Bridals

Okay, this is the last wedding post I’m sure. But I want to give you some story with it.

For those of you who didn’t know (you were probably at least guessing) I did make my wedding dress. If it weren’t for the neck line the actual sewing went relatively well. The timing was perfect because I had spent winter and spring semester working with Professor Burnham in various classes refining my sloper pattern (a basic pattern that fits all my own uniqueness). I spent a couple months making sketches and ordering swatches because I didn’t have an idea of what I wanted my dress to look like. I know, young, single, crafty and no idea what to do for her wedding?

When I was 16 I bought a wedding dress pattern on sale which I thought was perfect. I kept it around with me for years, anxiously feeling like I should of already started it because it was so huge. When the time finally came I decided it was not what I wanted. What I wanted was simple. Simple style, fabric, feel everything. Am I a simple person? Not really. Well, yes. It’s complicated. But let’s start out by making the point that I really like cloth and clothes, it seems silly to admit but it is an important aspect of my life--one that I’m almost always aware of.

I decided that my wedding would be the beginning of my new life. It would be the most beautiful day I was yet to experience, not to mention the sweetest, most important day of my life (it turns out it was) and I did not want to distract it with itchy, gaudy or uncomfortable clothing. I did not want to look at pictures of the day and see this fancy intricate gown, I wanted to see the beauty of the day, the newness, the excitement. What I thought I wanted wasn’t appropriate for how I wanted to feel that day. I’m not saying it should be like this for every lady, but it was for me. That being said--yes, I am a simple person.

The dress I designed had vintage elements. I wanted cotton because I have this snobbish aversion to 100% polyester for august afternoons (or most afternoons…), and because I liked the softness and lack of shine it had. I chose a sheer cotton voile for the top layer which had just enough sheen to be elegant, cotton broadcloth and a tissue-thin silk lining that kept me cool.The skirt was a complete circle. 6 yards of skirt X 3 layers= a lot of skirt. I scalloped the neckline and cuffed the sleeves. For fit I chose tiny pleats on the sleeve and bodice. My favorite part was the cotton lace I found at local shop Yellow Bird (which was a miracle, it took me a month online of finding nothing quite right). The dress was perfect, never have I had something fit so well (thanks Dr. Burnham), I could of worn it all day, and I feel that I was really able to create a wedding dress that showed the new beginning, the beauty and the peace that I felt that wonderful day.

And with that, some photos taken in November in a field next to my parent’s house in Toquerville, by a charming and ever talented brother-- Jason Malaska.

 

have a beautiful day

Hello BowKnots

 

Well,

Bowknots is back up!

Let’s see how it goes huh? I’m embarrassed that I opened it originally in 2008 (woah!) but teaching degrees take a lot of time.

Here’s a sneak peak, and some more of my budding graphic design “skills”

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BowKnots

 

40 minute rolls

Okay, now I’m going to share something special with you. Don’t take this lightly.

You know how you always buy those cheap hamburger buns at the grocery store and eat them? Hopefully some of you realize you don’t actually like those buns. In fact, there is no appeal to your taste-buds. Not to mention all the lovely extra ingredients like dough conditioners and preservatives that keep that bun bland and unnaturally fluffy in your mouth. What a waste of money.

Now, say you realize this but still haven’t done anything about it because you hate all the work homemade rolls or gourmet sourdough buns take-- which is a lot. (actually… make those gourmet hamburger bun recipes because they are way better, and making bread is therapeutic)

Well, now that your frustrated that something really good actually takes effort, I offer you the next option.

40 minute hamburger buns. That is 40 minutes in total. From mixing to hot out of the oven. It is true.

Let me tell you about this bread. It is super fast and quite easy. To work so fast it needs a lot of sugar and fat. Don’t gasp, those things make bread tender and rich--I’m telling you, you can’t get something for nothing. Plus the fact that it is homemade makes it healthy (If you feel guilty switch out 1/2 cup of white flour for wheat or something) They are fluffy, but have the density of homemade bread.

And, they are like 160 X better then those store bought buns.

Plus! they make a terrific sweet dough recipe for all your fancy breads. Since our family is only 2 I usually use half the recipe to experiment with. aka I usually make cinnamon rolls… In the photo below I used half the recipe to make two mini cinni-loaves for some lovely ladies. Easy-peasy, just roll the dough out in a rectangle, smother with softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon (plus raisins if you feel you must) roll up and tuck in a well greased mini pan. Let these raise a little more (till doubled in size) and they will be delightfully fluffy and satisfyingly homemade.

‘nough words.

 

40-Minute Rolls

makes 12 rolls

2 tbsp active dry yeast

1 cup plus 2 tbsp warm water (110-115 degrees)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp salt

3-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl dissolve yeast in water. Add oil and sugar, let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add the egg, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough.
3. Turn onto a floured surface (or use your mixer) and knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Do not let rise, divide dough into 12 pieces. Shape each into a ball
5. Place on a greased baking sheet about 3” apart
6. Cover with a towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
7. Bake at 375 for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool on wire racks