Yogurt, or substances similar to it have originated in cultures across the globe. Where there has been dairy, there also has been yogurt. However, the first area to discover the tangy dairy variation was probably in the Middle East. In his book "On Food and Cooking" Harold McGee states, "Yogurt and its relatives are native to a broad and climatically warm area of central and southeast Asia, and the Middle East" (1984: 45). The word for yogurt comes from the Turkish language. McGee states, "...it is the Turkish word for milk that has been fermented into a tart semi solid mass; it comes from a root meaning 'thick'" (1984: 47).
Why and how it originated remains a mystery. Many think it occurred by accident. Most likely a wild strain of bacteria was introduced to raw milk and the mixture fermented in a warm place, producing yogurt (Muskevich, 2015). The discovery of yogurt was a welcome find. Milk is high in nutrients, but it contains a sugar known as lactose that is often difficult to digest (McGee, 1984: 44). Although they had been fed milk as babies, many adults had difficulty digesting milk as it was. The fermentation process of milk to yogurt turned the lactose into lactic acid, a substance that is more easily digested (Muskevich, 2015). This allowed societies to take advantage of the easily accessed proteins and nutrients provided by dairy products.
In order to make yogurt, milk must be heated, then cooled to a temperature conducive to fermentation. At this point bacteria is added and the milk is left to sit and ferment. As the milk ferment is shifts from a liquid state to a gel and becomes yogurt.
Yogurt as an ingredient quickly traveled to the countries surrounding Turkey, however it was not until the 20th century that became more widespread in the Western world. In the 1940's Dannon (originally a French company) introduced yogurt to the United States when it began manufacturing yogurt in the Bronx (Muskevich, 2015).
Culinary-wise, yogurt in considered a probiotic food. It contains bacteria that helps to maintain a healthy gut. In America many people eat it with breakfast or as a snack. Yogurt is also incorporated as an ingredient in marinades, soups, smoothies, and baked goods.
According to Worlds Top Exports, Germany is the highest exporter of yogurt (Workman, 2017). I found it interesting that France, where the company Dannon originated from, is now the highest consumer of yogurt in the world.
References:
McGee, Harold. (1948). On food and cooking: the science and lore of the kitchen. New York, NY: Scribner.
Muskevich, Adam. (2015). We didn't build this city on rock 'n' roll. It was yogurt. The Salt. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/07/16/422684872/we-didnt-build-this-city-on-rock-n-roll-it-was-yogurt on 10/04/17.
Workman, Daniel. (2017). Top yogurt exporters. World's Top Exports. Retrieved from http://www.worldstopexports.com/yogurt-exporters/ on 10/04/17.
Note: This was an assignment for my Language of Food class.
11/2/17
10/19/17
Sometimes Life Gets Dirty!
Here is a short photo montage of some of the projects I have been working on for school.
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| This one is made out of spoons! |
9/25/17
The Majestic vs. McDonalds: The Gap in Menus
For those who do not know, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is Yosemite National Park's most prestigious lodging institution. It ranks as a AAA four-Diamond hotel and boasts an award-winning restaurant, as well as a beautiful view of the park. The dining experience at The Majestic is in stark contrast to the experience at a common chain restaurant such as McDonald's. The difference is found not only in the price and the setting, but it is inherent in the menus themselves.
The Majestic's menu (for dinner) is simple. It is just one page and very little information is given. The McDonald's menu, however, is extensive and almost an information overload. A detailed picture accompanies each item, as well as an equally detailed description.
The description uses sensory and participial adjectives like 'crisp,' 'ribbon-cut,' and 'smoked.' For the most part, the Majestic's menu just lists the main ingredients that go into the dishes and does very little in the way of description. The ingredients used at the Majestic are assumed to be high-quality while McDonald's tries to pull it's customers in with vague promises. Take, for example, the "Bacon Ranch Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken" pictured above. It is described as 'full of fresh flavors,' but what does that mean exactly?
Another difference between the two menus is the focus on choice. At McDonald's the focus is on the diner's choice. It is all about the customer. They can customize their meal anyway they choose. At the Majestic, customers pay for the chef to make the choice for them. Each meal is unique in it's own way and a work of art.
Note: This is an assignment from my Language and Food class at school.
The Majestic's menu (for dinner) is simple. It is just one page and very little information is given. The McDonald's menu, however, is extensive and almost an information overload. A detailed picture accompanies each item, as well as an equally detailed description.
The description uses sensory and participial adjectives like 'crisp,' 'ribbon-cut,' and 'smoked.' For the most part, the Majestic's menu just lists the main ingredients that go into the dishes and does very little in the way of description. The ingredients used at the Majestic are assumed to be high-quality while McDonald's tries to pull it's customers in with vague promises. Take, for example, the "Bacon Ranch Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken" pictured above. It is described as 'full of fresh flavors,' but what does that mean exactly?
Another difference between the two menus is the focus on choice. At McDonald's the focus is on the diner's choice. It is all about the customer. They can customize their meal anyway they choose. At the Majestic, customers pay for the chef to make the choice for them. Each meal is unique in it's own way and a work of art.
Note: This is an assignment from my Language and Food class at school.
9/15/17
Potato Chips and Chocolate
In 2011 Joshua Freedman, an undergraduate student at Stanford University, did a study on the connections between potato chip packaging and the audience to which it was being marketed to - upper or lower class individuals. Freedman wrote that more expensive bags of chips had more text on the back advertising the product. They also advertised how the chips were 'healthy' for you (ie. no trans fat etc) and declared that only the best ingredients were used in their product. On the other hand, less expensive chips valued tradition and taste. They also had used simpler words than their more expensive counterparts.
In the spirit of that study, I would like to present some findings of my own. Today I went to the supermarket to see if Freedman's findings applied to a different food product - chocolate.
There were four different brands that I looked at:
Unsurprisingly, the least expensive brand was Hershey's, at 33.3 cents per ounce, which had no words at all on the back of the packaging. So far Freedman's theory was staying true.
The next expensive chocolates were the Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Carmello (50 cents per ounce).
The packaging gives history for the company and uses words like 'tradition,' 'passion,' and 'exquisite.' An empasis is place on tradition, as the Cadbury name has been around since 1824. The sentences are also fairly short and simple.
Next were the Lindt Lindor Truffles (86.1 cents per ounce).
The packaging declares that these truffles have been made by master Swiss chocolatiers since 1845. So obviously we are dealing with professionals. They also use words like 'smooth,' 'melting,' 'luscious,' and 'delicate.'
Finally, the most expensive brand was Ferrero Rocher, at 94.2 cents per ounce.
Ferrero Rocher did not have as much copy on the packaging as the Lindor Truffles, however lots of high quality words like, 'luscious,' and 'delicate' were used. Also, the whole of the copy is comprised of one complex sentence.
All in all, the body of evidence matches up with Freedman's findings in 2011, even if some allowances are made for the difference in product.
Note: This is an assignment done for my Food and Language class at school.
In the spirit of that study, I would like to present some findings of my own. Today I went to the supermarket to see if Freedman's findings applied to a different food product - chocolate.
There were four different brands that I looked at:
- Hershey's
- Ferrero Rocher
- Cadbury
- Lindt
Unsurprisingly, the least expensive brand was Hershey's, at 33.3 cents per ounce, which had no words at all on the back of the packaging. So far Freedman's theory was staying true.
The next expensive chocolates were the Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Carmello (50 cents per ounce).
The packaging gives history for the company and uses words like 'tradition,' 'passion,' and 'exquisite.' An empasis is place on tradition, as the Cadbury name has been around since 1824. The sentences are also fairly short and simple.
Next were the Lindt Lindor Truffles (86.1 cents per ounce).
The packaging declares that these truffles have been made by master Swiss chocolatiers since 1845. So obviously we are dealing with professionals. They also use words like 'smooth,' 'melting,' 'luscious,' and 'delicate.'
Finally, the most expensive brand was Ferrero Rocher, at 94.2 cents per ounce.
Ferrero Rocher did not have as much copy on the packaging as the Lindor Truffles, however lots of high quality words like, 'luscious,' and 'delicate' were used. Also, the whole of the copy is comprised of one complex sentence.
All in all, the body of evidence matches up with Freedman's findings in 2011, even if some allowances are made for the difference in product.
Note: This is an assignment done for my Food and Language class at school.
8/31/17
My Food and Language Background
Last semester I forgot to enroll. Sort of. Thankfully, I did manage to remember to enroll before it was too late. As I was scrolling through the options of classes I could take one in particular caught my eye. It was called The Language of Food. I had always wanted to take a Linguistics course, and this one fit my schedule, so I decided to take it.
I am a native speaker to English, but I am currently taking courses to learn Spanish. Growing up in the United States, my food background was fairly communion most ways. My dad grilled steak and hamburgers and my mom packed us sandwiches for lunch and made casseroles. Then again, I got to experience things a lot of kids didn't. Things like home-made bread. Tabouli. And other dishes with an international flair.
Another part of my unique food background hit a little closer to home. My mother's side of the family are German Mennonites. Through this group I have access to a culinary heritage unique to a specific people group. These dishes are different from average American fare, and have interesting names, like verenika, borsht, moos, and zwiebach to name a few.
Food is a big part of my life. And to be honest, so is language. I am looking forward to learning about both this semester!
Note: This is an assignment done for my Language and Food class at school.
I am a native speaker to English, but I am currently taking courses to learn Spanish. Growing up in the United States, my food background was fairly communion most ways. My dad grilled steak and hamburgers and my mom packed us sandwiches for lunch and made casseroles. Then again, I got to experience things a lot of kids didn't. Things like home-made bread. Tabouli. And other dishes with an international flair.
Another part of my unique food background hit a little closer to home. My mother's side of the family are German Mennonites. Through this group I have access to a culinary heritage unique to a specific people group. These dishes are different from average American fare, and have interesting names, like verenika, borsht, moos, and zwiebach to name a few.
Food is a big part of my life. And to be honest, so is language. I am looking forward to learning about both this semester!
Note: This is an assignment done for my Language and Food class at school.
8/25/17
Semester #3
The first week of school is now done! One down, so many more to go!
For those of you who are curious, here is the breakdown of my schedule this semester:
1. Spanish 112
Obviously, this class is a step above what I took last semester (Spanish 111). Currently we are reviewing material from the last semester, but soon we will jump into the curriculum from where we left off. Today we went over indirect object pronouns.
2. Intro to Graphic Design
Since my major is Graphic Design I'm pretty excited to start this class! Our professor has promised to deeply ingrain all of the basics of design into our noggins.
3. 3-D Design
This is a prerequisite for anyone in the art program. It's basically a multi-media sculpture class. Right now I am working on a wire frog, but more on that later....
4. The Language of Food
This is a linguistics/english course that will fulfill one of my general ed requirements. The title sounds strange, but that's pretty much what the class is about - we will be learning about how what we say about our food says about us. Apparently, this is an auspicious occasion, as this class has only been offered few times before - through out the whole of North America! Also, keep on the look-out - some of my assignments from this class may eventually show up on the blog!
For those of you who are curious, here is the breakdown of my schedule this semester:
1. Spanish 112
Obviously, this class is a step above what I took last semester (Spanish 111). Currently we are reviewing material from the last semester, but soon we will jump into the curriculum from where we left off. Today we went over indirect object pronouns.
2. Intro to Graphic Design
Since my major is Graphic Design I'm pretty excited to start this class! Our professor has promised to deeply ingrain all of the basics of design into our noggins.
3. 3-D Design
This is a prerequisite for anyone in the art program. It's basically a multi-media sculpture class. Right now I am working on a wire frog, but more on that later....
4. The Language of Food
This is a linguistics/english course that will fulfill one of my general ed requirements. The title sounds strange, but that's pretty much what the class is about - we will be learning about how what we say about our food says about us. Apparently, this is an auspicious occasion, as this class has only been offered few times before - through out the whole of North America! Also, keep on the look-out - some of my assignments from this class may eventually show up on the blog!
7/30/17
Quilt #1
I am pleased to say that I have finally finished my first quilt! This is a bigger accomplishment that it first seems because most of the quilt top was hand-pieced and I have been working on it over the course of the last decade.
It all began when I found a pile of 3.5" X 3.5" squares in upper elementary. These squares, I thought, would be just perfect for making a patchwork quilt! And so, I set out on making the quilt. After a while I began to notice that my pile of squares was slowly being depleted. To infuse my stash with fresh fabric I dug through my mother's fabric scraps in search of fabric to cut more squares.
After a bit I would grow bored and set the quilt down as a new hobby caught my interest. However, I would return to work on it occasionally. And so the quilt grew. This last year I decided it had grown big enough and set out to finish the project.
It all began when I found a pile of 3.5" X 3.5" squares in upper elementary. These squares, I thought, would be just perfect for making a patchwork quilt! And so, I set out on making the quilt. After a while I began to notice that my pile of squares was slowly being depleted. To infuse my stash with fresh fabric I dug through my mother's fabric scraps in search of fabric to cut more squares.
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| Here is the quilt top in its early years. |
After a bit I would grow bored and set the quilt down as a new hobby caught my interest. However, I would return to work on it occasionally. And so the quilt grew. This last year I decided it had grown big enough and set out to finish the project.
After selecting a bag of batting and some backing (salvaged, ironically from another one of my childhood projects). I was ready to start tying my quilt -> A much simpler method to actual quilting, though not as professional looking.
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| My mother helped me out. |
After tying came trimming. And then I was finally ready to sew on the binding and be done with the whole thing. I am pleased that it is finally finished!
7/8/17
Letters of Love
I like getting mail. A lot. It's the best feeling when you discover an envelope in your mailbox assigned to you (discounting junk mail that is).
When I was little I discovered a magical thing: if you write a letter to some one, then they will write back! The only problem is, people in today's world aren't as accustomed to regular correspondence as they used to be. Even when I write to someone, they don't always write back. In fact, that is often the case.
Still, I remember the wonderful feeling I get when I receive a letter, so I try to pass it on to others, even if I don't get a response. I love getting letters, but I also love sending letters.
If you get a letter from me this summer, I hope you appreciate it! Also, if you can, please take the time to write me back and let me know how you are doing. Let's start the train of handwritten missives once again!
When I was little I discovered a magical thing: if you write a letter to some one, then they will write back! The only problem is, people in today's world aren't as accustomed to regular correspondence as they used to be. Even when I write to someone, they don't always write back. In fact, that is often the case.
Still, I remember the wonderful feeling I get when I receive a letter, so I try to pass it on to others, even if I don't get a response. I love getting letters, but I also love sending letters.
If you get a letter from me this summer, I hope you appreciate it! Also, if you can, please take the time to write me back and let me know how you are doing. Let's start the train of handwritten missives once again!
6/20/17
Warning: You may or may not be getting a pair of these for Christmas
After a few trial and error prototypes I decided on a one-size-fits-all pattern for my fingerless gloves. In case I forget how to make them, or if you want to know my process, here is my pattern.
Cast on 32 stitches.
K2, P2 until the end of the row
Continue until you have approx 1” of ribbing
Knit one row
Purl one row
Increase 1, knit the rest of the row
Increase 1, purl the rest of the row
Knit one row
Purl one row
Increase 1, knit the rest of the row
Increase 1, purl the rest of the row (you should now have 36 stitches)
Knit one row
Purl one row
K16, place stitch marker (m), increase 1, K4, increase 1, place stitch marker (m), K16
Purl one row
Repeat the above two steps until there are 12 total stitches between the markers, ending on a purl row.
K16, bind off 12, K16
Purl row -> at gap crisscross the bookending stitches over each other before purling.
Increase 1, rib row
Increase 1, rib row
Continue until you reach desired length
Bind off loosely. Leave a long tail with which to stitch the edges together.
Stitch the seam along the side of the glove and cut off the excess. Turn right side out.
Done!
6/2/17
Family Vacation 2017 Part 4: San Fransisco
We started on the road to San Fransisco and arrived at our destination a little before supper. After being reunited with the family members we would be staying with we set out on a short walk to stretch our legs. For supper we had tacos. After supper we enjoyed catching up with our relatives.
The next morning began with crepes for breakfast and a trip to the farmer's market - a new experience for me! We picked up lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and some other items to supplement our meals.
After we returned and ate an early lunch we headed out on a sightseeing trip to Filoli, a grand estate and with fine gardens turned into a museum. Filoli was built in the early 1900's and had two owners before it was open to the public. The gardens were impressive and the estate as a whole was elegant.
Sunday morning we went to church. It was good to worship together in the body of believers, even so far away from home. After lunch we drove to a nearby park to play laser tag. In the evening we roasted s'mores over their new fire pit.
Memorial Day morning we woke up early to go to the tide pools. It was cold, but we bundled up. The tide was out, leaving pools of water containing creatures like sea urchins, anemones, and crabs.
5/26/17
Family Vacation 2017 Part 3: Yosemite
The park has become busier in previous years, so after breakfast we left the house to ensure we got a parking spot. After securing our parking we set out on a hike for Bridal Veil Falls. The river was especially high from increased snow melt and the mist from the falls was refreshing. After viewing the falls we decided to take a bit of a longer hike back to our car to closer view El Capitan. In total, the roundtrip was about 5 miles.
For lunch we had a picnic in the shade under some pine trees, which was very relaxing. After lunch a second impromptu hike was decided upon to catch a glimpse of Yosemite Falls from afar. This one was about two miles. Supper that night was very delicious spaghetti.
Our second day in Yosemite started out at Glacier Point. We got a different view of the park and even saw some snow!
For lunch we hiked up Sentinel Dome where we shared our picnic with a stupendous 360 degree view! The park was starting to fill up with visitors, so after slipping and sliding down the snow banks we decided to head back to home base and rest for a bit before embarking on more locally sourced adventures.
For lunch we had a picnic in the shade under some pine trees, which was very relaxing. After lunch a second impromptu hike was decided upon to catch a glimpse of Yosemite Falls from afar. This one was about two miles. Supper that night was very delicious spaghetti.
Our second day in Yosemite started out at Glacier Point. We got a different view of the park and even saw some snow!
For lunch we hiked up Sentinel Dome where we shared our picnic with a stupendous 360 degree view! The park was starting to fill up with visitors, so after slipping and sliding down the snow banks we decided to head back to home base and rest for a bit before embarking on more locally sourced adventures.
This included walking down to see the swollen river, exploring an old train engine and eating pizza for supper. The next morning we slept in and relaxed. Then we left the Yosemite Valley area and headed south.
5/25/17
Family Vacation 2017 Part 2: Las Vegas + more traveling
Before leaving the Grand Canyon we stopped by the Geology Museum and had one last look at the rim. Then it was off to Las Vegas to visit family! We ate lunch in Williams at Rod's Steakhouse. That was fun because it was a establishment that has been visited by previous generations of my mom's family in the past.
After that Mom very much enjoyed driving on historic Route 66. We arrived in Las Vegas in the late afternoon and dropped off our stuff at my uncle's house. He then took us to Red Rock National Park where we got to stretch our legs and see more of God's glorious creation!
After spending the night in Las Vegas we hit the road again. This time our goal was Yosemite National Park! On the way there we stopped to see more relatives, which was a blessing because we hadn't seen them in a while. We arrived at our destination just in time for supper with my aunt and uncle. The next morning we planned to explore the park.
After that Mom very much enjoyed driving on historic Route 66. We arrived in Las Vegas in the late afternoon and dropped off our stuff at my uncle's house. He then took us to Red Rock National Park where we got to stretch our legs and see more of God's glorious creation!
After spending the night in Las Vegas we hit the road again. This time our goal was Yosemite National Park! On the way there we stopped to see more relatives, which was a blessing because we hadn't seen them in a while. We arrived at our destination just in time for supper with my aunt and uncle. The next morning we planned to explore the park.
5/24/17
Family Vacation 2017 Part 1: Meteor Crater and the Grand Canyon
This was our first full-blown vacation as a family in two years. It started out an early Friday morning. We left the house at 7:30 in the morning and started driving. Of course there was the obligatory stop at McDonalds, but this day was all business - driving business. So with a serious mission to make some miles we set out on the road. For supper that night we ate at a Denny's and stayed in a hotel just outside Arizona.
Saturday morning we crossed the border into Arizona and made a point to stop and see Meteor Crater. Long before human record a meteor from outer space crashed into what is now the state of Arizona. The meteor mostly disintegrated upon impact, but it left a giant crater a mile wide that is boasted as the best preserved meteor crater on earth today.
After being tourists for a while we ate lunch and headed on to the Grand Canyon. And boy was it grand! Before this trip I don't think I fully understood the true scale of its size! The air was very clear and the views were spectacular.
For supper that night we ate at the Bright Angel Lodge. Early the next morning we hit the trial - the hiking trail! We made it to Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab trail before heading back up. The going up the trail was more difficult than when we were going down. It was also more crowded. Once we cleared the rim we had lunch and then rested in our room for an hour before venturing out on the shuttle bus system to see more of the rim. Mom especially enjoyed the view from Pima Point.
Saturday morning we crossed the border into Arizona and made a point to stop and see Meteor Crater. Long before human record a meteor from outer space crashed into what is now the state of Arizona. The meteor mostly disintegrated upon impact, but it left a giant crater a mile wide that is boasted as the best preserved meteor crater on earth today.
After being tourists for a while we ate lunch and headed on to the Grand Canyon. And boy was it grand! Before this trip I don't think I fully understood the true scale of its size! The air was very clear and the views were spectacular.
For supper that night we ate at the Bright Angel Lodge. Early the next morning we hit the trial - the hiking trail! We made it to Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab trail before heading back up. The going up the trail was more difficult than when we were going down. It was also more crowded. Once we cleared the rim we had lunch and then rested in our room for an hour before venturing out on the shuttle bus system to see more of the rim. Mom especially enjoyed the view from Pima Point.
5/3/17
Canvas Bag Tutorial: Part 3 - Assembling the Bag
This is the third and final part of this tutorial. Here are the links to parts one and two.
Now we are ready to start assembling the bag.
If you haven't made the first seam on the side panels and the body of the bag, do so now. Also do this for the lining, and remember to iron your seams! Next sew the pockets where you want them. I positioned my outside pocket so it would sit just above the fold for the bottom of the bag.
Now we are ready to start assembling the bag.
If you haven't made the first seam on the side panels and the body of the bag, do so now. Also do this for the lining, and remember to iron your seams! Next sew the pockets where you want them. I positioned my outside pocket so it would sit just above the fold for the bottom of the bag.
Next, continue to sew the rest of the bag and lining together. Warning: This part is a bit awkward because you are no longer working on a 2D object. Also, the corners can be a bit tricky. The nice thing is, they are all at the bottom of the bag, so no one should notice if you mess up a bit! I would encourage you to press your seams as you go.
Now it's time for fit the bag and lining together! Place the lining inside the bag with the right side of the fabric facing in and together (see picture for reference). Make sure your seams are lined up and pin the two pieces in place before sewing them together. Also, leave a gap so that you can turn your bag right-side out.
This is the fun part! Working carefully, turn your bag right-side out!
Next, push the lining back inside the bag and pin the edge in place, especially the gap. Topstitch around the whole thing to help it lay flat and to close up your last seam.
As you can see, I did two layers of top-stitching.
Now it's time for the straps! Remember the reinforcement strip we made all the way back in Part II? It's time to use it! This method of attaching the straps works, but it is a little awkward as you are trying to sew through 5 layers of canvas at any given time. Basically, I sandwiched the straps between the reinforcement strip and the bag and stitched around the outline of the strip. For added reinforcement I did a box stitch around the base of the straps, where they attached to the bag.
Congratulations! You're done! Enjoy your new bag. :)
4/24/17
Canvas Bag Tutorial: Part 2 - Straps and Pockets
Not ready for this step yet? Here's last week's post about the pattern pieces, so you can catch up!
We are ready to sew!
To start off, I pinned all of the pockets together with the wrong side facing out. For the outside pocket one layer is of canvas and the other is of cotton (originally I had two outside pockets, but one got set aside). You can also pin the two side panels to the top edges of the body and sew those together, but we will be covering assembling the body in the next part.
Then, I sewed my pockets, leaving a gap a few inches wide so that I could turn the pockets right side out. I also sewed my side panels onto the main body of my bag and lining. Next, I got out my iron to iron my seams and flatten out my pockets after turning them out.
We are ready to sew!
To start off, I pinned all of the pockets together with the wrong side facing out. For the outside pocket one layer is of canvas and the other is of cotton (originally I had two outside pockets, but one got set aside). You can also pin the two side panels to the top edges of the body and sew those together, but we will be covering assembling the body in the next part.
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| Originally I had two outside pockets. |
While I had the iron going I made the straps and reinforcement strip! For the straps I folded the fabric in half hotdog-wise and ironed it so that it made a crease down the middle.
Then I folded each edge into the middle, ironing them down to keep them in place. Next, I folded the strip in half, along my original fold. That way the rough edges were safely tucked away inside! Finally I pinned the strip in place so I could topstitch it. I repeated this process with the other strap and the reinforcement strip.
Finally, it was time to topstitch everything!
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| Tip of the day: Topstitch EVERYTHING! |
4/15/17
Canvas Bag Tutorial: Part 1 - Cutting Out the Pattern
So, I have this canvas bag that I use to tote all of my stuff around for church. I love it to bits, but it's as old as the hills and starting to show it's age. To help solve my problem I thought I could whip up a new bag based on the design of my old bag.
These next few weeks I will be walking you all through the steps I took to making it! To make the bag I bought 1.5 yards of 45" wide home decor fabric and 2 yards of cotton fabric for lining. I bought way too much, though! Really, all you need is a yard of the home decor fabric and 2/3 of the cotton. After studying my old bag and measuring it I came up with a pattern! To make my pattern I traced the dimensions of my pieces on old wrapping paper.
Then I cut it out and pinned the pieces onto my fabric, using them as a guide of where to cut.
These are the pieces you need to cut out:
Canvas:
1 - 30" X 10" for the body (you can make this easier on yourself by cutting out a 15 X 10 rectangle and then cutting on a fold - just don't cut the fold!)
2 - 5" X 13" for the side panels
2 - 4" X 25" for the straps
1 - 4" X 20" for a reinforcement strip to attach the straps
1 - 10" X 10" for the outside pocket
Cotton:
1 - 30" X 10" for the lining
2 - 5" X 13" for the lining
2 - 8" X 6" for the inside pocket
1 - 10" X 10" for the lining of the outside pocket
For the next step in this project go here.
These next few weeks I will be walking you all through the steps I took to making it! To make the bag I bought 1.5 yards of 45" wide home decor fabric and 2 yards of cotton fabric for lining. I bought way too much, though! Really, all you need is a yard of the home decor fabric and 2/3 of the cotton. After studying my old bag and measuring it I came up with a pattern! To make my pattern I traced the dimensions of my pieces on old wrapping paper.
Then I cut it out and pinned the pieces onto my fabric, using them as a guide of where to cut.
These are the pieces you need to cut out:
Canvas:
1 - 30" X 10" for the body (you can make this easier on yourself by cutting out a 15 X 10 rectangle and then cutting on a fold - just don't cut the fold!)
2 - 5" X 13" for the side panels
2 - 4" X 25" for the straps
1 - 4" X 20" for a reinforcement strip to attach the straps
1 - 10" X 10" for the outside pocket
Cotton:
1 - 30" X 10" for the lining
2 - 5" X 13" for the lining
2 - 8" X 6" for the inside pocket
1 - 10" X 10" for the lining of the outside pocket
For the next step in this project go here.
4/10/17
Real Books, Reel Lines
Recently a friend asked me to think of my favorite books and when they hooked my attention. To facilitate this I pulled several of my favorites from my personal library and wrote down a few quotes from each. Some of the quotes are the first lines of the books, or something in particular I liked. Here is the result:
Eddie’s Blue Winged Dragon by C. S. Alder
“Eddie considered hiding the five dollars in his orthopedic shoes, but why should he? He had nothing to be afraid of. He was just a regular kid going to a regular school now” (p. 9).
Poppy by Avi
“At the very edge of this forest stood an old charred oak on which sat a great horned owl. The owl’s name was Mr. Ocax, and he looked like death itself” (p. 1).
“The and there Poppy vowed she would never leave home again. The difficulty was that at that moment she was far from home, frightened and alone” (p. 15).
Shakespeare’s Secret by Elise Broach
“It was the last day of summer” (p. 3).
“That was the strange thing about moving so often. It forced you to think about starting over every time, whether you wanted to or not” (p. 4 - 5).
Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix
“The fire had gone out and I didn’t know what to do” (p. 1).
“I was cold. I was lonely. I was engaged to be married in two short months to the most handsome man I’d ever see - the prince of the land, the heir to the throne. But I had never felt so alone in all my life, not even shivering in rags in my garret the day they came to say my father was dead. This was happiness?” (p. 9 - 10).
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
“Miri woke to the sleepy bleating of a goat” (p. 7).
“Marda always said she could not resist Miri’s low, throaty laugh and defied the mountain itself not to rumble as well. But Miri liked her sister’s laugh better than a belly full of soup” (p. 10).
The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell
“Three days after my thirteenth birthday, Armas, the Executioner and Chief of Prisons, came for me while I ate breakfast” (p. 1).
“Pa was very patient: He jerked me out from behind the tapestry and dragged me across the great hall, outside past the hub gardens, and through the castle gates into the plum orchard before yelling” (p. 10).
A Memory of Dragons by Annabel and Edgar Johnson
“I’m putting all this on file, just in case. Call it insurance. I don’t know exactly what these guys are up to, but on cold nights, it is wise to cover you own aspidistra, especially when somebody invites you to become a spy” (p. 5).
Prisoner of PSI by Annabel and Edgar Johnson
“The house was almost as old as Denver itself - one of a row of brick boxes” (p. 7).
“I was gripping the scorched lump of steel hard enough to sprain a few fingers. All at once I heaved it as far as I could throw. That produced a tangible tremor of dread from the aspen grove. I put the lid on my pot of emotions and tried to simmer them down before I went across to renew old enmities” (p. 24).
Savvy by Ingrid Law
“When my brother Fish turned thirteen we moved to the deepest part of inland because of the hurricane and, of course, the fact that he’d caused it” (p. 1).
The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan
“Melinda Pratt rides city bus number twelve to her cello lesson, wearing her mother’s jean jacket and only one sock” (p. 1).
Holes by Louis Sachar
“There is no lake at Camp Green Lake” (p. 3).
What are your favorite books to read?
4/4/17
Family Spring Break Outing
Despite our increasingly busy family schedules, we were able to squirrel away some time to go on a trip as a family this Spring Break. If you are acquainted with my family at all, you will know that we do road trips. And museums. So what better thing to do over spring break than to go on a road trip and see a bunch of museums?
By the hand of fate (also known as my mother) we elected to go to Kansas City for an overnight trip. We left the house first thing Wednesday morning, stopping by a McDonalds at the half-way point for breakfasty food items (Note: Stopping at McDonalds on the first day of the road trip is a family tradition. A road trip would not be a true road trip without McDonalds). By the time we got to KC it was almost lunch time. Our first stop of the day was the Union Station. Not only was this location a tourist attraction in its own right, but it also contained a traveling exhibit on Pompeii.
The exhibit featured artifacts taken from the city. First, it detailed the lives and culture of the people living in the city before discussing the actual disaster. After viewing the exhibit we explored the Station, and then ate lunch in our car. Afterwards we headed to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.
The Nelson-Atkins was large - almost overwhelmingly so. Mom thought that it would be a good place to visit numerous times over an extended period and take in a bit at a time.
After the art museum we arrived at our hotel around 4:30. We took half and hour to settle in before heading to an esteemed dinner location - Cracker-barrel - where we were rewarded with excellent food, excellent service, and excellent value.
The next morning we got up and got ready at our own leisure. The hotel we were staying at did not offer a complimentary breakfast, so we brought some of our own to eat in the privacy of our room. After loading up the car and checking out of the hotel we headed to the main attraction of the morning; Harry S. Truman's Presidential Library in Independence, MO. It was valuable to learn in depth about one of our presidents and the issues of his time. Mom was impressed most by the air drops President Truman coordinated for East Berlin during the Cold War.
By the time we had finished with the library it was time for lunch, so we ate again in the car before hitting the road. As we were leaving Independence we drove past Truman's home, a few blocks away from the Library. On the way home we stopped at a Braums to get ice cream.
All in all, was a jam-packed two days, but a worthy occasion to get out of the house and spend time together as a family.
By the hand of fate (also known as my mother) we elected to go to Kansas City for an overnight trip. We left the house first thing Wednesday morning, stopping by a McDonalds at the half-way point for breakfasty food items (Note: Stopping at McDonalds on the first day of the road trip is a family tradition. A road trip would not be a true road trip without McDonalds). By the time we got to KC it was almost lunch time. Our first stop of the day was the Union Station. Not only was this location a tourist attraction in its own right, but it also contained a traveling exhibit on Pompeii.
The exhibit featured artifacts taken from the city. First, it detailed the lives and culture of the people living in the city before discussing the actual disaster. After viewing the exhibit we explored the Station, and then ate lunch in our car. Afterwards we headed to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.
The Nelson-Atkins was large - almost overwhelmingly so. Mom thought that it would be a good place to visit numerous times over an extended period and take in a bit at a time.
After the art museum we arrived at our hotel around 4:30. We took half and hour to settle in before heading to an esteemed dinner location - Cracker-barrel - where we were rewarded with excellent food, excellent service, and excellent value.
The next morning we got up and got ready at our own leisure. The hotel we were staying at did not offer a complimentary breakfast, so we brought some of our own to eat in the privacy of our room. After loading up the car and checking out of the hotel we headed to the main attraction of the morning; Harry S. Truman's Presidential Library in Independence, MO. It was valuable to learn in depth about one of our presidents and the issues of his time. Mom was impressed most by the air drops President Truman coordinated for East Berlin during the Cold War.
By the time we had finished with the library it was time for lunch, so we ate again in the car before hitting the road. As we were leaving Independence we drove past Truman's home, a few blocks away from the Library. On the way home we stopped at a Braums to get ice cream.
All in all, was a jam-packed two days, but a worthy occasion to get out of the house and spend time together as a family.
3/25/17
Knitting Escapades
Here is an update on my knitting life and two of my most recent projects:
#1 - Laptop Case
Way back in September or so of last year I had the brilliant idea (at least I thought) to create a case for my laptop. Originally my plan was to sew up a pouch with cotton fabric and a fleece lining for protection and cushion. However, going that route meant that I would have to visit a local fabric store, pick out my fabric and purchase it. I decided that I could knit a suitable case with yarn I already had on hand in less time than it would take me to sew it. How hard could it be? I thought.
To be fair, the case wasn't really that hard to make. It was pretty simple technique-wise. The only problem with it was that it took way longer than I expected to make (I just now finished it this month). Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that I did not work on the project regularly. Every once in a while I would chip away at it, but I didn't commit myself to making an effort. Also, I misplaced the project for about a month before I found it again, so that certainly didn't help.
Finally I was able to overcome my various difficulties and finish my case! It is a bit lopsided in my opinion, but considering I had no pattern to work off of and pretty much made it up as I went along, I think I did pretty well.
#2 - Beanie
If you have read my blog before you might recall that back in October I made a quick loom-knitted hat for my minion costume. Spurred on by that experience and a cute beanie one of my friends owned, I decided I could modify my method enough to create my own beanie.
This project wasn't especially difficult either, I just knitted the same hat that I did for my minion, but with a thicker yarn. Also, I made it a bit longer so that the beanie would have some slouch in it. After knitting the minion hat I was a little burned out on the knitting loom, so that slowed my progress. Still I managed to finish it!
#1 - Laptop Case
Way back in September or so of last year I had the brilliant idea (at least I thought) to create a case for my laptop. Originally my plan was to sew up a pouch with cotton fabric and a fleece lining for protection and cushion. However, going that route meant that I would have to visit a local fabric store, pick out my fabric and purchase it. I decided that I could knit a suitable case with yarn I already had on hand in less time than it would take me to sew it. How hard could it be? I thought.
To be fair, the case wasn't really that hard to make. It was pretty simple technique-wise. The only problem with it was that it took way longer than I expected to make (I just now finished it this month). Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that I did not work on the project regularly. Every once in a while I would chip away at it, but I didn't commit myself to making an effort. Also, I misplaced the project for about a month before I found it again, so that certainly didn't help.
Finally I was able to overcome my various difficulties and finish my case! It is a bit lopsided in my opinion, but considering I had no pattern to work off of and pretty much made it up as I went along, I think I did pretty well.
#2 - Beanie
If you have read my blog before you might recall that back in October I made a quick loom-knitted hat for my minion costume. Spurred on by that experience and a cute beanie one of my friends owned, I decided I could modify my method enough to create my own beanie.
This project wasn't especially difficult either, I just knitted the same hat that I did for my minion, but with a thicker yarn. Also, I made it a bit longer so that the beanie would have some slouch in it. After knitting the minion hat I was a little burned out on the knitting loom, so that slowed my progress. Still I managed to finish it!
3/11/17
DIY Sharpie Mug
Recently a friend's birthday came up and I had NO idea what to get her. So, instead of floundering around in the dark I decided to ask her what she wanted. One of the ideas she suggested to me was a mug because she really likes tea. Now, mugs are pretty easy to find, but I wanted to do something a bit more special. So I decided to make her a personalized mug myself.
My adventure started at Dollar Tree store to get my mug. Ideally, I was looking to get a plain white mug, but all they had in solid colors were mustard yellow and black. The yellow wasn't a good match for the color scheme I was going for, so I went with the black mug. Plus, it was only $1!
Next, I went to a local craft store to get the sharpies. Instead of using regular sharpies for this project I splurged and bought some paint sharpies. They were a little more expensive than regular sharpies, but they would be more durable and wouldn't wash off as easily. The colors I chose were blue, green, and pink.
I decorated the handle of the mug, as well as adding a tea bag as an accent. When the design we done I let it dry for a couple days before firing it in the oven. I let the mug sit in the oven while it preheated for 450 degrees. Then I baked it for half an hour, before letting it cool with the oven.
3/2/17
Spring Choir Concert
Okay, technically this wasn't JUST at choir concert. If we are being official it was an A Cappella Choir and Women's Glee Club Concert with a guest performance by a high school Madrigal group. Also, this was a concert that I dragged my Dad along to (because who likes to go to social events alone?).
So, as I was saying, this past Monday I went to a "choir concert" with my dad. It was an experience we both enjoyed. Out of the three groups performing, my favorite was the A Cappella Choir (ironically they had an accompaniment for one of their numbers). They had a great sound that resounded through out the auditorium. They also sang a wide variety of songs, from a pep-rally cheer for rutabagas (don't ask me, I don't know either) to a re-imagined African-American spiritual.
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| Isn't he great? :) |
Also, one of my favorite pieces performed that night was a rendition of Ubi Caritas by the high school Madrigal group.
As a whole, the night was enjoyable. It was fun to get out of the house and hear some MUSIC!
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