yarn this way it reduces the number of split stitches and tangles.
By keeping your pattern simple you will not really need stitch markers, they just seem to get lost with these types of yarn and it will be easier to keep count. I like the double crochet for this yarn and I chain an even number, usually less than ten stitches. This is very forgiving as far as mistakes go. If you do have to pull out a mistake, go slowly as this yarn will knot very easily in the against the nap direction. If you do get a knot that won't come out just snip and re-tie, the knot is not going to stand out once your scarf is all fluffed.
If you use the very fluffy and furry stuff, you can hardly see what you have crocheted so it is that much more important to keep it simple and use that large hook. Once you are used to working with it or if your are an advanced crocheter you can branch out into some mittens or a sweater. This type of yarn is so soft! It is truly like a kitten! I like to make very long thin scarves out of this yarn and just wrap it several times around my neck. It's like a boa sans the feathers shedding.
Once you are finished crocheting, shake,comb or fluff until all the fuzzy bits are not caught in your stitches. You don't have to stop there you can add beads, pony bead size or larger work better as the smaller sizes don't show up very well, You can add sequins or even bells! Hey more IS more!
The scarf is a great way to try out new yarns, especially if the new yarn is pricey. A new scarf will give you a great accessory. It can double as a belt. It can camouflage an ugly spot on a shirt or jacket. Also they make great gifts. So why are you still sitting here?... go make yourself a fabulous scarf.
If you really like the fun furry yarns they have out, here are a few tips to help you work with it.
If you like your scarf long and thin you will need only one skein, if you like your scarf a bit wider then buy two skeins. Choose a larger size crochet hook (J or larger). Fancy stitches don't really show up with the furry type "yarn" so a double or triple crochet works better and will go faster.
Notice which way the nap is ??? Most people will have a preference to either pull from the center of the skein, the outside, or roll it into a ball. But for this yarn you want to make sure that as you are making your stitches you are SMOOTHING the yarn not fluffing it up. By working with the yarn this way it reduces the number of split stitches and tangles.
By keeping your pattern simple you will not really need stitch markers, they just seem to get lost with these types of yarn and it will be easier to keep count. I like the double crochet for this yarn and I chain an even number, usually less than ten stitches. This is very forgiving as far as mistakes go. If you do have to pull out a mistake, go slowly as this yarn will knot very easily in the against the nap direction. If you do get a knot that won't come out just snip and re-tie, the knot is not going to stand out once your scarf is all fluffed.
If you use the very fluffy and furry stuff, you can hardly see what you have crocheted so it is that much more important to keep it simple and use that large hook. Once you are used to working with it or if your are an advanced crocheter you can branch out into some mittens or a sweater. This type of yarn is so soft! It is truly like a kitten! I like to make very long thin scarves out of this yarn and just wrap it several times around my neck. It's like a boa sans the feathers shedding.Once you are finished crocheting, shake,comb or fluff until all the fuzzy bits are not caught in your stitches. You don't have to stop there you can add beads, pony bead size or larger work better as the smaller sizes don't show up very well, You can add sequins or even bells! Hey more IS more!
The scarf is a great way to try out new yarns, especially if the new yarn is pricey. A new scarf will give you a great accessory. It can double as a belt. It can camouflage an ugly spot on a shirt or jacket. Also they make great gifts. So why are you still sitting here?... go make yourself a fabulous scarf.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
A dress for Mother, & advice.
Here are a few pictures of a dress I made for the "Mother" in "All My Sons".
Not really a step by step, Bree took them for me because I was so involved I completely forgot.
Thanks Bree!
Eyelet for the outside of the collar.
Eyelet for the cuffs as well.
"period" style pockets... I thought they were rather nifty with their one free edge. I used a serged thread for the belt carrier.
Plain white fabric for the front interfacing... Did I mention that we were a bit shy of the amount of fabric that was needed for this dress?
Finished dress with matching belt and fabric covered buttons that you really can't see, but I guess that is the point. This photo does not do it justice. But you can see it on the actress if you follow the link to Hans' photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansef/107288443/
This dress had thirteen pieces, eleven of which I had to alter to fit our lovely actress, who like all normal persons is not made to fit the so called size standard on the back of the pattern envelope.
Get yourself a good book on fitting. If one method does not work for you .... Get another book or DVD. Find what will work for you. Because very few of us are like the cardboard cut-out so -called standard.
The pattern maker, whom I will not name, but it begins with a Mc -----, made two errors in drafting this pattern. The fold over cuffs were TWO inches shorter width wise than the sleeve width and the front interfacing, IF cut on the "cut here" line would have been FOUR inches shorter that the dress. Hummmmm? Also, if there was a way to "vague up" the Thirty-six! Step directions... They would of read something like.... Here are the pieces, go sew them up. The steps for the collar if followed would of left you with unfinished edges and a collar that was not attached to the front of the dress...GRRRRRrrrr
Yah... Okay... I could go on. My point in including this small tirade is... IF you have tried sewing, and had less than hoped for results. It may not be you! Even if you did pay $15.00 for the darned pattern. The directions on most patterns are a bit vague. Especially if you have never sewn before. Or if you have never sewn that type of item before.
Start small. I know those pattern books make you want to sew it all. But pay attention: How many pieces does that pattern have? How many seams? Does this need to be fit perfectly in order to look right? What kind of fabric do I need and is it hard to work with?
You could start with a "Sewing for Dummies" project to get the feel of what you are doing. Look for more detailed information on the type of item you are wanting to sew. The web is full of information. You can get sewing books... New... Or used or on loan from the Library.
You can take a class or ask a sewing friend to help you. Don't give up!
When you find a pattern you like and have altered it to fit you the way you like. Do NOT just make one of that item and then put the pattern away. Try different prints. Different fabrics. Add trims, lace, fringe, pockets, beads, or buttons~ go for it and embellish!
Adjusting a pattern to fit, is too much invested time to just shove back into the envelope.
Keep in mind you are worth the extra effort!
Not really a step by step, Bree took them for me because I was so involved I completely forgot.
Thanks Bree!
Eyelet for the outside of the collar.
Eyelet for the cuffs as well.
"period" style pockets... I thought they were rather nifty with their one free edge. I used a serged thread for the belt carrier.
Plain white fabric for the front interfacing... Did I mention that we were a bit shy of the amount of fabric that was needed for this dress?
Finished dress with matching belt and fabric covered buttons that you really can't see, but I guess that is the point. This photo does not do it justice. But you can see it on the actress if you follow the link to Hans' photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansef/107288443/
This dress had thirteen pieces, eleven of which I had to alter to fit our lovely actress, who like all normal persons is not made to fit the so called size standard on the back of the pattern envelope.
Get yourself a good book on fitting. If one method does not work for you .... Get another book or DVD. Find what will work for you. Because very few of us are like the cardboard cut-out so -called standard.
The pattern maker, whom I will not name, but it begins with a Mc -----, made two errors in drafting this pattern. The fold over cuffs were TWO inches shorter width wise than the sleeve width and the front interfacing, IF cut on the "cut here" line would have been FOUR inches shorter that the dress. Hummmmm? Also, if there was a way to "vague up" the Thirty-six! Step directions... They would of read something like.... Here are the pieces, go sew them up. The steps for the collar if followed would of left you with unfinished edges and a collar that was not attached to the front of the dress...GRRRRRrrrr
Yah... Okay... I could go on. My point in including this small tirade is... IF you have tried sewing, and had less than hoped for results. It may not be you! Even if you did pay $15.00 for the darned pattern. The directions on most patterns are a bit vague. Especially if you have never sewn before. Or if you have never sewn that type of item before.
Start small. I know those pattern books make you want to sew it all. But pay attention: How many pieces does that pattern have? How many seams? Does this need to be fit perfectly in order to look right? What kind of fabric do I need and is it hard to work with?
You could start with a "Sewing for Dummies" project to get the feel of what you are doing. Look for more detailed information on the type of item you are wanting to sew. The web is full of information. You can get sewing books... New... Or used or on loan from the Library.
You can take a class or ask a sewing friend to help you. Don't give up!
When you find a pattern you like and have altered it to fit you the way you like. Do NOT just make one of that item and then put the pattern away. Try different prints. Different fabrics. Add trims, lace, fringe, pockets, beads, or buttons~ go for it and embellish!
Adjusting a pattern to fit, is too much invested time to just shove back into the envelope.
Keep in mind you are worth the extra effort!
Spring is Coming!
Spring is almost here.
It is not quite time to start planting outside, but you do not have to sit idly by waiting for that last frost to finally pass...
You could get a head start by looking around to see if you have a few not so pretty or not so interesting boxes or other items that could be used as a planter.
Break out that glue gun and gather up some stuff !
( Stuff ? What kind of stuff?)
Just about Anything you may have collected a bunch of... Sticks, shells, rocks, thread spools, jar lids, old shoes, pieces of things that used to be whole, nuts, bolts, wire,..Etc. What if I don't have a bunch of "stuff"?
Go on a gathering mission... If you have kids ( you can borrow some) they are great for gathering bunches of stuff. You could also ask a pack-rat friend for some bunches of stuff.
This does not have to be a lifetime commitment. Just a seasonal commitment! The item does not have to set the theme for your garden or make a statement about your taste... It can be just a tid-bit of interest to tuck in the corner. Or if you end up loving what you have created you can make it the centerpiece of your garden.
Bree and I loved ours so much we bolted it to the porch railing~
Just a few things to keep in mind.... Use the high temp glue sticks if you live in a warmer climate.
More glue can be a better thing. So, buy the glue sticks in BULK.
Drain holes. You can drill these. Or if it is not drill-able.... Be sure to add good drainage material first.
Liner. If your "found" planter item is not of a plant friendly material.
Think water tolerant for your glue on stuff.
IF your item is going to end up being heavy after everything is glued on, you might want to move it there before it gets too heavy. Bet you can guess how I learned this one.... haahaahaa (Thanks guys for helping us move the planter!)
Think Spring!
It is not quite time to start planting outside, but you do not have to sit idly by waiting for that last frost to finally pass...
You could get a head start by looking around to see if you have a few not so pretty or not so interesting boxes or other items that could be used as a planter.
Break out that glue gun and gather up some stuff !
( Stuff ? What kind of stuff?)
Just about Anything you may have collected a bunch of... Sticks, shells, rocks, thread spools, jar lids, old shoes, pieces of things that used to be whole, nuts, bolts, wire,..Etc. What if I don't have a bunch of "stuff"?
Go on a gathering mission... If you have kids ( you can borrow some) they are great for gathering bunches of stuff. You could also ask a pack-rat friend for some bunches of stuff.
This does not have to be a lifetime commitment. Just a seasonal commitment! The item does not have to set the theme for your garden or make a statement about your taste... It can be just a tid-bit of interest to tuck in the corner. Or if you end up loving what you have created you can make it the centerpiece of your garden.
Bree and I loved ours so much we bolted it to the porch railing~
Just a few things to keep in mind.... Use the high temp glue sticks if you live in a warmer climate.
More glue can be a better thing. So, buy the glue sticks in BULK.
Drain holes. You can drill these. Or if it is not drill-able.... Be sure to add good drainage material first.
Liner. If your "found" planter item is not of a plant friendly material.
Think water tolerant for your glue on stuff.
IF your item is going to end up being heavy after everything is glued on, you might want to move it there before it gets too heavy. Bet you can guess how I learned this one.... haahaahaa (Thanks guys for helping us move the planter!)
Think Spring!
Fuzzy Wuzzy
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a ... Sweater?Well it will be by the end of this post.
As you may remember from the Christmas stockings, this fabric is made of polyester. What I like to think of as the New generation of polyesters... Am I in love? You bet. This stuff is soft as a kitten, it's warm, stretches almost as well as a slinky knit, Machine washable (by itself), and no ironing. But as with all love there is a draw back, or two.
Fuzz. I really mean it too. It will get everywhere and on everything. Think of shaving a fluffy cat in your sewing space. The fuzz vacuums up pretty well. And the lint roller works too. You should have both on hand when working with this stuff.
Tips
Because this fabric is no iron, ie.. You can't iron it. You need to pick a pattern or project with few pieces and simple seams. Remember to use the *with nap layout. Press to set does not apply here.
New stretch knit needle.
Straight stitch presser foot.
LARGE head pins..... The Flower type work well, but can still be lost in the deep pile of the fabric.
Try not to sew the right side of this fabric to either the feed dogs or the presser foot. IF you have no other option, choose to sew the right side up toward the presser foot. It is much easier to sew this fabric wrong sides out. You could use the between tissue method if it was really necessary, but I don't know how well the tissue would tear-away or wash out. If you try it, let me know how it works.
Test.
You really need to buy extra fabric to play around with. Test cut, test sew, test serge (overlock).
You don't get to rip out your mistakes with this fabric. So, test, test, test. And if you are worried about fit.... Baste and fit BEFORE you sew.
Here is how the Sweater went.
As you can see the pile of this fabric is DEEP.
Simple pattern with few pieces and simple seams. Three pieces total. The back is one piece cut on the fold and the front is one pattern piece cut doubled.
Fuzz 
More FuzzMaybe now is a good time for that first vacuuming.
Go slow when serging 
Okay.... Here is where I had some great close-ups that don't seem to want to load....
There are just four seams in this sweater jacket. So, it was quick to sew and serge. (And then vacuum again.) I serged all of the remaining raw edges(and vacuumed) and then just folded over and stitched for the bottom hem and the hem on the sleeves. Also, just fold over and stitch the front and neck edges. But I added a fancy trim on both front sections from the shoulder seams along the neck edge.
I used two shank buttons and a hair elastic for a closure. I used baby gold safety pins to secure the buttons as I was not sure how well these buttons would wash and dry. A few hand stitches with matching thread is holding the hair elastic in place. (One last good vacuuming!)
Here is the finished sweater jacket. The fabric is not shiny as it appears to be in the photos. Ok, it does not look spectacular in the photo. However I did receive more than a dozen compliments when I wore it and Seven women and two men actually petted me. One of the women wanted to take it home with her! That made all the vacuuming worth it.One last tip... Carry your sticky lint roller with you until your new fuzzy item, whatever it is, is all done shedding.
Happy Sewing!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
The current
The current was stronger than I anticipated at The River.
I was asked to help with a few of the costumes for their production of Misery. (who me? oh wow! really?) Of course I jumped on the chance to be on board.
Why I am telling you this? Well, it's my reason for being late on posting the Christmas stockings finish. So here are the pictures of these beauties. And a brief description of how I did it. If you want to get a jump start on next year's stockings, now is a great time. The fabric will probably be on sale.
Speaking of the fabric, it's polyester. Wooly polyester for the white and fleecy fur polyester for the red. I can clearly remember when polyester was a word that would make be cringe. And there are still types of polyester that I can't stand to touch let alone wear. But the new polyester types are so different from the old double knit that I look forward to sewing with them, washing them and then Not ironing them.
First. Your pattern. Trace a stocking you like or free hand a design of your own. Paper grocery bags work well or tissue paper. Be sure to make the fold over cuff larger than the stocking so it will lay nicely and not bunch up.
If you are using any of the slippery types of fabric, be sure to pin the fabric together before removing your pattern.
Here is down side.
The fuzzy fibers get everywhere. Worse than velvet. But worth it.
Even if you do have to vacuum mid- project.
It's pretty simple. Sew foot pieces right sides together and cuff piece right sides together. Turn the foot part right side out. Then place the right side of the cuff to the wrong side of the foot, tuck your "hanger" between the layers (on the heel side) lined up with the raw edges and sew the top edges together. Flip the cuff right side out and ....
tada! Now all you have to do is add a name tag.
To make things more smoothly, I used a new ball point needle for stretch knits (always a new needle). I used large flower head pins, so they could be seen and not lost in the pile of the fabric. The straight stitch foot on the presser foot, it runs smoother over the wooly stuff and does not tangle up like the multi-purpose foot can. And I kept the wrong side of the fabrics to both the presser foot and feed dogs. On the last step it is a wee bit tricky stitching in the round on the inside of the cuff. Just take it slowly, I don't think ripping out a mistake is an option with this fabric. I used the serger after each step to keep the fuzz factor down. A bit. LOL
I wish you could feel these beauties. Mmmmm! so nummy. They were a big hit with the family and they stretched just fine. I am looking forward to using them for many Christmas' to come.
As for the new polyester fabric.( I don't think it is for the beginning sewer.) But, I have already bought some of the wooly polyester fabric in a pretty pink that I have plans to make an over shirt/jacket with. Even if you have to vacuum two or three times,I think the way this fabric feels is worth the extra effort.
I was asked to help with a few of the costumes for their production of Misery. (who me? oh wow! really?) Of course I jumped on the chance to be on board.
Why I am telling you this? Well, it's my reason for being late on posting the Christmas stockings finish. So here are the pictures of these beauties. And a brief description of how I did it. If you want to get a jump start on next year's stockings, now is a great time. The fabric will probably be on sale.
Speaking of the fabric, it's polyester. Wooly polyester for the white and fleecy fur polyester for the red. I can clearly remember when polyester was a word that would make be cringe. And there are still types of polyester that I can't stand to touch let alone wear. But the new polyester types are so different from the old double knit that I look forward to sewing with them, washing them and then Not ironing them.
First. Your pattern. Trace a stocking you like or free hand a design of your own. Paper grocery bags work well or tissue paper. Be sure to make the fold over cuff larger than the stocking so it will lay nicely and not bunch up.
If you are using any of the slippery types of fabric, be sure to pin the fabric together before removing your pattern.
Here is down side.
The fuzzy fibers get everywhere. Worse than velvet. But worth it.
Even if you do have to vacuum mid- project.
It's pretty simple. Sew foot pieces right sides together and cuff piece right sides together. Turn the foot part right side out. Then place the right side of the cuff to the wrong side of the foot, tuck your "hanger" between the layers (on the heel side) lined up with the raw edges and sew the top edges together. Flip the cuff right side out and ....
tada! Now all you have to do is add a name tag.
To make things more smoothly, I used a new ball point needle for stretch knits (always a new needle). I used large flower head pins, so they could be seen and not lost in the pile of the fabric. The straight stitch foot on the presser foot, it runs smoother over the wooly stuff and does not tangle up like the multi-purpose foot can. And I kept the wrong side of the fabrics to both the presser foot and feed dogs. On the last step it is a wee bit tricky stitching in the round on the inside of the cuff. Just take it slowly, I don't think ripping out a mistake is an option with this fabric. I used the serger after each step to keep the fuzz factor down. A bit. LOL
I wish you could feel these beauties. Mmmmm! so nummy. They were a big hit with the family and they stretched just fine. I am looking forward to using them for many Christmas' to come.
As for the new polyester fabric.( I don't think it is for the beginning sewer.) But, I have already bought some of the wooly polyester fabric in a pretty pink that I have plans to make an over shirt/jacket with. Even if you have to vacuum two or three times,I think the way this fabric feels is worth the extra effort.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Docking
What a ride!
I have docked my little boat and am out of main flow at "The River".
" A Christmas Story" is over and all that remains to be done is the dry cleaning!
(I would have been completely lost without Bree as my partner!! Thank YOU Bree the Amazing.)
Now I will see if I can start working on our own Christmas projects. First on the list ... Stockings.
Don't we have stocking? Yes, But... I am thinking S T R E T C H ! Yes ~ a ~reee... We need that stretch. I am so tired of the after Christmas stocking mending. As a rule, if you have mended something more than three times, there is a problem in either design, fabric, or "use not in context with labeling".
While there are other shapes of "stockings" I really like the look of the traditional stocking. So, I will be sticking with that sock shape. That makes changing the design out.
Use not in context with labeling... I am hoping that my children are now past the point where they will be trying to Wear their stocking... And hopefully no more half eaten candy storage either. However, I find explaining that the stocking does not have infinite capacity is futile.
Thus we come to the Fabric. Felt.... haahaaa that didn't last at all. Velvet... Oh so sweet...But it makes very bad stockings when they are worn as socks and not really happy about being washed in the machine either. Satin... So pretty... So zero stretch and not agreeable with being mended when the no stretch factor is strenuously tested. Crocheted, I liked this, a lot... Machine washing reduced them back into a ball of yarn. Not very neatly either. Armed with the knowledge of what has not worked, I made a list...
Here were my priorities 1. Machine Washable, ( just in case of candy storage)
2. Stretch, for better fit of odd shaped pressies, though still finite, more forgiving when stuffed.
3. Pretty. Who wants to spend time making something you think is icky.
4. Feels nice. Yes, I am one of those textile people who go around touching everything.
I found some great fabrics that fit the list. And being as pleased as a cat in the window sill above the heater vent, I forgot to inquire what said fabric is called. lol. However I will find out and post photos of the Stockings later this week. In the mean time...
Here is a fudge recipe that is super nummy, fairly easy, and uses HALF the sugar required in most fudge... It also happens to be my Mum's
Betty'’s Fudge
If you have an electric stove use a trivet, like you would use for a glass pan.
1- 7 oz. Jar marshmallow cream
1 ½ cup sugar
2/3 cup Evaporated Milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 tsp. Salt
12 oz. Bag chocolate chips.... ( 2 cups)
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup broken walnuts
Combine first 5 ingredients in a Heavy metal sauce pan.
Over medium heat, Stir until melted.
Raise heat to medium high. Bring to a boil.
Boil for 5 minutes EXACTLY.
Remove from heat.
Add chocolate chips,. Stir until melted.
Add vanilla and walnuts mix well.
Pour into a well butter baking pan.
( larger pan thin fudge, smaller pan chunky fudge)
Score while warm
Cut when cool
Store in refrigerator loosely covered with wax paper.
Let me know what you think.
I have docked my little boat and am out of main flow at "The River".
" A Christmas Story" is over and all that remains to be done is the dry cleaning!
(I would have been completely lost without Bree as my partner!! Thank YOU Bree the Amazing.)
Now I will see if I can start working on our own Christmas projects. First on the list ... Stockings.
Don't we have stocking? Yes, But... I am thinking S T R E T C H ! Yes ~ a ~reee... We need that stretch. I am so tired of the after Christmas stocking mending. As a rule, if you have mended something more than three times, there is a problem in either design, fabric, or "use not in context with labeling".
While there are other shapes of "stockings" I really like the look of the traditional stocking. So, I will be sticking with that sock shape. That makes changing the design out.
Use not in context with labeling... I am hoping that my children are now past the point where they will be trying to Wear their stocking... And hopefully no more half eaten candy storage either. However, I find explaining that the stocking does not have infinite capacity is futile.
Thus we come to the Fabric. Felt.... haahaaa that didn't last at all. Velvet... Oh so sweet...But it makes very bad stockings when they are worn as socks and not really happy about being washed in the machine either. Satin... So pretty... So zero stretch and not agreeable with being mended when the no stretch factor is strenuously tested. Crocheted, I liked this, a lot... Machine washing reduced them back into a ball of yarn. Not very neatly either. Armed with the knowledge of what has not worked, I made a list...
Here were my priorities 1. Machine Washable, ( just in case of candy storage)
2. Stretch, for better fit of odd shaped pressies, though still finite, more forgiving when stuffed.
3. Pretty. Who wants to spend time making something you think is icky.
4. Feels nice. Yes, I am one of those textile people who go around touching everything.
I found some great fabrics that fit the list. And being as pleased as a cat in the window sill above the heater vent, I forgot to inquire what said fabric is called. lol. However I will find out and post photos of the Stockings later this week. In the mean time...
Here is a fudge recipe that is super nummy, fairly easy, and uses HALF the sugar required in most fudge... It also happens to be my Mum's
Betty'’s Fudge
If you have an electric stove use a trivet, like you would use for a glass pan.
1- 7 oz. Jar marshmallow cream
1 ½ cup sugar
2/3 cup Evaporated Milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 tsp. Salt
12 oz. Bag chocolate chips.... ( 2 cups)
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup broken walnuts
Combine first 5 ingredients in a Heavy metal sauce pan.
Over medium heat, Stir until melted.
Raise heat to medium high. Bring to a boil.
Boil for 5 minutes EXACTLY.
Remove from heat.
Add chocolate chips,. Stir until melted.
Add vanilla and walnuts mix well.
Pour into a well butter baking pan.
( larger pan thin fudge, smaller pan chunky fudge)
Score while warm
Cut when cool
Store in refrigerator loosely covered with wax paper.
Let me know what you think.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Pumpkin Bread
Here is my recipe for Pumpkin Bread. It is very yummy. Give it a try and let me know what you think....
Pumpkin Bread
Preheat oven 350'
1 1/3 cup shorting
5 1/3 cup sugar
8 eggs
1 large can solid pack pumpkin
1 1/3 cup water
6 2/3 cup flour
4 tsp. Baking soda
3 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 ½ cup broken walnuts
1 cup raisins optional
Grease bottoms only of 4 - 9x5x3 loaf pans or 6- 8"½x4"½x4"½ (or even the mini loaf pans however baking time will be much less on the smaller pans.)
Mix shorting and sugar in very large bowl. Add eggs, pumpkin and water. Blend in flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir in nuts and raisins. Pour into baking pans. Bake until wooden pick comes out clean apx. 1 hr. 10 mins.; Cool slightly. Loosen sides with knife. Remove from pans and cool. Can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 10 days. Can be frozen.
*** DO NOT DOUBLE THIS RECIPE
Hey don't laugh... it's a fast post, that says... I still care, I'm just ssssssssoooooo busy.
Pumpkin Bread
Preheat oven 350'
1 1/3 cup shorting
5 1/3 cup sugar
8 eggs
1 large can solid pack pumpkin
1 1/3 cup water
6 2/3 cup flour
4 tsp. Baking soda
3 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 ½ cup broken walnuts
1 cup raisins optional
Grease bottoms only of 4 - 9x5x3 loaf pans or 6- 8"½x4"½x4"½ (or even the mini loaf pans however baking time will be much less on the smaller pans.)
Mix shorting and sugar in very large bowl. Add eggs, pumpkin and water. Blend in flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir in nuts and raisins. Pour into baking pans. Bake until wooden pick comes out clean apx. 1 hr. 10 mins.; Cool slightly. Loosen sides with knife. Remove from pans and cool. Can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 10 days. Can be frozen.
*** DO NOT DOUBLE THIS RECIPE
Hey don't laugh... it's a fast post, that says... I still care, I'm just ssssssssoooooo busy.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Still not slacking
Hello to all!
We here at Misfit Hill are still not slacking. LoL
I have just been too busy to post.
I am caught up in the flow of The River.... Theater that is. We are doing the costumes for this years production of A Christmas Story.
Wow.... What a lot of work.... But fun too. I have a Super Assistant and a great group to work with at The River.
I will post with some photos before too long.
Go with the flow.
We here at Misfit Hill are still not slacking. LoL
I have just been too busy to post.
I am caught up in the flow of The River.... Theater that is. We are doing the costumes for this years production of A Christmas Story.
Wow.... What a lot of work.... But fun too. I have a Super Assistant and a great group to work with at The River.
I will post with some photos before too long.
Go with the flow.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
No Slacking
This is a Clean Fabric Closet!
Bree and I cleaned, sorted,grouped, measured, folded, and tagged all of the fabric that I own that is over one yard. We rolled everything that was under a yard. AND in the process we made a (oooh!oooh!) sew into clothes right now pile. ( Do we hire out? Yes. Are we expensive? VERY.) lol
We sorted through all of my patterns and matched the right now fabric to the right now patterns. That was tough. Decisions , decisions.
It was a serious amount of work. But worth every minute!
We cut, altered, and of course drafted new patterns like crazy women and then set to sewing our new fall wardrobe. Well, part of a wardrobe at least.
Just a sample of what we were up to.
Notice the fold lines on the cream skirt.
Nothing too fancy. Just shell type shirts, blouses, cozy fit pants and skirts. Lots of skirts.
We are still in the middle of the ooooh!oooh! Right now sewing, but at this rate we will be finished soon.
It feels just fabulous to be sewing this fabric into something to wear. Some of this fabric has just been purchased. Others, like the cream skirt fabric has been waiting a loooooong time to be made into a skirt. I have had this cream fabric for years. I have washed and ironed it probably a dozen times. I promised myself the last time I was stuffing it back in the fabric closet, that the next time I washed and pressed this fabric, it would be some type of clothing. This time..... I just made it into a straight skirt. As you can see I only pressed the seams. Hahaha.
Most of you have a fabric stash, some of you are full blown fabriholics, I am somewhere in between. No matter where you fall on the fabric hoarding scale, do yourself the favor of keeping your stash organized. It really makes a difference. All of that sorting and folding was almost like fabric shopping! Only better because it was already paid for!
Hey, what are we doing still sitting here? Come on... Lets go sew!
P.S. THANKS BREE!!!
Construction of 'Lil bitty scarecrows
Here are some photos of the construction process.
We gathered all of the supplies together and then cut all fabric pieces out at once. Then we took the 'divide and conquer" approach. Miss Rosie did the bodies, Tabby the pumpkin sewing and stuffing, Bree on the details, myself on clothing, faces, and hair. We all did fill in and help out for each other.
One hundred twenty body parts
Twelve shirts, six skirts, six pairs of jeans and six petticoats
Sew them together
Trim, turn and press. Yes, I really did iron all of these 'lil outfits.
Gathering pumpkins has a new meaning.
Trim, turn and iron all body parts.
stuff
Stuff and sew
Stuff some more
Adding steams and leaves
Now sew together.
Sew some more and get them dressed
Bree working on details.
As projects go, this one is fairly involved and time consuming. There are many details and most of it is all hand sewing. We all thought they were worth the work.
If you would like to make some for your self, send me an e-mail. And I will do my best to help up.
Sew Cute
We gathered all of the supplies together and then cut all fabric pieces out at once. Then we took the 'divide and conquer" approach. Miss Rosie did the bodies, Tabby the pumpkin sewing and stuffing, Bree on the details, myself on clothing, faces, and hair. We all did fill in and help out for each other.
One hundred twenty body parts
Twelve shirts, six skirts, six pairs of jeans and six petticoats
Sew them together
Trim, turn and press. Yes, I really did iron all of these 'lil outfits.
Gathering pumpkins has a new meaning.
Trim, turn and iron all body parts.
stuff
Stuff and sew
Stuff some more
Adding steams and leaves
Now sew together.
Sew some more and get them dressed
Bree working on details.
As projects go, this one is fairly involved and time consuming. There are many details and most of it is all hand sewing. We all thought they were worth the work.
If you would like to make some for your self, send me an e-mail. And I will do my best to help up.
Sew Cute
Ready for your close-ups?
Here they are!
