tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12881205204602825482024-02-21T04:18:27.721-08:00Polkadot Orchid EmbroideryMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-44819253074865789982016-03-04T09:29:00.000-08:002016-03-04T09:29:03.328-08:00Glow In The Dark Dinosaur HoodieWe recently got an unusual request here at Polkadot Orchid Embroidery: <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6wrVj7yUrs2KJiY8VbzZNKWmLlsUh59ro_QY4_CF7Fp9tcLs8SChpT2nnKlqZAM8qxXGGxp2twQAbswtmnsPm8SavFJ6fVn0U0788tYqMKN-e864ghIWWI7OujEVujHY9Xsd1wg6Jm0N/s1600/GlowInTheDarkHoodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6wrVj7yUrs2KJiY8VbzZNKWmLlsUh59ro_QY4_CF7Fp9tcLs8SChpT2nnKlqZAM8qxXGGxp2twQAbswtmnsPm8SavFJ6fVn0U0788tYqMKN-e864ghIWWI7OujEVujHY9Xsd1wg6Jm0N/s320/GlowInTheDarkHoodie.jpg" width="236" /></a>Can we make dinosaurs glow-in-the-dark? </div>
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See, our client wanted a special gift for her dinosaur-loving grandson. She loved the idea of pairing dinosaur bones with the words "Future Paleontologist", but could we do something to make it even more exciting for an 8-year-old child? Is there any way to make the skeletons glow-in-the dark? </div>
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She was thinking maybe we could do a combination of screen-printing and embroidery. However, we recommended glow-in-the-dark thread. </div>
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Yes, there is embroidery thread that glows in the dark. In fact, there are several colors (greenish glow, pinkish glow, yellowish-glow). We went with the standard variety, which looks almost white in the daylight, but then turns an eerie green when the lights go out. </div>
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Our client wanted a combination of green and black text to reflect the child's favorite colors. The boy was really happy with the result, and was even more surprised to find out that some of the design glows! </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-72948225502757134002015-01-01T05:10:00.001-08:002015-01-01T05:10:14.531-08:00What Happened to the GIMP Photography Tutorials?I've decided to move all of my GIMP and other photography tutorials onto a different blog. You can find them here:<br />
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<a href="http://smallbusinessdiy.blogspot.com/search/label/photography">http://smallbusinessdiy.blogspot.com/search/label/photography</a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-24145189386283008722014-07-05T20:36:00.004-07:002014-07-06T18:26:09.776-07:00Special Request for A Custom Commemorative HoodieA lot of my work involves fulfilling special requests. Most of the time, they are variations on something I've already done. (For example, stitching my custom nautical flags on a tall t-shirt rather than the standard cut.) Sometimes, however, I get a request that is truly unique. Late last year, I had a request for a custom commemorative hoodie from a group of USMC spouses.<br />
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I am local to the USMC base at Quantico, Virginia. The base trains a lot of marines for a variety of different courses: Officer Candidate School (OCS), The Basic School (TBS), and host of smaller courses. A lot of these training and selection sessions are grueling, with men and women pushing themselves to the limits of physical and mental endurance. The officers who slog through the mud together often design a commemorative t-shirt before they part their separate ways for other assignments.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO-gIOTMnHT1YoVlTwNxLac2uZKXJh8Bn5W5zqu8thgLSr0cL-foulKBMm7y-960bXwv9BsEEehH4tSwBM0SWNnqTtyvZgbnmp_v05EF-g0Cjm0hmVgnZPFIvzri5hUfRB19O-JmZc4e1/s1600/CCompanySilkscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO-gIOTMnHT1YoVlTwNxLac2uZKXJh8Bn5W5zqu8thgLSr0cL-foulKBMm7y-960bXwv9BsEEehH4tSwBM0SWNnqTtyvZgbnmp_v05EF-g0Cjm0hmVgnZPFIvzri5hUfRB19O-JmZc4e1/s1600/CCompanySilkscreen.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what they were thinking of using <br />
for a silkscreen design. Note how it fills <br />
up most of the hoodie, only uses one <br />
color, and has the text below the tags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my case, I was contacted by a group of military spouses who wanted their own commemorative hoodie. (The spouses often form close-knit support groups while their significant other is frequently absent for training.) Initially, they were thinking of getting their hoodies silk-screened. However, silkscreened garments begin to flake after several wash cycles, whereas embroidery wears better over time. So, they wanted to compare their options.<br />
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<b>Settling On a Design</b><br />
The spouses had already come up with a design of what they were thinking of using for a 1-color silkscreen design. It had a set of dog tags with three lines of text below it, which would take up most of the front of a red hoodie. They provided me with a basic graphic and then I came back with a mock-up photo. Since the design was simple, I was able to give them a mock-up within 24 hours.<br />
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Based off what I knew they wanted, I recommended a few changes for embroidery within the mockup:<br />
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1) Embroidery doesn't require a separate silkscreens for each new color, so I proposed using more than one color. Namely, two shades of grey for the dog tags, and one shade of another color for the text. Some of spouses had expressed concern about a red hoodie, so I created my mock-up using yellow text on a navy blue hoodie, with the note that the colors were flexible.<br />
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2) Since I didn't have to worry about flat white text blending in with a flat white set of dog tags, I suggested overlaying the text over the chain of the dog tags. I thought that having the two elements overlap would create a more fashionable garment. I thought this would be particularly nice since most of the members of the group were women.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJHTnZJdrUEq-ozOAyV-GKKMHc0LyhpNiYWnrNnN-pck8-k8T22OVgEWVHcCcHFXk6ULpnnpRVDDVNjIIQlQPd_5Mg9OKqzg2HDTuy32Adn1APpHB6fYaxZgqbJ2jlOocPzGzbeUYv3CD/s1600/CCoEmb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJHTnZJdrUEq-ozOAyV-GKKMHc0LyhpNiYWnrNnN-pck8-k8T22OVgEWVHcCcHFXk6ULpnnpRVDDVNjIIQlQPd_5Mg9OKqzg2HDTuy32Adn1APpHB6fYaxZgqbJ2jlOocPzGzbeUYv3CD/s1600/CCoEmb.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The design proof. There are several changes to the<br />
original design for the sake of fashion and production. </td></tr>
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3) I also changed a few styling details. For example, the original had the fabric of the garment show through parts of the dog tag for the text. I wasn't limited to only one color (I can thread up to six colors on my machine at once), so I used another shade of grey. I knew that stitching the text on top of the tag was the best method for ensuring that the text would look good on a finished garment. (As opposed to trying to define the tag so that the fabric showed through. At this scale, that would be difficult to do giving that I'm working with thread and not ink.) I also changed the chain a bit. The original had a line of little, disconnected circles for the chain. I adapted the design to something that would be more production-friendly.<br />
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<b>Why is the Chain More Production-Friendly This Way? </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjexq_wdEyGs4oGzXHi86v5m0NVPBl73uPzOtx8MRznchmWwERo7S2U2M32Qp74l3b5KGU1Fpd5uC9hClun8bi8MfxmD1FdwloTXY4sL7tKuAGHI5mT7CEsPBHwKMh4zIBhV6fqE2GggjK/s1600/DigitizingDogTagChain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjexq_wdEyGs4oGzXHi86v5m0NVPBl73uPzOtx8MRznchmWwERo7S2U2M32Qp74l3b5KGU1Fpd5uC9hClun8bi8MfxmD1FdwloTXY4sL7tKuAGHI5mT7CEsPBHwKMh4zIBhV6fqE2GggjK/s1600/DigitizingDogTagChain.jpg" height="640" width="220" /></a>Creating an embroidery design off of a graphic requires re-drawing every single element of the design into the computer along with notes for the computer about what types of stitches need to be used for each element. It can be very time consuming, so in this case, I picked a method that would save time both for creating the design and stitching it. <br />
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You see, I could draw a tiny little circle (individually drawing it in using a mouse or tablet on the computer screen) for every single one of those little balls on that chain. This would involve drawing the circle and then telling the computer the stitch type (column) and the direction of stitching for every single little dot. It takes about 10 seconds to define each dot, but then I need to make sure they're in the right places, all the same size, with the proper stitch direction, and then I'd need to audit the stitching order and sequence to ensure the machine isn't going to stitch them in a wonky way. It may easily take an hour just to create the chain using this method.<br />
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If it was really, really necessary to match the graphic exactly, I could even tell the embroidery design to trim the thread after stitching every single one of those little circles, so there's no connecting thread between each circle. This would, mind you, add about almost half a minute to the total stitching time for every single trim once I was actually stitching this out. I think there are about a 100 little dots in that original graphic...<br />
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I didn't see a point to adding another 40-50 minutes to the time it takes to sew out each hoodie just for the sake of copying the graphic exactly. Instead, I opted for using a motif stitch. With this, I merely define a path, and then specify a repeating motif to be placed along the path. From there, I can adjust the spacing between the motifs. This gave me a similar look, but with a lot less work. This motif uses less thread than little balls of satin stitching, so it stitches out more quickly and allows text to be layered over it more easily. I also liked the idea of using a decorative motif because I thought it created a much more interesting and beautiful design. I like the contrast between the motif stitch on the chain, the fill stitch of the dog tags, and the satin stitches of the text and dog tag shadow. (Yes, I think a lot about my designs. Converting graphics into embroidery, or digitizing, requires thinking through lots of minute little details, which is why many embroiderers do not digitize.)<br />
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<b>Approval</b><br />
I sent three photos to my clients, noting that some things like text and hoodie colors were flexible. One was the design proof I shared above. The other two were mock-ups to show what the front and back would look like for the finished garment. I also quoted them a price, which was higher than silkscreening because embroidery is more labor intensive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f_Xzlpl_T2hnSUeJNAUT1XctUR0iGgTpmvCIFcYD90WG7JzWYfYDSHGClub_gksWakhSoeYljecVkOR9o62y30wXL4IXBUOIzA0Sdsg96LViHfURV1kF-SLeHhF3AJ0ZpnNOGv1ysEu2/s1600/CCo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f_Xzlpl_T2hnSUeJNAUT1XctUR0iGgTpmvCIFcYD90WG7JzWYfYDSHGClub_gksWakhSoeYljecVkOR9o62y30wXL4IXBUOIzA0Sdsg96LViHfURV1kF-SLeHhF3AJ0ZpnNOGv1ysEu2/s1600/CCo.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sent this mockup to<br />
show human scale.</td></tr>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF0oLuQa98GZX6lo9OPW_yxbNkhlDvYDwiYy59OfBLr1UZBqjXWRcoY3PD_AhQJINrf_UknQen2AbeGDJQfWv_3wTRoXaJgziN7560saWrslrlQQ2WProYs1A5bS14eY7WyjB93LYfJiG/s1600/CCoBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF0oLuQa98GZX6lo9OPW_yxbNkhlDvYDwiYy59OfBLr1UZBqjXWRcoY3PD_AhQJINrf_UknQen2AbeGDJQfWv_3wTRoXaJgziN7560saWrslrlQQ2WProYs1A5bS14eY7WyjB93LYfJiG/s1600/CCoBack.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some spouses wanted<br />
their name on the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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They decided that they liked the design better and would be willing to pay a little more for it. By the end of the week, they had their hoodies in hand. (It was, after all, a local delivery that did not require shipping to the client.) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84zlyMPErpIhEVwNozezI8FKsKZ2i4_D3182rwUDsIrmMTIi2KzyBCP6G24IDw3RqBDGzNRMaEUt3t-3EThkjf_-YG9MpazfW4ZYmoOjqO00oWqCjgt3_77MeYvJdhEFqT1opZ2LCZs5U/s1600/CCoO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84zlyMPErpIhEVwNozezI8FKsKZ2i4_D3182rwUDsIrmMTIi2KzyBCP6G24IDw3RqBDGzNRMaEUt3t-3EThkjf_-YG9MpazfW4ZYmoOjqO00oWqCjgt3_77MeYvJdhEFqT1opZ2LCZs5U/s1600/CCoO2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finished Commemorative Hoodie</td></tr>
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They were thoroughly happy with the final result. Pretty much everyone commented on how nice they were when they were handed out. One spouses told me that she received several compliments wearing it for the first time on base.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-59180054236827547692013-10-30T04:31:00.000-07:002013-10-30T04:31:00.228-07:00Lemon Cream Cheese Crumble BarsI came up with this recipe after my 2-year-old found the cinnamon-sugar graham crackers in my pantry. Unfortunately, he tried to 'open' one of the three smaller packages inside. He didn't succeed in getting to the crackers (which is great, I don't like having sugared-up kids), but he did crush them inside the package pretty thoroughly. Not wanting to toss out perfectly good food, I came up with this recipe, which is a variation of the Lemon Cheese Bars in Cake Mix Doctor by Ann Byrn.<br />
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I used a large round spring-form pan, but you can use a 9 x 13 baking pan instead. It doesn't need to be greased.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOAn1JtK_EzQYcMdyTYn4xISYrdRg5I5zhhyphenhyphen9oh_kUMnQSgjjz60t2mSNf_eyQev3QinY0cyFVwc_UHeIi6ers4nDiR_QYu78NoGKPYOUCF1Js5bVTOiZQ93biwgyfSnIi7cKvkBBevrS/s1600/LemonCreamCheeseCrumbleBars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOAn1JtK_EzQYcMdyTYn4xISYrdRg5I5zhhyphenhyphen9oh_kUMnQSgjjz60t2mSNf_eyQev3QinY0cyFVwc_UHeIi6ers4nDiR_QYu78NoGKPYOUCF1Js5bVTOiZQ93biwgyfSnIi7cKvkBBevrS/s400/LemonCreamCheeseCrumbleBars.jpg" width="240" /></a>1/3 box cinnamon sugar graham crackers, crushed to fine pieces<br />
1 pkg. yellow cake mix (15.25 oz.)<br />
1/2 cup oil<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.)<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
2 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice<br />
4 whole cloves, ground<br />
1 tbsp. dried orange peel<br />
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1) You'll be toasting the crust and then baking it again once the filling is done, so preheat oven to 350°F<br />
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2) Mix crushed graham crackers, cake mix, oil, and 1 egg in large mixing bowl until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cup for topping. Use the rest to make a crust in the bottom of your pan. Just press it with your fingers get an even coating on the bottom<br />
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3) Bake crust in oven for 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside, but keep the oven on.<br />
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4) For the filling, beat the cream cheese until fluffy (about 30 seconds if the cream cheese isn't too cold). Then add the rest of the ingredients - sugar, lemon juice, remaining egg, cloves, and orange peel. Then spread the filling in the crust with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle with reserved filling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkbVzuyr7c2kR0rCzPfG820DPWOprkaE8bn7Pmokpv0qfKKmfrw5vFymK4rtCDAykzsuSSiPs06Y14tPKsCQi1vDHBtS6CUrVL5RiKyKcifWXCpub1l0Okt5wjCWUGcZzC9adeVAnlH6q/s1600/LemonCrumbleBarFilling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkbVzuyr7c2kR0rCzPfG820DPWOprkaE8bn7Pmokpv0qfKKmfrw5vFymK4rtCDAykzsuSSiPs06Y14tPKsCQi1vDHBtS6CUrVL5RiKyKcifWXCpub1l0Okt5wjCWUGcZzC9adeVAnlH6q/s320/LemonCrumbleBarFilling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a rubber spatula to spread the filling <br />
over the pre-toasted crust.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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5) Bake until the crust is golden and the filling just starts to set (won't jiggle freely). In a glass 9 x 13 inch baking pan, this will take about 15 minutes. It took me a bit longer in my round metal springform pan.<br />
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6) Let it cool for about 30 minutes before you cut and serve. I garnished mine with fresh strawberry.<br />
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Almost anything made with spice-infused cream cheese seems to taste better the next day if left in the fridge overnight, so this is a great recipe to prepare well in advance of guests.<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-75988869246972981062013-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:002013-09-19T08:04:27.852-07:00Ornament Give Away<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I'm hosting a give away in conjunction with Christie Cottage's blog for one of my Jacobean Initial Monogram Ornaments. Each one is embroidered with a single initial in the historical Jacobean style, which was popular during the reign of James I as well as in Colonial America. </span></div>
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<a href="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/1041330/JacobeanP_grande.jpg?1374716897" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/1041330/JacobeanP_grande.jpg?1374716897" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Each one is embroidered in my studio here in Stafford, Virginia. They're one of my favorite patterns that I make, because the embroidery is drop-dead-gorgeous. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">If you're interested in winning one for free, head over to the <a href="http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2013/09/win-it-wednesday-jacobean-initial-ornie.html" target="_blank">Give-Away at Christie Cottage's Blog</a> to enter. It's open from now until October 2, 2013. </span></span><div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span><div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-49838355266489037102013-08-21T04:30:00.000-07:002013-08-21T04:30:01.793-07:00Lime Cake I believe in having a well-stocked pantry. I have a spice collection that includes ingredients that some people have never even heard of, more or less used (including my husband before I married him). At a previous address, I'd taken over portions of our laundry closet, our front entry closet, and our cabinets to store various sundry ingredients. Usually, the only thing that I really need to pick up from the store to make a particular dish is fresh produce. I like having a wide variety of base ingredients so I can easily make what I want. It is a great asset to my kitchen.<br />
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However, when you need to move, it becomes a great liability.<br />
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I originally came up with this recipe while I was trying to eat through my stockpile of food in preparation of an upcoming move. I was on a search & destroy mission to use as many citrus ingredients from my kitchen as possible. This resulted in delicious lime cake. I came across the recipe again recently and decided to share.<br />
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This cake tastes best if you can make the frosting the day before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to let the lime taste sink into the cream-cheese frosting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNmls8ViTMkdUs1RE6a8uiQVmnbw_7MMOq8lBP1HPloabgekKkPgRbZlVNTRef7wBeCLKFyL4MpdRGQXDDrP58t5TNkQyEZoyLTGMrKd3IvILUhCqHqcH1iWRIVyuxMWWVu6ujdE9shXV/s1600/LimeCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNmls8ViTMkdUs1RE6a8uiQVmnbw_7MMOq8lBP1HPloabgekKkPgRbZlVNTRef7wBeCLKFyL4MpdRGQXDDrP58t5TNkQyEZoyLTGMrKd3IvILUhCqHqcH1iWRIVyuxMWWVu6ujdE9shXV/s320/LimeCake.jpg" width="313" /></a><b>Lime Cake </b><br />
Oil & flour for dusting the pan<br />
1 pkg (18.25 oz.) Lemon Cake Mix<br />
1 cup whole milk<br />
1 stick butter, melted (I used real, unsalted butter)<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 tbsp. vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp. lemon extract<br />
1 pkg (0.3 oz.) lime Jell-O<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F. You will want to get out some butter & cream cheese to come to room temperature if you haven't done so already. (BTW trying to speed the process by warming cream cheese and butter up in the microwave does not produce the same results.)<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into pan. Bake until golden brown & springs back lightly when pressed. I used two 9-inch round spring-form pans, and it took a little over 21 minutes.<br />
<br />
<b>Frosting</b><br />
1 pkg (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temp.<br />
1 stick (8 tbsp.) butter, at room temp. (NEVER use margarine for frosting, it just doesn't work)<br />
Lime zest, the more the merrier (I used 1/2 of a lime, but should have used more)<br />
1/2 box (1 lbs. box) powdered sugar, or just under 2 cups (you could use as much as 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar, but that's too sweet for me & it provides more frosting than I' prefer)<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp. lemon extract<br />
<br />
Blend cream cheese, butter, & zest with electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla and lemon extract, then beat until fluffy (about a minute). Frost cake once it has cooled enough that it won't melt the frosting.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/924673/MadScientistInTraining_grande.jpg?1369162559" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/924673/MadScientistInTraining_grande.jpg?1369162559" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to start cooking in <a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/kitchen/products/mad-scientist-in-training-apron" target="_blank">this apron</a>...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yes, this might sound weird with the Jell-O & all, but it's quite good (and it allowed me to use up the Jell-o, which I'd probably never use otherwise because gelatin is not my favorite food item). The cake is even better the next day because the zest gets a chance to seep into the frosting overnight. It's also a lovely - though unusual - chartreuse color on the inside. Feel free to add some lime zest in the cake itself for even more citrus flavor.<br />
<br />
As a side note, a part of me is sorely tempted to throw my son a Mad Scientist Birthday Party. If I do, I might use this cake, just because it has such an unusual color for a cake.<br />
<br />
Does anyone else ever feel like a mad scientist when they cook?Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-86750807906118350882013-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T05:00:10.380-07:00Ginger Peach Berry CobblerI'm not normally a peach person - at least not a fresh peach person. I've never cared for the fuzzy texture. However, sometimes peaches are on sale at the grocery store for far cheaper than anything else. When they do, I try to make them into lovely peach cobbler.<br />
<br />
The following recipe is my own variation off of the Peach Raspberry Cobbler from Joy of Cooking:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc2AuOsu6zW5pUnWEAMvRTkBL72y_zUjzTywFLEANDPgNx_co2Tiui-2EnjnU_0UDH6I7R2Wix4o6a_2HEme3Peqyq16FNgPXSb63_T0cHuIhjLBeLrwBsUHKZFTnr2TbsWRWD6Pr1i6t/s1600/GingerPeachBerryCobbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc2AuOsu6zW5pUnWEAMvRTkBL72y_zUjzTywFLEANDPgNx_co2Tiui-2EnjnU_0UDH6I7R2Wix4o6a_2HEme3Peqyq16FNgPXSb63_T0cHuIhjLBeLrwBsUHKZFTnr2TbsWRWD6Pr1i6t/s320/GingerPeachBerryCobbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
6 ripe peaches (1 1/2 - 1 3/4 lbs.)<br />
1 cup frozen raspberry/blueberry/blackberry mixture<br />
1 cup frozen wild blueberries<br />
*1 tbsp. tapioca<br />
2/3 cup sugar, divided<br />
1 cup flour<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1 tbsp. ginger<br />
1 stick butter, softened<br />
1 egg<br />
1/4 cup sour cream<br />
<br />
<br />
I used a large, round corningware dish (9" diameter), but you could use anything with a 2-qt. capacity. Just so long as it's enameled or glass, there's no need to butter it.<br />
<br />
1) Preheat Oven to 350°F<br />
<br />
2) Slice up the peaches and place on the bottom of your baking dish. Top with the frozen berries.<br />
<br />
3) Sprinkle berries with HALF of the sugar (1/3 cup sugar) and the tapioca. You'll use the other half later for the batter. Set the fruit aside to macerate while you prepare the batter for the top. (BTW, macerating fruit refers to when you use sugar to draws the moisture out of the fruit, creating a syrupy liquid around the fruit.)<br />
<br />
4) Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger together.<br />
<br />
5) In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and remaining 1/3 cup sugar.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxYfS4DWY-1X_pup0eYZpkK1CMXO3bj3M32KU24P5suFDNulKym8Rt4YwuHZkTBPeY5M0Wa3NA9VOiB4kraXIbBY3Qtpprzn_x3rg7-r9OyfX_yE9Qk8d1yP-3a6wPK2T8wcpQCo1KbiQ/s1600/GingerPeachBerryCobblerProcess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxYfS4DWY-1X_pup0eYZpkK1CMXO3bj3M32KU24P5suFDNulKym8Rt4YwuHZkTBPeY5M0Wa3NA9VOiB4kraXIbBY3Qtpprzn_x3rg7-r9OyfX_yE9Qk8d1yP-3a6wPK2T8wcpQCo1KbiQ/s320/GingerPeachBerryCobblerProcess.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part-way through the process: adding the<br />
topping over the fruit. This photo was taken<br />
before I spread it around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6) Beat in the egg.<br />
<br />
7) Beat in the dry ingredients. Fold in sour cream.<br />
<br />
8) Spread the batter over the top of the fruit. Leave about 1/4 inch of space between the topping and the edge of the pan so the topping can expand a bit during cooking.<br />
<br />
Note: if you use a spatula to spread the topping, you will end up with a smooth-topped cobbler. If you want a cobbler with a nubbly, irregular texture on the top, drop spoonfuls of batter over the fruit.<br />
<br />
9) Bake at 350° for about 40-45 minutes - it's done when the top is golden brown and the fruit is fork tender.<br />
<br />
Cool for 15 minutes before serving. Consider serving with whipped cream or ice cream.<br />
<br />
*I didn't include tapioca when I made this recipe for this photo and it came out a bit soupy because I used frozen rather than fresh berries. If I were to make it again, I would include the tapioca to absorb some of the water from the frozen berries. It's not needed if you're only using fresh fruit.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-43231114409278750882013-08-01T05:30:00.000-07:002013-08-01T06:17:52.524-07:00Gift for a New BabyRecently my husband asked me to make baby gifts for three of his co-workers who were expecting new additions in the near future. I love to make handmade gifts. However, I tend to shy away from making the traditional baby blanket.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the birth of my second child, I noticed that I had received A LOT of baby blankets between the birth of my first two children. 32 baby blankets to be exact, 7 of them lovingly handmade. In my case, I'm also a military spouse, so I know that most of my husband's co-workers are going to have to pack up everything they own and move cross-country every couple of years. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/7/317/73317/4373317/4373317/large/embroidered_baby_blanket_sweet_pea_handmade_green_fleece_62b4f932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/7/317/73317/4373317/4373317/large/embroidered_baby_blanket_sweet_pea_handmade_green_fleece_62b4f932.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/PolkadotOrchid/4373317/" target="_blank">Handmade Embroidered Baby Blanket</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
A lot of times with new babies, I have no idea if the family has really crafty relatives, godparents, or other very close friends. Nor do I know what other people are going to give them. I realize that they may (or may not) receive a lot of blankets as gifts. However, I know the family is going to have to move. A lot. And if they need to get rid of a lot of stuff to fit into a smaller home at their next duty station, then the blanket from grandma is probably going to mean more to them than the blanket from one of Daddy's Marine Corps buddies. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what do you give a new baby when the parents don't have a lot of space or don't want to haul around a bunch of stuff through multiple moves?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Personalized Christmas Ornaments. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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They're small. They're useful. They outlive the lifetime of the average baby blanket (babies outgrow most blankets by the time they're two, whereas a Christmas ornament may survive until the child starts out on his or her own). And the family is going to see it and remember who gave it to them at least once a year when they hang it on the tree. Since the ornament is personalized with the child's name or initial, it will probably become special to that child as he or she grows up and sees his or her name up on the family tree. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I've done a few variations on personalized ornaments in the past. For example, here's an ornament that doubles as a candy cane holder: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/581464/SnowmanOrnament2_massive.jpg?1347772267" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/581464/SnowmanOrnament2_massive.jpg?1347772267" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/seasonal/products/personalized-candy-cane-holder-ornament-snowman" target="_blank">Personalized Snowman Ornament</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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This one uses metallic thread:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/947749/Riley_grande.jpg?1370991260" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/947749/Riley_grande.jpg?1370991260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/seasonal/products/custom-embroidered-christmas-ornament-with-name-in-metallic-thread" target="_blank">Xmas Ornament with Name in Metallic Silver Thread</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For this particular baby, I wanted to do something a little bit different. And here's what I came up with: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/1041330/JacobeanP_grande.jpg?1374716897" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/1041330/JacobeanP_grande.jpg?1374716897" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/seasonal/products/jacobean-initial-embroidered-ornament" target="_blank"><span id="goog_348004756"></span><span id="goog_348004757"></span>Jacobean Initial Christmas Ornament</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now the most recent ornament isn't the child's full name, but I think the initial alone is gorgeous. It's a beautiful, traditional-looking ornament, which has a lot of color. The embroidery harks back to the Jacobean style, which developed during the first quarter of the 17th Century during the reign of King James I. The style was very popular and moved to Colonial America. I like the idea of giving a little bit of history with my gifts.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5FgKduwGeA8JLTgaI7BuqBklehcovOK6cM10dCAaDQejoREgaF5t8H62pgUofXK1K6exPq02mR9KbFzkqMBpjPCp7nb46XCJBeqCtRhfTCIKl6Y2CPXIxl0_NM8XH5jFde4gMz0yMSlW/s1600/JacobeanThreadSelection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5FgKduwGeA8JLTgaI7BuqBklehcovOK6cM10dCAaDQejoREgaF5t8H62pgUofXK1K6exPq02mR9KbFzkqMBpjPCp7nb46XCJBeqCtRhfTCIKl6Y2CPXIxl0_NM8XH5jFde4gMz0yMSlW/s200/JacobeanThreadSelection.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to lay my threads against the<br />
fabric in a group so I can see how<br />
everything will look together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
To make it, I had a lot of colors to coordinate. Sometimes people think embroidery is easy and that the machine does everything for you. It certainly speeds up the process, but I'm the one who picks the colors and materials. In this case, I went through my 200-some collection of colors and picked out the shades that I thought worked well both together and with the dark green fabric. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was a bit more tricky because there are a lot of shades in the flowers, and I also had to account for those little acorns. (Acorns are a traditional motif in both Jacobean embroidery and the earlier blackwork style.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohSfq17Qy1xDTtGiwwOPkCB4F6WpuismwDEtxqde58Mne3mvL3-O6bAII1aVJMLeV_xPt1ccuO09L9gGMgTWds9hLrULhD-EKKpZeqNuyLwa9Z44mi2d2wzSbJ8_wJR2T1jsGBaSHTGQy/s1600/JacobeanProcess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohSfq17Qy1xDTtGiwwOPkCB4F6WpuismwDEtxqde58Mne3mvL3-O6bAII1aVJMLeV_xPt1ccuO09L9gGMgTWds9hLrULhD-EKKpZeqNuyLwa9Z44mi2d2wzSbJ8_wJR2T1jsGBaSHTGQy/s200/JacobeanProcess.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partway-through the stitching process.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I ended up testing out about 4 different shades of pink before I found a light and dark tone that I was happy with. In this case, I wanted something that was bright and cheerful - appropriate for the birth of a new baby girl. I could have used different shades, but the result would have been a different look. (I could have used less saturated hues for a more subdued, antique look.) </div>
<div>
<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://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/1041331/JacobeanS_massive.jpg?1374716900" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://cdn.supadupa.me/shop/1031/images/1041331/JacobeanS_massive.jpg?1374716900" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The initial ornament is a decent size.<br />
Big enough to be seen on the tree<br />
without overwhelming it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
From there, I got to stitch it. I have to make sure I stop at the right time to add a backing so you don't see the backside of the embroidery once it's on the tree. The final step is to add the decorative stitched border and to cut out the shape. Oh, and add the ribbon, which involves using a large needle threaded with satin ribbon, so I can have it go through the ornament where I've reinforced it with a ring of embroidered satin stitches. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think the end result is perfect for a little girl. I hope the family loves it. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh, and there's one more thing I like about these ornaments. Sometimes, you want to get a personalized gift but the name is unusual or there are several different spelling variations. (My own name of Michelle could be spelled as Michele, for example.) With just the initial, you can go with either the first name or the last name, and you don't have to worry about accidentally using the wrong spelling variation. </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-4115479030942751772013-07-29T05:30:00.000-07:002013-07-29T22:41:03.490-07:00Back Up Machine<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://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/9/359/13359/3313359/3313359/large/embroidered_dragon_messenger_bag_custom_colors_available_f0d9b3d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/9/359/13359/3313359/3313359/large/embroidered_dragon_messenger_bag_custom_colors_available_f0d9b3d9.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A customer liked this large<br />
<a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/polkadotorchid/3313359/" target="_blank">messenger bag</a>, but wanted<br />
something smaller.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/8/548/92548/7192548/7192548/large/black_messenger_purse_with_purple_dragon_embroidery_23a25bd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/8/548/92548/7192548/7192548/large/black_messenger_purse_with_purple_dragon_embroidery_23a25bd6.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the smaller purse<br />
that I created for her using<br />
the same dragon embroidery,<br />
which she wanted in purple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier this year, a customer contacted me about one of my bags. She loved the dragon embroidery, but wanted to be able to use the bag as a purse and, alas, a messenger bag was a bit big. Would it be possible to create a smaller version?<br />
<br />
Of course, my answer was yes.<br />
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However, part-way through the project, I had a small snag with my sewing machine. A piece of thread got sucked down into the throat plate and I couldn't get it all out. So, I sent the Futura to be serviced and picked up a cheap back-up machine to finish off the job and for whenever the other one goes in for servicing in the future. Since the machine is supposed to be a backup, I didn't get anything terribly fancy or expensive - just functional and readily available at Target to finish a quick project that I knew would fit my specialty sewing feet. I got a Singer Brilliance:<br />
<br />
<u>How is it Overall? </u><br />
Originally, I planned to do a detailed review, <a href="http://polkadotorchid.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-of-my-futura-sewing-machine.html" target="_blank">as I did at one point with my Futura</a>. However, after using it for a while, I decided it wasn't worth the effort of doing a full review. I only spent about as much on it as it cost to service and clean my other machine. And it shows.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6sb05rdqPLVhjUI08f_7NxeAopTyyxroJ80M8P_atCKtrzYxTzNMVqAWBta7b7DYArXq5wTmhGlgKY0HVCNm3jwdO7TdEK7wCZWAU4XU3P8Ue6OIWKUtfQszr0fEnb0TdyaAPDyBts_p/s1600/SingerBrilliance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6sb05rdqPLVhjUI08f_7NxeAopTyyxroJ80M8P_atCKtrzYxTzNMVqAWBta7b7DYArXq5wTmhGlgKY0HVCNm3jwdO7TdEK7wCZWAU4XU3P8Ue6OIWKUtfQszr0fEnb0TdyaAPDyBts_p/s320/SingerBrilliance.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer Brilliance in the Box</td></tr>
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For example, I have it sitting on a very, very solid table, and it vibrates so horribly that I won't run it at full speed. It's also a lot louder than any sewing machine I've previously worked with. The other machines I've worked with in the past have had a place to place a spool horizontally as well as a holder in the back for large, vertical spools. This model does not have a spot in the back for large spools, which is a problem for me given the quantities of thread I go through. It also seems to be balanced poorly and I can't get into sleeves or other small places as easily as with other machines I've worked with in the past. <br />
<br />
A part of me wonders whether I got a lemon right out of the box because I swear I smell something faintly funny when I use it. (Like a very faint whiff of something burning - but then again, I've also got a super-sensitive pregnancy nose right now and maybe it's because it's newly out of the factory? I'm planning to put in a call to customer service to ask.)<br />
<br />
The controls are easy to navigate and there aren't too many things that can really be altered. I would say that this machine is OK if you're only <i>occasionally</i> doing a bit of light sewing. However, if you're planning to sew any more than one or two projects a year, you're probably better off buying a used machine off of craigslist that's older but better-built.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-32658418019177088132013-07-24T04:07:00.000-07:002013-08-06T08:49:45.164-07:00Easy Strawberry Cheesecake One of my husband's co-workers specifically asked me for this recipe after I sent a bunch of it with my husband to <strike>the barracks</strike> work. One of his co-workers commented that it was better than the cheesecake served at the Cheesecake Factory.<br />
<div>
<br />
This surprisingly easy strawberry cheesecake is a variation off of the New York-Style Cheesecake recipe found in The Cake Mix Doctor. I used fresh strawberries that were starting to dry out just a little bit, which probably reduces the amount of moisture in the finished cake. I wouldn't recommend using frozen berries as they just produce too much water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueEACNKCVKTUOFdhzaL5eIKELmRp4ihH5zG0zbzxiM9Rs6IKnlAit9-iquGeXtRIOob8EY7EtCptvgR07TQXqOpN6jQZr9usBecSeZxX_RpzvugxN1hzyJPo8AUBb0VOCATgDCKCc_StY/s1600/StrawberryCheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueEACNKCVKTUOFdhzaL5eIKELmRp4ihH5zG0zbzxiM9Rs6IKnlAit9-iquGeXtRIOob8EY7EtCptvgR07TQXqOpN6jQZr9usBecSeZxX_RpzvugxN1hzyJPo8AUBb0VOCATgDCKCc_StY/s320/StrawberryCheesecake.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Easy Strawberry Cheesecake</b><br />
1 pkg. yellow cake mix<br />
4 Tbsp butter, melted (1/2 a stick)<br />
4 eggs<br />
2 pkg. cream cheese (total of 16 oz.), at room temperature<br />
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk<br />
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt<br />
2 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice<br />
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract<br />
1 1/4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced<br />
<br />
1) Heat oven to 325° Lightly grease a pan. I used two 9" round springform pans, but you could also use a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.<br />
<br />
2) Set aside 1/2 cup of the cake mix for the filling. Place the rest of the mix (most of the box), melted butter, and 1 egg in a mixing bowl to make the crust. Mix until the batter makes a ball, then transfer it to your pan and spread evenly on the bottom and up the sides. <br />
<br />
3) For the filling, mix the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. (The beauty of this recipe is that you don't need to clean the bowl and beaters you used to make the crust.) Blend until just combined, then add the 1/2 cup of reserved cake mix, remaining 3 eggs, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat for a minute.<br />
<br />
4) Stir in the fresh strawberries, then pour into the crust. Spread the filling around so that it's an even layer inside the crust.<br />
<br />
5) Bake at 325° until the center doesn't jiggle when pan is shaken and top is kind of shiny. This will take at least 40 minutes. When it's done, transfer it into the fridge and let it cool there for at least an hour. Anything made with cream cheese seems to taste better the next day, and this is especially true for cheesecake. I try to let mine sit in the fridge a full day (or at least overnight) before serving.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-13343860246961544262013-07-10T13:17:00.003-07:002013-07-10T13:17:51.100-07:00Planning a Spring Garden in the Middle of SummerAt one point, I used to work at <a href="http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/" target="_blank">Green Spring Gardens</a>, a horticultural demonstration garden in Fairfax County Virginia. It's a little-known gem of a park that is stuffed full of themed flower gardens showcasing species and varieties that do well in the Northern Virginia area. The gardeners there spent years planning and editing the gardens to include species that were not only atypical, but also thrived and provided beauty throughout the seasons of the year.<br />
<br />
I learned that the best time to start planning for your spring garden was well before the bulbs traditionally show up for sale at the local garden center. The gardeners would walk through the gardens in spring, taking notes of what worked and what didn't and what needed more of a particular color where while the spring bulbs were still up. All of the gardeners there had their wish lists finalized and orders placed before mid-July (often, much sooner) in order to secure the best pricing and selection from mail order bulb suppliers.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Ee_9GDjU6BYdZfj0dVBvaXNFhZc9AluolT4Pbn9Boky5eVzUkmtn2crH1wzHzfk8gwyXIW4wPjAGv_2dUahzocEAJ6pg1-WUs9eF9RmDGPbPJMX4CrYYulWHu2z1UYif0q_Q_NxQdPk/s1600/BuschartInSpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Ee_9GDjU6BYdZfj0dVBvaXNFhZc9AluolT4Pbn9Boky5eVzUkmtn2crH1wzHzfk8gwyXIW4wPjAGv_2dUahzocEAJ6pg1-WUs9eF9RmDGPbPJMX4CrYYulWHu2z1UYif0q_Q_NxQdPk/s320/BuschartInSpring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from a trip to Buschart Garden last spring.</td></tr>
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<b>My Bulb-planting Philosophy</b><br />
I plant bulbs in blocks - intensive drifts which may end up having wide gaps of no bulbs between them at all. Why? Two reasons:<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
1) First, it's usually more effective to have an intensive block of color in one area than to have a few bulbs here, a few bulbs there all over the yard. It creates a focal point, and it makes your bulb money go further because a random scattering all over the place just gets lost. Besides, in the early spring nothing is up anyway, so the empty spots don't look out of place (and this makes the intensive patches look all the more spectacular).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLNBrLgOXBKfa4EwbaBxlo0h0NVe4ltIfE5l_Nrdwh7nnGDLsnhHxLFTlsuWKZMOEEV0qxtaDSt0S7hc0tIFfoPFAoI1hneYIF3kuHW6399GViA1sWUARPDJRSqqYSpanoU4Qv4Bc_o_c/s1600/DriftPlanting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLNBrLgOXBKfa4EwbaBxlo0h0NVe4ltIfE5l_Nrdwh7nnGDLsnhHxLFTlsuWKZMOEEV0qxtaDSt0S7hc0tIFfoPFAoI1hneYIF3kuHW6399GViA1sWUARPDJRSqqYSpanoU4Qv4Bc_o_c/s320/DriftPlanting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planting in drifts creates a big impact. It can also be easier <br />to manage if you spread the planting over several years. </td></tr>
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2) The second reason is purely practical - planting in intensive drifts makes it easy to spread the planting out over several years. For one, it's much easier to remember what you've already done & where each fall. And for another, it can net deep discounts due to buying in bulk. It's cheaper to buy 50 bulbs of one type than to buy 10 bulbs each of 5 different types. So I like to buy big chunks of a few varieties each year, and then wait until the next year to buy a big chunk of different varieties. This also makes it so that I only have to plant 200-300 bulbs per year rather than 1000, which is less tedious.<br />
<br />
Spring bulbs are particularly <strike>dangerous</strike> tempting purchases for me. I'd argue that you can't have too many. Really. You can have daffodils and hostas in the same location. Bulbs come up before ferns, hostas, asters, fall anemones, daylilies, and many other plants, so you can double plant them. In early spring, the bulbs come up and put on a show. Then as the bulbs start to die down, the other plants come up to cover up the yellowing foliage.<br />
<br />
It's also easy to have spring bulbs where you don't have any other plants later in the year - for one, spring bulbs come up before most trees leaf out, so you can safely plant them in both sun and shady areas without having to worry about having the right exposure. The only things you need to worry about are: wildlife (squirrels & deer like to move/eat certain bulbs), shade from buildings, and too much water in the summer (some bulbs don't like wet summer feet - however, trees and other plants often wick up excess moisture before it can rot the bulbs so you don't need to worry).<br />
<br />
<b>This year, I'm expecting to receive about 465 bulbs</b>:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xw3ppZwD_aIMOAAFXndqT7b3hPHg6c-_DsjaUg50OJBgkMk6tZRQk6eqaRh64TJTHY3Qw_SSeedcb1tSKrBUNW2Q4MsEEKx00nKUDW_neUnz9eKtC53uOnIegB3xOpCmlXHpUOjUQmqH/s1600/SpeciesTulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xw3ppZwD_aIMOAAFXndqT7b3hPHg6c-_DsjaUg50OJBgkMk6tZRQk6eqaRh64TJTHY3Qw_SSeedcb1tSKrBUNW2Q4MsEEKx00nKUDW_neUnz9eKtC53uOnIegB3xOpCmlXHpUOjUQmqH/s320/SpeciesTulips.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Species Tulips are small, but hardy.<br />Taken at Green Spring Gardens.</td></tr>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Narcissus - I'm getting 5 varieties of daffodil this year, including a fragrant type for near the front entrance and some miniature varieties to provide some contrast with the larger selections already in the garden. </li>
<li>Tulipa - I don't normally get a lot of tulips, simply because tulips tend to bloom themselves to death after a few years (if the squirrels don't eat them all first). However, I make an exception for the smaller, species tulips, which are more hardy. This year, I'm getting some T. bakeri 'Lilac Wonder'. I've also gotten 'Tinka' and ' Peppermint Stick' in the past, and I love them. </li>
<li>Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades' - this plant is usually only a few inches tall and blooms about the same time as hyacinth. I plan on pairing the two. </li>
<li>Crocus tommasinianus - I want some more very early spring color, so crocus is what I'm going with. Next year, I may pair it with some early-blooming dwarf iris. </li>
<li>Erythronium 'Pagoda' - this bulb has an usual, delicate silhouette. I plan to plant it near the mayapples. </li>
<li>Galanthus woronwii - like the crocus, I'm counting on some snowdrops to extend the bloom season into late winter. </li>
<li>Hyacinth orientalus 'Delft Blue' - these will go along with the anemone for a block of blue color. They're also very fragrant. </li>
<li>Hyacinthoides and Scilla siberica - these have a similar color and form to hyacinth, but they're more hardy and less expensive. </li>
<li>Muscari comosum 'Plumosum' - this is an unusual heirloom variety which was grown by many Colonial gardeners, including Thomas Jefferson. I'm getting it because I like having the occasional unusual plant to separate my yard from the rest of my neighborhood. </li>
</ul>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHUJBXGHyA9vnj8f33ezEd7JtBZlGAVX5lY18hLfnozOLQC0ogoEXfdGvmS5oaE4YIBEQKLX4rKA1iWANew1jaGPmrDpFdFDBRRbkgCeHBxv8OrF1aHDd2affPVFMA3GXVLmym2mceRAo/s1600/Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHUJBXGHyA9vnj8f33ezEd7JtBZlGAVX5lY18hLfnozOLQC0ogoEXfdGvmS5oaE4YIBEQKLX4rKA1iWANew1jaGPmrDpFdFDBRRbkgCeHBxv8OrF1aHDd2affPVFMA3GXVLmym2mceRAo/s320/Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family at Buschart Garden. Note how they planted blue <br />forget-me-nots under these Orange Empress Tulips.</td></tr>
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<b>Bulb Suppliers</b><br />
<a href="http://www.kvbwholesale.com/" target="_blank">k.van Bourgondien & sons, inc.</a> - wholesalers. Requires a minimum order of $50 w/ 15% shipping/packing/insurance charge. Based in Va. Beach. Excellent selection & pricing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mzbulb.com/" target="_blank">McClure & Zimmerman</a> - cheap catalog (no pictures), but good selection. Pricing is not quite as good as Bourgondien, but you can also order smaller quantities & no minimum purchase. They have some stuff that the other people don't (including hardy orchids). They'll give a 10% discount if you order early. Based in WI.<br />
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<a href="http://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/" target="_blank">Brent & Becky's Bulbs</a> - based in VA. They have about every bulb you can imagine, including obscure varieties. They're a mom & pop operation, so pricing is not as good as the two above - but they have more stuff. They also send out their catalog earlier than the others - early enough that you can pick more bulbs for next year while this year's bulbs are blooming.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-8282321027485740402013-05-22T16:29:00.001-07:002013-05-22T16:30:55.935-07:00Cooking, Gardening, Stitching<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPaA58cNJWnEkgkLkGZP7D28BYKVryTD2-C_DiSpd_eotjye7BIovBzcMo4agd31dUzzOrs7RzAwnnd-6W39hRSDj_tbIOchlLqgIKlmcuTWD0ewLUXQ4etgd-u7Fc2nSvE1rRewJk483/s1600/A-GardenDuckie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Duckie Apron" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPaA58cNJWnEkgkLkGZP7D28BYKVryTD2-C_DiSpd_eotjye7BIovBzcMo4agd31dUzzOrs7RzAwnnd-6W39hRSDj_tbIOchlLqgIKlmcuTWD0ewLUXQ4etgd-u7Fc2nSvE1rRewJk483/s200/A-GardenDuckie.jpg" title="Garden Duckie Apron" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/all/products/garden-duckie-apron" target="_blank">apron </a>seems to combine <br />
3 things that are important to me:<br />
Cooking, Gardening, Stitching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Summer grilling season is upon us.<br />
<br />
In honor of the summer cookout season, I've decided to start posting recipes and the results of cooking experiments here for all of you to enjoy. Likewise, I plan to start posting bits and pieces related to gardening in addition to bits about what I've been stitching.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because I have a degree in landscape management (urban horticulture + some business), and I want to be able to use it. My previous experience has mostly been with ornamental plants. However, you may catch bits and pieces about my vegetable garden this year.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-59409357475915834412013-05-11T05:43:00.000-07:002013-05-19T08:27:39.920-07:00Pomegranate Molasses Apple Pear CakeHave you ever encountered pomegranate molasses at an ethnic market? It's a syrup entirely from pomegranate juice, so it's an interesting way to incorporate the nutrients from this superfood into your baking. Although it has molasses in the name, it's not terribly sweet.<br />
<br />
I managed to find some recently at a Pakistani/Indian food market, so I threw on an <a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/kitchen" target="_blank">apron </a>and got to work on an easy-to-make cake. The following has been adapted from the Old-Fashioned Pear and Ginger Cake recipe found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Cake-Doctor-Anne-Byrn/dp/0761117199/" target="_blank"><i>The Cake Mix Doctor</i> by Anne Byrn</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDge4oU9kusBDWxTinzw3_3pRn1xGFqi0SpUqMWSvfT810wJolSUzl9qWQ71YhUm-PxJJY1HG2TQbwhyN1Z94zOqEIq7fxMKsdmUVgxTCfkencrMHUVW6iqEjopsgJ-cSQlc7H6c9_Qc7a/s1600/PomegranateMolassesCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDge4oU9kusBDWxTinzw3_3pRn1xGFqi0SpUqMWSvfT810wJolSUzl9qWQ71YhUm-PxJJY1HG2TQbwhyN1Z94zOqEIq7fxMKsdmUVgxTCfkencrMHUVW6iqEjopsgJ-cSQlc7H6c9_Qc7a/s320/PomegranateMolassesCake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3/4 cup dark brown sugar<br />
3/4 stick butter (6 tbsp), melted<br />
1 sm.can pear halves, sliced thickly<br />
1 cooking apple (such as granny smith), sliced thinly<br />
1pkg. yellow cake mix<br />
1 cup whole milk<br />
1/3 cup pomegranate molasses<br />
1/3 oil<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 tsp. ground ginger<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> Preheat oven to 350&deg;F. Rack should be in the middle of the oven.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vjLo_YP0trkevz_2QI-4jqi7vhHBAHbcp4CHE__Q1qhLvv22dtu6_SqNyBneFfZq1eeHLkmajglLn-BCNzK-voYc2ai2h3q6d5LgNdI2_UopFOg5xo-WyM_GMaNM2ozEmWCOlTtOaH1O/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vjLo_YP0trkevz_2QI-4jqi7vhHBAHbcp4CHE__Q1qhLvv22dtu6_SqNyBneFfZq1eeHLkmajglLn-BCNzK-voYc2ai2h3q6d5LgNdI2_UopFOg5xo-WyM_GMaNM2ozEmWCOlTtOaH1O/s320/Cake.jpg" width="211" /></a><b>2.</b> Spread the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan with an even coating of melted butter and brown sugar. Arrange the bottom of the pan with sliced fruit. I sliced the pear thickly and the apple thinly to even out the cooking times (the pears were already cooked until soft during the canning process).<br />
<br />
<b>3.</b> Mix remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Pour over the fruit.<br />
<br />
<b>4.</b> Bake 43-46 minutes - until the cake springs back lightly when pressed and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.<br />
<br />
<b>Serving Suggestion:</b> Flip the cake upside down so that the fruit slices are visible on top.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-7968170915895307442013-05-04T08:33:00.003-07:002013-05-06T18:28:04.068-07:00Squash Soup in a CrockpotI've used this recipe for a variety of winter squash, including pumpkin, butternut, and hubbard It's a great recipe for when you see squash at reasonable prices. For example, I traditionally make it each fall right after Halloween or Thanksgiving (I see no reason to toss the uncarved pumpkins I place on my porch for fall decor). I made it today after I found some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabaza" target="_blank">calabaza squash</a> at the grocery store.<br />
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<div>
The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it in the crock pot and the proportions are extremely forgivable. </div>
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* Onion - diced</div>
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* Garlic - minced</div>
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* Winter Squash - peeled and cut into pieces </div>
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* 1 can diced tomatoes</div>
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* Chicken Stock - enough to cover the squash in the crock pot</div>
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* Salt, to taste</div>
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* Pepper, to taste</div>
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* 1 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)</div>
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* 8 oz. Sour Cream</div>
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* Coriander, garnish</div>
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1. Cut up the squash. If you do not plan to blend the soup later, be sure to cut the pieces into bite-size chunks. Otherwise, you can get away with relatively large pieces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI45bXR6UpdC3tvA5-FzOCoNtqNGgDtxdYxzk9UPE1zO9s59PRUCxiiErQwdJDxqL0BYo1yxBkJp1mJ9y7JkDf_dc8VgDYIY6fSLJaoyoUyqqV8H9Lh9PG90nwZ67YsZl5BZECS8HB7XtR/s1600/SquashSoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI45bXR6UpdC3tvA5-FzOCoNtqNGgDtxdYxzk9UPE1zO9s59PRUCxiiErQwdJDxqL0BYo1yxBkJp1mJ9y7JkDf_dc8VgDYIY6fSLJaoyoUyqqV8H9Lh9PG90nwZ67YsZl5BZECS8HB7XtR/s320/SquashSoup.jpg" width="211" /></a>2. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and squash to crock pot. Add enough chicken stock (or water and bullion cubes) to barely cover the vegetables. Since it's a crock-pot recipe, the soup will not reduce significantly during cooking. </div>
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3. Cook until the squash is tender. This will depend, in part, on how big the squash chunks are. 3-4 hours on high is definitely enough time even if you use large chunks. You can also cook it on low for longer periods of time. </div>
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4. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, blend the soup into an even consistency using an immersion blender, or process it in batches using a food processor. </div>
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5. Stir in rice. Toast a bit of crushed coriander. Add sour cream and coriander (either as a garnish or stirred into the soup).<br />
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6. Serve.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-7835111421979979782012-11-09T16:51:00.001-08:002012-11-09T16:52:29.385-08:00Countdown to Christmas Gift Guide<br />
I've been featured in a holiday gift guide. There are some very interesting items here from a variety of small businesses and independent artisans:<br />
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<a href="http://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2012/11/countdown-to-christmas-week-7.html">http://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2012/11/countdown-to-christmas-week-7.html</a><br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-215799498312803102012-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:002012-09-27T14:25:13.713-07:00Up and RunningThings have been busy here recently. We've been working on lots of custom orders and special requests. We've also been working to set up a new online shop at PolkadotOrchid.com.<br />
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<b>What Happened to Your Old Shop?</b></div>
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We still have our old shop at polkadotorchid.artfire.com. The items you see posted on the side of our blog are pulled from our listings at the old shop. We'll probably keep the old shop because many of our customers are used to finding us there. However, we wanted to make it easier for our customers to give us customization information. The new shop has a better checkout process for custom orders. We will be adding more items there in the future.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGWCxhWdzdeb2bj35ycVLb5euchCwWdM8UVxmXQh8j9rHy1nR_RzMQRveSoXabPwwvCTHGdySV2hR2b6f5rJj6A7W_BXAg_tIvuXysl9pSTi8Wg0C-xN1tqRkd2kKrDhFLyp7nVVbyVd0/s1600/NauticalFlags.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGWCxhWdzdeb2bj35ycVLb5euchCwWdM8UVxmXQh8j9rHy1nR_RzMQRveSoXabPwwvCTHGdySV2hR2b6f5rJj6A7W_BXAg_tIvuXysl9pSTi8Wg0C-xN1tqRkd2kKrDhFLyp7nVVbyVd0/s320/NauticalFlags.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polkadotorchid.com/collections/t-shirts/products/custom-embroidered-nautical-flag-hooded-sweatshirt" target="_blank">Custom Nautical Hooded Sweatshirt</a></td></tr>
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<b>What Kinds of New Items?</b></div>
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At the moment, we have most (not all) of our lace ornaments up. We have some of our clothing, and almost none of our tote bags. We plan to beef up all categories. We will also be adding patches and lace jewelry.<br />
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There are some items that we will be adding based on personal feedback. For example, a t-shirt version of our Pi apron. Our custom nautical sweatshirts have been very popular, so we will probably add a t-shirt option as well as a tote bag version as well. </div>
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If there is something in particular that you'd like to see*, let us know. We enjoy doing custom requests. </div>
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*The one thing we absolutely can't and won't budge on is copyrighted material. For example, any recognizable cartoon character (Disney, Hello Kitty, Loony Toons, etc.) or sports team (college, semi-pro, pro, etc.) is a copyrighted, licensed property. The only people who can legally produce items drawing on their characters and imagery are those who have set up licensing agreements with the franchise. </div>
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It is possible for me to reproduce copyrighted material if I have the permission of the original copyright holder. For example, if you own your own business, then I can embroider your logo on polo shirts or bags if I have your permission. </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-41280627344931735692012-02-21T22:42:00.001-08:002012-09-27T14:29:57.268-07:00A Walk Through Oregon CityI recently took a 4-5 mile walk through Oregon City for three reasons:<br />
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1) Enjoy nature </div>
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2) Check out the local businesses</div>
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3) Have a date with my husband</div>
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4) Start getting ready for a marathon in October</div>
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Yes, I signed up for a marathon. My father-in-law assures me that anybody can do a marathon (walking). He also says there are only two ways your body pays for it: either before or after - either way it takes six months. So I'm starting to make a down payment now via layaway, and it made for an interesting walk.</div>
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My starting and ending point was <a href="http://www.orcity.org/parksandrecreation/clackamette-park-0" target="_blank">Clackamette Park</a>. From there, I walked a loop upstream along the river toward the bridge, up through downtown Oregon city, past the old papermill and museum, and then back around to where I started. I kept an eye open for anything interesting, which for me includes plants, animals, vistas, and local businesses. </div>
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On the plants and animal front, I was happy to spot a ruby throated hummingbird sitting on a barren tree and my first snowdrop (<i>Galanthus nivalis</i>) of the season. (BTW, if you've ever asked yourself what hummingbirds eat in late winter before there are any flowers, the answer is tree sap and pre-digested tree sap, which they steal from aphids.) Since the river has been running a little high, the falls a little further upstream of the city were beautifully dramatic.</div>
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What I really noticed on this trip, however, were the local businesses. Downtown areas are not setup to navigate by car as easily as the local strip mall; however, they're a mecca for businesses that are interesting, independent, and local. I noticed, for example, a shop that sold vintage hats along side gourmet chocolate, a traditional arcade (complete with the old machines for Pacman, Centepede, and Tetris), a few antique stores, and a print shop that allowed a glass artisan to display his work in their window front. </div>
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There were also two shops that I noticed due to their connection to the fiber arts: <a href="http://wynonastudios.com/" target="_blank">Wynona Studios</a> and <a href="http://sevenseascustomcanvas.com/" target="_blank">Seven Seas Canvas</a>. I was able to talk to the owners of both, who were extremely friendly, and I was impressed with the work they've put into making a brick and mortar business work.</div>
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<b>Wynona Studios</b> is devoted to anything having to deal with knitting, yarn, or related fibers, and they are in their second year of business. The shop was full of wool roving, yarn, spinning wheels, and knitted items that are available for sale. It looks like a great place to check out a spinning wheel if you're thinking of getting one, and they feature new pieces monthly that local individuals have created up on their wall. In fact, I really liked the way they feature those pieces - they've installed gilded molding up on the wall, which becomes a frame for each piece. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn-WmZnFl4ANOVgcL2o_dzA0HZI3iSQB5hW7ckSxr1gx-3c1t1QGrKXZsUpdqOvGeUFfqmTEbVsq9Wbd5m3ucf2GTCH-ndhQIC1OdVrKGLRoxAVHSTUn3kUChNbbimGioC7qvORVIbThG/s1600/Airship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn-WmZnFl4ANOVgcL2o_dzA0HZI3iSQB5hW7ckSxr1gx-3c1t1QGrKXZsUpdqOvGeUFfqmTEbVsq9Wbd5m3ucf2GTCH-ndhQIC1OdVrKGLRoxAVHSTUn3kUChNbbimGioC7qvORVIbThG/s320/Airship.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canvas is great for highly detailed embroidery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Seven Seas Canvas</b> is devoted to making (and repairing) custom boat covers. There aren't many people who make custom boat covers in the US, and visiting his studio was a special treat for me: my parents (in Virginia) bought a cover for their Tazer sailboat from him (in Oregon) while I was in college. To randomly happen upon his custom studio was delightful.<br />
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Although he focuses on making boat covers, he'll make almost anything with canvas. In fact when I wandered in, Chris Calvert, the sole proprietor, was working on a hammock. He was kind enough to show me his industrial sewing machine and a bit of how it worked. (I've read a lot about industrial sewing machines, but I've never been able to touch one before.) I was really impressed Chris and his willingness to take some of his time to answer my questions.<br />
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Given the amount of canvas that he goes through... he might be a really good source for buying it for my own projects. The next time I want to use high quality canvas (like nautical-grade quality), I think I'm going to contact him for a quote. Maybe he'll be able to give me a reasonable price for a few yards. </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-70541061225701648392012-01-26T23:29:00.002-08:002012-02-22T01:24:02.592-08:00A Review of My Futura Sewing MachineThe Singer Futura is a sewing/embroidery combo machine, and as an embroidery machine, it's a really low end one at that. It's not too bad as a sewing machine, though there are machines out there that are far better.<br />
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<u>How is it for Embroidery?</u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif03DG3uYs2ZcRwFzp1BCJZz1iolp1fJUnVppe7tXYqix8fR3jF0l6Lbk5o1JDeGebvW_EPJGZqmhajuEilCJQF2VNBQaTypOdirRbyEQUxZVJ347XFsoy-dA7cYL80BIBeuD1fH0pzlwl/s1600/Protagonist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif03DG3uYs2ZcRwFzp1BCJZz1iolp1fJUnVppe7tXYqix8fR3jF0l6Lbk5o1JDeGebvW_EPJGZqmhajuEilCJQF2VNBQaTypOdirRbyEQUxZVJ347XFsoy-dA7cYL80BIBeuD1fH0pzlwl/s320/Protagonist.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Futura was best with small designs using few <br />
colors, but hooping <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/PolkadotOrchid/0/0/164240" target="_blank">baby clothes</a> was a pain.<br />
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</tbody></table>It works, but I found it really limiting. (Says the woman who decided to start an embroidery business.) It doesn't trim jump threads, and if you loose power in the middle of an embroidery job (one of your kids unplugs it), it doesn't remember what stitch it was on when the power went off - this, despite needing to be hooked up to a computer in order to embroider. You also have to re-thread it for every embroidery color change, but this is true with all single-needle sewing machine/embroidery combo machines. I don't really recommend the model I have for embroidery. However, my exact model of Futura has been discontinued, and Singer came out with a new one with some improvements. It may be that the new one has fixed a lot of the things that bugged me about my old one, but I wouldn't buy it again without a bit of research.<br />
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<u>Durablity?</u><br />
Any Singer made after the 1970s or 80s uses plastic gears inside. It makes the machine lighter, but it also means that the gears wear out more quickly than metal parts. Computerized sewing machines came out in the 90s. According to my local sewing machine repairman, computerized machines often have fewer issues because they use a circuit board to control fancy stitches and have fewer moving parts. Though I think he may have been talking about machines with computer boards AND metal innards given that he was attached to a Bernina dealer (which uses plastic gears).<br />
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Either way, I haven't had any problems with my machine yet. Except for one or two occasions where I've allowed too much lint to build up under the bobbin case and it's messed up the tension. Cleaning and oiling the machine is easy to do at home.<br />
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<u>Ease of Use? </u><br />
It's very easy to thread and use. It has a drop-in bobbin with a clear cover so it's easy to ensure you don't have the wrong color loaded in the machine before you start stitching. Bobbins are clear plastic too, so it's easy to see how much thread is left on the bobbin. It's also very clear what stitch you are on. If you turn the power off and on, it doesn't remember what stitch settings you were using during your last session, which has its pros and cons.<br />
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It doesn't have auto-tension, so it's good to test out what setting works best for your project before you begin. And on really delicate or lightweight fabrics, I recommend holding the bobbin thread for the first few stitches to help with the tension and to prevent any fabric from getting sucked down into the throat plate - though this is true for almost any machine.<br />
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<u>Fancy Stitches?</u><br />
There are a lot of built in stitches on the Futura. However, I pretty much only use the straight stitch, zig-zag stitch, and automatic buttonholes. I tend to break out the serger, the embroidery machine, or a specialized foot for my sewing machine before I use a fancy stitch. If you really like fancy stitches, there are other machines on the market that have far more than the Futura.<br />
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<b>So If I Were to Buy a Sewing Machine All Over Again, What Would I Get?</b><br />
To be perfectly honest, my mom has an old metal body 1970s Bernina. She always manages to load the bobbin wrong on it and doesn't use it. I plan on offering her a trade: my shiny, 2004 Singer Futura for her 1970s Bernina. I don't really use the Singer's fancy functions; I want the durability of the Bernina's metal gears.<br />
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<u>You Want A Vintage Machine? </u><br />
Yep. A lot of people who sew frequently love the vintage machines and seek them out because they can be real work horses. I even know a few specialty sewers who seek out the REALLY old machines (think hand-crank or foot treadle) because they give the sewer more control over the timing of the needle penetrations, which allows them to get super-accurate sewing results. Once you figure out how to clean up and maintain an old machine, it can last for almost forever, and you can get a good 1980s Bernina even on a limited budget.<br />
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<u>If You Must Have A New Machine</u><br />
Ok, lets say that automatic buttonholes are a must. Or being able to do a fancy decorative stitch. Or a machine that will thread itself because you can never seem to get it through the needle eye. See if you can go to a store or a dealer that will allow you to test drive your machine first. Here are some things to consider:<br />
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<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://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--120000--105186_product_1529281226_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--120000--105186_product_1529281226_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being able to add <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/polkadotorchid/3692246/" target="_blank">embroidery </a>is a great perk for a new machine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>1)</b> Easy to use and thread? (including the bobbin, and how you raise/lower the pressor foot)<br />
<b>2)</b> How does it handle different types of fabric? (try it out on really thin stuff as well as something really thick - you may need to supply this fabric yourself for a proper test)<br />
<b>3)</b> Automatic buttonholes and other stitch functions?<br />
<b>4)</b> Advanced features such as trimming thread for you, automatic tension control, or embroidery<br />
<b>5)</b> Price (including that of any future repairs - Kenmore machines can old be serviced at Sears because Sears controls the supply of parts)<br />
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<u>Brands</u><br />
If you're not going to do much sewing, then anything that has the features you need ought to work. Get what your budget allows and feels natural to work with. Here are a few notes about some common brands.<br />
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If you need fancy features, such as computerized embroidery, the following three brands are considered the most advanced, reliable (and expensive):<br />
* Bernina (considered most reliable)<br />
* Huskvarna/Viking<br />
* Pfaff<br />
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Based off my experience with their sergers and embroidery machines, I'd also be personally happy with the following company: <br />
* Brother/Babylock<br />
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More Budget-Friendly Options:<br />
* Elna<br />
* Janome<br />
* Kenmore (be prepared to take it to Sears for repairs)<br />
* SingerMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-20340612962108642012-01-24T23:29:00.006-08:002013-07-20T10:15:57.339-07:00About Sergers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjB9ReTvyAOcFzerV3-2G4yAzuTpXw61tUb7dK8faxkQSu_gb9U3jEEQt7cVRLhewopxqS7CFpEtxUAGsH8dNnKdXzTishx3z2Eb5qSmAkdCU7gmDASA5jHNzEjRGZy4LjhsW_CDLfraG/s1600/P8110535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjB9ReTvyAOcFzerV3-2G4yAzuTpXw61tUb7dK8faxkQSu_gb9U3jEEQt7cVRLhewopxqS7CFpEtxUAGsH8dNnKdXzTishx3z2Eb5qSmAkdCU7gmDASA5jHNzEjRGZy4LjhsW_CDLfraG/s320/P8110535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
To make these <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/polkadotorchid/3725667/" target="_blank">Halloween bags</a>, I used all three machines:</div>
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1) embroidered the orange canvas fabric</div>
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2) serged the raw edges</div>
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3) sewed in handles and the black and white lining </div>
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</tbody></table>
<b>What is a Serger? </b><br />
Sergers, also called overcast machines, finish raw edges. They are particularly useful for finishing the raw edges of knits. Look inside any t-shirt and you will see a serged raw edge on the sides as well as a bottom hem that has then been turned back and sewn down - probably with what's called a cover stitch. A cover stitch looks like two rows of parallel stitching from one side, and a zig-zag of several threads on the back. On an overcast seam, the machine cuts the fabric with a little blade and then does a sort of zig-zag-like stitch using 3 or 4 threads around the cut edge. Both seam finishes are designed to protect the seam from fraying or raveling. It's especially useful for knit fabrics of all kinds and woven fabrics that fray, shred, or ravel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie80Cb-7uIntlJUBlVxG4rZUksSsDEQdhwS1rPbYavNeaBtW7kfzzPQntx0H45_tkfsAvXGUGU1Txi45Z4m_DYZBTd_Z3iAqS87kYrbCeq82WSqAqPgECkJsBc9GSzEa7iBQGGPvufNwNr/s1600/SeamFinishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie80Cb-7uIntlJUBlVxG4rZUksSsDEQdhwS1rPbYavNeaBtW7kfzzPQntx0H45_tkfsAvXGUGU1Txi45Z4m_DYZBTd_Z3iAqS87kYrbCeq82WSqAqPgECkJsBc9GSzEa7iBQGGPvufNwNr/s320/SeamFinishes.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
Some machines will only overcast, some machines will only cover stitch (though these are usually industrial machines), and some machines will do both. Most sergers will also allow you make rolled hems on lightweight fabrics - though they may need to be threaded slightly differently. Sergers are also less maneuverable than sewing machines. They do best on long, straight seams. On a sewing machine, you can easily turn on a dime and then go backwards, or go easily around curves. Sergers will go around curves and <i>can </i>turn sharp corners, but it can be a little tricky. And since sergers Industrial sergers (such as those made by Juki) are configured differently than home sergers, which allows them to get into tighter places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL7nfGt-iEPgjOH4cCj-1z6f3l0qWBXSoTV0y6hErQ08hXzFJoF12wivjbCUK3F5gHMK0gwH_z1IdMRmX1bXAE8wnKLGJdNgr8JFcI7zOd6zQeUngP0lJnJIIpO5xTTU1ih_QTvg-ySAE/s1600/SergerEvolve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL7nfGt-iEPgjOH4cCj-1z6f3l0qWBXSoTV0y6hErQ08hXzFJoF12wivjbCUK3F5gHMK0gwH_z1IdMRmX1bXAE8wnKLGJdNgr8JFcI7zOd6zQeUngP0lJnJIIpO5xTTU1ih_QTvg-ySAE/s320/SergerEvolve.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babylock makes sergers with auto-threading capabilities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Originally, I was going to buy a less expensive serger, until I talked to my mom and a few other people. Sergers must be threaded in a very particular order or they simply will not work correctly. A lot of people I know have to reference their manual every time they need to re-thread their machine. (My mom, in fact, just gave up on hers and sold it to someone else while I was still a little girl.) From there, you may have to serge a few test strips on scrap fabric to get the tension right (depends on if your model has auto-tension). The Babylock machines have both auto-threading and auto-tension and can do both overcast and cover-stitching. I figured it was worth getting a machine where I could spend my time making items instead of fiddling with the machine's settings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--120000--105186_product_70687982_2_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--120000--105186_product_70687982_2_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/4390690" target="_blank">pillow </a>was made entirely with my serger. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As an example of what a serger is really capable of, I recently made a pillow entirely with my serger. I used the cover stitch function to decorate a central satin panel. I used overlocking to insert lace to some dupioni silk, then attached them to the satin. I also added pre-made piping using a piping foot. On the back, there's a zipper (again, added with my Babylock serger). If I had wanted to, I could have easily ruffled the lace with my machine as well.<br />
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Sometimes I have trouble deciding whether I love my serger or my embroidery machine best.<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-38325809149207259562012-01-12T00:09:00.002-08:002012-09-27T14:34:51.874-07:00Since ChristmasThe holiday season is always crazy for me. There are craft fairs to go to. Gifts to make for my family (such as the sweatshirt my son is wearing). Gifts that various people ask me to make. And last-minute requests of all kinds in addition to all the usual stuff. Once the crazyness ended, I was able to enjoy a little bit more time with the kids and even remembered to grab the camera for a few shots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14nrLcdMHIkIM0zkDgJr9U1Z3uOMVXNGN5_GtX5nGMIvDiYthX_C-j-1jaLeyRzwLzTUKSLKRynp0_P5pb1MkV87Zba0qKL4HI1azYy26fk5IyhNdmCyb7uOUw4heFyIJI4XtQDt1ZT3S/s1600/DSC_1921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14nrLcdMHIkIM0zkDgJr9U1Z3uOMVXNGN5_GtX5nGMIvDiYthX_C-j-1jaLeyRzwLzTUKSLKRynp0_P5pb1MkV87Zba0qKL4HI1azYy26fk5IyhNdmCyb7uOUw4heFyIJI4XtQDt1ZT3S/s320/DSC_1921.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing one of <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/PolkadotOrchid/4187809/" target="_blank">my sweatshirts</a>, of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">You'll notice my yard consists mainly of dirt, weeds, and kid's tempera-splattered fence. You can probably blame Gavin for much of the current status of the yard. Gavin ...and the local shade trees, gravelly soil, the winter weather, and the fact that I found and removed an entire bolt's worth of buried weed block fabric when I moved in.</span><br />
<br />
Once New Year hit, it was back to business. I feel like I've put in a ton of orders in the past two weeks:<br />
<br />
* An order for more thread and stabilizer.<br />
* A dedicated bobbin winder that can wind off of king cone spools for free standing lace.<br />
* At least 4 separate shipments for blank shirts and totes.<br />
* Customized catalogs that I can hand out to business clients.<br />
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Normally I don't have quite so many boxes arriving within such a short time frame. (Particularly since I thought that the beginning of January would be on the slow side.) In the past week, I've noticed that the UPS truck has at least 3 different employees that work my route, depending on the day. Is it normal to notice just how many UPS employees are working your street in a given week? </div>
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It may sound odd, but I still get excited when I get boxes - even if those boxes are full of things that are ultimately going to go to someone else. So every other day or so, it's been a bit like Christmas all over again. My most recent bit of excitement is a box I received with the following canvas totes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsjHt6DcLfz4dDUCivOjNHrJz3Zcn9dDRUkbrlVw3VFeqtSyuFQwmCo21rpthd4En162RLqyxtBwjSGPkOPT04vXG4wQDxleYJhe_ZHXRkiaT8hXgTJd92XCnxXpZB47XhJoKPdk7fj9t/s1600/DSC_1935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsjHt6DcLfz4dDUCivOjNHrJz3Zcn9dDRUkbrlVw3VFeqtSyuFQwmCo21rpthd4En162RLqyxtBwjSGPkOPT04vXG4wQDxleYJhe_ZHXRkiaT8hXgTJd92XCnxXpZB47XhJoKPdk7fj9t/s320/DSC_1935.jpg" width="320" /></a>The totes are really sturdy, have an inside pocket with a heavy duty metal zipper, and came in several different colors. Some are natural canvas while others are black, pink, or butter yellow; the trim/handles are generally navy, black, or charcoal grey. I'm trying to decide what to do with them. They strike me as a bit nautical somehow, but it might be best to reserve them for monogramming at fairs. The totes also come in two different sizes. The one at right is about the size of a typical purse, but I also got a couple that are a larger beach tote size.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc9tKuyMtb_TBszY4PGfO82roEHgeVyl0-OWjEL3JzDg10_ZclYSyGephshCysMoPvpwLzhTDWzprzhC-hj0o6nZqz_hcT-cEMa8tl-OXUxJZt1ZtSkaPbfdSR4zD29NxC7P4R7c-3fzD/s1600/DSC_1934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc9tKuyMtb_TBszY4PGfO82roEHgeVyl0-OWjEL3JzDg10_ZclYSyGephshCysMoPvpwLzhTDWzprzhC-hj0o6nZqz_hcT-cEMa8tl-OXUxJZt1ZtSkaPbfdSR4zD29NxC7P4R7c-3fzD/s200/DSC_1934.jpg" width="200" /></a>Every now and again I'll get something to test it out and see what a given product is like so I'll know whether it would be worthwhile to recommend them. The totes above are a bit of a test. I also decided to test out a backpack, such as at left.<br />
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When I conduct tests, I do test small runs to verify quality. If the item proves to be popular, then I'll invest in more inventory. We'll see how much I create this next year. </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-11936320201122196272011-11-26T09:49:00.000-08:002011-11-26T09:53:11.876-08:00Thanksgiving Day WeekendNow that Thanksgiving is over, what do you do with all of that turkey?<br />
<br />
Lots of people resort to making turkey sandwiches. With plain old mayo, it can be pretty boring, so I decided to try my hand at homemade cranberry mustard this year:<br />
<br />
*leftover cranberry sauce<br />
* Dijon mustard <br />
<br />
If you're using cranberry sauce from a can, warm it up a bit first on the stove or in the microwave so that it's no so gelatinous. It mixes best when it's warm.<br />
<br />
You will want to have about 3 times as much cranberry sauce as mustard. I mixed mine to taste, and I can tell you that if you start out with equal parts of each, the mustard is way too overpowering. My final result ended up being quite cranberry colored.<br />
<br />
From there, spread onto sandwiches and enjoy.<br />
<br />
While you're enjoying your sandwiches, I suppose you can try doing some online holiday shopping. If you've been eyeing anything in <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/PolkadotOrchid">my shop</a>, I'm offering free shipping and 10% off everything at the moment.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-91038951720064570432011-10-19T13:32:00.000-07:002011-10-19T13:32:00.369-07:00Fashion History ResourceIf you're interested in fashion history, there is a blog on tumblr that may be of interest to you called <a href="http://oldrags.tumblr.com/">Old Rags</a>.<br />
<br />
The blog updates almost constantly with photos of extant clothing from various time periods. Each entry has at least one photo of an antique or vintage garment, the year it was made, the country, and the maker, if applicable. It's a great visual history of western fashion and has some great eye candy, like this embroidered, green velvet 1888 Russian Court Dress by Worth:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://oldrags.tumblr.com/post/11227656518/court-dress-by-worth-worn-by-marie-maximilianova">http://oldrags.tumblr.com/post/11227656518/court-dress-by-worth-worn-by-marie-maximilianova</a><br />
<br />
The house of Worth has pretty much disappeared as a fashion design house. (It was replaced by more modern high fashion houses like Channel.) However, it created some exquisite gowns during the Victorian and Edwardian era. I noticed a book devoted Worth gowns that had appeared in issues of Harper's Bazaar while I was at Costume College; I very nearly got it and may still do so in the future. The embroidery on them is usually enough to that my husband has to grab a mop to take care of the drool when I see them.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-90871914983359989102011-10-12T10:36:00.000-07:002011-10-12T10:36:48.970-07:00Computer Up and RunningNew computer is up and running. MasterWorks and most of my other programs have been installed and are working properly. There's one program that I'm waiting for an updated disk on (my old version wasn't Windows7 compatable), but I should have it by the end of the week.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-30357903511357854542011-10-09T13:24:00.000-07:002013-07-22T11:08:29.006-07:00The best time of year to buy sewing stuff<b>When is the best time of year to buy sewing supplies? </b><br />
<br />
Quite possibly right now, during September/October.<br />
<br />
Lots of people will consider buying fabric for a Halloween costume even if they've never touched a sewing machine before in their life. They'll wander into a fabric store, check on the prices and weigh whether it's cheaper to make a costume or to buy on off the rack. If they think they can make it within their budget, they'll try it and maybe continue sewing in the future. But if it would clearly be less expensive to buy a costume off the rack, they'll march right out of the fabric store never to return.<br />
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The fabric stores are well aware of this, so they do everything they can to get people into their stores leading up to Halloween. I watch the sales fliers all year long & I've been amazed at some of the recent deals, sales, and coupons. <br />
<br />
For example, the monthly sales fliers usually have one or two coupons good for 40% off a single (non-sale) item. Sometimes it has a coupon for 50% off a single item. It's rare to get coupons for X% off your total purchase. In the past year, I have gotten one coupon for 15% off total purchase coupon (Labor Day weekend) as well as one or two coupons for 10% off total purchase (one was for Memorial Day). I may have also gotten a 5% off everything for a particular random weekend, but I'm not sure. Either way, you don't see them often.<br />
<br />
However, in the past two months I've been sent not one, but TWO coupons for 20% off my total purchase. One was in honor of National Sewing Month (September); the other was for Columbus Day Weekend. This is 20% off everything, including things that are already marked on sale. This is a great deal, and if I weren't already stocked up to the gills with fabric, I'd definitely be checking out the local fabric store right now.<br />
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<i>Moral of the story:</i> if you're planning to make your Halloween costume, make sure you're on the mailing list for your local fabric store starting in August so you can get the September and October fliers.<br />
<br />
<b>When is the best time of year to buy sewing books?</b><br />
<br />
Now isn't a bad time for that either.<br />
<br />
I've known for some time that fall is a good time of year to buy fabric and supplies. However, I hadn't given much thought to sewing books until yesterday when I received an Amazon.com gift card to celebrate my birthday. The first thing I did was check my wish list. Unsurprisingly, there are quite a few sewing books on it; I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were all on sale.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW4ExbHuQHPFz_MzgACRNN6VqypqVNCeB38qcMpwaR_-3JTyvk75G8KItmjVp5S4tesaclhqzjFw16HdnWfmITPysvDtBiq2o4nVXQNHuUiLucjgGiYjoAVUh8qmNwkvSKtJDojjIMbWy/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW4ExbHuQHPFz_MzgACRNN6VqypqVNCeB38qcMpwaR_-3JTyvk75G8KItmjVp5S4tesaclhqzjFw16HdnWfmITPysvDtBiq2o4nVXQNHuUiLucjgGiYjoAVUh8qmNwkvSKtJDojjIMbWy/s320/Books.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of sewing books seem to go on sale <br />leading up to Halloween during Sept. and Oct. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Frankly, I shouldn't have been surprised all all. It make sense for sewing books on sale for the same reasons that fabric is on sale this month. Lots of people are willing to tackle special sewing projects during October in preparation for Halloween. Presumably, they might also be more interested in getting a book for tips on how to sew, so why not entice them with a sale?<br />
<br />
It certainly enticed me. I was originally planning to only get as much as my gift card would cover. However the prices were better than anything I'd seen over the course of the past year, so I got an additional book.* I'm now impatiently waiting for the following:<br />
<br />
*<i>The Costume Technician's Handbook</i> <i>3rd edition</i> by Rosemary Ingham<br />
*<i>Blackwork (Essential Stitch Guide)</i> by Becky Hogg<br />
*<i>Couture Sewing Techniques, Revised and Updated</i> by Claire Shaeffer<br />
<br />
I'll write reviews on them once I've had a chance to look them over. Each of these books is for intermediate to advanced sewing level. I already have one or two books that are focused on beginners, which I'll also try to review at some point in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
*If I had anyone on my holiday gift list who's interested in sewing, I might have gotten something for them too. It's not unusual for me to buy gifts months in advance and then save them until Christmas/their birthday/etc.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288120520460282548.post-87376888517731452492011-10-08T14:37:00.000-07:002011-10-08T14:38:43.835-07:00Technical DifficultiesI'm posting from a different computer than usual. Windows somehow managed to get corrupted on my machine. It's not something that can be fixed short of wiping the computer completely and re-installing windows.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>I'll be taking the harddrive in this week to Salem Geeks to have them pull my various documents, files, and photos from the drive for $30. Assuming I can get my files, I'll be happy. If not, I have some things backed up on an external harddrive and on my camera's memory card, but I've made quite a few changes to some important documents since my last backup. I'd really rather not have to re-create them all. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The computer was a dinosaur, however, so I'm not going to bother re-installing windows. It wasn't powerful enough to handle having two heavy-weight programs, like Quickbooks and MasterWorks, open at the same time without locking up. I've been thinking about getting a new computer to speed up my workflow anyway, so now's as good a time to do it as any. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Once I have the new computer, I should be able to complete certain tasks more quickly because I won't have to wait on my computer to process (something I've been spending more and more time waiting on over the last 2-3 months).</div><div><br />
</div><div>In the meantime, I won't be able to create custom logos for clients until I get MasterWorks up and running. This should only affect new business clients who need an embroidery design created off of a drawing or another graphic. All of my existing embroidery designs are already on a USB drive to communicate with my BMP8 embroidery machine, so I can still fulfill orders of existing designs without a problem. For example, I can still stitch out custom orders for everything in my <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/polkadotorchid">Artfire shop</a>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll post once I have the new computer up and able to digitize again. </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08829325410221099769noreply@blogger.com0