March 5, 2011

Lovely Sunday Brunch


I know, I know....I've been away for a long time without any posts! I've been taking a technology break since the weather has warmed up. I am preparing our vegetable garden and plotting for a new-this-year cutting garden. More to come on that later!


Tomorrow hubby and I are hosting a Sunday brunch for a friend and his mother. A few of the menu items include banana nut muffins, aebelskivers (see the Kitchen section of this blog for images and the recipe) and waffles with fresh berries and ice cream!

The banana nut muffin recipe is one I've never tried before. It is the lovely concoction of Ina Garten from the Food Network...I adore most of her recipes. I'll post the recipe in the Kitchen section so you can test it for yourself. I haven't had a finished muffin yet, but I have tasted the batter and it was delicious! That method is always my test for the success of the recipe. So far so good!

February 20, 2011

Knitting Hats!

I'm learning how to knit hats! This is my second attempt. The first hat was a little too big...this one looks to be just the right size!

February 13, 2011

Nature Walk Findings

Aren't these tiny pine cones precious?

Hubby, Westby and I went for a three-mile walk today in our favorite park. Near the end I stumbled upon these adorable little pine cones. I just had to collect a few!

Kindly,
Pam

February 11, 2011

Hand-Drawn Pillowcases

If you haven't already noticed, I am incapable of making one type of art, craft, etc. for too long. I always need a new exciting project. There are those tried and true items that I love to make and continue to improve on. But I also find myself searching for something new to keep my interest peaked.


These are my newest idea...hand-drawn pillow cases!

They are simple and use my imagery in a very cozy and fun way. A while back I purchased fabric markers which have totally opened my mind to unending possibilities. The most lovely characteristic of these pillows is that because they are hand-drawn each one will be unique....no exact duplicates here! I like to work out the layout in sketches before drawing directly on the fabric. The sketches above are the first of many before I actually create a pillow.

Now the difficult part...getting my sewing machine serviced before sewing the cases. I am terrible about that. I'm a self-taught, novice sewer. I learn how to make the things I want rather than learning how to sew...if that makes sense. Of course, along the way I learn a few proper techniques. I take the same approach to my machine (which I know must be shocking to those devoted sewers). I promise I am getting better. I simply need guidance for maintanence....I'll get there.


I am finding a way to translate my imagery into block prints. I love the process of lino (linoleum) cuts, which my husband essentially taught me how to do. Last year I began to make small prints on my handmade paper. Yesterday, I watched an amazing video in which the artist made a 30x27 inch print! Much larger than any one I've made! Needless to say, it inspired me to dream of ideas for larger prints and larger sheets of handmade paper.

I will, undoubtedly, be making lino cuts this summer when the studio warms up!

Kindly,
Pam

February 5, 2011

Cozy Crocheting Saturday!


It's been a dreary, foggy day which is perfect for getting cozy under blankets, watching movies and crocheting. This morning I made a trip to the yarn store with hubby and bought some new yarn. The yarn is a very soft, very homespun style yarn that is perfect for scarves and cowls. I've been using this yarn for years and never tire of it.



Two-toned scarves is something I've been experimenting with. I've been loving the results! This particular scarf looks great with the fabric flower broaches I made the previous week. I am quite happy that all my pieces are working so well together. As I've promised many times, all these items will be for sale in my Etsy shop once I establish it. There are just a few more things to work out before it opens.

Kindly,
Pam

P.S. The perfect compliment to knitting on a dreary day...a warm, rich cup of hot chocolate made with vanilla soy milk. Delicious!