I tried working on my finishing skills again yesterday. I even wrote to several people whose work I admire to get some tips from them. They were helpful but I still wasn't happy with the results. I think I am my own worst critic when it comes to crafts and I can find a handful of things that really *urk* me about my work.
I finally decided to pull out my sewing machine and make a mini pillow that could be adjusted into a scissor fob. It worked and today's picture is the result. Of course it would look much better if there was an actual design stitched on the fob but this was practice on a finishing technique. I'm really glad to finally have this resolved because after two days, it was giving me a horrible headache! Later in the evening I decided to try the tutorial method one more time. It worked! Maybe because I was no longer feeling so stressed but whatever the reason, I am glad to have that part behind me!
No stitching the past several nights as I have been going to bed early. I knew it was just a matter of time before I caught Ryan's stomach virus. I started taking extra Vitamin C in preparation and I think it helped because the virus didn't stick around long this time! I did pick out the chart I want to get started on making for the Cross Stitch Lottery! (Did you notice that I am getting my sidebar ready for 2008?)
Trying to get back on my schedule and that means today is recipe day! I found a new recipe for a Thanksgiving dressing that I am anxious to try! It sounds so yummy but I will make my usual dressing also to act as a stand by! So much of my cooking is done by "tasteful thinking" instead of the exact recipe in front of me. For instance "I think this needs 2 cups of this instead of 1" "I think I will substitute this spice instead of using what it calls for"! But I have never had any complaints about the end results! So I'm sure I will be tweaking this recipe also!
DELICIOUS SAUSAGE TURKEY DRESSING
1-2 (8 inch square) pans of your favorite corn bread (can be done ahead)
1 lb. bulk sausage
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery including tops
1 c. chopped apple
1/4 c. butter
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. poultry seasoning or use fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, tarragon)
1/4 to 1 c. chicken broth, depending on how moist you like dressing
Break up sausage and saute gently until brown. Add onion, celery, and apple and saute just until limp. Mix in diced or crumbled corn bread, salt and pepper and spices. Moisten to your liking with chicken broth and the butter which has been melted. Taste and correct seasoning. Stuffs a 20-pound turkey or bake uncovered in 9x13 pan for 30 minutes.
5 comments:
Have your tried backstitching around the design....doing the same thing to the backing piece and then stitching them together through the backstitching?
For example say your design is 45 by 45...you'll back stitch at the 50 all the way around that is 5 threads aida (10 linen). Then you do the same on the back piece. cut it out 5 threads for aida (10 for linen) and then start stitching them together by going under a backstitched thread on one piece then the other in the exact same area? Maybe that would be better for you?!
Yum - that dressing sounds pretty tasty to me!!
Sorry to hear about the stomach virus. I hope you are feeling better soon. The recipe looks delicious! I was thinking of trying a new dressing this year and this is just the ticket! Do try the linen sometime. I was surprised at how easy the jobelan was to work with. I am sticking to small designs for the time being but who knows?
"Tasteful thinking" ~ what a great description. That recipe looks like a good one. I made one with sausage last year and it was a keeper. This one looks very similar. Hope you are over your virus.
I do think we are our own worst critic! Your little fob looks great from my point of view, although I did wonder why it was so white LOL! But I admire your tenacity to practice first before you try a new technique on a stitched piece. That certainly takes a lot of the stress away. I really must try the next time myself...:-D
I hope you feel better soon!
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