If you are unaware of my epic saga to create Espresso flavored cookies, please see this post. My third attempt followed nearly the same recipe Attempt 2 used with two distinct differences:
1) Instead of a tablespoon I put in 1/4 cup of instant espresso powder, which was mixed in with the dry ingredients instead of melted into the butter.
2) In lieu of chocolate chunks or chips, I used a mix of dark and milk chocolate covered coffee beans.
Verdict:
The espresso powder made the cookies even puffier and dryer than Attempt 2 without adding much in the way of flavor. The chocolate covered coffee beans were a definite plus- despite the boyfriend's comment that if he didn't know better, the texture would make him think I'd put a bunch of eggshells in the batter.
Attempt 4 will revert back to a tablespoon of espresso powder (melted into the butter), and just add a ton more coffee beans. Either that or I may just give up and move onto chocolate Guinness cake.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Pleated Purse
I have a long, illustrious history of making bags...well, sort of. Now and then I feel the need to make one, to either hold something I've acquired (a la my DS bag), or just to carry things around. They're never perfect but always serviceable, and now and then come out much better than expected. I also get better with each successive bag.
The pleated purse is originally based on a bag I spotted at a department store. I'm not a huge fan of leather and didn't feel like spending $70 on something marred with ugly logos, so I decided to make my own. Despite my inability to find the color I was looking for (which is a little sad, since that was main reason the original bag attracted my attention), I decided upon dark blue with a blinding yet classy orange lining. I also found some swank buttons that I was determined to work in.
Materials:
- 2 yds exterior fabric (I'm a huge fan of upholstry fabric)
- 2 yds lining (didn't use all of it)
- 1 yd support (you can use fusable interfacing, but I like canvas)
- Matching thread
- 3 zippers (two 7 inches, one 14 inches)
- 4 awesome buttons
- 2 D-rings
- 2 swivel hooks
- 1.5 yd of strap material
I am all for making things easy- or at least feasible- so despite my original inspiration, the final product ended up being mostly based on something I saw online. With more pockets. And my nemesis: zippers!
I will spare you complete diagrams of all my pieces and complete instructions- if you'd like them comment and I'll send them your way. Instead I'm highlighting some of my problems.
The big deal for me were the lining pockets, as I had never done one before. This bag actually has two, and while the both were successful the first one was a little rough. Just remember to give yourself an extra allowance around all edges to make sewing the back of the pocket easier, and try attaching the zipper with the heat bond strips for a cleaner look.
I also did things completely backwards, and instead of starting with the zippered top, I finished with it. This put a lot of strain on my cheap sewing machine- it actually stopped working for a while, but once it rested up overnight I was able to finish. Next time I'll do things the right way- but for this bag I was left with gross messy seams on top.
My swank buttons ended up coming in handy though- as I cut out (for lack of a better term) band aid shaped pieces of my exterior fabric, added button holes and wrapped those around the sides to hide those seams. It ended up looking much nicer than it should have.
The pleated purse is originally based on a bag I spotted at a department store. I'm not a huge fan of leather and didn't feel like spending $70 on something marred with ugly logos, so I decided to make my own. Despite my inability to find the color I was looking for (which is a little sad, since that was main reason the original bag attracted my attention), I decided upon dark blue with a blinding yet classy orange lining. I also found some swank buttons that I was determined to work in.
Materials:
- 2 yds exterior fabric (I'm a huge fan of upholstry fabric)
- 2 yds lining (didn't use all of it)
- 1 yd support (you can use fusable interfacing, but I like canvas)
- Matching thread
- 3 zippers (two 7 inches, one 14 inches)
- 4 awesome buttons
- 2 D-rings
- 2 swivel hooks
- 1.5 yd of strap material
I am all for making things easy- or at least feasible- so despite my original inspiration, the final product ended up being mostly based on something I saw online. With more pockets. And my nemesis: zippers!
I will spare you complete diagrams of all my pieces and complete instructions- if you'd like them comment and I'll send them your way. Instead I'm highlighting some of my problems.
The big deal for me were the lining pockets, as I had never done one before. This bag actually has two, and while the both were successful the first one was a little rough. Just remember to give yourself an extra allowance around all edges to make sewing the back of the pocket easier, and try attaching the zipper with the heat bond strips for a cleaner look.I also did things completely backwards, and instead of starting with the zippered top, I finished with it. This put a lot of strain on my cheap sewing machine- it actually stopped working for a while, but once it rested up overnight I was able to finish. Next time I'll do things the right way- but for this bag I was left with gross messy seams on top.
My swank buttons ended up coming in handy though- as I cut out (for lack of a better term) band aid shaped pieces of my exterior fabric, added button holes and wrapped those around the sides to hide those seams. It ended up looking much nicer than it should have.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Perler Bead Coasters
Does anybody remember Perler Beads? You know- those fusible beads you would place on pegboards and iron? They were all the rage (or something) back in my after school program in elementary school. They were never very complex, but it was something cheap and fun for kids to do as long as they're old enough not to eat the beads.
Well it turns out they're cool again (maybe?), at least for crafty people who like old video games. Google image search "8 bit perler" or "video game perler" and you'll see a ton of great characters people have recreated. My first creation thus far has been borrowed from this wonderful person. Specifically the chicken. I love that chicken.
Materials & Tools:
- Perler beads
- Peg Board
- Ironing paper (usually you get a few with the purchase of the above, though I'm sure parchment paper would do in a pinch)
- Iron
I purchased my beads in a giant 22,000 bead bucket from a chain craft store. The only downside (for some) is that it's all disorganized and comes with tons of colors you'll probably never use. But I enjoy letting my OCD out once in a while, and can spend a few hours at a time sorting while watching TV.
The peg boards I got at the same craft store. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though I'm a big fan of the 29x29 boards you can interlock to make something giant. For that chicken, though, I only needed one.
Since someone was awesome enough to post a decent picture of this design I used it as my template. If you can't find one, another good place to look is cross stitch websites, though their designs tend to be more intricate. There are also programs out there you can download or purchase to create your own designs, or you could take a tiny picture of a character you like and zoom in until it gets all pixelated. It's up to you.
The actual construction is very simple as long as you're patient. Go row by row, or color by color, until the design in complete. A pair of tweezers can help speed the process along. Cover with the paper and iron until the beads fuse. If you'd like, glue coarkboard on the back, though it works fine without it.
I find that occasionally the coaster wants to bend- maybe I'm not doing it right- so I let mine cool between two phone books.
Ta-Da:
Well it turns out they're cool again (maybe?), at least for crafty people who like old video games. Google image search "8 bit perler" or "video game perler" and you'll see a ton of great characters people have recreated. My first creation thus far has been borrowed from this wonderful person. Specifically the chicken. I love that chicken.
Materials & Tools:
- Perler beads
- Peg Board
- Ironing paper (usually you get a few with the purchase of the above, though I'm sure parchment paper would do in a pinch)
- Iron
I purchased my beads in a giant 22,000 bead bucket from a chain craft store. The only downside (for some) is that it's all disorganized and comes with tons of colors you'll probably never use. But I enjoy letting my OCD out once in a while, and can spend a few hours at a time sorting while watching TV.
The peg boards I got at the same craft store. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though I'm a big fan of the 29x29 boards you can interlock to make something giant. For that chicken, though, I only needed one.
Since someone was awesome enough to post a decent picture of this design I used it as my template. If you can't find one, another good place to look is cross stitch websites, though their designs tend to be more intricate. There are also programs out there you can download or purchase to create your own designs, or you could take a tiny picture of a character you like and zoom in until it gets all pixelated. It's up to you.
The actual construction is very simple as long as you're patient. Go row by row, or color by color, until the design in complete. A pair of tweezers can help speed the process along. Cover with the paper and iron until the beads fuse. If you'd like, glue coarkboard on the back, though it works fine without it.
I find that occasionally the coaster wants to bend- maybe I'm not doing it right- so I let mine cool between two phone books.
Ta-Da:
Bottle Cap Earrings
I borrowed (i.e. stole) the idea for this from a friend of mine, who gave me a pair of Corona caps her little sister had made. Everyone loves bottle cap earrings- except, perhaps, the school where that sister went. Apparently they didn't approve of mixing tweens and alcoholic paraphernalia, and the earrings were banned. That shouldn't stop you from promoting your favorite beer, though.Required:
-Bottle caps*
-Earring hooks
-Hammer
-Thick Nail
-Pliers
-Scrap Wood
Any bottle cap will do, though obviously twistoffs are easier to prepare. If your beer requires an opener, be careful. Don't use ones that are pointy (I've found this style works best), and don't try and open it in one go. Lift slightly, turn the cap, lift slightly again, etc.
Once you've removed your cap, decide what direction should be up and place the tip of your nail on the inside of the cap. I've found the closer it is to the edge, the easier it will be to attach the loop. Hammer 'til a hole of your liking appears. **NOTE** DO NOT do this on a nice table. To get a decent sized hole you will leave a dent in the surface upon which you are nailing. Hence the scrap wood.
Use the pliers to open the bottom of your earring loop. Slip on the cap and check that it's facing the right direction before closing the gap.
*While the point is to promote what you like, I've found some good graphic caps can be found with: Hitachino's Nest (pictured), Newcastle, New Belgium Brewery, and Rogue.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Espresso Cookies - Attempts 1 & 2
Coffee and Cookies are both awesome. Wouldn't it be nice if someone combined them? At this point I've tried twice to get it right. The results...well, they were tasty, but tasted nothing like coffee. Despite this small (i.e. big) problem, they still have more caffeine than the average cookie, so I might as well post about them.
Attempt 2
I like my cookies chewy, so I followed this wonderful recipe from Good Eats. Well, not exactly: AP was substituted for bread flour because it's cheaper.
I was able to find instant espresso in the coffee aisle at the supermarket (if it's not there, try the international foods section), and threw a little over a tablespoon into my cookie batter.
I was going to add this as a footnote but it's worth mentioning- instant coffee will not do for this recipe. In Attempt 1 (so botched it's not worth going into detail) I used a tablespoon of instant coffee plus 1/3 cup really strong coffee. Still turned out ok, but even less coffee flavor.
At 375, these cookies took 9 minutes to cook, rotating once.
The result...well, they're good. But still don't taste like coffee. I think the culprit is the dark brown sugar. The molasses drowns out most everything else. Next attempt will feature light brown, and if I have to go all granulated I'll have to switch over to bread flour to maintain the chewy goodness.
Attempt 2
I like my cookies chewy, so I followed this wonderful recipe from Good Eats. Well, not exactly: AP was substituted for bread flour because it's cheaper.
I was able to find instant espresso in the coffee aisle at the supermarket (if it's not there, try the international foods section), and threw a little over a tablespoon into my cookie batter.
I was going to add this as a footnote but it's worth mentioning- instant coffee will not do for this recipe. In Attempt 1 (so botched it's not worth going into detail) I used a tablespoon of instant coffee plus 1/3 cup really strong coffee. Still turned out ok, but even less coffee flavor.
At 375, these cookies took 9 minutes to cook, rotating once.
The result...well, they're good. But still don't taste like coffee. I think the culprit is the dark brown sugar. The molasses drowns out most everything else. Next attempt will feature light brown, and if I have to go all granulated I'll have to switch over to bread flour to maintain the chewy goodness.
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