Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Cooking and sewing...it's what I do...

 This time of year I use my crock pot a lot more..and my favorite thing to make in it is soup! Yesterday I made some vegetable beef soup...we had a little piece of London Broil left from Sunday night's dinner...what to do with...of course soup is the first thing that came to our minds...I don't really use a recipe...I'm not that disciplined...I just sort of wing it...to start... I cut up some celery...
 Onions...this time I used white ones...sometimes yellow or red...depends on what's in my onion basket...
 Always lots of garlic...I love garlic!
 And for me...this is key...beans...and lots of them! This is the 15 bean mix you can find in the grocery store near the rice...it's a staple here...it comes with a flavoring packet...I toss that and keep these guys in a jar on the counter...ready whenever I need them...
 It's starting to take shape...I put in a few bay leaves...some fresh picked rosemary...I always leave it on the sticks...twigs...whatever you call it...rosemary can be strong and this way you get a hint...but chopping it can overwhelm it...for me anyway...add some other herbs...whatever you like...I stick with oregano, thyme, sage...those ones...whatever is on hand...a little salt and pepper...
 A can of diced tomatoes...these work for me...you can use fresh...but this time of year the ones in the garden are just about gone and we save them to eat fresh...
 I let it cook almost all day...then a couple hours before dinner...turn up to high and add some yummy fresh veggies...whatever you have...I used carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, cabbage, green beans and corn...
 Mine always comes out more like a stew...really thick...add some water if you like...I like it thick...one bowl of this and a biscuit...you are full!
 I have been sewing a lot these days...for clients and inventory for my Etsy shop and craft fair...I thought I'd show a few bags I've finished...this is one for a client...it's a diaper bag. I loved this fabric and the client wanted something very feminine...I think this will work...
 The toile fabric is canvas...such a pretty pink...very light...don't think my pictures show it very well...I'm working on that...taking better pictures, that is! I love ruffles...but I'm not that fond of making them...
 Here's one I added to my Etsy shop...this was fun...I thought this fabric was so happy...and the ceramic button is from my hoard of buttons...did I say I hoard...yeah...I have to admit it I do hoard certain things...buttons are one..this one is from the 1980's...
 I just added some wool flowers to the pocket to tie everything together...
 This is a small bag...it has a long strap to go across the chest...I had these vintage buttons I wanted to use...they are small...but they work perfect on these bird houses...
This one is going to the craft show with me...I have a couple more orders for diaper bags...more boys...I've been making lots of boy diaper bags lately...they're all fun...so I better get back to work...I also have more bags to add to my inventory...drop by my Etsy shop and check it out...
Until next time ...have a great day!!!

16 comments:

Kris said...

The stew sounded and looked wonderful! I made beef barley soup with homemade English Muffin bread last night. Sure hit the spot!!! Loving all of your darling bags!

Cindy Adkins said...

The soup looks yummy and I always enjoy looking at your beautiful bags! The close-up photo of the beans looks so pretty!
Cindy

Christine said...

That soup does look good for a wintry kinda day!
I rally love the bag with the little red houses on it!
Thanks so much for offering to send me some floss! I was really touched by your kind thoughtfulness! I just might have to take you up on your offer but I have some shopping to do in Belfast which has a bigger craft store and hopefully the floss I need! I'll let you know!
Thanks so much!
Christine

Lavender and Linen said...

This looks so good.

Michelle said...

I love that toile on that diaper bag.

TheCrankyCrow said...

That soup looks so yummy - I'm a soup hound - especially this time of year. Unfortunately, my son and hubby are huge fans - so when I make a pot, I usually end up eating the whole thing myself. Tonight was Zuppa Tuscana...one of my favorites...really warms you from the inside out. Darling bags - that diaper bag is especially cute!! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Yvette said...

You make the cutest bags!

Googy Girl said...

Looks great, I love soup chock full of veges

Sue said...

We eat so much soup here this time of year. I love it all year, but I can justify it more when the weather is cooler. Yours looks delish! I think it smells so good when the crockpot is full and simmering all day.

I love that diaper bag! We had such ugly things, it didn't occur to me that I could have something so pretty!

Judy S. said...

Yum! That would have been perfect today! I need to drag out the crockpot. Just wanted to let you know that DD#2 (and everyone else) loved the diaper bag! Thanks again!!!

deb said...

that soup looks so yummy!!!! your bags are just getting better and better!!!!

Kathy said...

Love homemade soup! This looks wonderful! Love the pink diaper bag! You've done a marvelous job!
Kathy

Simple Home said...

Your soup sounds like a stew to me too, and it has got my mouth watering right now. In fact, I think I'm going to go start a crock pot meal right now. I like to throw in a frozen chuck roast right before I go to bed. By the time everyone is home from church on Sunday, it's done and delicious. With the leftovers, I'm going to make your stew. I love crock pot cooking too :)
Blessings,
Marcia

Siobhán said...

That soup looks SOOOOO good!! So do the bags--fantastic job!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Angela said...

Linda,
Your soup looks so yummy! It would be perfect on a day like we had here today! Your bags are gorgeous...love the toile!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Angela

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I amke a similar bean soup, using the same bag of mixed beans! It tastes so good!

Love all the bags!