Measure Twice and Cut Once

  Let's hear it for sewing adventures!  I finally got a chance to use one of my new Japanese sewing books. The book that was to begin this path of crafty learning was Happy Homemade Sew Chic.  I really enjoyed how simple the instructions were and how the patterns are easily put together.  The process of tracing the pattern was kind of therapeutic. I used pattern B in the book. The pattern is an over-sized tunic. HELLO cute and comfort!

   The things I will change for next time are the size.  MAN, this baby ran big!!  While this is an ove-rsized tunic, it was just huge.  I also would change the material.  This tunic needs to made from very lightweight and fluid material.  I would not say that this one is unwearable. It will be cute and extremely comfortable, just not a flattering as I would like.  Despite the things that made this challenging, I am looking forward trying more new patterns.

Rise with the Machine

  My new adventure in bread machine baking took an unexpected and yummy turn this weekend.  It all started when I looked out my door.

  Um, yeah, more freezing temps and snow.  Winter weather advisories and blah, blah, blah.  While I usually don't mind winter, it is the cold cold temps that are keeping us tucked away in our burrows this year.  If we are going to be in our homes, I say, let us have good food to enjoy.  To the interwebs! I wanted to try a new recipe for the bread machine. The pretzel roll recipe over at Gluesticks looked like a great one to try.  She makes it look so simple and tasty, so why not give it a try myself?!
 

  Yes bread machine, it is time to use your dough setting.  I know you are usually only used for white or wheat bread, but lets branch out and try something new today.

bathing beauties

  Bread machines do all the hard work of kneading and rising the dough. Isn't is great to just dump in the ingredients and walk away. No work, no fuss. Before you can finish, fold, and put away a load of laundry, it is time to break up the big dough ball into smaller portions.  In order to get a nice brown and "pretzel" like taste it is important to give the rolls a bath.  Yup, a baking soda and water bath to be precise.  After the bath, just sprinkle with kosher salt and let the dough rise for only 30 minutes or so. (depending on how warm it is where you are). After things have risen, it is time for the oven. Butter those tops and get them bakin'!

 Wallah!!!  Of course mine don't look professional and they are all different shapes and sizes, but boy are they tasty.  Really tasty.  This was so easy and it was a hit with the family.  I can honestly say that this will be used again.  It can even be adapted to be vegan friendly and still be super tasty.  Love that!

Hope you find something fun to try this week and break out of those winter blahs!

Personal Challenge

  The month of February is going to be a fun ride.  While people are feasting on chocolates, candy, and other goodies, the mister and I are going to be eating vegan treats.  Next month we go vegan!  I am really looking forward to this adventure.  It is going to be a great way to jump start some healthy eating and to be more mindful of what we put in our bodies.

  
     I have to be honest that this is not my first rodeo going vegan.  A fantastic group of friends (and myself) have gotten together for the past couple of years to celebrate eating a healthy plant based diet.  Some people try just vegetarian, some just want do this for two weeks.  It does not matter what you do, as long as you are choosing something that in some way is healthy, and puts you out of your comfort zone.  We kick it off with a tasty potluck and support one another on our food journey.  This year I am stepping up the research. I really want to try new things. There are new foods, cooking techniques, and even restaurants to try.  So, between the library, the internet, and friends........Challenge excepted!!

Tea and Knits

    

  Today is a quiet Monday and MLK day.  A day for some reflection, a day for remembrance, a day that also happens to be very cold.  Tea is the drink of choice around here.  All types and variety are appreciated in this house. This tasty beverage is what keeps me going all year round.  Currently the Mr., the oldest kiddo, and I are enjoying pots of hot teas.  I don't know what it is about tea that just makes things a little better, a little more clear. While the temps continue to fall throughout the day, rest assured our insides will be nice and toasty warm.

 

   Last week I had started a knitting project and it turned into a huge fail.  The yarn was not right for the sweater I wanted to make. Sometimes a cardigan needs to have a light, flowy feel. This worsted weight yarn was just not going to do it.  I was trying to force something to work and it was not ment to be.  The yarn I am using is Vintage from Berroco yarns.  It is washable, which I love. My NEW pattern of choice is $5 in Paris by Anna Maliszewsk.  You can find this talented fiber artist (she does more then knit) over HERE.  The pattern is super easy to read. It would be a great beginner pattern for someone looking to try a sweater. 

Enjoy the day, have a moment of quiet, and try to do something creative!

Sassy Skirt

 

   I have a new sassy skirt to wear this weekend!  I am going to be honest, as soon as the new sewing books came in the mail, I needed instant gratification.  I wanted to get this skirt D- O- N- E and ready to rock.  This weekend the temps are going to be cold and we have a family get together. This means an outfit that is warm, cute, and comfortable.  The new skirt is a perfect way to cover all those requirements.

 

    I decided to draft my own pattern based on a skirt that I love.  I have had this same GAP skirt forever,  it is a work horse, tried and true.  So, I used the skirt as a template and added a one inch seam allowance. So simple. 

 

    To keep things simple I just used elastic waist and called it good.  I know that this looks less polished, but I wanted this done asap.  Hey, don't judge! I know I am not the only crafter out there who has sacrificed a little something extra in order to get a project finished. 

     Close up! I think it turned out pretty good. I got to use up some fabric in the stash, it is super warm, and I love the colors. I think it has lots of versatility.  There is still plenty of winter left here in the Great Lakes, so this baby is going to get plenty of wear.  

     Have a great weekend! I hope that you find something simple that brings a smile to your face.

To Excited

I was to excited not to share what came in the mail today.  I promise to have a complete post with more details later.  Two new Japanese sewing books are now in my possession and I could not be more happy.  I will be studying these books carefully and planning new projects soon.

Cheers!

Simple Monday Thoughts

   With the completion of several knitting projects and a sweater now on the needles, I feel the need to get some sewing projects finished.  What I love about sewing is you can finish a project rather quickly.  Instant gratification is such a reward.  I have this flannel fabric in the stash, begging to be made into something warm and stylish.  There is lots of cold weather left and now is the perfect time to get some new pieces in the wardrobe.  It is crazy watching the stores switch over to warm weather clothing. I know spring break is like 3 months away, but really?!?!

    I have not decided what pattern to use, or if I should just wing it.  Maybe Kwik Sews pattern K3794. I like this pattern seems simple, I am just sure how the flannel will work with the fullness. Some adjustments may have to be made.  This pattern could serve as a nice template to work from.

  
   I also like  Simplicity pattern 2226. The pockets of this pattern are cute and waistband might be just what I need.  I will mull over these decisions today while out and about.  I hope to be in the sewing room tomorrow and then have a new skirt just in time for the weekend.

   Have a great Monday everyone! I hope you are starting this week off positive and with a deep breath.

Better To Give Then Recieve

 I am a lucky girl.  There is an amazing woman who I am lucky to call friend.  Over the holiday she gave me a bag full of lovely alpaca yarn that her mother in law thought I would enjoy.  The only stipulation was my friend wanted a knit hat for daughter.  Game On! After many wonderful wasted hours on Ravelry, I found the perfect pattern to use. The Who? pattern by penguin purls.  It is interesting enough to keep you entertained, yet simple enough to keep the stress away.

  
 The yarn was so soft and was great to work with.  Don't you love it when things just seem to flow while working on a project?!  This yarn should do the trick keeping her head warm this chilly winter.  My little recipient wanted some pink in the hat, so our owls have peachy pink eyes. NOT PINK EYE!

  I only had enough buttons for every three owls, but I think that is okay.  It is simple and stylish. Also, there is less chance of loosing an eye during those tough recess days.  I think the hat went over pretty well. There is something extra special with the yarn coming from her grandmother.

 
     With all these knitting projects, some sewing might be in the works.  It is important to keep a sense a balance.  I have some inspiration coming in the mail. Love getting those happy packages.  It is like Christmas just keeps coming. Have a happy weekend!!

Snow Day Cowl

     The cold and snowy weather here in the Great Lakes has really ramped up my knitting pace.  While the below freezing temps and blowing snow has kept us mostly home bound, I have manged to stay productive.  My first project was to knit up a nice cowl.  Something you could keep on all day long. Something that works for both the inside and the outside.  The Shante cowl by Weaverknits fits the bill perfect. 

   The yarn used was the super bulky Ushuaia by Katia yarns.  Along with the every lovely Mini Mochi by Crystal Palace yarns.  I love the chevron pattern that is created and the bulky yarn really helps to show it off.  The pattern is easy to memorize, so it works great sitting in front of the t.v. (Did anyone else enjoy Downton Abby returning back to television?!).  You could easily dress this up or keep it rustic. I love options and the fact that you can easily knit several pieces from one pattern.

 I have another knit project that is blocking away.  This one will be gifted to a little friend.  First I have to be able to safely get in my car and pick up the buttons to finish it off. Hopefully withing the next couple of days I can get out there.  Until then, my sewing machine and my needles have plenty to do.