Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cable Courage

Like so many of you, I love to crochet.  But then I came across this in blogland recently and became entranced by these lovely, lovely knitted pillows.



You can see the post here at Mias Landliv.  Really gorgeous stuff throughout Mia's blog, right?!  This one really caught my eye because I've wanted to learn how to knit cables for the longest time, but was intimidated by them.  Lately I've also been appreciating colors like the pale hues of pink, and grey, in all its varying tones.  So this photo captured it all for me...I'm drooling over this loveliness as I write.

I have basically not been able to function since discovering this pillow.  In order to cure myself of this, I knew exactly what I had to do.  DROP EVERYTHING - including the granny blanket I've been working on as a birthday gift - and get to my knitting needles straight away!


Dropped this project like a hot potato...


 And taught myself how to knit basic cables...


...from this beautiful knitting book.  It's a treasure trove of classic patterns, stitches and techniques.  Not sure why I was afraid of trying because cables really aren't that difficult.  Discovering this made me very happy!

The cable sample I knitted above will become a 14" x 14" pillow.  Now that I have the courage to knit cables, I'm heading to my special sacred stash for the next one...


I wish you could feel the softness of this blend (extrafine merino/ microfiber/ milk / silk).  For someone who works with acrylic most of the time, this yarn is a real treat!  Supremely luxurious in every sense.  I cannot wait to get this on my needles!

Before signing off, I wish to send a heartfelt hug to the lovely and talented Andrea at Apples and Pears, who passed along this award to me...


Thanks a million, Andrea, you're the best :-)

I believe I'm supposed to convey this to 7 bloggers with less than 100 followers.  I have 3 at the top of my mind to whom I would like to send this award:


Sending you wishes for creative happiness today :-)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Petite Cheesecakes

Simple baking is something I truly enjoy.  It brings a cozy comfort to the kitchen and soul like nothing else.

Here's an old favorite.  Simple little cheesecakes that Mom made all the time.

 Easy ingredients...

 Vanilla wafers that serve as the cheesecake crust...

 Light and fluffy batter...

 Strawberry preserves for topping...

 Perfect little 'single' servings...

One for you, two for me...

Petite Cherry Cheesecake

Ingredients:
2 - 8 oz. packages cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
24 vanilla wafers
1 - 21 oz. can cherry pie filling (or your preferred topping)

Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Line muffin pans with paper bake cups and place a vanilla wafer at the bottom of each cup.
Fill the cups 2/3 full with cream cheese mixture.
Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 - 20 minutes or until set.
Top each cheesecake with about 1 tablespoon of pie filling; chill.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Ridiculously easy.  Have a yummy day :-)