Friday, 15 August 2014

Granny Square Throw

Earlier in the month saw me doing the yearly "de-clutter"  slash "clean out" of the craft cupboard.  I was truly amazed at how many partly used and odd balls of 8ply yarn I found hanging about in there from long forgotten projects and bargain finds at the op shop.

A sure fire, quick way of using up these odds and ends to make something worthwhile and useful for yourself, or for giving as a gift, is the humble granny square throw.

Three weeks later,  here is a pic of my completed blanket which measures a nice size of 1.4m x 1.4m.  This is a great size for throwing over yourself whilst cuddled up watching the TV or for giving to a friend to do the same.   




As all the leftover yarn together makes the throw a bit too colourful for my decor inside the house - I have decided to keep it on the back seat of the car.  This way it can come in handy whilst travelling or provide some extra comfort when hanging out in one of those budget hotel rooms I seem destined to constantly pick to stay in when we decide to go away for the weekend.
 

Below is an up-close detail of what a standard, humble "Granny Square" is made up of.  Full instructions for completing a granny from start to finish can be found HERE


 



Monday, 4 August 2014

August in the Garden

August is the month of starting to be able to "reap what you sow".   Always in the garden I am able to pick some herbs, a lettuce, tomatoes or some spring onions - these are always in my garden year round.  August, on the other hand, is when all the cold loving vegies start to mature.


Cauliflower and broccoli are being harvested and all the cabbages are hearting well.  I usually just pick cabbage as the need arises - it lasts longer in the garden than in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.  I am so happy with the brassicas this year I have just planted another dozen of each to see how they go.  Knowing my luck, Spring will jump in really quick this year and the whole lot will be a waste of time. 


Tonight we are having grilled chicken breast and steamed vegetables with a satay sauce for dinner.  The broccoli, yellow cauliflower and rainbow chard I have just picked will go beautifully with some carrots and potato.


The Kale plants, at present, are just enormous - I keep cutting them back and feeding it to the chooks.  Kale is a very acquired taste and as yet I have not been able to get my family to eat it just as a steamed vegetable or added to a salad.  Juicing it doesn't turn me on either, so after a quick search on Pinterest I found a recipe for "KALE CHIPS".    On further inspection I then found you can flavour them to your hearts content.  Salt and vinegar, Soy and Sesame and French Onion just to name a few ..........They sound quick, yummy, and easy to do so I'm off to have a go.