TUSAL Update

Well, technically this is not an update as this is the first time I am posting a photo of my ORT jar.  If you have no idea what the heck I'm talking about, visit Daffycat's page to find out, and maybe even join in the fun!

This is all I've managed to accumulate in the last 6 weeks or so since I first read about the Totally Useless Stitch Along.  Not too shabby.

I have been so busy that I've been on a bit of a stitching break for the last week or two.  Though I really need to get back to my Vault Boy project as I'd like to give it to Mister for father's day.  

Next up on the agenda, I need to make a shark hat like this one (but in pink) for my friend's daughter who will be turning five in the near future.  The pattern can be found here.

I can't wait to give it a try!  Though, I may end up making two since I have a four-year-old who will probably want one too.

Have a lovely day!

Stitching and Baking

Since I last posted, Little Guy and I have been enjoying our daily walks and the fine spring weather.  Most of the rain has been falling during the night, so we've spent a lot of time outdoors these last few weeks.  Even in the middle of town, there is still plenty of natural beauty to relish.  

On the cool or windy days we have been preoccupying ourselves with crafts of our choosing.  I've baked a bit and worked on my stitching a bit while Little Guy has been experimenting with oven-bake clay and practicing his writing.  As you can see, I was not able to finish the Golden Girls cross stitch in time for Mother's Day, so I'll just save it for my mom's birthday instead.  

Mister also put in a special request.  He has been playing the Fall Out games on the PlayStation, so he asked me if I could stitch him a Vault Boy.  This is my progress so far:

Last night Mister asked for some brownies, but I didn't have all my usual ingredients on hand, so I had to improvise.  They turned out great!  If you like almonds give them a try, if you don't you can substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract.

Chocolate Almond Brownies

6 T natural unsweetened cocoa powder

2 T vegetable oil

1/3 C butter, softened (salted is fine)

1 C sugar

2 eggs

~1/3 tsp almond extract (I used the half-teaspoon measure but didn't fill it all the way)

1/2 C + 2 T unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 C sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

semisweet chocolate pieces (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Prepare an 8-inch square pan by lining it with foil them spraying the foil generously with cooking spray.  

Place the cocoa powder and oil in a medium mixing bowl and stir with a fork until smooth.  Stir in the softened butter.  Microwave the mixture 20-30 seconds until the butter is completely melted. Stir until smooth.  Beat in sugar, eggs, and almond extract.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl then stir. Stir in nuts if using.  Batter will be kind of thick and stiff.

Use a rubber spatula to put all the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.  Bake 20-25 minutes, or until brownies start to pull away from the edges of the pan.  Do Not Overbake.

If using, place chocolate pieces on top of warm brownies.  When melted, smooth out for even coverage. Allow brownies to set.  You can speed them along by placing them in the freezer.

And there you have it.  Scrumptious brownies to enjoy with a nice tall glass of cold milk or a mug of hot coffee.

Have a great day and happy stitching!

Newly Finished

I have managed to finish a few cross stitch ornaments since I posted last.  I have never stitched so frequently before, so I am kind of proud of myself  :)

Anyway let's get down to the photos...Here is the adorable Christmas cow ornament I made for a friend. The pattern is from this Leisure Arts book.  I substituted for colors I had on hand and used red seed beads instead of french knots for the holly berries.  This was also the very first ornament I have ever finished, so it could be better, but I think it turned out alright.

I made a couple of anniversary ornaments for Mister that will be backed with the photographed fabric.

My mom just got 6 Gold Sex Link hens and she's taken to calling them her golden girls, so I'm going to try to stitch the chibi Golden Girls chart below and give it to her for mother's day.

Hopefully you've had time to stitch to your heart's desire.  Have a great day.  Happy stitching!