tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68311926733992049922024-03-13T22:19:37.042-05:00Graves Gap KnittingYolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-58959805486384533412016-02-08T19:02:00.000-06:002016-02-08T19:02:21.726-06:00Sunday Dessert (a day late) – Egg Custard Pie<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I love Egg Custard Pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t remember where or when I first had it but I have loved it ever
since I first tried it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dear friend and former
co-worker used to make one for me every year for my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, she
retired some years ago and we lost touch. Somewhere along the way, I lost her recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mother never made egg custard pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seem to remember that she said my Dad
didn’t like it or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So rather
than make a big pie for myself, I would just get a slice when I was eating out
or lately, buy a mini one at Publix if they happened to have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, it turns out that my Dad likes
egg custard so I guess it was Mother who didn’t like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, my cousin, Sheila, sent along her
favorite recipe some time ago and I finally decided to try it yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a hit for Sunday lunch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3A7YVMEOI/Vrk6U9U3M5I/AAAAAAAAA6s/7QAZgPbQbdw/s1600/Egg%2Bcustard%2Bpie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3A7YVMEOI/Vrk6U9U3M5I/AAAAAAAAA6s/7QAZgPbQbdw/s320/Egg%2Bcustard%2Bpie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong>No Weep Egg Custard</strong><br />
<br />
1- unbaked deep dish pie shell<br />
<br />
2 1/2 cups milk<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 1/4 tsp vanilla<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
grated( or ground) nutmeg<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350. Set out pie shell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
In a small saucepan, scald the milk over high heat and set aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a large mixer bowl, thoroughly beat the
eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add 1 cup of the milk to the egg mixture,
beating it in slowly. Try not to create too much foam. Add the rest of the milk
and<br />
continue to beat slowly. Pour the mixture into the pie shell, sprinkle with
nutmeg.
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bake on the lowest oven shelf for 40 minutes, or until
pale gold in color. Remove to rack and cool completely before cutting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that I
needed to cook it for a little longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
The recipe is from the <em>Cooking from Quilt Country Cookbook</em>.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happy Knitting and Baking!<o:p></o:p></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-2744771526892248462016-02-06T19:52:00.001-06:002016-02-08T08:42:21.325-06:00A Really Fun KnitKnitting is fun to me. But sometimes, there is a project that just has an extra spark of joy. The one that makes you smile every time you pick it up to work on it. The one you just can't put down. Here's mine - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pepperberry-love" target="_blank">Pepperberry Love</a> by my <a href="http://www.shopinthemaking.com/" target="_blank">LYS</a> owner, Donna Higgins. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aooLFqjPw5s/Vraf4AV5nrI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/OszEMBgWCic/s1600/Pepperberry%2BLove%2B-Almost%2Bfinished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aooLFqjPw5s/Vraf4AV5nrI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/OszEMBgWCic/s320/Pepperberry%2BLove%2B-Almost%2Bfinished.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was gifted the pattern and a Fun Size Bundle of 100% cashmere by Pepperberry Knits (now Lux Adorna Knits) by a very generous non-knitting friend for Christmas. The colorway is a custom colorway for In The Making. This stuff is absolutely luscious to knit with and I am loving it. The only thing I can think of that would be better than knitting with it is wearing it.<br />
<br />
This cowl is much longer than usual so as to use up every last bit of the yarn. Once I got past the usual height of a cowl, I am happy to keep on knitting. This is one of those fun, no rules knit. Before I started, I laid out the yarn and planned it all out but I made some last minute changes along the way. <br />
<br />
If you see me wearing this every day, you'll know why. It's all that cashmere yumminess. <br />
<br />
Happy Knitting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-45025699959368677602016-01-28T20:21:00.000-06:002016-01-28T20:21:10.711-06:00A Belated Happy New Year!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A very belated “Happy New Year” to you all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Year’s Eve and Day found me camped out on
the sofa nursing a cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my sweet
Lillie, a nice warm blanket, my knitting, and a book to keep company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On New Year’s Eve, I finished my Gifted Cowl, a free pattern
from Churchmouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally blocked it
last weekend and have yet to wear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
has a bit of “bling” to it and for those of you who know me, you know I don’t
like a lot of bling but this I find to be a very subtle bling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I think it is something that I’d
wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I decide I don’t care for it
after all, it’ll be gifted to a lover of bling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cowl is a very easy pattern and has instructions for all weights of
yarn which makes it a fine pattern in my book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd_Drob_quc/VqrLIkuqCoI/AAAAAAAAA58/dy_41RYdq9Q/s1600/Giftted%2BCowl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd_Drob_quc/VqrLIkuqCoI/AAAAAAAAA58/dy_41RYdq9Q/s320/Giftted%2BCowl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished my Itineris shawl last
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blocked it over the weekend and
wore it to work yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span> forgot to
take pictures wearing it so here are the ones from the finished object
official photo op.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz1QO3N6Weg/VqrLHo5ocPI/AAAAAAAAA6A/urjMRAVswFY/s1600/Itineris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz1QO3N6Weg/VqrLHo5ocPI/AAAAAAAAA6A/urjMRAVswFY/s320/Itineris.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Itineris was bought as a kit at Haus of Yarn on a trip to
Nashville last summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kit came with
one skein of Malabrigo Sock Yarn in each color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ended up having to call my friend, Kelley, at Haus and ordering a
second skein of the red and just barely broke the skein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, if you ever need to order from
Haus, they ship lightening fast!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happy Knitting!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
</div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-66768570981374629372015-11-22T19:49:00.000-06:002015-11-22T19:50:03.509-06:00Postcard: Charleston, SCThe wedding was beautiful! Charleston is a beautiful city - too much to see in a short time. Already making plans on a return trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RA_2mWSQEjQ/VlJqLa5P05I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/nppYmoYP5LQ/s1600/100_5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RA_2mWSQEjQ/VlJqLa5P05I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/nppYmoYP5LQ/s320/100_5831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uc1WCU68EQ/VlJrdsnXHyI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/MR4ETLxXqk0/s1600/12289683_10206604180376449_4787099683466163361_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uc1WCU68EQ/VlJrdsnXHyI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/MR4ETLxXqk0/s320/12289683_10206604180376449_4787099683466163361_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Sandy Parker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jkSfD9Q_Dg/VlJr4wZkKTI/AAAAAAAAA5g/JIrdCcYqByg/s1600/12289732_10206604209057166_4571962781369010407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jkSfD9Q_Dg/VlJr4wZkKTI/AAAAAAAAA5g/JIrdCcYqByg/s320/12289732_10206604209057166_4571962781369010407_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Sandy Parker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-43483946003497739022015-11-19T19:27:00.001-06:002015-11-19T19:28:34.726-06:00Postcard: Augusta, GAI can't believe I had no idea that Augusta was such a historic city. In the hotel lobby, we found a brochure for the Woodrow Wilson boyhood home and since it was close by, we decided to visit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1etZ01DR9IY/Vk513a-eLVI/AAAAAAAAA4s/GxNyp2gCzNA/s1600/100_5776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1etZ01DR9IY/Vk513a-eLVI/AAAAAAAAA4s/GxNyp2gCzNA/s320/100_5776.JPG" width="320" /></a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVmkq2WCgt8/Vk513O928FI/AAAAAAAAA4w/6IHlA0Dt9FA/s1600/100_5746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVmkq2WCgt8/Vk513O928FI/AAAAAAAAA4w/6IHlA0Dt9FA/s320/100_5746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the Augusta Canal was pretty interesting too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQwE7jU3ck/Vk52tv_wW4I/AAAAAAAAA48/R5_xmhJVFFo/s1600/100_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQwE7jU3ck/Vk52tv_wW4I/AAAAAAAAA48/R5_xmhJVFFo/s320/100_5782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Knitting! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-35423462340493700002015-11-08T14:08:00.001-06:002015-11-08T14:08:50.085-06:00Sunday Dessert - Fried Apple PiesMy Grandmother and her sisters, Sevella, Flora, and Velma were famous 'round the parts for their fried apple pies. If you were ever at Decoration or Homecoming at Graves Gap, then you probably had one. That is, if you were smart enough to get it when you filled your lunch plate. If you waited until you were ready for dessert, they were long gone. They were always stacked on a plate or in a box and wrapped neatly in wax paper. In the family, these things are of sainted memory. And, I do mean sainted memory. These pies not only bring tears to your eyes but are the standard to which every other fried pie is judged. <br />
<br />
Many years ago, I had a lesson in making Fried Apple Pies from my Grandmother's sister, my Great Aunt Flora. And for whatever reason, I haven't made 'em since. After a cousin's death last month, I vowed to start making them. Someone needs to keep the tradition alive. Today was the day. <br />
<br />
Full disclosure: I used canned biscuits. I know, I know. But my biscuit making abilities are lacking and besides, the day of my lesson with Aunt Flora, we used canned biscuits so I figured it was OK. And I had to use packaged dried apples. Back in the day, they would have dried apples from their apple trees. <br />
<br />
Per the directions, I cooked the apples last night. And today, I rolled the biscuits out, filled them with the filling, and fried them. In lard. In an iron skillet. Just like my Grandmother did. Oh, and I figured out really quick that the heat needs to be turned really low.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DADnlH_LnZo/Vj-qmyqhm2I/AAAAAAAAA4E/SPX3QflKpms/s1600/100_5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DADnlH_LnZo/Vj-qmyqhm2I/AAAAAAAAA4E/SPX3QflKpms/s320/100_5737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They looked right. They were the right size. I think they might need a bit more filling. My Dad and I both agreed that the taste was close. Very close. And I'm good with that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0llKJqSGAw/Vj-qtsTSEuI/AAAAAAAAA4U/lrefuvCxY-M/s1600/100_5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0llKJqSGAw/Vj-qtsTSEuI/AAAAAAAAA4U/lrefuvCxY-M/s320/100_5738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After they cooled, I wrapped them up in waxed paper just like my Grandmother and Great Aunts used to do. I need more practice with that too. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-O4CniZ9tM/Vj-qtZQaVNI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/QuJ94oG9Ivs/s1600/100_5739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-O4CniZ9tM/Vj-qtZQaVNI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/QuJ94oG9Ivs/s320/100_5739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I'll try again next weekend and see if I can get any closer to the right taste. If you've ever been one of the happy family members who've eaten these pies, leave a comment with your thoughts. I'd love to hear them. And let me know if you'd like to volunteer as a taste tester. <br />
<br />
Here's the recipe. It was given to me by my Great Aunt Flora Graves Pettit.<br />
<br />
Filling:<br />
6 ounces dried apples<br />
1 1/4 cups water<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 tablespoon butter<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients and cook down. Chill overnight.<br />
<br />
Pastry:<br />
Make biscuit dough as you normally would. Chill overnight.<br />
<br />
Pies:<br />
1. Roll out biscuit dough and cut into biscuits. <br />
2. Heat oil (lard is the secret ingredient).<br />
3. Roll each biscuit out into a circle about the size of a saucer. Keep only a few ingredients out at a time. Keep remaining biscuits in the refrigerator.<br />
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of apples on the dough and spread. Fold pastry in half and using a fork dipped in flour, crimp around the edges.<br />
5. Fry pie until done on one side and then carefully turn and fry on the other side until done.<br />
6. Bake leftover biscuits.<br />
<br />
I think that a pie and a cup of coffee will be supper tonight. <br />
<br />
Happy Knitting (and baking)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-52839254060135652822015-10-31T12:31:00.000-05:002015-10-31T12:31:27.318-05:00A Day of ReckoningThis has not been a pretty day at Graves Gap Knitting. This morning, I decided to gather up all my WIPs (works in progress) that were scattered all along the house. I much prefer to call them WIPs rather than UFOs (unfinished objects) because in my mind, I'm still working on them. I know, I have a serious case of denial going on here. Here's what they looked like piled up on the blocking bed:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtzveGwSxPA/VjTlbK4O6bI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ICf9gYwlSwQ/s1600/100_5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtzveGwSxPA/VjTlbK4O6bI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ICf9gYwlSwQ/s320/100_5731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In that mess of piled up yarny goodness are:<br />
3 blankets<br />
2 baby blankets (only one pictured, I couldn't find the second one. Uh oh.)<br />
1 dish cloth (really? An unfinished dish cloth?)<br />
1 shawl that needs a decision - weave in the ends or ripping it out. <br />
5 shawls <br />
1 cowl <br />
1 pair of socks<br />
1 pair of fingerless mitts<br />
1 scarf <br />
1 washcloth, which is my current take along/purse project<br />
<br />
I decided that the shawl needing the decision should be ripped out. It just does not spark joy. At all. And that cowl? I realized as I was taking the photo why I wasn't far into it. That dungy grey just doesn't suit me. I took it off the needles and popped it into a ziplock bag and into the freezer. Why in the freezer? Kidsilk Haze yarn is like velcro and I forget all the whys about how putting it in the freezer for a couple of hours makes it easier to rip out but it does. As for the scarf, every time I knit on it, I keep thinking how it should be a pair of socks instead. It was ripped on the spot.<br />
<br />
The square in progress for one of the blankets, dishcloth, two shawls, socks, and fingerless mitts all went back into my current WIP bag. The washcloth went back into my purse. One shawl went into the project queue basket.<br />
<br />
Finally, I corralled the last shawl and the blankets into a bag to be worked on intermittently and moved to the current WIP bag, hopefully, in the next few months. <br />
<br />
I think this definitely looks better. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmtstINX6F4/VjT1_yp9-fI/AAAAAAAAA3w/a8izrhG-_B8/s1600/100_5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmtstINX6F4/VjT1_yp9-fI/AAAAAAAAA3w/a8izrhG-_B8/s320/100_5732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I would really like to finish up the WIPs by the end of the year so I can start on working through my queue basket. Hopefully, I can resist starting something new!<br />
<br />
<em>Happy Knitting!</em><br />
<br />
<br />
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-73447447780992504902015-10-28T22:11:00.002-05:002015-10-28T22:11:51.641-05:00Postcard: Hanceville, ALI had a great time at the Mike Farris concert last night. He and the Roseland Revue did a great show. I wore my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/GravesGapKnitter/meet-me-at-the-ryman" target="_blank">Meet Me at the Ryman</a> for the occasion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8VMvhYbkMI/VjGMg8lpciI/AAAAAAAAA20/43sekeofrSM/s1600/12065823_10206491445478147_5545416846782882394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8VMvhYbkMI/VjGMg8lpciI/AAAAAAAAA20/43sekeofrSM/s320/12065823_10206491445478147_5545416846782882394_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: Sandy Parker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8v98H7Myf6E/VjGMfyaTIPI/AAAAAAAAA2s/bO-lRRZGm9c/s1600/12063419_10206491446878182_6567786434409137082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8v98H7Myf6E/VjGMfyaTIPI/AAAAAAAAA2s/bO-lRRZGm9c/s320/12063419_10206491446878182_6567786434409137082_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: Sandy Parker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<em>Happy Knitting!</em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-71891498420904979112015-10-21T18:00:00.000-05:002015-10-21T18:57:27.202-05:00A Summer of Shawls<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I motored my way through the summer by knitting three
shawls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All a little different and all
much loved already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here goes…….<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chance-of-flurries" target="_blank">Chance of Flurries</a></div>
This one was actually started in late April but not finished
until towards the end of June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
not a project I put down for a while and came back to finish later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knit it twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seems that at the first few repeats at the beginning, I was so involved
with the border portion that I forgot to increase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was nearing the finish line when I realized
it and I immediately went into knitter’s denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought if I kept knitting it would right
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I ripped it out and started over and this
time, I knew the pattern so well it was knit practically in my sleep.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--AHKOFtj9Ok/ViWRa5-oeYI/AAAAAAAAA1w/qTXgAIQZNg8/s1600/100_5610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--AHKOFtj9Ok/ViWRa5-oeYI/AAAAAAAAA1w/qTXgAIQZNg8/s320/100_5610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/meet-me-at-the-ryman" target="_blank">Meet Me at the Ryman<o:p></o:p></a><br />
Note to Sandy, Virginia, Martha, and Allyson-you might want
to skip this one since you all lived through it with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This shawl was deadline knitting at its best-or maybe
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was one of those project that
should have been relatively easy but somehow just wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like all knitters, I’m eternally optimistic.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I
started it in the middle of June thinking I’d have plenty of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, I didn’t need it until the end of
July!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I didn’t count on knitting the
first portion and then ripping it out and starting over, knitting the border
and binding off, only to discover that I had dropped a stitch during the bind
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ripped out the border plus three rows and
knit them again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time, I was
more than ready for this to be OFF my needles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was knit and blocked in plenty of time to wear to a Conference in
Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it got to meet the Ryman!<br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S--oXcTiSfE/ViWPptOly8I/AAAAAAAAA1k/42kON7IQz-I/s1600/11219112_10205983195332211_2763865051651534986_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S--oXcTiSfE/ViWPptOly8I/AAAAAAAAA1k/42kON7IQz-I/s320/11219112_10205983195332211_2763865051651534986_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sandness" target="_blank">Sandness<o:p></o:p></a></div>
I have wanted to knit this shawl since it first came
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was gifted a very generous gift
certificate to my LYS and with it, I purchased MadelineTosh in Thunderstorm just for this shawl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, there was no drama this time, just a nice straightforward
knit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already worn it several times
and it is just perfect for throwing over my shoulders on a cool day or
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual with MadelineTosh
yarns, it is difficult for me to capture the exact color of this yarn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It is acutally black with little touches of light blue and gray.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9W6XO7K9mw/ViWRjmCLMyI/AAAAAAAAA10/0qZD3Cg5Hhk/s1600/100_5700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9W6XO7K9mw/ViWRjmCLMyI/AAAAAAAAA10/0qZD3Cg5Hhk/s320/100_5700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As usual, these shawls traveled with me and were knit in various living rooms, a hotel room, roadtripping in the car (no worries, I was riding), at least one Starbucks, listening to Bluegrass over on Pine Mountain, knitting groups, and countless lunch breaks at work. </span><br />
<br />
<em>Happy Kniting!</em>Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-28339115787278624522015-10-19T19:54:00.002-05:002015-10-19T19:54:08.992-05:00A Year of Knitting<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The blogging all went downhill when my laptop crashed last summer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have stopped blogging for a while but I never stopped knitting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Last fall was filled with Christmas knitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were hats and mitts for the fellas and
so many mittens, that when I cast off the last mitten three days before
Christmas, I declared I was DONE with mitten knitting for the rest of the year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Every year, I say I’m going to knit more for myself and I
never do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this year I have knit
mostly for myself and I have to say, I have certainly enjoyed the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Here are just a few things I've knit this year. </span>I knit this fabulous pair of Lumberjack housesocks
in Liberty Wool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love ‘em so much that
I want at least seven more pairs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHzvKG6vAjs/ViWOvQLZOxI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/tAucyyfxS8w/s1600/100_5345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHzvKG6vAjs/ViWOvQLZOxI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/tAucyyfxS8w/s320/100_5345.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The summer has been the Summer of Shawls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve knit three - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chance-of-flurries" target="_blank">Chance of Flurries</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/meet-me-at-the-ryman" target="_blank">Meet Me at the Ryman</a>, and
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sandness" target="_blank">Sandness</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I think that knitting three shawls is pretty good, considering that I knit Flurries twice and almost lost my mind trying to knit Ryman on a deadline (I made the deadline with time to spare but it was iffy there for a while). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79APl_gbrRg/ViWNvdgTBJI/AAAAAAAAA1I/NNxmDu-o0pQ/s1600/100_5710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79APl_gbrRg/ViWNvdgTBJI/AAAAAAAAA1I/NNxmDu-o0pQ/s320/100_5710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There were two trips to Nashville this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to Stitches South back in the Spring
and brought home a big bag of knitterly loot and I'm slowly knitting my way through the yarn I bought.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tt4vk5QvYh4/ViWOxZsobjI/AAAAAAAAA1c/5zVheSVkUkg/s1600/100_5429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tt4vk5QvYh4/ViWOxZsobjI/AAAAAAAAA1c/5zVheSVkUkg/s320/100_5429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And there was the trip in the summer to the Conference
for the Community Concert Series where my Meet Me at the Ryman shawl met the
Ryman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And a nice visit to Haus of Yarn. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S--oXcTiSfE/ViWPptOly8I/AAAAAAAAA1g/uRlW8mngn_I/s1600/11219112_10205983195332211_2763865051651534986_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S--oXcTiSfE/ViWPptOly8I/AAAAAAAAA1g/uRlW8mngn_I/s320/11219112_10205983195332211_2763865051651534986_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Fall is taking her time arriving here in the South, but the cooler evenings are the perfect excuse to curl up on
the sofa with a nice cup of coffee or tea and my knitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em>Happy Knitting!<o:p></o:p></em></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-42292648727864676742015-05-31T18:01:00.000-05:002015-05-31T18:02:53.289-05:00Sunday Dessert - Lazy Day CakeToday is a lazy day here at Graves Gap Knitting. For dessert today, I made what I call a Lazy Day Cake. Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
1 box cake mix (I like Duncan Hines) made by the directions on the box except that I used a trick my Mother taught me - use milk instead of water. Trust me, it makes a difference. And I baked it in a 9x13 pan. Easy peasy. <br />
<br />
The icing is the recipe on the Domino's Confectioner's Sugar box:<br />
1 box confectioner's sugar<br />
1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
3-4 tablespoons milk<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla.<br />
<br />
On low speed, combine all ingredients. Beat at medium speed 1-2 minutes until creamy. Add more milk until of spreading consistency.<br />
<br />
I added sprinkles on top to jazz it up a bit and because I just like sprinkles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-un7jhdDYWpw/VWuSZdeya0I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/eQ3I_srI0nU/s1600/100_5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-un7jhdDYWpw/VWuSZdeya0I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/eQ3I_srI0nU/s320/100_5446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On another note, I didn't realize it had been so long since I've last posted. My laptop died last summer and because buying a computer is so daunting to me, I just put off buying one for several months. Then life and the holidays hit. But I'm back and with a plan. <br />
<br />
<em>Happy baking (and knitting)!</em><br />
<em>Yolanda</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-73483122397435214772014-06-29T17:25:00.000-05:002014-06-29T17:25:32.894-05:00Sunday Dessert - Blackberry Cobbler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOYKf8jZgc0/U7COi7jzZvI/AAAAAAAAAig/9pspQ1bQt6M/s1600/100_5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOYKf8jZgc0/U7COi7jzZvI/AAAAAAAAAig/9pspQ1bQt6M/s1600/100_5096.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The blackberries are in season here which means it's time for all things blackberry at my house. Today, I decided to try a new recipe for blackberry cobbler. While I was mixing up the crust, my Dad was picking blackberries from his vines. They were still warm from the sun when he brought them in to me. This recipe is definitely a keeper. He ate two helpings at lunch today. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Blackberry Cobbler</u></strong><br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/4 cup all purpose flour<br />
5 cups fresh blackberries or 2 (14-ounce) packages frozen blackberries, thawed and drained<br />
1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
Crust<br />
2 tablespoons butter, melted<br />
1 teaspoon sugar<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425. Combine 1 cup sugar and flour. Add berries and toss well. (If using frozen berries, increase flour to 1/3 cup.) Sprinkle with lemon juice. Spoon into a greased 8 or 9-inch square baking dish.<br />
<br />
Prepare Crust, and spoon 9 mounds over blackberries. Brush with butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar<br />
<br />
Bake, uncovered, at 425 for 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired. Yield: 9 servings<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Crust</u></strong><br />
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour<br />
3 tablespoons sugar<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 cup shortening<br />
1/2 cup whipping cream<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
<br />
Combine first 4 ingredients; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Stir in whipping cream and buttermilk just until blended. Yield: enough topping for 1 cobbler.<br />
<br />
Recipe from: <em>Comfort Food</em> by Southern Living<br />
<br />
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-77549558452924329962014-04-23T19:22:00.002-05:002014-04-23T19:22:38.098-05:00Homecoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZc3I2OEFbg/U1hWIbZEkDI/AAAAAAAAAiM/-FZ5LXZtViQ/s1600/100_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZc3I2OEFbg/U1hWIbZEkDI/AAAAAAAAAiM/-FZ5LXZtViQ/s1600/100_4998.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This past Sunday was Homecoming at Calvary Baptist, the
church I grew up in as did my Mother before me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My Mother and her parents were charter members so my roots are
deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the church where I first
learned about Jesus, went to Vacation Bible School, and learned about
missions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Homecoming is a day set aside, usually in the spring or
fall, where families and past members come back to their home church for a
special church service and a covered dish lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also usually a special offering
taken for cemetery upkeep that day as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a reunion of families and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At Calvary, it is also Decoration Day so we place flowers on
the graves of my grandparents, aunt, and cousin who are buried there and we visit with other families who’ve come to
place flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Usually,</span> my cousin and I walk
around the cemetery remembering those precious souls who’ve passed on:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lee and Maytle Jones, Albert and Jeanette
Baldwin, Wilbur and Millie Jones, Dovie Crane, Bill and Britt Nethery, and Charles Walker. They taught us in Sunday School and Training Union but most importantly, they loved us. </div>
<br />
It’s always so good to see old friends, many of whom I've known since we were small children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are still at Calvary but most of us go to other churches or live too far away to come to church there regularly. But most try to make it back every year for Homecoming. Other than funerals, this is usually the only time we see each other nowadays. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There’s always a covered dish lunch afterwards but since our
family is scattered now, we opt to do a mini-family reunion at my cousin's house instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s always plenty of food, fun, good
conversation, fried chicken, and banana pudding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowadays though, we have store bought fried
chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mother’s fried chicken is just a
fond memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But the banana pudding? There's always a huge bowl of it on the table. No other dessert is needed or wanted.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Mom’s Fried Chicken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chicken pieces, bone in<br />
Buttermilk<br />
Flour<br />
Salt<br />
Pepper<br />
Oil<br />
<br />
Soak chicken in buttermilk overnight. Add a little salt if you think about it. Heat 1-1 1/2: of oil in skillet. Mix flour, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken in flour mixture. Drop a little water in hot oil to see if it's hot enough before adding chicken. If it pops, it's hot enough. <br />
Put chicken in skillet with bone facing up. Put lid on skillet and cook chicken until done. Turn over when browned and leave lid off to finish cooking. <br />
If cooking a whole chicken, cook breasts first.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p>(Note: these instructions were given to me during a lesson on frying chicken)</o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Aunt Carolyn’s Banana Pudding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
1 big box Jello Vanilla Instant Pudding<br />
3 cups milk<br />
1 can sweetened condensed milk<br />
dash vanilla<br />
1 large bowl Cool Whip<br />
Vanilla Wafers<br />
Bananas<br />
<br />
Mix pudding and milk together until slightly thick. Add sweetened condensed
milk, vanilla, and Cool Whip. In a bowl, layer wafers, bananas, and pudding in
that order. Top with vanilla wafers.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
As long as you
have fried chicken, banana pudding, and a big jug of iced sweet tea on the table, you don’t
really need anything else.<o:p></o:p>Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-50255321110057425822014-02-15T11:41:00.001-06:002014-02-15T11:41:59.526-06:00Mattie Lou's GlovesMattie Lou is my Grandmother's first cousin so I think that would make her my third cousin. At age 91, Mattie Lou is the last surviving member of her generation. And talking to her reminds me of talking to my Grandmother and Great-Aunt Flora. Mattie Lou drives, cuts a couple acres of grass, and works hard in her yard. And she's been fixing up her niece's house to rent or sell.<br />
<br />
My cousin Cheryel has given my Dad copies of old family photos. The only problem is that we sometimes can't identify everyone so Daddy has copies made and sends them to Mattie Lou. Since Mattie Lou has been so wonderful with her photo identifications and stories, I thought I'd make her a pair of fingerless mitts to wear while working outdoors. She said her favorite color is purple. Here they are: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11tOKccFSa0/Uv-itjWDgsI/AAAAAAAAAho/KwO6ieIHCsY/s1600/100_4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11tOKccFSa0/Uv-itjWDgsI/AAAAAAAAAho/KwO6ieIHCsY/s1600/100_4877.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tn9ry051RE/Uv-i2E_J_9I/AAAAAAAAAhw/oM1HKPqAIQU/s1600/Graves+Cousins+at+Decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a really good picture before shipping them off to Mattie Lou. The color is a beautiful deep purple called Petunia. The yarn is Berroco Vintage and the pattern is one of my all time favorites, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/welted-fingerless-gloves" target="_blank">Welted Fingerless Gloves</a> by <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/" target="_blank">Churchmouse Yarns and Teas</a>. I think this yarn has now become one of my favorite yarns for this pattern. It knits up with crisp stitch definition and just knits up beautifully for this pattern. And it's easy care to boot. <br />
<br />
Happily, Mattie Lou reports that she just loves them. <br />
<br />
Happy knitting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-48522137748654322052014-02-13T08:41:00.000-06:002014-02-13T08:41:10.544-06:00Snow Day in Alabama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_7oyN356Hw/UvzWbAvcdyI/AAAAAAAAAhA/GH5mbQnwoxY/s1600/100_4936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_7oyN356Hw/UvzWbAvcdyI/AAAAAAAAAhA/GH5mbQnwoxY/s1600/100_4936.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We're having a rare snow day here in middle Alabama and everyone is so excited!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJSfl_IPhsA/UvzWi6e2PhI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/lvdqVOOxsy0/s1600/100_4929.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Hard to believe we had 5 inches!<br />
<br />
We have to enjoy it while we can because by nightfall, most of it will be gone except in the shady areas and higher elevations. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yl5onCG7Qs/UvzWcumm23I/AAAAAAAAAhI/2JmdYYsb4lg/s1600/100_4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yl5onCG7Qs/UvzWcumm23I/AAAAAAAAAhI/2JmdYYsb4lg/s1600/100_4945.JPG" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I got to try out my new boots in the snow too! I bought them on deep discount last year and have been looking forward to wearing them. I'm happy to report they wore beautifully.<br />
<br />
And here's one more photo taken at first light.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6DoV_X6uks/UvzZBpUjZ8I/AAAAAAAAAhY/fobsnhqklCE/s1600/100_4925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6DoV_X6uks/UvzZBpUjZ8I/AAAAAAAAAhY/fobsnhqklCE/s1600/100_4925.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy Knitting everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-74651644780509266872014-02-02T10:12:00.000-06:002014-02-02T10:12:10.496-06:00Sunday Dessert - A RecipeEvery weekend, I make a dessert for Sunday dinner. Sometimes, I try a new recipe but most times, it's just an old family favorite. I thought I'd start occasionally sharing those recipes with you.<br />
Here's what I made this morning:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkAioMwBvao/Uu5tb1hE9FI/AAAAAAAAAgs/-LPeBl_fiYM/s1600/100_4892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkAioMwBvao/Uu5tb1hE9FI/AAAAAAAAAgs/-LPeBl_fiYM/s1600/100_4892.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mom's Buttermilk Pie</span></strong></em><br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
3 eggs<br />
1/2 cup butter, melted<br />
2 tablespoons all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 pie crust<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand. Pour into pie crust and place in the lower section of the oven on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.<br />
<br />
This is a classic Southern recipe and although it has buttermilk in it, you can't taste it at all. This was my Mother's recipe.<br />
<br />
If you try it, let me know. I'd love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
<br />Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-20652879367698258112014-01-20T19:13:00.000-06:002014-01-20T19:13:46.780-06:00The StashThe stash. Every knitter has one. It starts out innocently enough but then grows. And grows. It's all those leftover balls of yarn from projects, and yarn that you bought for something in particular but then you either don't get around to knitting it or the yarn just doesn't work out for the pattern. And it's that yarn that was on sale and well, you could use it for <em>something</em>. And then there are the pretties that just jump in your basket at the yarn shop.<br />
<br />
Back in the summer, my stash was threatening to take over. Part of it was in bins, all tucked away nice and neat. But the rest of it looked like this. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_zgGo0YrHA/Ut3DVeh1aXI/AAAAAAAAAgc/3Jh9Dj8RyRg/s1600/100_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_zgGo0YrHA/Ut3DVeh1aXI/AAAAAAAAAgc/3Jh9Dj8RyRg/s1600/100_4859.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bags of yarn, stashed here and there around the house. I decided that it was time to not just get things under control but to enter my stash into <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. But before I could get even halfway through, I was distracted. Well, more like overwhelmed what with all the picture taking and entering of each skein. And then Thanksgiving weekend, I became determined to finish and by doing small bits almost day, I had it finished by the end of the year. I'm proud to say it now all looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5-I3MFqnLM/Ut3DQDYDzQI/AAAAAAAAAgY/QF8OzUXP7Jc/s1600/100_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5-I3MFqnLM/Ut3DQDYDzQI/AAAAAAAAAgY/QF8OzUXP7Jc/s1600/100_4858.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before I started this project, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was in the stash but I quickly found out that I was wrong. Way wrong. I found some surprises along the way like that second skein of Cascade 220 in black that I didn't know that I had (I was wanting to make a hat) along with some other happy finds. And I found some surprises that can only be described as "<em>what was I thinking???"</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I'm so glad that I finally took the time to organize my stash into Ravelry. A few weeks ago, I wanted to make <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/walking-rib-cowl--muffler">Churchmouse Yarns' Walking Rib Cowl</a>. I consulted the pattern and since I didn't have the called for Rowan Felted Tweed Aran, I did a quick search of my stash in Ravelry and there it was, a suitable substitute, Berroco Blackstone Tweed. I pulled it out of the bin and was soon on my way to a new cowl.<br />
<br />
I have to confess that I still have a basket of Peaches and Crème to enter into Ravelry. But that will have to be another day.<br />
<br />
<br />
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-32764716125174388912013-09-05T04:51:00.001-05:002013-09-05T04:51:23.020-05:00The Blanket of the Ages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RNjTAq28m4/UihMffoPjOI/AAAAAAAAAf4/mvDMgzvebf4/s1600/Mitered+Crosses+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RNjTAq28m4/UihMffoPjOI/AAAAAAAAAf4/mvDMgzvebf4/s320/Mitered+Crosses+Blanket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After months of knitting and tracking down Noro #269, My Mitered Crosses Blanket aka The Blanket of the Ages aka THE Blanket is finished. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iAHTmxM344/UihMpw4mUUI/AAAAAAAAAgE/leEDPV3q4j8/s1600/Mitered+Crosses+Blanket+with+Tractor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iAHTmxM344/UihMpw4mUUI/AAAAAAAAAgE/leEDPV3q4j8/s320/Mitered+Crosses+Blanket+with+Tractor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here it is with one of my Dad's tractors. I was getting ready to do photos on Sunday when he suggested that we do like Elizabeth does and hang it on the barn but only if I'd take a picture of the blanket with one of his tractors! So, Dad, here you are......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The squares have been finished since the middle of May but it has taken me all summer to get it sewn up and the border on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As always with any blanket, I leaned a lot. My friend, Martha, and I did a private lesson in seaming back at the first of June. I sort of thought I knew how to seam but wanted to learn the proper way. And I had read about applied I-cord binding, which for some reason, I thought it would be hard. As with a lot of things in knitting, if I somehow have the idea that it will be hard, it isn't. Applied I-cord, in my opinion, is not hard, just fiddly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to tell you though that while I was seaming this, I got to thinking that 24 squares wasn't exactly one of my better ideas. But really the seaming wasn't too bad after I got into the rhythm. But then while I was doing the border, with the A/C turned down to accommodate the blanket in my lap, 24 squares was perfect again. And as Martha pointed out when she saw the photo, those extra squares were worth it. And she is right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When finishing a blanket, at least for me, I look at the finished piece and I see much, much more than just a blanket and lots of garter stitch. There's a trip to Kentucky to see the fellas and Walker kindly posing for a photo holding a square, knitting at lunch with Martha, knitting in the ER with my Mom (once she and Daddy got so bored they wound yarn for me!), knitting in the hospital with my Mom. And then my Mom's last days when the I couldn't seem to pick up the correct number of stitches, so I put it down but having it there with me was a comfort. And afterwards, the endless rows of garter stitch became comforting. There's also lots of laughter while visiting with family and friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Someone asked if I'd do this again. And I would. I think I'd like to try it in a different yarn and maybe a different weight (fingering weight anyone?) and I'd like to do one without changing colors in the miter. But I think I'll wait a bit before I start another one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-60930808802019806082013-05-14T19:43:00.000-05:002013-05-14T19:43:03.794-05:00Seen in.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCl94xmduNM/UZLZ2AaIPwI/AAAAAAAAAfo/h5H4hUpCxJg/s1600/100_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCl94xmduNM/UZLZ2AaIPwI/AAAAAAAAAfo/h5H4hUpCxJg/s320/100_4162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hayden, AL<br />
<br />
<br />Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-37887891803275107812013-05-13T19:14:00.000-05:002013-05-13T19:14:43.375-05:00The Never Ending Blanket Remember the <a href="http://gravesgapknitting.blogspot.com/2012/09/adventures-in-noro.html">Mitered Crosses Blanket</a> I've been working on since back last summer? Well, I'm still motoring right along the highway of garter stitch. Right now, I have big stack (22 squares worth) of Noro goodness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mg0Mj-G5bfo/UZF9p0Cc4KI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/fO4R0jmAAuU/s1600/100_4182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mg0Mj-G5bfo/UZF9p0Cc4KI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/fO4R0jmAAuU/s320/100_4182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I keep thinking that this thing is taking FOREVER and then I remember that it's my own fault. You may recall that the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mitered-crosses-blanket--for-japan">original pattern</a> calls for 10 squares. I knew from the beginning that I wanted 12. And then I decided that 12 squares was a little smaller than I really wanted so I added <em>just</em> four more to make it 16. Then before I knew it, I was up to 20. And a couple of months ago, I decided that I really wanted it big enough to cover me so I added four more squares for a total of 24.<br />
<br />
I am happy to report that I am on square 23 and I can see the light!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqYjXDZurDI/UZF9u9MfGtI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ZcU5weag8jc/s1600/100_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqYjXDZurDI/UZF9u9MfGtI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ZcU5weag8jc/s320/100_4184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that I'm nearing the end, I find myself both looking forward to finishing that last square and missing the knitting of the squares. This blanket has taken me through a tough time this winter and spring. It has been my friend and my solace. <br />
<br />
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-83365840263186261282013-04-23T19:05:00.003-05:002013-04-23T19:05:52.718-05:00Seen in........<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2K8TDk7kRHw/UXcheZ-dK4I/AAAAAAAAAd8/lKX64zrevTs/s1600/104_4026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2K8TDk7kRHw/UXcheZ-dK4I/AAAAAAAAAd8/lKX64zrevTs/s320/104_4026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gardendale, ALYolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-28834107382473880922013-04-15T19:39:00.001-05:002013-04-15T19:39:51.592-05:00Gone HomeAs many of you know, my sweet Mother passed away on February 26th after a long illness. She died peacefully with family surrounding her. My Dad, brother, her sister, two nephews, her niece, and myself were with her when she died. She was 76. <br />
<br />
She was a woman of deep faith. She was a wonderful wife, Mother, and friend. But she was best known to family and friends for her Southern cooking. Many people have shared their memories of her with us and not surprisingly, most of those memories have involved food and sitting at her table. <br />
<br />
My family has been overwhelmed by the love and concern shown to us in the days before and since. We are so grateful for everything - the flowers, food, and cards. The visits, hugs, and phone calls to check on us. And we thank you. From the bottoms of our hearts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5DsCF8bCRk/UWyYZFO_qyI/AAAAAAAAAdg/1A2jf4xfeQo/s1600/Mom+&+Dad+-+50th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5DsCF8bCRk/UWyYZFO_qyI/AAAAAAAAAdg/1A2jf4xfeQo/s320/Mom+&+Dad+-+50th.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-55470080631839209362013-01-10T19:01:00.002-06:002013-01-10T19:07:56.320-06:00Happy New Year!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happy New Year Everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One of my goals for the New Year is to blog more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I’m rather surprised that I haven’t
blogged since the end of October because I blog a lot in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But unfortunately, blogging in my head
doesn’t count, does it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’ve been knitting a lot or it seems that way anyway. I made
six pairs of fingerless gloves as Christmas presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five pair were the Welted Fingerless Gloves
and one pair was the Ferryboat Mitts, both excellent patterns from Churchmouse
Yarns and Teas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t disclose all the
recipients yet since a couple still haven’t received their gifts but the ones
who did have seemed to really love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s a photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were all
knit from Rowan Felted Tweed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother has
a pair knit in a cream color Rowan Baby Alpaca DK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRIoDb9tbOs/UO9g2_Icr-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/BQ30MseT2fQ/s1600/104_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRIoDb9tbOs/UO9g2_Icr-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/BQ30MseT2fQ/s320/104_3956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Ferryboat Mitts are knit in Cascade 220.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59GEm59DC0Y/UO9gMq7OJUI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0jhdrxzZDMo/s1600/104_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59GEm59DC0Y/UO9gMq7OJUI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0jhdrxzZDMo/s320/104_3968.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59GEm59DC0Y/UO9gMq7OJUI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0jhdrxzZDMo/s1600/104_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59GEm59DC0Y/UO9gMq7OJUI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0jhdrxzZDMo/s1600/104_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also made a Honey Cowl for my niece Lindsay. It's made with Madelinetosh Light in Well Water. I made the medium length and it took every bit of my one skein.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0pSSmBmDSs/UO9hsaOqIyI/AAAAAAAAAdA/VzHUoCofR2U/s320/104_3957.JPG" width="164" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I’ve made hats and scarves for the Fellas but I worry
that the hats will be too big even though I measured their heads at
Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These will finally go in
the mail this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to
have mittens made by now but I’m having a hard time finding a pattern I like
using worsted weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Anyone have a favorite pattern for worsted weight for a 2, 4, and 6 year old?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And finally, have ya’ll seen the <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/free-patterns-addenda/products/jolly-wee-elf-pattern">Jolly Wee Elves</a> from Churchmouse?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re just the cutest little things and are
like Lay’s Potato Chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t knit
just one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are three of the six I’ve made so far (the other three are just like these). These will be Christmas gifts for this year.
Nothing like getting an early start!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V10q52WtoEg/UO9i5sFhvBI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/WtUBn08X1UA/s1600/104_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V10q52WtoEg/UO9i5sFhvBI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/WtUBn08X1UA/s320/104_3990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Have a good rest of the week everyone!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-2290622627541272102012-10-23T18:08:00.001-05:002012-10-23T18:08:21.235-05:00A Bunch of Knitting Going On<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’ve been knitting a lot lately and I mean a LOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like I’ve been knitting more than usual but really, I think it’s just that I’ve been working on things that had a deadline of some sort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>Two by Two</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
First up are the hats and booties I knit for Andrea’s twin boys and I finished them in the nick of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished them in time (with a couple of days to spare!) for her shower at work on the 5th and then left them on my kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it was the next week when I got them to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The babies were born the next week, on the 17<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re a little early but doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XcMiOQUJZE/UIciS3V7QdI/AAAAAAAAAas/PqKv5gqyM5c/s1600/104_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XcMiOQUJZE/UIciS3V7QdI/AAAAAAAAAas/PqKv5gqyM5c/s320/104_3872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>Roll Tide!</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Next up, I made a Paris Scarf in Alabama team colors for my friend, Sandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sandy crochets but when she saw the Alabama and Auburn scarves at In The Making, she fell in love with the Bama version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kits were handily for sale and so she bought one and I knitted it for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a note everyone:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>per Robin at the shop, the sample has a cast on of 61 stitches so that’s what I used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sandy loves it! And it goes wonderfully with her Bama purse that our friend, Pam, made for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTmCT85vUn4/UIcieExLpVI/AAAAAAAAAa0/5jwPHifEyVc/s1600/104_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTmCT85vUn4/UIcieExLpVI/AAAAAAAAAa0/5jwPHifEyVc/s320/104_3880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>A Knit Along</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Betsy and I finished our bi-state knit along of Color Affection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Betsy finished almost an entire two weeks before I did but that’s OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you, those last rows were almost painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I had been to the beach and back by the time I had completed two rows!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the result is absolutely lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what I did, I couldn’t make gauge, so I settled for a 7 needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next time, (if there <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">is</b> a next time), I think I should go down to a size 6 needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal was to finish in time to wear to the Sacred Harp singing at County Line this past Sunday and I made it with time to spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a chilly morning and chilly in the church so I was glad to have it around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pW4omSt4u4/UIcioSkybmI/AAAAAAAAAa8/zAFr1h2BR7Y/s1600/104_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pW4omSt4u4/UIcioSkybmI/AAAAAAAAAa8/zAFr1h2BR7Y/s320/104_3886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>No Purling Required</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I took Purl Dreams, a baby blanket for a co-worker’s new grand-daughter to be, with me to the Sacred Harp Singing with the hopes of finishing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The faster they sang, the faster I knit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them to keep singing fast songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready for the bind off after lunch and bound off the last few stitches as they were singing the closing song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s knit in the round so it looks kinda like a feed sack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the morning break, Henry stopped by to chat and couldn’t figure out how I was going to get it off the needles without cutting it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He checked on the progress when the singing was over and was surprised to see it off the needles. It's still unblocked, but here's a photo of it....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbBudcfGhuc/UIci1SwUTCI/AAAAAAAAAbI/m1IqXs9sQQs/s1600/104_3894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbBudcfGhuc/UIci1SwUTCI/AAAAAAAAAbI/m1IqXs9sQQs/s320/104_3894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’ve started on my Christmas knitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, the plan is to knit Honey Cowl and a few pairs of the Welted Fingerless Mitts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also got my eye on Ferryboat Mitts, a new pattern from <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/">Churchmouse Yarns and Teas</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of which, have you all seen their new Autumn release?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to knit them all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831192673399204992.post-14976557259803785352012-09-23T19:48:00.000-05:002012-09-23T19:48:30.616-05:00Adventures in Noro
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I started to title this post “Knitting With Crack” because
that’s what knitting with Noro is like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Addicting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Totally
addicting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I want to do is knit so I can see what the next color change is going to be and I find myself
digging into my ball of yarn to see what’s coming up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
What am I knitting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s Kay Gardiner’s Mitered Crosses Blanket for Japan blanket and I’m
using the called for Noro Silk Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
crosses are knit in Noro Silk Garden with a natural colored log cabin
border, also in Noro Silk Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit to feeling a bit
letdown when I get to the log cabin border or “frame” because as much as I like
to log cabin, those color changes in Noro #269 just aren’t as much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they do an exceptional job of setting off
the colored crosses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what I
mean……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1124mjSIrB4/UF-sbIO0zlI/AAAAAAAAAac/SbyAHsYFkww/s1600/104_3815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1124mjSIrB4/UF-sbIO0zlI/AAAAAAAAAac/SbyAHsYFkww/s320/104_3815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Both crosses are knit from the same skein of yarn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look at that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all skeins are that dramatic but it’s
still interesting and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really
glad that I chose to use a variety of different colorways and I’m knitting it
as it comes – no snipping or clipping colors here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This has turned out to be perfect summer knitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s small and easy to take along even though
there’s a bit of cutting the yarn and sewing in of ends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p>Square production has slowed down for the time being. I ran out of the #269 for the log cabin border but I've restocked. My friend, Betsy, and I are doing a knit-a-long together, and I have a baby shower on October 5 (twins!). But I always have a square in my knitting bag. The perfect odd moments knitting.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Yolandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05942122066686887202noreply@blogger.com2