Vintage Upholstery Fabric

I picked this vintage upholstery fabric up a few years back.  I really like it for some reason.  I'm thinking about making a purse with it.

I just can't decide the style of purse, but I do know that I want a crochet flap and a button closure made from the fabric.

Coin purses would be cute too.

I'll probably spend another year trying to decide.

I think this would be appropriate for the fabric and then maybe do the trim with a crochet wool or rug yarn.

http://pursepatterns.com/images/medium/ijCosmo729_MED.jpg

I might have to break down and buy this pattern.

http://pursepatterns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=197

I think I'm craving a new purse.

We can all use a new purse now and then, don't you think?

My closet says, "no, no you don't".

On that note, I am going to clean my closet.

Debra

Back To Doodling

I'm back to doodling today.

I actually have something in mind but I'm not real sure about it, so I am just doodling a little bit to give me a more broad concept of what I am envisioning.

I am not really good when it comes to working with fine thread when I crochet.  The stitches are not consistently the same size, so this too gives me the opportunity to work on this area.  I think it is because I don't work in this element enough to perfect it to my liking.

If anyone has a secret to how they obtain consistency with their stitches with a really fine thread, I'm all ears.

Maybe about another hour of this and I will call it a day.

I had planned to have a garage sale today, but I woke up a little late, so I will attempt again next week or tomorrow.

I think I am becoming a night owl, my sleeping patterns are changing and I seem to be staying up later because something comes to mind and I have to attack it at that very moment.  I am actually sleeping in, that's like, sinful for me.

I was able to put together another vintage pattern last night.  This one I did not complete, but I will in the future.  I am thinking I will modify it with a 4 ply yarn and use the pattern but adjust the size to make an ipad holder or something like that.

It was interesting because you use buckram, (which I have never heard of before, shows you how much I sew), which appears to me to be a very sturdy material.  I think the stability of this material will make a great purse, as pictured, but also a great case for ipads, computers and what not.

I love the pattern on this purse. What really intrigues me is the bow. Gives me ideas on ways to use my vintage jewelry.

What do you think?

I haven't put this in my Etsy store yet, but you can always click on the Etsy banner at the bottom of the page to check, and it should be there in a couple of days.

Until then, have a great weekend and see you Monday,

Debra

Heirloom Crochet Christmas Ornaments Patterns

I am excited to bring to you my new pattern for Elegant Heirloom Crochet Christmas Ornaments.  These are crocheted with such a great fiber.   

Once crocheted you can add your bead work, embroidery work, trinkets handed down or items you want to hand down by embellishing your ornaments to give an everlasting gift to a loved one.  

You can find this pattern here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/164017946/elegant-heirloom-crochet-christmas?ref=shop_home_active

I love working with this fiber.  I just couldn't get enough of it.  The richness and feel is just exquisite.  

The simplicity of the pattern combined with your embellishments and/or embroidery work will make this a prized possession for the tree.  

Enjoy,  

Debra

Vintage Crochet Stuffed Dog Pattern

As predicted, I am overloading you with patterns all at once.  You don't mind, do you?

This is a lovely and oh so cute, vintage dog pattern that I have re-imaged to a more comprehensible format. The designer did quite well  with the writing of this pattern, easy to follow.  I just wish it had the designers name. Not many clarifications were needed to be done.

I am still working on mine. but not in the recommended thread, but with a worsted 4 ply yarn in vibrant colors.

Cute, Cute, Cute, is all I think of, to describe this pattern.

 I really like the body design, because this sits up quite well.  If you look at this stuffed dog closely, you could exclude the ears and lengthen the tail, add some whiskers and voila, you have a cat.  See it?

I can't show mine to you because it is a gift, but I will post it at a later date.  The possibilities are endless.

The multitude of colors and different yarns you could use, gives you the option of making a standard colored dog, a colorful whimsical dog brushing the yarn out and making a furry dog. How about wool yarn and wet felting?

I love it when a designer puts a lot of diversity into a design, that when I look at it, I see a lot of other options and uses with the pattern.

I can't wait to show you the one I am finishing up, but I don't want to spoil the surprise gift.

This pattern can be found here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/163906406/vintage-crochet-stuffed-dog-pdf-pattern?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Enjoy,

Debra

PS.  My fiber came in, and I am testing that today, so be ready for the Elegant Heirloom Ornament Pattern tomorrow.  I just might give you a sneak peak at one of them this evening, be on the look out.

Vintage Crochet Dish Cloth

This vintage crochet Dish Cloth pattern is now available and located at:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/163831887/vintage-crochet-dish-cloth-scrubbie-pdf?

I am using one of mine as a bath scrubbie.  Just use a tulle material on the last round and it exfoliates really well.

What a great gift to include with a gift basket, for either the kitchen or bath, or both.

What I really like about this scrubbie or dish cloth as the pattern calls it, is it is made with a fine cotton thread and gives more flexibility and reaches those more difficult areas, then my cotton yarn scrubbies. These dry faster as well, to prevent that stale smell. I am finding I can use it more times then my cotton yarn ones before it get rancid and needs to be thrown in the wash.  

I don't know exactly how long these will hold up, but I am using one on pots and pans and I sure can dish out some abuse when scrubbing.  It's holding up well.

On that note, I need to dirty up some pots and pans and try out a new recipe to share with you.

Enjoy,

Debra

Crochet Bottle Cap Spider

I was watching this documentary on birds the other day and I would share but I might scare some of you away, so I won't.  Anyway, they were showing all these birds and their breeding grounds were just covered in waste.  Bottle caps, corks, plastics.  It was by the ocean, so I am assuming the waste was washed ashore.  It was so sad though, because of the amount of birds that were dead from consuming bottle caps, corks and plastic.

We can't put our bottle caps in the recycle bin, so I am always trying to find a way to re-purpose them.  Needless to say, I have two extra large glass cylinders just filled with bottle caps.

Today, I am going to share with you how to make crochet bottle cap spiders.  I know, the legs are kinda long, but they are to hang all over the side of house and door for Halloween this year. If the kids want them, they can grab one.  They can trim the legs, if they like.

Supplies Needed:

1 plastic bottle cap (I'm trying to use the smaller ones, but the juice and milk caps would give a more proportioned spider.

4 ply yarn of  your color choice (I choose the black for Halloween but whimsical bold bright colors would be different)

4 fuzzy sticks ( the fine wire covered with fuzz)

Beads, buttons, wiggly eyes and floss or nylon thread to attach (I don't know the size I used because I use materials from broken costume jewelry.  Just pick the size that works for you.

F/5 3.75mm Hook

The pattern I am giving is basic and you will need to modify the rounds based on the size of the cap.  The cap I am using is a standard soda bottle cap.

This is in American Standard Terms.

Ch = Chain
Rnd = Round
Sc = single crochet
YO = yarn over

Here we go:

Ch 2
Rnd 1:   Sc in the second chain from hook (5 times), do not join (5 sc)
Rnd 2:   2 sc in each sc from the previous round (5 times), do not join (10 sc)
Rnd 3:   2 sc in each sc from the previous round (10 times), do not join (20 sc)
Rnd 4:   1 sc in each sc from the previous round (20 times), do not join (20 sc)
Rnd 5:   1 sc in each sc from the previous round (20 times), do not join (20 sc)

At this point, test and make sure that the crochet rounds you have made cover the outside of the bottle cap.  Place the cap inside the crochet rounds you have made. You should see only the opening to the bottle cap.  If you are using a smaller bottle cap, you may need to only do one round of 20 single crochet.  If you are using a larger bottle cap you may need to do another round or two of 20 single crochets.  Just make sure that when you place the bottle cap inside of your crochet rounds that the last round you completed goes up to the top rim or just a little over the rim on the cap.

Now to decrease:

Rnd 6:   Place the hook through the next sc, yo, pull through, place your hook through the next sc, yo and                  pull through, you should have three stitches on your hook, now yo and pull through all three stitches.              You will need to do this 9 more times for a total of 10 sc decreases.

At this point, when looking at your work, you are starting to form a ball, go ahead and place your cap into this ball with the rim at the top of your last crocheted round.

Then what I do is I fill the inside of the cap with scrap yarn cuttings that have been treated with lavender linen spray.  This is optional, but it puts out a fresh scent and it also keeps any moths or fiber eating bugs away.  If you opt to do this, go up to the top where my, search this blog is, and type in, linen spray.  This will give you the mixture I use. I just soak my scrap yarn cuttings in a little bit of this and let them dry out in an enclosed container.  You could use any scents that you like.  I just don't like bugs all that much.

Rnd 7:   Once you have the cap inside the ball that you have made, with or without the yarn scarps, you will continue to decrease until closed and then fasten off and weave your yarns in.  Usually this is about 5 more sc decreases.

Attach your beads with floss or nylon thread for the eyes.  I attached the eyes in between the third and fourth round.  It's really up to you, the placement of the eyes determines what kind of spider you will have.  Scary, whimsical, goofy, etc.

If you want your spider to be fuzzy, take a hard bristle tooth brush, and brush the yarn until it gives you the affect you are looking  for.  If you don't want fuzzy, then you are ready to attach the legs.

Take four of the fuzzy sticks and run them through the center bottom of the spider, capturing a couple of the stitches.  Twist the fuzzy stick twice to secure.  Now you can form the legs.  I think the picture shows this well enough for you to follow.  You can always trim the legs down at this point.  I always curl the ends just a little bit to give the spider stability, so it can stand without support

Here is a sample of one with shorter legs and a larger cap that I attached to a mini top hat.

The mini top hat pattern was designed by Petra:

Here is where you can find many of her great patterns:

http://zoomyummy.com/

I get side tracked with her beautiful photography, so go to my pattern shop, or you may be there all day.  I am sure she wouldn't mind.

And then of course here is a spider that is not fuzzy.

You can sell the products you make from this pattern.  If you could just give me credit, by linking back to this blog, it would be greatly appreciated.  

I would like to see some colorful and whimsical spiders.  Please be sure and share your creations.  

Hope you enjoy and know that you are possibly saving a domestic or wildlife species today.

Debra

If you are having difficulty following any of the instructions, I am available to guide you through it.  I appreciate the feedback.

Silk Ties

Today I am listing silk ties. Have you ever noticed how many different ways there are to re-purpose a neck tie?

Here is a site that shows different ideas.  I love the Peter Russo Chair.  

http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/02/tie-one-on-upcycled-and-recycled-mens.html

I haven't checked the mail today.  My fiber is probably sitting in the box wondering where I am to test for my ornament pattern. I think I am going to wait and go with my original plan to offer it at the beginning of October. It gives me a chance to add to it as well.  Until then, I have bottle ring snowflake patterns to share with you.  

Let's not forget about Halloween.  Ready for some crochet bottle cap ideas?  I'm making tons of the black spiders this year, well not tons, but a lot.  That is my theme this year. Be on the watch out for the bottle cap spider pattern.  

I'm watching Julie & Julia today.  I love Meryl Streep.  She is one of my favorite actors.  The cooking though is making me really hungry.  

The just of my week is listing on eBay.  I am determined to reach the 300 mark by Sunday.  

My daughter posted a picture today, so I'm missing her a little, well actually a lot. 

On that note, I'm cooking.

Debra

Mike's Cole Slaw Recipe

This Cole Slaw recipe was named after Mike Freeman, not because he originated it, but because he loved it so much.

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups of shredded cabbage
1 shredded carrot
1/2 of a green pepper minced
1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
3/4 cup of Salad Dressing (it calls for miracle whip, I used a generic that had the same ingredients)

Shred 4 1/2 cups of cabbage.  I just use a meat cleaver and chop it up.  I love my meat cleaver and you will find I use it a lot, and not what it is intended for.  There is nothing more empowering in my hand to me, besides a crochet hook. If you want your cabbage to be a finer shred then by all means use whatever tool you use that gives you the results you want.

I use a potato peeler to shred one carrot.

Place the cabbage and carrot in a bowl and mix really well.  

Mince 1/2 of a green pepper.  I just chop, chop and chop till it is real fine.

Add this to your cabbage and carrots, and mix really well.  

In a separate bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar and salad dressing. I use a whisk and mix for about 3 minutes.

The recipe calls for Miracle Whip which is a white salad dressing, an alternative to mayonnaise  just a little sweeter and has additional spices added. For those of you that live in a region that does not sell Miracle Whip, it is the same as a salad dressing similar to mayonnaise and probably sold with the mayonnaise   I grew up on Miracle Whip, so I really didn't know what mayonnaise was until I became an adult.  I used a generic salad dressing to test the results for those that do not have Miracle Whip.  You can use mayonnaise but it isn't as sweet and the end result is not quite the same. 

Pour your dressing mixture over the cabbage mixture and mix really well.

At this point, it appears that there isn't enough dressing to cover the cabbage mixture.  There is, have no fear.  Cover and place in the refrigerator.  Mix about every hour or when you think about it.  

It is best to make this the night before you plan on using it. The cabbage will soften and lose volume by yielding it's moisture to the dressing.  

Recipe adapted by The Working Wives' Cook Book.  

Enjoy,

Debra

Vintage Jewelry

I love vintage jewelry.  Especially the micro mosaic that are made in Italy.  They are so fascinating to me.  Today was about listing retro clothing and vintage jewelry on eBay.

Here is the listing for this ring:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350876813817&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

They inspire me.

I am still waiting on my fiber to test for the crochet patterns.  I should have requested priority mail, not first class, that's ok though, because in the meantime, I have thought of some new patterns.

Sometimes it works out that way for a reason.  I don't' question it, I just try to go with the flow and take it for what it is.

I started the Medallion pattern today as well.  I can't wait to show you what I have created with this.

I guess what I am really trying to say, is I will be overloading you with new patterns all at once.

That's ok, right?

We have chicken leg quarters on sale for .99 a pound right now.  In case you don't know that is the leg and thigh together of a chicken.  I love them like that, because I can either marinate them, or spice them up and they are perfect for the grill.

I am trying out a new Cole slaw recipe called, Mike's Cole slaw.  What goes better with chicken then mashed potatoes and Cole slaw?

Enough rambling for today.

If I don't receive my yarn tomorrow, I will need to share another snowflake pattern with you.  That would be cool, don't you think?

Enjoy your evening or day, where ever you may be,

Debra

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Crocheting bottle cap pumpkins inspired me to make some applesauce.

Here is how I make applesauce:

7 medium apples (any type you like, I used Gala this time around)
1/4 cup of water
Slow Cooker (low setting)

You will want to core, slice and peel the apples.  I use an apple corer from Pampered Chef , and it so wonderful. All I need to do is peel the skin off of each slice and cut the slices into thirds and put in your slow cooker.

After you have completed all the apples, add 1/4 cup of water and pour over the apples.

Set your slow cooker to low.

Stir on occasion to break up the apples.

Cook  for about 6 hours.

When completed, I place in covered jars.  I use them for other projects, which I will share in the future.

Meantime, I can crochet lots of little Halloween themed, bottle cap trinkets while making applesauce.

Does my house smell good or what?

Adapted from: http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/easy-crock-pot-applesauce/

Debra

Taco Salad

This cold taco salad dish is great as a side dish.  Perfect with grilled chicken or steak.  I personally, use it for my lunches, quick to serve and no heating involved.

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground round thoroughly cooked
1 16 ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion chopped
2 Roma tomatoes chopped
2 cups of lightly crushed Nacho Cheese Doritio chips
2 cups of shredded lettuce
1 1/2 cups of Catalina salad dressing


Mix all this together in a bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator.

I put each ingredient one at a time  in a large bowl in the order listed above.  Each time I put one of the items in the bowl, I mix well with 1/4 cup of Catalina.  By the time you get to the lettuce all the Catalina will be added.

Taste it, if you like one ingredient more, add more.  I use the Catalina lightly because it is sweet for me, and you may want more.  It has a great sweet kick about it that I think you find to be unique.

Enjoy,

Debra

I'm Back With A Snowflake Pattern

Materials:

One plastic bottle ring or bone ring
F hook (3.75mm)
Any worsted 4 ply yarn your color choice

Single crochet around the ring and here is a good tutorial:

http://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=69

I always count the slip stitch and chain 1 as a single crochet.

You need a total of 18 single crochet on the ring.  

Now you are ready to make your points.

I am going to try and explain how to make a cross treble stitch, if it doesn't make sense, please, please contact me.....

Slip stitch and join to the first single crochet made on the ring and chain 3, yarn over twice on hook and going behind  and to the right of the chain  3 with your hook bring your hook to the front of the chain and go through the front of the single crochet to the right of the chain 3 and pull the yarn through and complete your triple crochet. 

*Chain 2, skip 1 of the single crochet from the previous round and complete a triple crochet in the next single crochet.  Yarn over twice on hook and going behind  and to the right of the triple crochet with your hook bring your hook to the front of the single crochet to the right of the triple crochet just made, and go through the single crochet to the right of the triple crochet, pull yarn through and complete your triple crochet.*  This represent a cross treble stitch.  (Complete this step  in between *, 7 more times) for a total of 9 cross treble stitches.  

To join the last cross treble stitch to the first, you will need to chain 2.  The very first crossed treble you made, you will need to pull the chain three over  the front of the treble made to the right of it and slip stitch in between those two stitches, it should give the look of a cross treble stitch. 

*Slip stitch to the chain 2 space, chain 3 and slip stitch into first chain made, chain 3 and slip stitch into the same chain as the first chain 3 slip stitch made, chain three and slip stitch into the same chain as your first slip stitch made.* (Repeat this 8 more times between *) 

Let me know how it works out,  

Debra

Snowflake Pattern

I am waiting patiently for my fiber order to come in before I release my new pattern.  I thought for sure that I would be able to find this at any craft store, but no, I choose something that has to be ordered.   It may just be the area I live in.  I had no problems finding it online to order. The results though are so heirloom.

Once I test the comparable and if the results are the same, I will release the pattern.  Did anyone figure out what it is?

In the meantime I have a free bottle ring snowflake pattern to share with you.  I will present this to you later this evening.  Isn't that pretty?

I'm making slow cooker applesauce and once I finish that, I post the pattern.

Just wanted to touch base,

Debra

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

I usually plan my meals around sales and when boneless skinless chicken breast are on sale for $1.87 a pound, I snatch it up really fast.



Here is how I make Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Ingredients:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Deli Ham of your choice ( I do really thin slices, so about 3 for each breast)
Swiss Cheese (1 or 2 slices for each breast)
Small amount of milk
Bread Crumbs (I make mine homemade, you can use plain or Italian is very good as well)

You will need to flatten the breast the best you can.

Place your ham slices on top of the breast.

Place your swiss cheese on top of the ham.  

Starting at the smaller end of the Chicken, roll up the breast making sure that the ham and cheese are rolled with the chicken and place toothpicks at the seam area to hold together.  

Pour a small amount of milk into a bowl and dip the chicken roll into the milk covering all areas. Place your bread crumbs on a plate and transfer your chicken roll to the plate and roll in the bread crumbs until completely covered.  

Cook in a 350 degree oven until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.  Mine usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.  I make sure the meat thermometer reads 165.  

I don't worry about the meat getting too dry, but I do worry about not thoroughly cooking my chicken.  I have never had an issue with it being too dry.  

Enjoy,

Debra

Bread Crumbs

I don't know about everyone else, but I can't eat a whole loaf of bread before it starts going bad.  I like an occasional sandwich or toast but I still can't get it all eaten in time.  

I guess I could freeze it but I have found that I use bread crumbs for a lot of things, like the cordon bleu recipe coming up. So, I thought I would share this with you before I share the chicken cordon bleu recipe.  

Here is how I make bread crumbs:

2 tablespoons of butter

Zesty Blend (Garlic and Herb) Seasoning

2 Slices of Bread

Melt the butter down by placing in the microwave for about 20 seconds or so. If it isn't completed melted, stir and it should break down.  If not place in the microwave for another 5 seconds or so and it should melt down.   

I add the zesty blend and this depends on what I am making, I don't really measure, but I would start out with 1/4 teaspoon and build on that if you like.  I don't think you can really go wrong with the spices.

You can use the spices you like, an Italian seasoning is good too, maybe you just want it plain or just a little salt and pepper, it's up to you.  

Brush the butter with spice mixture on your slices of bread.  

Place in a 250 degree oven or toaster oven and bake for 15 minutes.  Turn the bread and bake for another 15 minutes.  

Take the bread out of the oven and break up the bread into more manageable sizes and place on a flat surface and use a rolling pin to make fine bread crumbs.  

Really simple to do.  

I use them right away, but you can store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for several months. 

Cookie Cutters

How cute are these?  I will be making alphabet salt dough ornaments tonight.

I went on a search today for a particular fiber to test my patterns and it appears I am going to have to special order.

I am not one to compromise when I have my mind set.  I have touched enough material today, to make my fingers raw and I am just not going to give up.

How stubborn is that?

Patterns are written, but I want to make sure that everyone can find this fiber.  I can see that you can order it on line, but I am insistent about testing it to make sure the quality is comparable and the results are the same. I used a vintage material and it isn't the color I'm concerned about, but the feel of the fiber.  Real important to me, because these will be considered heirloom pieces.

Here is a sneak peak of one in process.  Can you guess what it is?  If you can, in one try, I will give you the pattern for free, but that is only if you guess in one try and within forty eight hours after this post was entered.

In the meantime, I am looking desperately for some speciality shops in Phoenix, and special ordering as well.

I'm a real simple down to earth type of person, and I don't ask for a lot but when I do want something, I want it, and I just won't give up. This very rarely happens, so I like to kind of enjoy the determination when it does.

Tonight I am making chicken cordon bleu.

Ready for a new recipe?

See you tomorrow,

Debra

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

These turned out great!!!

Here is how I made them.

Ingredients:

2.5 pounds of boneless pork roast
2 cups of root beer
1-18 oz bottle of  KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce

Cut the pork roast into more manageable sizes.  I cut mine about 2" thick and then placed them on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Pour 2 cups of root beer over the pork.

Set your slow cook at low cooking setting.  That is 3 for my slow cooker.

Cook for 6 to 8 hours.

I cooked mine for 8.

Drain the root beer.

Pour in your favorite 18 ounce bottle of   barbecue sauce.

With a wooden spoon mix the bbq sauce and use your wooden spoon to shred the meat by pressing on the meat.

Once the meat is shredded and bbq sauce is mixed, set your slow cooker to 2 for about 30 minutes.

Spoon the shredded pork on buns and enjoy.

I am not sure how many serving this is.  With small buns it served 10 sandwiches and had about 2 cups of left overs.  Depends on the size of the bread you are using.

Adapted from http://thefoodzen.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/

Medallion

I love this Medallion.  This is an upcoming vintage pattern that I am rewriting..  It is simplistic yet so elegant.  I can't wait to share this one with you.

I am determined to start one project and finish it before starting another. If I get too many going then they don't all get done.  I have learned to make a list and pick one.  My process in picking my next project is so scientific. (laughing hysterically)

I have to shut my eyes and spin my finger around and around and then touch the list, kinda like pin the tail on the donkey, or I can't make a decision on what to start next.

On that note, I have a pattern that I am getting ready to release. I am thinking I will need one more day to finish up and fine tune.  I am very excited and pleased with the results.  I hope you will be too.

I am getting hyped up for the Football Game tonight.  A new slow cooker recipe for Pulled Pork.  It has a secret ingredient, root beer.  I can't wait to try it out.  This will be served at our Football gathering tonight. If it turns out well, I will share the recipe with you tomorrow.  If it doesn't turn out so well, I may lose some friends, and hopefully it's not during a major tackle during the game. I may lose more then friends.

It smells great from where I am sitting.

Hurry up 5:30.

Who do you want to win tonight?  Broncos or Ravens?

Have a great evening or day where ever you may be,

Debra

Holiday Fair Samples

Today I am putting together a sampling of ornaments that I would like to sell at the Holiday Fair that I was invited to apply for.  I hope I am accepted.  It is such a great way to meet new people and get into the Christmas Spirit.  

 I am also listing retro clothing on eBay.

I do love the vintage scarfs and have recently become fond of wearing them.   I have oodles to list but I am becoming attached to them, so I decided to do retro clothing for today and enjoy the scarves that I haven't listed.  

I did list this scarf and it is so cute, don't you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350866235417&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Now for some grilling, before it decides to rain, in celebration of our Labor Day holiday.  

What is everyone else up to, today?

With Grace,

Debra

Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

This turned out really well and I wanted to share this with you.  

I use a slow cooker, which means I have a Teflon coated pot that is placed on a heating element and heats from the bottom only where as a crock pot, the heating element is on the bottom and sides.  So, if you are using a crock pot oil the bottom and side because it does cook differently then the slow cookers and can vary on cooking times.  

Ingredients:

4 cups of fresh peaches

1/4 cup of sugar

1 cup of baking mix

1/2 cup of sugar

1 cup of milk

Peel and slice the peaches.  I used 7 medium peaches.  

Place the peaches in the slow cooker (unheated) and add 1/4 cup of sugar.  Mix lightly.  I let this sit for about 30 minutes and stir it lightly every 5 minutes or so, this gives time for the sugar and peaches to break down to form a light syrup consistency.  

In the meantime, get your other ingredients measured out:

1 cup of baking mix

1/2 cup of sugar

1 cup of milk

Mix the baking mix and sugar together.  Then add the milk and use a whisk to lightly mix.  I even leave lumps in the baking mix.  I mix lightly for about one minute.  

Pour this over the peach and sugar mixture in the slower cooker.  You do not need to mix it once you have poured it in, just cover the peaches the best you can but do not stir or mix.  

Put the lid on your slow cooker and place on the heating element or plug in your crock pot and place on low cooking.  On the slow cooker the low cook is setting 3.  Each cooker is different, so check your manufacture instructions as to what setting is the lowest cooking setting.  

Don't touch, no matter how good it smells.  

I cooked mine for about 3 1/2 hours.  

This makes the baking mix cooked more of a slight gummy effect, which is how I like it.  If you want it more of a pie crust look on the top, cook longer. With the crock pot after three hours, I am sure it cooks a little faster.  

Serve and eat warm or cold, either way it is good, or serve warm with ice cream.  

This recipe was adapted from:

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-peach-cobbler/915e3a73-6289-4338-8623-2df67c469dce