Learning the Art of Handmade

In our quest to become more self-sufficient, to be able to make the things we need instead of buying them, I have begun sewing. I've always had a sewing machine, and remember watching my mom sew when I was a kid, but I can probably count on two hands the number of things I've actually made on my sewing machine over the last 10 years.

I've been working hard lately, and really putting effort into developing some sort of a skill with my hands. These items have taken many hours of trying to figure out just what the heck I'm doing. I hope to actually post some stuff up for sale at some point, but until then, I just wanted to share my handiwork's!! It feels SO good to be able to create with your hands, its very rewarding and invigorating.

Quilted, patchwork pillow that matches nothing in my house.

Bird Mobile I made for a friend at work who is having her first baby.

Gravies and Sauces....A few more recipes

Courtesy of The Spot:

Mushroom Walnut Gravy

4 cups water
2 Tbsp chopped onion
1/4 tsp granulated garlic
2 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
2 Tbsp Tamari
1/2 c mushrooms and/or chopped walnuts
3 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed into 1/4 c water

In a large saucepan, combine the water onions, aminos, tamari, garlic, mushrooms and walnuts. (I might choose to saute the onions first in a little oil) Bring the mixture to a boil. Separately, mix the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water, and slowly add this mixture to the sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens - about 10 minutes.

Savory Sauce

3/4 c almond or safflower oil
3/4 c water
1/4 c Bragg Aminos
1/8 c brewers yeast
1/4 tsp kelp powder
1/4 tsp spike seasoning
1/4 tsp basil
1/8 tsp granulated garlic
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp tamari1 pkg firm tofu, rinsed well.

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

We also like the Tofurkey gravy that comes out this time of year. Its pretty good, and Tofurkey is good about using non-GMO soy and canola! Yay for them!

....as a related side note. MorningStar DOES use GMO ingredients in their products, and they do not feel that they need to inform consumers. I asked them, in a letter, why they did not label the GMO ingredients on their packaging. They simply said that GMOs were safe. I responded back by asking why they felt they had the right to make that choice for me (with regard to the safety of the GMO's) - why not label the ingredients and let the consumer make the ultimate decision?

They never responded to that question. Shame on them.

We recommend that you do not buy or consume MorningStar products.