Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Kelly

Kitchen Tips

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How many times have you gone to the fridge to use the tomato paste only to find some unwanted fuzzies on top because you haven’t used any for a while? I wasted a lot of tomato paste until I came across this tip:

After opening your jar and using the tomato paste pour a layer of olive oil on top and evenly distribute. Replace the lid. The next time you use the tomato paste there will be a layer of solidified oil that is white, don’t worry – it’s only oil, just use the paste as normal. Do this after each use. Tomato paste lasts for absolutely ages in the fridge using this trick.

Funny things happen while you’re away…

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The garden was fairly dry when we left but apparently Melbourne had a lot of rain and we’ve come back to a jungle – like backyard complete with giant zucchinis. The one at the front weighed in at 2.9 kilograms!!  Unfortunately they’re not really edible at this size (I’ve tried!)

I’m working on a few things at the moment. Actually, I just want to plonk myself in front of the sewing machine after my week away, but there is so much else that needs my attention! I’m hoping to finish off a new doll this week, start on a custom order and organise myself for the Crafty Mamas get together on Friday where I’ll be teaching doll making for the first time (gulp).

Better get back to it…..

Sigh. We’re back.

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I must admit, I’m not all that thrilled to be home.
I could have stayed. For good.
That’s me half way up a sand dune, full of energy, breathing that gorgeous fresh air blowing right off the ocean.

What a stunningly beautiful place.
Going away from home has added fuel to the fire. We feel suffocated in the suburbs, we don’t want to bring our children up here. We’re racking our brains as to how we can afford to get back to the country. We need open space, fresh air and clean land. We’ll get there somehow, God willing.

New baby knot dolls

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I’ve been making some more baby knot dolls, they are so cute and soft. I think I’ll enjoy making these as winter sets in, the wool warms your hands while the little face warms your heart.
The burgundy striped baby is already in my Etsy shop, which is surprisingly well stocked at the moment (well, for me it is anyway!)
And the blue spotted one already has a new owner…….

                                   The all important chomp test…………….  approved!

Out of the woodwork all ye lurkers!!!

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Gill had a post some time ago now about the fact that so many would visit her blog yet so few would bother to leave a comment. There are many reasons for this happening – people don’t have time to comment, they’re not interested enought to comment, they don’t care enough to comment….

So, for today I would love for you who lurk here to stop and introduce yourselves. Whenever I get a comment from an unfamiliar blogger I go to check out their blog too. Even if you’re visiting for the first time today, a quick Hi! would make my day.

And thanks so much to those who do comment here regularly, you make me feel it’s all worth it šŸ™‚

Yoghurt cheese or spread

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As promised, this is how to make yoghurt cheese or spread from your home made yoghurt (see last post).
You need a piece of muslin (I think it’s known as cheesecloth elsewhere), a rubber band, and a bowl or roundish container.

Place the muslin in a double layer over the bowl and secure around the rim with a rubber band. Spoon in the yoghurt. Place on a plate (the muslin takes up a lot of liquid). Stick it in the fridge. The length of time you leave it for is up to you. If you want it spread consistency a few hours will do it. If you want it thicker you can leave it overnight.
When it’s really thick you can roll it into balls, coat with herbs, paprika and the like and keep in good olive oil in the fridge.
You can use it to spread on bread (home made of course!!) then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
You can use it in place of sour cream, make a dip – the uses are only limited by your imagination.

That’s even easier than making the yoghurt, right?

Doll making tips

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I certainly don’t consider myself an authority on making dolls, but here are a few tips that experience (and repetition) have taught me:

* Wash your hands thoroughly before starting. This may seem obvious but even the natural oil from your skin can affect your skin fabric, remember – your doll will have been held a lot before she is completed!

* Use quality materials. Costly, yes. Worth it? Yes! This includes your threads.

* Use small stitches. Whether you hand or machine stitch your dolls you don’t want them coming apart at the seams.

* I like to keep all my work tidy, even the parts that won’t be seen. It helps to develop quality workmanship and good habits.

* When embroidering facial features don’t pull the thread tight, just let it sit comfortably on the surface – no puckers.

* I use doubled quilting thread for sewing on limbs It’s particularly important when making dolls for children that the doll is strong.

* Sink stitches back into the body when finishing for tidiness.

* If your dolls legs and body are one piece, double or triple stitch the groin area, as it’s vulnerable to coming apart or ripping.

* For corners (around hands, feet, etc) use the stitch, stitch, turn method.

* Don’t rush! Enjoy the process and take time to be careful. As you become more practiced you will also get faster.

Hope you find something helpful there!