a simple yarn

To offset the onslaught of winter boredom, I’m workin’ without a net…starting with posting a knit project and it’s not even Monday…

Following the glut of Christmas knitting for others, it’s time to turn the attention of the needles to myself. Have begun a new jumper…

Vogue pattern*…cute…love the cabling.
And feeling quite thrifty, am using up the stacks and stacks of Kilcarra wool, but…

What’s wrong with me?
I’m….bored.
Having trouble staying interested through the twisted rib.
Kilcarra, again…
Yawn.
Need a little excitement.
And breaking free from the ‘one-project-at-a-time-cuz-I’m-anal-that-way’ thinking, I’m casting on a new one.

Handknit Holidays pattern…cute…love the eyelet cabling.
And again feeling quite thrifty, am using up the cone of…hmmm….what yarn is it?

I have no idea.
Gift from my Craftspun friends.
Certainly wool, but what else?
Guess I should find out what the contents are.
But, no…not gonna do it. Wanna to be reckless, not in an ‘Elizabeth-Zimmermann-break-free-but-still-use-common-sense’ type of way, but in the ‘I-just-feel-like-using-this-yarn-cuz-I-like-it-regardless-of-what-it-is’ sort of way. Risking the massive amounts of time in the knitting with perhaps only a short amount of wear, I’m ploughing ahead. Haven’t even done a gauge swatch yet, so I don’t even know if it’ll work, but I’m feelin’ dangerous. Oh sure, I’ll swatch it cuz I’m not that reckless, but I might not knit the entire 4 inches…

Even thought about shifting the pattern to be regular knee-length socks, just so I’d have to adjust the pattern, but having more than enough yarn, I’m going the whole way.

Yep, there are dangerous times ahead…

*Postscript to Answer Enquiries: Right, so being of a ‘reckless’ nature and to prevent information overload, I tend not to keep complete knitting magazines, but rather rip out the patterns I like (or think I might even remotely like) and store them in an inspiration binder. Okay, I know this horrifies Sara, but if I let knitting magazines pile up, I will never look at them again. So, when looking for a pattern, the binder is where I go first. And yes, it’s organised into categories—Clothing, Accessories, Socks, Bags, Scarves, etc. And such is the story with this Vogue pattern. But enough have enquired about this pattern…

I believe it came from the Winter 05/06 Vogue Knitting (sigh…wishing Vogue would label the bottom of the pages with the issue number). It’s called ‘Yoke Pullover’ found in a segment they called ‘winterwonderland’. The pattern is No. 13 and instructions were found beginning on page 111.

A little misunderstanding doesn’t always hurt…

Christmas Eve.

Time to ring my parents, across the miles of ocean, wishing them the happiest of holidays.
Time to beat the Christmas Day rush on the telephone lines.
Time to let the Kiddies gush their pre-Christmas-morning excitement into the receiver.

And to what must have been an answer to the obvious question of ‘What did you leave out for Santa?’ Kate replied with eyes all aglow, ‘Chocolate and Beer.’
I froze, knowing that the alcohol part of that equation would unnerve my mother.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Kate later with a smile, ‘she thought I said Chocolate Reindeer.’

And I will never complain about telephone line static again…

…from all of us in The Bell House…

Okay, ‘new’ favourite done, ‘old’ favourite done…let’s see…all that’s left is ‘favourite’ favourite.

In our household, Christmas = gingerbread. For the Kiddies’ school lunches, in the run up to the holiday break, it’s a must have. The key to tasty gingerbread is definitely the molasses. Hold on, molasses? Ah sure, not to be found here…at least not when we first arrived on these shores. However, world-domination-disguised-as-globalisation has changed all that, but even so, a wonderful substitute has been found…..treacle.

What is treacle? I have no idea….probably molasses incognito and renamed by Europeans to confuse North Americans…but it works a treat in gingerbread!

Warning:
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Treacle Diversion Ahead
Recipes4us.co.uk says ‘Strictly speaking, treacle is the British generic name for any syrup made during the refining of sugar cane. Therefore, theoretically, Treacle, Black Treacle, Molasses, Golden Syrup and Blackstrap are all treacles. In practice however, there is a technical difference between “treacle” and “molasses” in that molasses is obtained from the drainings of raw sugar during the refining process and treacle is made from the syrup obtained from the sugar.’

Frankly, I’m no gingerbread expert, but personal tastes favour this recipe. Unlike other ‘I-have-no-idea-where-they-came-from’ recipes, this originates with the Longaberger Basket Company in Ohio, USA.

Father Christmas Gingerbread
2-1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
3/8 cup dark corn syrup or molasses (or treacle!)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1-1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 cup PLUS 2 tablespoons butter (1 cup in Ireland is 1/2 standard block of butter)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda (also called bread soda)
8 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, cinnamon, cloves and ginger in a large saucepan. Place over moderate heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add butter and stir until cool. Dissolve baking soda in 1 tablespoon of water and add to mixture. Add flour gradually and work until dough is firm. Cut in various shapes. Place cookies on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Wait! Important Recipe Discussion To Follow
So there are two camps of thought regarding baking times for cookies:
Do you like them crisp and dry?
Or soft and chewy?

We like them soft, so I a) do not roll the dough too thinly and b) reduce the baking time to 9 minutes in the fan-assisted oven.

What could be better than warm gingerbread and a cup of tea?

Postscript of the Sweet Kind
Of course, the gingerbread wouldn’t be complete without the Royal Icing to go with it (also from Longaberger)….

2-1/2 cups confectioner’s (icing) sugar
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (in Ireland it’s known as Bextartar)

In a small glass or ceramic bowl (not plastic), beat ingredients on high for 5 minutes or until stiff peaks form and icing is glossy. Cover bowl with plastic wrap when not using to prevent icing from drying out. Makes approximately 2 cups.

Is the ’sugar cookie’ a victim of poor public relations?

It seems that in the quest for new and exciting Christmas cookies, I sometimes forget the faithful tried and true…

Contrary to its unfortunate name, a well-baked sugar cookie is never too sweet and a perfect companion to a cup of tea.

Light, fluffy, buttery….yum…..

Sugar Cookies
1-1/3 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons PLUS 2 teaspoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream butter, sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Mix into creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Heat oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Roll portion of dough to about 1/4 – 1/8” thickness on floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Add sprinkles or coloured sugar. Bake 7-9 minutes. Do not overbake.
Variation: Add 2 teaspoons grated lemon or orange peel and 2 teaspoons lemon or orange extract.

In which the week’s work can be timed in eight-to-twelve-minute intervals.

I don’t do cakes.
I don’t do puddings.
I don’t do mince pies.
I do cookies.

The one North American Christmas tradition, which has followed our family to Europe to be foisted upon friends and neighbours, is the practice of making cookies. Piles…mounds…heaps of cookies to share. So, it’s been baking week at The Bell House…

Baking Trilogy, Part 1: New Favourite
Admittedly, these take a little bit of effort, but it’s oh so worth it when you see each beauty come consistently perfect out of the oven. And chocolatey? Oh yeah…

Chocolate Crackles from Martha Stewart’s Holiday Cookies magazine
makes 5 dozen

8 ounces (227 grams dark chocolate) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1-1/4 cups all purpose (plain) flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup (1/4 of standard Irish block) butter
1-1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup confectioner’s (icing) sugar

Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring. Set aside and let cool. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Mix butter and brown sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in eggs and vanilla, and then the melted chocolate. Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the milk. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Wrap each in plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

Divide each piece into 16 (1-inch) balls. Roll in granulated sugar to coat, then in confectioner’s sugar to coat. Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment (or greaseproof) paper.

Bake until surface cracks, about 12-14 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Cookies can be stored between layers of parchment paper in airtight containers up to 3 days.

Time to make a coffee, I think…

Oh sure, there are other yarns in the stash, but it seems to be a Kilcarra tweed theme in the run up to Christmas.

Well actually, this began in the summer months.

Warning: Brief Summer Retrospective Ahead:
Holidaying in the US, West Virginia to be precise…
Visit to Tamarack, a centre to highlight Appalachian arts and crafts…
Bought cool wooden loom…
Or thought it was a loom…
Turned out to be not unique at all…
Plastic ones to be found in any craft shop…
Arg…

Although the process is mind numbingly boring, I like the finished-just-in-time-for-cold-weather-with-loopy-chain-mail-esque-effect end result.

Okay, Kilcarra is pure wool, scratchy for some, and perhaps not the best yarn pick for scarves, but I suppose the powers-that-be have left me impervious to the irritation factor and it’s a great addition to the winter scarf collection!

Why is it that certain smells evoke such pleasant memories?
And at the top of the list…warm cinnamon….mmm…

The ornaments on our Christmas tree are, for the most part, homemade. Felt stars, orange slices, rag bows. But where are the cinnamon hearts? In opening the decorations we found casualties, succumbing to being stored in the ‘perpetually-damp-and-the-excessively-wet-summer-didn’t-help’ shed. Icky shades of green. No need to go on.

Time to make more.

Warning: Unintentional Copyright Infringement Ahead
I really wish I could remember where I got this recipe. In a book somewhere. Never noted and now long forgotten. So, apologies to the person who first created these little beauties.

Also:  A Wee Bit of Addendum To Follow:

I at first posted this recipe as it originally appeared in the long forgotten book, but the cinnamon measurement seems to cause confusion, so I’ve altered it for clarity.  And I would also suggest rolling out the dough a little thinner than you see in the pictures.  The ornaments need to dry completely through in the baking-and-sitting-in-the-oven-process.  A little less than 1/4 inch should do…

Cinnamon Scent Ornaments
6 tablespoons applesauce
9 tablespoons PLUS 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Work with hands until dough is the consistency of clay dough. Roll out between sheets of plastic food wrap.

Cut in various shapes. Use a toothpick to make a hole for threading ribbon later. Bake on a cookie sheet at 150ºF/65ºC for 1-1/2 hours.

Turn off oven and leave in oven for 5-6 hours or overnight. Depending upon the thickness of the dough, baking time may take longer.

‘Few things are commonplace in themselves. It’s our reaction to them that grows dull.’

Arthur Gordon

The moment has come when the seemingly-endless-settling-in-process has finally come to an end and the transition, which began in June, is done. Time to come out of my stupor, hoping to not take for granted the park-like setting in which I live. Hmmm….have my reactions grown dull? Eek, hope not! Sure, the cold and rainy days hold us prisoners, but perhaps it’s time to break free and see that which is not commonplace.

One of the many things I love about Ireland is the way it wears its natural history…like a familiar cardigan, a little frayed around the edges, but comfortable and timeless. A picture album of today’s stroll down the lane to the back fields, quietly reveals evidence of…

…iron treasures around stone corners…

…previous residents…

…gates to nowhere…

…stone steps where many a foot have trod…

…and secret gardens.

The Making-Of-The-Christmas-Costumes-Ceremony, oh joy.

I’m sure you have overheard or been an active participant in a conversation something like this…

Kids: ‘Mom, we need some costumes for the Christmas concert.’

Mom: ‘Right, what d’ya need?’

Kids: ‘Only some Santa hats.’

Mom: ‘No problem, when do you need ‘em?’

Kids: ‘Tomorrow.’

Mom: ‘Ack…..!’

Okay, so truth be told, it wasn’t like that this year with the Kiddies, but it certainly has happened before. News, in this lovely country, tends to travel by word-of-mouth, which eliminates the need for

a) newsletters

b) sign posts

c) land line phones

Okay, so truth be told (again), it’s really not that bad, but I’ve gotta take it on faith that my kids have come home with accurate information and that they do indeed need two Santa hats by Friday.

I confess, I’m just too cheap to buy the ones in the shop. Isn’t that why I have red felt, glue gun and metres of undyed Blue Faced Leister roving/top and yummy Craftspun Homespun yarn sitting in the cupboard? A little bit of crafting and…

…two Santa hats, just in time.

Knitting a ‘tried-and-true’ pattern is like visiting an old friend.

Daughter-Kate has worn out her miniaturized-for-petite-hands Fetchings. Time to make another pair…winter’s here and hands get cold!

Her choice? Blue of course.

Pattern: Knitty.com Fetchings
Pattern Adjustment: Took out 5 stitches, casting on only 40 for 11-Year-Old-Petite-Hands
Yarn: Inca Fiber Concept, made in Peru and purchased at Craftspun Yarn, no label of what the contents are, but cute picture of an alpaca. Figure an alpaca/wool combination. Very soft!
Colour: 023 Blue

If everyone has one bit of inspiration waiting to be set loose, then this would be mine.

In a brief moment of clarity, I could see the design. After that, an endless stream of prototypes. Then deciphering cryptic notes on bits of paper. Can’t imagine doing anything three-dimensional…
But it’s done and it’s published and I’m happy.

You can find the Knitty.com pattern here.

Warning: Shameless Ireland Promotion Ahead

The coolest thing about doing this was the opportunity to promote Irish wool. Say what you will about other new-to-the-market tweeds, but Kilcarra’s an original and simply the best. I get mine from Friends-Warren-And-Jenny at Craftspun Yarns in Co. Kildare. And lest I forget, many thanks to Mandy, who works with Knitty, for her technical editing wizardry.

So, what d’ya think the family are getting for Christmas?

Postscript for Neck Preferences:

I happen to like things close and tight around my neck. Baggy necklines? Not for me…nope. But the thought has occurred to me that not everyone likes that same degree of firmness around their windpipe…perhaps giving them noose nightmares and I wouldn’t want to feel responsible, so…

If you use 5mm/US8 needles (the recommended needle size for aran weight yarn), you will gain a few extra inches in the length and then make it as tight or as loose as you desire with the button placement.

Whew, I feel better now.