I finally broke out the sewing machine. I celebrated the occasion by using some stash fabric to make my second version of the ever popular built by wendy simplicity dress. I made a combination of the long dress (sleeves and length) and the top (elastic neckline, lack of darts and pockets). It couldn't have been easier--I didn't even have to mark anything! I'm moderately pleased with the results, though I think I'm much more into fitted garments these days--or at least volume and shapelessness in an artful way. This dress doesn't quite fit that bill, but for what it is, it's not bad. I ended up inserting a side zipper to insure that it would fit over my head. Despite the fact that I have inserted quite a few zippers, I find that mine still look like train wrecks. Has anyone come across a fool-proof zipper tutorial?
I also [finally] finished my basket from Australia! This started out as a mat, then became a shallow bowl, and now turned out to be a deeper bowl. I'm pretty happy with it--it's a bit wonky, but I think that just adds a lot more personality. The colors are slightly more vibrant in person. Very earthy.
And finally, my most delicious creations this week: arancini and pumpkin cookies. I loosely followed the recipe on Shawnee's blog, but instead of stuffing these yummy rice balls with fresh mozzarella, I mixed up some shredded spinach, chives, feta, and egg for the stuffing mixture. To make the arancini, I used an ice cream scoop to shape half the rice mixture, put in the stuffing, then formed the other side of the rice. They turned out really crispy and yummy. I ate them with a simple homemade herbed tomato sauce.
For a potluck I made these great pumpkin cookies from a friend's recipe. The pumpkin puree makes these cookies nicely moist and almost cake-like. They're really addictive!
Pumpkin Cookies
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c pumpkin
1 egg, beaten
2 c. flour
1 t cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
Cream butter, sugar, and pumpkin. Add egg, then dry ingredients and vanilla. Drop by spoonful onto ungrease cookie sheet (though I prefer using a silicone mat). Bake at 375 F for 10 minutes. Frost with powdered sugar icing, if desired.
Bon appetit!
5 comments:
found you via WR ... i'll have to try out your pumpkin cookies recipe! also a student and i have finals this week, so i'm planning some major pumpkin baking for thursday evening :-) and your cookies sound like just the place to start! cheers!
oh yes, and like the dress! i love the BBW necklines but the shapelessness of the overall garments has put me off from actually making any myself. looks like you did a good job though =).
Great dress! And that recipe looks amazing. I'm a huge fan of pumpkin bread, so I'm sure to be a huge fan of pumpkin cookies too!
Both recipes look great! I think I just might try the arancini, with the variation you mentioned tonight for supper! Thanks for sharing that, and the pumpkin cookie recipe :-)
Obviously, I love everything in this post. I'm not sure which I love best - that dress is so adorable (I wish I could sew! It's on my list of "to learn") the basket is beautiful (it's the exact colours that appeal to me) and the food... I think I need to make me some of those cookies (and arancini too!)
The dress is adorable!! You did a great job and the sash definitely adds more shape. It looks great on you!
And the basket? Gorgeous!
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