I sew a lot to earn a little extra money and because I love to sew and share my ideas in quilts and banners, etc. What is irritating, however, is how little value other people often put on one's efforts. One woman asked me about the cost of making a custom quilt for her. I told her I charge $10 an hour plus the cost of the fabric. The quilt she had in mind would have come to around $100. She was shocked even after I showed her the proposed time involved and the cost of the fabric. Since I knew the woman was going through some financial problems (her own fault, but . . .), I was actually thinking of making the quilt and just giving it to her. As I walked away from our conversation, I heard her snort to another woman, "Can you believe that price! I wouldn't pay her $20 for a quilt." That kind of took THAT quilt project off my agenda.
It wasn't so much that she didn't want to pay for the cost of a quilt but her attitude that $20 would more than cover the expense. Kind of an insult to my time and creativity.
Anyway, I was productive, yesterday, and designed three banners for my sale's efforts this week. Instead of the large, square type, I made 11 x 38-inch long one depicting Our Lady of Guadeloupe on two of them and the Holy Spirit on the third. Just have to get the dowels fixed for hanging them and they are on the market!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sewing today . . .?
I've been trying to wend my way to the sewing machine for a week now but life, cleaning, and appointments have constantly veered me off track! Today, I'm hoping to get enough creativity going to get something done. I'm still sewing and crocheting to make a bit of extra cash to take care of my own, small needs as termites and leaky roofs have eaten into the budget! I just got some beautiful panel prints of Our Lady of Guadeloupe and should be able to think of something to do with that. I sold most of my tote bags over Christmas so might think about replenishing my stash today!
I've been watching a Food Network show called America's Worst Cook which has been frustrating but interesting. The frustrating part is these contestants can't seem to follow the most simple of directions. It seems to me that if I could absolutely not cook to save my life, I'd pay more attention to the cooking projects at hand. I love this one guy who tries to improvise away from the stated recipe when he doesn't know how to cook in the first place! However, the recipes proposed for the challenges are great and I was happy to discover they are being posted on the Food Network site. Hey, I know how to cook AND I can follow directions!
I've been watching a Food Network show called America's Worst Cook which has been frustrating but interesting. The frustrating part is these contestants can't seem to follow the most simple of directions. It seems to me that if I could absolutely not cook to save my life, I'd pay more attention to the cooking projects at hand. I love this one guy who tries to improvise away from the stated recipe when he doesn't know how to cook in the first place! However, the recipes proposed for the challenges are great and I was happy to discover they are being posted on the Food Network site. Hey, I know how to cook AND I can follow directions!
Twisted world?
Practically the moment the Arizona shooting happened, the media and liberal factions pointed fingers at conservatives claiming their 'narrow-minded verbage' ignited the hatred in the mind and heart of the shooter. Turns out, the bad guy had no political leanings and didn't listen to the 'awful' conservative talk show radio programs. He was just mentally unbalance all on his own.
Once that was determined, the liberal press graciously offered an apology to each and every conservative they blasted . . . NOT! While bemoaning the horror of the shootings and the lives lost, there are ongoing death threats and nasty postings about Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, etc. Now, who is igniting hatred in the hearts of people? It is like the lefties of the world glady took advantage of a tragedy to further their own twisted agenda.
I'm hoping that with the election of more conservative minds into our government, good and clear thoughts will start to take hold in how we are governed.
Once that was determined, the liberal press graciously offered an apology to each and every conservative they blasted . . . NOT! While bemoaning the horror of the shootings and the lives lost, there are ongoing death threats and nasty postings about Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, etc. Now, who is igniting hatred in the hearts of people? It is like the lefties of the world glady took advantage of a tragedy to further their own twisted agenda.
I'm hoping that with the election of more conservative minds into our government, good and clear thoughts will start to take hold in how we are governed.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Easy to figure out why . . .
After hearing the results of these movie/actor award shows, it is easy to see that moral values are pretty low. I wonder, however, how many people figure out that the movie industry might be encourged to up their idea of real moral value if we let them know at the box office. I mean, popularity comes from people supporting the productions and the only way is from purchasing a ticket or buying a DVD. Next time, you hear someone bemoan the downward slide of our culture, ask them what movies they've seen lately.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Yeah, let's worry!
Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what's going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House?
Will Rogers
Will Rogers
Long-term Biscuits!
Can't recall posting this but there are always people popping in for a look who might find this handy!
Freeze 'n' Bake Biscuits
6 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry milk powder
1/4 cup baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups shortening
1 1/2 cups water
In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together until well combined. Cut shortening into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using fork, stir in water until mixture is just moistened.
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Turn dough onto well-floured surface. Lightly flour your hands and knead dough 8 to 10 times until smooth. Pat out dough about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares or cut with biscuit cutter, without twisting biscuit cutter. Place about 1/2-inch apart on baking sheet and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.
Makes about 5 dozen.
To freeze, prepare but do not bake. Freeze, then place in plastic bags. Remove biscuits as needed and bake frozen for 30 to 35 minutes. Ingredients may be mixed, stored in container, water added and baked as needed.
Freeze 'n' Bake Biscuits
6 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry milk powder
1/4 cup baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups shortening
1 1/2 cups water
In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together until well combined. Cut shortening into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using fork, stir in water until mixture is just moistened.
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Turn dough onto well-floured surface. Lightly flour your hands and knead dough 8 to 10 times until smooth. Pat out dough about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares or cut with biscuit cutter, without twisting biscuit cutter. Place about 1/2-inch apart on baking sheet and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.
Makes about 5 dozen.
To freeze, prepare but do not bake. Freeze, then place in plastic bags. Remove biscuits as needed and bake frozen for 30 to 35 minutes. Ingredients may be mixed, stored in container, water added and baked as needed.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Termites are so much fun . . .
If you believe the subject line, I might have some swamp land property to offer, too! We first got notice of the unwelcome critters when we discovered they had actually eaten a noticeable chunk out of the baseboard in my daughter's room. Fortunately, they were able to treat just the wall and, for the sake of prevention, sprayed our attic and the perimeter of the house. We were offered a yearly 'membership' for $250 which would give us an annual check up and treatment as needed. We weren't sure but decided to go for it. Best decision of our life.
Given the extensive treatment of last year, we were pretty sure the $250 payment would remain just a fee without a benefit. Wrong! The termites came in through a drain line that was outside the house BUT up against the wall of an inside closet. Uh, this is my craft/junk closet so you can imagine how much I enjoyed my husband the the termite guy pulling out the piles and piles of stuff. Sigh . . . Guess what, that closet is near perfection today. Do you think the termite guy was sent by my guardian angel to finally bring organization to that portion of my life?
Given the extensive treatment of last year, we were pretty sure the $250 payment would remain just a fee without a benefit. Wrong! The termites came in through a drain line that was outside the house BUT up against the wall of an inside closet. Uh, this is my craft/junk closet so you can imagine how much I enjoyed my husband the the termite guy pulling out the piles and piles of stuff. Sigh . . . Guess what, that closet is near perfection today. Do you think the termite guy was sent by my guardian angel to finally bring organization to that portion of my life?
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