Day of WSW Group--talking weaving

What is WSW group?  Just our Westside Weavers', that's all!  We are an experienced bunch who share our thoughts, ideas, inspirations, failures, and other sundry advice.

Rosemary is our hostess in January and I always love going to her house.  She leaves up her tree for several weeks after the holidays so we can admire all her wonderful handcrafted ornaments

Each ornament is small and Rosemary can tell you who gave her what--there is usually a good story behind each one too.

The front wall of her entrance way is decorated with colorful Molas

Our show and tell begins with Penny, who has her Cricket woven scarves

Penny's business is Skyloom Weavers

This woven scarf has handspun weft

Penny said she didn't feel well for a few weeks--but, she woven these scarves!

She has created this kit for off loom weaving.

This is her hand-woven linen face cloth, weft is African grass

She purchased this linen paper from Habu Textiles and wondered how she could use it.

One of Rosemary's students is really into weaving--being a pianist he has the rhythm to keep good selvedges and loves weaving these delicate patterns; over 140 picks for one pattern repeat.

Rosemary is weaving a prayer shawl for a neighbor friend who is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.  This shawl is one she wove for her husband.

We are loving this 'newbie' weaver's first yardage!  Four shots of brown and two of gray across a log cabin warp

 

Another first weaving --purple warp with blue weft--there was a comment about the goose eye not meeting in the center of the white stripe.  Personally, I like the offset of the pattern

Louise showed off her hand painted silk warp scarves--sett @ 32 epi--length was 8 Yds

Weave structure was overshot

 

Just lovely handle--she was taking her time to twist the fringe.  Great day!  Great Discussion!  Great Weavings!  Inspirational! 

 

What's For Dinner?

Food for the Body--we always need to EAT something!  But, when you are busy around the house, doing chores, working on your projects, watching your favorite TV shows, reading or just being lazy--who wants to cook?  I've bought so many cookbooks--recently, purchased this book   ! Honestly, who would think I'd cook from this book?  But, I'm going to make at least one recipe since I bought the book--

But, it will not be tonight--I need something easy and quick or maybe, something that will cook all day in the slow cooker--or maybe, I'll just pick up fast food or make a quick run to Costco and pick up a ready made meal (oh, wait, that is never a fast run!) --ahh, I really want to work on this project today.................................................

As I watch the latest episode!

Year of The Beaded Scarf

One Pattern of Lace a month = a beautiful scarf by the end of the year!  Yes, I'm so in on this knitting project--just wish I had a dedicated loom that I could weave one lace pattern a month, but alas, only one loom is available.  This year, once again, I plan to use my handspun yarn for this project.  Just need to dig deep to find yarn that has already been spun OR I might need to begin....................spinning!

Wonder what the scarf would look like if I used many different handspun yarns?

I have several little bits of yarn--hmmmm--I'm thinking of this!

In 2014 I signed up for this month to month lace scarf and finished in time to gift the handspun scarf to the blond headed daughter. 

Let's begin the knit pattern for 2015....................................
January's pattern is PEARL-BARRED SCALLOP PATTERN:  14 sts + 1
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9: K1, +YO, K3, SSK, YO, S2KP2O, YO, K2TOG, K3, YO, K1; rep from + to EOR.
Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8: Purl.
Row 10: Knit.
(Non-Beaded)Row 11: Purl.
(Beaded)Row 11: B, +P1, B; rep from + to EOR.
Row 12: Purl.
Rep the above 12 rows, two more times (3 times total), then knit six rows. (49 sts.)

Designer is Elizabeth Ravenwood:  come join us on her Ravelry group--Big Comfy Doghouse! 

Conflicted!

Okay--I'm conflicted!  Why do I always begin my new year with these conflicts?!!  In a previous post, I listed some of the KALs I want to work on and then there is a list of quilting projects to enjoy as well-----plus, our weaver study groups are beginning new studies--oh gee whiz! 

The Conflict--which yarn to use for the knitting projects?  What yarn to use for weaving project? What fabric to stitch on?  Which project to begin first?  Can I begin two at once?  My brain is swirling with ideas! 

OKAY--just calm down (I say to myself!)  Let's take this one step at a time--don't panic; we have a whole year to work on these projects.  Just make one decision and the rest will fall into place.

I searched my stash and found this Malabrigo yarn from a project that just didn't make it to the needles.  This yarn will be perfect for "Rock The Kasbah" shawl with designer Cindy Garland

I do know that one of the weavers' study groups is doing a linen study--I found linen in my stash!  Hip Hooray--just don't know what pattern I'll warp though..............

another stash yarn--Noro blend--bargain yarn that is certainly aged.  This will be great for Gap-tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley.  Easy pattern, simple knit!

And another stash yarn, in the sock bin, for New Year's Socks, designer Maria Rosa Spighetti

Sign of relief--I've resolved some of that panic feeling of what yarn to use for three projects.

New 2015 Goal!!

Winter Blast!!

The beginning of 2015 has been an adventure!  We classify this start as Adventure #46--

It is a cold wintry blast in Central Texas!  Of course, other parts of the country are having much the same weather.  But, in Texas (!) we don't expect the roads to freeze over and lay down a sheet of ICE!  The landscape is beautiful!  The trees are coated with winter white--but, keep the ice off the roads please!  Even 18 wheeler trucks weren't moving; there were skating!

Our cars don't have ice scrapers--next best thing to use----a credit card, but I found my Safeway card!  It works on ice as well as discounts at the grocery.

And what do you do when you are 'stuck' in a hotel?  We made lots of new friends who were in the same situation as we were; we swapped stories of the road hazards; 'which way did you travel from?'; but, I must keep my hands busy!  I dug through my luggage to find this scarf, needles and yarn (lucky to find a yarn store on the road!!).  I finished up this scarf the day before Christmas for the brown headed daughter--but, it was way too short.   I undid the bind off row, picked up stitches, attached the new yarn and we're off and knitting!!  The pattern is Mistaken Rib--easy to remember and work on.

I pray that you are safe and warm! 

January 2: Beginning the New Year Right!

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  Sometimes I do--one year I decided I had too many UFO's and made a resolution to finish TWO UFO's before beginning a NEW UFO!--it worked!!  The next year I had less UFO's.

This year in 2015--I'm making a resolution to learn a new technique a month!  It doesn't matter what or how that technique is applied--just learn a new technique.

Up first--learning how to use that darn Magic Loop technique--Two Toe-Up Socks on One Circular Needle  by Kristin Bellehumeur 


Ok--I can knit two socks on two circulars!  I'm happy I can knit socks period!  And I don't have any trouble turning the heels.  but, I've never done anything with that Magic Loop stuff-- so, let's start by buying the right needle for the project!  47 inches is best length of circular needle to buy for Magic Loop, as you will be able to use this length for any project, including two-at-a-time,


What new technique will you learn this month? 

January 1--Ringing in the New Year!

What are your traditions for starting your New Year off right?
 I've always heard whatever you do on the first day of the year, will be what you do the rest of the year--

Our Southern Tradition continues with food! of course!  On this day, we must eat at least one spoon of cooked cabbage, black-eye peas and have some pork to insure good health and wealth.  I love black-eye peas!  the family not so much!  But, they will indulge in the tradition just the same--who wants to tamper with that health-wealth thing!

Here is a recipe that makes black-eye peas taste absolutely delicious--in my book!

Good Luck Hoppin' John
 4 strips bacon, diced

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, or 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen

1/2 cup uncooked rice

2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Partially cook bacon in a Dutch oven, add onion, and cook until bacon is crisp and onion is soft. Add black-eyed peas, rice, water, and pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat until rice is done, about 20 to 25 minutes. Toss with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Other customs around the world include food as well:

Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a donut) symbolize "coming full circle" and leads to good fortune. In Dutch homes, fritters called olie bollen are served.

The Irish enjoy pastries called bannocks.

The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight comes from Spain.

In India and Pakistan, rice promises prosperity.

Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah tradition.

In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors (and allowed to remain there!)

So, here's to whatever your tradition or custom includes to bring in the New Year--

December 31: Ursher out 2014

New Year's Folklore: 

Some customs and beliefs are simply passed down through the ages. Here are some of our favorite age-old sayings and proverbs.

On New Year's Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing.
If New Year's Eve night wind blow south, It betokened warmth and growth.
For abundance in the new year, fill your pockets and cupboards today.
If the old year goes out like a lion, the new year will come in like a lamb.
Begin the new year square with every man. (i.e., pay your debts!) –Robert B. Thomas, founder of The Old Farmer's Almanac 

So, whether we resolve to return borrowed farm equipment (as did the Babylonians) or drop a few pounds, we're tapping into an ancient and powerful longing for a fresh start

During the early 1970's, there was a saying that the old man goes out and the new baby comes in at the stroke of midnight.  Our son (age 3-4) heard this and always wanted to stay up till midnight to watch the "Old Man" leave and see "The New Baby" arrive!  Hence, he never stayed awake till midnight--he was always fast asleep by 10 PM! 

December 30: Wrapping Up 2014

well, there it is!  the end of another year--I can see the lights shining for 2015

We have taken many a journey throughout the year

and now it is time

to open another door to adventure

as we close out 2014

and walk into 2015!

 

December 29: What's Wrong With This????

The end of 2014 hasn't even come yet and I'm thinking well into 2015 for new projects!  What is wrong with me?  I haven't even finished the UFO's on my list and here I'm signing up with new projects--that will most likely become 2015 UFOs!!  I'm blaming Ravelry!  Yes, that has got to be the culprit.  And then the Brown headed kid, Dr. Dawn, introduced me to Pinterest--now, that website is a real time suck!!

1) Colorworks by Debi --we are doing Mitts with Deborah

2) contrapposto--sock pattern by Claire Ellen and Heidi Nick

3) New Year Socks KAL-- pattern by Maria Rosa Spighetti

4) 12 Hats in 12 Weeks--pattern by Meagheen Ryan Designs (She donates 100% of profits to charities)

5) Vernal Equinox Shawl Surprise --this will certainly be a surprise if I finish!  what a lovely shawl pattern though!

6)    Okay--I want to take a trip from my comfy chair--first stop-- rock-the-kasbah  by designer Cindy Garland

I should stop now!!

December 28: Catching My Breath!

What will you do today?  Maybe, all your house guests have departed.  Maybe, you will think about cleaning up the house.  Maybe, you will take a short nap.  Or if you are like me, I'm thinking about all those projects that got started and are languishing--do I hear them calling my name?  "Pick me up--just put in a few stitches" while you are sitting in your comfortable chair! 

Okay, there is that Advent Scarf I began--I did get up to Day 6 (not bad, huh?)  And now the clues keep piling up!  This delightful Chevron and Ripples pattern is designed by Tricia Weatherston.  The idea was to use sock yarn that was self striping.  My yarn was in my stash from Lorna's Laces. 

 

I'm also thinking about the 2014 Mystery from Bonnie Hunter.  This year's quilt is titled Grand Illusion--Once again, I'm way behind--but, I am saving the clues and I have seen the Bonnie Hunter Club gals working diligently on their clues.  From what I've seen of the first three clues--this is going to be a beauty!  Bonnie offers the pattern free of charge--but, only for a short time--so, if you are interested in creating a magical quilt--better save the clues!

My friend, Judy P, did last years' mystery and just take look at this marvel!!  Great balls of fiber--super duper work Judy P!  I can always count on her to finish what she has begun.

Okay, I'm still sitting in my comfy chair and thinking about all those UFOs.

December 27: Left-Overs.......

The Gifts have been unwrapped--the wrappings have been disposed of--the family is tired of playing with their new toys--and they are also tired of eating that warmed up turkey and dressing.  No one wants turkey sandwiches anymore.  What to feed them today?  We can make turkey gumbo, throw in some sausage.  We could make turkey soup or turkey casserole or turkey pot pie or turkey a la king or turkey tacos or enchiladas.   OR we could make:
                                                         Turkey Tetrazzini!!

A favorite in our household--there are many versions of this dish, but here is my recipe

Chop one medium size onion, sauté in 1/4 lb. of butter till soften.  Now, make that white roux--add 1/4 cup flour to mixture and stir to thicken.  To this add 2 C milk or if you want to start that diet early, use chicken broth.  Stir till thicken.  Now, add chopped turkey bits, sprinkle of Tabasco, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese; continue to stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.  If need, add more liquid. 

 In another pot, bring to boil several quarts of water--once boiling, add 1 package of spaghetti--cook till tender, drain and add to above turkey mixture.  I like to add the juice of one lemon--gives it a little tang taste.  Combine well.
Pour mixture into one large greased baking dish-- before placing into 350* oven to bake 35-45 minutes, sprinkle the top with grated cheddar cheese and panko crumbs--your choice of how much.
Bake and serve with green salad and fresh baked bread--oh, yes, the bread comes from the local grocery!
Hopefully, this will clear out all that leftover turkey!

December 26: Day After.............................Boxing Day

What do you do on the Day after Christmas?  Return gifts? Shop the bargains? Go on a diet--no wait, that's not till January 2! 

In some countries here is how they celebrate............

Boxing Day is a holiday traditionally celebrated the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts, known as a "Christmas box", from their bosses or employers, in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and other Commonwealth nations, as well as Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden. Today, Boxing Day is the bank holiday that generally takes place on 26 December.

In South Africa, Boxing Day was renamed Day of Goodwill in 1994. Due to the Roman Catholic Church's liturgical calendar, the day is known as St. Stephen's Day to Catholics, and in Italy, Finland, and Alsace and Moselle in France. It is also known as both St. Stephen's Day and the Day of the Wren or Wren's Day in the Republic of Ireland. In many European countries, including notably Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and those in Scandinavia, 26 December is celebrated as the Second Christmas Day

December 25: Christmas!

As we gather around

 

the Christmas Tree

May our hearts be filled with joy as we

celebrate this special day of

Peace, hope, love, family, friends

 

This Nativity set was made by my Granny in 1967--hence, since brown headed kid, Dr. Dawn was born in 1967, it was a gift to her.

 

December 24--And Not a Creature Was Stirring!

This is the Night we light the last candle of the Advent Wreath.

 

The first candle is for Promise

The second candle is for Light

The third candle is for Love

and the last candle is

HOPE

 

 

As Christians we read Luke's story of Jesus birth (Luke 2: 1-20)

 

"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace" (Romans 15:13a)

December 23--Two Nights Before Christmas!

Two Nights before Christmas!  That should be a song..........................................

And all through the house, family is waiting for that special meal.............................

CRAB BISQUE and for the one who doesn't eat crab--we make a huge pot of Chili--Texas Chili!

So grab, your special ingredients and let's cook!

Crab Bisque:  celery, onions, bell pepper (all chopped fine) Sauté in stick of butter till transparent and tender.  Add some chopped garlic to taste, salt and pepper to taste.  Thicken with corn starch or flour to make a white roux.  Stir in can of chicken stock.  In another pot cook chopped potatoes till tender, drain and add to the above mixture. Now, here comes the good stuff--several cups of half and half--not the fat free stuff either, but full rich half and half.  Let this all marry for a few minutes.  Toward the end, add 1 lb. of fresh cracked peeled crabmeat--claw or whatever you can find.  Take that Tabasco bottle and shake, shake!  Almost ready for the bowl and spoon! 

In the oven we have buttered hot French bread, just ready to sop up all the goodness left in the bowl.

This will always be our two nights before Christmas meal!!

Now, if you need a recipe for Texas Chili...........................................let me know!

December 22--Ready for Another Cookie!

Mexican Wedding Cakes

This is one of those go to recipes when you need a quick cookie.

1 C of butter

1/2 C powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

cream together till fluffy

Then add 1/4 tsp salt

2 1/4 C all purpose flour

Mix well

Add

1 C chopped nuts (your choice)

Mix till dough holds together nicely.

Roll into balls, place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets

Bake in 400* oven for about 8-9 minutes

Once removed from the oven, roll the balls into powder sugar

and pop into your mouth!

 

Any number of different items can be added--chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, Hersey kisses in the middle of ball before baking--it's fun to experiment.

There are lots of names for this cookie--what do you call them? 

December 21--The Candy Man

Remember I told you--I was not a candy maker!  That job goes to my hubby who makes all the best fudge, pralines and sometimes caramels.  You are guaranteed a good batch of candy when he takes a turn at the stove (little secret--he doesn't cook anything else that's good!)

Can't read the recipe??  It's mimeographed!  Do you remember those machines?

 

Here is his recipe for Pralines--the best!  This recipe comes from Ellendale, LA
 

1 1/2 C white sugar, 3/4 C brown sugar (packed), 1/2 stick butter, 1/2 C evaporated milk, 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 C whole pecans, pinch of salt and the secret ingredient--1 tsp white Karo syrup!
 

Cook sugars, salt and milk until it comes to a rolling boil.  Add butter and let remain on heat until butter has completely melted.  Remove from heat.  Beat until it begins to thicken.  Add nuts and vanilla.  Drop by teaspoon on wax paper.  If it gets too hard to drop, return to heat and remelt.

Yummy--good for the tummy!

 

 

December 20--EGGNOG!

  Let's have a cup of eggnog!   
  
Here's our recipe for this delicious drink: 

Eggnog is not my favorite drink by a long shot!  Everyone else in the family loves it!  They drink it with a little fresh ground nutmeg on top.  They drink it with a dash of rum!  They drink it with their cookies!  They drink it right out of the pitcher!

This recipe comes from our OLD

Hubby makes it every year--he can certainly make up a good batch or two for the holidays.  And you can tell from the photo above he set something down on the recipe--ah, memories go a long ways!

December 19--Want Some Crunch?

If you like a little crunch in your cheese--make up these delightful little yummy goodies!

of course, we don't call it oleo anymore--

let's use butter--delicious creamy butter!

 

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch!

Thanks friend who gave me this recipe 37 years ago!

December 18--A week Away From Christmas

 

One week away from Christmas Celebration!

This recipe brings you the Cheese Ball!

So delicious--best to keep under wraps for several days before spreading on bread or crackers.

 

The above recipe is easy to prepare and ages well in the refrigerator just in case company comes knocking!

 

Our all time favorite cheese ball is a cheese log--made with

Velveeta Cheese (can you believe how expensive this product has become?!!)  you can use half brick or the whole thing.

Several cloves of minced garlic--how much garlic do you like?

chopped pecans--how nutty do you want to be?

and thoroughly mix!!

Get in there with your hands--messy, but your hands are the best mixer.

Shape into logs--small logs, long logs, medium logs--your choice ( I know, so many decisions to make!)

now, take out that chili powder, sprinkle on plastic wrap and roll your log in the chili powder--cover that log good.  Wrap tightly, refrigerate and wait--at least five days.  The longer the flavors marry, the tastier it is.

ready to serve, unwrap, set out crackers and wait for the compliments!

Way beyond good! and the easiest you could make!!

 

December 17--Cole's Brownies

 

I've forgotten who Cole is or was--

but his recipe for brownies is the best by far!

 

Of course, today we have all sorts of boxed mixes that are right up there with

Cole's brownies

Try this simple recipe and see if you don't think Cole had the right idea!

December 16--More Party Favorites

Okay--here comes another old standby--If I need a dip for veggies, this is the one I resort too!

Bright fresh veggies surround this tasty dip.  As you can see, I've scratched out "Accent"--it was one ingredient that we used many moons ago.

And why use Kraft Mayo?  Don't have the foggiest--maybe, it was the only one we could get or maybe, this recipe came from Kraft

 

December 15--Shrimp Makes Appearance

When I use this timeless recipe, I give many thanks to Helen--what a great cook and I'm thankful she would share her recipes with me

This was the most delicious shrimp mold you could ever serve to your guests.

Can you tell how much I've used this index card? 

 

Enjoy! 

 

December 14--Party Dips

 

Tis the season for parties........................and if you are hosting a party, there is a chance you'll need a couple of dip recipes that you can make ahead of time.

 

This is a hot dip recipe--

1 package of cream cheese + 2 Tbsp milk beaten together.  Add 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1 Tbsp minced onion, 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 C sour cream

Add one package of chopped beef (we could find this product in a small jar along with the cheese jars--do they make it anymore?)  you can use corned beef or roast beef from the deli

add 1/2 C chopped bell pepper.  Mix these ingredients well; spread in pie dish and sprinkle the top with 1 C crushed pecans.

Bake @ 350* oven for 20 minutes.

Serve with crackers

Yummy good!!

December 13--Party Time!

It's the weekend--time to party!  Need an idea for a good party punch? 

This is the ONE!

 

This recipe comes from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, November, 1978--gee whiz!  I can't believe it has been that long ago!

I've made this punch on numerous occasions--best part of this recipe--it can be made ahead and frozen; ready for the time you need a perfect party drink.  And you can even spike it with something that will definitely give it a PUNCH!  We served this at blond headed daughter's wedding 25 years ago--and to this day, it's still a great recipe! 

December 12--Need a Gift Idea?

Sweet and Spicy Nuts

from a high school friend--boy, we are going back a few years for sure!

After our home and all possessions were destroyed in December 1976 by fire, our friends put out a call to replace my recipe box and file.

This recipe came from a good high school friend whom we even had adventures with during our college days--they had a Volkswagen! and we could go and go on a tank of gas!  Of course, you got to remember gas in those days was only 30 cents a galloon, but we had no money to speak of, so jumping into their Volkswagen and running to parks for picnics ($1 worth of luncheon meat went a long ways) was a great weekend of fun.

I can't tell you how many times I've made this recipe to give as gifts and to have on hand for our munchies time.

December 11--Another Batch of Cookies

Ahh, the old standby recipe for Christmas cookies!

2C shortening (can you tell this is an oldie but goodie?)

3C sugar

4 Eggs

1 tsp grated nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla and 1 tsp almond

6-7 C flour (all purpose)

Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs and beat till fluffy and light.  Add flavorings, nutmeg, flour (enough to form a stiff dough)  Chill one hour.

If I didn't have time to make them one day, I would roll them out the next day.  Instead of flour on the surface, I would use sifted powdered sugar (added a crackly goodness to the cookie)

This is when you can use those wonderful cookie cutters.

Bake @ 400* 8-10 minutes--no icing needed; just a glass of cold milk to dunk!