mr. gray's quilt

Mr.  Gray's quilt top and back are done.  This is exciting to me because I have been making them (his sister's too) all through out the holiday season and up to now.  I have been working on them with every other project.

I had enough batting in the house that Small Mister and I worked on basting the quilt together.

The Tall Short person was squishing zombies on her phone while we worked.

We actually finished the basting of this quilt tonight and I started the quilting.  I have to buy more batting for Miss Ellie's.  I hope to get them done soon so I can walk them across the street.  

I do have to admit that I like making the nine squares.  I have four more planned and I admit one of those is for me.  I am making mine out of silk and cannot wait!

fabric from Natchez

This was me preparing a salad to have with friends yesterday.  We went over to there house and had dinner.  There was much conversation and laughter and we all stayed up much too late.  It was nice to have it there because of their lovely red head little one.  

Notice those two knives in the picture?  They are both seconds so they reside in my kitchen.  My Beloved and I got into discussions about how they work, what is good, what is bad, and what my Beloved is going to design next.  It is part of my cooking anymore.  I help with the knife design.

I said I would post pictures of the fabrics I bought in Natchez, though I did think that would be yesterday.

This is a lovely embroidered silk.  I am going to make a dress of it.  Because there was a large cut out, I got three yards for the price of four.  Better yet, the price I paid was a tenth of the original price so I am very pleased.  I am going to make one of the chemise dresses I have been making recently (and in the past).

I do not remember what this was made of but it is light and shimmery.  I bought six yards for $5  a yard.  I have a few ideas but I also have a feeling it may be difficult to work with.  I will have to find out.

This is an organza with a pale gold stripe.  I bought four yards but it is 127 inches wide.  I do believe it was $6.50 a yard.  Again, I have ideas but it may be difficult.  But then some of the most interesting things in life are difficult.

And this is the picture of the grey dress on me.  Because Miss D asked.  I find it is very hard to get someone to take pictures of me modeling what I make.  Maybe someday I will actually get pictures of the Small Mister in all the pants I made him.  

travels

I went traveling with my Beloved and Small Mister this last weekend.  We went to Natchez, Mississippi.  I really enjoyed it.  The boys liked the burgers, shakes, and playing in the state park where we stayed.  I enjoyed the small town and a bit of antiquing.   I also enjoyed walking around Melrose House.  Small Mister was so fun to watch in the gardens.

I did pick up a cup and saucer for myself.  I have been keeping my eyes open for one to pamper myself with but I had not seen any.  One antique store had six sets that I liked.  It was nice to have a choice.  I got roses so I have flowers.

I also found a place that sold discount fabric.  I did not get pictures taken before it got dark.  These fabrics need natural light to show them off well.  I have ideas swirling!

silk dresses

I have to admit that sewing keeps me sane.  A lot of the time, I am working on quilts but I do have some fabric now for dresses.  Dresses go in waves for me because I seem to make a few or a lot at the same time.  They all seem to destroy themselves at the same time.  Or they have a fence help!  I love my long cotton dresses but I decided I wished something shorter for the heat here.

I pulled out a very old Vogue pattern and put two chemises together for myself.  This one.

And one in red.

They work well for work.  I had a black cashmere cardigan. They work well for the house.  I could put a pair of pumps with them and go to a wedding or a party.  There is something to be said for having a few chemise style dresses in the wardrobe.  They roll well into a backpack too!  Just comfy.

chocolate pudding

Yesterday, I came home to "People!" (Think Mr. Bennett as played by Donald Sutherland in Pride and Prejudice).  We had a bit of bread and chocolate with tea.  I admit to still wanting chocolate today.  After the library and CSA, I put together a chocolate pudding.  Yes, I needed to cook the pudding longer and the flavor was delightful.  My Beloved and Small Mister just slurped it up.  But can I say I really am not a pudding person.  I do keep trying and I do not know why.  

Like I said, the flavor on this one is good so I would make it again for Small Mister.  I just probably would not eat it.

chocolate pudding

Note:  I modified this from KrisitnRosenau of Pastry Affair

1 1/2 cups whole goat milk

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon cocoa 

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 egg yolk

40 grams dark chocolate, chopped fine

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup milk, the cornstarch, cocoa, salt, and egg yolk.

Put the rest of the milk in a pan.  Bring to just a boil.  Keep stirring.  Turn the heat down and mix in the milk and cocoa mixture.  Stir and keep stirring until the back of a spoon is thickly coated.  Take off the heat and add the chopped chocolate.  Mix until melted.  Add and mix in the vanilla.

This fit in four ramekins.  Refrigerate (or eat warm if you like).

Small Mister slurped this up faster then a banana or peanut butter (his favorites). I am just not a pudding person.  Oh well.