As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm going to try getting over my fear of my sewing machine and make a simple cape for Jasper's birthday next week. But before I jump right into that project, I thought it would be a good idea to warm up a bit by doing some altering that I've been meaning to do for ages. So far, this has not gone very well. Honestly, if there is a gene for sewing, I think I'm missing it, which is shocking when both my mother and grandmother are expert sewists.
First I tried to take in a slip that was a bit big on me. I had to pull it out and redo it several times because the material was all puckering and looked weird even after I tried to press it...in retrospect I think I was using the wrong size of needle for such thin silky fabric. I just discovered that I have some size 9 needles that I inherited with the sewing machine, I should have used one of those I guess. But then, it was only last night that I was reading tutorials on Sew Mama Sew! and realized that needles even came in different sizes. (Laugh if you like, it is funny.)
Never mind that, a slip goes under clothing anyway, nobody sees it right? So I crossed that item off my list. At least it stays up when I wear it. Next I tried to hem some super long blue jeans. I figured, what could be easier than hemming a pair of pants? So I folded them up the right amount, pressed them, and ran a straight stitch around the bottom with white thread, which was the only non-funky colour I had. But I should have folded the extra material over an extra time, because it was flopping down when I wore them. So I yanked out the seams, cut the bottom of the jeans off, folded and pressed twice...but the original thread was used up, and I was using the only thread I had which was thicker, and it went all loopy on the bottom of the fabric, so I had to pull it out again.
Owen was really cute yesterday, "helping" me sew. I asked him to unwind the bobbin for me after I came to the conclusion that the thread I had was too thick to do anything with...he did this for a few moments and then said meekly, "Mom, wouldn't it be a better idea to get the machine to unwind it for us?" Good thing I have him for a helper! I'm just clueless about everything having to do with machines in general.
Today the house is very quiet. Chris started a new job today at a local industrial shop. He's pleased with it, because he will only be working 3 or 4 days per week (just really long shifts), which will still give him plenty of time to do his woodworking and go with us on family outings as well. It seems strange to have him gone all day. For the past few years he's been attending college, and never really had a heavy schedule, so we've gotten used to him often being at home. Especially since school ended in April, when he's been home all the time, although he is usually in the garage making toys. :)
Perhaps I'm just spoiled, but I don't really like being apart too much. It's my hope that someday, when we finally reach our dream of having a homestead on our own land, we'll find ways to create sufficient income that don't involve either of us being gone from home for 10 or 12 hours at a time.
But for now, at least one of us has to work for wages, or we'll never realize our dreams of owning land. One thing is for sure, that I have plenty to keep me busy here at home while Chris is at work. And that's the way I like it. I love being home, and working around the house. My only problem with being a full-time homemaker is that I never have quite enough time to do everything I'd like to.
I made some jam-filled muffins this morning that I can individually wrap and put in the freezer for Chris's lunches at work. They were very easy, and I think they turned out quite well, so I thought I'd share the recipe. I know that this time of year most of us have lots of jam to spare! (Note: Maybe some day, I'll post a recipe on my blog that is not a baked good. Maybe.)
Raspberry Jam Filled Muffins
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp grated lemon zest (I added a squirt of juice too for good measure)
1/2 cup raspberry jam (homemade is best!)
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, butter and lemon zest. Pour into dry mixture, stirring just until moistened. Don't over mix!
Spoon half the batter into greased muffin tins. (This recipe will make 12 small muffins, or 9-10 medium sized ones.) Add a spoonful of jam to each cup. Spoon remaining batter over jam. Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
I'm sorry Laura, but I'm sitting here laughing at your sewing mishaps - not because I'm laughing at you, but the same things would happen to me. I don't have a sewing machine any longer, and want to get one to do some quilts to sell and/or as gifts - but I know very little about sewing, so you're not alone at all, girlfriend. The muffins look deelish! I'll have to try your recipe, though I'm ashamed to say I have no homemade jam, darn! The pic of them finished baking looks so wonderful - you did a great job! I'm glad you like to be at home, and I hope that with Chris working, you will be able to move more towards your dream of own some land, and homesteading. Have a good evening, and take care, from KY.
Posted by: Kathy in KY | July 12, 2010 at 06:11 PM
i think we've all been there - it is so tempting to want to be perfect looking at other blogs or reading books- but i think those loopy seams, bricks of homemade bread, unsealed canning jars, and other mishaps on our quest for the perfect life are all part of the journey....it is nice to feel like your making progress along the way, mastering a couple of things along the way...and then adding more and more - and your muffins look great - thanks for the recipe!
Posted by: Meg | July 13, 2010 at 08:38 AM
I have made many mishaps in my journey of learning how to do new things since we moved to our farm almost 10 years ago.
Just last night, I tried cooking collard greens for the first time. The recipe said boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Perhaps they meant 35 minutes? It was like trying to eat wet paper.
Like you, I will take advice, re-read instructions, and try again. It's all about the journey, right?
Posted by: Missus | July 13, 2010 at 11:25 AM