The likeness is uncanny, isn't it?
16 March 2011
10 March 2011
Little a's Tent
This post is long overdue, as it is about a Christmas present that I made for my nephew. Little a will be turning 2 this weekend. Time sure flies! When I was thinking about what I could make him as a Christmas present, I was reminded of a tent that my babysitter had in the playroom. I loved that tent. I would play in it for hours. It was one of several of my regular forts. I don't know what it is about forts, but the small, dark, and secret space does wonders for the imagination. My husband as well had fond memories of a denim tent that his grandfather had made him. We joined forces on this project. I did the sewing, and Sam did the woodworking.
I couldn't find any free plans online that I really liked for this project, and I couldn't bring myself to pay for any, so I free-handed the whole thing. I looked at a lot of pictures on Etsy to see all of the different ways that people make tents like this. I drew out some dimensions, and set off for the fabric store. I'm going to try to dig up my scrap paper with my notes, and put together a formal tutorial for this. I will likely make more in the future, when I have more nieces, nephews, or children of my own.
The tent body is made from red and blue denim. Denim is a little more difficult to work with than cotton, but I liked how it made the tent nice and dark inside. Either would work though. Next time I make one, I will spend more time scrounging thrift stores. Perhaps I can find some flannel sheets to upcycle.
The most time-consuming part about this project was the detail work, but I think that is what makes it really special. I put in a window, in case it was too dark inside. The windows rolls up or down and is held in place with Velcro. I also decided that I needed to use my newly-discovered skills in applique, so I added little a's name down the side.
BONUS: We got to buy a staple gun to make it! Woo new tools!
As you can see from the pictures, little a was very excited about his new play tent. He even moved his rocking chair inside so he could talk on his phone in privacy. :)
I couldn't find any free plans online that I really liked for this project, and I couldn't bring myself to pay for any, so I free-handed the whole thing. I looked at a lot of pictures on Etsy to see all of the different ways that people make tents like this. I drew out some dimensions, and set off for the fabric store. I'm going to try to dig up my scrap paper with my notes, and put together a formal tutorial for this. I will likely make more in the future, when I have more nieces, nephews, or children of my own.
The tent body is made from red and blue denim. Denim is a little more difficult to work with than cotton, but I liked how it made the tent nice and dark inside. Either would work though. Next time I make one, I will spend more time scrounging thrift stores. Perhaps I can find some flannel sheets to upcycle.
The most time-consuming part about this project was the detail work, but I think that is what makes it really special. I put in a window, in case it was too dark inside. The windows rolls up or down and is held in place with Velcro. I also decided that I needed to use my newly-discovered skills in applique, so I added little a's name down the side.
BONUS: We got to buy a staple gun to make it! Woo new tools!
As you can see from the pictures, little a was very excited about his new play tent. He even moved his rocking chair inside so he could talk on his phone in privacy. :)
24 February 2011
Project Fail
Sometimes my projects turn out better than expected. Sometimes they don't. See exhibit A below:
I'm not going to tell you what this project was supposed to be, but stay tuned, because I intend to try again! I got a little too eager to work on this project, and the results were sadly quite disappointing. I was trying to do too much too quickly, and I ended up botching the whole thing. The picture above is supposed to be a fish. He didn't turn out very fish-like (technical term) so I tried to help him by outlining in zig-zag stitch. It was well intentioned, but it just made matters worse. In the end, I cut the fish open and sewed in a squeaker that was salvaged from another doggie toy, and Oliver got a new little friend to play with. He was so excited that I couldn't get a decent picture of him. The fish lasted all of about 15 minutes. Now, he is swimming with the fishes, so to speak.
After the blue fish, I also destroyed a yellow one. The rainbow-striped fish was the only one that actually turned out pretty well, but then I realized there was a hole in the fabric. Sigh. I hear my fifth grade teacher's voice in my head right about now, "Haste makes waste."
I think I'll call it a night and hope for better luck tomorrow.
I'm not going to tell you what this project was supposed to be, but stay tuned, because I intend to try again! I got a little too eager to work on this project, and the results were sadly quite disappointing. I was trying to do too much too quickly, and I ended up botching the whole thing. The picture above is supposed to be a fish. He didn't turn out very fish-like (technical term) so I tried to help him by outlining in zig-zag stitch. It was well intentioned, but it just made matters worse. In the end, I cut the fish open and sewed in a squeaker that was salvaged from another doggie toy, and Oliver got a new little friend to play with. He was so excited that I couldn't get a decent picture of him. The fish lasted all of about 15 minutes. Now, he is swimming with the fishes, so to speak.
After the blue fish, I also destroyed a yellow one. The rainbow-striped fish was the only one that actually turned out pretty well, but then I realized there was a hole in the fabric. Sigh. I hear my fifth grade teacher's voice in my head right about now, "Haste makes waste."
I think I'll call it a night and hope for better luck tomorrow.
21 February 2011
The birds and the bees
I made these little guys for four adorable children at church. Their parents had just as much with them as the kids did (if not more). They would be fun for an Easter basket, because they are about the shape and size of an egg.
These cute little bees were a quick and easy knit and also a lot of fun. Oliver the dog even took off with one and claimed it for himself (naughty puppy). I made these two for my Aunt "B." She's the bees knees.
18 February 2011
Breakfast Experiment
I HATE throwing away food. I can't stand the thought of the wasted money and it makes me feel like such an ungrateful slob. Last night I was preparing my lunch for work when I noticed a container of brown rice that has been in the fridge for over a week (I'm afraid to think how long it's really been there.) It smelled OK, so I realized it was now my job to eat it for breakfast. I cooked it on the stove with a bit of milk, brown sugar and vanilla and it was DELICIOUS! It might have been better if it was a little thicker, so I would recommend either using less milk or cooking it longer (I was running late for work.) Also, if you use soy milk, you might want to reduce the sugar, because it was a tad sweet for my taste
Experimental Breakfast
1 c. cooked brown rice
1 c. milk
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 dash Vanilla extract
Add all but rice in a small sauce pan on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add rice and slowly cook, stirring often util it is the temperature/consistency you like. Enjoy!
Experimental Breakfast
1 c. cooked brown rice
1 c. milk
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 dash Vanilla extract
Add all but rice in a small sauce pan on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add rice and slowly cook, stirring often util it is the temperature/consistency you like. Enjoy!
16 January 2011
5k Results
Photo credit: Melissa Hennrick
Remember when I said I had registered for a 5k? Well I ran it. It was back in October. I was hoping to finish it 35 minutes, but I managed 35:25, so I was happy with that. I'm not really a runner, so I was just proud to finish without walking. It was fun that the run took place the day before Halloween, because lots of people wore costumes. Taking part in the Tulsa Run really was an amazing experience, especially at the starting line. Hundreds (thousands?) of runners of all ages and abilities were lined up. When the gun went off the masses started moving, but it was more than a minute before I ever crossed the starting line. I started out about mid-pack and it was so neat when we'd be approaching a hill and I could see the hundreds of people running in front of me, knowing that there were just as many behind me. I was very proud to be a part of it; it was inspiring. One of the biggest highlights for me was the mariachi band playing on the corner at mile 1.
After the run, we went to a satellite viewing location for the Daily Show's Rally to Restore Sanity. It was a small crowd, but it was nice to be among some like-minded folks.
Remember when I said I had registered for a 5k? Well I ran it. It was back in October. I was hoping to finish it 35 minutes, but I managed 35:25, so I was happy with that. I'm not really a runner, so I was just proud to finish without walking. It was fun that the run took place the day before Halloween, because lots of people wore costumes. Taking part in the Tulsa Run really was an amazing experience, especially at the starting line. Hundreds (thousands?) of runners of all ages and abilities were lined up. When the gun went off the masses started moving, but it was more than a minute before I ever crossed the starting line. I started out about mid-pack and it was so neat when we'd be approaching a hill and I could see the hundreds of people running in front of me, knowing that there were just as many behind me. I was very proud to be a part of it; it was inspiring. One of the biggest highlights for me was the mariachi band playing on the corner at mile 1.
After the run, we went to a satellite viewing location for the Daily Show's Rally to Restore Sanity. It was a small crowd, but it was nice to be among some like-minded folks.
15 January 2011
Fall Fun
We are deep into Winter now, so it seems like as good of a time a time as any to do a recap of the Fall. Let's call it "reflection" not "laking in punctuality." The Fall in Oklahoma is lovely. It makes one forget that the summer weather was pretty miserable.
Here are some of the treasures we found while walking the pup in the park. The walk was cut short when Oliver decided to jump/fall/? (the jury's still out) into a creek. It was not quite warm enough to keep walking around with him being all wet.
Many of our Fall activities took place in the kitchen (as they should!) Below is a tasty ricotta skillet bread that the mister baked. The recipe called for fennel, but after the first loaf we realized that the only thing we disliked about it was the fennel. The next couple of times we made it we used rosemary instead. It was delicious and very moist!
I made a beet risotto that was BEAUTIFUL! The color was just amazing, and it was delicious to boot!
This is a yummy Spanish tortilla.
My mom had given us some pumpkins that she had grown. The two bigger ones became jack o'lanterns, two small ones became pies, and the rest were canned and have yet to become tasty treats. I made a pumpkin pie from a Paula Deen recipe. Honestly, Paula Deen scares me a little, but this recipe was amazing. It calls for cream cheese which gives the pie a special taste. It's somewhere between a pumpkin pie and a pumpkin cheese cake. The changes I made to the recipe were using fresh pumpkin and making my own crust.
Using fresh pumpkin can seem pretty intimidating at first, but it is SO EASY. All I did was:
1. Cut the pumpkin in half
2. Remove the stem, seeds, and pulp (I saved the seeds and roasted them later)
3. Place the two halves in a covered microwave-safe casserole dish
4. Add an inch or so of water and microwave for about 10 min
5. If pulp seems soft is easily spooned out, the pumpkin is ready, if not microwave a little longer
6. Scoop pumpkin away from skin with a ice cream scoop or spoon and use as directed by recipe
That's all! It's pretty simple, and a great way to impress your friends by saying you made the pie from a "real pumpkin."
When I was studying abroad in Switzerland I discovered Glühwein. It was served in all of the cafes, pubs, outdoor markets, and parades during the late Fall and Winter months. It's such a warm and comforting drink, like the winter version of a summer sangria. The best part is how it makes the house smell so festive.
My mother decided that Oliver needed a Halloween costume. He actually really liked it. He wore this collar around for days. There was a witch hat to go with it, but he wasn't really a fan.
The mister and Oliver show off our homegrown jack o'lanterns.
Look at our house; isn't it festive? Don't worry, that's not a ghost, it's just the mister.
I think that just about wraps up our Fall fun. Stay tuned to see the excitement of our winter.
Here are some of the treasures we found while walking the pup in the park. The walk was cut short when Oliver decided to jump/fall/? (the jury's still out) into a creek. It was not quite warm enough to keep walking around with him being all wet.
Many of our Fall activities took place in the kitchen (as they should!) Below is a tasty ricotta skillet bread that the mister baked. The recipe called for fennel, but after the first loaf we realized that the only thing we disliked about it was the fennel. The next couple of times we made it we used rosemary instead. It was delicious and very moist!
I made a beet risotto that was BEAUTIFUL! The color was just amazing, and it was delicious to boot!
This is a yummy Spanish tortilla.
My mom had given us some pumpkins that she had grown. The two bigger ones became jack o'lanterns, two small ones became pies, and the rest were canned and have yet to become tasty treats. I made a pumpkin pie from a Paula Deen recipe. Honestly, Paula Deen scares me a little, but this recipe was amazing. It calls for cream cheese which gives the pie a special taste. It's somewhere between a pumpkin pie and a pumpkin cheese cake. The changes I made to the recipe were using fresh pumpkin and making my own crust.
Using fresh pumpkin can seem pretty intimidating at first, but it is SO EASY. All I did was:
1. Cut the pumpkin in half
2. Remove the stem, seeds, and pulp (I saved the seeds and roasted them later)
3. Place the two halves in a covered microwave-safe casserole dish
4. Add an inch or so of water and microwave for about 10 min
5. If pulp seems soft is easily spooned out, the pumpkin is ready, if not microwave a little longer
6. Scoop pumpkin away from skin with a ice cream scoop or spoon and use as directed by recipe
That's all! It's pretty simple, and a great way to impress your friends by saying you made the pie from a "real pumpkin."
When I was studying abroad in Switzerland I discovered Glühwein. It was served in all of the cafes, pubs, outdoor markets, and parades during the late Fall and Winter months. It's such a warm and comforting drink, like the winter version of a summer sangria. The best part is how it makes the house smell so festive.
My mother decided that Oliver needed a Halloween costume. He actually really liked it. He wore this collar around for days. There was a witch hat to go with it, but he wasn't really a fan.
The mister and Oliver show off our homegrown jack o'lanterns.
Look at our house; isn't it festive? Don't worry, that's not a ghost, it's just the mister.
I think that just about wraps up our Fall fun. Stay tuned to see the excitement of our winter.
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