Thank You Lord and Merry Christmas Everyone!

Just taking a moment to say Merry Christmas and share with you our gratitude to our Lord for sparing my husband Brian the evening of 12-12 when the bolts broke anchoring a 300 pound motor atop a one ton milling machine he and another man were moving.  He was beneath and it hit him and kept going rather than pinning and crushing him.  He is injured but we are optimistic he will be fine soon.  He is home now with us resting and recovering! So thank you Jesus for sparing him and God Bless you one and all.    Diane

FESTIVE PARTY Scarves End this Sewing Project

Single Loop Glittering Metallic Purple Scarf.

Today I finished 6 festive party or special occasion scarves and two red paisley scarves.  This is the end of this current scarf session!  There are some I will wrap in tissue, box, and wrap as gifts, some I will keep for myself, and some I will place neatly in my "gift" drawer for later gift giving.

Double Looped Ice Blue Metallic Scarf.

What I love about them is the ease with which they change the whole look of an outfit.  Add a glittering metallic to a dark turtleneck and trousers and it becomes quite sheik.  Sort of Lauren Becall or Katherine Hepborn!

Single Loop black Velvet with Glitter Pattern.

Double Loop Black and Gold Metallic. (Side A)

Or wear with a skirt and sweater with a glittering scarf and again I see a very quiet elegance bursting through but with a loud whisper!

Single Loop Royal Blue Metallic Scarf.

One of the fabrics really stumped me.  I could not decide which side I preferred so I made two scarves, one of each side.  I will never know which side was meant to be the "right" side.

Black and Gold Double Looped Scarf. (Side B)

Really I have thought this to be great fun and I hate to say I am done!  I may have to make a few more?  We will see....If you would like directions to make one please click on the following link I am happy to share.      thehiddenpantry.blogspot.com/2013/01/infinity-scarf-circle-large-double-loop.html

Silky and Lightweight Double Looped Red Paisley Scarf.

Tomorrow I round up lace and batting for a new project.  I will see you again with it I feel certain.

Festive Plum Tart with Walnut Crust

This recipe came from a favorite of mine, Ina Garten otherwise known as the Barefoot Contessa."  I adapted it a little but for the most part it is as she published it on The Food Network.  It is sweet and tart and delicious! 

Ingredients for Plum Tart with Walnut Crust:

2 C. flour
3/4 C. packed brown sugar
pinch of kosher salt
3/4 C. finely chopped English Walnuts
1 1/2 sticks cold butter cut in dice size pieces
1 egg yolk
2 pounds (about 10-12) plums pitted and quartered
Ina used Italian prune plumbs I used red plums

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl and cut the butter and egg yolk in with a pastry cutter, 2 forks, or your fingers until combined and has pea sized lumps! 

Press 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a tart pan with a removable bottom.  Arrange the plums skin side down starting on the outside and working your way into the center.

Sprinkle the rest of the crumbs spreading them evenly across the top of the tart. Bake 40-50 minutes until lightly browned and the fruit is tender.

Serve with whipped cream and enjoy warm or at room temperature.   Yield 1, 9 1/2" tart.

Holiday Sewing! Quick Scarves & Cozy Tied Throws for Starters

Soft and cozy royal blue ribbed knit is outstanding!  So I made two!

A few weeks ago I took a quick inventory of winter knits that might be lovely as scarves.  I wanted some bulky, some silky knit, and all pretty.  My first dive into the first tote netted enough for six cowl or circle or infinity scarves.  I was looking for in the neighborhood of 2 yards by 11 or 22 inches.  Not all the same but in the neighborhood!

Love this soft and silky but with medium heft.

Red, black, and white cable is quite striking as well as so soft!

I REALLY like this very soft and a little bulky number and I made two of this too.

Six scarves lined up and done.

 

Next I went through the three quilting totes and found three pieces suitable for tied comforter style throws.  I am not sure if I will give them all as gifts or who I might gift them with but I am enjoying getting back to my treasures!

Two velvet and one cotton patchwork topper for a throw.

I plan another fabric dive as soon as I get finished with these pieces!  I also hear throw pillows calling my name. Listen.......do you hear it too?  Ops I had to do it!  Thinking Christmas or New Years Eve sparkling glittering scarves!  Lots to do!

GLITZ GALORE! May go for something festive!

If you want to make one of these scarves (or more).  For each scarf cut fabric 2 yards (72")  by 22 inches.  Fold with right sides facing longways.  Machine stitch 1/2" from the edge the long seam.  Turn right side out.

Fold scarf in half.  Match the raw ends.  Pin right sides facing of the ends and machine stitch leaving a 4" to 6" opening.  Turn the scarf right sides and fold the raw edges of the opening together to close then hand stitch the opening closed.  You are all done!

NOTE:  For complete instructions with photos go to my link as follows..... thehiddenpantry.blogspot.com/2013/01/infinity-scarf-circle-large-double-loop.html
Of course you can plat around with the dimensions too!