I have been trying my hand skills at creating those flowers I learned from Teresa a couple of days ago. And, last minute, no, really it was Thursday to be exact. I found out that a relative is having a baby shower this Saturday. I need quick gifts. I immediately thought of Martha who always has fresh and inspiring ideas for every occasion. This site has some really great ideas that could be created within a few hours to days. still, I don't think I had that kind of time neither. Handmade is definitely what I wanted to give because a handmade gift would be special for a newborn. But, seriously, I am short on time. Here's what I have already partially made from Lion Brand
I really wanted to make my cousin this from Lion Brand
Cute and easy pattern for crochet, but not in my time frame, so it's the dolls for a gift, and I think it'll be okay because they are so cute.
Finally, I got her to sew at the machine
(a gift from last Christmas and it is quite a nice little machine, too)!!!
Crochet flower.....progress!!!!!
From my very shy, does not want to be photographed, tiny, tiny plot!
In a large frying pan, like a cast iron skillet, put in the 3 tablespoons of butter and melt gently until slightly browned. Add coconut and cinnamon and gently toss to coat with the butter until very fragrant. Add the golden syrup and stir to coat the coconut. Turn off the heat a let the mixture sit while you prepare the dutch baby batter.
In a medium sized bowl, combine the salt, flour, eggs and milk and whisk to combine the ingredients. Pour the batter into the frying pan over the coconut mixture and place in the hot oven and bake for about 20- 25 minutes. Do not check the dutch baby until at least 20 minutes has passed. The dutch baby should be nicely browned around the edges, puffy and slight colored on the top.
Cool to just room temperature and slice. Flip the slice when you plate it and sprinkle liberally with confectioner's sugar. It's very good !
I really want to learn to make crochet flowers. I love flowers! They are beautiful on a painter's canvas, as pretty fabric flowers, and even as the faux kind they are extraordinairily beautiful when they are very good quality. I especially love the crepe paper ones-they can take your breath away! So, I thought, I might learn to make a crochet flower or a bunch of flowers.
To start my endeavor, I went to my favorite "go to" learning site for new yarn stitches, which would be Lion Brand yarn. It was here that I found the pattern I posted recently on the irish rose crochet flower. Okay, so that was part 1. Part 2 came about after reading the directions and realizing that I need a more visual approach on the how-to's of crochet flower making. So, off to my next "go to" site for learning, Ravelry.
At Ravelry, I came across Teresa, and on her site she has an excellent video that is uploaded on Youtube.com.
Here is her wonderful demonstration that I found, easy peasy-
So, I had to replay this video a number of times, which is okay for me, because unfortunately for me, I sometimes am an unfocused learner ( or in more lay terms-SLOW) and require repeat instructions. Fortunately, this is video and therefore I do not have to worry about getting on the teacher's nerves!
So this is my first attempt.
I loved the learning experience and I shall have another go at other "Crochet Geek" videos. But first, to practice my hand skill some, I will make more of these.
More joys-
Oh! I am so excited! I am happy to say that my first green bean harvest is complete! I planted a green bean plant this past May in a large planter pot and this is what the "mother" blessed us with-
Okay, you can laugh!
We cracked up!
But you know what?
Every little bit counts, and really-
Aren't they gorgeous? I know it's small, but it is very significant! I am so proud (sniff, snuff)! They are all pretty perfect!
Also, I have made something very healthy and good to eat. Do you like kale soup? I love it!
Tonya's Kale Soup
(Please: Read the Recipe first)
1 small bunch of fresh kale, cut into small parts
1/2 can of diced tomatoes
3 medium potatoes peeled, and roughly chopped, big chunks
1 small vidalia onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves ( or more) garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. of "Better Than Boullion" concentrate chicken broth
(comes in a jar, see pic)
1 tsp. of oregano
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp.sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried coriander (the spice in a jar)
a couple of cups of boiled water to bring the level up to near the top of the crock pot
lots of grated pecorino romano cheese for a gooey topping
(of course the amount of cheese is optional, it's really to taste)
Some cooked pasta or rice (leftovers are great) for serving and completing the meal
Step1- Rinse kale and boil a pot of water for the stock.
Step 2- Saute onions, garlic for a minute. Then add kielbasa to the saute for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 3- Add all the ingredients to the crock, except the water, red pepper flakes and cheese.
Step 4- Add the water to nearly filled.
Step 5- Very important! Turn your crock setting to low.
Step 6- Let cook for 3-4 hours. Longer will not do any harm. You can leave it and forget it
(you're gonna eat this today, though)
Step 7- Serve up a bowl with the cooked ahead rice or noodles, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes and as much cheese as you love. Eat heartily and enjoy!
Guess who wanted some soup too?
Just kidding! Basia, does not like her food hot! Cool kibble, chicken chunks, raw broccoli, cubes of cheddar, and whole grain toast are her preferences!
I love to browse the internet looking for new blogs that I have yet to explore, well- new to me, that is. It is so much fun to keep abreast of what is going on in the craft world all over the World. I learned of the magazine above from Coco Rose Diaries and from Christy Tomlinson where so much lovely things are created. Truly inspiring.
I also visited through my internet window Rashida Coleman-Hale who has been busy, busy, busy from what I found her on her blog pages! Great and fabulous for her! I love it! I took this book out of the library and was quite happily surprised to see her featured within it's pages which I will devour over the next couple of days.
This beautiful rose image is from Lion Brand Yarn patterns. I am hoping to learn to make some beautiful crochet flowers this summer as one of the many projects I hope to spend time doing before the school year begins again. You can click on the image and it will take you to the pattern. I am sure that varying the colors of this beautiful rose will create many vibrant and beautiful variations. I say, have fun and go floral crazy!
