Archive for January, 2011

Delicious Jamie Oliver

Published January 31, 2011 Food 4 Comments
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Some evenings you just want to snuggle down with something delicious. Cakes are all well and good, but not something you really crave after dinner. But as well as wanting an after dinner treat, it needs to be quick. I have no time for faffing around at the moment. So when I came across Jamie’s 30 Minute meals I just knew it was my kind of book. He cooks a main, sides and a dessert all in a 30 minute time limit. The reason I’ve stayed away from his recipes in the past is that there is just so much faffing about. I’d be in the kitchen for hours and while I like to cook, life is just too short for that sort of thing. But three in 30? Yes please!

So after scouring our fridge for possible ingredients for dessert, I settled on his Silky Chocolate Ganache – just chocolate, cream and orange zest and a knob of butter. Simple! Melt it all together, pour into small bowls (or cups) and leave to cool in the fridge. It couldn’t be easier. In fact I did it while I was doing the washing up. And now we have little pots of yumminess for after dinner treats. Brilliant. Have you got any suggestions for other quick and easy desserts?

Shop Update

Published January 27, 2011 Jewelry , Natter 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So as part of Project 2011 I’m expanding my Etsy Empire. Ha, that’s laughable. An Empire it is not, a cosy little collection is probably more apt and more to my liking. I’m having such fun thinking up and bringing to life my ideas. My little cupcake markers have been such a hit, that I thought I would make a little something for baking queens and the non-knitting divas out there. May I introduce Cupcake Love Necklaces. All the deliciousness but with non of the calories of the real thing! Perfect for maintaining all those New Year’s Diet resolutions.

You can choose from four yummy varieties – Strawberry Frosted, Sprinkles, Raspberry Swirl and Cherry on top. You can find them in my Etsy Shop for £5.70 (US $9). Declare your lasting love of baked goods and wear these necklaces proud! What do you think?

Sunday Bliss

Published January 24, 2011 Knitting 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Yesterday we made a point of having a lazy day. It was spent watching movies, drinking tea, and knitting all in our PJ’s. Bliss. We don’t do it very often (I don’t want you to get the wrong opinion), but once and awhile, after a hectic week  it’s a real guilty pleasure. Now I feel revived and ready to go for the new week.

But since yesterday was a slow day, I managed to get a start on a new knitting project I’ve been wanting to start for months. This January I’m knitting legwarmers! I know it’s a little late to get started, especially since all the snow and ice has cleared but I’m still banking on February Snow. And if it comes, I’m going to be the trendiest snow bunny around with my Oslo legwarmers. What do you think? Are legwarmers the next big thing, or a trend better left in the ’80′s?

Did I Wake You?

Published January 21, 2011 Natter Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , ,

I’ve been up since four. And not for any good reason either. So this morning I’m not at my most chipper. But if I’m going to be awake, I might as well be productive. So on the bright side this morning I have managed to -

  • Paint two radiators and a door
  • Defrost the Freezer (is there a worse job? See my kitchen sink above with my dirty brush and the gigantic ice blocks I wrestled from my freezer)
  • Deep clean the fridge and freezer – dumped some suspicious looking jars…
  • Wash up three times (three! Where does all this stuff come from?)
  • Drink 5 cups of tea
  • Organize my Desktop and my crafty computer folders
  • Change the Project 2011 button
  • Add buttons to the site direct to my free knitting patterns (scroll down, on right)
  • Do some apartment gardening
  • Get through all my Google Reader posts (just under 100)
  • Do a grocery shop online
  • and now, well… post!

And now? Well I’m pooped! How are you guys doing this Friday morning?

January Cowl

Published January 19, 2011 Knitting 57 Comments
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s been ages since I gave all you lovely readers a new pattern. And given the state of the weather lately, I think it needs to be something really sumptuous, cosy, and yet stylish (Snow gear just isn’t doing it for me lately). So may I present the January Cowl.

It’s a bit different to the last cowl (Rainbow Cowl), where that was a light autumn spring cowl, this is a depths of winter, something lovely to snuggle up to cowl. Just what we all need! It is such a simple knit. I originally designed it as a last minute gift knit, so it knits up quickly and with very little complications. It uses just left-over balls of Double Knit Yarn, although the tension is not very important and you can substitute other yarn as you wish.

To Knit:

  1. Using 10mm needles, using yarn from two balls of Double Knit (DK) yarn simultaneously, cast on 25 stitches
  2. *K1, P1* Repeat til last stitch, K1
  3. Repeat step 2 until your cowl measures 55 inches in length
  4. Cast off, and join your cowl to form a loop. Optional: Sew in a twist in your cowl to make it appear neater and less tangled when wearing doubled up.

And it’s just that easy. Knitting with the two balls of wool simultaneously makes for such a rich texture and will definitely ensure no cold gusts of wind or snow flurries will make it through your winter knit. Just what you need.

The Diet Starts Tomorrow

Published January 17, 2011 Food Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , ,

Living in Scotland has given me many things – an abnormal tolerance for inhuman temperatures, the opinion that everything (yes, EVERYTHING) can and will be deep-fried and a terrible dependancy on Tunnock’s. Tunnock’s started life, outside Glasgow in 1890 as a family bakery producing confectionary. They still make the same goodies – chocolate covered and sugar filled and I am addicted.

I remember I was in Vancouver and I came across them in a drugstore on Broadway and practically weeping with delight (Mr. A had a similar experience a few week earlier in Lake Louise with Irn Bru).

So when I saw this gigantic box stuffed full of teacakes, I just had to have them! I guess that resolution I made to exercise more I will now definitely have to stick to.

Crazy over Cake-Pops

Published January 14, 2011 Food Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Cake-pops are everywhere right now! You can even buy cookbooks dedicated to them – Cake Pops, Pop Bakery. And they are absolutely seductive looking, perfect for kids and adults alike. The only problem I have with them, is that (in the main) they use cake crumbs compacted together into a ball form. This to me does not appeal. Part of the beauty of cakes is the lovely lightness of them. So here is my take on cake pops. Cake Pops for dummies if you like – it’s absolutely fool proof, quick and easy. My kind of baking.

All you need is:

  • Mini muffins (I made my own chocolate ones, but you could easy buy some)
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Melted Chocolate
  • Sprinkles

To make your Cake-Pops:

  1. Take your mini muffin and dip the bottom half in your melted chocolate, then gently push your muffin onto a lollipop stick (the chocolate as it dries will help to secure your muffin). Repeat this with each of your muffins and leave to set.
  2. This time dip the top half of you muffins in your melted chocolate (you can use a contrasting type of chocolate here – white, dark, milk, colored). Once your muffin is fully covered dip into your chosen sprinkles and leave upright to dry. Repeat with each of you muffins

And there you go! That’s Cake-Pops. As easy as 1-2-3 (easier, there are only 1 & 2 steps :D )

Granny We Love You

Published January 12, 2011 Crafts , Sewing 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve been wanting to make a Granny blanket for ages. The one thing standing in my way is that I can’t crochet. Not even if a gun was held to my head. And yes, yes, I can hear all the cries of ‘but you can knit, crochet should be easy for you.’ Well it’s not. It’s down right impossible. After getting laughed at so much for my attempts I have hung up my crochet hook for good. And right when I had given up hope of ever getting a Granny Blanket of my own, I got this beauty for Christmas! I was over the moon. Bought from a charity shop and given to me. Oh how happy I am. It’s gorgeous, bursting with bright colours and probably knit with great care by someone far more talented than I.

I’m delighted to be able to give it a new home. The only slight problems with it, is the little air holes between the squares are a little chilly, and the wool is a little itchy. So measures had to be taken to increase its comfy-ness.

First thing I did? Gave the blanket a good wash. Not that I though it was dirty, it just didn’t have our house smell. Is that weird? I kinda thought it smelled like someone else’s granny, not mine. So in she went on a cool wash. Next I bought this bargain black fleece from Ikea for £2.79 and got to work. First I cut the fleece to about 2 inches larger than the origional granny blanket. I turned in the edges of the fleece and pinned the fleece in place along the edges of the back of the blanket. And finally I got sewing, by hand! Yipes, yes I did. I just wasn’t very confident that the whole thing would go through my sewing machine due to its thickness. I couldn’t sew it all in one sitting, I don’t have the patience. So over the last week or so I gradually got it together. So now it has a comfy, fleecy lining perfect for keeping me warm as I knit away.

But do you want to know the added bonus of this little crafting activity? Bunting! bundles and bundles of bunting. The Ikea fleece’s frilly edging was perfect for cutting off and simply folding over and sewing in place to allow a ribbon to be passed through to make oodles and oodles of lovely bunting. A perfect accompaniment for my non-traditional Christmas Ornaments. Do you like it?

2010′s Ornament Swap

Published January 10, 2011 Crafts 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve just returned from my Christmas break today to find an abundance of presents waiting for me. It was all my Freshly Blended Ornament Swap 2010 goodies! I’ve never had so many wonderful handmade presents at one time in my life. It was heaven!

So here is my run down of all my lovely loot. But before we begin, I want to say a big thank you to Nicole at Freshly Blended for taking the time and putting so much effort into putting this whole thing together. It was so much fun, and has to be one of the best things I’ve taken part in in 2010. Again, a big thank you.

Bonnie of Daily Cupcake made me this classic print on vintage material. The whole ornament was presented in the most thoughtful way, coming in its own little handmade drawstring bag and with the prettiest little photographic cards. You must tell me who your printer is. They are present enough on their own. And for the New Year you can make one of her beautiful prints yours with 15% off in her shop.

Kim of Little Green Bees sewed this cute little soft owl for me. I’m naming him Mr. Whoot. She put so much effort in that he even has a little tail feather on his rear end. Adorable. I got a few felt decorations and I have to say I’m bowled over by their detail and beauty. I’m going to have to give it a go next Christmas.

Chantal of Papillonpress put a boatload of effort into this delicate ornament. With the hand pressed paper and hand assembled ornament (not to mention hand written letter), I was overwhelmed. She has the most gorgeous prints and paper products on her site. You should take a peek. Or if you can’t stand not having it yourself you can buy one!

Abbey of Aesthetic Outburst made me this absolutely stunning bauble. I shouldn’t say but it’s one of my favorites. I’m running straight out to give porcelain pens a go too now. Watch this space. Read about her making them and her subsequent adventures with baubles or check out her vintage shop on etsy?

Melissa of Range sent this little man in the unfortunate predicament of having a leg missing. It’s Mr. A’s favorite. Sadist. Along with it came this festive hand printed postcard. Got to get into stamp making and lino for the New Year.

JoEllen of Wool and Wander sent me this uber-retro chic caravan ornament. I actually squealed when I opened it. Thank you!

Angela of Jennifer Eileen Photography sewed this fun tree softie laden with button fruit. I love the number of alternative, non-traditional Christmas things that everyone chose.

All these aswell as this previously mentioned beauty from Tamara of Tamara Designs, make for an amazing 2010 ornament swap. Thank you all for your wonderful and thoughtful ornaments, I absolutely adore them and can’t bear putting them away now that Christmas is over. Until next year I guess!

Psst… Want to see what they got from Knit1Slip1 in return? Just take a peek here

Project 2011

Published January 7, 2011 Natter 13 Comments
Tags: , , , , , ,

Well we are well into 2011 now, which makes Project 2010 obsolete. Sigh. In March I set myself 10 crafty goals to achieve within the year. I didn’t quite make it to ticking them all off, but I make myself feel better by telling myself I didn’t have a whole year. So this year, I’m giving myself 12 whole months. And I’m so excited to get started!

Before I do, I want to give a quick insight into 2010 and the highlights.

  1. This has to be this blog and you! – This blog and all you readers have pushed me so much to craft more and try my hand at more adventurous things. I’ve knitted, sewn, photographed and everything more than ever before and I love it.
  2. I sold some of my own creations – How shocking, I’m a designer (well sort of). This was one of my ’10 for ’10 and here’s hoping to more success in 2011
  3. I started making a conscious effort to buy handmade. It’s amazing, never before have I had so many compliments on my new buys. So long mass produced stuff, hello hand crafted
  4. I published some of my knitting patterns to the world for free – and people have and are knitting them! I need to pinch myself

So now onto my 11 for ’11

  1. Expand the website – More posts, more pictures, more crafts, more tutorials! - I’ve tried my best. I know I could have done so much more. I read the blogs of so many other wonderful people who are far busier than I and I feel a little embarrassed. I promise to try harder.
  2. Get to 100 Etsy sales – Now that is ambitious. Wish me luck! – I got absolutely no where near this. I’m proud of my Etsy sales but as a result of getting a job (did I spoil the surprise of no. 3 for you?) I haven’t had as much time as I would have like to develop new idea and expand the shop so much more. 
  3. Get a job – a paid one please – Done, That’s probably why I’m just so shattered in the evenings.
  4. Make a beautifully iced cake – I’m a baker, I love to bake. But all my enthusiasm seems to disappear by the time I’ve let the cake cool down. I just want to eat it by then. But this year I’m going to go from shabby chic, to absolutely elegant cakes – I invested in some really nice piping nozzles and I’ve been experimenting with them and techniques but only with cupcakes to date. I think a January 2012 layer cake is called for.
  5. Buy handmade and second hand – it feels good and you get something unique. Why wouldn’t you? – Done! Although I feel I could expand this even more. I am desperate to go so some furniture auctions. Maybe in the coming year?
  6. Revamp the Kitchen – 1970′s ‘tastic. Need I say more? – Done! And even better than a revamp, we got a whole new kitchen (squeel!) I LOVE it. It isn’t finished yet, we still need a new floor finish, shelving, new blinds, and the whole place needs to be painted but the kitchen is all in!
  7. Learn to use my sewing machine – We have a love/hate relationship, in that I would love to be able to use it, but it simply hates me and refuses to do anything I want it to do – Getting there. We have been having regular-ish meetings and I think we are coming to some kind of mutual understanding. A sort of stand off. But I have a few big projects planned for 2012, maybe we can learn to love each other?
  8. Exercise – I just get so bored. Anyone have any ideas on what I could do as entertaining exercise? – I want to say done. But I don’t think something like this is even done. And actually since I passed my driving test I’m very worried I’m not getting enough fresh air. So plenty more walks in 2012 fingers crossed.
  9. Give more gifts – for no special reason. Handmade ones of course – Done! Special care packages for friends and lots of gifted cake
  10. Do more for charity – I participated in the Innocent Smoothie Big Knit this year and it felt great. I spent the month of December rooting though Sainsbury’s stash of smoothies looking for my creations - Well I’ve done my best. I don’t have much cash but I have been trying to donate a small amount and we had a big clear out of the flat and everything worth anything went to charity. I try, but I’m not sure if its ever enough.
  11. Make stamps – they are just adorable. Perfect for perking up cards and tags and they cost only pennies - I still can’t find easy cut lino. I think I may have to resort to the internet.

and then 2 carry overs from 2010

Argh! That’s alot. Here’s wishing for a successful 2011 for all of us.

Next Page »

About Knit1Slip1

Knit1Slip1 is the creation of Emma and documents all kinds of crafting and arty adventures. From knitting and sewing to DIY and design. Anything that strikes Emma's fancy really. Stay and have a look around. Enjoy free tutorials and browse through past adventures

Recent Tweets

Dreaming of Owning…

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 111 other followers

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 111 other followers