written by marieann
We’ve just past the first birthday of this crafty blog. Caro and I would like some feedback about why you readers visit the site and what you’d like it to shape up to be in the future. Please take less than a minute to take our four question survey (this expires on 2/9/08).
Also we’re trying out some new design ideas for the layout, sorry for the construction around here!
written by marieann
I can’t think of the word, but there’s something to describe a meat dish that’s basically a giant pile of leftovers. You can throw just about anything in there and it’s good. That word (?) describes this vegetarian miso soup. It tastes good with nearly anything that you have on hand but best of all is super quick. You should change the ingredients liberally based on what’s in your cupboard. The miso is the only constant. Miso is INCREDIBLY healthy and you should seriously think about putting this into your soups (instead of animal broth).
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
2/3 cups frozen vegetables — pick what you like, I like the Italian blend but the soup blend or others will do
fresh vegetables that you have on hand — spinach, mushrooms, carrots, etc.
1/2 cup beans — again pick; I like lentil, black bean or red beans
tofu — 8 1″ squares
1 heaping tablespoon of miso paste — white paste tastes the best
This is one serving.
Instructions:
1. Boil 1 1/2 cups of the water. Add the frozen vegetables and fresh vegetables that take longer to cook (such as carrots). Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook 1/2 cup of water for 2 minutes in the microwave. After the water is heated, dissolve the miso paste in the hot water.
3. After the vegetables have simmered 4-5 minutes, add the beans and fresh vegetables that cook up quick. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add the tofu. Simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in the miso water. Enjoy!
WHERE TO PURCHASE MISO PASTE:
It’s available at health stores in the section where they sell tofu and tempeh and other cold soy products. You may be able to purchase powdered miso at regular grocery stores in the “international” section.
written by marieann
I used this easy tutorial to make a couple of pen holders for the journals I made. I used a layer of interfacing in the pocket to make it firmer. This wasn’t too difficult except that my sewing machine had a bit of trouble sewing through all the layers. Also, there’s a mistake in the tutorial — in step 3 she says, sew the wrong sides together while it should be sew with the wrong side of the pocket together with the right side of the front piece. Also, if you piece your front as I did on the bright pen holder, you should press a piece of interfacing or scrap fabric to the back so that your pen doesn’t get caught on all the seams of the pocket. I’m really excited to use this so that I will no longer make the excuse that I can’t journal because I can’t find a pen. You could also make these for your datebooks, calendars, etc.
written by threadslinger
I made this scoody last week (Scarf + Hoody = Scoody). It is super warm and functional. Plus, it doesn’t give you hat hair, but still keeps your ears warm. I wrote a full step by step tut on Cutoutandkeep so feel free to check it out if you want to make your own!
written by marieann
I made these little wallets using this tutorial. The main thing that I changed is that I used interfacing for the body of the wallet. I used hair bands as the wrap around with shanked buttons as the closure system. Since I’ve been carrying this tea wallet in my backpack, I’ve drank so many more teas at school. I whipped up another five of these tonight (they’re not all quite finished); when they are, I’ll add photos here.
written by marieann
I made these little babies using quilt blocks. I gave them away as holiday gifts for my family and everyone loved them. If you start making quilt blocks and decide that you don’t have the patience to make a whole quilt, this is a perfect alternative.
Materials:
Fabric
Pellon (buy at a fabric store by the yard)
Heat resistant batting (again, at a fabric store)
Tools:
Sewing machine
Rotary cutter
Needle and thread (for hand sewing)
Instructions:
1. Make your quilt block. Whatever you want will work.
2. Cut the pellon backing and the heat resistant batting the same size as the block. Pin together.
3. Quilt the three layers together. I did a sweet octagon pattern.
4. Bind the pot holder. First, sew the binding to the front via machine, then fold the binding over to the back and sew by hand. If you are impatient, ask your mother to do it for you.
written by marieann
I spent the last weekend working my crafty pants off! Here’s a sneak peak of things to come that I made (or started or finished) this last weekend (it was five days for me!).
written by threadslinger
I made this little strawberry shortcake doll for Marie for Christmas. This is both because she loves strawberry shortcake and because it is very hard to make something for a craftster that she can’t make herself. With yarn dolls/animals I felt pretty safe 
I am not really sure how to write a “how to” for this doll because I made it up as I went along and did a lot of looking at pictures of her to figure out how to do it. But, I figure you all can enjoy her cuteness.
written by marieann
I had this very awesome owl sweater. It was the greatest sweater I have ever owned and I got a compliment on it every time I wore it. When I was at my parents’ house, I washed it and it totally funked out (even though I’d washed it dozens of times at a laundrymat). I was very sad but I decided to cut out the cool tag and the buttons and play taps when I threw it away.
When I went with my mom to our local Walmart, I had to pick up the same pattern and buy some cheapo fabric at Walmart. At first I didn’t love this green fabric but it turned out great. The lining doesn’t match perfectly, but I wanted to go cheap because I already made a coat last year and this was just a fluke project considering I had ten million other things to craft while I was at home.
I made the coat but was missing something …. it was missing a sweet owl patch. After testing the placement all over the coat, we decided it looked best on the sleeve. So the poor owl sweater still lives with in this coat.
written by marieann
I used this tutorial. It’s SUPER easy to use. I made only two changes — I didn’t use the Puffs tissues which are apparently fatter. Therefore, I found that the normal travel tissues you get at the grocery store fit well when you make the fabric 8 x 6.5 inches to begin. Also, in the last step when you bring each end to the center, I overlapped them a bit to make sure that the tissue holder stays closed when not in use.
These are a blast to make — very quick and a great way to use up your odd stash pieces.
Together, we make stuff -- from yarn, fabric, paper and food. We post tutorials to share our love of craft and inspire you -- 117 project/tutorials and counting (see 'em all here!)
Marie would love to do commissioned work for you or personal swaps -- email her at diynamite@gmail.com
