Tuesday, January 31, 2017

The Warmth of Home

Like the last fading rose, January is slipping away from us. Not that I am sorry to say goodbye. I hope she gathers up a serious portion of her frosty breath and blows it in another direction.
While I find the sight of its sparkling beauty magically enchanting,
I do not enjoy the frigid touch of it on my skin. 
Actually, there are things about Winter I do enjoy, such as:
afternoons wrapped in my favorite cardigan,
with a steaming pot of tea and an audiobook to accompany my knitting,
long evenings of family at home together and nestled in for the night,
the cozy glow of candlelight flickering on the walls all around me,
the beauty of snow...snow... I really do love snow,
pots of homemade soup bubbling on the stove
and the smell of cookies baking in the oven,
filling the whole house with that
"I just died and went to Heaven" aroma.
One of my favorite things in the world has always been for family and friends to enter the front door and immediately say, "What is that wonderful smell?!!"
To me this is what makes a house smell like a home. That's one of the things I love most about baking. Another thing I love so much about it is that the end result is always quite lovely; a real feast for the eyes. I like pretty food. Plus it makes our loved ones so happy. I also like the time it gives me to get lost inside myself and think over and sort out all the things swirling around in my mind and in my life. So I guess you could say it warms my kitchen and my heart. Although I bake year round and always love it,
I really enjoy it throughout the cold Winter months best of all.
If you would like to warm your home with the divine scent of butter and chocolate, vanilla and coconut, love and homemade goodness, then I have just the recipe for you ...
Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/3 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter {room temperature}
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Large Egg
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 3/4 Cup Baker's Angel Flake Coconut
1 1/2 Cups Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together and set aside.
Cream butter for 3-4 minutes on high in a large bowl.
Add sugars and beat till fluffy and well blended.
Add egg, vanilla, coconut and chocolate chips.
Beat on low until blended.
Add flour mixture, beating on low till just blended.
With dampened hands, shape into 1 inch balls and space 2 inches apart on sheets.
Bake approximately 15 minutes or until slightly golden.
Yield: approximately 3 dozen.
Cool on wire racks.
Enjoy!
Trust me...
One won't be enough and ...
There should always be tea with cookies.
"Ecstasy is a glass full of tea and a piece of sugar in the mouth."
Alexander Pushkin

"Winter is the time for comfort,
for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home."
Edith Sitwell

Friday, January 27, 2017

Off With the Fairies

What does one do on a cold, grey Winter day in late January when the house is finally quiet with the doggies napping in their bed together and the aging calico cat snuggled into her first long nap of the day? Well, put the kettle on for a nice cup of Earl Grey tea and not only knit, but crochet as well, of course. While I sip this fresh, steaming brew there are huge fluffy snowflakes keeping time in a merry dance with each other just outside my window to add to this perfectly cozy day. They stop and start, as though changing partners in a never ending sequence. Then they magically disappear into thin air like fairies or ballerina's, so light on their feet, before ever touching the ground. I appreciate them though, for their lovely performance in the midst of my day.
 I am working on a scarf here for a local custom order.
You can take a look at the one currently for sale on my shop
to see what it looks like when finished.
That one has wool in it but my customer has serious skin sensitivities. Therefore this scarf is being made with a cotton and acrylic blend for her in the color scheme of her choice. I have to admit, I think it's my choice of colors as well.
I will be sure to show a picture or two when it's completed before she picks it up next week.
As I have stated several times before,
I love the fact that I am able to both knit and crochet.
Actually, crochet was my first love. Then I learned to knit two years later. All of this was over 30 years ago now. I can't imagine what my life would be without these two constants.
No matter what else Life has brought my way and brings my way...
I never miss a stitch...
I just keep stitching through it all.
It makes me happy, peaceful, and keeps me livable to all other forces of nature, especially those of the human persuasion. Without it, who knows, I might very well be bonkers, unhinged and absolutely mad as a hatter. So not only am I thankful for it, those who know and love me should be as well, for it keeps me in that state of sweet repose of being "off with the fairies". Not that I really am but it does keep me much more mellow like one who is.
Like all who are completely immersed in these fiber arts, I have a total passion for the perfect knitting/crochet bag and I can tell you where to find one.
You can find beautiful, Mary Poppins style bags like this on an Etsy Shop made by Tannei Casey right here. She makes all sizes and shapes of bags that I just love! I've been shopping with her for myself and for gifts for years now and her workmanship and customer service is the best in the business. Not to mention her prices are truly unbeatable. I promise.
Here's an inside view of that fabulous big bag so you can see that it is lined with pockets.
Plus it is flat on the bottom, sits nicely and opens up very widely so you can get to everything needed.
As for other tools of the trade, well.... I am extremely picky on that point as well.
I've been at this for decades now and I know what I like and what I don't like.
Knit Picks Rosewood Knitting Needles are my favorite. I have a full set in the straight, which they still sell and a full set in the interchangeable circular, which they do not currently sell.
The straights are pictured in action in the first photo.
When it comes to Crochet Hooks, it took me literally 30 years of searching to find the perfect ones.
In my opinion, nothing compares to Laurel Hill Crochet Hooks, which I sell on my Shop.
Throughout 2016 my stock got nearly depleted.
I carry them in sets and individually.
I have recently restocked all of my hooks.
This is the Nam Oc Set
And
This is the Ebony Set, which is what I use personally.
Each set includes a beautiful multicolored satin case.
I am a firm believer in high quality tools to get the job done.
You can read my customer reviews on my Shop
to see how much others love these hooks as well.

As for me ...
There's a nice cup of tea waiting for me
and a sleepy old calico cat keeping my spot warm,
so I'm back to my knitting and crocheting ...
and ...
my dance with the fairies ...
"Don't you know that everybody's got a Fairyland of their own?"
P.L. Travers
Mary Poppins

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Sweet, Simple Pleasures

We had a little party last evening ...
It was full of cinnamon, sugar and sweet, sweet laughter.
Oh! There was tea and coffee and white roses too!
And Beautiful, smiling faces glowing round the table so bright.
For, you see, there were birthday's to celebrate;
Precious Friendships to commemorate.
As the years go by, we must stop and kiss each one anew.
Gather them like friends so dear ...
Bestow on them the scent of roses, always Roses!
And sprinkle them liberally with friends...Lovely Friends...
As though they were the spice...the sugar... the absolute sweetness
of Life.

Cinnamon Teacake

1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Egg, lightly beaten
1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla
1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
3/4 Cup Self-Rising Flour
1/2 Cup Buttermilk

Topping

1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, melted
Mixture of Cinnamon and Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line the bottom of an 8-inch round or square cake tin with parchment paper
and spray sides and bottom with cooking spray.
Cream butter and sugar till fluffy.
Gradually add egg and vanilla.
Using a metal spoon, fold in sifted flours alternately with buttermilk.
Stir until smooth.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
Leave in tin for 5 minutes and cool on rack.
Turn out onto plate and brush warm cake with melted butter.
Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Enjoy!
This simple teacake is quick and easy to make and usually loved by all.
It's perfect to share over afternoon tea with a friend or to serve for a small gathering as I did last night. We had the pleasure of celebrating two birthday's within our knitting group that meets at my house every Monday night for what we call Knit Night.
This recipe is a long standing favorite.
So the next time you need a little something sweet in your life,
especially for teatime, give it a try.
Be sure to gather a friend or two to share a cup and a laugh ...
and relish together in the sweet, simple pleasures of Life.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel."
 Maya Angelou

Friday, January 20, 2017

The Tiny Things

I spent the beginning of last week in bed due to a Lupus flare then was finally up and feeling quite a bit better when by Sunday night the nasty cold and flu hit me hard and sent me right back to bed again where I spent all of this week. Because of the rheumatoid and immune issues I struggle with my system is always in for a battle when it gets invaded. However, I have finally risen again and am thankfully and happily able to sit up in my favorite chair to drink tea and take up my knitting once more.
During the week while I was too sick to get up, a dear friend dropped a little potted primrose off for me. I was unable to see her, not only because I was just too ill to get up, but also there was no way I would expose her to the creeping crud so I remained in my bed with the door shut tight. Therefore she left the tiny treasure, along with a card and a book, at the door with Scott "to cheer me".
I have enjoyed this bright spot of something so small and fresh that has been brought into my world by someone who was thinking of and praying for me. As I've looked at it I have pondered the fact that it continues to reach up, seeking the sunlight during these gray January days. Obviously, as with all things of nature, this little plant knows its source and reaches out toward it instinctively.
Then I remember that's what I need to do as well. Reach out to my Source if I am to be green and flourishing; full of color, vitality and love. And that's where my mind softly settles... that one four letter word that makes the world go round ... and round ... and round...
Love.
"But now faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Okay, familiar words, I know. But sometimes it just really hits me like its new.
 I know He wants us to get this thing about love. He wants me to get it, He wants you to get it, He wants all of us to get it.

"For life, with all it yields of joy and woe,
And hope and fear,
Is just our chance o' the prize of learning love,
How love might be, hath been indeed, and is."
Robert Browning

Here I would like to share with you an excerpt from a favorite book of mine. The book is tiny but packed full of great wisdom. It was written by Henry Drummond, a Scottish evangelist in the 1800's.
"The most obvious lesson in Christ's teaching is that there is no happiness in having and getting anything, but only in giving. I repeat, there is no happiness in having, or in getting, but only in giving. And half the world is on the wrong scent in the pursuit of happiness. They think it consists in having and getting, and in being served by others. He that would be great among you, said Christ, let him serve. He that would be happy let him remember that there is but one way -
it is more blessed, it is more happy, to give than to receive."
Now you may be thinking I have taken a sideways step. What does this have to do with the topic? So let me explain. Our happiness is deeply and directly entwined with love. How we show love and receive love. So much time is spent chasing after what we think are the really big things in life and so often, once we get them, we can't figure out why they don't bestow true happiness. It's called "chasing after the wind" and it's because we were designed for so much more; something richer and more noble. Focus in on that one tiny portion right in the middle of 1 Corinthians 13:5 speaking on love...
"it seeks not its own".
These words always slap me right in the face. Every. Single. Time.
Today's World always tells us to think of Self first and, you know what, so does simple, base human nature. Therefore we have to walk in the Love of God, not our own kind of love. It is never going to be our instinct to consistently put everyone {or sometimes even anyone} above ourselves. That takes the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit every single day.  But I tell you this, at the end of the day, no matter how hard we have struggled to chase after big and mighty things, it all comes down to the one thing we all really want most and that is love.
I just know what a different place this world could really be if we could grasp hold of the true meaning of Love as God has defined it for us. If we would just seek Him and His kingdom FIRST, how differently we would always treat our fellow human beings, no matter who they are. And in giving that kind of love, we would receive so much love in return. It all starts right here, in our own individual heart.
"Love is success, Love is happiness, Love is life."
Henry Drummond
"The things that make God dear to us are not so much His great big blessings as the tiny things,
because they show His amazing intimacy with us;
He knows every detail of our individual lives."
Oswald Chambers
My Utmost for His Highest

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Warm Hearts

These frigid Winter days are finding me nestled inside, hard at work with my hands, hooks, needles and sumptuous fibers. These fingerless mitts are identical in pattern to the Alpaca mitts I listed on my website a few days ago, however the Alpaca yarn I used was something I only had a few precious skeins of in my stash and, sadly, it has been discontinued. I have enough to knit only two pairs of mitts out of it. Therefore, I will be introducing these crocheted mitts into my line on a permanent basis in this elegant fiber blend of 50/50 Merino Wool and Bamboo. I absolutely love this lush fiber, as it offers that exquisite softness and wonderful bounce we all know and love from the Merino Wool, while adding a touch of strength and luster from the Bamboo, which gives it a subtle sheen as the light reflects off it. This is also a wonderful blend for anyone who has sensitive skin. So ... warmth, beauty, elegance and the functionality of having your fingers free... you really can't go wrong.
I have actually had these fingerless mitts in my line in the past, however they were made in a finer weight. I find I prefer them in a bit heavier weight for the all over cushy softness and warmth they provide this way. This is a sport weight yarn and unless a customer requests a lighter weight, I will stick with this. Although they are lacy and airy, due to the nature of crochet, they are surprisingly quite warm.
Now, one would think that, especially during the Winter, for those of us who live in areas that get bitterly cold, an actual full coverage mitten would be preferred. Let me just say right here and now, if any of you want those from me, I do knit mittens in all different styles. I even hand embroider across the tops of them... snowflakes with tiny glass pearl beads or delicate vining flowers, if you like. As a matter of fact, during the Fall and Holiday season I sold countless pairs of mittens to local customers via a craft faire and my annual Christmas Tea and Sale that takes place in my home, that I never listed on my shop nor had time to post pictures of on my blog. All that being said, however, my fingerless mitts remain my top selling items every single year. In this fast paced, social media, texting, journaling, java drinking, carpooling world we live in today, people want their fingers set free. Although I occasionally have some people say to me,
"I just don't get fingerless mitts..."
I have a whole lot of customers who snap them up like they are manna from Heaven. So many people have told me over the years they wear them inside all of the time, either at work or home, because their hands are just that cold.
 Here's my theory on that...
It's the old adage of "Cold hands, warm heart."
I believe you all have such beautiful and precious warm hearts,
that your hands are always cold.
This is what I found about that saying ...
Possible interpretation: A cool, reserved exterior may hide a kind heart.
{Hmmm... I like that.}
Note: In cold weather, blood goes away from the hands and feet to protect the brain and main part of the body.
Then your hands will be cold but your heart will be warm.
{Well.... there you have it.}

So, as far as I'm concerned, since we need to warm our hands,
we might as well do it with a touch of Beauty...
You can find the listing for the fingerless mitts shown in this post here.
They will be available in a variety of colors soon.
For now you can purchase them in this lovely, cool shade of Grey that has a definite undertone of Seafoam Green to it. Hard to describe but really very pretty and actually quite neutral.
I am also working on restocking my popular selling Jane Austen Mitts.
Thank you all for the love and support you show me.
I am thankful beyond mere words.
You keep my heart warm no matter how cold it gets.
Image result for grateful heart quotes
"Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace,
the inner awareness of simple abundance-
it will surely come to us,
but only when we are ready to receive it with
an open and grateful heart."
Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Till Summer Comes Again

This morning I awoke to a bitterly cold, grey day with a fine blanket of snow covering the ground in my world. Thankfully, I am not overly put off by this, as I just turn on the kettle usually, or sometimes indulge in some coffee with cream, and gravitate towards more warm weather fibers to knit or crochet with, such as alpaca and wool. Truthfully, these are my favorite fibers anyway and I love Winter for the opportunity it provides to stay in and snuggle up with a hot drink within reach, soft, luxurious yarn running through my fingers and a good book to turn to.
A bright spot in my morning was when I heard a package being delivered on my doorstep. Who doesn't love that, right? I was very excited to find my copy of "Lady Crawford" by Julie Cameron Gray inside that little package!
Now for those of you who aren't aware of it, that is actually our very own
of the popular blog
that so many of us have followed for years.
This is Julie's second published book.
I am savoring the moment in my hectic day when I finally get to sit down and open it and begin reading it. Oh, I have had a tiny sneak peek here and there and, of course flipped to the back to see her lovely face smiling back at me, but I am not letting myself skim it until I can have a proper sit down with it. I have waited far too long to have it in my possession for trifling. I am going to enjoy it thoroughly from cover to cover.
As for the Fingerless Mitts you see pictured,
you can find them by clicking on the live link.
I just listed them today, with the modeling help of my beautiful daughter Chelsea. I am working at restocking my Shop because it got pretty darn depleted over the holidays. I was shipping items right up through December 31st, even overseas. So I need a serious restock. I am trying to wedge this in between custom orders, which currently run into March.
 So you might say I am Yarn Happy these days.
But who am I trying to kid?
I am Yarn Happy every day year round.
There just seems to be something cozier about it all on a cold snowy day.
I do like snow. When the light hits it just right it looks like millions upon millions of diamonds sparkling as far as the eye can see or pure white fairy dust that was sprinkled over the whole land while we slept. Even a little can be magical.  And no two flakes alike. Really? Somehow this has always fascinated me.
It gives us a reason to stay in close to hearth and home, as it were. Enjoying long evenings with our loved ones as we seek shelter from the cold world outside and recoup and regroup from the holiday season. Though I prefer Spring and Summer and warm sunny days, for the most part, this Icy Cold Maiden we know as Winter is not all bad. She brings us her own type for renewal and fresh beginnings.
Winter also teaches us patience as she makes us wait and bide our time till our long awaited fair weather friends come again.
I hope wherever your path takes you as this new year begins to unfold,
 whether it's a cold and snowy one or a warm and sunny one,
that you are surrounded by those you love most,
doing all the things you love best.
"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields,
that it kisses them so gently?
And then it covers them up snug, you know,
with a white quilt; and perhaps it says,
"Go to sleep, darlings, till summer comes again."
Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventure in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass

Sunday, January 1, 2017

I Wish ...

In the many days that lie ahead,
I wish for you ...
The ability to see Life through the eyes of a Child,
Believing that it can be fresh and new and sometimes even magical.
I wish for you the wisdom of the Aged,
Knowing that no matter what Life brings your way,
Miracles still happen every day.
I wish for you tranquil times of solitude and peace,
That offer, not loneliness, but rest and freedom to your soul.
I wish for you a Life filled with sunshine and laughter
and more happiness in your heart than you can hold with both hands.
But more than all these things,
I wish for you true Joy
And the awareness that Life is rich and deep and abundant...
And so worth the Living.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33

"For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."
Luke 17:21

"You've always had the Power My Dear,
You just had to learn it for yourself."
~ Glinda ~
The Wizard of Oz


To all of my family and friends,
near and far,
I thank you for all the happiness, joy and beauty you bring into my Life.
You are all so dear.
I wish ...
a
Happy New Year
to
You and Yours
from
Me and Mine.