Mismatched Mittens

I know it's August. And with the way the humidity and the heat has cooked us lately, the last thing you want to think of is wool mittens.

I understand. I do. However, mittens just happen to be my latest completed knitting project. And I'm in love with them! I chose to make them mismatched for no other reason than I thought it would be fun. They're super soft and warm. I can't wait to wear them in the fall and winter.







For those of you who want to know--the pattern is from Holiday Knits by Sara Lucas and Allison Isaacs and the yarn is Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Periwinkle and Amethyst.

I Needed My Wellies

I woke up this morning at 5:45 a.m. and started making scones at 6. That's right! Today was the big day--The Irish Fair and baking contest in Saint Paul.


I've been working on two scone recipes the last couple weeks (read about them here and here). I decided to go ahead and enter both. We arrived around 10:00 a.m., walked to the pavilion in the park, left the scones to be judged and went out to enjoy the fair.

One of the best parts of the fair was being able to sit down and work a loom. After just a few moments passing the yarn through (I don't know the official term for that particular action) and helping to create a scarf, I was hooked. I see myself joining the Weavers Guild sometime in the future. :o)

We walked around (it was a bit muddy, hence the need for wellies), ate some fish 'n' chips and enjoyed the music. Eventually, we returned to pick up the scones and find out the results. And guess what?

First Place!

I couldn't believe it. Jonathan saw the ribbon before me and said, "Honey, you got first place."

To which I replied, "Shut up. Whatever."

I thought he was joking, turns out he wasn't.

I'm smiling. A lot.

The winning scone had apricots and crystallized ginger in it. I will post the recipe soon. I still haven't written it down or settled on all the measurements.

I kind of want to scream for joy! :o)

Another Super Scone Idea

I'm working on another scone recipe. The new recipe contains darker, richer flavors. I'm still tinkering with the summer fruit one as well. I'm thinking of entering two totally different recipes.

Along with the fruity one, I will post this new recipe soon. :o)

Before Baking . . .





After Baking . . .

Hug Your Local Farmer

It's a hopeful sight to see more and more farmers' markets and co-ops popping up and thriving. If you don't already, I encourage you to seek out one yourself. What will you get?

Fresher food.
Better Taste.
Heirlooms.
Maybe even a new friend.

And the knowledge that you're directly supporting those individuals who grow what sustains you.