Wild Woman / Glam Girl

Apple Chutney

2012-01-22T13:39:00.000-05:00

I made a 5 Spice Apple Chutney (Lacto Fermented) last weekend, it just bubbled over last night, so it's ready.Todays Lunch....
If you want to try making some, head on over to gnowfglins.com and seach for 5 Spice Apple Chutney

I made a half batch (1 quart) as a test batch. I like to scale down before I know if it's something that my pallette enjoys. It's a winner! One whoops though, I halved everything except the peacns. (That's what happens when things do not get written down.)

Enjoying it with my Maple-Vanilla Yogurt from Hawthorne Valley Farms, so delicious.

23 Pound Gifts

2012-01-09T17:56:00.004-05:00

What happens when you are gifted with a 23 pound, Heritage Turkey which was Organically fed, Cage free and Hormone Free? You get cooking, thats what you do.
What a wonderful giftt. And something that can make so many meals!
Day Brine it - I used a brine solution on the Turkey. The lid would not fit on my pot and it was too big for the fridge. So, It went out to the porch overnight in out 20 deg F temeratures. Ok, so brined for about 17 hours.

Then it cooked for about 9 hours (23 x 20)/60 = 7.67. That was not quite enough it had to go for another hour or so. Ah but the golden deliciousness that we ate last night was truly incredible. Funny think about brining, the flesh can get a red/pink tone once it is cooked. Especially the dark meats. So, because I was a bit freaked out by the color, I got my meat thermometer out, good thing because I was probably going to incinerate it!

Sorry, didn't think to take a picture of it when it was sitting and resting after the oven, it was so pretty and bronzed looking. Wouldn't you know it was too late to get into making the whole gravy thing and I had so much juice! I saved that of course. Nice and gelatin-y. Heres a pic of the juices, skimmed of fat.

Tonight, I have cut away the breasts, legs, wings and stripped allot of the carcass.

The carcass is in the pot being turned into a beautiful, flavorful stock. It looks kind of gross at this point, but, when it is finished, wow and wow again!

I made a Turkey pot pie and will freeze that in portions.

Layering Turkey pieces, carrots and snap peas.

After the last layer of meat and veggies, I spooned in some of the pan juices and added a bit of cornstarch to thicken the juices when they bake.

Top crust on and poked to let steam out.

Ta Da!

Nice fork work, right?

The best fork work is whats going to happen to that slice of Turkey Pie!

New Goo

2012-01-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

Over the week between Christmas and New Year, there was ample time for me to get into some trouble.....

I made it through decluttering our office and clearing it out. Now my other half is working on the walls and we'll get some moulding around the windows.....

I went spelunking in my UFO stack and found something that will work very well in there as a wall hanging..... It will not be a sleepy little wall hanging, that's for sure. Interesting, very interesting....Hahahahaha!

Other things that I got into - made a batch of Spicy Fermented Escabeche, I had my first sample today....Awesome!

Then I started some sourdough....

Here is the new goo.

Already baked several things from the initial batch - they are in the freezer all set for Quilt Guild snackies or when we need a quick yummy something for work.

Well except for the biscotti, those are mine all mine....

This mild winter has been absolutely incredible. I cannot quite get it right in my head. So, making the best of my day, I went outside and played in the dirt.

Dug up some black-cap bushes that thought they should hug the woodshed and live amongst my Gooseberries. My Gooseberry Bushes and I had some up close and personal time, too, they are now a much smaller version of what they once were.They they will be better for the pruning. Maybe I will be able to pick the berries nearest the woodshed....what a concept. My other half says I should, maybe, grow some friendlier plants. Perhaps ones with smaller thorns.

Good Soup

2011-12-17T12:33:00.001-05:00

What is more welcoming that the smell of a nice soup cooking on the stove?
Soaked my beans overnight, made sure I had a Ham Hock, used some of my flavorful homemeade chicken stock......
When it comes to making good stock, I follow the cookbook "Nourishing Traditions"
It is worth saving your pennies for this book and referring to it often. I strayed from the good info in here and find myself not feeling very well. Get back to using good foods, that's the focus!

I don't know how you feel about ham hocks, but, I get load of flavor from one. Usually can get 2-3 batches of soup from one Ham Hock that I cut apart.

So, back to the soup. I think it should be called Christmas Soup. Take a look at that tastiness.

Christmas Soup

3/4 Cup White Beans and a 1" piece of Kombu

1-1/2 Quarts Homemade Chicken Stock

2T Olive Oil

1-2 Cloves Fresh Garlic, Mashed

1/2 Large Yellow Onion, Chopped

1 Bay Leaf

Portion of a Smoked Ham Hock

(1/2 if it is small, 1/3 if it is large.

They are easy to cut starting from the narrow

end toward the wider end)

Large Bunch of Kale, rinsed, ribs removed and torn into pieces

Pint of Chopped Tomatoes (or a 15oz can)

Pepper to taste, you really shouldn't need salt as the Ham Hock will add that flavor.

Heat a soup pot on the stove, with the 2T olive oil. When the oil is heated enough, add the onion and garlic. Rinse your soaked beans and remove the Kombu . Add the beans to the pot and stir. Add your broth, Ham Hock piece and Bay Leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce your heat to low and simmer until the beans are tender.

Remove your bit of ham Hock and let it cool til you can touch it. Take the meat parts and chop into little pieces. Throw the rest of it away, it already did its work flavoring your soup for you.

Now add your torn kale, tomatoes and the reserved meat parts. Let the kale wilt and the tomatoes heat through, about 5 minutes. Season to tase with pepper.

Serve.

I like eating this with Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers or Sprouted Wheat Pretzels.

Soaking Beans: Rinse and pick over your beans, Put them in a bowl with a lot more water than beans. Add a 1" piece of Kombu to this also. Kombu helps make beans easier to digest. Let them soak over night or while you are away for the day at work.

Time to Catch up on what I've been knitting lately - more inspiration!

2011-09-17T09:14:00.000-04:00

I tell you it's everywhere. Ravelry, Yarn Comany Websites...can't get enough hours to do all the things that get me inspired. Has anyone invented the Time Stretcher yet? I'm waiting.

Scarf made from Ruffling Yarn and Wool

Here are the latest knits...

Cotton Hand Towel

Washcloth to go with hand towel

Chemo Cap Sunhat for a friend

Chemo Cap for a friend - made three all the same

Water bottle carrier

Hairband type Hat

Another Hairband Type Hat

Another Water Bottle Carrier

Moebius Cowl

This isn't knitting - but you already knew that, didn't you.

Zucchini Hot Dog Relish - great flavor!

Made enough for Dad, too

Inspiration

2011-09-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

I love Bad Mama Genny's blog "The Alchemist"

http://thealchemistblog.wordpress.com/

Genny makes me laugh, she gives me ideas. Like the Lacto Fermented Spicy Escabeche...

Look what she made me do! LOL!

My Apples are finally getting ripe. They are the most ugly looking apples because they haven't been sprayed with anything. So, not wanting to offend your senses, you get to see the finished product. After cutting the apples up, having removed the intruders and then cooked them down, I made a small batch of Applesauce with Cinnamon Red Hots. Those are the darker spots in the jars. Oh man, it's delicious!

Lots more apples to go and more recipes make.....

Some Sewing, Some Knitting, Some Crocheting and Some Preserves

2011-08-22T20:38:00.000-04:00

Dish Drainer Quilts and some Preserves

I started this post some time ago, forgot to post it!

Sun Dress for Christmas Gift

Always Wanted Blue Hair Chemo Cap

Assorted Dishcloths

First Pair of Handknit Socks/Slippers

It was worth the effort

2011-07-06T20:35:00.000-04:00

Some of the Stars in the flower gardens.

I'd say it was worth the effort.

Now We're Cookin'

2011-06-27T21:27:00.002-04:00

Finally some things are coming out of the garden. Kale - oh gosh - yummy beautiful green kale! Love it in my breakfast eggs (fresh eggs I buy from one of the folks that I work with) along with whatever needs to be cut up and fried from the veggie drawer. You know, those parts of peppers that haven't been used up, the little bit of onion left from some other dish, garlic - awwww yum!

Kale and Small Yellow Onions

Lettuce, small onions, sugar snap peas - all making their appearance on the dinner plate, they really brighten my day!

Window Box Lettuce

I am also trying to beat the birds to the black caps around the edge of our yard. Hopefully I will end up with enough for jelly or jam. Jelly, I am thinking would be better for Dad and my guy prefers jelly as well. Ok, that made up my mind, it will be jelly. I also noted the amount of Wild Rose Brambles around the edge of the yard. Hopefully I will get to try some Rose Hip Jelly later this year....God willing.

Black Caps, Second Day of picking them.

The rain has been relentless this year, storm after storm, I just can't get into the garden like I would love to. So, I take it in doses. Many things have been put in rather late. Time will tell how they will fare, as it will in every gardener's year.

I've lost most of my strawberry plants, some blight got into them and wiped out my patch except for a very few hardy plants. Those will be encouraged to spread out and fill in the patch. If all goes well in another couple of years there will be a decent patch again.

The Gooseberries are teasing me, one or two ripened and now they are all just staying green. That is until I have my back turned for too long, then bammo, I will have to get my butt in high gear. It will probably be the hottest day of the summer when I will have to be in jeans and a long shirt to pick them. I am not complaining though, that is just the way it goes..... Looking forward to freezing some and to making some jam. It is my humble opinion that a Gooseberry Pie is a wonder of wonders. How can such a sour fruit produce such a yummy outcome?

The weeds, I should report, are thriving.

With Joplin, Mo in mind

2011-06-13T16:29:00.000-04:00

There are probably several ways that a person can help the people in Joplin, Mo.

Here are two that I read about today.

These two bloggers have put their heads and hearts together to send some love,

perhaps this is something you would be interested in doing?

Here is a link to one of the ladies blog post regarding the aftermath...

Joplin

Here is the link describing their project...

Sharing a cup of tea

Another project is on Ravelry:

This project is for Afghans. There will be some other projects in the future, hats, etc....

Wrapped with Love, Hope and Peace.

My very first felted item

2011-06-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

It was a little scary, I tell ya. I have never done this before. Well, not on purpose anyway. (There is that time I ruined 2 gorgeous hand knit sweaters in one fateful machine load full... )
My thoughts, "This pretty knit bag that I just finished knitting is going to change dramatically. It may just turn into a lump, who knows. Oh man do I really want to do this?" Well, I just decided to jump in with both feet and shut down that inner nag....

Here is the before picture:

This is the more or less the same view after felting and then air drying overnight:

Here it is standing on it's own...

There is a real wow factor to this process! Here is a link to the one I pretty much followed.

And a Market Bag, too

2011-05-26T15:26:00.002-04:00

Potholders and Dishcloths and Shawls, you can add the "Oh My" if you want, don't wish to be that predictable!

Stovetop Smoker? Plowing Lessons...

2011-05-09T12:13:00.000-04:00

I was having such a nice time messing in the kitchen yesterday. Recently, Hobby Farm Home May/June 2011 Issue had an article called "The Smoking Section". I was inspired to make the "Smoky Sweet Potato Salad Recipe". It is delicious, however, some of my sweet potatoes turned out a little al dente. That is because I chickened out and lowered the the temperature setting slightly. I won't chicken out the next time. Their ideas for a stovetop smoker "springboarded me" to get creative with a pot I bought at an estate sale. It is a speckled spaghetti pot....it worked marvelously!

Here is a picture of my salad and some chicken breast for my lunch today.

While the sweet potatoes were cooling, I took Tim up on his invitation to try my hand at plowing. It was great. got into a couple of jams, Tim was right on it explaining what I had to do.

So, after the second time I got in a jam, he started to get frustrated with saying the same instructions to me. So things didn't deteriorate into a squable, I explained to Tim that I do get the concept, it is just processing it and putting it all together. So, he walked with me a little bit more and held his council.

That was good, because I was really starting to get it. Brake this wheel, now the other, raise the plow, don't throw in the clutch, don't forget to put the plow back down, ok, now when you are pulling to the left, brake the right, no, no, the other right....LOL!

Anyway it was a good experience. Big happy smile on this girl's face! Now for some disc-ing lessons.....

Spring knitting

2011-05-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

The yarns get lighter weight, the colors become more bright and sweet.

A reflection of the time of year.

New growth, brighter days, bird song and sweet flowers.

It is a time of promise and of hope.

It is a time of renewed energy.

A time to cleanse our minds and our bodies of the winter sluggishness.

Time to till the soil and plant the seed for this years vegetables.

I have some early items planted in my vegetable garden and am experimenting with Lettuce in my window boxes.

Tim has plowed up two new patches, one for corn and one for melons, potatoes, squashes? We'll see. Newness, new venture.

This morning the rain started again and woke us all up, the dogs, me, Tim. Myself and Zeus were the only ones awake after a bit, so, we had a nice time of early morning pets and snuggles. He is really turning out to be a wonderful dog, and his fur is really really soft. I just love burying my fingers in his fur and rubbing my nose and cheeks against the top of his head. He seems to think it's pretty nice, too.

Pretty Little Pink Quilt - Top is Pieced

2011-04-10T17:38:00.000-04:00

Ready to be sandwiched!

Pretty Little Pink Quilt - good progress today!

2011-04-09T18:51:00.001-04:00

I spent some time arranging my squares in between doing chores today. Once I figured out the layout that pleased me, I labeled the columns and stacked the squares. It keeps things sane. Every time I decide that I do not need these sort of organizing props, the layout gets messed up.

Here, I have the sashing pieces cut and stacked with the squares. It is all set for me to sew them together. Once I had the sashing stitched on, I joined all of the columns to make the rows of the quilt. It's turned sideways on the ironing board so that I could press the pieces open. The numbered pins get moved to the rows now, and I will cut them apart so sashing strips can be added in between the rows. Done quilting for the day - crabby old back is not happy with me! So maybe tomorrow, once home from Dad's I can get the sashing complete and make a decision about finishing. Border or no Border? That is the question....leaning toward no border and a nice lime green binding.H

Quilters Block Breakthough

2011-04-08T15:20:00.000-04:00

Wow, finally!
I have had sewing machine aversion for a very, very long time. No real desire to sew, quilt or anything to do with my machines. It is such a shame, too, because they are my favorite tools.
This week I stitched together some strip-sets of 1-1/2" Moda fabrics. I bought a Moda Honey Bun that was on sale in Hancock's of Paducah (2009) and have no idea what the medley name is anymore. They are very pretty and very feminine.

It felt good to put them together....did that over Monday and Tuesday nights. Tuesday, the cutting into smaller units began. Backgrounds originally picked are way, way, way to heavy. So - tonight I hope to go Stash Divin'! Hoping to come up with something or a handful of somethings that look great.

I found a nice white on white in my stash! This should work nicely.

It's Sunnny and it's the weekend!

2011-04-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

It's Saturday, people, the day's a-wastin'.....
5 more minutes and I am getting his ass outta bed!

My sweet, delicate little Golden

2011-03-24T19:52:00.000-04:00

Goldie decided that there was something in the ground here. Very likely there was! I love how she doesn't take any nonsense from those darned old roots!

Quilting, Gardening, Knitting? It's all converging.....

2011-03-24T16:04:00.000-04:00

Some of my friends and I attended the Lancaster Quilt Show.

There were some changes for us this year.

In the past we had visited the Silk City Diner on the way down to the show, then stopped at Sauder's for fabric, sometimes we have gone to Burkholder's.

This year we stopped at Hayloft Fabrics for the first time, that was a nice experience. Then we had lunch at Park Place Diner. Next stop was Sauders, oh, do we love Sauders! For me, it's all about the selection of solid colors that they have for sale. There are, of course, many other fabrics. It is a quilters wonderland.

After we had our shopping adventure, we arrived at the hotel and put our stuff in the rooms. By this time we needed naps and were feeling a bit "peckish". So, we had dinner at Isaac's, it was good, but, the margarita was better!

Next Day, quilt show!
I liked the venue, the lighting was good and we were able to take in the displays in doses. So, we hit the show until 2pm.
Then we drove out to Intercourse, PA. On the way there were a couple of Amish Farmers out plowing their fields with several horses hitched to the plows. There were also some Lambs - that made our driver happy when she saw them!
Some of the ladies hit Zook's, and the Old Country Store. I visited the Fudge Shoppe in Kitchen Kettle Village then the Lancaster Yarn Shop. It was such a gorgeous day outside I sat on a bench and did some people watching while enjoying the sun and the breeze. Then Good 'n' Plenty Restaurant for dinner. Afterward, we went back to the Old Country Store for Midnight Madness.

Back to the room to rest up for more Quilt Show on Saturday.

I had an opportunity to Visit The Lancaster Heritage Museum and the Quilt Museum. There was also some funky and fun little shops and restaurants in downtown Lancaster. Glenda and I found a cute little bead/pottery shop. Carr's restaurant was a delightful place to dine. (Chocolate Creme Brulee for desert to celebrate Pat's brithday! Thank you Glenda!!!!)

On the road again!

Heading home, Sunday, we stopped at another favorite haunt of ours called Ladyfingers Sewing Studio. Wonderful shop with lots of great ideas and lovely fabrics... We always love to stop there! We talked Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Haiti Peace Quilts and other lovely things...

Back to reality now, Work, Quilt Show Committee, Super Saturday Planning and letter writing. Laundry, Cleaning and Home all waiting for attention....And play time with the dogs! We had a Zeus and Goldie rodeo last night. I was one of the "jumps" as Zeus and Goldie ran circles and and wrestled one another. What a hoot those two are!

They Missed Me!

I've been wanting to get my Sugar Snap Pea seed in, at least a few of them. It's time to get the succession planting started. This year my hopes are for more pea plants. I never made it out of the garden with the peas last year, they are so delicious right off the vine you know! (I think its time to put radish and lettuce seed in, too. )

I worked on a scarf while on the Lancaster trip, scarf is nearly done. Hopefully will finish it tonight, there are lots of other things to do, who knows? It has some great spring colors....

Knitting

2011-03-22T14:06:00.001-04:00

March Mystery 220 KAL after clue #2 was completed

Hat for a baby girl


Soft and Lacy Scarf

Chastain park Shawl - Modified

2011-02-26T17:57:00.000-05:00

So I made it a little longer added a few rows of this and that....

It really turned out sweet and pretty....

3 more quick to knit projects completed

2011-02-21T19:09:00.003-05:00

Something to wear with my Jeans Jacket
Chastain Park Shawl

something Soft and Pretty
Magz Bias Scarf

something with a simple but real fun, funky edge
January

Tonight's the night to finish that cool scarf....Feb Mystery220 KAL

2011-02-17T18:49:00.002-05:00

This has been a very enjoyable item to knit!
(not yet blocked)

Making the drops is very addictive, you sort of get into a rhythm when making them and adding rows.

I used Lion Brand Amazing Yarn in "Pink Sands", the colors are so fresh and spring-like. This will look great with some spring jackets....

Joining this online group on Ravelry has expanded my skills so much in just 3 short months! Who knew?

Here is the pattern: Shizuku
There have been so many beautiful projects knit in such a variety of yarns, it's a delight to see all of them as people show their scarves off.....

Next project....

While I wait

2011-02-10T20:58:00.002-05:00

As we wait for the next clue in the Mystery Knit Along, some of us have been working on a Lace Shawlette. I just finished the first section of the pattern rows tonight. So pretty! Had to do some ripping back here and there, but, thinking that the project is on the right track again, LOL!

(Some of the knitters are already done!)

Right now, it doesn't have much definition. However, when it is finished and blocked, it will show a lovely leaf pattern.

Blocking! Wow, it is just so neat!!

February Mystery 220 KAL Clues #1 and #2 - It's so funky!

2011-02-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

Clue #1

Clue #2

The yarn is Lion Brand Amazing, Pink Sands, it's so soft and pretty, in both the tactile and visual sense.

This mystery project is so intriguing, perhaps a scarf or shawl type thingie....

Sometime the sweetness in life is something cozy...

2011-02-05T21:33:00.003-05:00

Happily knitting away the hours in the evenings; content, with the dogs dozing, supper having been eaten, Tim and I relaxing on the couch and a fire burning in the woodstove.

This is some of the good stuff in life.

The hours spent knitting are well worth the time, it allows the mind to process what it has to in the background while the stitches get counted and the projects take shape.

This beautiful blush colored yarn is Wool Ease from Lion Brand Yarns.

The pattern is named Eve

It knitted up so nicely and is very comfortable with my gray wool coat. Simple, yet, very classy piece! (I love the sample that was knit for the pattern page.)

The yarn for this was purchased at Amenia Winter Market just before Christmas. My favorite color, the wool just called out and had to be something that I will wear lots. So, I have a fleece vest and a purse that coordinate nicely with this.

The pattern for this is named Ullas Schal

Both items are cozy and warm.

A very happy camper indeed....

We're at the end of January already?

2011-01-31T13:06:00.001-05:00

It's so hard to believe. It has been a very snowy month, lots of shoveling and ice chipping.

Lots of knitting, too. Here are some of the things I've knit this past month....

There were a few more, but, I am not crazy about them. Dishcloths that were too loose, towel topper too droopy, mittens that were ripped out...part of the whole process.

The stuff below, while not perfectly done have passed the happy test. I'm happy it's good 'nuf for me!

January Mystery 220 Beadwork KAL - Clue #5 and final clue completed

2011-01-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

Knitting this little bag has been a really enjoyable experience.

Love, love, love the way this fine sock weight yarn and the beads work together.

Sometimes ya just need some color

2011-01-26T12:13:00.002-05:00

Bought some yarn on sale at Michaels after the Holidays, it is a beautiful coral color with some pink, orange and fuschia wound into the fiber.
Very pretty. It really caught me, so, it had to come home.

I've made a Beret from this pattern: Beret

and a scarf from this pattern: Scarf

Now, One would think that a person would want to tone this down a bit, right?
I don't think so.
I have a Fuschia Sweater or a Red Sweater to wear with this!
Hahahahaha! Color, lively color!
That's what this is all about!

Retina Burning outfit #1

Retina Burning outfit #2

January Mystery 220 Beadwork KAL - Clue #4 completed

2011-01-16T01:03:00.001-05:00

The drape and weight of this knitted "whatever" is really nice. Very enjoyable project so far.

Finished this guy today, too. A Snowman Dishcloth.

Not part of the Mystery KAL, but, wanted to finish it. Now I hope I can get to sleep!

January Mystery 220 Beadwork KAL - Clue #3 completed

2011-01-13T21:23:00.000-05:00

I did a little too much knitting and had to rip or frog ("rip it") a few rows, but it's all caught up for now.... Saturday is the next clue....

Liking the color combo allot.

January Mystery 220 Color Work KAL

2011-01-02T22:15:00.001-05:00

Updated January 18, 2011 - this project has been ripped out. I really didn't care for my tension in the next clue and decided that I wasn't really crazy about colorwork right now. Maybe, I'll try it in the future.

Here is my progress for the other Mystery 220 for January.

Initially I had a completely different yarn picked out for this project, but, it just wasn't going to work for this. None of the worsted weight I already have "got gauge" but this stuff worked. Crazy (the variation in yarns).

So, I picked up this at JoAnn's today. On Sale! There were pretty colors in the bins yet. Maybe a new pair of mittens for Valentines Day? Maybe the first Christmas Gift to put away for gifting in 2011?

Who knows, this is the first clue of 4.

January Mystery 220 Beadwork KAL

2011-01-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

Clue #2 Mystery 220 Beadwork KAL

So far this is really pretty neat. ...

January Mystery 220 - Beadwork KAL

2010-12-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

KAL = Knit Along

Sock Weight Yarn
6/0 Beads
US 2 Knitting Needles

Never worked this small before!

This is intriguing....

The beads are strung and it's time to cast on.

These are the cutest dang knitting needles!

Ok, that's clue #1 completed. New Year's Day is the next clue...

December Mystery 220 finished

2010-12-24T15:33:00.000-05:00

The pattern is "Duet" by Linda Wilgus

Ok so Wednesday I was all fired up knitting away during lunchtime. Oh my gosh…talk about a heart pounding mystery…I was just starting the last repeat of the rows 1-4, my knitting needle broke into 3 pieces. Lunch was over and I had rescue my work. I thought I "saved" it, but somewhere I lost 3 stitches (in the yarn over sections). So, I used the tip I saw in the most recent issue of Knit-Simple (Winter 2010/2011) in the “Ask Jill” section. Auuugh. So close! But, then again, look at all of the experience I am gaining!

This is a piece of the broken needle, it can be a Shawl Pin.... Added a bead, I'll find something to pair it with.

Thursday night, I blocked my piece, yep bound off and all that!

The pattern is "Duet" by Linda Wilgus

Third Clue on the Ravelry, December Mystery 220 finished

2010-12-19T21:47:00.000-05:00

After discovering that my pattern was jogged a stitch last week, I took the whole thing out and re-did it. Now I've completed al the clues successfully, including this week's clue.

Second Clue on the Ravelry, December Mystery 220 finished

2010-12-12T19:41:00.000-05:00

Aw maaaaaan, now I have to wait for next Sunday..... LOL!
Here is the second clue finished. It's looking really neat and I am amazed to be following this without much back tracking.

First Clue on the Ravelry, December Mystery 220 finished

2010-12-09T21:39:00.000-05:00

This is a Mystery that is from 220 yards or less of yarn. I just finished the first clue, now Sunday can't get here soon enough (that's when I get the next clue)!

First Dutchess Quilters Art Quilt Challenge 2010 - Round 1

2010-12-08T22:05:00.002-05:00

The challenge was to use the following picture to inspire your piece. Use any part of the picture.

The finished piece is 8"x10" then mounted to a larger board covered fabric. So, here are the results! Oh my goodness, I wish you could see them in person, they are beautiful!

Quilt Layout from Exchange Blocks

2010-12-02T12:56:00.000-05:00

It is blog update day, I wrote the previous post back in mid-november and forgot to publish it. Silly me.

This is from a block exchange back in late October. Arent they pretty?

Cutie Cute Cute

2010-12-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

That's what Mom used to say when she thought something was adorable, This wee hat is just that. It was a fun pattern to knit and there will be more little hats to knit in the future. It is a little bit bigger than the pattern and is for my youngest great-nephew. (If he inherited the Lange Cranium, he'll certainly have no problem fitting it! Otherwise, he's a growing boy and it won't be long before he's wearing it.)

Also Made a mobius cowl - the cowls are just so nice to wear! No dangly scarf ends getting stuck in the armload of firewood nor problems with sliding scarves.....

More Knitting!

2010-11-05T09:35:00.000-04:00

Well, I have moved on to wristers/half gloves/fingerless mitts for now. These are fun to knit and really are cute. Looking forward to making a pair for me when the Christmas Gifts are done.

The first pair is funky and fun. "Shimmer" and "Pomp-a-doodle" yarn...
Here is a link to the pattern Spark and shimmer fingerless gloves

The second Pair is a bit more sophisticated and is made from the same "Shimmer" Yarn as the funky pair...

Here is the link to this pattern Comfy Knit Wristers

Knitting Madness

2010-10-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

I have been a knitting fool lately. Big needles, fast results for right now. Here is the progress so far....

The free patterns online have had my head spinning with possibilities. If you are someone who enjoys knit and crochet might I suggest a couple of links?
Lion Brand Pattern finder
Bernat and Patons Patterns
Coats and Clark => This site can be very slow in response, worth the wait though....

The actual knitting is totally zen, just what is needed these days. I never quite looked at it this way before, it was always a very different feeling for me, I can't explain it, but there was pressure for perfection(Mom's influence) and something else where I just set my sights on an outcome that was fixed. I don't do fixed very well, so, if I didn't achieve that outcome, I failed. Therefore, why bother with the rest of it? So, now, I am looking at this process with different eyes and mind and really enjoying the motion, the textures and, yes, the imperfections.

The Garden in September

2010-09-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

It seems as the Northeastern Vegetable Garden winds down, the plants start to look pretty funky. The cucumber plants are worn out, the summer squash plants are looking worse for wear. The winter squash vines are dying off as the fruit ripens and is ready to pick.... So, it seems kind of ominous. Cold weather is coming.

But, then, I look up from my digging and am reminded of the beautiful explosion of color that my flowers are providing. It just makes me want to sing, they are so beautiful and vibrant!

I took these pictures September 12th and the blooms are still going strong.

Technicolor Dreams....

2010-08-23T15:45:00.013-04:00

When my mind is overstimulated, when my thoughts are working in colors and creations, I just can't sleep. So, in the wee hours when I finally caught a couple of winks, the quilt design for my Tissue Paper Transfers finally came to life.......in amazing technicolor dreams!

Here are the blocks I dreamed of last night.

This is the inspiration for the colors.
(Remember these? From July 6, 7 and 10, 2009 blog posts)

Wonderful Things Happening in my Kitchen

2010-08-20T10:48:00.006-04:00

Isn't this the prettiest jar of salsa?
The colors just make me want to smile!
It is made from Yellow Grape Tomatoes and Red Cherry Tomatoes.

Right now on my counter are 3 jars of Salsa, 2 jars of Pickles and one jar of Red Wine Vinegar. I traded a jar of Salsa for some Red Wine that was in process when the vapor lock failed. So, my friend asked me if I wanted some, I said I will make you something for a trade.... I just love walking past that part of the kitchen, the aromas are wonderful. The wine, the dill and garlic and the Cilantro/Lime/Jalapeno scents all making their wonderful magic!

Beautiful Friends

2010-08-19T15:44:00.003-04:00

Had a wonderful evening out with my beautiful lady-friends last night. The laughs, the smiles, the banter, that chat....it is all good.

Garden Bounty

2010-08-18T12:46:00.004-04:00

Here is a picture of last nights haul.....

It's starting to roll in, all of those beautiful late summer vegetables! It just thrills me to have fresh tomatoes right off the vine this year, I hope that we have a chance to get some air through the vines before it rains again. So beautiful to go out and pick bright green and red Ruby Chard, red Tomatoes, dark green Zucchini and Cucumbers, yellow Summer Squash and creamy colored Patty Pan Squash. The Jalapeno's and Bell Peppers are really hitting their stride. What puzzles me is why I did not grow any Dill, Parsley or Cilantro?

Sweetness in Life

2010-08-11T16:05:00.008-04:00

A dear trusted person once told me that I did not have enough sweetness in my life. She said, I don't mean sugary treats, I mean the sweet stuff. Hugs, sharing warm moments with someone that is close to my heart. I am a person that thrives on these things and there sincerely hasn't been enough of that in my life in these recent years.
So, pursuing the sweetness in life. Don't know how yet, but, that is what the focus is going to be. Let you know what I find, OK?
I think this is different from having a grateful heart, already have much to be grateful for and express that as much as possible.

So here is a "sweetness in life" that happened today;
I had a text from my Niece, she says the baby found his toes today and is so intrigued by them. He grabs them and tries to look at them so closely that his little eyes are crossing!

They were going to the compost pile anyway!

2010-08-05T14:47:00.012-04:00

Flower Pounding?

I trimmed some Coleus Plants the other day and decided that I would try to use the leaves that I stripped to do some flower pounding.

I must be missing something important in the steps for fabric. The purples and pinks bled out and the green stayed pretty well put. I also tried it on some watercolor paper. That was much more satisfying to me! Here are some pic's of my experiments. I plan to make a small "paper quilt" with my watercolor paper experiments. I love these designs - incomplete yet enough detail to be interesting. Also am rooting the pieces that I snipped to make table centerpieces for Anna Maire's 30th Birthday party. They look as though they will root just fine!

New Tote

2010-07-16T18:01:00.006-04:00

I finished this tote July 4th weekend. I really like it allot, but, there are some drawbacks.

1) Putting the cords together was a piece of cake, however, they looked so sloppy when I followed the instructions. Once I did them in a way I liked better, the strips actually "finished" more neatly.

2) constructung the bag itself was what I imagine wresting some sort of wild animal is like, or maybe having a toddler in your lap when you are trying to do something....

3) it was a pain in the @#$ to do the final sewing as it got so thick where it is bound that my machine presser foot kept popping up. Then there was the wad of thread on the bottom! Once the foot popped up there was no more tension on the tension discs. Big trouble.

4) it is one heavy bag!

However, it is pretty, it is sturdy and I'll never make another of this particular pattern!

Mud Woman Rides again

2010-07-12T12:34:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a great day, I took my bike out for the first time in a long time. It felt so good to be out there and in the sun and wind. My friend Barb took her bike out, too. She is a novice and needs a patient person to ride with. It was so great to see her smiling at the end of the ride and happy that she accomplished it. I am proud of you Barb!
I got home and chose the wrong section just as I entered my driveway. I ended up dropping my bike in 4" of mud. How dang dumb was it to pick that section to go through? I must have been more tired that I thought. Anyway, I am sore, but, not as bad as it could have been by any means. I guess if I was going to flop, it's better in a cushion of nice thick gooey mud. I didn't bounce off the hard dirt or blacktop, I flopped and stuck. Luckily my leg was not stuck under the bike and luckily I was almost home. I had to call Tim to help me get the bike up as I was sliding too much to pick it up. So, as the day goes on I am getting more sore and will go for a chiropractic adjustment tonight. I know tomorrow is going to be icky because it is usually 2 day delay for me......
The bike didn't get damaged too badly, I did however shear off a foot peg. All in all, I am a lucky girl.

I realized that I haven't posted any updates on projects in a long time.

2010-07-09T10:42:00.005-04:00

We have been working on restoring a tractor for me, it is coming along beautifully. Here is a shot when we started to take it apart.

So, here is my rug. finished it May 11th.

Life changes/We change

2010-06-18T10:58:00.011-04:00

"Our great men have written words of wisdom to be used when hardships must be faced. Life obliges us with hardships, so, the words of wisdom shouldn't go to watse! To us and our good fortune, be happy, be healthy, Long Life! And if our good fortune never comes here's to whatever comes, Drink L'chaim, to LIFE! "

another portion of the song,
"Life has a way of confusing us, blessing and bruising us; Drink L'chaim, to LIFE!"
the version we sang in High School Choir, from "Fiddler on the Roof".

So life keeps bringing it on, we keep changing to adapt. Always correcting our thinking, our behaviors, adapting within our relationships.

My relationship with Dad has been a struggle for me for most of my life. When you hear things like "Women shouldn't have good jobs." "Women don't mean anything in our family" and get treated as though you are there for the purpose of being a servant, well, that just sticks in your whole being. As a person who is somewhat intelligent this has been and still is a huge hurtle for me to over come. Still working on it, still trying to keep believing that I can, I am able, I am valuable, on and on.
So, bring thought life to the present, my Father is aging, and aging terribly. He has many health issues and I believe that we are seeing the dreaded disease Alzheimer's developing. It has been coming on, but, he has been able to hide it. Not anymore, problems are just too apparent. Many things are getting confused, big blank spots in his memory of the day/week and so on.
Since Mom passed away, I am the person who takes care of things for Dad. I am glad to do it, but, not happy about his attitude sometimes. But we are adjusting to one another. I know that he can't help himself and can't change his thinking at this point. God help me. We're supposed to honor our Mother and Father. Okay, doing the best I can. Dad is not only forgetful, but, is wiley/sneaky, too. So, you sometimes don't know what behavior you're seeing.
One of the hardest things for me is keeping my cool, after all the years of keeping my mouth shut and just dealing with his bad attitudes, I want to give him a ration of attitude. But, thankfully, God has given me the ability to forgive, ask for guidance and to be the daughter that will have few regrets when Dad's day finally comes. Pray for me that I can continue!
I am so grateful for the people that are in my life. For example, I have gotten so many great tips and helpful suggestions from my co-worker Denise. She's not just another armchair quarterback, if you know what I mean. She asks good questions and gives me good suggestions. I thank God every day for angels like that in my life. She says that she knows because she has been there. Glad to hear from the experienced person.
So, to wrap up this meandering post.

I know that there are many people dealing with elder care and much more complicated issues, mine are small compared to some. So my thought for the day is...
You never know where the strength is going to come from, you never know where you are going to be able to to adjust your behaviors and thinking, you never know where the Teachers will be, or where the Angels will come from.~ I am grateful and richly blessed~

"Life has a way of confusing us, blessing and bruising us; Drink L'chaim, to LIFE!"

2010-06-16T08:41:00.001-04:00

This sentiment was part of an email that I received this morning, it's just too good to keep to myself.

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. "

Quilt Retreat Project 4

2010-01-25T21:42:00.007-05:00

This Quilt started out as a Harmonic Convergence (Ricky Timms Method)

Then I decided that it needed some Koi, it took forever to figure out what to do for them.

I made screen prints at a thermofax workshop (taught by Rayna Gillman).

I used some tie dyed fabric that I made, it worked out beautifully for the Koi that have orange coloring.

Added some Tulle and some quilting.

Still in process.....

Quilt Retreat Project 3

2010-01-25T21:26:00.004-05:00

The texture in this project is so yummy - what a great way to use up skinny strips leftover from quilting projects.

Quilt Retreat Project 2

2010-01-25T21:21:00.004-05:00

A small wool project, something to tie on to a sewing basket to keep needles, thread and teensy scissors.

Quilt Retreat Project 1

2010-01-25T21:10:00.004-05:00

This is a car organizer for my Sisiter In Law, Marie.

I can't wait to send it to her for a Birthday Gift!

Round Robin, my piece

2010-01-22T06:55:00.005-05:00

I am so very pleased and very overwhelmed by the beautiful work that was done to my center.

I started with the Log Cabin, that's where Oma and Opa live. Then Cathy added the leaves arouns and over the surface. Claudine added the little girl flying her kite (one of my alter ego's). This is such a warm and wonderful outcome. I am in tears with gratitude for my friends' work on this quilt.

Card Exchange - the two that were sent to me

2010-01-22T06:41:00.005-05:00

This First Card is by Cathy, it is so warm and beautiful. I can hear the music and feel the woman dancing. Just gorgeous. The next card is by Claudine. This one is The wild and mysterious Cajun Woman named Tatoo. Very exotic!

Oh My these are wonderful and I am so completely out of my league. These ladies really have given me some wonderful Artwork and I think I am going to burn my latest attemp. I've already burnt three prototypes. Oh man.

This was tacked onto and email today

2010-01-18T12:02:00.004-05:00

Beautiful Day Today!

2010-01-09T17:58:00.004-05:00

For the longest time I have been telling myself that I would get out in the Winter Months and prune my fruit trees - it's better done when the trees are dormant. It actually happened toay! So the wild things are now tames, I can mostly walk around them. Now to look up when the dormant oil gets sprayed on them...."Gardens Alive" has all of that great info. LAst growing season was such a bust with all of the rain we had. This year I feel like I really want to make it up to those beautiful wonderful trees. So, the branches have been trimmed up and the little shoots that are going off in the wrong directions have been clipped. Tim helped me with some particularly large limbs that were crowding the other trees. Now I have a couple of bits of Cherry Wood and Apple Wood to use in my smoker, just have to cut them into little pieces. I don't know if Peach or Pear wood is very tasty in a smoker, so I threw that is the brush pile. Next - Prune and thin out the Gooseberry Bushes, they are so thick that I can't get in there to pick the berries!

Christmas Cards 2009

2009-12-19T09:59:00.004-05:00

The finished card front, I used Brick Red Distress Ink pad to add color to the edges of the cards. Glue the Screen printed fabric piece to the card using UHU twist and glue.

Sprayed with water then heat set with the iron.

Screen Printed onto a piece of fabric, starting to add the color with Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils.

The cards were inspired by a photo that I took of our woodshed and then made into a thermofax screen for printing at a workshop this past fall at Studio 78.

December UHU Project

2009-12-13T16:38:00.005-05:00

This project was quick and very easy to make.

The free Twist and Glue sample really impressed me, I usually have very little success gluing things to glass.

Not this time, the glue applied clear, flowed well and dried clear. The glue and paper did not pop away from the glass as I trimmed around the flat backed glass beads, nice tight bond!

Twist and Glue takes a little while to set, but, not that long. I had to adjust my work surface a little because I had a sliding problem. (But like I said, the glue did set up in a very short while and I could move on to the next one.)

Once the glue was thoroughly dry, I glued magnets to the back of the pieces.

I looked at all of my cute little magnets and thought, they need a tree! Take a look at the picture below....

Christmas Tree, that was cut using my Cricut Machine, from dark green Cardstock.

Then, I cut the garlands from a piece of Scrapbook paper, glued them with my UHU Glue stick (from last month's sample).

I am also very fond of this glue. It applies nicely, adheres well and once set does not lift off. Washes easily from my fingers, too!

Gift No. 3 Finished!

2009-12-11T18:54:00.004-05:00

This is the same sweet little tote bag as the red one in the previous post, just a different colorway. I think these would be great Lunch totes.....

This time I stitched around the top edge of the bag, looks okay to me....

Gift No. 2 Finished

2009-12-10T06:53:00.004-05:00

Isn't this a cute little tote?

It is from BH&G More Fast & Fabulous Quilting Ideas.

Very nice pattern, Lining is nicely applied, 6 outside pockets are created by stitching the handles onto the panels. The only thing that I am not crazy about is the top edge of the bag, it just looks unfinished to me. Stitching along the top edge will ruin the look of the handles, so, will leave it alone.

Finished a gift on my To Do list!

2009-12-08T21:21:00.009-05:00

This is a gift for a friend of mine. It is from Simplicity Pattern 3776, view "G".

It's a Shirley Bottsford design and is a very neat pattern.

I would use Timtex or Peltex in the future as fusible fleece doesn't stand too well on it's own.

The other things about the pattern that are fuzzy:

The amount of prairie points needed; the handles do not have directions.

I gave it my best guess-timate and things worked out fine.....

All in all, I am pretty pleased with the result and hope my friend will like it, too!

Cathy's Round Robin - Finished my Round

2009-11-29T19:07:00.006-05:00

I had so much fun making the outer border and the Purple, Blue and Green Stars.... it says done to me!

Day After Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T08:36:00.003-05:00

Some ornaments or perhaps tags....made the day after Thanksgiving. My friend Lynn and I started this because we wanted an alternative activity to Black Friday. Lynn has since passed away, however, a couple of our mutual friends and I keep this tradition going. It is a wonderful way to stay connected!

Cathys Round Robin

2009-11-23T20:32:00.004-05:00

Cathy's Center of the Block.

Some of Claudine's additions

This is "Spark" - a little art doll by Claudine

The whole piece as I received it.

Oh my Gosh the work is really beatiful and thoughtful.

UHU Sample of the Month

2009-11-22T21:11:00.004-05:00

Here is a Shopping list keeper made from a the Mini Clip Board and Glue that was sent in my sample kit.

I used alchohol ink to color the wood, then cut the dogs from a piece of fabric I had and used fusible web to attach them. Then adhered the pre-cut letters using the UHU Glue.

This was a fun project!

Claudine's Retablo - Finished my round

2009-11-22T18:27:00.005-05:00

I tried making the stone fabric paper work, however, I just couldn't warm up to it. So, after I finally let go of my initial thoughts...things finally started to happen. The right fabrics finally showed up, the ideas really took shape. So, here is a picture of how I added on.

I added the light inner border on just three sides to give the center a Windowsill. Then I added the frame and corner blocks, flowers and couched down some stitched cord. So, after plugging away all week, I think I am finished. Now on to Cathy's Round Robin and the UHU Monthly Challenge.

Claudine's Retablo - AEDM day 12

2009-11-13T19:50:00.003-05:00

So, tonight I finally mixed my Mortar and laid down the stonework for Claudines Retablo, I really think it will work out well. Well to tell the truth, I mixed Modge Podge and water, then made Paper Cloth (Beryl Taylors Method - Fabric Paper). Anyway, once all the bubbles were popped, I diluted some alcohol ink to make the "stones" look mossy.

Now for the stuff to dry!

Zeus

2009-11-12T15:00:00.002-05:00

What are you looking at me for, I didn't do anything!

My Little Angels

2009-11-10T19:51:00.006-05:00

This picture took me by surprise, there I am working away on the computer and this is happening right at my feet! I was afraid to move and destroy the shot, thankfully, my phone was handy!

Tags for a trade (day 9&10 AEDM)

2009-11-10T18:41:00.004-05:00

Last night just before my quilt committee meeting, I cut out some tags, added gesso then removed some of it . Today I added some Perfect Pearl Gold to the edges and then glued down some cut outs and some mulberry paper. I will add some of the stitched cord to the top and and call them done. Off they go to my trade people!

Claudines Retablo - Day 8 (Art Every Day Month)

2009-11-09T11:19:00.006-05:00

I am now retinking the whole stonewok on the Retablo. The original idea just wasn't right. So, tonight I am going to sit down and make some paper cloth for the round that is mine, that feels more right. The more I thought about what was originally planned the more I felt it was unfair to the person that follows me in the round robin.
Yesterday, Nov 8th, the most Artistic/Creative anything I did was move things around on my Table to make room for wet stuff.

North Adams Mass - Cobblestones

2009-11-07T19:48:00.003-05:00

These cobblestones are outside of Tala's Quilt Shop in North Adams Mass, I had to take some pictures of them, the texture and placement are really inspiring.....

Claudine's Retablo

2009-11-06T10:04:00.008-05:00

The retablo that Claudine made is the center part of a round robin I am sharing with 2 of my friends.
I have started to draft the stonework to surround the center (which will be my round on the piece) and will get started with the cutting and assembly next - yee haa!

Grow Dammit - Day 4 and 5 - finished

2009-11-06T10:01:00.011-05:00

Well, I guess I wasn't quite done, added some brown around the lettering today....
I am happy with my journal cover and am calling it done!
Now for Garden season to get here - well, maybe I should make some notes about what not to grow next year and what methods to change?

OK, I put the magnetic clasp on.

A little embellishing to cover the clasp

Grow Dammit - day three

2009-11-05T11:00:00.004-05:00

I added the cording to the outside edge of my journal cover last night, added some stamped things and some chipboard flowers. Maybe its done. I want to add the clasp tonight and call it DONE.

Grow Dammit - today's progress

2009-11-03T20:13:00.004-05:00

I didn't get allot of time to play today, but, did get the rest of the construction on the Journal cover done. Also made some stitched cord to use on something, not sure what, yet.

Grow Dammit

2009-11-02T21:03:00.009-05:00

I am putting together something to use as a Garden Journal.

So, this idea has been on the table for a long time...about a year.

Here, I have the cover almost assembled, tomorrow I can get that construction completed and then can embellish a little bit.

Close look at the cover "front", I made this part out of paper cloth using Beryl Taylor's method.

Art Every Day Month

2009-11-02T10:49:00.005-05:00

Well, nothing like a challenge to get things rolling. Today I signed up for "Art Every Day Month" and am taking the challenge to get myself in the mode of doing something anything creative each day.

Vermont Classic Weekend

2009-10-20T13:53:00.005-04:00

A trip to Vermont and a weekend of quilting is a wonderful way to restore the soul.

Especially with a good friend. (who is willing to laugh at silly things with me!)

On the way up Sue and I stopped in at the Bennington Museum, there is a wonderful display of quilts there right now, Peace Quilts from Haiti. They are so very genuine, the style, the colors, the embroidery and quilting. It was as though these women and girls were sharing their heart and traditions with me. The quilts have been presented in a beautiful display that is well lit with excellent viewing access.
Here are a couple of pictures from the display:

Fisherman

Notice the way the quilting is used more as a major design element, in this case the scales of the fish.

Jonah and the Whale

Tree of Life

Bike Artist/Metal Artist Ron Finch

2009-09-21T12:32:00.010-04:00

We took a ride to Blackthorne Resort on Saturday where Catskill Thunder was underway. I had the opportunity to visit with Metal Artist Ron Finch. He has made fabulous creations.
http://www.finchscustoms.com/index.htm

Here are some of the other items that he creates, they are so much fun!!
http://www.finchscustoms.com/metalife.htm

Here are some shots that I took:

Ron in front of his huge bike toy - He encourages people to climb on it.

Ron and Tim talking about some of the details on his bikes

Oh My beautiful Squares from the Fiber Art NE exchange

2009-09-11T11:11:00.004-04:00

Here are the gorgeous squares from the exchange.
The colors, the techniques are all so varied and
all so delightful.

My Squares for the Fiber Art NE Exchange

2009-09-10T11:57:00.006-04:00

Tonight is the exchange night for our challenge to make 30 pieces of 4" x 4" Art, I made 3 series of 10 each and cannot wait to make the big exchange with the rest of the participants! So, here are my squares....

The Big Read

2009-09-09T15:25:00.002-04:00

It's here! I just got my copy of the readers guide and am ready to go pick my book up at the library. Here is a link to the Poughkeepsie Area Library Events.
http://www.neabigread.org/communities/?community_id=1183

Oh Wow, a new technique that I am totally crazy about!

2009-09-06T08:47:00.006-04:00

I spent Saturday in Jersey with my friend Debbie Bein, we had a real blast learning Thermofax screen printing techniques. We attended the workshop at Rayna Gillman's Studio (here is Rayna's Blog - she's already been busy putting pictures up! http://studio78notes.blogspot.com/ )

One of my prints went through the fabric onto the table cover, the secondary print is pretty cool.

Playing with 2 screens, a sponge, bubble wrap and toothbrush.

Patricia Gaignat is cleaning the screen, not only good housekeeping, but also allows many chances for re-use.

Sherry Shine, finishing up the edges of her screen, getting it ready for use.

Dragon Fly

2009-08-31T15:03:00.004-04:00

This beauty was hanging outside my Dads window yesterday. I wish I had a better camera - it had some very cool stripes on its body and tail..... it was about 4" long. The wings are a very pretty irridecent green, the body black and yellow.

It's time again for those beautiful Eggplant!

2009-08-22T15:20:00.005-04:00

I just love Baba Ganoush! I made some today with some nice fresh eggplant, garlic and fresh parsley all from the farm stand! Yee Haa! It is go-o-o-od!

This was my lunch - Baba Ganoush, celery, carrots and pita chips!

Quick Sun Painting Tutorial

2009-08-04T20:00:00.010-04:00

Gather your supplies:

Spray Bottle Filled with water

Water to Dilute Paint

Fabric

Freezer paper (or foliage or anything that will lay down flat-ish on the surface)

paper scissors

Acrylic Paint (Use Transparent Paint)

sponge brushes

Plastic place your stuff on

Something to dilute your paints in - tuna cans etc...

I use styrofoam trays to work on - I love them because they contain my puddling around.

Dilute your paint - 2 parts water:1 part paint

Fold your freezer paper to make a paper "snowflake" - Have Fun!

I thought it would look different than this - but hey I like it.

Put your fabric on the plastic or in your styrofoam tray and spritz it. Play with the amount of water you use, it changes the results.

Add some color. Have fun, make circles, splotches, squares, go with your flow and just let things happen.

Add your freezer paper mask, shiny side down. (if it starts to curl on you and doesn't stay stuck down, you don't have the shiny side down.) You can use these masks again and again.

Put your piece(s) in the sun and let it dry out. After about an hour your piece should be dry and it's time for the big TA DA!

You can see the kind of results that you can get in my previous post.

Sun Painting Day

2009-08-02T19:14:00.012-04:00

Look at all of these beautiful, colorful fabic squares...!

Oh, this is such a fun way to spend a sunny day with friends. It is great for just playing with color and shape......

Sunflower Seed Patties

2009-07-21T20:41:00.004-04:00

(Photo of patties right after taking the batter out of the food processor and dropping it onto the drying trays.)

I took a trip to my local Health food store on the way home from Dad's yesterday and bought the good things I needed for the recipe in the following link.

http://www.living-foods.com/recipes/sproutedsunflowerpatties.html

Anyway - I soaked the seeds overnight, rinsed them this morning and let them do their sprouting thing today while I was at work. Then put the food processor to work. It would help if I had read the recipe one more time before throwing things in. It took a long time for all of the veggie chunks to grind down, that's because I put them all in at once instead of following the "process"! So, after allot of noise, rumbling and some complaining, I had my batter.

It is now in the dehydrator, in patty shapes. I'll flip them in the morning and let them finish drying during the day. (I love that dehydrator!)

Looks like supper will be ready for me tomorrow night! Will post a picture of the finished product tomorrow.

Preserved Lemons and Raw Tacos

2009-07-17T21:09:00.003-04:00

I made these beautiful preserved lemons a while back. Mostly because it looked like a really cool experiment. Easy to make and nice to look at. They impart wonderful flavor to foods, lentil dishes, squash dishes.....slow cooked Moroccan foods. I have to figure out more ways to use them that are quick dishes to prepare.
Tonight I finished making up "Fresh Taco Wraps" from http://deliciouslivingmag.com/0628_fresh_taco_wraps/
I had to make them in stages, with limited time in the kitchen. So, I made the 2 fillings night before last and tonight actually got to try them. I cracked open a jar of homemade salsa and slice up my avocado, washed the romaine leaves and then assembled them. OMG! They are yummy!
They are raw food, which seems to be a trend in the whole foods movement. Very flavorful and satisfying.

Purple Daylily

2009-07-10T13:18:00.013-04:00

Background has Gesso added to it for more clarity of color when the image is placed.

The next picture is the daylily photo, copied to tissue paper, then cut out.

This is the transfer adhered to the background. See how much better the image looks? The previous two experiments are muddier looking at this stage.

More Experiments

2009-07-07T20:19:00.008-04:00

Oh, just couldn't wait to get home from work today to play some more. I am really not too pleased with the way this transfer looks, but that is part of the fun with experiments! What bugs me is the muddiness. Each "oops" leads to a solution or at least another try with a somewhat different approach. The piece is not wasted, some embellishment can change the feel of it quite a bit.

I started another piece tonight, too, but must wait for things to dry, so, tomorrow will be an opportunity to assemble some more of that one.