Knitting a Scarf. And Stuff.

While I finish my Cap'n Crunch--yes, I know it's almost 11:00am, and yes, I know I'm not 5 years old--I thought I'd begin with the sharing some of the knit projects I'm working on.

This scarf is made with some cheap boucle from Joann's. It was only $2, what was I supposed to do? And just because it's not some fancy brand doesn't mean it's not just as soft and BEAUTIFULLY colored. It reminds me of the inside of an oyster shell, so it has that mermaid-y thing going on. I'm using the same lace pattern that I used for a shawl last year, because I like it, plus it's easy to remember and makes for good mindless knitting. It is a wide scarf. I'm not sure how long, but I won't stop until I run out of string.

This second picture is just a mini-swatch to see if I want to make some mittens out of some wool I spun myself. I plan on leaving them the natural off-white color and doing some floral embroidery for a whimsical, rustic folk look. I think they'll be adorable! (Of course I usually think that.)

Absinthe Phosphorescence?

Today is July 22nd. Do you know what that means? Folk turns two today!! And in honor of this anniversary....I have nothing planned. :( It completely snuck up on me. Normally I would have a sale, but it's too late for that now, right? Right?? Okay, maybe sometime soon.

I do have SOME news to share, though. I have recently become a member of the Midwest Treasury Team on Etsy--check out some treasuries created by its members!

Also, I have been getting into YARN again. For months I did not allow myself to buy any new yarn, as I have more than any one person really needs. I thought I would try to use some of the old stuff before acquiring new. (Though incidentally, I didn't knit much during the yarn fast.) But anyway, one day, there was this clearance on yarn, and...well...everything sort of wend downhill from there. But on the bright side, I'm knitting a lot!

And recently I bought some fiber. This is yarn I handspun using wool purchased from a Kansas seller, theblushingewe.etsy.com. The color is breathtaking!! It is so bold and vivid. I haven't decided exactly what to call it. Green Ecstasy? The Verdant Vixen? Absinthe Phosphorescence?? Anyway, the mint green is really something against the kelly and chartreuse.

As for knitting, I've already completed a lovely beret using Vintage, a yarn that has been out on the market for a little while but I just recently discovered and fell in love with it. (I'll try to get a good pic ASAP.)

Currently on the needles, I have a lovely scarf of a pretty boucle, and a just cast on a shawl for my mom using some soft, chunky variegated gray yarn. And I have a plan for mittens...and...well, this is quite enough for one post! I just need to write more often so I don't overwhelm anyone at one time. More craft adventures coming soon, along with some exciting news about a charity drive! Don't miss it!

Giveaway No. 9 (A "Fan Page" Exclusive!): Mushroom Patch Pouch

Hello all and good Wednesday to you! Just wanted to let you know I am having my 9th Giveaway. However, there is a catch--you must go to my folk {on etsy} fan page to enter!! This is my "facebook presence," so if you're on facebook, all you have to do to enter is comment on the photo located at this link: Mushroom Patch Pouch

Same rules, basically, as all my other giveaways that I've held here at the blog, except it's, well, on facebook! Also, if you are unable to comment, you may have to log in and click the "like" button at the top of my page first.

Good Luck!!

A Peachy Pie

Last week I baked my first pie ever, and it was DEEEEE-LICIOUS!! (If I do say so myself!)

It was fairly easy, but you definitely need exact measurements for the crust. Here is my mom's trusty crust recipe (this makes 2.):

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold water

Mix flour and salt, then cut in shortening until it's mixed really well--there should be nothing but tiny little granules. Then, pour the water in all at once, and mix with your hands until you form a smooth ball of dough. Divide it roughly in half, with one of the halves a tiny bit bigger than the other. First, roll out the bigger half until it's large enough to cover the entire inside of the pan, including the top edges. To get it in the pan without breaking up, fold it in half and place it on one half of the pan, then unfold it. Press it against the inside, and against the top. Then trim by scraping the outer edge of the pan with the back of a knife. Roll out your other piece so that it's large enough to cover the pie to the edges. Set aside until after you fill the pie.

And here is the filling!

6 cups peaches

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup flour

1 tablespoon lemon juice

I used fresh peaches from Beck's Farm, which is located in between Newton and Wichita. To get the skins off, boil the whole peaches for 2 minutes, then submerge them in cold, cold water. The skins should slide off easily. Go around the peach with a knife, take out the pit, and slice them into small-medium sized pieces.

Then, mix the peaches with the rest of the ingredients, and pour into your pie crust. Place the other crust on top, and flute the edges, making sure that it is sealed all the way around. Also, be sure to cut some vents in the top!

Bake at 425 degrees for about 45 to 50 minutes. Take out and let cool before eating. (I like my pie best when it's been refrigerated!)

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow...

I will list new items in the shop, both handmade and vintage.

I will begin on the facebook giveaway I've been talking about forever...

I will answer your convos.

I will start or finish your orders (whichever applies!)

I will bake that second peach pie...maybe.

But tonight--I'm relaxing! I am happy to say that this week, I have no other obligations that will take my attention away from work. Well, except for the Wichita Handmade meeting and yoga class...but other than that...it's time to get down to biz-nass!!!!

Midway at the Sedgwick County Fair, July 10, 2010

Opera Dreams

Two days ago, for no apparent reason, I was struck by the sudden and strong urge to see the opera. I really can't say what brought this about. I've never been to one but have decided that I will definitely will once the season opens. I know everything is more casual these days, but I do love dressing up, so this will be a great excuse. My special personal project--one of them, anyway--for the next couple months will be to put together a fancy opera-seein' getup. Hehe. But until then...enjoy this treasury!

Gown by SagasAndSteamCo

Earrings by StJoshua

Perfume Oil by ForStrangeWomen

Clip by LovMely

Gloves by estylissimo

Shrug by lovechildboudoir

Necklace by plasticouture

Capelet by TickledPinkKnits

Bracelet by TheBrassGarden

Belt by ContrivedtoCharm