I’m still reading and enjoying The Summer Book.
I’m trying to pull myself out of a long standing food funk. Breakfast one day last week: Cinnamon-Raisin Meatballs, broccoli from our garden and half a Japanese yam.
I’ve gotten out of the habit of making sauerkraut, even though my children love it and it’s excellent for them and good too just to have around to pad out meals. After years of successful kraut making, we were experiencing problems with mold growth. It was frustrating and wasteful and at some point I just gave up. This time I used this method, packing it in a Fido Jar to ferment and it turned out beautifully. We get our jars at our local Farmer’s Supply, but you can also find them here.
I’ve also been experimenting with making vegetable based “cheeses”. I added some fresh herbs from the garden to the batch above.
Speaking of the garden, these purple radishes have grown amazingly this year. I wish I could remember what variety they are!
The first pair of little toddler socks are done and seriously a more adorable, little, rosy, lacy pair of tiny ankle socks has never been seen. I always want to nibble her toes when she wears them. They are made of yarn leftover from this dress and bonnet. Would you just look at her perfectly precious, tiny baby self? Darling little love of my heart.
There are so many small projects going on all the time here, but little to no time to share them.
The chicken coop is well underway! So far we’ve managed to use all salvaged materials. Once we get to the siding I think we’ll be investing in some local rough-cut lumber.
Someone discovered her old Moses basket!
Do you know the trick of blocking hats and bonnets over an inflated balloon? Just blow it up to about the size you need and balance it on a bowl. Or, as in this case, with a very tiny bonnet, a large mug.
One of my oldest and dearest friends just found out that her fifth baby is going to be her first girl. If that isn’t a reason to knit a pink lacy bonnet, I don’t know what is! (you can’t tell me that there is never a reason. I simply won’t believe you.)
This is my Flora Irene pattern again (also here and here). I have three patterns either ready or almost ready to go out to test knitters. But the test knitting process requires my being ever available and quick to answer questions. And as my over-flowing inbox will attest, that is *not* in the cards at the moment. frustrating.
Oh, have I mentioned it’s reversible?
I often get asked why I don’t talk more about chronic illness and how it effects our lives. I guess the simple answer is that there is enough heartbreak and sorrow in the world. And I’d rather devote my precious little time to trying to put some beauty and joy out there.
What a sweet bonnet. And I’d never heard of blocking on a blown up balloon. Genius!
Your pictures are lovely.
I was ready to cast on immediately when I saw your beautiful bonnet! I hope your health and time allow you to publish it soon
Thank you for the tips with the sauerkraut! I have been meaning to try it and forgot. Also, ADORE that little bonnet. Perfection!
I never thought of using a balloon but that’s genius! I’ll definitely try it next time. I usually stack various sized bowls and mugs precariously until I find the right combination.
I’ve also not thought of making my own sauerkraut but I’m going to look into it now. Coming from a German family means that we eat a fair bit of the stuff. I know my Omas used to make their own but my mother never did. Knitting was the same. Maybe I’ll bring back all the old family trends.
I hear what you mean about there being too much heartache in the world. It’s why I avoid the news, I just can’t handle the sadness and scariness of the way things are. I do find myself looking for people’s stories about chronic illness at times though because there’s a comfort in mowing you’re not alone, and often wisdom to be gained from people who have lived it longer. It’s a fine balance though because it’s too easy to wallow in it and become less in tune with the “real” world. At least for me. Your blog is always a spot of sunshine so if your goal is beauty and joy then you are right on.
That bonnet is perfection itself!
The grind that can be living with chronic illness is all time consuming. It takes so much energy just to get through a day let alone helping others get through their days. I can understand wanting to have a place where that is -not- the focus
What a cute bonnet!
Your note about the sauerkraut interested me. I would have thought that a fido jar would explode during the fermentation process…
Maybe I will try this method (although I am still a bit suspicious) because I love sauerkraut.