I Hate to Commute

Life in a rural place - it gets pretty tricky. If you are in a city right now, there may be some things you take for granted, like public transportation. Something that pretty much doesn't exist for rural areas.

Maybe you don't use public transportation now. But with gas prices always going up, the environment going to hell, and traffic congestion, chances are you might be very soon.

It is not that I hate driving or even that I feel bad about the emissions (okay, I do but, sometimes it is a necessary evil).  The truth is, I hate winter driving AND I hate wasting time.

Wait, that isn't right. I don't mind "wasting" time if it is something I kind of want to do. Like watching a movie, lying in a hammock, napping, web-surfing. You know. I guess some people would call those things "relaxing." Not really doing anything exactly USEFUL, yet not quite a waste of time.

Driving can sometimes seem like a complete waste of time. Truth is, if housing  prices weren't so outrageous in Guelph, we would be living there right now. Don't get me wrong; I don't mean to suggest I would RATHER live in Guelph (no offence to Guelph at all - it is a really great city).  I wouldn't rather live anywhere else than right here. However, once again, if housing wasn't so outrageous, we would have moved from Waterloo to Guelph in 2009. That is when I finished my Bachelor's at University of Waterloo (which only took me 16 years to complete! Wait, I took some time off in between - I wasn't working on it the whole time. Sheesh...even I am not that slow. Well, maybe I am. I digress...). We moved down to Waterloo, Ontario from Meaford, Ontario in 2008 so I could go to school full time and it would be easier with me right there. In fact, we lived in the student residence for families.

When we first left, I didn't intend then to start a graduate degree. But things change and we had tried to move to Guelph for my two year masters degree, but we simply couldn't afford it. Yes, it is even more expensive than Kitchener/Waterloo! So we moved back to Meaford, with the intention that I would take the Greyhound to University of Guelph. Only, there was a problem - Greyhound reduced, then pretty much cancelled, the direct route to Guelph from Owen Sound. If you want to regularly commute - you need to take a 7 hour ride through Toronto. What was a 2 hour ride is now 7!

To be clear, there is some service through Aboutown Routes, but it only really goes Sunday and Mondays. True, I could combine that with the rare Greyhound trip - but it is complicated. Frankly, it doesn't really work unless I basically want to only come home once in a blue moon. Or take 7 hour bus rides.

So, what is worse - driving 7 hours per week  (a waste of valuable time) OR ride a bus for 14 hours per week (and one which is almost trying to make us NOT make use of it) and never see my family?

Monday's Commute - south of Damascus, Ontario - Wellington Rd 16.

I chose to drive. Not always sure I made the right choice, but either way I am nearly finished my degree. I keep driving for the next few months. It will be over soon. I hope. Back to my nap.

I DID it; I Made a Doll!

It turns out, all I had to do is ask. 

"Hey, do you feel like sewing something with me? I am thinking of making a doll." asks mom. 

"Sure!" Allison answered enthusiastically, "When, now?"

It  is true, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning we worked on a doll-making project. It was an easy one too - I wasn't ready for a plethora of pieces and tiny stitching. I needed something a little easier.

I had a pattern picked out for some time. Several months ago (perhaps years) I had found this pattern at MarthaStewart.com. It seemed to be just what I wanted to make - basically a girl doll, not a baby. 

I thought the patterns were pretty good. There are printable patterns for the doll, pants, shirt and coat.  I made the shirt into a jacket and made a sleeveless top for under it. 

The instructions are just "okay." I think if you were a beginning sewer, you could get a bit frustrated or stuck with their lack of detail. There were a couple of parts I sewed the way I wanted to because I just didn't "get" what the instructions where saying.  The hair especially I thought was not explained well - and this is a part that can really go wrong! I re-did the hair as it was. 

First, I cut several strands of cotton yarn (this wasn't the smooth type as you can see, but almost like a bouclé - not sure what it was exactly as it was just in my stash with no label!) to a length that I though would be nice for long hair. Then I laid them out flat about one strand thick and pushed them through my sewing machine - about down the middle (I knew I could trim it latter to make it even as long as there was enough). When it went through it gave the appearance of long hair with a centre "part."   As it turned out, this didn't create enough hair - she would be bald if it moved just a certain way. So, I did this again twice more, to create three layers of hair. Then I hand stitched it on her head and sewing down to the neck. For the bangs, I did the same thing, but with short strands. Then I folded it in half along the sewn line and turned it perpendicular. I sewed that down too. 

Understand, I know absolutely nothing about making dolls. I looked online a bit previously, so I have seen what others have done here and there, but that is about it. If you are doing this - make the hair however you wish!

Of course, she needed somewhere to sleep, so we made a sleeping bag and pillow.

And of course, a nightgown.

I modified the coat pattern they provided by only using the back piece and angling it from the underarm seams outwards rather than the straight side seams. I lengthened it somewhat as well, to make a longer gown. The gown is 2x2 rib knit with lingerie elastic for trim. Thankfully, it stretches easily over her head.

Sunday, we made a hat, mitts, socks and a lovely "wool" coat. Then I knitted an I-cord on the Knifty Knitter for a scarf.  Of course, she needed pom-poms for her hat. The socks are made by using the tip of a child's sock, cutting in half and sewing back up to make a new tube sock.

She looks a bit weird as she is perched on a doll chair that is a bit too small for her. Obviously, she needed a bag to carry her stuff in too. I have lots of little pieces of ribbon left over from making "Taggies" copies for baby gifts - a bit of ribbon made this bag perfect! (Anyone reading this would know there is NO WAY I would pay $20+ for a piece of fabric with some ribbon on it even if I thought it was a great idea).

I forgot to mention the best part - the doll was made almost entirely out of scraps destined for the trash. Her hat, socks and mitts are from a lone sock left over from a previous project. Her body was made of a cotton muslin scrap that I had been using to test stitches as I changed threads on my serger.  This would be a great project to re-purpose old clothing that was beyond repair. I am thinking jeans with tears, socks with holes or orphaned, scrap yarn remnants etc.

The best part was catching up on some overdue girls time together.

Funny Little Projects and UFO's

I have always wanted to make doll clothes and accessories. I am even more interested in doll-making -even though my Mother in Law warned me that sewing doll things isn't that fun (especially for Barbie).

The problems is I haven't really had much of a chance to sew doll stuff. Yes, I have two daughters, but neither one of them have been too interested in dolls. This is a bit strange too, for Allison, since she is especially "girly".

For one of my sons I made a doll diaper (it had trucks on it), a sleeper and a fleece sweater for when he was expecting a new baby sibling (he was a preschooler then). He played with the doll as we prepared for the new baby. I thought it would be a good transition for him. He did outgrow it though. By school age the doll was history.

 I made this pattern ~ Butterick 4027 (out of print)

It turned out okay. Nothing spectacular - but I never really found out if the child enjoyed it - it was made for a gift. I never saw anyone playing with it. If memory serves me, I chose to make a backpack with a changing pad attached, like a diaper bag, rather than the case.  I don't think I made two dolls either.

However, that was years ago - at least 9. I can barely remember the whole thing. What does remind me once in awhile is when I open up my sewing supplies and start going through them. There is the doll pattern piece from the above pinned to a flesh-coloured bit of broadcloth - must have been waiting since way back when I intended to make a similar set for someone or other. This leads me to my next issue. UFO's (unfinished objects). My stash is full of 'um. 

For example:

 I have a bag with cut out pieces for a couple of puppets from yet another out-of-print pattern. 

 

Since I started it, Kwik Sew came out with a newer, pretty pattern. Which I just had to have. Unfortunately, my kids are almost too old for puppets.

I have plenty of other UFO's kicking around in boxes and bags. Among these include:

1. Baby Quilt - my granddaughter is now 3! - needs only one side of binding finished :(

2. Queen Sized bed quilt - for my bed - squares are pieced (simple star) but not put together into a quilt top

3. McCall Blouse with flounce neckline and bell sleeves (also out of print) - only cut out, nothing is together!

4. Pirate Ship fort - ties onto bunk bed to make lower part the fort (needs ties, more decorations)

5. Kwik Sew Skirt for me (needs hemmed)

6. Loomed shawl/scarf - for me (needs to be about 2' longer!)

7. Loomed dish towel  - for someone (needs a few more inches)

and the worst of all....

8. Log Cabin quilt for my son (now 10!) for his crib/toddler bed. 

This one warrants an explanation. It is large enough to TUCK in on a toddler bed. The top is done - but I got stuck on the actual quilting part. I tried machine quilting it (free motion) and it didn't move very well under the foot so that the stitches are really small. Nearly impossible to pull out. I recently found and rescued this - I worked on stitch ripping for awhile, but there is so much more to go. I have the chance now to give it to my granddaughter who will be born in February. 

No kidding. It is completely true. A number of projects above need about 30 minutes of time and attention. Some need hours. This isn't a complete list  - I have no idea what is all there really. Especially when you consider all the fabric and patterns I have that aren't cut. 

Despite what it looks like - I do finish projects too. Plenty. But it appears I also have a short attention span. It something takes too long, or there is too long between working sessions on a project, I lose momentum. 

Back to the FUNNY LITTLE PROJECTS. My newest are these little doll diapers:

I think dolls can be great, but I am not a fan of dolls that DO things. Or take batteries. However, for Christmas my granddaughter got a Baby Alive.  Baby Alive isn't new - I remember Baby Alive when I was a kid.  Baby Alive now days not only drinks, eats, wets but it takes batteries. But that isn't the best part. Baby Alive disposable diapers cost $10 for 6!!!!!

That is not a misprint. My granddaughter and daughter played with this doll on Christmas and they used 2.  Now, I am pretty sure that if they are only wet, you can hang them up to dry and reuse them (at least a few times). However at some point they will need replaced, so I decided to make some out of cloth scraps by stretching out and tracing one of the wet diapers (after drying out of course). Since I made lots of real cloth diapers, I used familiar methods. The blue and yellow ones are exactly the same size as the original disposable diaper. The two white prints I shaped a bit by rounding out the corners and bound with white fold-over elastic. All of these should be functional and have soakers since Baby Alive wets. If you are thinking of making diapers for a regular doll (that doesn't wet) they you can skip that part. I hope Baby Alive doesn't we SO much that a waterproof cover is needed, but if so, I could make a couple of those too. If you plan on making a diaper for a Baby Alive doll and you aren't planning on taking any chances, you could make an "AIO" (All in One) style diaper right off the bat. This would just require a waterproof layer for the outside, such as rain coat fabric or PUL (polyurethane-laminate used in covers diaper covers) Better yet, make a cover out of a scratchy unused wool sweater - add lanolin and your done! I am sure the doll won't  mind.

These pictures are deceiving - I should have put my hand in there or another object for comparison as these diapers are only about 4" wide. 

Anyway, it is nice to finish funny little projects. UFO's are a pain in my butt.

Pasta Friday, Frugal Friday

My family are getting a treat tonight. Fresh Pasta. Ravioli to be more specific. Sausage ravioli with tomato sauce.

Cost for a family of five - approximately $6. Add salad and baguettes for perhaps another $2. The most expensive thing here is the sausage. It helps that I had nearly free eggs and canned my own tomatoes. Buying it all from the store - probably about $10 ($12 with the salad/bread). I am fortunate to live somewhere where I have access to plenty of local, delicious produce, meats and grains. This meal could be 100% local (except in my case, salt -can you actually get table salt from the Goderich mine?) in this case, the only thing not is my olive oil, parmesan and mysterious table salt. Parmesan can sometimes be found locally depending on where you live. At the very least, it is probably found in your country.

I decided on the fly this morning to spend my day making dinner. You read that right, the day. This isn't something that I can, or really anyone can do everyday. However, once in awhile, for a special treat or occasion - why not? I write "day" because I started this at about 11 - but it only took about 2 hours. Not bad, however it is better if you are able to do this early, even the day before so the ravioli has a chance to dry in the fridge or freezer. Cooking them from frozen works great. Similar afternoon cooking adventures at my house include making perogy (these take hours also, believe me), and flour tortillas. Tortillas don't take nearly as long - but they do take awhile to roll out and fry. Much like naan. These are simple foods, but you really need time to prepare them.

I should add a disclaimer now - the following (and preceding examples) would be much easier if you have a partner or team with you. I didn't as I decided to do this on a Friday when no one was home. I am still learning to use my pasta maker too. It was my special Christmas present - a splurge really. Mine is the deluxe model with ALL the attachments. Today I will only be using the roller however because the sausage is too heavy and not ground enough to make it through the ravioli maker. So I will be making hand cut ravioli.

The recipe for the pasta and sauce I used is adapted from Michael Smith at the Food Network.

Pasta:
4 cups of all-purpose flour
6 eggs
1 tsp olive oil

Filling:
3/4 lb Italian sausage, bulk or with casings removed
1 large shallot, chopped
2 T chopped sage
grating of nutmeg (optional)
1/2 c Parmigiano, grated
1 beaten egg

Sauce

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 jars (24 oz) of canned tomatoes, Italian seasoned (or add your seasonings of choice)

1 jar (8oz) tomato paste

First thing. Assemble as many ingredients and equipment as you can.  I used home-canned tomatoes and tomato paste, because I had them, but you can use any canned you have available. This is also a great way to use up eggs - our ladies are still laying quite a few eggs despite the weather.

I am using my Christmas gifts - new pasta maker and handmade (by my husband and son) pasta drying rack. You could use a dowel or broom stick over a couple of boxes as a drying rack.

You will also need a pizza cutter and/or pastry cutter for cutting the pasta out later. I knife would work, but not as easy.

Start with the pasta first - by dumping the flour right out on a clean counter - believe me, it is easier than using a board. The link to the food network above has a great little video on making pasta you might want to check out.

Crack the eggs right into the centre. Use a whisk or your fingers to beat the eggs into the flour.

 What the dough looks like at this point is a sticky mess - don't worry, it gets better! The dough must be kneaded for 10 minutes. If you are a bread maker, you will find this dough very stiff. Makes for a pretty good workout.

Alternatively, pasta dough can be made in the bread maker. If you are unable to knead dough, this might be a good option for you.

After kneading 2 minutes

After 5 minutes

After 10 minutes

At this point, the dough must rest for 30 minutes.Most people cover with plastic wrap, but if that offends you - you could put it into a floured container, use wax paper, etc.

This is when I started the sauce. This sauce is very simple. Sauté chopped onion until softened, add minced garlic and sauté another couple of minutes. Purée the tomatoes in a blender until smooth, add to pan. Add the tomato paste. Simmer several hours. I didn't need to add salt because salt was added when I canned them. If you are using canned tomatoes with no salt, add salt, pepper and seasonings to taste.

Now is time to make the filling. Sauté sausage and onion until nicely browned. Add sage and nutmeg. Cool slightly and add the parmigiana cheese. When only warm add the egg. Set aside until ready to stuff the ravioli.

This is the point in the post where I have to apologise because I didn't get any good pictures of rolling out dough in the pasta maker.  Really, it isn't that exciting in still pictures anyway. Slice off a small piece of dough - about the size of a quarter of an orange. Flatten it out and lightly flour. Put through the widest setting of the pasta maker. Flour, fold over and put it through again. Do this a few times. Then you are ready to go up to the next setting (#2). Keep feeding in the dough in at progressively narrower  settings. I stopped at #7.  You can hang this up on the pasta rack and continue with a few more pasta sheets. I usually did three or four sheets at a time (and hunks of pasta dough) and hang them up between settings on the machine - that way I don't need to keep adjusting the settings. When I get a few sheets done, it is easier to file.

The easiest way to do ravioli is to put a spoonful of filling with a space in between close to one long end and then fold the pasta sheet over.

Folding over, pressing down at the sides and cutting - super easy. 

 I ended up with 42 ravioli. Not bad. However, I had only used about half of the dough. So, I made some spaghetti for another meal.

Put the ravioli in the fridge until dinner time. You could put the ravioli on just a floured pan, but I used parchment. Don't worry, I reuse my parchment several times (until it is pretty much black from baking). Fresh pasta only needs to cook for about 2-3 minutes, so when dinner time comes, with the sauce ready, it will be a cinch

Now I have to go make some baguettes to go with  this - will post later when I have cooked our dinner.

I admit I am cheating on the baguettes because I am making them in the bread maker (or at least the dough). More pictures soon!





~Update~ Our dinner was a big hit.

The baguettes are always a hit anyways, but as you might imagine, I don't make them often because they are entirely white flour. Not too nutritious. But, fine for a treat.

Recipe for Baguettes

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp instant yeast

1 1/3 cups water

2 tsp salt

2 tbsp sugar

If you are making these in the bread maker, put into the pan in the following order: water, salt, flour, sugar, yeast. Set for dough cycle, remove from pan when finished, punching down. Cut into two pieces. Set one aside. Roll the one half out into a 12x14"  piece and cut in half again. Roll up starting from long edge. Pinch edges and ends to seal. Repeat for rest of the dough. Allow the four baguettes to rise covered in draft-free environment until nearly doubled (30-60minutes). Preheat oven to 400F with pizza or baking stone. Bake baguettes for 10 minutes, brush with beaten egg and water and bake again for 5 minutes.

Lovely. We froze two baguettes for another meal - probably to go with the spaghetti I made with the extra dough. 

Finishing Up with the Knifty Knitter

Well, everyone is back to school and work, except me. I don't start back to school until next Monday. So, my plan for today is to finish up some projects I had started or planned to start before Christmas.

These mittens are first on my list. They are for my 8-year-old daughter. I bought the wool before Christmas and thought I would have time to whip them up before the big day. I did manage to get done a pair for my granddaughter (who is 3) in a lovely Shrek-green wool (I was told that was the colour by one of my other kids) with a similar flower.

The mittens were made by modifying the ONE LOOM MITTEN pattern.  Note that the blue loom in the picture is the same size as the Knifty Knitter blue, just a different colour. I was able to start them during the Corner Gas marathon on the Comedy Network this weekend. :)

 Personally, I don't care at all for E-wrapped mittens (knit using the E-wrap stitch) and nearly all the Knifty Knitter mitten patterns use this stitch. The problem with E-wrap is it results in a pretty "holey" mitten in a very loose stitch - too large for most hands. It is rather sloppy. I have made three pair like this and was pretty disappointed. The first pair were for me and they came out so large I had to give them to my husband. They really aren't warm either with the large holes between stitches.

One pattern, Fitted Mittens, makes for a really lovely mitten, however, I found the shaping for the fingers very difficult. The result is very comfortable if you have no problem with the complicated shaping, but on my second mitt I was ready to give up. For my last few pair of mittens, I ended up combining the usual patterns for the Knifty Knitter mitts by knitting in the round, but using the U-stitch, and Flat stitch and Purl for the rib (Frankly, I am too lazy to do the proper Knit stitch - an  upside down Purl). Then using the usual bind off by gathering. It isn't ideal for a mitten - a bit bulky at the top, but it is very easy. Most pattens have the mittens end this way. My modifications result in a tight, even stitch which looks like regular knitting. In the near future I plan to experiment with easier finger shaping and bind off. Perhaps an amalgam of various patterns.

All in all, these mittens take me a couple of evenings. The U-stitch is sufficiently tight as to cause me to slow down a bit or risk a blister.

The ones to the right are the first pair I made in the U-stitch - a pair for me with idiot strings. I would hate to lose them and frankly, I lose things, a lot. My favourite leather gloves were lost somewhere between the Leeky Canoe restaurant and our van out front last year. I knew they were gone but even that short distance I couldn't find them. No amount of crawling under tables would help me.

**Lots of help with loom knitting may be found at http://isela.typepad.com/loomknitting/.