I've been busy...

This is what I have been up to lately.

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Knit, Purl, Knit, Purl

Today I had a little bit of time to sit and try to figure out how to knit. I kind of could grasp the basics, but my recent purchase of the Knitting & Crochet Bible on my tablet really helped me have a break through. I had no idea there was a "continental" way of knitting. That made SO much sense to me because I was really getting frustrated with simply holding the needles and yarn.

My practice swatch:

I started out just getting the hang of the basic knit stitch, but then I got brave and decided to alternate my knit & purl rows! Purling was kind of  hard at first, but once I could wrap my head around what the yarn was actually doing, it just clicked. I am definitely very sloppy, as you can see. I need more practice!

Maybe I will attempt my first knit project soon! This cooler weather sure is welcome and has me really wanting to make sweaters. I am no where near that skill level yet, but I'll be excited to try sometime soon.

Currently I am up to my eyeballs in photos to edit and listings to publish on Etsy, so I should probably get to work. 

Recipe: Easy Granola

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds
1 cup walnuts
Desired amount of soy nuts/ dehydrated cranberries, banana chips, other dried fruits (I used 1 cup of each)
2-3 cups old fashioned oats
2tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
1 c packed brown sugar
1/2-1 tsp salt (optional)
honey to clump - desired amount (I used about 1 cup)


(Measurements above are approximate. Add according to your own taste.) Add dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir together well.

Spray baking pan(s) with cooking oil. Fill with granola, but leave enough room to stir without spilling. I had to use 2 large casserole pans. Add desired amount of honey to mixture, enough to dampen and clump granola. Stir well.


Bake at 350 in 15 min intervals, stirring often. Its done when it is a light toasted brown. Granola will harden upon cooling. Don't burn it! Makes about a gallon or so, depending on how much you use.

(My first batch was a little too toasted.)