Skirt Sew-along

I'm going to participate in a skirt sew-along.  I found some retro fabric which I fell in love with, so thought the synchronicity of finding the sew-along and fabric was speaking to me loud and clear.   Stay tuned for the progress.....

Smartie Biscuits

My youngest made some scrumptious smartie biscuits on the weekend using a recipe from the well-known http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/.  Surprisingly the recipe called for one tin of condensed milk and both my daughter & myself restrained ourselves and didn't succumb to temptation to scoff down the contents of the tin before it made the mixing bowl.  There was plenty biscuit mixture left so we also made some jam biscuits for lunches during the week.

Recipe
(Makes 7-8 dozen, cook 10 min at 180C)

500 grams butter (approx 1.1 lb)
1 can condensed milk (390-400 gram)
1 cup sugar
5 cups wholemeal self raising flour (or plain flour and paking powder)
toppings like choc chips, smarties, jam, cinnamon and sugar

Cream butter and sugar, add condensed milk. stir in flour.  Roll into balls and flatten. top with choc chips etc, or thumbprint and add jam for jam drops.

Cool on racks     .

Amiga Neck Cowl

Another Ravelry KAL and CAL completed using the loveliest of wool - Socks That Rock (Superwash Merino/Silk) in "Walking on the Wild Tide".   This pattern combines both knitting and crochet, and I think it is probably the first time I have made the one article using both processes. 

Cleaning Stainless Steel

I "discovered" an effective way of cleaning my stainless steel appliances (who in their right mind decided SS ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers look good in a kitchen).   I used vinegar with warm water and used a cloth over the appliances.   Vinegar isn't a new regime in my homemade cleaning supplies, but I wasn't sure how it would react with stainless steel, but I am pleased to report my appliances sparkle (until grubby fingers get all over them again).  For the stubborn stains I used a mixture of biacarb of soda and warm water, and with a soft cloth I rubbed in a circular motion and then cleaned off with the vinegar and water spray.

Cupcake

My daughter made some yummy-looking cupcakes on the weekend, and whilst I don't really eat them (well, at least I am trying to be "good") I couldn't resist a photo opportunity - those who know me, know darn well I will take a photo of virtually anything (much to the annoyance of my children). 

Handspun - Merino Wrapped with Angora and Thread

Here is the third month of working through Jacey's "Spin Art" book here and and this month's fibre is TORNADO.  I used Ocean Blue Merino from Kathy's fibres  here (I find her dyed merino is the most competitively priced fibre around).  I wrapped the fibre with commercial angora/boucle and two other commercial threads (one glittery).  I quite like the end result and because I have spun 100gm, there will be enough to make either a hat or put it towards my handspun circle vest I am currently making.

Torquay

Last week I spent a few hours as the infamous surf beach in Victoria, Torquay, which is past Geelong.  Whilst it was a chilly day there were some brave souls surfing and swimming the beaches (what I like most about Torquay is there are two beaches - a swimmers beach which is rather "calm" and a beach for surfers).