« August 2006 | Main | January 2007 »
September 03, 2006
Baby Quilt Patterns
When a couple is expecting their first child they are inundated with gifts. Diapers, toys and clothes usually flow in abundance. But some of the most treasured items can’t be purchased. They are made with love by the grandparents or aunts of the new arrival.
Trains, planes, the alphabet, ships and ducks are often found on baby quilt patterns. The patterns give the quilter a general idea of what they need and also detailed instructions on how to complete the project. If you’ve never tackled the task of making a quilt you might need to first consider taking a lesson to bring yourself up to par.
Most communities offer local citizens the opportunity to take different classes that may interest them. In some places this may include a quilting class. For a person thinking about making a baby quilt this is a perfect resource.
Some programs offer the participants the chance to bring in their own supplies and patterns. This is perfect for someone considering baby quilt patterns. You can sew the quilt you want while at the same time learning. The instructor is there to guide you every step of the way.
If you don’t have any idea of what design you want, consider going to a fabric store and looking through their selection of baby quilt patterns. If it is your first attempt at quilting, choose a simple pattern. This might be something like the sky with some white clouds. Many people decide on a patchwork design even for baby quilt patterns. You can do this in different shades of either pink or blue. If you don’t know the baby’s gender, than white or yellow is a safe choice.
After learning the basics of quilting you’ll have the skills you need to complete any of the baby quilt patterns you see. A really nice gesture is for several women in a family to contribute to the project. If you want to do this, simply photocopy the baby quilt patterns you are using and when the quilt is passed around, everyone will know what to do.
The new parents will be overjoyed by the thoughtful gift and it will remain a treasure long after the baby has grown.
Posted by KeyWestPublishing at 02:34 PM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2006
Books For Dummies
I recently heard or read (can’t remember exactly) that making the title of the self-help series books for dummies was insulting and silly, considering of the primary goals of the books for dummies writers and publishers is to sell books—and considering that most people would not be interested in paying to be insulted. But from personal tastes and requirements and from what the charts indicate about books for dummies, I see only a series of some of the best books in that genre or category…ever!
But I also began a profound appreciation of books for dummies, starting with the books for dummies series edition of Hinduism for Dummies. I was seriously dating a Hindu who was teaching me the rituals, the philosophies, the ancestral requisites of a complex and ancient religion. The books for dummies series came to my added aid by providing insets, charts, and special items for consideration sections that made the experience of learning about Hinduism moat manageable.
As well, I have used books for dummies for studying and considering starting a non-profit business, for understanding the basics of pc use, and even checked out one title on writing and publishing…for dummies, which is surely a misnomer, oxymoron, or false title, wouldn’t you say? And as you might not want to rely on, trust in, or believe the appeal and usefulness of the books for dummies according to the lowest common denominator—this writer, consider the numbers of copies sold for such titles as Golf for Dummies, selling 150,000+ copies, and Internet for Dummies, selling 374,000+ copies.
Right, we are not dummies, per se, but we may be dumb or better, numb, about a topic, a skill, a craft, a culture, or a lifestyle…whereby books for dummies is not only an appropriate general series title but are books that truly do help us smarten up about the same. And there’s no shame in using books for dummies. Hell, the practice of consulting such a series cannot be any more humiliating (if that’s the premise of the nay-sayers) than studying Einstein’s theory of relativity by way of comic books or any more embarrassing than learning to fire an army tank by following the hub directions by way of the tank cover’s directions…done in cartoons.
Posted by KeyWestPublishing at 09:47 PM | Comments (0)
September 01, 2006
Charcoal Grills
A charcoal grill may seem out of date in these days of gas barbeques. But a charcoal grill can be great for anything from cooking a simple meal to smoking some meat. Food cooked on grills can be very tasty, and have a lot of flavor.
There are a variety of grills available, from classic old fashioned grills to the more expensive and newer grills. A portable charcoal grill can be great for tailgating or other picnic like events, or a larger grill can be great for backyard gatherings.
One of the most important features of any grill is how easy is it to douse any flare-ups during cooking? A model with water in the base below where the charcoal sits can allow for easier dousing of hot coals.
When dousing your grill, close the lid of the charcoal grill and let the fire die out. Once the charcoal has cooled a bit, use tongs to drop the charcoal into a metal container, perhaps dipping each piece into water first, or dropping all the pieces at once into a basin of water.
An important thing to look for in a charcoal grill is good legs – you don’t want your dinner toppling over into the dirt! You also want a cooking surface that’s big enough for your needs – are you just cooking a bit of meat for a picnic for two? Or do you need enough space to cook an entire meal for four?
You will also need to buy charcoal. You can get charcoal briquettes, which will give your charcoal grill a more even and consistent heat if spread properly, or non-briquettes, which are just rough charcoal and give more flavor and smoke.
Safety is very important when you are using any type of grill. Remember not to use gasoline to start your charcoal grill – lighter fluid might be a better choice.
Cook fish over medium heat, chicken and pork over medium to high heat, and steaks on a hot barbeque. Use a meat thermometer to be sure meat is cooked through. Cook vegetables over medium heat, perhaps wrapped in aluminum foil.
Outdoor grills are the epitome of summer cooking. Make up or buy some of your favorite beverages, add a bag of chips or pretzels, and cook the rest of the meal on the grill for a perfect summer dinner outside.
Posted by KeyWestPublishing at 04:06 PM | Comments (0)
