The Knitting Dietitian: September 2006

Crewel Embroidery

I embroidered this design on the thigh of some old jeans. They are very comfy jeans, but the left knee recently started ripping, so I think I may do a vine-y design over the knee next. I got the design out of an old crewel embroidery book from the '70s. Then, I drew it onto the jeans with pen and embroidered over it. I really like the way it came out! I wear them all the time now. The picture is not great, unfortunately.

It's not that often I make something completely for myself. I usually make things for my etsy shop or for other people. So, this was fun.

I HEART Etsy!

My awesome friend Amanda just opened here etsy store www.brownsbazaar.etsy.com . I'm going to go ahead and brag for her because she is very creative and crafty!

Here is a unique bag made out of a vintage hankerchief:

(okay, I especially like this one because I gave it to her and I obviously have excellent taste...)

And here is a rockin' Elvis wallet:

She plans to add more fun stuff to her shop. I really like the style of her wallets because they are lined and sturdy, plus she has some serious surger-ing skills. Really you should just visit her shop for more pictures.

Oh, you don't know my friend Amanda...

Look I knitted her a pouch (same yarn as the hat below) and she is very excited. What did I say about my excellent taste? I bet you're thinking, wow Heather, you shamed her with a gift and she didn't even give you anything. Oh! But you would be mistaken! She presented me with this amazing piece of kitchenware:

Who are those lovely people on the plate? We don't know. But apparently I am SO excited I grew a double chin (seriously, I don't have a double chin in real life). If I had one of those sweet plate hangers, this dish would be on the wall. But alas, I do not. So I must save it for special times, like entertaining friends or when I'm in a really bad mood and I need a pick me up... I can look into those two smiling faces.

Time for some knitting content

I actually have been knitting quite a bit lately. The job hunt is taking longer than I would like, so I have to occupy myself with craftiness. Here's a hat I knitted recently.

Also I got my online shop going again (which is a long story). I just posted this hat in it today. I actually rarely put knitted items in my shop because I usually knit with a specific person (or me!) in mind.

Shameless plug: www.bourgeoisboutique.etsy.com
I've added lots of new items, especially felted flower brooches!

<--- posing rather dorkily

http://www.etsy.com/view_item.php?listing_id=465682

This yarn is 100% cotton that I recycled from a white thrift store sweater. Then, I dyed it a beige and then pink. I call it 'Strawberry Fields'. I've been by the thrift store looking for a white wool sweater to unravel and dye with kool-aid like I've seen done on craftster (www.craftster.org).

O Pesto Pizza!

How to make your very own Pesto Pizza

What you need:
pizza dough blender or food processor
fresh basil pizza pan or cookie sheet
garlic
mozzerella cheese
parmesan cheese
olive oil

Chris grate the cheese. This is a no brainer. Feel free to snack on the delicious mozzerella.

To make the pesto: Throw some fresh basil, a few cloves of garlic, parmesan cheese, and some olive oil into the blender. If you want to be very precise I recommend looking up a pesto recipe for measurements and the whatnot. I like to just through it all in and add this and that as needed to taste. Most recipes call for pine nuts or walnuts, which I did feel was necessary for the pizza.

My favorite part is making the dough! I use a recipe from Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. All you need is flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, and warm water. Very easy! You can also buy dough mixes and premade pizza dough, if you are so inclined. I recommend adding italian seasonings into the dough, dried basil, oregano, etc. I don't actually own a rolling pin, but the glass works fine.
Now throw the dough in the air a little, it will impress people.

Spread that pesto all over that dough. Then cheese it up real nice. Oh yeah. Then pop that baby in the oven.

I set it at 400 degrees for 15 min. Which I believe was a little too long. Chris calls it burnt, I call it crispy.

But it was actually VERY tasty.

Balcony pictures

Here are some pictures from our balcony at our new place. Our basil plant has really taken off and we're planning to make a Pesto Pizza with it tonight! I love homemade pizzas, they are so fun to make! Yesterday we bought a delicious Chocolate Mint plant and a Purple Thai Pepper plant at Grapevine's Grapefest.