I have a finished object!

 Last weekend, while sitting out in the deer blind, I started working on a CC copycat hat.  

I messed up the provisional cast on and had to start over. Boo!  Specially after 3.5" of 1 x 1 ribbing. 

The second time was much better. 

I worked on it a little bit each morning and each night this week.  

Just a little bit ago I cast off. 

I've been wanting a cc copycat hat in orange for years. 

Started: Oct. 28, 2023

Finished: Nov. 3, 2023

Designer/Source: Clementine Knits and Crochets

Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable

Colorway: Orange crush

Colors: orange

Required Amount: half a skein of the yarn

Needle/Hook Size: U.S. 7 (4.5 mm)

Gauge: beats me

Made For: Myself

Dye Lots: 2022-05-643066

In other news, I signed up for a mystery CAL I saw on Instagram. 

Already picked up the yarn. 

Our area had snow earlier this week.  Tuesday, Oct. 31, if memory serves. I was definitely not ready for it. 

I got the chicken run winter prepped just in time.  I opened the door to see how the birds were doing, because no one was outside. 

Yeah, they weren't too happy about the snow either. 

I dragged some in on my shoes and they were shooting it dirty looks, like they couldn't decide if they should kill it or eat it. 

Little Feffer didn't look very happy either.  I tried taking a photo of him and he's even more camera shy than the birds. 

That day, on my lunch hour, I went out and dug up the carrots out of the garden. 

That was a treat, trying to find the greens in the snow. 

And, in hardcore gardener fashion, I sat down in the snow and separated the greens from the carrots so I'd have less of a mess in the house. 

The carrots all cleaned up.  I've heard about how great carrots taste if they are harvested after a frost.  I heard correctly!  

The garden is officially done for the year.  Come February I'll be starting seeds up again in the house and all the fun garden madness will start again. I learned a lot this garden year and am proud that every single plant in my garden this year I started fro seed.  Including the flowers. 

Today my husband and I went up to Fleet Farm for their orange Friday.

We each received a blaze orange cap, and ended up not buying what we went there to look at. 

It's fun to get the hat, though.  

We got back home in time for me to start my work day. 

There is supposed to be a warming weather trend this weekend.  Likely our last decent weekend before the weather turns *serious*

WIP Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022

I wanted to start posting WIP Wednesday updates.  Since this is my first WIP post of the year, I obviously couldn’t get my stuff together. Oh well. 

I’ve got a vanilla sock that I work on when I’m the passenger in the car. It got a lot of attention at the beginning of the month. Now … not so much. 

There is about an inch to go before I can start working the heel flap. 

Project Name: Vanilla socks

Started: 1/4/22

Finished: 

Designer/Source:

Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints

Colors: Looks like tutti fruiti

Required Amount: 

Needle/Hook Size: U.S. 1 (2.5 mm)

Gauge: 

Made For: Myself

Dye Lots: Col 45; 160 3224

Next up is a sweater.  Yes, you read it right, a sweater. 

I settled on the Armande Cardigan from Knitty.com

Project Name: Armande Cardigan

Started: 1/4/22

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Knitty.com

Yarn: Cascade 220 superwash

Colors: Red; No. 809

Required Amount: 6 skeins (1,320 yards) However, I have 5 skeins *fingers crossed* 1100 yards

Needle/Hook Size: U.S. 4 (4.5 mm)

Gauge: didn’t swatch. I’m living dangerously

Made For: Myself

Dye Lots: Lot1511089

The yarn is working up nice. I’ve worked on this most evenings last week. It’s going slow, though.  I think because I can’t just go *zoooom* when I’m knitting the knit side. I’ve never made pockets, much less pockets as you go. It’s a great design element. 

I started a project last year which will probably take me a good chunk of this year to accomplish. Someone on my Instagram feed shared a photo of some charity knitting or crocheting (I can’t remember which) and they were wee little hats and wee little blankets for a non-profit called “Bundles for Babies.”  According to their Instagram bio: “A community serving families facing infant loss by preparing hospital bundles to help ease the pain of the moment no parent can prepare for.” Their website is www.makebundlesforbabies.org/

I have a goal of making a dozen sets of hats and blankets. 

Do you think it matters of the hats are knit and the blankets are crochet?  I’ve tried to make crochet hats, as you can see in the photo, and I’m not sure I’m getting the crochet hats to the right size. I have settled (I think) on a 2 x 2 ribbed knit hat. 

These are the yarns I’m working with. I fell for the green yarn. It’s super soft.  However, I’m not getting it to work up right.  I’ll need to find something else for it, maybe. I’m open to suggestions. 

The last thing in my cross stitch that I had to rip because the aida cloth was too small. 

This is what it looked like. 

Name: Sparkle

Designer: Forbidden Fiber Co

Started: 1/4/22

Finished: 

Stitched on: First attempt was on 14 count black Aida cloth. Second temp is 14 count hand-dyed Aida cloth

Stitch count: 224 w x 174 tall

Stitched Size: 12.5 x 16 approx.

Floss: DMC 3865, 23, 3756, 27 or blanc etoile, D168 Diamant 

I tried ripping the DMC floss out of the Aida cloth. I didn’t want to just toss the fabric, cause that felt wasteful to just toss it.  Well, when I was about two-thirds done with ripping the stitches out, I realized I had ripped the fabric. Drat! 

Today, because I had the day off, I decided to try dyeing Aida cloth.  I followed the tutorial from the Real Housewives of Cross Stitch. 

Both sides of the cloth. 

It was easy and fun.  I think I nailed it! 

Episode 15 - The sun is shining

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting with me today. Grab your favorite drink or grab a WIP, and join me. 

To listen to the audio version go here, or click play below. 


The audio-only version is also available on Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocketcasts, RadioPublic, and Spotify

Finished Object

Grey C.C. Copycat hat

Started: February 9, 2020
Finished: February 15, 2020 - or there abouts. 
Needle size: U.S. 7, 4.5 mm
Yarn: Hobby Lobby soft and sleek yarn
Color: Grey with sparkles

Crochet dishcloths based on a sunflower coaster pattern. It is here.

Started: February 15, 2020
Finished: February 15, 2020
Yarn: Dishcloth cotton
Hook size: G, 4.0 mm

Spinning

I have some progress on the fiber I've had sitting on the wheel.  This is fiber that I purchased from Paradise Fibers.

Corriedale spinning fiber to be spun for a sweater I'm making for my husband.

My fancy new tool

Future projects

I chatter a bit out the February Lady Sweater pattern.  I pulled out the yarn I am going to use. 

Kitchen adventures

I've still been busy in the kitchen.  I can't recall all the lovely things I've made.  

Here's a few of them

Low carb bread pudding. - My husband LOVED it.  It smelled divine while it was baking. Super easy to throw together.  I didn't take any photos. 

Cream puffs - I used the video tutorial from In the Kitchen with Matt. 

Choux pastry is magic!

It goes from this blob of paste

to this, in such a quick amount of time. 

Book I'm listening to

I'm currently listening to "Feed" by Mira Grant

I've enjoyed the story, so far. The book was written at least 10 years ago.  I've gotten a lot of amusement from what's being told.  Some things never change and the bloggers of the world are the heroes.  There's more to it than that, but I don't think I could adequately explain it all.  Sort of predictable in terms of who the villain is. 

There was one kill-off that tee-ed me off.  And if you know me really well, you will know when it happens.  I think I sat with a scowl on my face for at least 15 minutes. 

I also rambled on about a few other of Mira Grant's books. 

Gardening

Update on the indoor seedlings.

I'm still watching gardeners on YouTube. Where were all these folks when I was just starting out? They are wonderful. 

Homesteading

I tell a quick story about Shadow, Feffer and Thor. 

Even bigger news: Chick incubation will commence. I can't wait for baby chicks! Estimated hatch date is  March 13.

Episode 08 - Getting back into the swing of things

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting and letting me chat at you today. Grab your favorite drink, and come sit a spell. I have a lot of crafty things to chat about. 

Works In Progress

Vanilla socks on 9-inch needle

Needles: U.S. 1 (2.5 mm)

Yarn: Knitpicks Felici

Colorway: "Eclipse"

Finished Objects

Crochet blanket
Started: Oct. 25, 2018

Finished: Dec. 2018
Hook size: 9 m.m.
Yarn: Red Heart
Colorway: Black and the "Favorite Stripes" colorway.
Crocheting two strands together. 

Vanilla Socks
Started: Around Oct. 22, 2018

Finished: End of Dec. 2018.
Needle: US 1, 2.5 mm 
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici
Colorway: Lost Lakes

Ashville hat (ravelry link)
Started: Early December 2018

Finished: End of December 2018.
Needle: US 9 needles 
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava bulky
Colorway: Solstice Heather

This was a test knit for my friend.  Proceeds from hat sales will go towards buying items for her angel bags, which go with the hats. Many thanks to my friend who sent me bulky yarn. 

Cabled Tassel Hat (link to Lionbrand)

Started: Early December 2018

Finished: End of December 2018.
Needle: US 13 needles 
Yarn: Lionbrand Hometown USA
Colorway: Azalea colorway

Still trying to decide if I should put a pom pom on.  Is one better than the other? 

Forbidden Fiber Co Mystery Advent KAL

Started: Dec. 2, 2018

Finished: Dec. 31, 2018.
Needle: US 7 needles 
Yarn: Forbidden Fiber Co DK weight yarn
Colorway: variety of colorways

I've spent entire days with this lovely draped around my neck. 

Yarn Talk
I got new ChiaoGoo shorties. There was a learning process for me. 

I also signed up for a year of BluPrint (Formerly Craftsy)

I got a weaving loom for Christmas.  It's a 32-inch Kromski Forte Harp. Thanks to my friend who sent me a warping peg. Major thanks to my husband for finding the deal of the year. 

My first project ended up being a table runner. I used Red Heart acrylics. 

My second project was a set of tea towels. Yarn used was Peaches and Cream dishcloth cotton. I don't know the name of the colorways. 

In Stitches

I got the itch to quilt. Two summers ago I started a quilt for my son. I completed it Jan. 12, 2019. Hooray!  My son is thrilled to bits with it and has slept with it every night. 

Here's the diagram my son made, to show where he wanted the different squares. 

Book Chat

I did finished listening to "The Rosie Project." Such a fun book!  

I'm almost done listening to "A Corner of White." This is my second time listening to the story. 

Coop News

Nothing too exciting going on with the girls.  They aren't too happy with the cold weather.

From the Hutch

News about Shadow. She's no longer itty bitty and sweet.  She's large and in charge!

Barefoot in the Kitchen

Not much has been going on in the kitchen. The busyness of the holidays has thrown me off kilter, a bit.  I'm slowly getting back into routine. 

I did make a banana cake recently.  Very good!  I got the recipe from Sugar Spun Run. 

I did make one modification to the cake recipe, and one to the frosting recipe.  I reduced the sugar by one-quarter cup. I do recommend using the tin foil, to prevent browning and drying out. 

This is the recipe, with my modifications. Follow the link above, to see the original recipe.

The Best Banana Cake

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter softened

¾ cup canola or vegetable oil 

1 cup light or dark brown sugar 

1/4 cup sugar

4 ripe bananas, peeled and well-mashed (this is about 2 cups mashed)

2 large eggs lightly beaten room temperature

¼ cup buttermilk

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

1 Tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and spray a 9x13 pan with baking spray or lightly grease and flour.  Set aside.

Combine butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl and use an electric mixer). Beat until well-combined and light and fluffy.

Add oil and beat to combine.  

Stir in mashed bananas.

Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract and stir until well-combined.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add to wet ingredients until completely combined.  

Spread batter into prepared pan and bake on 350F (175C) for 45-55 minutes* or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with few moist crumbs.  Allow to cool completely before covering with frosting.

Silky Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy.

With mixer on low-speed, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.

Add heavy cream and gradually increase speed to high.  Beat on high for 30 seconds.  

Spread over completely cooled banana cake.  Top with chopped walnuts (if using).  Slice and serve!

Notes

*Important -- keep an eye on your banana cake as it bakes.  30 minutes in, check your cake to see if it's becoming too brown on top (pay attention to the edges, if they're getting darker in color and pulling away from the edges), if so you may lightly tent with foil before baking the remaining 15 minutes.  I had this issue when baking in a glass dish but not in a metal one (which was opposite of what I expected).  

Nature Notes

It got cold out.

My Happiness This Week

Jayme Closs was found! 

Or, after almost two years, I finally completed the quilt I promised my son.  He's thrilled to bits with it. 

Episode 06 - The last hurrah

Welcome back!  If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Thanks for visiting with me today!

 WIPs
A modified umbilical cord hat

Needles: U.S. 2
Yarn: Knitpicks Felici

Colorway: "Teaparty" maybe?
Started: October 17, 2018
Finished: October 19, 2018

 

Finished objects
Pumpking dishcloth pattern
Needles: U.S. 5 - 3.75 mm

Book chat
Have not touched "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," by Betty Smith.
Ender in Exile by Orson Scott Card has not been listened to.

From the coop
I found a secret nest!

From the hutch
Getting the bunnies all set up for winter.

In the kitchen
Carmel apples
Lamb roast in the Instant Pot
Banana bread

Banana bread recipe
1 - 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup stick margerine or butter, softened
2 eggs
1 - 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 - 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottoms only of 2 regular loaf pans.

2. Mix sugar and margarine (or butter) in large bowl. Stir in eggs until well blended. Add bananas, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt just until moistened. Stire in the nuts. Pour batter into pans.

3. Bake 8-inch loaves about 1 hour, 9-inch loaf about 1/14 hours, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pans on wire rack. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

Nature notes
The last of the nice weather.


From the homestead
Outdoor clean up has started

Coffee talk
No episode next week.
Halloween
Faster internet
More about the weather

My happiness this week
Music - Music is an important part of my life.

Songs I mentioned:

The song that I couldn't remember the singer

Episode 05 - Frozen

Welcome back!  If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Thanks for visiting with me today!

 

Finished objects

Vanilla socks on two circs

Needles: U.S. 1 (2.5 mm)

Yarn: Knitpicks Felici

Colorway: The Countess
Started: To be filled in
Finished: To be filled in

 

Baby Surprise Jacket

Needles: U.S. 5 (3.75 mm)

Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala

Colorway:  Gnome
Started Sept. 21, 2018
Finished Oct. 6, 2018

 

 

Baby hat - A modified umbilical cord hat

Needles: U.S. 2
Yarn: Knitpicks Felici

Colorway: The Countess
Started Oct. 7, 2018
Finished Oct. 11, 2018

 

Book chat

I am *DONE* Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. 

"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," by Betty Smith has been started.  

From the Coop
Mama and babies update.
Update on the main flock.

From the Hutch
Hoss, why you pout so much?

Nature notes
Gales of November have arrived early.
Frost last night.

In the Kitchen
It's soup for all the lunches time!

Made my first quiche in ages. 

Coffee talk
Travel for work
Sabbath
Hunting update

My happiness this week
Nature - more specifically: Lake Superior.  I put a couple vids up at the end of the video. 

Current WIPs and FOs

So I sort of feel off the knitting and spinning wagon the last few months.  Is that even the proper way to describe it?  Knitting and spinning block?

I tried my hand at Tour de Fleece ... and failed. I have about a bobbin and a half of spun yarn. Any time I've put my crafting on any kind of schedule, you might as well count on my not doing it. Seriously.

Fiber is corriedale. Feels really nice in the hand. 

I never started the "next project" I wanted to do, which was to make a shawl out of that lovely yarn I wound into a cake back in March, or so.

I have, however, finished the pair of socks I was working on. They are full of technical errors, thanks to my taking *so* long to work on them in between socks.  I'll be keeping them.

Vanilla socks
Started - Don't remember because I can't find my project book.
Completed: August 19, 2018, or there abouts
Needle: US 1, 2.5 mm
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici yarn
Colorway: Tea Party
Colors: Pinks, purples and blues

 

A few dishcloths have been cranked out.  Two standby patterns.

Granny square dishcloth. Made with leftover dishcloth yarn.

 

 Celtic cables dishcloth. Made using leftover dishcloth yarn. I love this pattern and I don't think I will ever tire of it. This time around I cabled without a cable needle -- the entire thing. I'm so pleased to finally be able to do that. It just clicked this time around.

 

After the cables I decided I needed something fairly easy again.  I didn't want to start another pair of socks at the time.  I found a baby hat pattern.  Very easy and super quick. It's someone's version of the umbilical hat pattern.  I printed this one out but I forgot to include the designer's name or web address. Sorry.

Both hats were made with leftover KP felici sock yarn. One for a girl ...

And one for a boy ...

 

Both need to be blocked, so the curling will stop.

I have cast on a new pair of socks

Another pair of Vanilla socks
Needle: US 1, 2.25 mm for the cuff, 2.5 for the rest.
Yarn: KP Flelici
Colorway: Countess
Colors:  Purples

I have a mild itch to try another Baby Surprise Jacket.  Too bad I don't know anyone expecting. I'm not sure what I will do with the baby hats I knit. If I get enough together maybe I'll check around and see if an organizations collect them, or see if the hospitals collect them.