Quiltaghan

In February I started a “join as you go” granny square afghan and finished a couple of weeks ago.

It looks like a patchwork quilt.  I call it the “Quiltaghan”.

After a while, it was becoming boring and tedious. I put it aside and tried to put it out of my mind and doubted that I would ever finish.

However, last month, I decided to pick it up again. I wanted to finish it once and for all before I could justify buying more yarn.

Now that it is complete, (not really as I still have some loose ends to weave in) and I have some extra yarn leftover, I pondered  about what to do with the leftovers.  But, before I could decide, my little Luna decided for me.

I just didn’t have the heart to ‘shoo’ her from the soft, warm fibers.

I guess now, I have a legitimate excuse to buy more yarn.   But, I did manage to save some of the yarn and have started another “join-as-you-go” afghan.  This time, instead of a complete granny square, it is a “circle-in-a-square” type.

I guess I never learn!  I am already bored with it and feeling guilty because I have put it aside.

Enough with the afghans already!  

Quilted Tote Bag

I have wanted to sew, but I only have a small stash of fabric. I have a bunch of batting and fabric remnant. So, I decide to make a quilted tote bag.

I pieced together some fabric-

added batting and machine quilted the piece.

I wanted to buy some cute little clothing labels online, but they were very expensive. Then I got the idea to make my own. Years ago I used to add logos, etc. to t-shirts using transfer paper, and thought I could do the same for labels.

Using my reliable PSP7, I drew up a logo with my name and site address, brought it over to Word and make a sheet of them, then printed them out on transfer paper. After I printed them off, I transferred them to a piece of muslin using an iron.   I sewed the label onto the purses lining before assembling the bag.

So simple and inexpensive.

I am looking forward to designing my next tote bag.

Three Cheers

Three cheers for the red, white and blue…

To celebrate the 4th of July, I made a couple of crocheted buntings.

This one wasn’t intended to be a bunting/banner. After I made the first one, I had some yarn left-over and made a star. Then I made that star into a circle. Then I made that circle into a somewhat looking triangle…Then thought, “This would make a cute bunting!”

This one is a simple crocheted triangle and you can find directions here.

I added little streamers and two stars to the ends and another streamer to the center.

The first one I made, we hung on the front stoop (find a triangle pattern here.  The triangle I used comes from:  Leisure Arts-99 Granny Squares to Crochet),

then we decided to have some work done on the house by having some siding replaced, bushes removed, replace the backyard fence and have the house painted,

and haven’t put it back up.

I am not so sure I want to make holes in the newly painted wood after they patched up all the holes before they painted.

I’ll save them for next year.   

Crocheted Jar Bottom Wraps

I use 1 gallon jars with a lid for my sugar and flour.  I like to keep them on the counter for easy access.  The only flaw with this was that I had to lift the jars to avoid scratching the counter.  They can become awkward when handling.

I came up with an idea to make crocheted wraps for the bottoms.

I used Peaches & Creme Cotton Yarn.

Now, they slide easily across the counter.

I have posted the pattern here.

Leaf Motif Shawl

aka- Small Talk Shawl by Cheri McEwen.

“The Small Talk Shawl is a top down shawl that is not a triangle and sits well on the shoulders. It is composed of leaves, a modified center point, and can be made to any size desired.”

This shawl was a fun and easy project to do.

I like it as it reminds me of knitted lace.

I used a 3-ply baby yarn and a size G hook.   The color wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I was so anxious to get started that I purchased what was accessible for me.

Although this pattern comes with two different version for the edging, I didn’t use either versions. My shawl was getting too long so I cut down on the edging and improvised.

You can find the pattern Small Talk Shawl by Cheri McEwen over at Ravelry.   The woman is a genius.  This pattern is perfect and so delicate looking.

I am very pleased with the outcome and I hope to make another one soon.

Cherry ‘Jar’ Pie

I have seen, around the web, pies baked in jars.  I thought they were such a cute idea that I decided to make some cherry ‘jar’ pies.

This took a lot of patience when pressing the dough into the jars as I had the wrong type jars. The ones I use were square.  I am guessing that the round ones are much easier to form the dough.  

I almost gave up and slapped it all into a pie plate. But, I took a deep breath, calmed down and patiently pressed the dough into the jars.  

Phew!

Preheat oven 425°

• For the crust, I used the King Arthur’s All-butter pie crust recipe, but I added 2 tablespoons sugar to the dry mixture (this recipe make 4-8oz. jars).
• One can of pie filling (your choice) or make your own.
• 1 tube of Odense almond paste.

Hint:  Using the metal top from the mason jar as a cutter for pie tops, cut out 4 rounds from pie disc. Set aside.

After I lined the jars with the dough (to the top of the jar) I added almond paste to the bottom before adding the filling.  

Before adding the filling,  shape almond paste into a flat disk and place between wax paper. Roll out a 6″ circle. Cut circles (using a 2″ biscuit cutter) of paste to lay on the bottom of the dough and lightly press.

Spoon filling into jars, lightly press the reserved dough circles on top.  Vent for steam.  I used a small star to cut out a shape and laid the shape on top of the dough.

Bake in a 425° pre-heated oven for 15, then drop temperature down to 325° for another 30 minutes or until lightly browned on the top and bottom.

Makes 4-8oz. jars

Such a cute presentation!

Update: I forgot to mention the cute little frame that I used for the pie picture. It comes from Super Scrap. Check out all the wonderful freebies over there.

Thank you, Super Scrap, for sharing your talents.

Fried Ravioli With Marinara Sauce

Fried Ravioli can be eaten as an appetizer or a main course.

I made these for supper the other night along with homemade marinara sauce (for dipping) and a tossed salad.

If using homemade *marinara sauce, cook first before making the fried ravioli. My marinara sauce follows this recipe below. This sauce can be made a day ahead. Heat gently before serving with ravioli.

Fried Ravioli

1 package store-bought fresh or homemade cheese ravioli (about 24)
2 (or more) cups Italian style bread crumbs (I use Vigo)
2 eggs, beaten
Grated Parmesan (optional)
Olive oil for frying

• Into a shallow bowl, beat 2-3 egg. Set aside
• Into another shallow bowl, add 2-3 cups of bread crumbs (more maybe needed). Set aside
• Cover a large cookie sheet with waxed paper. Set aside.

• Boil a large pot of water. Drop ravioli in boiling water and gently cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Drain ravioli, put back in pan and gentle add cold water to cool the ravioli.
• Dip ravioli in egg wash to cover, then into the bread crumbs to coat. If you feel there isn’t enough bread crumb coating on some of the ravioli, then re-dip into egg wash and into the bread crumbs.  Adding more bread crumbs if needed.
• Place onto waxed paper lined cookie sheet.
• After all ravioli are breaded, put into the refrigerator for a half-hour to an hour before frying. This will assure that the coating sticks to the ravioli while frying.
• Add 1 inch of olive oil to a large frying pan or skillet. Heat oil to 350°.  Fry on both sides until golden. Remove from oil and drain onto a rack or paper towels. Work fast as these don’t take long to fry.
• Grate Parmesan cheese on top before serving. (optional)

Serve with homemade marinara sauce or your favorite marinara sauce.

There are many recipes out there for marinara sauce. There is no right way or wrong way to make a marinara. Adjust recipe according to your taste. Really, it all depends on one’s taste. I made a small pot of sauce by using what I had on hand. I usually use crushed canned tomatoes, rather than tomato sauce. I don’t measure ingredients when I make sauces, but I was careful to take note this time.

*Marinara Sauce

Note:  This will “plop” when cooking. Use a splatter screen if you have one.

3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup diced onions
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans of tomato sauce-15 oz. or 1
1-6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 tsp. salt
Good grinding of pepper
*1/4 cup red wine (optional)
1/2 cup water or chicken stock
*If you’re not using wine, increase water or chicken stock to 3/4 cup  (if the sauce seem to thick, add 1/4 cup more water or stock)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 dried bay leaf
1-2 teaspoon sugar (use 1 teaspoon if you don’t like you sauce with a touch of sweetness or omit all together)

Heat the oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat-add salt and pepper, tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, water or chicken stock, oregano, basil, bay leaf and sugar. Mix together with a wire whisk and put back on heat and simmer for and 1-1/2 hours. Taste the sauce and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Sweet Living Issue 2

About Sweet Living

Sweet Living is a magazine to inspire and delight.

In today’s economy, many of us are looking for smart ideas for a better life. Sweet Living is all about good living, offering fresh ideas and practical solutions for everyday life. Our emphasis is on economizing (we hate the word budget!) – how to reduce household bills, how to save money (and your health!) with homemade cleaning products, how to create delicious meals for less, how to craft beautiful handmade gifts, plus DIYs for your home and garden… and more. We also have lots of free goodies for you to download.

Click on and get inspired!

Sweet Living

Ideas and Inspirations

Touch of Lace

A good way to use leftover yarns and threads.

I used Peaches & Cream Cotton Yarn- http://www.peachesandcreme.com/ This pouch is 3 1/2″ X 2 3/4″

*Start with an oval.

Ch 12

Notes:

At the beginning of each row first sc should be in same sc as joining sl st.
Pattern is worked in the round; do not turn at end of Rnd.

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in back loop only till you reach the last ch (10 sc*), 3 sc in last ch

wrapping around (should resemble a hook), continue across in unused loops of foundation ch, sc

across to last ch st (10 sc), 3 sc in ch, join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, sc in ea of next 10 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc st. join.

Crochet all the way around with out adding any additional stitches for 8 rounds.

Start decreasing-

On row 9 I did two decreases on each side of pouch then I continued sc (without decrease) for two

more rows.

Loosely sl st around top. End.

For the lacy flap I used Aunt Lydia’s size #3 cotton thread (I modified the chart below to fit).

After the flap is completed, do not end.   Crochet 5 rows of sc on flat side. End.

Attach flap to back of pouch purse.

*For a larger purse do more oval (bottom) rows and extra rows for the rest of the purse. For a wider purse make your foundation ch longer, then you can decide on how long you want your pouch.

You can find  “How to Crochet an Oval” at Bukisa.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I had a wonderful Mother’s Day.

I got a lemon cake with raspberry filling-

and a cute bear/balloon with three rose.

Along with chocolate covered caramel topped with a touch of sea salt that my daughter sent.

Big hugs and kisses to my family.  

Child’s Crocheted Top

A simple, crochet child’s top (sized 3-4)  using #3 crochet thread.

Lazy, lazy lady.  I still haven’t woven in the ends and cut the excess.  

I crocheted the motifs first, then worked from there.

Each motif is 2″ x 2″.

This is the second one I made. After I finished the first one, I noticed that the cotton thread were two different colors.  Each ball is  from the same color and dye lot.

What happened?

Grrrr!

I didn’t write the pattern down, therefore I don’t have it to post. I tried to do that this morning, but I am really bad when it come to writing patterns.

Little Crochet Drawstring Bags

Three months ago I crochet two little drawstring bags using  cotton thread I had leftover from the dish cloths I crocheted.  I had both Peaches and Cream or Sugar and Cream cotton thread on hand.

This one measures 6 ½” x 4½”

 

This one measures 4″ x 3″.

Start with a crocheted oval in sc (any size you wish) then crochet evenly in rounds until desired length before adding open mesh.  Picot stitch around the top.  Chain desired length for strings-make 2.   Add an embellishment.

That’s it!

LolliEggz For Easter

Using things I have on hand, I wanted to make something for Easter.

These LolliEggz are made with felt.

They are similar to the LolliFlowerz I made.

My embroidery skills?

Not so much!

Nonetheless, they do look pretty set into a basket, surround by the little wooden eggs.

Little Crocheted Basket

A little crocheted basket I made a couple of months ago.

This one measures 3½” wide by 2″ long.

I used #3 crochet thread.  I started with an sc oval and then crocheted in even rounds, adding three rows of cluster stitches, until desired length.  Each round ends (from beginning to end) with joining  with sl st to first sc.

Add some embellishment and a wire handle.

I Arise Today

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.

“May God give you…For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial.For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

 

Easter Tussie-Mussie

I wanted to make something handmade for Easter.  So, I made this tussie- mussie reminiscent of the Victorian era.

While searching the internet for ideas, I saw some crocheted Easter eggs, and some tussie-mussies made from paper.

To make this tussie-mussie, I used designer paper and other materials that I had on hand.  Designer paper is perfect to use as it is stiffer than paper, but not as stiff as cardboard.

All nestled atop a bed of moss-

I crocheted the eggs, flowers, and lace border (chart here) using crocheted thread.  The ribbon is sewed on using little buttons.  Then to make the sign, I used my trusty PSP7 program.   The little bunny is a computer graphic that I had made years ago.

I used a cone template, for the tussie-mussie, that I found online.  Here is where you will find all kinds of cone templates.  To hold the tussie-mussie together, I glued and then used brads for added security.

You can find the chart for the lace edging here.

This was a cute, easy and quick little Easter project.

Little Crocheted T-Shirts and Flowers Streamer

I have been waiting to post this cute little streamer/bunting that I made a few months back. As usual, I didn’t write the pattern down, but today I finally sat down and wrote it all down.

The easy part is designing something. The hard part is having to stop my crocheting to write the pattern as I go along.

When an idea comes to me, I set my mind to that idea.  I had better get busy before I loose interest.

When designing something, I am in my own little world.  I don’t want to be distracted. Especially, the distraction of stopping every few minutes to write down what I just crocheted.

And then, because I didn’t write the pattern down and too many days have passed, I have to start all over again.

So here goes!

You can find the pattern here. 

All I ask in return is to be informed if anyone finds a mistakes.

Chocolate Biscuits

Although I am a coffee drinker, I love the custom of afternoon tea.  Generally, I make myself a cup of tea during the day.  At times, and very rarely,  I like a little something to snack alongside my cup of tea.

The other day, I put together a chocolate biscuit.

Note:  Recipe has been updated with a few modifications.

Chocolate Biscuits

Preheat oven to 475 degrees

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons sugar
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
10 Tablespoons, cold, unsalted butter (5 oz.)
3/4 cup plus 2-3 Tablespoons buttermilk

1. 1. Put all dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
   2. Using a wire whisk, mix until all the cocoa and other ingredients are combined.
   3. Cut the butter into 6 pieces, add to dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, cut butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   4. Add milk; stir until dry ingredients are moistened.
   5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough lightly. Pat the dough into a circle, 3/4 inch thick.
   6. With a 2-inch biscuit cutter cut dough, re-rolling the scraps of dough as you go along, into 12 biscuits.
   7. Place biscuits on to a parchment lined baking sheet 1 inch apart.
   8. Bake in to the pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve hot with butter, jam, jelly or preserves.

They are so tender with a touch of sweetness and just the perfect hint of chocolate flavor. Therefore adding a jam, or preserve doesn’t make for snack that is too sweet.

I chose a cherry preserve. It has a sweet/tart taste and was perfect for these chocolate biscuits.

During the day, indulge and pamper yourself once in a while. Brew a nice cup of hot tea, pour it into your prettiest cup and let your mind drift to all things good.

//

Ricotta Cheese Easter Pie

This pie has been an Easter tradition in my family and is meant to be eaten cold. We serve it as an antipasto.

Some ricotta cheese pies are sweet. This is a savory pie that has a pungent flavor with a hint of sweetness because of the nonpareils.

When serving, serve small slivers. One nine-inch pie is meant to serve 12

RICOTTA CHEESE PIE

Preheat oven 425°F

• Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
• 1 Container Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk-15 oz.)
• 2 Large Eggs
• ¾ to 1 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 to 4 oz. thinly sliced pepperoni

Nonpareils (Colored candy sprinkles you will find in the baking section of the grocery store).

1. Separate 1 egg. Set aside
2. Prepare the bottom pie crust into a 9″ pie plate.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together: ricotta, egg white (from the separated egg) and the other egg, parmesan cheese and pepper. Fold in sliced pepperoni.
4. Put cheese mixture into the prepared crust. Cover with top crust. Seal edges together. With pastry bush, brush egg yolk over top crust.
5. Sprinkle with a generous amount of nonpareils sprinkles over egg-yolked top.

Bake until crust is golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Cool on cooling rack. After completely cooled, place in refrigerator until chilled.

Serves 12

Ear Flap and Flora Hat

I wanted to get these hats and the patterns posted before Spring arrived.

I crocheted both of these hat with worsted weight yarn.

This hat is designed to fit an adult-sized head.  I added a couple of beads to the tie ends and used my Granny Triangle for the ear flaps using only 3 of the 4 rounds.

You can find my pattern here for Granny’s Triangle Ear Flap Hat.

This hat could easily be adapted for the Spring or Autumn using a light weight cotton yarn. Fits an adult sized head or an older child.

I crocheted this white hat from a chart that I have posted below. I used a size F hook.  4 dc pattern=1 inch.

You will probably have to play around with hook sizes and gauges to get the fit you need. Use any crocheted flower or your choice of embellishment to adorn this hat.

The Granny Circle Scarf

A while back, I crocheted this scarf.

Rather than weave in the ends and add the border to finish, I put it away in a drawer.

Weaving in ends is not my favorite thing to do but, two weeks ago, I finally finished the scarf.

Last night I started on a chevron afghan for my grandson and already it is boring me to tears. It’s the repetition of the pattern, I think, that gets to me after a while.

I have a few more finished projects and a pattern to post .  After that, who knows…I have been running out of ideas to crochet.

Covering Your Can

A  place for everything and everything in its place.

For an empty vegetable can and a couple of canning jars, I crocheted a cover and a couple of jar-toppers.

A cute little holder to keep pencils, crochet hooks, paint brushes, etc.

Embellishing the front of the can with a flower, some leaves and a little button, I think, makes it more fun.

Rather than keep buttons in a plain canning jar, I made floral toppers.

Just something pretty to liven up an otherwise dull existence.

Baby Head Warmers

Wanting to use some of the yarn that I had on hand, I crocheted this hats and ear warmer/headband a few weeks ago.   These are sized for 6-12 months.

This one is similiar to the Sunflower Hat I made.

These little projects are quick and easy to crochet.

I am working on a crochet project using crochet thread and swore that I would never do it again. I have it on hold. It is a pattern I designed and so far, I have an urge to start ripping it out. It is a very tedious and time-consuming project.

Crocheted Hearts

I crocheted these two hearts the other day with Valentine’s Day in mind.

This orange one is crocheted with worsted weight yarn.

This one is crocheted with #3 crochet thread.   I also stiffened it using fabric stiffener.

You can find the pattern for the heart at Bella Dia.

The Dangling Doodads Scarf

I crocheted this scarf from a chart that I have.

I thought it was really cute and fun.  Although some of the instructions are written in Japanese, this chart was really easy to decipher.

I did manage to write the written pattern for this scarf I crocheted. I am not very good when it comes to writing patterns. I have a bad habit of designing and crocheting something and then I don’t write the pattern down.  Later on, down the road, I regret not taking the time to write the pattern out.

It took me a while to put pen to paper and take some pictures for tutorial purpose.

You can find the pattern here.

 

Lolliflowerz

My newest creation and design-

Lolliflowerz!

Cut from felt and stitched with embroidery thread, then hot glued to floral stem wire.

After making these, I thought that they would look cute in a little table-top or window sill sized flower box, lined with oasis floral foam (so they flowers could stand) and then add moss on top of the foam.

I drew up a visual using my PSP-7 until I can get the funds together to make the boxes.

The flower box-

And, how I envision them to look in the little flower box-

I made a few more, shaped like a flower, and will post at a later date.

A Jam With Bacon?

It is a good thing that I didn’t resolve to eat healthier this year. While surfing the net the other day, I came across a recipe for “Bacon Jam”.

Hmmm!

I like bacon and I like jam, but would I like “Bacon Jam!“.

While reading through the ingredients listed, it didn’t take me long to decide that-

Yes!

Yes!  I would like “Bacon Jam”.

Maple syrup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, onions, garlic and even coffee were among the ingredients harmoniously commingled with bacon.

I couldn’t resist.  Soooooooooooooo,  I made a batch yesterday.

The recipe made 6-4 ounce jars.

For supper this evening, we made hamburgers on ciabatta rolls. We topped the burgers with crumbled blue cheese and a dollop of “Bacon Jam”.

What would have been an otherwise bland burger, this really put a gourmet spin to a tired-out burger.

I thought of endless ways to use this jam.  But, as this article states, “Slather it on burgers, clearly.  Egg sandwiches.  Grilled cheese.  Waffles.  Crostini.   Surprise us.  Surprise yourself.”

You can find the recipe and video here.  The recipe calls for cider vinegar, but the video suggests balsamic vinegar. I used the balsamic vinegar.

Delicious!

New Year’s Eve Tourtière

Why?

I have no idea why!

I guess it just tastes ‘wicked’ good.

I do know that it took me years to perfect this recipe to get it to taste like I remembered when I lived back in New England.

Traditionally, tourtière is made on Christmas Eve.   I think I am about a week behind with that tradition.

I have noted that I do use the same plates every years on New Year’s Eve when I serve tourtiere.  That must count for something!  Shouldn’t it?

Just the same, it came out good and the family enjoyed it very much.

Happy New Year!  I hope 2013 will be a lucky year for all.

Happy 2013!

Little Girls Sweater & Hat Set

I designed the pattern stitches and crocheted this child’s sweater set a couple of weeks ago.  I have been hanging on to it until I found four matching buttons.  There isn’t one store around here or anywhere on the web that I could find four yellow-7/8 inch buttons.  I couldn’t wait to see how it looked finished. So, for now, I sewing three buttons that matched and one that doesn’t.

It is sized for a 2-3 year old.

I used Caron Soft yarn that I had on hand.

This is an easy and basic crocheted sweater.