Welsh Cakes

How do I love thee... these savory sweet delights fall somewhere between pancake and cookie. The first day we were here G picked up a packet of Welsh Cakes from the shop across the way. I was quite underwhelmed, didn't see the appeal as he and Kiddo raved about them. "You can make these you know, there's a recipe there in the kitchen."Next day I figured no better way to get to know your way around a new kitchen than to cook something up eh. From the first batch that followed the recipe to the letter the nearly daily batches of them have evolved. They're most definitely a nice way to warm up the otherwise cold kitchen. I was quite amused to see lard as an ingredient. LARD. I've come to realize it's along the the lines of shortening/Crisco and whatnot but LARD!

Welsh Cakes
1 Cup Self Rising Flour
1/4 Cup Butter
1/4 Cup Lard
1/4 Cup Demerara Sugar
1/3 Cup Currants
1/4 tsp mixed spice
1 egg
pinch of salt
splash of milk

I measure out and start melting the butter and lard in the small frying pan as I mix together the rest of the ingredients. You could nuke to melt too, either works :) Sift dry ingredients together in mixing bowl. If you do not have a sifter, or not sure if you do, just stir it up well with a fork so you don't have any clumps in the flour. Once clumpless, add in the butter and lard then the currants (raisins work quite well in here too). Finally stir in the egg, well beaten and a splash of milk.

The dough should be soft but not sticky when you roll it into a ball. Roll the dough, I do it by the handful, on a floured surface about 1/4 inch thick and cut in to 6cm/2.5 in rounds. A plastic cup works well for this. Cook in a lightly greased pan on med heat approx 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. The above makes 12-18 cakes depending on size :)

Absolutely best when right out of the pan with a pat of butter and a fresh cup of coffee in the other hand. They are quite nice cold as well, store in an air tight container if you expect them to last more than a day, otherwise leave them out on the counter and they will magically disappear as the day passes. Future variations will include subbing the wheat flour for almond flour, adding in seeds and or other dried fruits. How ever you make them up, Enjoy!

Pond Bloom

Imagine my delight once I figured out how to get the macro setting to come up on the camera. Bit of fiber there I probably won't try to spin. It amuses me to think the steel wool comes from steely wooled sheep though :)


This most definitely did not come from a steely wooled sheep. It did come from Fun With Yarn eons ago. Hand dyed soy silk in Pond Bloom. Evenings spent in front of the fire while spinning. Experimenting with wpi, color flow and energized singles I knit it right off the spindle.










I do like these colors.










I like these colors too. These are from the pond out in the garden. The swirly white towards the bottom are the clouds above.

Kiddo finally gets her winter hat :)

Kiddo was quite pleased to get her new hat and scarf for the season. A bit late this year, lucky me, no complaints from her, just a request for a pompom on top on the hat (which was added later, of course). Lovely what you can do with three hanks of Blue Sky Alpaca. Kiddo sends her thanks to Wendy B. for the "perfect non itchy yarn".




The hat was knit flat and used short row shaping, I wanted the pattern to flow up and down, hence the flat knitting.












Ever the ham, here she is showing me the duck house that G built.













I was quite pleased with the set.

Eccomi

I will post actual posts once I, well, have something to post. =) New designs are on the needles and I'm in the process of dusting off old ones that were WIPs at one point as well. Must get current WIPs, including this season's hat & scarf for Kiddo done before I can properly drool over O-Wool's Balance, the first yarn in ages that I had the pleasure of meeting that brought on that flood of design ideas. Yes, yes, finish up some other things before I even look in to ordering it.

Still many busy days ahead making our new life here and looking forward to each and every one of them. To all of you who have helped us along on our journey, thank you. I have not forgotten you, I just haven't had the time to sit down and address all of you individually in the middle of getting things done.

Gioia Scarflette

The Gioia Scarflette
I’d gotten this luscious hank of Noro Kochoran in the mail from a friend in the states. So lovely! I wanted to make something that would show off the beautiful colors in it without having to mix it with another yarn so project ideas were limited to something small.

It does not get cold enough in Sicily during the winter to warrant heavy scarves but it does get chilly. Hence Gioia, a little something to throw over your shoulders or wrap around your neck to keep warm when the breeze (or AC!) kicks up. The simple crossed stitch columns add an interesting texture when working with smoother solid colors and the eyelets and over all shape add a touch of femininity.

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

Size: One

Finished Measurements: Width at widest point: 22in, Length fron center bottom to points: 30in

Materials: Model 1 [above] Noro Kochoran, 175yd/160m, Model 2 Handaintedyarn.com's HK37 135yd/123m

1 set US #11/8MM straight or circular needles, stitch holder, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 18sts/14rows - 4in/10cm in stockinette st. on US11/8mm needles [gauge post blocking]

Fanny Shawl

Fanny Shawl

I adore shawls but really large ones have never been practical for me and being that my patience for working with lace weight/fingering weight yarn is rather low (but I just had to have something lacy) Fanny was created. Mid sized triangular shawl knit from the bottom up with cable cotton. The model is knit in mercerized cotton which subtly accentuates the texture and lace.

I’ve included the lace pattern in both written and chart versions. You will need to print out both pages of chart 2 then join them together (I’ve overlapped one row which it is marked by a vertical line under the chart.)

Difficulty: Adv Beginner

Size: One

Finished Measurements: Width: 44in (112cm), Height: 30in (76cm)

Materials: Filtex "Cable" Egyptian Mercerized Cotton, Robin's Egg blue used in model; 454yd/416m

1pr US #9/5.5mm circs or straights, 1dpn or cable needle, tapestry needle

Gauge: 20sts/24rows = 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch

Free Patterns

The Frilly Scarf, shown with the Stellina Hat.













The Delight Hat



















Frufy Hat & Scarf



















Il Cestino

Very Special Things felted boxes

Very Special Things

I had made a set of felted baskets out of my first hank of handspun Blue Faced Leicester. My daughter immediately asked if they were for her. She “needed” pretty little boxes to keep her Very Special Things in. I told her I would make a set of baskets just for her and her Very Special Things.

The boxes are worked from the bottom up on on DPNs. I have included step by step instructions for the optional internal structuring and how to hand sew the lining.

These are a great way to use up odds and ends of feltable wool. Whether you choose to embellish them or leave them unadorned, lined or unlined, the boxes make for wonderful gifts.

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements: Large [orange]: Width; 8in/20cm, Height; 3in/7cm. Medium [lime]: Width; 6.5in/
16.5cm, Height; 2.5in/5cm. Small: Width; 4.5in/11.5cm, Height; 1.75in/4.5cm .

Materials:[Large] Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 [100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 220yd/201m per 100g skein]; color: 7825 Orange; 145yd/132m. [Medium] Cascade 220; color: 8910 Lime; 90yd/82m. [Small] Cascade 220; color: 7801 Red; 44yd/40m.

1 set US #10.5/6.5mm double-point needles, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. (optional, needed for faux i-cord and lining) Oddballs of feltable wool. 1 US #10/6.0 needle. Approx 1 yard of fabric for lining, Sewing needle, Sewing thread.

Gauge: 16sts/22 rows = 4in/10cm in stockingette stitch on US10/6.5mm needles [pre-felting].

Stellina Hat

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Ali Bag

Ali

I wanted a splash. Color, texture and a pocket. Not just a little internal pocket hidden in the lining but a big pocket conveniently located that offers easy access when digging out change at the market.

The bag is knit bottom up in two separate pieces which are then joined. Bottom shaping leads to a clean three needle bind off. The handles are made of twisted cord with ends concealed by the top facing. The Ali bag is a great way to use up small amounts of cotton while experimenting with color combos on the outer shell. Applied i- cord adds a polished look to the works.

Difficulty: Intermediate (requires some sewing)

Finished Measurements: Width: 7 inches (18cm), Body Height: 7 inches (18cm), Gusset Depth: 1.5 inches (4cm)

Materials: [MC1] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 32 Sea Blue; 1 skein, [MC2] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 1 White; 1 skein , [CC1] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 32 Light Green; 1 skein

1 # 16-inch US #4/3.5mm circular needle, 1 # 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle, 1 # set(s) US #7/4.5mm double-point needles

Waste yarn for provisional cast on, 1 piece of fabric approx 18in (46cm) by 10in (25cm) for lining, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, Sharp needle for sewing in lining, Thread for sewing in lining

Yarn Subbing: I used the BBB cotton blend because it is easy to find here in Italy. The suggested needle size on the label is US8/5mm. The internal bag is knit in St st. on US7/4.5mm circulars which gave me a gauge of 19 sts over 4in/10cm and resulted in a firm fabric. The bag would work up well in most any worsted to aran weight cotton/ cotton blend, adjust the needles to suit the yarn. Final measurements will vary when subbing but it is a bag as opposed to a garment so gauge is not terribly vital. I have written the instructions specifying length, rather than number of rows to make working with subs easier.

Gauge: 19 sts/26 rows = 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch on US7/4.5mm needles [gauge measurement post blocking].

Roxylady Bag

Roxylady

[Includes instructions for both cotton and felted versions]

It started with a couple of unruly balls that kept jumping off of a shelf in the stash. It was like they were just asking to be used. I wanted something with simple lines that was funky and fresh. Yes, I admit, I've always wanted a handbag that I could hypnotize people with.

Both versions are knit top down in the round. The cotton version is lined and has i-cord handles. The felted version is slightly larger than the cotton one, lining is optional (though I always recommend it!) and uses “faux i-cord” for the handles. The stitch pattern is included in both written and chart format.

DIFFICULTY RATING: Intermediate (requires some sewing)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Cotton Version: Width: 7 inches, Body Height: 8 inches, Gusset Depth: 2.5
inches. Felted Version: Width: 9 inches, Body Height: 10.5 inches, Gusset Depth: 3 inches.

MATERIALS Cotton Version : [MC] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 1 White; 1 skein
[CC] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 142 Orange; 1 skein

# 16-inch US #4/3.5mm circular needle, # 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle, # set(s) US #7/4.5mm double-point needles

1 piece of fabric approx 20in by 10in for lining (optional but recommended, 20in by 10in piece fusible interfacing, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp needle for sewing in lining, coordinating thread for sewing in, lining


Felted Version : [MC] Quadrifoglio
“330” [100% wool; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: Salmon; 2 skein [CC] Grignasco “Gri Nordette” [95% virgin wool, 5% acrylic; 191yd/175m per 50g skein]; color: 548 Charcoal; 2 skeins

Yarn Subbing for felted version: I swatched both Cascade 220 and Elann’s Highland wool and got the same dimensions as with the wool actually used in the model but of course hadn’t enough of either to make the bag so I used what I had on hand. The wools I used both are thin two plys which, when held together, gave me the same weight as Elann's Highlands Wool. If subbing and using either of these alternatives you will need approx 190 yards of each color.

# 24-inch US #10.5/6.5mm circular needle, spare needle of same or smaller size for bind off.

(optional but recommended )1 piece of fabric approx 24in by 13in for lining (optional but recommended) 24in by 13in piece fusible interfacing for additional lining support, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp needle for sewing in lining, coordinating thread for sewing in lining

GAUGE: Cotton Version: 20 sts/28 rows = 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch on US7/4.5mm needles [gauge measurement post blocking]. Felted Version: 20 sts/38 rows = 4in/10cm post felting.

Sparticle Bag

Sparticle

[Includes instructions for both cotton and felted versions and bonus pattern, Sparticus]

I have found the larger the bag I carry the more stuff I carry. I end up carrying a couple necessities for myself and a whole lot of stuff for the husband and child. Enough! The Sparticle Bag is big enough for keys, sunglasses, money and a bit more. First came the cotton version, I liked the relief the slip stitch creates across the fabric and vibrant colors. A perfect compliment for spring and summer.

The felted version I made out of a simple desire to felt something. As thedays started cooling off here I rotated the stash and found I had some feltable wool (very hard to find here in Italy) from a previous Elann order. On a hunch I knit up the second felted model with only slight modifications from the original pattern. Both have become fast favorites amongst my handbags (a girl can never have too many fab bags!).

Finally, there is Sparticus (for lack of a better name). A little something to make with those wooly leftovers. A small basket I found perfect for taming those unruly center pull balls, it would also knits up quick for those last minute gifts.

Finished Measurements:Cotton version: Width: 6in (15cm) Height: 6in (15cm) Gusset Depth: 1.5in (4cm). Felted version: Width: 7in (18cm) Height: 6.5in (16cm) Gusset Depth: 2in (5cm). Sparticus: Width: 4.5in (11cm) Height: 3in (8cm).

Materials: Cotton version: [MC] Grignasco Mexico [100% Mercerized Cotton] 93yards/85meters, 50g Color #003 - tan, 1 ball, [CC] Grignasco Mexico [100%Mercerized Cotton] 93yards/85meters 50g Color #023 - fuscia, 1 ball.

Felted version: [MC] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #0211 Mocha Heather, 1 ball [CC1] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1700 Periwinkle, 1 ball [CC1] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1520 Precious Turquoise, 1 ball

Sparticus: [MC] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1520 Precious Turquoise, 37yards/34meters [CC] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1700 Periwinkle, 30yards/28meters

Cotton version set of 4 US9/5mm double pointed needles, Felted version set of 4 US11/8mm double pointed needles, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Fabric piece approx 8in x 18in (20cm x 45cm) for lining. Sewing needle and thread for sewing in lining. Cotton version (optional) beads or other embellishments for closure.

GAUGE: Cotton version: 23 stitches/24 rows = 4in/10cm in pattern;Felted version: pre-felting 4 sts. per inch (4 sts per 2.5cm); Sparticus: pre-felting 4 sts. per inch (4 sts per 2.5cm)

The Val Bag

The Val Bag

Val is a fun one. Simple body with a bit of shaping up top. Her pattern is not an obvious one unless you get it at just the right angle, otherwise she just looks like one loud broad! And she looks great in horizontal stripes, I do wish I could say the same for myself.

The bag is knit bottom up in the round then split into two sections which form the upper sides. The upper sides are then worked flat ending with the handle tabs. The handle tabs together with the bottom gusset to add a gentle shaping to the body. Applied i-cord adds a polished look to the works.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Finished Measurements: Width 10.5in (27cm), Body Height from bottom end of handle tabs: 15in (38cm), Gusset Depth: 2in/5cm

Materials: MC1: 185yd/170m, MC2: 185yd/170m, CC 152yd/230m

1 16inch US #7/4.5mm circ, 1 16inch US #4/3.5 circ, 1 set US #7/4.5mm dpns, waste yarn, 1 6 inch wide half ring bamboo handle with d-rings, taestry needle, sharp needle, sewing thread (optional) piece of fabric aprox 23in (58cm) by 11in (28cm) for lining.

Gauge: 24sts/22 rows = 4in/10cm in pattern stitich ono US7/4.5mm needles

Serena Wrap

The Serena Wrap
Some days I end up not wearing a wrap when the weather dictates one should be worn for fear of snagging the lacework. A textured wrap was called for and I had this lovely mercerized cable cotton I had picked up at the local market begging to be used.

Form the raised diamond lattice by wrapping clusters of stitches. Sections with elongated diamonds have longer intervals between rows with wraps. The lines and their crossing pattern create an energized flowing design, a bit of Serenity Now!for those chaotic moments of life.

Difficulty: Easy

Size: One

Finished Measurements: Width: 15in (38cm), Length: 60in (152cm) without fringe, 72in (183cm) with fringe.

Materials: 270ds/246m heavy cable cotton used for model [A wool version in KnitPicks Panache took 522 yards],

7mm knitting needle or size needed for gauge, straight cable or dpn, darning needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: 12sts/17rows = 4in/10cm