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Recycled sweater into baby cap

I finally had time today to work on something that I've had waiting on me for the last several months.  I had purchased a gray wool sweater.  I had already felted it in preparation for these projects.

I knew for sure that I wanted to make myself a cap out of it and I would see what else I could do. 

I managed to also get some hand/arm warmers from it.  I simplyl cut off the arms of the sweater to about the length that I wanted and cut a slit in the seam side of the piece.  I don't have to worry about raveling since it has been felted.

Then there was also a smaller piece that I kept looking at and thought it would be just the right size for a newborn cap.  Then looking through my scrap bag I found just the right size of pink wool that I trimmed it out with!  Isn't it just the cutest little thing?


And as I was further looking at the piece of sweater, I envisioned a cape or poncho for a small girl.

I'll probably take a little time and embelish this a little with some yellow yarn that I have. 

The cap is already listed on my Etsy store 5PineKnoll   @ http://www.etsy.com/  

Christmas light round-up and containment!

For the last 3 years, our farm has provided us with a Christmas tree.  Since we have an abundance of cedar trees, I can't see going out and paying money for something we can get for free.  Besides, it makes one less tree on the place!   I always look forward to going out and finding just the right one.   And they always smell so good when they are finally in the house!  Now, since it's been in the house for a week, it is getting dangerously dry.  So today, I undecorated it and while rolling up the lights, I thought I would share a way I have found to keep them all contained and ready to use next year without having to detangle them. 

There is a use for all of those paper rolls that are now empty after wrapping all of those Christmas gifts.  Cut a roll about a foot long and put a slit in both ends.  You will stick the plug into one end and wrp the lights til you get to the other plug at the other end.  Stick it in the other slit.  There you have it....your lights all contained and neat for the next time you pull them out.  One less hassel for the next year!

Merry Christmas!

I've spent the day preparing for a family dinner tomorrow.  I've done today what I could, so as not to be too rushed tomorrow.  I've got a small turkey and a ham also.  I've crumbled the cornbread and sage in preparation for the dressing.  I baked a pecan pie and a pie shell for a lemon meringue which I'll finish tomorrow.  I've a little picky about my cream pies.  I don't like them to sit over night...I want them freshly made the day they are to be eaten, that way the crust doesn't get soggy or the meringue weepy.  I've  dipped oreos in white chocolate.  Dipped Ritz crackers spread with peanut butter sandwiched together in chocolate.  Made bon bons.  Made fudge.  Gotten the dry ingredients ready for homemade bread and wrapped all the gifts!   Whew.....I'm just a little tired!

I'll close tonight's post with this thought.  May you have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are.  I hope you have family or friends to spend time with.  If not, there is always someone at a nursing home that would welcome a visit.  There are many people in nursing homes that don't have anyone to visit them.  Merry Christmas and may you remember that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ our saviour!

Fruit Cake

My oh my how time flies....I look back and see that it's been quite a while since I last posted.  Finals are over and life can get back to "normal" for a short while.  So guess what I did first?  I baked fruit cake.  I love doing this every year.  No matter what you think of fruitcake, I love this recipe and hope that maybe you'll try it and be converted.  It is a white cake and doesn't contain any of that nasty citron, which I think has given fruit cake its bad reputation. 



In your mixing bowl, beat the butter,  sugar and eggs. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract.   Then add the flour and baking soda.  Mix well after each addition.  Next you will stir in your fruit and nuts. By this time the batter is pretty stiff and you will have to stir in your fruit by hand.   Prepare your pans by greasing just the bottom with shortening and then coating with flour.  Shake off excess flour. 

Put your batter in your pans....I use a couple of different sized small loaf pans.  This works great for us....just two in the house now.  This way, I can give some for gifts.  You could also use a tube cake pan and make just one cake.  What ever works for you!

Place them in the oven and bake til done.

Aren't they pretty!

Now...wrap them in cheesecloth, put in a couple of plastic bags and pour in some Apricot Brandy.  You will continue to add brandy occasionally as the cakes absorb it over the next several weeks.  The cakes will last a couple of months, allowing you to enjoy every bite!

This is a recipe I have created using a couple of different recipes....I hope you like it!

Let me know what you think!

1 cup real butter

1 1/2 cup sugar

5 eggs

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 cup flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

3 cups pecans

20 oz. candied red, green or combination, candied cherries

20 oz. candied pineapple

1 1/4 cup golden raisins

Bake in a slow over, 275 degrees til done.  If you are using a tube pan, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.  Remove and cool on a rack.  Wrap in cheese cloth, place in plastic bags and pour approximatly 1/2 cup brandy of your choice.  Rewet with the brandy every few days and after a couple of weeks.....Enjoy!  Let me know what you think!  I hope this recipe will change your idea of what fruit cake is!



Sorry about being gone for so long, but this school thing is taking up a LOT of time and this little project is one of those things that has gotten put on the back burner.  I hope I didn't dissapoint anyone who might be poppin in to read this blog.  There is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and it's called Thanksgiving Break!!  I do love that part of being in school.  We didn't have a whole week off when I was working a job so this is GREAT!! And then comes Christmas Break and then Spring Break and then Summer!!  I do love that part of being a student.  It's just all of the projects that are assigned to be turned that I'm not liking so much.  But, you know what?  We are just almost finished with this semester ....YEAH!!!!!!
I did have a few minutes and was looking at another blog  http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot/ 
Go on over and check it out and enter for a chance at a gift card!   Good Luck!
And there are all kinds of good nifty thrifty ideas listed on her blog....can't get too many of those!

Building Fence

Yesterday was a glorious day!  I don't get to go to the farm with the Mr. very often anymore since there is so much homework to be done.  But yesterday we were up there and building fence.  It's been a tough job, but I love getting the physical exercise that I crave.  It's also wonderful putting in this time getting the farm ready for cattle again.  You get such a workout using all of your body....stretching wire, walking along, putting clips on the wire, bending, stretching, pulling.....all the things a body is supposed to do.  People are too sedentary these days.  A body longs for movement and exercise.  Even when I am at school, I park the car as far away as possible and always take the stairs in the buildings.  I've getting my weight bearing exercise everytime I grab my rolling bag and heft it up or down the stairs.  I originally had reservatons about getting a rolling bag but after a couple of times to the chiropractor after trying to carry a too heavy bag around campus, I'm ok with the idea.  Besides, there are lots of young people also using them!  So, today, get up and go take a walk or ride your bike!  There is no excuse with this beautiful weather we're finally having.  It's finally cooled off and the air is a little crisper, especially in the mornings.  You don't need to join a health club, just lace up your tennis shoes.  So, get up and get out there!