Monday, January 31, 2011

All Wrapped up.

There is something very satisfying about finishing a knitted piece.  This one I loved.  I used a 100% bamboo yarn made by Atlante (made in Italy) it drapes so beautifully and feels very soft. I used a Debbie bliss pleated scarf pattern that I brought off the net from a knitting website  that I can't remember the name sorry.



I chose a raspberry colour as I wanted to use the yarn but didn't fancy the other colours at the time. With only one small mistake I love the way it turned out.


It really drapes well.


On to the next project, I am hoping to make a baby blanket for my hair dresser, she has been great over the last 2 years and as I hate getting my haircut our conversations keep me occupied and I trust her a great deal. It will be a way to thank her and welcome her new baby into the world.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

New Plymouth and Race Day

It was Race day again for Michael this weekend just been,  in  New Plymouth a 4 hour drive from Auckland.  We only saw Mt Taranaki on the first day just the tip of it, Michael said he cycled around it and didn't see it.  The day was cloudy and sunny and very very windy.


Just to show how windy it was.

I just loved the light coming thru this beautiful old gate.


Michael and the GMC crew had a long 4 hours ahead of them to cycle around the mountain 160 km. While they were out I explored.  New Plymouth has a fantastic coastal walkway that goes about 6 km it was a nice walk apart from the wind, the rocks and little decks made it a special place for the locals and visitors to enjoy.  

Sue and Rodney.

Michael.

Graeme.

I got back in time to see the elite men start and the first finisher after that, it was a great trip away with another around the corner.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Rain and Sunshine

Rain and then sunshine a bit of muggy mixed in. I picked up the knitting last night and as it got longer I got hotter. It is made from bamboo so it is very soft.



 It is a beautiful scarf and I am almost to the end, another 30cm to go.  I put it down at the end of winter towards spring to make the girls skirts.  So when I picked it up I saw a mistake ten rows down oh why didn't I see it earlier when I knew what row it was. Anyway I figured no one will notice it so I will keep on going and that is just what I have done, but it is still on the back of my mind. I think I will give it away to someone that doesn't know about the mistake or should I go back?



I decided to go on. The sun has decided to appear after it has been missing for 4 days at least. Oh and I have mentioned earlier in my posts that this is a Debbie Bliss pattern.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Flower pin wheels

I just love how this little paper flower spins around in the wind, thanks to Heather Bailey


I made it for my niece who turns one this weekend, it is more a present topper and something for her sister to play with.  I didn't follow the pattern to the letter as I couldn't find the right parts at the time. But it does spin so that is all that matters.


It looked so cute in the garden, it gave the cat a fright when she walked past. 
(it was spinning in the wind)




Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Heart Attack

Wait it is not as serious as it seems,

I have been baking again, it is a gift for my friend Rita. She moved to Taupo late last year and she doesn't bake, she does try and I love listening to her stories of baking disasters.




I borrowed the cutters from Lorna and they are a really great shape I will have to get some.


I had a takeaway container (yum Thai) and lined with baking paper which they stacked up nicely. I covered the lid with some stock card and added some ribbon. It ended up being the best shape for her as she told me that her boyfriend asked her to marry him. Yeah for hearts, and I just love a wedding.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Blueberry butter cake and the AGA

AGA as the name suggests, it is a big warm friendly companion and I am lucky to use one at F.L Bone my place of work.


Anyway Lorna decided that she would bake a blueberry butter cake for us out of the AGA seasons cookbook. It was delicious.





Got to love a blueberry cake with crunchy brown suagr topping. I ate 3 pieces yesterday, good for the hips but blueberries are good for the brain.



Saturday, January 8, 2011

Breakfast and lunch

Oh my Bagel feast, I had bagels for breakfast with eggs. As they are mini I had 6 bagels to two eggs.  So what for lunch at work?   Bagels and ham from christmas that the butcher chopped up for us this week.

Yum I will roast them on the AGA it is going to be delicious.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Bagels.

Happy New Year to you all.  I have had a break and it was great. I wanted to bake and make delicious meals but really did neither. So today I made Bagels.  I love Bagels and have always wanted to make some.  I found a website called delicious days and I made the Ricotta Gnocchi, which was exactly as it said silky and like pillows.

So I printed out the mini bagel recipe and here they are.  I will save mine for breakfast.  I topped them with rock salt and the next ones with parmesan cheese.  I also did sesame topped ones but they didn't really brown.


They will need a little work to master shapes etc... but they have passed the taste test, and they were fun to make.