I guess this also launches Eleni's modeling career too.
Special thanks to Anna for all of her encouragement and help along the way!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Crossing Over
Its official, I am a "Designer". For those of you on Ravelry, I have my first pattern download for the Hey Jude baby sweater pattern!
I guess this also launches Eleni's modeling career too.
Special thanks to Anna for all of her encouragement and help along the way!
I guess this also launches Eleni's modeling career too.
Special thanks to Anna for all of her encouragement and help along the way!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The start of something big
Nothing screams spring like a big wooly blanket.
The pattern was popularized by Brooklyn Tweed, but is one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's simple masterpieces. [Ravelry Link]
I figure this project will stall through the summer, but I really wanted to get it started. I like the yarn, it is Cascade Ecological Wool and I am hoping I over bought by a ton so I have enough for a sweater. The blanket is made up of 4 pieces. Two small and two large. I have one of the smaller pieces complete and have started one of the larger pieces. Nice mindless knitting to keep my hands occupied during the hockey playoffs. Lets go Pens!
The pattern was popularized by Brooklyn Tweed, but is one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's simple masterpieces. [Ravelry Link]
I figure this project will stall through the summer, but I really wanted to get it started. I like the yarn, it is Cascade Ecological Wool and I am hoping I over bought by a ton so I have enough for a sweater. The blanket is made up of 4 pieces. Two small and two large. I have one of the smaller pieces complete and have started one of the larger pieces. Nice mindless knitting to keep my hands occupied during the hockey playoffs. Lets go Pens!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A day for Mom
Yesterday we squeezed in all of the moms visits so that I could selfishly hog today. We have been quite productive this morning. (special thanks to my mother-in-law for the garden tools for EJ to use while she helped)
Kevin was able to work on his golf swing a little... at least that was what I told him as he broke up the dirt and removed the layer of sod. I would certainly still be outside pulling up the grass had it not been for his help. Sure, a few worms lost their heads... I couldn't save them all.
It wasn't all work and no play. Eleni made sure we took a few breaks to have some fun too. Riding in the lawn cart was much more fun than the wagon for some reason.
We where lucky to find the spot we dug up was crawling with earthworms, and the soil was not as bad as I had anticipated. Our project only took three hours or so from start to finish.
I planted Peppers, Cilantro, Basil, Parsley, Roma tomatoes and Early Girl tomatoes.
Now if only I can keep the groundhog away from my plants. She is back, I spotted her a few days ago and today I noticed a Hosta further from the house has been munched clean if its leaves.
I hope the rest of you Mom's had an enjoyable day too. Happy Mother's Day!
Kevin was able to work on his golf swing a little... at least that was what I told him as he broke up the dirt and removed the layer of sod. I would certainly still be outside pulling up the grass had it not been for his help. Sure, a few worms lost their heads... I couldn't save them all.
It wasn't all work and no play. Eleni made sure we took a few breaks to have some fun too. Riding in the lawn cart was much more fun than the wagon for some reason.
We where lucky to find the spot we dug up was crawling with earthworms, and the soil was not as bad as I had anticipated. Our project only took three hours or so from start to finish.
I planted Peppers, Cilantro, Basil, Parsley, Roma tomatoes and Early Girl tomatoes.
Now if only I can keep the groundhog away from my plants. She is back, I spotted her a few days ago and today I noticed a Hosta further from the house has been munched clean if its leaves.
I hope the rest of you Mom's had an enjoyable day too. Happy Mother's Day!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I win!
Better late than never right? I had a twisted idea that I should make an apron an hour before leaving for pierogi day at casa de spice rack. It was a silly inside joke I thought I should follow through on. And I failed to complete my task in the time I had before I had to leave. So it sat in the craft room for awhile because life became too busy to sew.
This weekend, and hour before another fun afternoon obligation I decided it was time to finish the apron. I wasn't sure about its fullness until I took photographs. And from across the yard, I think it is cute.
And no judging the wrinkled pants... I just threw them on so I could take a picture while the sun was out this morning. My sweat pants just didn't look good with an apron.
The fabric is from Sew Mama Sew and the pattern is one from Bend the Rules Sewing. I added a contrasting hem to the bottom because my fabric was shorter than suggested. And being tall I thought that the extra length would be better. I used two 1/4 yard pieces of fabric.
So, I win the cute apron contest. Perhaps only because I was the only contestant... but a win is a win! GO ME!
This weekend, and hour before another fun afternoon obligation I decided it was time to finish the apron. I wasn't sure about its fullness until I took photographs. And from across the yard, I think it is cute.
And no judging the wrinkled pants... I just threw them on so I could take a picture while the sun was out this morning. My sweat pants just didn't look good with an apron.
The fabric is from Sew Mama Sew and the pattern is one from Bend the Rules Sewing. I added a contrasting hem to the bottom because my fabric was shorter than suggested. And being tall I thought that the extra length would be better. I used two 1/4 yard pieces of fabric.
So, I win the cute apron contest. Perhaps only because I was the only contestant... but a win is a win! GO ME!
Tuna Noodle
I don't typically blog about food often, but after trying the recipe for the second time I found myself alone with the camera and a finished Tuna Nooddle Casserole. I could take pictures, and K wasn't around to mock me for my oddness. (I can hear it now, "You don't photograph food, you eat it".
But it was pretty. All golden brown on top. Mmmmm.
I found this particular recipe here and have to admit it is my first tuna noodle casserole ever. Tuna in a can was not something I ate until recently. I ate raw tuna long before I gave the cooked kind a chance.
My slightly adapted version...
Revamped Tuna Casserole
I have made this with tuna in oil as well as albacore packed in water. The later had a less fishy taste which helped with getting the kid to try some.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium white onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk, preferably whole milk
4 to 8 ounces frozen peas (depending on how much you like peas)
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used a bit more than a cup)
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
2 6-ounce cans tuna (preferably packed in olive oil)
8-ounce package wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
Topping
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko or bread crumbs (seriously, use panko)
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Make topping by melting butter in a saucepan or microwave. Mix butter into panko or bread crumbs, along with parsley and cheese.
In a large deep skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Saute the onion and celery until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 to 2 more minutes.
Add butter and flour, and stir until combined. Slowly add milk, whisking to eliminate any lumps. Add peas and salt and pepper, and continue stirring over medium heat until milk bubbles and thickens. Turn off heat.
Add cheese and mustard, and continue stirring.
Using a fork, flake tuna from both cans into the mixture until everything, including the oil from the tuna, is incorporated. Add noodles and mix gently with tongs.
Pour the entire contents of the skillet into the casserole dish.
Cover evenly with topping and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until topping is light brown and the mixture underneath is bubbling.
The second time I made this I kept track of my prep time, and it was in the oven in about 30 minutes. So an hour total until dinner time. Not excessive, at least by my standards.
But it was pretty. All golden brown on top. Mmmmm.
I found this particular recipe here and have to admit it is my first tuna noodle casserole ever. Tuna in a can was not something I ate until recently. I ate raw tuna long before I gave the cooked kind a chance.
My slightly adapted version...
Revamped Tuna Casserole
I have made this with tuna in oil as well as albacore packed in water. The later had a less fishy taste which helped with getting the kid to try some.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium white onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk, preferably whole milk
4 to 8 ounces frozen peas (depending on how much you like peas)
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used a bit more than a cup)
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
2 6-ounce cans tuna (preferably packed in olive oil)
8-ounce package wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
Topping
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko or bread crumbs (seriously, use panko)
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Make topping by melting butter in a saucepan or microwave. Mix butter into panko or bread crumbs, along with parsley and cheese.
In a large deep skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Saute the onion and celery until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 to 2 more minutes.
Add butter and flour, and stir until combined. Slowly add milk, whisking to eliminate any lumps. Add peas and salt and pepper, and continue stirring over medium heat until milk bubbles and thickens. Turn off heat.
Add cheese and mustard, and continue stirring.
Using a fork, flake tuna from both cans into the mixture until everything, including the oil from the tuna, is incorporated. Add noodles and mix gently with tongs.
Pour the entire contents of the skillet into the casserole dish.
Cover evenly with topping and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until topping is light brown and the mixture underneath is bubbling.
The second time I made this I kept track of my prep time, and it was in the oven in about 30 minutes. So an hour total until dinner time. Not excessive, at least by my standards.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Green with Envy
Don't be jealous, but I was first. I love being first. I deny being competitive, but I am. Over silly stuff. Like pirogi making, knitting, and other non-sport things. Put a ball in front of me and the competition melts away.
Today I bribed a new mom with dinner, and got to meet a sweet little baby boy.
That pacifier isn't especially large. Its just that Jude was in a big hurry to meet his mama. He is a wee man right now. So I knit him a little cotton hat to keep his noggin warm while he concentrates on growing big and strong like his brother, Luther.
The pattern is this one and knit up with some leftover Knit Picks Shine Worsted and size 6 needles.
I did deviate from the pattern just a touch. I thought it needed some flair. So I ended with a short three-stitch i-cord to tie into a knot. I think it looks a little like a vine or a stem of some kind.
I thought that it would be too big. And then I thought it would be too small. But it turns out it was just right. It fit now with the brim folded up, and there is plenty of room to grow!
Today I bribed a new mom with dinner, and got to meet a sweet little baby boy.
That pacifier isn't especially large. Its just that Jude was in a big hurry to meet his mama. He is a wee man right now. So I knit him a little cotton hat to keep his noggin warm while he concentrates on growing big and strong like his brother, Luther.
The pattern is this one and knit up with some leftover Knit Picks Shine Worsted and size 6 needles.
I did deviate from the pattern just a touch. I thought it needed some flair. So I ended with a short three-stitch i-cord to tie into a knot. I think it looks a little like a vine or a stem of some kind.
I thought that it would be too big. And then I thought it would be too small. But it turns out it was just right. It fit now with the brim folded up, and there is plenty of room to grow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)