Saying Goodbye

As 2011 comes to an end and we look forward to the New Year, I, myself, am beginning a new journey.  After much thought, prayer and discussion with my family and friends, I have decided to move forward with a long cherished dream of mine.  I am embarking into the world of publishing a (state-wide) magazine that focuses on the best food and travel elements of our state.

As I am sure you are aware, this is NOT a small undertaking and I begin to get heart palpitations when I consider the scope of this new venture.  But it is my dream - I go to sleep thinking about it, I wake up thinking about it, I spend the entire day thinking about it.  The photographer and Pierce are my biggest cheerleaders and I have assembled a stellar ensemble of writers, graphic artists, etc.  Please pray that my endeavor will be successful.

Also, as I am sure you are aware, this project will occupy every single moment of time not dedicated to caring for my family and home.  And so, I have come to the conclusion that I must focus every bit of energy I have left on the magazine and end this blog - perhaps temporarily, perhaps permanently.

I sincerely hope you and yours have a Christmas season filled with blessings that extend throughout 2012 and that your journey into the future is full of promise and joy.

Haslam Dresscutting System

I purchased The Haslam System of Dresscutting on Ebay over the summer but am just now getting around to taking a good look at it. 

This system is a comprehensive pattern drafting program used to create garments based on one's specific body measurements, supposedly enabling one to create vintage fashions custom-fit to your body.  The system uses 14 body measurements.  Seems rather similar to the Lutterloh System, I think.

Directions say to first create your foundation pattern using the instructions at the beginning of the book and the Haslam Chart. The foundation pattern is your "base" pattern and is used to create the rest of the pattern designs in the book. Once the foundation pattern is complete, you can create custom-fitted patterns for any of the garments in the book.

There are more than 80 Books of Draftings in the Haslam System, from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. I purchased the 1950s book along with the system.

I have my chart assembled and hope to begin on my foundation pattern after the first of the year.  I will be thrilled if this system works as well as promised.

The system and books are available on ebay.

Hat and Scarf Set

I couldn't stand it any longer.  I had to make a hat and scarf set!  I used one skein of a brown, black and rust variegated Lionbrand Homespun yarn - can't remember the actual color name.  In my defense, the yarn did come from my stash.

It appears that I am a "large" crocheter.  The first time I attempted the pattern, the hat was HUGE!  So I undid all the work and began again with a smaller hook - paying attention to keeping the tension of the yarn tighter.  Wouldn't you know it?  Now the hat is too small! I have a rather small head but there is no way I can wear this hat. 

Deciding it just wasn't meant to be, I listed the set in my etsy shop and will try it again with another yarn.  Probably a blue, lavender and periwinkle variegated yarn this time.

O Christmas Tree

Our family tradition dictates that there is no shopping to be done on "Black Friday".  Instead, we put a pot of turkey noodle soup on the stove to simmer for an easy supper, pop our favorite Christmas CDs into the stereo and make (and drink) gallons of eggnog while trimming the Christmas tree.

A few years back, I finally relented and let Pierce choose an artificial tree.  He had a point:  our family room has a 20 foot ceiling and even a large tree looked puny standing in the corner.  We decided to go with a 15 foot artificial tree.

Although I dislike digging the tree, lights, topper and ornaments out of the garage and I dislike the mess involved in the entire process, I absolutely adore the time spent with my family and the way the Christmas Tree lights up the family room.

And my older cat, Layla, loves to curl up under the tree and relax.

Homemade Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is not at all as its name suggests – to me, “curd” brings to mind lumps in cottage cheese, or perhaps something curdled such as sour milk. But the name could not be more misleading, for lemon curd is a delicious, smooth, sweet-tart custard-like condiment that can be used interchangeably with jam as a spread, or as a filling, as an ingredient in a filling.  Lemon curd can be purchased in the jelly and jam section of the market.  But it is easy to make your own.

 

Lemon curd is delicious when spread on a piece of homemade bread or scones (especially blueberry scones).  

Lemon Curd

Makes 2 jars, 8 ounces each.

• 3 eggs
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoons sugar
• 1/3 cup lemon juice

Whisk the eggs in a saucepan with the butter, sugar, and lemon juice. Place over very low heat, and stir until mixture is thick and smooth. Pour into two 8-ounce jelly jars and cover.  If mixture becomes lumpy, whir in blender only until smooth. Pour into jars.

Curd will thicken further as it cools. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep up to 6 months.

Note: It is better to use a double boiler to keep the mixture from scorching. If you use a regular saucepan, stir constantly and occasionally use a rubber scraper on the bottom and sides of the saucepan to prevent sticking.

Sweet and Simple Baby Blanket

I'm trying to work my way through my yarn stash.  I have been eyeing a few crochet hats that I would love to make but feel I need to use up some of what I already have before bringing yet more yarn into the house.  My "studio" is only so big after all!

To make this task a bit easier, I sorted the yarn into coordinating color groups and have been busily crocheting and knitting.  I made this small baby blanket last week using one strand each of white, pink and lavender yarn and a single crochet stitch.  It worked up quickly and is quite feminine and lovely (and just the right size to cover a carseat) after being "finished" by weaving a thin lavender ribbon around the edge.

I plan to gift it to one of my neighbors who recently adopted their daughter.

In Which Pierce Accepts The Oscar

Not to brag, but Pierce is quite well known in our area for his knowledge about the Civil War.  He has worked at the State Archives helping to write highway marker signs, has been interviewed for research papers and is considered to be a "noted historian" by those who write books on the subject.

He received a telephone call a few months ago requesting that he appear in a short documentary film about Captain Philip Thurmond, the leader of independent Civil War Rangers in our area. Of course, he jumped at the chance to participate.

His role was that of a soldier guarding the house of Capt. Thurmond.  Not a large part, but, hey, it's a start. He is currently working on his acceptance speech for "Best Actor"  at next year's Oscar awards ceremony.