handmade kate

someone's in the kitchen with Mäda

My apron tutorial is now up in the Sewing Republic's project gallery! 

It's been all things kitchen-y around here lately with Miss M.  (Making waffles and peeling hard-boiled eggs being some of her favorite things to do)  We've bought a couple of cookbooks to try out, but most importantly, we now have matching aprons!  Not wanting her to be without the most important of kitchen accessories, I came up with this variation on a half-apron.  It had to have just enough ruffle and trim for her, but could be simplified for her rather "plain-jane" Mama. 

And here's my girl modeling her new apron, looking an awful lot like this young lady:

Gustav Klimt Portrait of Eugenia (Mäda) Primavesi    

I guess the 'tween stance has been going on for generations.

Happy Mama's Day All!

 

can you stand another jansdotter hat?

This hat seems to be a rather popular project these days, so not to be left out, I decided to give it a try during my sewing break that wasn't .  Found in this book , it had it's problems--namely, the crown was too darn tall.  In fact, I looked like Abe Lincoln, or maybe Paddington Bear when I tried on my first version.  But after lopping off about one inch from the height,  I thought it turned out to be the perfect summer hat for my winter-white skin.

Perfect for wearing while putting in a tiny kitchen garden outside my door ...

Tomatoes and herbs and sweet little garden signs and a nice floppy hat.  Bring it on, summer!  I'm dreaming of all the fun to come.

no crafting, just collards

I had so many good crafting intentions and sewing plans made this weekend, but, once again, the laundry, cleaning, and general catching-up won over.  I have got to find a better way to manage and balance everything.  I feel like these Sunday night posts are always too full of excuses, and I don't like it.

I did, however, have a wonderful Saturday with the kids.  We did a quick hike over at Yates Mill where we enjoyed a little local history and got to view (and appreciate) the newly opened park.  Then a trip to the state farmer's market here in Raleigh.  I always try to do my weekly produce shopping there, and the winter and early spring seasons are some of my favorite times to shop.   The crowds are gone, and only the truly seasonal vegetables are there.  Sweet potatoes, turnips, apples, and, of course, collards were on the shopping list.   

Those babies take a lot of washing.

So for those non-southerners brave enough to try this regional favorite, here is the recipe I always use:

• 1 ham hock (yes, they are absolutely disgusting, but husband swears by the flavor)
• 1 small chopped onion
• 1 clove chopped garlic
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 c. water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 c. white wine
• 2 tbs soy sauce
• 2 lbs rinsed and chopped collard greens
• hot sauce to taste (I like good-ol' Texas-Pete)

Saute the onions and garlic in olive oil until onions are opaque.  Add ham hock (try not to get too grossed-out now).  Add water and hot sauce, and bring to a boil.  Add soy sauce, wine and collards.  Reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 hours.  Remove that nasty ham hock and enjoy.

We like to have these as a meal on their own, with a side of corn bread.  (Sorry to disappoint, but I only use Jiffy corn bread mix in those cute little boxes--very easy.)  Tonight I roasted the sweet potatoes and turnips together with sea salt (sounds odd, but very good), so we will have those as well.

And here's another favorite of mine found at the farmer's mkt:

I have used these locally made soaps for years.  They create some of the most heavenly fragrances, and the combinations always seem to evoke various memories for me.  I've never been one to be able to wear perfumes (can't stand them actually), but these soaps are so lightly fragrant, and they just make me feel good in the morning.  So, if you are ever in the area, go take a sniff... :)

I saw Autum's post this morning, so I have also been down in the sewing room today, furiously folding.  Then, I hope to get back to a few projects that I've been wanting to try.  I mean, what is a crafting blog with no crafting? I'm really going to try to post more often next week, so ya'll hold me accountable--OK?