February 24, 2013

"You Are My Sunshine"


I have never attempted to photograph any of my crochet projects before, and had no idea how difficult it was. Arrange so it isn't bumpy, try to keep the sleeves from sticking straight out, make sure you can see the stitches...

This is the previously mentioned baby sweater. It is made of baby yarn in pale yellow. It was given to me without a label, so I don't know the minute details. I decided to use the yellow because at the time I was uninformed as to whether I was making it for a boy or a girl, and thought yellow would suit either equally.


The pattern I found in an old Needlecraft magazine that I bought from a thrift store (Fall-Winter, 1955-1956). Most of the patterns are to knit, one of those things I've been meaning to learn.


I entered it into the county fair earlier this month. It won Best of Show. Very exciting! And now I have a lovely rosette with which to flaunt my talent at the world. Sadly, the photos showing the hanging-down ribbons didn't turn out.


I think the most difficult part may actually have been sewing the buttons on in a straight line. After a few attempts though, the overall effect is pleasingly linear.

Honestly, I am mainly pleased to have finished on time.


Next on the agenda: Find a nicer font for the blog's header. I'm dissatisfied with the current one. It's too... spidery, perhaps? I can't seem to think of the proper adjective.

February 17, 2013

Sick days

I've been laid up for the past few days with a bad head cold. But today I finally feel like doing something besides huddling on the couch with a cup of tea and a blanket.


And, when she felt like it, my cat.


Valentines Day made me bemoan my decision to give up candy for Lent.



Also, I found this book secondhand. It is one of a series of books featuring sketches of cities that were drawn years ago. The pictures are fantastic, and it's easy reading when you aren't feeling well since there are hardly any words.





February 11, 2013

Robin Day

Every year the robins, presumably on their way back from wherever they go in winter, stop by the house to raid the wild grapevine on the back fence and the neighbor's Brazilian pepper tree. An invasive species actually, and almost impossible to eradicate. The only one we've been able to get rid of so far we had to chop down to the roots and douse with bleach.

Right, so. Today is Robin Day. Technically it started yesterday evening, but they weren't in full swing until this morning. I took some photographs, which I hope will be appreciated, as I was bombed during the photographing process.

The robins that would hold still long enough:




The prize:





February 5, 2013

Soda bread


The latest culinary export, as you have probably guessed, was soda bread. I have yet to achieve perfection, but this one was good. I think (and hope) that I may be getting close.
There is something therapeutic about making your own bread. It seems to establish a connection with the past.
As I was mixing the dough I started to think about my great-grandmother, the only grandmother I can remember. She died when I was thirteen, but she would have been ninety-nine next week. I still regret that I was never old enough to really talk to her, or ask questions. It's difficult at times to accept that there are so many things I'll never know.
But I digress. On to the recipe.

Soda Bread
(by Maura Laverty, paraphrased a bit by yours truly)

1 lb flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon bread soda (baking soda)
Buttermilk to mix

Sift the dry ingredients together several times. Form a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk gradually, mixing in flour from the sides. The dough should not be too dry, but too much liquid will make the bread heavy. I used just under 2 cups (16 oz).
Knead lightly for a few minutes. Form into a round cake.* Cross the top, brush with milk, and put into a hot oven on a baking tin for about 45 minutes at 450 degrees F.


*Note: This hasn't been working for me as well as I would like. I am going to try putting it in a bread pan next time.