Pasta 101

My title may be a bit misleading. I'm not going to tell you how to make pasta. Because I just learned. But I am going to suggest that it's fantastically fun to make and then EAT your own homemade pasta. And I have listed the recipes and instructions we followed below.

Justin and I were given this beautiful pasta machine a couple years back. And there it sat in the cupboard for a couple of years. Sad, I know. But finally its day of glory had come. And indeed it was glorious.



Brittany and I spent about 5 hours on Sunday making pasta. Neither of us had made pasta before, and in those 5 hours we made semolina linguine, wheat linguine, semolina cavatelli, and spinach ravioli (and some wheat ones too). Not a bad use of 5 hours if you ask me. The finished products were delicious, and I must say, store-bought pasta just doesn't compare.






I am definitely on the homemade pasta wagon from here out. Sure it might take a couple of hours-- but with the small sacrifice of those hours our freezer could be FULL of delicious, beautiful pasta. Thanks Connie & Rob for our lovely machine. It's found a new full time job in our kitchen. Finally.




See the rest of the photos here.

You can follow these excellent tutorials/recipes to make your own. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

1) Cavatelli - I don't recall having cavatelli before, so I can't tell you how this recipe compares, but I thought this was great. I would probably make these a little thinner and smaller next time but no major complaints.



2) Linguine - We used the recipe on the package of Bob's Red Mill Semolina - see link for back of package recipe



3) Spinach Ravioli - Delicious, fantastic recipe, and easy to follow. We used salmon instead of prosciutto.

The making of things

I don't want to sound like a broken record here, but in case you haven't heard this before, I don't know much about sewing. However, I do know that I love handmade things, and I really like having things that I have made myself. I enjoy the learning experience, and the satisfaction of the final product. I have never really used a pattern, so generally when I'm sewing it takes two tries to come up with something that works.

All this to say, I decided that I wanted to make a camera strap cover. We are going on a trip soon, and since I will have my camera on me everywhere we go, I didn't want to advertise I HAVE A CANON to everyone within eyesight. So I took some fabric I had on hand, and went to work. It was just some leftover fabric so I wasn't totally concerned with exact measurements. I've finally learned that I shouldn't use my "good" fabric on the first attempt without any sort of tutorial or pattern. I'm pleased to say it actually turned out pretty well and I learned a few things for the next one.

Here is my camera strap before:



And camera strap after!



To see the photo tutorial and general instructions, click here.

P.S. If you are more into the having of things rather than the making of things, there is someone by the name of SheyB who makes and sells camera strap covers online. Super cute stuff!

Giveaway! You can win!

HELLO to my favorite readers. It’s finally time to reveal my top secret project: Justin and I have been working like mad on a new company: Bluejays & Bumblebees. From blowing glass, to making the jewelry, to painting, to stitching, to a full on photo shoot, we have done it all, and are now ready to present to you http://www.bluejaysnbumblebees.com/ .

Justin is a long time glassblower and I am a long time crafter so we decided to combine our powers and see what we could make together. It has been BUSY (I'll spare you the bee pun here) but it has been a blast so far. In celebration of our shop opening, I am giving away this lovely flameworked glass pendant.

How do you win? Go to http://www.bluejaysnbumblebees.com/ and click on the SHOP tab at the top. Peruse our shop at your leisure then come back and leave a comment on this post with the name of your favorite product (or products) in our shop. One commenter will be chosen at random to WIN*! Good luck! Now go check out our shop!

Also, a sincere thank you to my friends who have known about this “secret” project and have been full of support and enthusiasm. Love you guys.

*Contest closes on 11/3 at 11:59PM Pacific. One entry per person. Winner will be announced 11/5. Anyone can enter but the prize will be mailed to U.S. addresses only.

Confessions of a furniture junkie

I can’t help it. When I see an old, beat up piece of furniture I bring it home with me. (Exhibit A, B, C, D…) Then I walk through my house rearranging furniture so I can make room for it to stay. The problem is, usually when I get something new, my philosophy is to get rid of something. But with my furniture, its gotten to the point where each piece has a story, or hours of elbow grease put into it, and so my house is filling up. Pretty soon I’m going to have to get rid of some of Justin’s furniture. I’m kidding. I’ve already done that.

Last weekend I got this old dresser from a friend:

I couldn’t say no. He was out in her shed, all by himself. He wanted to live in my house, in my bedroom. So he came home with me, and immediately I started working on him. The veneer on the first drawer was warped and split, so I removed the drawer handles, scraped it off, and sanded the surface to remove any glue. I was thinking I would paint the dresser white or ivory in a shabby chic style, or maybe a fun blue. So I sanded all of the drawers, dresser top (getting rid of the water rings), sides, and in-betweens to get it ready for primer. But when I looked at my room, I realized that most of my furniture is antique wood stain, and that white or blue would bring out the busy-ness in the already busy carpet.

So I sanded a little more thoroughly, trying to lighten the dresser top a bit more, and the bottom two drawers to match the lighter top one. And then I called it a day. As you can see in the picture the top drawer is still a bit lighter than the other two, but was less noticeable once I moved it into my room.

If I move him to another room in the house I’ll probably add a couple embossed wood appliqués to the first drawer to replace the ones that were broken off, then paint him from head to toe, but for the time being I think he looks handsome and he’s perfectly at home in my room. Thanks for the project, Judye!

(Not) a tutorial: Fabric message board

When I was down in California recently, my sister lovingly suggested that I make her a fabric message board for Avery’s room, “so you can put it on your blog!” Thanks, Leslie! Such a fabulous, selfless idea! (I kid…)

I had never made a fabric message board but assumed (correctly) that they can’t be that hard to make. Luckily I already had all the supplies necessary (read: borderline hoarder. "I might need that for something...").

I have an unframed message board in my art room which looks fine, but I wanted hers to have a more finished look, so I started with a plastic 16x20 frame (sans glass). I cut some leftover cork board to fit the frame. Next I cut fabric to wrap around the cork board, ironed the fabric, and used a staple gun to secure it to the board. Then I strung the ribbon, and used the staple gun again. I love staple guns. Where the fabric intersected I added a fabric covered button with a thumb tack hot-glued to the back of the button.

I went outside and spray-painted the frame with heirloom white paint. Then I remembered that I should have sanded the frame a bit to get the paint to stick better. Oops. I let it dry for a while, then added a second coat. The paint was much stronger on the second coat. Once the frame dried really well, I put the covered board into the frame, and then a 16X20 piece of cardboard over the back, and taped that into place. Project complete. Next!

My first quilt!

If you remember, (as I'm sure you do because of course you mentally catalogue all of my posts), I am in the process of making my first quilt. I had no idea how many (meticulous) steps are involved in making a quilt. I will say this is by no means a tutorial.

According to the great Wikipedia:

Traditional quilting is a six-step process that includes: 1) selecting a pattern, fabrics, and batting; 2) measuring and cutting fabrics to the correct size to make blocks from the pattern; 3) piecing (sewing cut pieces of fabric together) blocks together to make a finished "top"; 4) layering the quilt top with batting and backing, to make a "quilt sandwich"; 5) quilting through all layers of the quilt sandwich; and 6) squaring up and trimming excess batting from the edges, sewing the binding to the front edges of the quilt and then stitching the binding to the quilt backing.

Here are a few notes on the process.

First, a few key things you need:
- One fabric rotary cutter
- One large cutting mat (so you don't dull your blade on other surfaces)

- One 12.5" x 12.5" cutting square. This size is great for large strip cutting, and checking your squares.

- One trusty sewing machine that makes an exact 1/4" seam with the presser foot. This is important for sewing accurate seams, so that your blocks line up throughout the process, and in the assembly stage.

- A pattern to follow. This is something I didn't think was entirely necessary. I thought I would make a random patchwork quilt. But I found an easy pattern to modify and it has been SO useful in determining how much of each fabric I need, how many squares of each size, how to lay it out, etc.

- Someone who knows how to make a quilt. I have learned so much on every step of the process from my teacher, Justin's step-mom, Diann. From proper cutting techniques, to ironing/setting the stitches, graphing the layout, and all the shortcuts, it makes me wish I had taken better notes. I predict I she will be on speed dial for my second quilt too.

On my quilt, I'm currently on steps two and three of the six step process. I've put about 20 hours into it so far (which includes shopping/selecting the fabrics).

These are some of my cut squares, with a few of the smaller squares sewn together.

Below is my first assembled large block. My finished quilt will be five large blocks wide, and five long, plus a thin and thick border around the outside.

So far I have really enjoyed the process. It was sort of intimidating knowing once I began, there would be a LOT of hours until completion, but it's been rewarding to see each of the blocks come together. It can be tedious (cutting the strips and squares, sewing, sewing, sewing) but it's also relaxing. I think I actually enjoy the repetition at times. I definitely think you need to like sewing, which I do. Already my sewing techniques have improved a ton which was one of my major goals in this project.

I'll update you later on with the quilt's progress. In the meantime, recipes, quick crafts, and other projects forthcoming!

Birthday Bag

One of my great joys in life is finding perfect gifts for my friends and family. Sometimes that means making the perfect gift. One of my best friends and fellow bibliophile, Natalie, who lives way-too-far-away, just celebrated her birthday. While I couldn't celebrate with her, I did enjoy the weeks leading up to her birthday as I worked on her birthday gift. I came across Sunset's 3 DIY gift baskets not too long ago, and this one was great inspiration.

Here's Natalie's birthday bag:

You can see each item close up here.

This is what I did: I bought a blank canvas tote from the craft store (about $4). Using my fun new fabric ink I stamped away. I tried it out on a sample piece of fabric first, to get an idea of how dark the ink would turn out. Once it was dry I ironed it (through a thin tea towel) to hopefully set the ink and and iron out some of the fold lines in the bag.

I stamped some packing paper as well and wrapped up a bar of handmade soap, tying it up with some jute.

A while back I begged my engineering friend to give me some of his old building plans. I used one of those to wrap her book and also stamped the paper with "DRAFT", "REVIEWED", and "PRIORITY".

I made her a set of magnets using an old map, some clear glass craft stones, some mod podge, and hot glue.

And you remember the notebook.

I hope she had as much fun recieving this bag of goodies as I had making it. Happy birthday, Natalie! I hope it's a great year for you.

Fun find - quick project

I love antique stores. There are some good ones out where I live, and I could spend hours and hours looking at old things. (I am perpetually looking for an old school room style roll down map if anyone happens upon one...but I digress.) Last weekend I came across some great finds, one of which was this old luggage rack.

Now I know it doesn't look like much, but at the same time, I also found some great fabric in a way back room for 50% percent off of practically nothing. And the wheels started turnin'. So after a few dollars, a partial can of white spray paint, and a little zigzag stitching, voila! A new old luggage rack for the guest room.

What's up, 2010?

Does anyone else feel like we are now living in the future? It's so futuristic that we haven't even figured out how to say it: twenty-ten, two-thousand ten, or two-thousand and ten. Personally, I have picked option B.

I have decided that two-thousand ten (see how I just made you to say it my way...) will be full of new experiences, new projects, new recipes. Here is what's ahead for me and Lovedog Ranch:

1. Chandelier project: I was given an old chandelier by my friend Erin a few months ago. It's lovely as it is, but I have had an idea for a while that I have been wanting to try out. You'll see how it goes.

2. Renew coffee table: Another friend give-away. I love refinishing old furniture, especially when it's free. There is something very cathartic about sanding. For Valentines Day one year, Justin bought me an electric sander. Isn't that romantic?! But really, that was probably one of my favorite Valentines gifts ever, second only to Valentine, my giant stuffed pig from my mom.

3. Learning to quilt: I am a grade C- seamstress. The only real training I have had was Home Ec in the 9th grade. I do what I can, but my skills will benefit greatly from a little discipline. I also loooove quilts, and the idea of reusing something old to make something new, useful, and (hopefully) beautiful.

4. Pilates: This is not so much a project as it is a lifestyle change. I get my assorted exercise via bicycling, climbing, swimming, and (not nearly enough) paddling, but a couple of these are limited by the seasons, I want to take it up a notch, and I definitely need more cardio. I took yoga a few years ago but it felt too slow for my style. I happen to be competitive to a fault, so I'm hoping pilates kicks my butt. I'll keep you posted--my first class is tonight!

5. More recipes, more cooking! I have been very unhealthy as the seasons rotated from delicious, abundant summer veggies to the blahs of the fall and winter. I have also realized that when I eat at work there's no food in my food, since our cafeteria is limited to fried foods, hamburgers, pizza, etc. You'll see me busting out some new recipes that hopefully make good leftovers for lunch.

Okay that's enough for now. See you soon!

P.S. I don't think I'm raising any eyebrows when I tell you that 2009 was a terrible year. I'm pretty sure it is a universal fact. That being said, I have hope that 2010 has some awesomeness in store for all of us. Wishing you all a happy new year. Let's make it happen.

Down with 2009, but up up ups for 2010.

Tent trailer: Phase 1

Hello, hello, we're back at the ranch! We had a great adventure in the tent trailer, drove many miles, saw lots of friends, visited with the family, and took lots of pictures along the way. Speaking of pictures, as promised (oh so long ago), the photos of the tent trailer... I'm calling this Phase 1, instead of "After" since we've come up with a few more fix-its along the way.

In the before picture you can see a wooden storage box which we ripped out, and then extended the step to make more space. There were some holes on the wood surface so we had to fill them in, then primed and painted over the top. I plan to paint texture onto the dark brown surfaces so its not as glossy, and masks some of the surface blemishes. I took down all the fringe/skirt along the top of the tent trailer and made a new one. I also made new curtain ties and cushion covers.

Another view of the dining area:

The kitchen area was one of the more dramatic changes. As soon as we got the tent trailer I immediately removed all the doors, since it seemed impractical to have swinging doors in such a tight space. We added a new counter surface that could bear weight and that was easier to clean. I painted the rest of the surfaces and made curtains for the cupboard areas.

We swapped out the plastic drawer pulls with nickel and added a dish towel rack. We cleaned up the rust on the stove and repainted it with high temp paint (not pictured).

View of the other "bedroom". We added a new mattress pad from Ikea to make the bed a little softer and to cover some damage on the existing mattress.

Most of the materials for this project we either had already, or found for super cheap at Ikea. We still plan to add wood flooring (left over from another project--thanks Erin!) in place of the linoleum, but that might not be for a while with this heat wave we've been having. We also may replace the counter surface around the sink with some leftover material my dad offered up. Hooray for free stuff! I'll post a final picture when we finish the rest.

Project total to date: $65.oo

mattress pad: $5
fabric for fringe & seats: $5
velcro: $4
counter: $1
towel rail: $2

drawer pulls: $0
rug: $10
pillow: $15
sandpaper $0
white spray primer (2 cans) $7
white paint $0
white caulk $4
high temp paint $5
masking tape $3
drop cloth $0
roller brush $4
paint brush $0
espresso spray paint $0

LoveDog Mobile

This just in: LoveDog Ranch hits the road in the new LoveDog Mobile! And by new, I mean 1989. But don't you worry. The plan is to gussy up this gem and hit the American highways and campgrounds.

I came up with the idea to buy a tent trailer after pondering the conundrum of living 16 hours from the California homestead; owning a dog, but hating the quality of dog friendly hotels; and wanting a comfortable place to stay without putting anybody out. I also had fond memories of my grandparents, who would roll up with their tent trailer and set up camp in our driveway for a visit. We're excited to use it this summer and even into the fall, because with a tent trailer, a little rain is nothing to fear. And with weather in the PNW being what it is, rain is always likely.

The grand makeover is currently in process so I will save the interior shots for the "before and after" reveal, but I'm hoping to have most of it done by Saturday. (I'm all about bold deadlines).

In unrelated news, the porch garden is looking great. We ate the first zucchini this weekend, and are still waiting for the tomatoes to turn red (we'll even take red-ish) but there are tons of them. Worst case scenario I am making fried green tomatoes. We had one of the jalapenos but it had little to no heat. Does anyone know what affects the heat of a jalapeno?

1) Zucchini. 2) Tomatoes in the corners, marigolds in the middle, cucumbers in front.

Mission Accomplished.

As promised, here are some photos of our lovely new fence:


see the before picture




see the before picture

Now we move to the digging and the planting. Hooray!

Whew

The fence is 99.9% finished! The gate is on and functional, the fence line is complete (keeping Jasper IN the yard) and we just have to trim down a couple more posts and add caps. I didn't take any pictures due to the downpour, but will post some on Monday. Thanks Justin, Justin's dad, and Charles for your hard work. Also thank you Internet for providing important instructions/pointers/clarification on how to actually build a fence and functional gate.

However, loyal readers, I need your help. No, you don't have to help me shovel dirt (though if you really want to...). The plan is to create beds along the length of the fence, which is about 75', and plant some climbing veggies (peas, beans, etc) and lots of flowers. And so I would like to know, what is your favorite flower? I'd love to plant some favorite flowers or plants of my readers (varieties that will grow in the PNW), that way you can truly be a part of the farm, aka LoveDog Ranch. So let's see what we come up with...comment and let me know your pick!

Almost done!

It was a busy weekend on the farm. With the posts finally set and the string strung, we were able to start building. Which meant that we had to get the lumber and wire to start the aforementioned building. So while Justin and his dad made a trek to the lumber yard and the farm supply (for the wire), our loyal buddy Charles rode his bike out from the city (about 17 miles...), and we wielded shovels, rakes, and hoes and worked on digging out and leveling the beds. I will note that I forgot to put on sun screen that day, and now have a true farmers tan. How authentic...

I won't go into the long and complex details of building the fence, mostly because there were soooo many steps that I honestly don't remember all of them, so sorry this won't be the tutorial you were dreaming of. I will say that a string level is a handy tool. There was an endless amount of measuring, straightening, and discussion on whether or not our ideas made any sense. It was a good thing we had three people working on the project. There is honestly a lot to consider when building a fence on even a slight slope and being total amateurs made it particularly amusing.

Here are some photos of the process. Justin and I have since cut the posts to add the caps, and I used a power drill for the very first time! Hopefully we'll finish up this week and I can take some final pictures. Once this project is complete I hope to get back to the kitchen and post some new recipes.