November 20, 2011
CraftLife Episode 17 – Bumps In The Road
Ebenezer Scrooge opens this week! Tech week is upon us, costumes and props are being worked in, sound and light queues are next in line.
Pearl Fryar is a master of topiary sculpture. You can learn about his story in the documentary “A Man Named Pearl”. You can check out the trailer at that link, too.
One of my favorite holiday movies, and where I first learned about Hot Buttered Rum, is White Christmas. Bing Crosby and Christmas music are synonymous in my house.
Hot Buttered Rum
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp all spice
1/2 tsp clove
1. Combine sugar, brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat until butter is melted.
2. In a large bowl, beat ice cream, sugar/butter mixture, and spices at medium speed until smooth. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks, or in freezer for 1 month.
3. To serve, fill a mug 1/4 – 1/3 with mix, add one ounce (2 Tbsp) of rum and fill the rest of the way with boiling water. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
It’s giveaway time! Leave a comment in this post between now and 11:59pm CST on 12/1/11 to enter to win a copy of the Hello Kitty Online Premium Edition. The random number generator will be used to chose TWO winners, each of whom will receive a copy of the Premium Edition, which comes with $15 worth of in-game points to shop and spend as you play, an exclusive virtual pet to follow you around and assist on quests, and 2 Hello Kitty Online collector’s postcards. (System requirements include Windows 2000/XP/Vista (32 bit) and 512 MB RAM minimum)
Speaking of giveaways, Janeen of the Clothed in the Lamb podcast just had a 1 year podiversary giveaway, and I was the lucky winner! I’m looking forward to casting on the Gypsy tank with my winnings.
I’m working hard on the Dovakhiin Gauntlet’s for Adam. The Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK by Sublime Yarns is working beautifully!
Thanks to Fraydele on Ravelry for suggesting this week’s song!
Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Whip It!” by Devo)
Rip it!
Frog that sweater
Then re-knit it better
Take out your sticks
Get right to the fix
When a problem comes along
You must rip it
If you want to fix what went wrong
You must rip it
One sleeve is far to long
You must rip it
Now rip it
Frog it back
Back it up
Don’t be slack
You must go backwards
To move ahead
When you detect it
It’s not too late
To rip it
Rip it good
If you mess up the design
You must rip it
If you put in a life line
Then you can rip it
It will look better in time
If you just rip it
I say rip it
Rip it good
I say rip it
Rip it good
Frog that sweater
Then re-knit it better
Take out your sticks
Get right to the fix
When a problem comes along
You must rip it
If you want to fix what went wrong
You must rip it
One sleeve is far to long
You must rip it
Now rip it
Frog it back
Back it up
Don’t be slack
You must go backwards
To move ahead
When you detect it
It’s not too late
To rip it
Frog it back
Back it up
Don’t be slack
You must go backwards
To move ahead
When you detect it
It’s not too late
To rip it
Rip it good
September 17, 2011
CraftLife Episode 13 – No Place Like Home
As I was putting together this week’s episode, I started to notice a not-so-craft-related theme emerging. Home. Not necessarily my home of today, but the familiar territory of my youth, and place where most of my family still resides. When I go there for a visit, I am “going home for a visit” – hence, this week’s title. I hope you enjoy!
Monkey Bread
3 cans biscuits
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 cup light brown sugar
1 stick butter
- Cut biscuits into quarters with scissors.
- Shake biscuits quarters in a bag with sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer cinnamon/sugar coated biscuit quarters in a greased tube pan and sprinkle chopped nuts, raisins, or both between layers if desired.
- Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil, and let it boil for 1 minute
- Pour butter and brown sugar mixture over the biscuits.
- Bake at 325 degrees fahrenheit (163 celsius) for 35 minutes. Let it stand 10 minutes before removing from pan.
- To serve, just pinch off a piece and eat with fingers.
(Recipe by Ophelia M. Leitzsey from the “Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Newberry, South Carolina” cookbook)
I had a great time talking to Stephanie about her artwork. If you’d like to get in contact with her, just shoot an email to treacleandink@hotmail.com and put “STEPHANIE” in the subject line. And, if you want to take a peek at her paintings, they will be available during the month of October in the Treacle And Ink Etsy shop. Want to learn more about that Christmas tree farm she mentioned? Head over to Shine and Lee’s Christmas Trees. That’s my mom and dad!
Congratulations to Redsknits for winning the iMake giveaway! If you haven’t done so already, be sure to check out Martine’s podcast and blog, iMake.
My Ishbel has been completed! (And with much pride, I might add.) They say that pride comes before a fall, but I hope that is not the case since I am currently working the stockinette section of the Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilks. And if you’d like to get a first-hand look at her inspiration, head to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
Got any extra fiber? As if “extra fiber” wasn’t an oxymoron. I’m looking for something to put on my drop spindle. The majority of my meagre stash is up for grabs, if you’re looking for a trade. I’m adding more things bit-by-bit, so if you don’t see anything you like, try back later.
September 2, 2011
CraftLife Episode 12 – Knitting Addiction
The weather man asserts that tomorrow will be the last of the 100+ degree days. There is only one thing I can say to that. Hallelujah!! The temperature drop can not come soon enough, but by now, you must be as tired of hearing about my weather as I am of sweating through it, so on to the show notes!
A big “Thank You!!” *blush* to the very kind Anita of The Well Knitted Life podcast. Go have a listen.
If you haven’t made your entry into the iMake giveaway, have a browse around Martine’s Etsy and Folksy shops, and then leave a comment in the iMake Giveaway thread in the CraftLife Ravelry Group telling me which one of her items you like best.
If you’d like more info on the Effort Driven Rewards Circuit, check out this article from the June 2010 edition of Body+Soul.
When Good Knitters Go Bad is a news report that is not to be missed! Be on the lookout for the Shabby Sheep, from whence came my Alp Light yarn used in knitting the 4X4 rib shawl. You can also follow K Witta’s antics in real time.
If you’re dealing with CKS and would like some online help www.Ravelry.com is a great place to start.
Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse)
A Knitting Intervention
They tried to make me go to rehab,
Because I knit, knit, knit.
Once I cast on, I’m so far gone
I can’t quit, quit, quit.
I ain’t got the time
I’ve got really long queue line.
They tried to make me go to rehab,
But I won’t go, go, go.
I’d rather be at home all day,
Making hats and sweaters, knitting away.
‘Cause there’s nothing, there’s nothing they can teach me
That I can’t learn from reading E.Z.
Yeah, I think that it’s a drag
That they want to take my project bag.
They tried to make me go to rehab,
Because I knit, knit, knit.
Once I cast on, I’m so far gone
I can’t quit, quit, quit.
I ain’t got the time
I’ve got really long queue line.
They tried to make me go to rehab,
But I won’t go, go, go.
I know all week the dishes haven’t been clean,
And the house is the messiest you’ve ever seen.
I’m gonna, I’m gonna lose my stitch count,
If I stop to do other things in between.
Can’t I hire a maid?
Just until this scarf gets made.
They tried to make me go to rehab,
Because I knit, knit, knit.
Once I cast on, I’m so far gone
I can’t quit, quit, quit.
Remember the socks I made you last year?
And the gloves and sweaters? Baby, it’s quite clear.
I don’t hear, I don’t hear your complaining
About all those gifts you hold so dear.
I know it’s time to go.
Just let me finish one more row
They tried to make me go to rehab,
Because I knit, knit, knit.
Once I cast on, I’m so far gone
I can’t quit, quit, quit.
I ain’t got the time
I’ve got really long queue line.
They tried to make me go to rehab,
But I won’t go, go, go.
August 19, 2011
CraftLife Episode 11 – Be A Novice
This Texas summer has been hot, hot, HOT! But, not in a dancing-in-the-streets-limbo-with-a-frosty-beverage kind of way. More like a stay-indoors-with-the-windows-covered-wearing-very-little kind of way. Though the weather outside is frightful (and yes, it can be deemed so even in the middle of summer), I am so glad to be back behind the mic again. 🙂 Episode eleven is coming at you, and is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to say, “But, I’m NEW!”
CraftLife is pleased to announce the winner of the very first giveaway! The winner of the “Name That Skein” contest is….. Sandrada! Sandrada suggested the name “Peregrine”, which also happens to be the name of the patron saint of cancer sufferers.
If you seek the wisdom of the Godmother of Knitting Podcasts, look no further than Cast On with Brenda Dayne. You can also follow her on Twitter as @knitsib.
Are you completely musically illiterate, or maybe you just need a little brush-up? Check out www.8notes.com and click on the “Music Theory” tab on the right side of the screen for step-by-step instruction. You can learn as little, or as much as you want.
Did you miss out on entering the first giveaway? No problem! Martine, of iMake, has offered up this gorgeous red leather cuff:
Leather Cuff with Stars by iMake
All you have to do to enter, is visit Martine’s Etsy and Folksy shops, and leave me a comment in the iMake Giveaway thread in the CraftLife Ravelry group, telling me which one of her items you like the best.
In celebration of my one year knitting birthday, Ishbel has been cast on. Those pesky pink-ribbon fingerles mitts have been frogged and transformed into a new hat, and the stuffed TARDIS is nearing the end of it’s period of incarceration.
Here’s a shout-out to Laura of The Ood Cast for planting the idea of song parody’s in the back of my mind.
Lyrics to this week’s song. (based on the song “Breathe [2 am]”, by Anna Nalick)
Knitter’s Mistake
2 am and she calls me ‘cause I’m still awake.
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake?
Dropped a stitch about seventeen rows behind me.
There’s no way I can pick it up from where I am.
This is so frustrating, I feel I should just slam
It down on the table, and walk away, madly.
‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable,
This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label.
Now I can’t find which repeat I am on.
I think I should have a sit-down
And breathe, just breathe
Woah breathe, just breath
They say, “Do a gage swatch”, but I think that they’re dumb.
Now my choice has come back to bite me in the bum.
It’s turning out a whole lot smaller than I’d planned.
And who’s idea was it to knit while watching TV?
I think I completely skipped row thirty-three.
I’ve had just about all of the mess-ups I can stand.
‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable,
This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label.
Now I can’t find which repeat I am on.
I think I should have a sit-down
And breathe, just breathe
Woah breathe, just breath
There’s a right way to knit this, but I’ve done it wrong.
How is it that I’ve carried on for so long?
Is it even worth trying to fix it from here?
Or should I just frog it all back?
2am and I’m still awake knitting along.
If I get it fixed now before bed, it’s no longer
There taunting me, full of the errors I’ve put there.
When I cast it on, I thought I’d finish it proudly
But all of this stress has me screaming out loud,
“Is it worth it?” or is it much more than I can bear?
‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable,
This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label.
Now I can’t find which repeat I am on.
I think I should have a sit-down
And breathe, just breathe
Woah breathe, just breathe
Yeah breathe, just breathe
Breathe, just breathe
July 21, 2011
CraftLife Episode Ten – Only The Beginning
Episode ten is up and running! I hope you enjoy this mini-milestone, and I’m looking forward to being back with you in August. 🙂
If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t?) and knit, The Knit Wits Podcast will be right up your alley. You can listen to them on their website as well as on iTunes.
Do you have dreams of becoming a Southern Belle? This humorous list, courtesy of About.com, will provide you with a few simple steps to help you on your way. And, if you would like a classic example to model yourself after, spend a few hours with Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With The Wind.
Fried Green Tomatoes
2 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch sliced
1 egg
1/3 – 1/2 cup milk
cornmeal
oil for frying
salt and pepper
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in the bottom of a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Beat together egg and milk.
- Coat tomato slices in egg/milk mixture, then dredge in cornmeal.
- Fry slices in oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain slices on paper towels. Salt and pepper to taste.
Try a little pepper jelly or chow chow with your fried green tomatoes. Oh, and they’re not just a delicious food, Fried Green Tomatoes is also the title of a most excellent movie.
And many thanks to all of you who have left me great iTunes reviews! It is much appreciated.
July 10, 2011
CraftLife Episode Nine – Happy Knittapendence Day
The heat is really wearing us down in TX this week. As I write this the thermometer reads 100 degrees. I’ve heard of people trying to fry an egg on a hot sidewalk, and I’m thinking of seriously giving that a try this Wednesday when it’s supposed to be back up to 106. Ugh! Wherever you are, I hope you are staying cool. And whether or not you celebrated Independence Day on July 4th in your part of the world, I hope you get the chance sometime soon to celebrate your creative independence.
If you’d like to learn a little Mandarin while getting your knitting podcast fix, you should give a listen to Clothed In The Lamb.
Let’s have a go at that recipe sharing! Here’s your first one:
Classic Pecan Pie
1 cup Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecans
1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen** deep-dish pie crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (178 °C).
- Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust.
- Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes (see tips for doneness, below). Cool for 2 hours on wire rack before serving.
- **To use prepared frozen pie crust: Place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet.
- RECIPE TIPS: Pie is done when center reaches 200°F (93°C). Tap center surface of pie lightly – it should spring back when done. For easy clean up, spray pie pan with cooking spray before placing pie crust in pan. If pie crust is overbrowning, cover edges with foil.
- High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce sugar to 2/3 cup and increase butter to 3 tablespoons. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
*This recipe is courtesy of Karo. Pictures and a how-to video can be found here.*
Here are some of the bracelets I have been working on. Thoughts?
Along with the bracelets, I have been working on the Tangled Branches hat by Grace Akhrem. You can click here to have a peek at her many other designs. And, the kits for the breast cancer awareness socks are available through Pagewood Farm.
June 11, 2011
CraftLife Episode Seven – Crafting for Good – Part One
After this very busy week of unexpected overtime, and unexpected knitting, I wasn’t able to get a full podcast together for you. But I didn’t want to leave you with nothing. So, instead of a full episode this week, I present you with a mini episode – part one of a two parter.
Many thanks for the lovely comments from Lori of Happycrafter 207, and Martine of iMake.
Up-and-coming sweater designers might like to check out the I Knit Guernsey design competition.
Need yarn, and need it fast? I had great turnaround time with the skein of Apl Light I ordered from Covetedyarn.com.
I’m just about finished with the frog from Amy Gaines’ Knit Animal Friends Amigurumi Set, and I am quite pleased with the results. AND… the Beehive Booties are done!
Looking for ways to get involved in crafting for good? Check out Talents of Sisters and M.E. Research UK.
CraftLife Knitters Theatre brought you “The Elves and the Shawlmaker”. You can read the original story that inspired this adaptation here.
May 27, 2011
CraftLife Episode Six – Click Clash
Last weekend saw the final football game of the season for the Hill Country Colts, and while my intention was to once again take the opportunity for a little knitting in public, I was thwarted by the weather. Tornadoes and hail storms in the surrounding area left the humidity level incredibly high. But, not all knitting related goodness was was done away with. Hooray for garage sales put on by fellow fiber enthusiasts! For more details on that, have a listen to this week’s episode, in which you’ll also finally hear a little more from my husband than just a Southernism definition.
If you are new to the world of crafty podcasts, or if you have been around for a while and, by some glitch in the space-time continuum, have managed to remain completely unawares, allow me to direct you to the absolutely fabulous CraftLit, with Heather Ordover.
Were you a child of the ’80s? Take a trip down memory lane with the inspiration for today’s episode title, Jem and the Holograms.
Many thanks to email Adam for allowing me to pick his brain about photography and videography! If you have any questions for him, or just want to do a little more brain-picking, email treacleandink@hotmail.com and put ADAM in the subject line.
I really want to knit the Horai scarf by Hiroko Fukatsu, and one day I will… just not today.
If you do anything charitable with your creative skills, please visit the CraftLife Ravelry thread, “Creating for a Cause”, and tell us all about it!
AND, if you are in the US, have a great Memorial Day weekend. 🙂
May 15, 2011
CraftLife Episode Five – Creating On A Budget
I have been absolutely spoiled these past two weeks. Right after completing episode four, Adam took me out on a catamaran for a dinner cruise to celebrate my birthday! (…which was back in January, but who wants to be out on a boat in the middle of winter??) Then, on Mother’s Day weekend, he surprised both me and his mother with a day of pampering at a spa. Like I said, I am completely spoiled sometimes, but after weekends like these, where does a girl find the funds for crafting? Well, that’s why “Thrifty” is the name of the game in this CraftLife episode.
If you visited Mayfest in Fort Worth, TX, you had the opportunity to see Tim Decker (aka: Painter Tim). If you didn’t make it to Mayfest, check out his facebook page and watch the video of Painter Tim at work.
Looking for some inexpensive craft supply alternatives? How about Kool Aid Dyeing, Tee Shirt Yarn, recycling yarn from old or thrifted garments, making use of newspaper end rolls, or home made play-dough.
Interested in trying you hand at tea bag folding? Here’s a website to help you get stared. A quick google search for printable tea bag folding papers will furnish you with plenty of pretty patterns to choose from.
If you’d rather cut paper than fold it, how about some nice silhouette portraits? If your model doesn’t have the time (or “fidget” control) to sit still for you to trace his or her shadow, you can achieve similar results with a photograph and tracing paper, or go a little more high-tech with this Photoshop method.
Still need a few thrifty crafty websites to get you inspired? Check out DollarStoreCrafts.com, DecorHacks.com, and TheThriftyCrafter.com.
May 1, 2011
CraftLife Episode Four – Hacking The Craft
Hey, hey all you hackers out there! This one’s for you!
WARNING! Before you precede any further, please familiarize yourself with that hacker genius, MacGyver.
If you’re looking for inspiration from other crafty hackers, check out the works of Rachel Betty Case and Hye Jin Lee .
And if you’d like to do a little more reading about hacking in general, take a peek into “The New Hacker’s Dictionary”.
So you still want to try your hand at cow tipping?? This how-to video provides step-by-step instructions.
Indy Mogul offers up some great inspiration and DIY goodness. Their Backyard FX series is full of incredibly good how-tos. You can watch their Fallout fan Film, Nuka Break, and then see the episode about how some of their props were constructed.
About that yarn swift that Mr. E. Bunny told me about… check it out for yourself here.
I have managed to cast on and complete the Waterfall Scarf since the last episode… though it may get frogged and re-knit.
Treacle And Ink 