tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67287782905009703692024-03-13T14:27:17.331-07:00The Crafty Mrs. BunnyMrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-38088536116487391762011-03-17T14:30:00.000-07:002011-03-17T14:30:54.276-07:00a bit of spring crafting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I've been meaning to post about my current crafts, HOWEVER... my camera decided to poop out. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I doubt I can craft an entry with 10,000+ words that will adequately express the things I've made (or that the mistakes that I've made...)</div><br />
So first off, I hate making things I know that will not be used... Seeing how I've been uninspired in quilt making, I've been looking around the apartment to see what things are needed. I see some really ugly oven mitts/trivets/hot pads that are hanging in their usual place. And by ugly I mean *ugly* and old and well used. So I set off to make us some new ones. The first one turned out pretty good...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YBs9tgA5dhI/TYEu1bLL1fI/AAAAAAAAASE/Lp5S-WiVnng/s1600/HPIM1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YBs9tgA5dhI/TYEu1bLL1fI/AAAAAAAAASE/Lp5S-WiVnng/s320/HPIM1107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R0312w9xJyY/TYEuy7RtCeI/AAAAAAAAASA/BpZf1ditsG0/s1600/HPIM1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R0312w9xJyY/TYEuy7RtCeI/AAAAAAAAASA/BpZf1ditsG0/s320/HPIM1106.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I went with a simple pinwheel design and played with the different decorative stitches on my new machine. I was quite proud of it. So it's been hanging there when the Husband came home, and I proudly showed my my creation. He then told me it was nice in that tone that says "it's nice, but I don't like because X. But, I'm not going to say anything because I might end up with my dinner tasting like a salt mine." I choose to ignore him. after a day or two of looking at it, it begin to bother me as well. I couldn't put my finger on it until (!!!) I realized how weird looking it is to have the sashing fabric the same as part of the pinwheel. Then I saw what my husband saw. IT LOOKS LIKE A SWASTIKA!!!! Yeah, once I got it in my mind, I can't get it out. I can't have that hanging on my wall (actually it's still there, it's not an actual swastika, and ppl can't see it until I point it out...) The next day, I went to Joann's and luck would have it, their collegiate line of fabric is on sale. I then set out to make a new set. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YMSic5keTw/TYEu8d88c-I/AAAAAAAAASQ/mSBtQsDn8UI/s1600/HPIM1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YMSic5keTw/TYEu8d88c-I/AAAAAAAAASQ/mSBtQsDn8UI/s320/HPIM1110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ogy1CMnTjQ4/TYEu6E9wgaI/AAAAAAAAASM/3tlwlC_u-7A/s1600/HPIM1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ogy1CMnTjQ4/TYEu6E9wgaI/AAAAAAAAASM/3tlwlC_u-7A/s320/HPIM1109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Now, instead of pseudo swastika looking pot holders, we have UT ones (go longhorns!) The Husband def likes this set better than the last. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I then moved on to another project, quite a few weeks later because I've been wasting my time on some video games... (I won't go into specifics about my geekiness, just know that it took up *a lot* of time...) I saw some patterns for wallets on craftster.org. (and this has all stemmed from an odd, non-biological clock related urge to make diaper bags) I've been working on patterns from <a href="http://darnkat.wordpress.com/quilted-fabric-wallet-tutorial/">that darn kat</a> and <a href="http://elily00.wordpress.com/tutorials/wallet/">confessions a fabricaholic</a>. I have yet to make one that is satisfactory... The following are three versions of the wallets and one that I made up because I got fed up trying... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ad_7YUNbryU/TYEvGm1kT9I/AAAAAAAAASk/lsk1gEJtCNk/s1600/HPIM1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ad_7YUNbryU/TYEvGm1kT9I/AAAAAAAAASk/lsk1gEJtCNk/s320/HPIM1115.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XX7KPK2VIXk/TYEvKb3j5gI/AAAAAAAAASs/G3n1Fx30V30/s1600/HPIM1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XX7KPK2VIXk/TYEvKb3j5gI/AAAAAAAAASs/G3n1Fx30V30/s320/HPIM1117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Version 1: First try, following the pattern from Confessions of a Fabricaholic. As you can see, the zipper pocket was way too small. That was mistake #1. I accidentally used the wrong piece of fabric for it. By the time I noticed, the pocket was pretty much done. So I figured I'd just leave it alone and watch out for it on my next try. Over all, the design of the pattern is nice, but there is soooooo much bulk on the seams. Also, this may just be my own fault, but the fusible interfacing I used was not stiff enough. The entire wallet was just... limp.. So after taking note of my mistakes, I went to the store to get a stiffer interfacing and on to version 2...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-exkr_0bPGrU/TYJ0L9Vq1YI/AAAAAAAAATk/ikii7YQVn_w/s1600/HPIM1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-exkr_0bPGrU/TYJ0L9Vq1YI/AAAAAAAAATk/ikii7YQVn_w/s320/HPIM1118.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MKKOWXiZlio/TYJ0OfUojqI/AAAAAAAAATo/MNK5J9YGkc0/s1600/HPIM1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MKKOWXiZlio/TYJ0OfUojqI/AAAAAAAAATo/MNK5J9YGkc0/s320/HPIM1119.JPG" width="238" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Version 2: So I got some super stiff interfacing. This, in turn, added even more bulk making it really hard to turn. I tried turning the wallet three different times, but had to take the wallet apart each time because it was stretching the outer fabric and bulking the edges that makes it really hard to top stitch around the edges. So I decided to bind the wallet instead of turning it. Good stuff: the zipper pockets and the credit card pocket are well constructed. (I'm getting better at zippers!) Bad stuff: I couldn't find a good way of attaching the flap. I did the only thing I could... I cut open binding where I wanted to insert the tab. That resulted in this:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R6fELWUtAQE/TYEvQ6A_E5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/FnIAC7-amXs/s1600/HPIM1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R6fELWUtAQE/TYEvQ6A_E5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/FnIAC7-amXs/s320/HPIM1120.JPG" width="320" /></a> You can clearly see the raw edge and it is ugly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> After two tries at Confessions of a Fabricaholic's pattern, I took a short breather and became a couch potato for a few days... Then I moved on to That Darn Kat's pattern. Her construction of the CC pockets seems to add less bulk to the edges. I replaced one of the sets of CC pockets with a zipper pocket. And here is wallet, version 3:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5t-mMoU5wU/TYEvaegs7xI/AAAAAAAAATI/tgAPvtt8OTg/s1600/HPIM1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5t-mMoU5wU/TYEvaegs7xI/AAAAAAAAATI/tgAPvtt8OTg/s320/HPIM1124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A0Zb8QXIDxo/TYEvc43cYzI/AAAAAAAAATM/NmuCHE22pHE/s1600/HPIM1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A0Zb8QXIDxo/TYEvc43cYzI/AAAAAAAAATM/NmuCHE22pHE/s320/HPIM1125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Version 3: At a glance, the wallet looks fine. However, upon closer look, this wallet is also riddled with mistakes and poor craftsmanship... Boo :(<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXhy7pyCepg/TYEvljDLxVI/AAAAAAAAATc/hw1v5fDJNok/s1600/HPIM1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXhy7pyCepg/TYEvljDLxVI/AAAAAAAAATc/hw1v5fDJNok/s320/HPIM1129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h_aanISEgwQ/TYEvoTsXtcI/AAAAAAAAATg/moE2Xg6DM2Y/s1600/HPIM1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h_aanISEgwQ/TYEvoTsXtcI/AAAAAAAAATg/moE2Xg6DM2Y/s320/HPIM1130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The top stitching is not straight... and it is painfully obvious when compared to the straight quilting...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NbcgDpJ9kTs/TYEvfLfIcsI/AAAAAAAAATQ/K5jTBf7GVbw/s1600/HPIM1126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NbcgDpJ9kTs/TYEvfLfIcsI/AAAAAAAAATQ/K5jTBf7GVbw/s320/HPIM1126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Also, there is something up with the top stitching around the zippers. I think it's because of the folding of the zippers... So after three unsuccessful attempts at making a bill sized wallet, I decided to make a folding wallet on my own design. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZCcOSG7S1c/TYEvTF7wvKI/AAAAAAAAAS8/pMw1AOfP_oo/s1600/HPIM1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZCcOSG7S1c/TYEvTF7wvKI/AAAAAAAAAS8/pMw1AOfP_oo/s320/HPIM1121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H1YmQDqTDEY/TYEvVUdON2I/AAAAAAAAATA/EY27Z91EV7c/s1600/HPIM1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H1YmQDqTDEY/TYEvVUdON2I/AAAAAAAAATA/EY27Z91EV7c/s320/HPIM1122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Wallet 4: Overall, I feel that this wallet is okay. No major, obvious mistakes. The stiffness is nice without adding too much bulk. If you ignore the uncut thread ends, There are only 2 things wrong with his wallet. First, the wallet is too wide, it needs to be about only 2/3 of the length. The second thing is this:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uzII1btKqA/TYEvX8SGvnI/AAAAAAAAATE/UQHfHkvGj8E/s1600/HPIM1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uzII1btKqA/TYEvX8SGvnI/AAAAAAAAATE/UQHfHkvGj8E/s320/HPIM1123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice how there are zipper teeth on this pocket but no actual zipper? Yeah... I accidentally ripped it out when I putting it all together... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So here it is... all the things I've done recently. I feel like I've done a lot of stuff but without anything to actually show for it. It's okay though, I have a huge stash of fabrics to work with AND I just bought over 100 zippers on ebay for about $20. So lots of material to make my perfect wallet!!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-71046494249170811072011-02-17T13:52:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:52:21.369-08:00a brief return from an involuntary hiatus...Let me explain my current situation, and why I've been away. It's like a series of unfortunate events. Well, maybe not unfortunate just untimely. So the hiatus started with the holidays. With the cooking and prepping and etc, I've just been too busy to make anything. Thus, nothing really to put on this blog. THEN... the new year came and I was hoping to have some time to make stuff. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. The Husband and I moved because of his job, to a smaller town and to an apartment with no spare space for crafting. Even if I wanted to make stuff, I ran out of projects. I've been so uninspired. I have crafter's block. ::sigh:: The things I make all have utility. I hate making things I can't use or won't be used. Example: I was going to make these new pillow covers; however, I'm scraping that project because I realized that we don't use any pillows on the couch. Any pillows will eventually find their way to the floor where my dog will snuggle up to it and cover it in dog hair. ::sigh, again:: <br />
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Well, I'm hoping things will look better soon because 1) I ordered a new sewing machine with more features I can play with! I've decided to go with the <a href="http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewing/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=ce5500prw">Brother CE5500PRW</a> because I can't justify getting a more expensive sewing machine with my basic skills. 2) I've also got new fabric in pretty spring colors. I'm hoping the brighter colors will inspire me to make something awesome. 3) I've picked up crocheting again. Seeing the limited space I have at our new apartment, it is the only logical thing to do.<br />
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As this is my first post in a while, I can't just leave without posting something cool. And here it is. A lot of the yarn I work with are "recycled" yarn. This just means that I run around thrift stores looking for old sweaters in good condition to take apart and use the yarn. This is also the reason why I have a ton of yarn; the price to yardage ratio is so much lower. One of the downsides of getting my yarn this way is the color. There really isn't that big of a selection. So what is a girl to do?! Dye them I say! Whenever I find wool sweaters that are really light in color, I just snag them up because they are the easiest material to dye. All you really need is Kool-aid or food coloring and vinegar. <br />
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So here is a section of the sweater I took apart<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPfkMJrh2yU/TV2HR81GYZI/AAAAAAAAARo/AZOpnToWa5s/s1600/HPIM1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPfkMJrh2yU/TV2HR81GYZI/AAAAAAAAARo/AZOpnToWa5s/s320/HPIM1064.JPG" width="320" /></a> As you can see, it is this really drabby green color, but it has potential. The yarn is made up of 3 strands of off white color and two strands of dark green. So when I dye it, the lighter colored strands will pick up most of the colors. But before I can color the yarn, I have to take the sweater apart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEtRKgfyxIc/TV2JK4eD1BI/AAAAAAAAARs/viS4jxF5Qjk/s1600/HPIM1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEtRKgfyxIc/TV2JK4eD1BI/AAAAAAAAARs/viS4jxF5Qjk/s320/HPIM1060.JPG" width="320" /></a> And here it is... This is the deconstructed yarn from that section of sweater. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, we'll need to prep the yarn for coloring. Fill the kitchen sink (or bathroom's or just a bucket) with lukewarm water and stir in a bit of shampoo. Soak the skein of yarn in the water, taking care that the yarn is completely submerged and all the air bubbles are released. Stir the yarn around a little bit and lightly wash the yarn. However, DON'T WORK THE YARN TOO MUCH!!! The yarn will felt together if it's over worked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, we'll make the color solution. In a non-aluminium pot, put enough water to submerge the yarn. For every 2 quarts of water you put in, add half a cup of vinegar (if you're going the food coloring route). At this point you might be wondering why I putting in vinegar to dye yarn. The reason is that the acid sets the color. You can also use lemon juice if you don't like the smell of vinegar. If you're going the Kool-aid route, then you don't need any acid since there are already enough of that in each packet. However, do make sure that you use the the non-sweetened, non-carbonated kind (basically the cheapest kind you can find). Then comes the colors!!!! Mix your food coloring in a glass (you can also use Wilton's Icing Color because there is a wider color selection) and dump it in the pot. With Kool-aid, just directly dissolve the packets in the pot. (Side note: you can experiment with the colors by combining these two different methods. If you add Kool-aid, you can forgo the vinegar.) Make sure the colors are even distributed in the pot. Then put in the yarn, completely submerging it in the solution. Let it just sit there for 5 min or before turning on the heat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now turned on the heat to medium low. You want the solution to be hot, but not boiling. Easiest way to tell when the water is at the right temp is when you see a bit of steam coming up from the pot. It is REALLY REALLY important that the water is not boiling because 1) the wool will felt and 2) you might burn the yarn that's sitting at the very bottom. Check on your yarn every 20 mins or so. The yarn has absorbed all the color when the water turns clear. After the water turns clear, turn off the heat and let it cool off. Do NOT immediately take out the yarn to rinse. The sudden change of temperature will felt the yarn. So let it cool off before rinsing the yarn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_HJj3srD9I/TV2TasCJlrI/AAAAAAAAARw/MxAmgr5k8yk/s1600/HPIM1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_HJj3srD9I/TV2TasCJlrI/AAAAAAAAARw/MxAmgr5k8yk/s320/HPIM1062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if you can tell, but the water has turned clear and the yarn is dyed.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then take the COOLED OFF yarn and rinse it in lukewarm water. If the yarn is feeling kinda scratchy, add a bit of hair conditioner in your rinse and rinse again in clean water. Then squeeze, not wring, the excess water and hang it to dry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7fVy503yaA/TV2W73K3-qI/AAAAAAAAAR0/6zIChOi-BFs/s1600/HPIM1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7fVy503yaA/TV2W73K3-qI/AAAAAAAAAR0/6zIChOi-BFs/s320/HPIM1068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtrMhWY5_OM/TV2W-k7nTZI/AAAAAAAAAR4/_VjxxlnEk74/s1600/HPIM1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtrMhWY5_OM/TV2W-k7nTZI/AAAAAAAAAR4/_VjxxlnEk74/s320/HPIM1072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, here are two colors that I was working on today. The darker strands of the original yarn and the newly dyed lighter colored yarn has a nice contrast. I'm loving the transformation from that dark drabby green to these two bright colors. Only if I knew what to make with them... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some mistakes that I made when I tried out this method. So please learn from them and may your first skein of awesomely dyed yarn be awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>If you don't put enough colors in, the end result may come out splotchy. </li>
<li>When tying the skeins of yarn together, don't do it too tightly because you will end up with a tie-dyed effect... </li>
<li>You might want to wear an old or dark colored shirt because you will splash colored water on yourself... </li>
<li>If you splashed some of the colored water on the floor or counter, clean it up before it dries; it just might stain if you don't</li>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-39573354367808545932010-11-22T15:23:00.000-08:002010-11-22T15:23:58.229-08:00Thanksgiving planningThis is the first Thanksgiving that I will be cooking for my husband's family. (By family I mean his mother) We'll be driving up to Tulsa, OK from Houston to visit his mom and I am in charge of the cooking. I don't really mind it, actually I'm relishing the planning and showing off my cooking. Everything is planned, I just need to figure out the timing issue to make sure everything is nice and hot and nothing is over/under cooked. My husband made only two requests: 1) have ham at the table and 2) have twice baked potato at the table. Everything else is up to me. Here is what I have planned:<br />
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1) Ham, the fully cooked kind that comes with a glaze<br />
2) Chicken, brined and roasted (I know it's a bit excessive to have two proteins but it just doesn't feel like Thanksgiving unless there is a bird involved) and brown gravy from the drippings<br />
3) Stuffing, the kind from a box, but with lots of additions<br />
4) Green bean casserole, recipe from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/green-bean-casserole/">Pioneer Woman</a>, slightly tweaked to my liking (I would love to put some mushrooms in there, but alas, the husband has a strong dislike for mushrooms)<br />
5) Twice baked potatoes, my own recipe (will post later with pictures :))<br />
6) Corn tomato salad, I needed something that doesn't require cooking since the burners and the oven will be occupied<br />
7) Yeast rolls, store bought, just need to pop them in the oven before serving<br />
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So it looks like a lot of work, but I think I can do it. It's a good thing that the husband's mom likes leftovers because I will be cooking enough food to feed an army! I shall hand the camera over to the husband during the cooking and hopefully end up with some pics I can share about the process... Wish me luck!Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-56013017600743332572010-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:002010-11-19T10:39:54.851-08:00I think I'm a horrible blogger... or that I'm just horrible at updating. I tend to get something in my mind and just run with it without taking the time to chronicling the process. So on this find Friday morning, I saw my camera and *finally* realized that I haven't taken a single picture of my current project or the process. A while back i stumbled upon <a href="http://alamodefabric.blogspot.com/2010/08/quilt-as-you-go-quilt-along-round-two.html">alamode's quilt as you go method</a>. Basically, you make quilt a bunch of smaller quilt sandwiches and then attach them to make a final big quilt. I've heard many good things about this method since quilting a large quilt is pretty hard on a short arm machine. The past couple of quilts I put together always had fabric gathering on the back and (although minor) looked bad. In an effort to improve my quilting skills and try out some new techniques, I set out on this venture. <br />
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I needed a design and I came up with a simple block pattern. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa56WLxsuI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/6h3GXYAyrAM/s1600/HPIM0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa56WLxsuI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/6h3GXYAyrAM/s320/HPIM0977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are 6 different block designs, and with each design I used 4 different fabrics to create 5 distinct blocks for each design. In total, there are 30 different blocks to be quilted to the backing and then put together. I've already made the 30 different quilt tops, but didn't get a chance to take a picture of them before the battery in my camera died. :( I did get a chance to take pictures of some mistakes I've made. Hopefully you can learn from them...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa7yGV550I/AAAAAAAAARE/uB3eGFKocrA/s1600/HPIM0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa7yGV550I/AAAAAAAAARE/uB3eGFKocrA/s320/HPIM0971.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So you can see the fabric puckering, a recurring theme in my quilting it seems... :( Then i realized that I was using the regular presser foot. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa72as7CII/AAAAAAAAARI/AgL5jc0SUko/s1600/HPIM0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa72as7CII/AAAAAAAAARI/AgL5jc0SUko/s320/HPIM0973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... So I popped on the walking foot and voila! the entire thing is nice and smooth and more perfect than the last one! yay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I never realized the awesomeness of the walking foot. I mean I read that it really helps when you have multiple layers of fabric, but my last quilt still puckered. I think I'm just not pinning the sandwich smoothly. Will need practice on that.<br />
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As for the backing, I had some white on black fabric that I found in the remnants pile at Joann's that I can't find a use for. So I thought it would make a nice pieced look with a common theme. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa7t-zOl6I/AAAAAAAAARA/QmhwtIEgy20/s1600/HPIM0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa7t-zOl6I/AAAAAAAAARA/QmhwtIEgy20/s320/HPIM0976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here is one with pretty flowers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa7-xYBodI/AAAAAAAAARQ/7uOSrTDeInY/s1600/HPIM0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa7-xYBodI/AAAAAAAAARQ/7uOSrTDeInY/s320/HPIM0975.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is another one. With this one, I decided to just follow the lines on the fabric pattern.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa76ZzDisI/AAAAAAAAARM/Hwa0E3_S8pY/s1600/HPIM0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TOa76ZzDisI/AAAAAAAAARM/Hwa0E3_S8pY/s320/HPIM0974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which made an interesting pattern on the front. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I still have a huge pile of quilt tops to be quilted to the backs. I'm about to try some free motion quilting. The blocky design and the fabric pattern should make it "interesting."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Now, lets talk about quilt appreciation. When I show my husband my newly finished quilt, his usual response is "oh that's nice." He doesn't really reach for a quilt when he's cold on the couch, he prefers to just put on another jacket and stick his foot under my butt. So I'm on the couch alone and is the only one that uses my quilt. Then it got cold. My dog looked cold when she was chilling on the couch, so I put one of my first quilting tries on her. Now she's not so cold :). I'm glad someone besides me appreciates and actively uses one of my quilts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TObECQb09tI/AAAAAAAAARc/VO3QmDnUxFs/s1600/HPIM0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TObECQb09tI/AAAAAAAAARc/VO3QmDnUxFs/s320/HPIM0953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-26114279896940901902010-11-08T08:30:00.000-08:002010-11-08T08:30:52.724-08:00International Quilt Festival roundupI know, I know... I've been meaning to post the pictures I took at the Quilt Festival earlier, but a series of random events have prevented me. (long story...) Soooooooo... I finally have the time today and I'm going to share with you what I saw.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgXxKbqisI/AAAAAAAAAPc/oXE8Wuxa9LI/s1600/HPIM0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgXxKbqisI/AAAAAAAAAPc/oXE8Wuxa9LI/s320/HPIM0921.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the first quilts that caught my eye (and was able to take a picture of). I thought it was just "quaint" until I read the description and realized what it was made of.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgX1NncmoI/AAAAAAAAAPg/o0iabezaZT4/s1600/HPIM0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgX1NncmoI/AAAAAAAAAPg/o0iabezaZT4/s320/HPIM0922.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's made of selvages! This is as close as I could get to it. It's just too cute... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgX5Iaeh1I/AAAAAAAAAPk/Y2FyY5VKlk0/s1600/HPIM0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgX5Iaeh1I/AAAAAAAAAPk/Y2FyY5VKlk0/s320/HPIM0923.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this was a quilt right next to it. It's so pretty reminding me of Monet paintings that I used to stand in front of for hours at museums. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgX9UunfHI/AAAAAAAAAPo/zmpe7a-9ESw/s1600/HPIM0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgX9UunfHI/AAAAAAAAAPo/zmpe7a-9ESw/s320/HPIM0924.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a far, this quilt doesn't really stand out *that* much from many other entries in the show. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYBHj3tmI/AAAAAAAAAPs/n8sdkRYAfNo/s1600/HPIM0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYBHj3tmI/AAAAAAAAAPs/n8sdkRYAfNo/s320/HPIM0925.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOWEVER!!!! when you take a closer look, the quilt just pops at you. It's so 3D with the flower petals and the buttons! I love it. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYFSR_ZYI/AAAAAAAAAPw/IKaL4f7-C6s/s1600/HPIM0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYFSR_ZYI/AAAAAAAAAPw/IKaL4f7-C6s/s320/HPIM0926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then something shiny caught my eye. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYMiZ4EnI/AAAAAAAAAP4/ycpcI3ZKdB8/s1600/HPIM0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYMiZ4EnI/AAAAAAAAAP4/ycpcI3ZKdB8/s320/HPIM0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw this quilt from across the room. At first, I was attracted to it because I thought the green lines on the flower are made of stitches and quilting lines. However, on a closer look, the lines are just a print. This is that kind of quilt that the longer you look at it, the more interesting it becomes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYQmihcrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ZyjksonSZAc/s1600/HPIM0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYQmihcrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ZyjksonSZAc/s320/HPIM0929.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... for example, the ric racks used for edging. and the different fabrics used, and the quilting used to define each part of the quilt. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYVzO_6RI/AAAAAAAAAQA/XuENL_lixtA/s1600/HPIM0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYVzO_6RI/AAAAAAAAAQA/XuENL_lixtA/s320/HPIM0930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was on my way out of the exhibition part of the Festival, and I just *had* to stop and take a closer look at this quilt. It was one of the award winners, and I can clearly see why. The fabric choices are pretty simple, but the quilting and the bead work is just *amazing*! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYalQCzRI/AAAAAAAAAQE/8EtWvyzfNUY/s1600/HPIM0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNgYalQCzRI/AAAAAAAAAQE/8EtWvyzfNUY/s320/HPIM0931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at the details! </td></tr>
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<div>I would have taken like a million more pictures, but alas, my camera chose the wrong time to run out of batteries. I was soooo excited to go, I completely forgot to check the battery level before I tossed my camera in my bag and ran out of the door. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the all the other awesome quilts at the vendor booths and all the cool quilting toys I saw. boo :( </div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyways, moving on to my thoughts of the vendor floor. There were so many amazing vendors with awesome things to sell; anything from the typical fabric, threads, and appliques to huge and industrial quilting machines, and foot massagers (odd, I know). I wasn't in the market for any large tools so I mainly looked at all the fabric shops. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I looked everywhere and touched everything. I was in heaven. After taking stock of what was available, I took out my plastic and started shopping. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghTWF7RGI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Jc3ZX02K0dw/s1600/HPIM0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghTWF7RGI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Jc3ZX02K0dw/s320/HPIM0935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here is a fat quarter stack of Civil War Chronicles from <a href="http://www.schoolhousequilts.com/">Schoolhouse Quilt Shoppe</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghKe8ArvI/AAAAAAAAAQM/b5jsxwWdqNM/s1600/HPIM0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghKe8ArvI/AAAAAAAAAQM/b5jsxwWdqNM/s320/HPIM0945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the fat quarters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghesEP8HI/AAAAAAAAAQc/rOPQ0592jWQ/s1600/HPIM0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghesEP8HI/AAAAAAAAAQc/rOPQ0592jWQ/s320/HPIM0937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a fat eighths pack of lavender Civil War. I've been looking for some purple/lavender fabric for some time, and this pack is just awesomely pretty </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghn2RfIjI/AAAAAAAAAQk/O_xDzwHClhQ/s1600/HPIM0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghn2RfIjI/AAAAAAAAAQk/O_xDzwHClhQ/s320/HPIM0939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a stack of random fat quarters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghry0ETOI/AAAAAAAAAQo/N8nNAYjJDdQ/s1600/HPIM0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNghry0ETOI/AAAAAAAAAQo/N8nNAYjJDdQ/s320/HPIM0940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a closer look at them :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> So here it is folks, my first trip to the International Quilt Festival and I'm sure I'll be back next year. I will have a plan next year so I can better plan my time, and not just wonder aimlessly and touching everything. One thing I was disappointed about is the fact that I didn't see that many Japanese imported fabric. I've been wanting to add some Kokka fabric to my stash, but I didn't see any vendors that was selling it :( ah well...<br />
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</div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-77008091119865490242010-11-04T12:36:00.000-07:002010-11-04T11:36:20.468-07:00Quilt festival, cont'So, I have been meandering around the festival for about 2 hrs now. Spent the time split between the exhibitions and the booths. Since this is my first time, I didn't have any specific vendors I wanted to visit. However I did find and excellent array of fabrics being sold and some excellent tools. I think I'm about to call it a day. This event is huge and I think I walked most of the isles, but there is no telling! I took some pictures of some very pretty and inspiring quilts at the exihibition portion that I will upload when I get home. It's a shame that the prettiest ones have a "no photography" restriction. Also, my camera ran out of power before I got a chance to finish looking at the quilts. :( <p>My final thoughts and pictures should be posted in a few hours.Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-32402422341487038662010-11-04T10:47:00.000-07:002010-11-04T09:47:19.295-07:00Quilt festival, first impressionsSo I made it here! Quilting not being a young person hobby and I'm here in the middle of a weekday makes me one of the youngest people around (except for the few little kids dragged along by their mother). I heard that to fully experience this, you would need a game plan. I brushed this off and decided to walk around as my game plan. Boy was I wrong... Now I'm feeling like a lost kid in a grocery store.Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-73609240058296599312010-11-02T12:18:00.000-07:002010-11-02T12:18:34.627-07:00two posts in one day?! unheard of!So, remember the pile of cut, upcycled denim jeans I showed you a few days ago? Well, I decided to start working with them. I wanted to do a traditional triangle pattern (actually, I just wanted to try out one of the methods I learned to do triangles with), so I started sewing. And then I quickly stopped. I forgot how hard it is to work with denim. It is thick and the resulting seams are really bulky... My little machine is just not geared to handle it (or maybe it just needed to be oiled). Instead of some thing large and grand, I ended up with something small. I ended up with a pillow because I had extra fiberfil laying around.<br />
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<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/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBjEQs3CLI/AAAAAAAAAPM/PrfdiawPBjo/s1600/HPIM0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBjEQs3CLI/AAAAAAAAAPM/PrfdiawPBjo/s320/HPIM0912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front in the pattern I wanted for the denim quilt. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBjd9SqjLI/AAAAAAAAAPU/B9ROYtKBbNk/s1600/HPIM0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBjd9SqjLI/AAAAAAAAAPU/B9ROYtKBbNk/s320/HPIM0913.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I needed a back, so I just sewed 4 pieces of the squares together</td></tr>
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<div>Now, I need to reorganize and redesign a project that will use up the rest of the denim squares that won't end up with bulky seams. Any ideas?<br />
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</div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-15236106693372378442010-11-02T11:47:00.000-07:002010-11-02T11:47:48.856-07:00It's Election Day and I'm showing my second quilt!This is my second completed quilt and I'm participating in the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2010/10/29/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2010/">Blogger's Quilt Festival</a>. <br />
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First off, lets see the quilt and then I'll tell you the story behind it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBN_3_ndiI/AAAAAAAAAPA/58hf8FqbIR8/s1600/HPIM0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBN_3_ndiI/AAAAAAAAAPA/58hf8FqbIR8/s320/HPIM0919.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBOXXSE0dI/AAAAAAAAAPE/3ujkKVT28Xw/s1600/HPIM0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBOXXSE0dI/AAAAAAAAAPE/3ujkKVT28Xw/s320/HPIM0914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is the back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBOpeBTCyI/AAAAAAAAAPI/gbjgwnfmeo8/s1600/HPIM0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TNBOpeBTCyI/AAAAAAAAAPI/gbjgwnfmeo8/s320/HPIM0918.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the front (ignore the the fact that some of the blocks didn't line up right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the many imperfections you see on this quilt, I'm sure you can tell I'm a beginner quilter. I start quilting not too long ago, about 5 months ago to be more exact. I'm not sure if there is a story behind this particulart quilt. I needed something to do and I started sketching out something on graph paper and started sewing. However, I'll tell you why I started quilting.<br />
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I've always been a crafter/diyer. My entire family likes making and fixing things. My mom is a knitter, my dad loves fixing things around the house and building things, my grandmother makes clothes for my little cousins, and for the longest time, I've been a crocheter. Then I got addicted to fabric. I had piles of fabric even before I learned how to use a sewing machine. I wanted to make something with these pretty fabrics and I've never been a clothes maker, so I turned to quilting. 5 months ago, I was gainfully employed and never had the time to pick up a new hobby. So the fabric pile just sat in the corner, slowly growing. Then I quit my well paid job as an immigration attorney to follow my husband to his new assignment. Because of a series of events, I didn't end up moving and I didn't go back to my last job. So now, I had a ton of free time on my hands. Too much time actually. Aside from doing the normal housewifey things, my hands remained idle. Idle hands and idle time leads to a lot of unnecessary thinking and stress. I mean I didn't have the stress of going to a job I didn't like alleviate some of the stress I was feeling before, but not having a job brought on new stress. Not being able to find a job, worrying about the future of my career, and blaming myself and slightly my husband for it was slowly turning me into a person I didn't want to be. I *needed* to do something, anything to prevent my mind from going to the worst case scenario. So I picked up a new hobby: quilting. I had a simple short arm sewing machine and a pile a fabric, so I turned to the internet for sewing lessons. It was nice to be concentrating on learning something new. I like designing a look, picking out the fabric, cutting the fabric, focusing on the right seam allowance, and finally arriving at something new and pretty. I stopped over stressing and over thinking EVERYTHING. Don't get me wrong, I'm still worried and stressed over my current state of joblessness, but now it's more manageable.<br />
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Things I've learned about quilting while making this quilt:<br />
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<ul><li>seam allowance matters</li>
<li>pressing the seams open and ironing the seams open are two different things</li>
<li>thinking synthetic/cotton blend material would be okay and would not affect the overall quilt is wrong; doesn't matter how much synthetic material is in the fabric, it's gonna shrink and mess up the measurements when you put a hot iron to it... </li>
</ul><div>Things I've learned in general while making this quilt:</div><div><ul><li>it's okay if things aren't perfect; it's just another opportunity to find a way to correct your mistakes</li>
<li>don't buy fabric just because it's pretty; it might have synthetic material in it and is completely useless</li>
<li>don't worry about the small things; everything will work out in the end</li>
</ul></div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-40225318639347229182010-10-30T20:30:00.000-07:002010-10-30T20:30:03.379-07:00Oh man, I made a major boo boo...When I signed up for Pamknitty's market report, I thought the "Market" also covered the quilt festival that's going to be here after the Market... After checking on my blog traffic the past couple of days, I realized that a lot of people have visited my blog in hopes of seeing postings about the Market. To clarify... I will be going to festival, and not the Market. I truly apologize for the mix up. I hope all of you will come back next week to see my report of the festival!!!Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-316676678651326582010-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:002010-10-28T10:17:19.157-07:00Things I've been doing (and things I plan on doing)As I've said in my last post, I've decided to make things for charity. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMmlnUsatkI/AAAAAAAAAO0/1qHAEFLAx0M/s1600/HPIM0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMmlnUsatkI/AAAAAAAAAO0/1qHAEFLAx0M/s320/HPIM0879.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've made a big stack of pillow cases to be dropped off at my local shelter after I wash them. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>That took a lot less time than I anticipated so I started organizing materials for another project. Not too long ago, I made a doggie bed for Mags using old blue jeans. I didn't have enough at home, so I bought a bunch from a local thrift shop. Apparently, I bought too many and I ended up with a big pile of XXXXXXL jeans. Now I'm thinking of making an area rug or a heavy blanket with the leftovers. I cut them up into a bunch of 6x6 squares. I have no idea what design I'm going with though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMmnmrTl1lI/AAAAAAAAAO4/qlydyczgkds/s1600/HPIM0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMmnmrTl1lI/AAAAAAAAAO4/qlydyczgkds/s320/HPIM0892.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a big pile of squares. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMmnq5x1k0I/AAAAAAAAAO8/t9IMNokKjCY/s1600/HPIM0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMmnq5x1k0I/AAAAAAAAAO8/t9IMNokKjCY/s320/HPIM0889.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the colored jeans! Greatest contributions of the 80's!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Through other projects, I ended up with a big box of random scraps that are too big to toss, but too small to put into a full quilt. (actually, I'm sure that if I gather enough, I can put together a scrappy quilt with it. BUT!!! I'm too impatient) Therefore, I just took out all the scraps and just started sewing. Not sure what I'm working towards, but the scraps are ending up in something...<br />
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On another note, I'm planning on quilting together the top and backing from last week's posts together to participate in Blogger's Quilt Festival. Although I haven't been quilting too long, I kind of want to get in with the online quilting community. (I think I've been preparing the jeans and sewing the scraps together in an effort to avoid quilting everything together. I've had a bad experience working on my first quilt and I'm kind of scared to quilt it together...)<br />
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Speaking of quilt festivals, the big International Quilt Festival is coming to Houston. I've always seen the billboards every fall for the festival but never really paid that much attention to it. Ever since I started quilting, I've been stalking several popular quilting blogs such as <a href="http://www.alamodefabric.blogspot.com/">alamode fabric</a> and <a href="http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/">jaybirdquilts</a> and fabric blogs such as <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/">fabricworm</a>. Then I realized what a big deal the quilt festival is!!! So, since this year, I'm jobless thus free during the weekdays, I decided that I'd take a field trip out to George R Brown Convention Center to see what the big deal is. I'm excited! I'll be blogging during all the festivities and participating in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;">KPKM Market Report </span>and showcasing all the pretties I'll be seeing! So stay tuned!Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-60481059082478148562010-10-25T12:59:00.000-07:002010-10-25T12:59:37.382-07:00Last little bit of finishing week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Over the weekend, I finished the quilt backing to the square quilt top I posted last week. It's a very simple pieced squares with a white boarder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMXeiLmPflI/AAAAAAAAAOw/PsG4ITCP9GA/s1600/HPIM0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMXeiLmPflI/AAAAAAAAAOw/PsG4ITCP9GA/s320/HPIM0873.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMXedX64G4I/AAAAAAAAAOs/wnHIEG0C6Nw/s1600/HPIM0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TMXedX64G4I/AAAAAAAAAOs/wnHIEG0C6Nw/s320/HPIM0874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The boarder pieces are arranged in a pattern with additional fabric mainly because I ran out of scraps...<br />
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I'm putting off quilting this puppy together for a while. The other day I saw this piece on my local news about how charitable donations have significantly decreased since the economy tanked. There are *tons* of stuff I'd like for my birthday and/or xmas, but there are people out there without even the basic necessities of life. So, in addition to our yearly donation to the local food bank, I decided to make some stuff for the local shelter. The easiest thing to make are pillow cases. I've contacted my local shelter, and they welcome any sorts of material donations. For the next week or so, I'll be making a batch of pillow cases from my scraps along with some simple blankets. I urge everyone out there to give what they can.Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-17951598915333779732010-10-20T09:38:00.000-07:002010-10-20T09:38:06.495-07:00Finishing weekSo this week is a week to finish my WIPs. I've has several in the process, and I figured it was time to finish projects that I've started in the past month. And it's show and tell time!<br />
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First up, the scarf from the last post.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8XPKUKriI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Hg_KDkTpCgU/s1600/HPIM0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8XPKUKriI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Hg_KDkTpCgU/s320/HPIM0865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8Xb1gqW5I/AAAAAAAAAOY/SRiYl4Y0NHI/s1600/HPIM0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8Xb1gqW5I/AAAAAAAAAOY/SRiYl4Y0NHI/s320/HPIM0866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's a nice bulky, spirally scarf. Just as I intended. However, there are certain *unintended* consequences. It doesn't look right on me. The ruffles just looks like an odd Victorian collar, but the ends are pretty. Not sure whether I'm going to wear it this winter or not. Think I'll make another scarf...<br />
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And then I finished a quilt top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8ZF19RPHI/AAAAAAAAAOg/zHDyBQVr6Eo/s1600/HPIM0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8ZF19RPHI/AAAAAAAAAOg/zHDyBQVr6Eo/s320/HPIM0852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Originally, I was just going to have the center squares, without the scrap border. However, after i finished the center, it seemed a bit too small. So I added a border with the scraps I had left over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8ZF19RPHI/AAAAAAAAAOg/zHDyBQVr6Eo/s1600/HPIM0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8ZWuJY1UI/AAAAAAAAAOo/nvPD770lwLM/s1600/HPIM0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TL8ZWuJY1UI/AAAAAAAAAOo/nvPD770lwLM/s320/HPIM0859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And some scraps that weren't in the original center square :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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The quilt backing will be a bunch of scraps, just like this border. Hopefully it'll turn out well.Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-44727914822003451072010-10-14T10:53:00.000-07:002010-10-14T10:53:00.013-07:00crafting misadventuresWhile I was posting my last entry, I was in the process of felting the sweaters in the washing machine. Most of the interweb crafting sites agree to wash the sweaters in hot water with detergent and rinse in cold water. The temp change in the cycle plus the mechanisms of the washing machine will agitate the fibers causing the sweaters to felt and shrink. So I hear the end of the washing machine cycle and went to check on the sweaters to see if they need another round in the machine to get the texture of what I want. I opened the lid, took out the sweaters and found this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCN2LOP5I/AAAAAAAAAOA/fKZvPIzU6X8/s1600/HPIM0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCN2LOP5I/AAAAAAAAAOA/fKZvPIzU6X8/s320/HPIM0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCRmx-3vI/AAAAAAAAAOE/fQuWV3WFEvE/s1600/HPIM0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCRmx-3vI/AAAAAAAAAOE/fQuWV3WFEvE/s320/HPIM0848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The washing machine bottom was covered in little felt pellets. Apparently, one of the sweaters decided to fall apart during the wash. Then I examined the three sweaters outside, and this is what they look like...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCXKbjidI/AAAAAAAAAOI/bITd_uQSW6Y/s1600/HPIM0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCXKbjidI/AAAAAAAAAOI/bITd_uQSW6Y/s320/HPIM0849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCgkANcHI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/0gyklym6B_k/s1600/HPIM0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLdCgkANcHI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/0gyklym6B_k/s320/HPIM0851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I think the culprit is that green one because out of the three sweaters, it was the only one that was not 100% wool. Also the colors seems to match with the pellets. I shook as much of the pellets out as possible in the yard, and now my back yard looks like an army of rabbits invaded and decided to poop every where. I guess my bunny minions can't be good, all the time. :)Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-62783722024524032732010-10-14T10:13:00.000-07:002010-10-14T10:13:37.329-07:00show and tellSo yesterday I decided to trek on over to my local thrift store to see what they've got. I needed new solids for sashing a quilt and thrift stores are always a bundle of fun. While I didn't quite find what I originally set out to find, I did find several project inspirations. I picked up some 100% wool sweaters that were already heavily felted for some upcycle projects. Not completely sure what yet. Maybe a felted blanket? or maybe a pillow? scarf? I'm just going to super felt them by washing them with hot water and soap and rinsing with cold water. I'm sure something will come to me.<br />
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While I was there, I also found a bag with random stuff in it. From what I could tell, there were some lace trimmings and some sort of clasps. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Bonnie Clasps. Not sure exactly what I will do with it since I don't make clothing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some old ribbons that will find their way into a future project</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLcyuVeOUNI/AAAAAAAAANg/_UmMgCE7wBI/s1600/HPIM0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLcyuVeOUNI/AAAAAAAAANg/_UmMgCE7wBI/s320/HPIM0843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the blue ribbon. It's very pretty and in that shade of dark blue that is just so pretty :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, these lace trimmings. The package said they're suppose to be elastic, but I think time took that away. Now, they're just pretty lace trimmings with no elastic. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Along with the vintage pretties and wool sweaters, I also saw bags and bags of yarn. I was going to buy several bags of these 100% wool yarn. However, they were in this drabby brown and tan colors. While I do love browns, it just didn't look right, and I didn't have any projects in mind. Instead, I picked up these babies:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLc4biD50WI/AAAAAAAAANw/pSeuPyXREmU/s1600/HPIM0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TLc4biD50WI/AAAAAAAAANw/pSeuPyXREmU/s320/HPIM0846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's 3.75 skeins of Yarn Bee Fleece Lite in Cranberries. I've seen them in stores before, and they normally cost $4-$5 per skein, and I picked ALL of these up for less than $5. STEAL!!!! The color in these pictures are darker than what these yarns are. In real life, they're more like this bright pink with black threadings. Very very pretty. I predict it will end up in one of my friend's xmas present!Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-36175390912444653572010-10-04T10:20:00.000-07:002010-10-04T10:20:08.114-07:00First fall meal of the yearThe weather has finally cooled off for us to eat something that's not light pasta or salads. So this past weekend, we made our traditional first fall meal - a totally inauthentic version of gumbo.<br />
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As you can see, our version is a tomato based gumbo, and we've added *a lot* of spice to make it nice and hot.<br />
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Here is how we made it. First the ingredients:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The veggies: One large bell pepper, a medium onion, a few stalks of celery (I used 4) and 4-5 cloves of garlic (minced)<div><br />
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<div>The protein: a large chicken breast, 1/3 lb of shrimp, and two large links of sausage (diced)</div><div><br />
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The spices: black pepper, cayenne pepper, tony's, and salt. At the last minute, I also decided to toss in 5 whole, dried chili peppers, not pictured. As is with all my other cooking, I can't put a quantity with the spices since everyone's taste is different. However, as a guideline, I put in about a table spoon of each in and then added more as needed. <br />
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Lastly, the canned goods: a 10oz can of diced tomatoes, 8oz can of Rotel (I know that Rotel is not available everywhere. To compensate for this, add in 3 diced jalapeno peppers and another can of diced tomatoes) and about 4 cups of chicken broth (another rule of thumb - since we're putting in the broth last, make sure the broth covers everything that's in the pot)<br />
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Directions:<br />
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1) brown the chicken and shrimp with about 1-2 tsp of olive oil on medium high heat. If you're using a non-stick pan, you can use less. It should take about 8 min. Take it out of the pot and set aside.<br />
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2) Now we're browning the veggies. Toss in the green pepper, onion, and celery. Stir this constantly to avoid it sticking to the pan. After about 5 mins or so, toss in the garlic and cook for 2-3 min more. <br />
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3) Now put in the sausage with the veggies. Stir and cook for 3 min.<br />
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4) Add the two cans of tomatoes and the browned chicken and shrimp. Bring it to a light boil.<br />
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5) Add the chicken broth. If 4 cups is not enough, add more to cover the top of the mixture in the pot. <br />
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6) Now we season. Since the flavors have not cooked in yet, the "gumbo" is going to taste rather bland and one dimensional. So don't over season. It's always easier to correct under-seasoning later than over-seasoning. <br />
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7) Bring this mixture to a boil and lower the heat to have a light simmer going. It's going to cook for 2+ hours. The longer it cooks the fuller the flavor of the "gumbo" will be. Check on it every 30 min to an hour to make sure there is enough liquid and taste to correct the seasoning. <br />
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After it is done, serve over rice (and have some bread for dipping) and enjoy!!!! </div></div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-67109838550345715242010-10-01T08:51:00.000-07:002010-10-01T08:51:09.061-07:00Project UpdateSo "fall" is finally here. Kind of. We stopped having temps over 90's and the air is finally semi dry. In anticipation of a southern Texas winter (read: two weeks of cold weather that truly justify wearing a heavy pea coat and about 2 month of weather where I'm wearing a tank top under the pea coat with a thin skirt and boots just so I can get some utility out of my winter clothing), I have started to make some scarves.<br />
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As my friends know, I have A LOT of yarn. Most of them are from unraveling sweaters from thrift stores. I had full plans to sell them on Etsy, however that didn't pan out. So now, I have 3-4 large boxes of yarn of various material. I have some lovely gray wool yarn, blueish/greenish angora blend yarn, and many different colored cotton yarn. The fact that I can't find most of my scarves and wraps because of the packing, unpacking, repacking, and storage, I have a legit reason to make some new scarves!!!! and possibly hats as well. Yay for me! The fact that I have about a month or so before scarves weather hit, I have plenty of time to restock my scarf storage. <br />
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First on the list is a ruffle scarf that I've made for a friend a while back, but with a twist. Instead of a single layer of ruffles, I'm making a double layer with two colors. It should be fun! I'll post the pics and pattern soon.Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-59372863527949460102010-09-15T10:54:00.000-07:002010-09-15T10:54:38.207-07:00fall...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Traditionally, fall starts after Labor Day. This holds true for most of the U.S., unless you're in Texas. "Fall" in Texas means that temperature remains in the lower to mid 90's with a greater chance of rain and a higher risk of a hurricane hitting. We don't have the trees that turns that really pretty red, we have trees that will brown in October. We also have a lot of mosquitoes after every rain shower... </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">However, there are good things that happens in Texas during our "fall." With higher temperatures and rainfall, I can still plant things without the fear that the cold affecting the growth. A few weeks ago, I planted some jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, and some basil. They're all thriving. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJEGkPfumMI/AAAAAAAAAMY/saHnSyfVdjM/s1600/HPIM0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJEGkPfumMI/AAAAAAAAAMY/saHnSyfVdjM/s320/HPIM0806.JPG" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">See! there is a teeny tiny little pepper growing on my plant!!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJEHEeEXAsI/AAAAAAAAAMg/lML65KNkq-A/s1600/HPIM0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJEHEeEXAsI/AAAAAAAAAMg/lML65KNkq-A/s320/HPIM0807.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the basil is sprouting well in my home made, self watering planter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJEH268MKKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/HMYyfYuW5zc/s1600/HPIM0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJEH268MKKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/HMYyfYuW5zc/s320/HPIM0808.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I've found this growing in my chives pot. I'm not sure if it's chives growing or some weed seeds that got blown into the pot. To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting the chives to grow since the seeds are from last summer and not quite properly stored. We'll see what this grows into... </div></div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-26650053547502476072010-09-15T09:41:00.000-07:002010-09-15T09:41:58.508-07:00and the back is done too!!!!When I started this project, I intended the back of the quilt to be a solid color. However, after making the quilt top, I ended up with a pile of scraps that were too big to toss, but too small to be used in anything else. Then I came across <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=1398">this post</a> by Elizabeth of Oh Fransson! on Sew Mama Sew about how to piece together small squares. I think that I may be too lazy to become a truly good crafter, thus this post spoke to me. So I modified this slightly to create the backing to the quilt. In the tut, she used interfacing to arrange and secure all the small pieces and then sewed a 1/4 in seam and pressed it open. It's pretty simple and *very* convenient way to arrange pieces that are about 1 1/2 to 2 in wide fabric. So I followed the directions and came up with this. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJDyfQlu_HI/AAAAAAAAAMI/f9WU01EAi6A/s1600/HPIM0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJDyfQlu_HI/AAAAAAAAAMI/f9WU01EAi6A/s320/HPIM0803.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJD2135NW6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/fEDjTS2qFZw/s1600/HPIM0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TJD2135NW6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/fEDjTS2qFZw/s320/HPIM0804.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had the full intention of scrap piece stretching the width of the backing, but I made a calculation mistake. I forgot to take the seams into consideration, and ended up with a piece that falls way short of the width. instead of correcting it with another piece of the same thing, I decided to go with a lazy way out. I just attached more of the backing material to the sides to make it the right width. So now I'm making the quilt sandwich and should complete the darn thing soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-31835691013454302492010-09-10T15:36:00.000-07:002010-09-10T15:36:21.934-07:00OMG it is finally done!!!!So off and on, I have been working on my first quilt. A small lap quilt measuring about 42x52in. I AM FINALLY DONE WITH THE QUILT TOP!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TIqxSCwyyjI/AAAAAAAAAMA/lrxwkSuoiVw/s1600/HPIM0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TIqxSCwyyjI/AAAAAAAAAMA/lrxwkSuoiVw/s320/HPIM0796.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went with a blue and brown theme with a creme boarder. I think my first project was a bit taxing. I didn't realize how much work it was going to involve. In the end, i'm happy with it, and I'm happy that it is done! Now I'm moving on to the backing. I'll post the process of the top and the back when I'm 100% done with it, which I'm hoping will occur within the next week. </div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-21994936396875900472010-09-02T10:34:00.000-07:002010-09-02T10:34:35.996-07:00What did I do today?... a whole lot of nothing. I had the full intention of finishing up this brown and blue quilt top, but my friend called me up for lunch at this yummy tapas place. How can I turn that down?! So i mopped around the house until it's time to leave. The gardening itch is starting again, so I ran to my local gardening center before the lunch date to get the supplies. I've always been a big fan of container gardening because I've always lived in apartments with no where to plant my veggies. Today, I picked up some jalapeño and tomato plants, and some herb and lettuce seeds. As you can see, all my selection are edible. I prefer to be able to use/eat all my creations. I mean don't get wrong, I <3 flowers, but they've just never tickled my gardening fancy. I would show you what I planted, but they're not looking very pretty, yet. It'll just be a pot with some soil. You can't even see the seeds. Soooooo, instead I shall showcase the third member of the Bunny family instead. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH_djohx2AI/AAAAAAAAALo/lJYeYGAv4UE/s1600/HPIM0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH_djohx2AI/AAAAAAAAALo/lJYeYGAv4UE/s320/HPIM0644.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is maggie at the beach. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH_d-v5Y7cI/AAAAAAAAALw/xfaWWfBEdxA/s1600/HPIM0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH_d-v5Y7cI/AAAAAAAAALw/xfaWWfBEdxA/s320/HPIM0743.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is maggie waiting for a handout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH_e-TvxJuI/AAAAAAAAAL4/qh7HAb2Eekw/s1600/HPIM0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH_e-TvxJuI/AAAAAAAAAL4/qh7HAb2Eekw/s320/HPIM0646.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lastly, this is maggie waiting for her toy at the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>She looks funny in pictures, but she's a sweetie in person. Also, to our dismay, she answers to the name "aggie". You see Mr. Bunny and I are both University of Texas grads. And UT has a (friendly-ish) rivalry with Texas A&M (a.k.a. the Aggies). Thus, you see our disappointment in our dog... </div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-69762547415044143882010-08-31T07:58:00.000-07:002010-08-31T07:58:29.883-07:00cilantro pesto pasta salad with sautéed shrimp<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Mr. Bunny and I are going on an exercise stint. Any good personal trainer will tell you that 1) to loose weight, exercise is only 30% of it and 2) do not eat within an hour of exercising to maximize the calorie burning. Of course, after an hour or so of exercising, no one really wants to stand in front of a hot stove and cook. So, I have been trying to come up with healthy recipes that can be prepared before hand and easily cooked (or eaten cold) after exercising. For tonight, I came up a cold cilantro pesto pasta and sauteed shrimp. The pesto packs a lot taste without adding calories or too much sodium and the shrimp is a good source of low fat protein. </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Cilantro pesto is really easy to make a big batch of it, and keep it in a jar in your fridge and use it whenever. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Cilantro pesto recipe:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">5-10 cloves of garlic depending on how much you like garlic</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">3 bunches of cilantro</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">1/4 cup of olive oil (if you plan on putting the pesto in dishes that will go over heat, then I suggest using regular olive oil, but if you are not cooking with it, then use extra virgin)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">salt to taste</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">In the food processor, first mince the garlic. Pulse the food processor a few time to get the garlic to about the size of half a grain of rice. Then add the cilantro. Keep mixing the garlic and cilantro until all the cilantro is minced as well. This should take only a few minutes if you add all the cilantro at the same time. Because there are no liquid in this mixture yet, the garlic and cilantro will stick to the side of the food processor. So from time to time, open the lid and scrap the sides. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Now we are ready to add the olive oil. Don't dump it in all at the same time. Slowly drizzle the olive oil through the opening on the top of the food processor. You may need a bit more than 1/4 of a cup or you may need less depending on how much cilantro you use. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Then add the salt and continue to pulse the processor. I normally add 1/2 a teaspoon at a time, mix, and then taste it. The pesto should be a bit saltier than how you normally like your food because it will be added to pasta, which will dilute the taste a bit.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">One thing to keep in mind is the consistency of the pesto. It should be about the thickness of apple sauce. You do not want the pesto to be too thing because it won't stick to the pasta, and you don't want it to be too thick because that means the cilantro/garlic mixture and the oil haven't mixed together. In the end you should end up with something like this:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/THwnkOWhC9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/kzKZv5rtE5Y/s1600/HPIM0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/THwnkOWhC9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/kzKZv5rtE5Y/s320/HPIM0737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the stain on my table<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</tbody></table>This will stay good in the fridge for about a week. If the top starting to darken, it's time to toss it out. If you've made a big batch, then I would suggest freezing it in an ice cube tray and pop them in a freezer bag. Then you can just thaw out however much you need for your pasta. <br />
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</div><div>So my pasta salad for tonight looks like this;</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/THwpq5cwVGI/AAAAAAAAAK8/yQG6IjzKZQk/s1600/HPIM0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/THwpq5cwVGI/AAAAAAAAAK8/yQG6IjzKZQk/s320/HPIM0740.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, there is corn in this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now, lets move onto the shrimp.<br />
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I've decided to sauteed the shrimp with lots of veggies. There isn't really a recipe that goes with this. Mainly I just look in the fridge and decide that whatever veggies have been in there long enough and needs to be eaten. For tonight, I used yellow squash, zucchini, and bell peppers. Therefore, it's fine to use pretty much any veggies you want. This is kind of free form cooking.<br />
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Generally when I do sauteed, I fall back on my Chinese cooking style, meaning lots of garlic and onion. However, the cilantro pasta already has a very strong taste, so I'm just going with plain salt and pepper for seasoning the veggies with some shredded fresh jalapeño to give it some heat. <br />
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Shrimp generally do not require too much time on the heat to cook, so we start the sauteed with the veggies. Heat up (on medium heat) about a teaspoon of oil in the pan, or just enough to cover the bottom of it. You'll know the oil and pan is hot enough when you flick a drop of water in the pan and it sizzles but not pop. We don't want the pan to be too hot for this sauteed because we don't want to burn anything and the veggies I've chosen takes a bit to cook. <br />
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If you've ever watched some one cook at a Chinese restaurant, you'll notice that there is an order to putting things in the pan. General rule of thumb is to put the "flavor" ingredients in first. By this I mean all the things (aside from the spices) that are meant to enhance the flavor of the dish, e.g. garlic, ginger, green onion, hot peppers, etc. Next, the meat and the sauce goes in. Lastly, the veggies will go in. This order is based on how fast each ingredient will take to cook. For my shrimp sauteed, I'm changing up the order of this. Because I'm not using garlic or onion, I'm putting in the shredded jalepenos in first. It'll cook and sizzle and brown for a bit. Then I'm putting in the veggies before the shrimp because veggies are going to take a bit more time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH0VwOlJuBI/AAAAAAAAALE/gTui8w9lnUk/s1600/HPIM0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH0VwOlJuBI/AAAAAAAAALE/gTui8w9lnUk/s320/HPIM0742.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the veggies are in and cooking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another rule of thumb for cooking veggies. They are normally cooked when the colors are becoming more vibrant and they're becoming limp. For the greens, it'll cook brighter and be a bit limp but will flop when you hold it up. So when the veggies are almost done, dump in the shrimp. I season the shrimp with a big of salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Stir it around a bit, and turn the heat down to medium low. Make sure you keep an eye on this to make sure 1) the shrimp is not sticking to the bottom of the pan and 2) you don't over cook the shrimp. Turn off the heat when the shrimp turns from a grayish color to the red color. <div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH0Xom02sOI/AAAAAAAAALM/7zBM-ocKoEA/s1600/HPIM0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH0Xom02sOI/AAAAAAAAALM/7zBM-ocKoEA/s320/HPIM0746.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TADA!!!</td></tr>
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<div>So then we plate the pasta salad and the sauteed, and we get this. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH0YFT7ak2I/AAAAAAAAALU/thY6t65vA-Y/s1600/HPIM0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v76sQ1CQmJE/TH0YFT7ak2I/AAAAAAAAALU/thY6t65vA-Y/s320/HPIM0744.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
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Dinner is served.<br />
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</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6728778290500970369.post-44431161812453056222010-08-30T13:53:00.000-07:002010-08-30T13:53:41.053-07:00First Post and an introductionHello, I'm Mrs. Bunny. Name is from an inside joke between myself and Mr. Bunny. <br />
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I am a lawyer by training (focusing on immigration), however, because of personal reasons I have left my old position. So, this means one thing, I have nothing but time on my hands to make things. Boy, let me tell you how much I *love* making things. I sew, I crochet, I cook, I garden, basically, I love making anything that is not clothing. <br />
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So now to the purview of this blog. I like having a centralized place where I can keep a log of all the things I've done, good or bad, and the process I went through. So, I'll (hopefully) be making daily updates with (hopefully) pictures of all of my projects.Mrs. Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12882860652056461852noreply@blogger.com0