tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32329884589155333132024-03-06T03:15:17.919-05:00Mirkwood Designs - Adventures in Creativity!Fiber arts, paper arts, quilting, and more -- thoughts, templates, projects, and recipes by Ruthann Logsdon Zaroff of Mirkwood Designs.Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-17743271063329505542013-05-06T19:01:00.002-04:002013-05-06T19:01:28.870-04:00¡Feliz el Seis de Mayo!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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¡Hola!</div>
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I had planned to make our little fiesta Mexicano yesterday, but time got away from me. So today I made tacos for our late lunch. The recipe for the meat and the guacamole is from America's Test Kitchen/Cook's Illustrated, and the salsa is a Taco Bell copycat recipe I found online. The dish is displayed on my Mexican-themed quilt, "Dia de los Animales."</div>
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¡Muy delicioso!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vcQX5p0tNsl-0qHUj3mQLjRUC-heICQmST56gEsFildy4yMR4yj_vPE37NKE6J60W3EXNj0sYnU4oBrs7yFyEStUoVk7HxyG0FpFXMZ5GX0HyYsj6GNNUIysbtkFJYYDjBDoTsNaqb91/s1600/taco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vcQX5p0tNsl-0qHUj3mQLjRUC-heICQmST56gEsFildy4yMR4yj_vPE37NKE6J60W3EXNj0sYnU4oBrs7yFyEStUoVk7HxyG0FpFXMZ5GX0HyYsj6GNNUIysbtkFJYYDjBDoTsNaqb91/s1600/taco.jpg" /></a></div>
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In other news, I am nearly finished hand piecing my Dear Jane quilt -- just a few border triangles to go! After basting it, my plan is to hand quilt it, but this thing is HUGE, and I hope I don't run out of steam! I figure that it really deserves to be hand quilted because I have pieced the entire quilt by hand, and machine quilting would take away from that work (in my opinion). I have been working on this quilt for years! It is wonderful to see the light at the end of the tunnel.</div>
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¡Hasta luego!</div>
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Rutaña</div>
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Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-21601958133969115652013-04-28T17:26:00.001-04:002013-04-28T17:26:40.103-04:00The United Nations Convenes at Mirkwood!<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Ciao and guten tag!</b></span></span></i></span><br />
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Today it is as if we are hosting a convention of the United Nations at Mirkwood!<br />
<br />
I am making Italian Wedding Soup tomorrow, so I decided to make a batch of homemade Italian sausage for the meatballs today. I am so in love with making my own sausage! The book I use is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sausage-Recipes-Cooking-Homemade-Paperback/dp/B004CEVFDQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367183444&sr=8-2&keywords=victoria+wise+sausage" target="_blank">Sausage: Recipes for Making and Cooking With Homemade Sausage by Victoria Wise</a>. I am hoping to buy a smoker to be able to smoke sausages, specifically smoked kielbasa.<br />
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Also today I was inspired to make traditional German soft pretzels. When I was little I enjoyed getting soft pretzels from Hot Sam, a kiosk in our local mall. I slathered mine with mustard. Today I used my own homemade sweet-hot mustard!<br />
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The pretzel recipe is from my go-to recipe resource, Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen. And here is my mustard recipe:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mirkwood's Sweet-Hot Mustard</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup mustard seed (I use a combination of yellow and brown seeds)</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups cider vinegar</li>
<li>3 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>3 tablespoons honey</li>
<li>1 teaspoon table salt</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Mix the mustard seed and vinegar in a glass bowl. Refrigerate for one day.</li>
<li>Add mustard seed/vinegar and remaining ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend to desired consistency.</li>
<li>Store mustard in glass jars in the refrigerator. This mustard improves in flavor the longer you store it!</li>
</ol>
Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-12240115979459374102013-04-25T13:44:00.003-04:002013-04-25T13:47:17.980-04:00Recipe Testing for America's Test Kitchen/Cook's Illustrated<br />
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<br />
Hi, everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
I sometimes get to be a recipe tester for America's Test Kitchen/Cook's Illustrated. Recently they asked whether I would like to test gluten-free recipes for an upcoming cookbook, so I said sure. I have no gluten problems, but I think it is a good idea to know how to cook/bake for someone with food sensitivities. Also, I think the goal here is to come up with a gluten-free product that is pleasing to people without sensitivities, too, so everyone can enjoy it.<br />
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One of the issues with gluten-free flours is that they tend to make a crumbly baked good that just falls apart, so bakers need to enhance the flour with a tiny amount of xanthan gum, a substance produced by bacterial fermentation and used in foods as a gelling agent and thickener. (Other natural thickeners are guar gum, agar, and carageenan. Now when you see those on your food labels you know what they do!)<br />
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This week I received a test recipe for gluten-free coffee cake. I cannot share the recipe per my agreement with ATK/CI, but I can share my comments and photos.<br />
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Baking gluten-free is a different process from regular baking, mostly in how and when the ingredients are mixed. The flour I used is Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All-Purpose Baking Flour and contains garbanzo flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, sorghum flour, and fava flour. It has a slightly different smell from wheat flour. I also used Bob's Red Mill Xanthan Gum. Everything else was "normal" -- eggs, butter, vanilla (although the recipe called for a LOT of vanilla, maybe to enhance/mask the flavor?), etc.<br />
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When I mixed the batter it smelled remarkably different from typical wheat flour batters. I am a raw batter taster, so I gave it a try. The taste was a bit funky -- sort of metallic and bitter, and I was really worried that the resulting coffee cake would taste terrible. Thankfully, the aroma of the baking cake was quite good, so my fears were allayed somewhat.<br />
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The cake turned out beautifully -- the consistency was perfect, nice and spongy and springy, not crumbly whatsoever. As you can see, the recipe called for a simple confectioner's sugar/milk glaze and then a pecan streusel topping (admittedly my favorite part!). As for the taste, well, I can definitely tell there is SOMETHING different, but it is not unpleasant. And, frankly, I think if I didn't know it was gluten-free, I probably wouldn't perceive the difference.<br />
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I generally don't eat sweets, but my husband enjoys them so he is my
official sweets tester and he will be eating the rest of this coffee cake!<br />
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The center of the cake has a pretty swirl made by mixing a bit of the batter with spices and vanilla and swirling it in with a butter knife.<br />
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Ciao for now!<br />
'thann<br />
<br />Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-40086249872619127962013-04-15T14:17:00.001-04:002013-04-15T14:17:19.625-04:00Et voilà! Le tourtière!And here is the <i>tourtière </i>fresh from the oven! (Those are supposed to be maple leaves in honor of the pie's Canadian origin, but they really don't look like maple leaves!) We are having this for dinner, along with wilted lettuce salad.<br />
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<br />
À bientôt!<br />
'thann <br />
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P.S. Thanks to Wikipedia for the French, a language I sadly do not actually know...Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-38547292089603895372013-04-15T12:59:00.002-04:002013-04-15T12:59:31.667-04:00Something's Cookin'!Happy Monday!<br />
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Yesterday and today I ventured into the fine art of sausage making. Yesterday I ground my first Italian sausage, and today I put it in a casing. This would have been easier if I had done it all at once, but I didn't have casing on hand.<br />
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[Side note: I always grind all of my own meat, and I try to buy my meats locally. Today's pork tenderlon was from a local farm where the free-range pigs are grass fed and treated humanely.] <br />
<br />
Making sausage is enormously satisfying -- and incredibly easy. You do need some sort of food grinder (you can buy hand crank ones at many hardware stores, and probably at thrift shops). I am happy to have a KitchenAid professional mixer with a grinding attachment and a sausage stuffer. My Italian sausage is a combination of mostly pork tenderloin with added fat from a small amount of salt pork, to which I added many spices and herbs. I used natural casing, which is easier to find in a market than you might think.<br />
<br />
The recipe is from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sausage-Recipes-Making-Cooking-Homemade/dp/158008012X/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1366044745&sr=8-11&keywords=victoria+wise" target="_blank"><b><i>Sausage: Recipes for Making and Cooking With Homemade Sausage</i> by Victoria Wise</b></a> (click to see the book on Amazon), which I downloaded to my iPad Nook app. This book has a wide variety of sausages from pork, beef, and lamb, to poultry <b>and vegetarian</b>. And, no, you don't need to use casings -- she explains how to use cheese cloth to shape links instead.<br />
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And here is my beautiful Italian sausage!<br />
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At this moment I am also making a traditional Quebecois meat pie called <span class="st"><em>Tourtière</em></span>, which is also made from ground pork, along with potatoes, onions, and a variety of sweeter spices (allspice and nutmeg, for example. This recipe is from <i><b><a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/the-original-king-arthur-cookbook-commemorative-edition" target="_blank">The Original King Arthur Flour Cookbook</a></b></i> (click to check out the book), which was a gift from my sister-in-law Michelle. I promise to share a photo of the pie when it is finished!<br />
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Later, gator!<br />
'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-74702942179175431712013-04-14T13:14:00.002-04:002013-04-14T13:19:56.446-04:00Someone's in the Kitchen (and at a concert!)<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Happy Sunday!</b></span><br />
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Last night was Teddy's fifth spring concert with the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club. He sings bass. He is one of only three graduate students (out of 100 members) in Club. The concert was, as usual, spectacular. The men sang several new pieces specifically commissioned for UMMGC. Here is a photo of The Teds and me afterward!<br />
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<br />
Today after Mass I went grocery shopping to get some basic items, and while in the produce department I saw a horseradish root, which reminded me of a family story.<br />
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Many years ago my dad decided to make ground horseradish using roots from my late brother David's garden. He went through the process of peeling and dicing the root, and then put it in the blender along with vinegar. When he decided it was done, he opened the lid and took a huge whiff -- his head nearly exploded! Boy, that sure cleared out his sinuses! (Today my eyes were watering just putting my batch into a glass jar today -- I know better than to take a huge whiff!)<br />
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Here is a photo of my freshly ground horseradish. (The container below is tiny -- maybe 2 inches across, so this is NOT a huge bowl as it may appear!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCTQCHlOFK5WWchvExHk4B34xgEaWNnI-BCqJDtbDDn7qvbtLdrt1TPlu2UudqzlaFNsMYGLexHUpzE8IaYkE13iYqPAVKqb_H4MxWep9fQiXfc46SJQaSr-_seJVXl3wUOBjz3Bv_n1N/s1600/horseradish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCTQCHlOFK5WWchvExHk4B34xgEaWNnI-BCqJDtbDDn7qvbtLdrt1TPlu2UudqzlaFNsMYGLexHUpzE8IaYkE13iYqPAVKqb_H4MxWep9fQiXfc46SJQaSr-_seJVXl3wUOBjz3Bv_n1N/s1600/horseradish.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here is the VERY BASIC recipe!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fresh<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Ground Horseradish</span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Fresh horseradish root</li>
<li>White vinegar (1 cup vinegar to 2 cups diced horseradish root)</li>
<li>Special tool: Blender or food processor</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Peel the horseradish and dice it into 1/2-inch cubes. Measure the amount and then place in blender or food processor.</li>
<li>Add the correct amount of white vinegar. (My root yielded exactly 2 cups diced, so I added 1 cup of white vinegar.)</li>
<li>Process until it is completely pureed, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides.</li>
<li>Carefully open the blender/processor (remember, do NOT take a big whiff!), and put into glass jars and refrigerate.</li>
</ol>
I love horseradish in dressings, dips, cocktail sauce, homemade mustard, and on roast beef and ham. YUM!<br />
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'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-6758334943103280112013-04-12T23:01:00.000-04:002013-04-12T23:01:01.676-04:00Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee Redwork Stitched!Howdy!<br />
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Yesterday I drafted the redwork pattern for Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, and this afternoon I stitched it. I think it turned out well, and is a nice addition to my Alice in Wonderland redwork design set. You can find the entire set of FREE Alice in Wonderland redwork designs <a href="http://mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/index.htm" target="_blank"><b>BY CLICKING HERE</b></a>. (Scroll down the page for the AIW patterns.) The link is to my Mirkwood Designs Projects page and there are a lot of other free and fun projects.<br />
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<a href="http://mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/Redwork-AIW-Tweedles.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1IwmX18YyMSWbHl5XrgdJ-TUOKLGvF8KSCIylA8H5V3w5-W-m5vg2Hc9GV4M7q4m3SBg85dsYTLpCL11VmoZJ5nCDATBxSvk1-H5VQ-l2JvTiyuAh6GAXRHo0kO4DdfmNyF67zx_ZO4W/s1600/tweedles-stitched.jpg" /></a></div>
Happy redworking!<br />
'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-29547708703287560892013-04-11T19:19:00.000-04:002013-04-12T23:05:14.161-04:00"Don't Make Promises You Can't Keep!"I keep promising to begin recording podcasts again, but I keep making excuses to avoid the microphone. So I am not promising anything -- just hoping that I finally get back to it.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, today I received an email from Deb asking whether I knew of a Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee redwork pattern. My "fans" may recall that I designed several Alice in Wonderland redwork patterns a couple of years ago, but never included the Tweedles. Today I drafted a matching pattern. I haven't had time to stitch it yet, but didn't want to wait to share the pattern. Thank you, Deb, for the inspiration!<br />
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<b><a href="http://mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/Redwork-AIW-Tweedles.pdf" target="_blank">CLICK HERE for the free Alice in Wonderland Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee redwork pattern!</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/Redwork-AIW-Tweedles.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ28OsXiFRpNH3w_75cyEkAjwASm1t65acmLe3nRje3QHhyphenhyphenWhyphenhyphenJz5tfIn8ukTUauA146cfUUw21RaAD959LwWeTQjvLIkKrDjy_Vyi5k6_T4AlfBp0cUdFOtnGg_DRD-RyjqfblyYfVtw/s1600/tweedles.jpg" /></a></div>
So what have I been up to? Well, I finally finished the 25 blocks of the beautiful Edyta Sitar quilt called "Elegant Garden." I did raw-edge applique with hand blanket stitch around the zillions of pieces. I still have to make the borders, which are pieced stars.<br />
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I have also been cooking like crazy -- trying many new techniques and recipes, and developing a few along the way. I have fallen in love with serious bread baking and have begun ordering King Arthur Flour in 25-pound bags! YIKES, I hope I use it before the mice find it! (Don't worry, I have everything completely mouse-proof!)<br />
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And there is more, but mostly I just wanted to post this while I have a burst of creative energy!<br />
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'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-59684869647571579792013-01-12T17:05:00.003-05:002013-01-12T17:05:53.245-05:00Bonus Recipe: City Chicken!I have to apologize that there is no photo to accompany this post, but Ted The Elder and I ate the City Chicken just too fast!<br />
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City Chicken is not chicken at all, but is a wooden skewer with cubes of meat (pork, veal, and/or beef), breaded, browned, and then braised. City Chicken is often tied to Polish cooking, but I don't think it is actually of Polish origin. I remember when I was little that my best friend Donna's mom would make City Chicken, and her family is not Polish.<br />
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Over the years I have tried several recipes, and I have finally fine-tuned a recipe from my husband's family cookbook to my own taste. The recipe uses only pork (specifically center-cut pork chops) because pork is tasty and tender. So here is a link to my own "tweaked" Zaroff Family City Chicken.<br />
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Bon appetit (if I knew how to say that in Polish, I would)!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mirkwooddesigns.com/recipes/citychicken.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ruthann's City Chick a la Zaroff</b></span></a></div>
<br />
Still busy preparing for an eventual podcast inspired by my Great Great Grandfather's service in the American Civil War -- original quilt pattern plus a recipe and song included!<br />
<br />
'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-30998119785699609592013-01-02T22:11:00.001-05:002013-01-02T22:14:11.062-05:00Amish Doll Pattern - Any Interest???Hey, Mirkwood Denizens!<br />
<br />
This Christmas I designed a pattern for Amish dolls and made two as gifts. As is traditional, they are generic (no faces/no gender). The ones I made are female, so I designed dresses, aprons, and bonnets, but they could easily be male with shirts, overalls, and hats. You would have to find your own straw hat, or I could design a black felt hat for the male dolls.<br />
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Is there any interest in my sharing the pattern for the dolls? If so, please comment. They are really cute -- measure 13 inches or so, and can be sewn entirely by hand or machine (I made one each way).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCTsyVhRt-E6xCxmzcpQZuuFXnfH_x7vkBWwYOai5VbwPwI7RzHD2fPNyqpegAtBHEALF0j82X7iSZyVAzpB3anVMii1MvGlkg0BF5SI3rX5HKdAwS29jv8wxJ6uI98H_aC3nTT7YbwlC/s1600/amish-doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCTsyVhRt-E6xCxmzcpQZuuFXnfH_x7vkBWwYOai5VbwPwI7RzHD2fPNyqpegAtBHEALF0j82X7iSZyVAzpB3anVMii1MvGlkg0BF5SI3rX5HKdAwS29jv8wxJ6uI98H_aC3nTT7YbwlC/s400/amish-doll.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Best wishes,<br />
'thann (and I absolutely promise a Civil War-themed podcast within the next month or two -- script is written, projects are all done!)Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-70266961155749069722012-12-08T12:54:00.001-05:002012-12-08T12:54:19.545-05:00A Blast From My Past - Felt Christmas Ornaments!Hi!<br />
<br />
I am visiting my niece in Boston next weekend to attend singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen's concert at the Wang Theater -- it is one of the last concerts in his farewell tour. (Thanks to my sister Kathy for the ticket!)<br />
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Leonard Cohen had a profound influence on my music when I discovered his music in about 1966 -- he wrote one of the first "real" songs I ever learned, "Suzanne," and also the iconic song, "Hallelujah," which can be heard on the soundtrack of "Shrek" and a LOT of other places.<br />
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I need to take a hospitality gift for my niece Amy and her husband Jesse and son Owen, so I thought of a Christmas ornament. I couldn't decide what to make, but as I looked about my studio my eyes fell on three little felt ornaments I had made for my parents' tree when I was in high school (early 1970s). These little animals are so cute and easy to make, and as far as I can recall, they were my own design.<br />
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The original animals traveled with my parents when they moved to Marco Island, Florida, and came home to me when my mom passed away in 2000. It is hard to believe they are 40+ years old! The felt is tattered in spots, and the poor elephant's rear leg must have been up against a light bulb one year, but I think that gives them character.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the original felt animal ornaments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGpvx980php11NhL2Oa-87yGdatTyIiC6y213nl-UxxfEXFXm0UGaMJ7WS2Phf3As7P09HCt4Ut8leNj2AfMW8pBk7KTqjMxaPl_kosP8gJcTBjYGw6b3hoFgP5dTEkznK9P3SFDi0y1j/s1600/original-felt-ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGpvx980php11NhL2Oa-87yGdatTyIiC6y213nl-UxxfEXFXm0UGaMJ7WS2Phf3As7P09HCt4Ut8leNj2AfMW8pBk7KTqjMxaPl_kosP8gJcTBjYGw6b3hoFgP5dTEkznK9P3SFDi0y1j/s400/original-felt-ornaments.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And here are the ones I made today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPe33ykZuyvbrg1eyVJOHxm54M6iyYu4hWSlKeJXzk6fbdgvQTqqpDkhDHVYyJheeWZe8_NVEmrxAJlTWyUl-AsKmQpuh2-QjCWirgdRS6Y6TwHLJt0ntEdOuUUpQxMrlUPorOO4qDRYc/s1600/felt-ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPe33ykZuyvbrg1eyVJOHxm54M6iyYu4hWSlKeJXzk6fbdgvQTqqpDkhDHVYyJheeWZe8_NVEmrxAJlTWyUl-AsKmQpuh2-QjCWirgdRS6Y6TwHLJt0ntEdOuUUpQxMrlUPorOO4qDRYc/s400/felt-ornaments.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
They measure about 3 x 5 inches.<br />
<br />
If anyone is interested, I will draft the patterns and instructions!<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-28938056847277206272012-12-03T15:07:00.001-05:002012-12-03T15:07:29.389-05:00It's Quiet. Too Quiet!No, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Job stress and family obligations have separated me from my creativity. Don't let that happen to you! Doing something creative is such good medicine! (easier said than done)<br />
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I recently retired yet again from two years of managing a small law firm. I am hoping that after the hustle bustle of the holidays is over, I will get back to regular blogging, and MAYBE back to podcasting.<br />
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Meanwhile, here is a cute cloche hat I just finished crocheting for my sister Pat. It is from the book "Crochet Basics" by Vogue Knitting On the Go (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vogue-Knitting-Go-Crochet-Basics/dp/1931543658/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354564369&sr=8-2&keywords=crochet+basics+vogue+knitting" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> for the book on Amazon). I am a beginner-intermediate crocheter, and this hat is super easy. I modified the pattern slightly, making it longer so it would easily cover Pat's ears in the blustery Chicagoland winter weather, and I added a removeable crocheted flower. The yarn is acrylic Red Heart With Love in the Autumn colorway.<br />
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If I don't get a chance to post before then, have a fabulous Christmas!<br />
<br />
RuthannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-44657289911625534792012-03-29T18:11:00.001-04:002012-03-29T18:11:30.132-04:00Kawaii Cooking ^..^"<i>Kawaii</i>" means "cute" in Japanese.<br />
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One thing that is interesting when I am sick is that I sometimes make purchases in a NyQuil-induced haze. This past week I've had the most horrific cold (thanks to my boss John, who kindly passed it on!), and one night when I was hopped up on NyQuil I purchased the following items:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/B004VR6SF4" target="_blank"><i>bento </i>lunchbox in the shape of a geisha</a></li>
<li>1 copy of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/1568363931" target="_blank"><i>The Just Bento Cookbook</i></a></li>
<li>1 set of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/B002TZ04J6" target="_blank"><i>bento </i>hard boiled egg molds</a></li>
<li>1 set of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/B00095VK7S" target="_blank"><i>bento </i>vegetable cutters</a></li>
<li>1 set of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/B002TZ04FU" target="_blank"><i>bento</i> <i>onigiri </i>molds </a></li>
</ul>
When I lived in Japan back in the early 1980s I noticed their adoration of whimsical characters (such as Hello Kitty!). They found a way to make even the most mundane things whimsical, including the common lunchbox.<br />
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The "<i>bento</i>" (or sometimes "<i>obento</i>") is a traditional Japanese lunchbox, usually with compartments and tiers, in which one packs a variety of edibles, most notably some form of rice. I've had a really cool bento box (<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/B000246GSE" target="_blank">Mr. Bento by Zojirushi</a>) for years and use it nearly every day. The new geisha <i>bento </i>box (not yet received) is going to be a fun addition.<br />
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Here are some attempts at making cool items for my new <i>bento </i>box. At left are two hard boiled eggs in the shapes of a bunny and a panda. In the middle are some cool <i>onigiri </i>shapes (simply seasoned rice pressed into a mold -- one is wrapped with seaweed, and the topping is black sesame seeds). Top right are little slices of celery. (Sadly my husband used all of the carrots in a batch of chicken soup he made for me, otherwise my meal would be more colorful!) Not shown are <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mirkwooadvent-20/detail/B002TZ04FA" target="_blank">tiny plastic bottles that contain soy sauce</a>. (Forgot to add them to the photo!)<br />
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I absolutely love the idea of having something so cute and whimsical to brighten up a stressful workday. Can't wait to do some more <i>kawaii </i>cooking next week so I can take fun lunches to work!<br />
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'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-33927717320059258952012-03-19T21:14:00.001-04:002012-03-20T07:31:55.083-04:00Free Audubon Redwork Pattern - Snow BirdFelicitous salutations!<br />
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It's been far too long, and I'm yearning to get back to creative blogging and podcasting. While this isn't a podcast, it IS a creative blog entry.<br />
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As most of you know, I began the Audubon redwork series two years ago or so, and here is another <b>free</b> downloadable pattern. This is for one of my favorite winter birds, the Snow Bird. I love how the snow bird hops about in the snow digging for seeds. He is gray above and white below, so it appears he has snow on his chest.<br />
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Here is the finished redwork, and <b>you can download the free pattern </b>by <b><a href="http://mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/audubon-snow-bird-redwork.pdf" target="_blank">CLICKING HERE</a></b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09kLjkOheasIfoJXjTbROHiDrDRvLGxYYqotLt2egPUkxe4L19vM20cXEmJE7Ymoq1sbgvNK75Mw1ibEQoSXUIP4Rwu9SZ0x32pJG5grmuxQHonalNsbjUnlalqEv6P-irctUA2og4zYd/s1600/snow-bird-finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09kLjkOheasIfoJXjTbROHiDrDRvLGxYYqotLt2egPUkxe4L19vM20cXEmJE7Ymoq1sbgvNK75Mw1ibEQoSXUIP4Rwu9SZ0x32pJG5grmuxQHonalNsbjUnlalqEv6P-irctUA2og4zYd/s400/snow-bird-finished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I hope to get back to podcasting soon. Meanwhile, I will begin posting free projects for you!<br />
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RuthannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-68517643493399857382011-09-18T17:40:00.000-04:002011-09-18T17:40:31.813-04:00Eggs!My fellow choir member Mary runs a farm, and she regularly offers eggs to fellow choir members. Today I brought home two dozen. She has a variety of chickens, hence the variety of egg colors.<br />
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Did you know that the color of egg depends on the variety of hen that lays it? My absolute favorite is the pretty blue-green egg laid by the Ameraucana<b><b>. </b></b>(There is no difference in taste, though!)<br />
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<b><b> </b></b>Today she brought me a rainbow of eggs -- blue, blue/green, white, brown, pinkish-brown.<br />
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Thanks, Mary!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBNO6eaABKrVCCtIpkXWHy6srVmR2sc9DlznjkIkirEmgCQvxxAgPEYAKfFOVEKXXSeFxMxxUKI4OCHXILRoxJYBi4Y8W_FxZqfj73WkjT5S35OpR3tRqlldzrEDCnunx6cmLH1N7l_Ix/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBNO6eaABKrVCCtIpkXWHy6srVmR2sc9DlznjkIkirEmgCQvxxAgPEYAKfFOVEKXXSeFxMxxUKI4OCHXILRoxJYBi4Y8W_FxZqfj73WkjT5S35OpR3tRqlldzrEDCnunx6cmLH1N7l_Ix/s400/eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-17591011792306386462011-09-15T00:25:00.000-04:002011-09-15T00:25:52.211-04:00Dia de los AnimalesI couldn't wait to post this photo. I bought the fabric for this quilt two years ago or so, and "discovered" it in my stash a year ago. I designed and made the quilt top and sent it to my sister Pat, who quilted it for me "freestyle" using her neighbor Deb's longarm machine. I am so very thrilled with how it turned out!<br />
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The fabric is from a line called "Folklorica" by children's book illustrator Julie Paschkis. Unfortunately the fabric is no longer available (unless you're fortunate enough to find it on eBay or elsewhere).<br />
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I named the quilt "Dia de los Animales," or "Day of the Animals," because the fabric reminds me of the wonderful textiles celebrating the Mexican holiday "Dia de los Muertos," or "Day of the Dead." <br />
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This isn't the best photo, but at least you can see the way I used the fabrics. There was a large panel which I cut into different elements, a really lovely border, and several blenders. I love the result! Thanks, Patsy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGh9wAI73KESSjTR4phC36LRrKcNyEanbRAj_hItJdPBmXc7_JUJ06Cb9y9yHdaDCXFUW4rtb4q2Lv_hNLv3kuGC5orgxgga0k1oOqO0RvSZvu7x0RuuBB2ZYDF_QX9DcgB74_sbda-Mz/s1600/dia-de-los-animales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGh9wAI73KESSjTR4phC36LRrKcNyEanbRAj_hItJdPBmXc7_JUJ06Cb9y9yHdaDCXFUW4rtb4q2Lv_hNLv3kuGC5orgxgga0k1oOqO0RvSZvu7x0RuuBB2ZYDF_QX9DcgB74_sbda-Mz/s400/dia-de-los-animales.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-45389724242475291842011-09-14T23:22:00.000-04:002011-09-14T23:22:48.137-04:00Simplicity!I had a long talk with Ted recently, seriously discussing my concern with my lack of creativity. He suggested that I follow my own advice and take one small step. So last night I rummaged through my UFOs (unfinished quilting objects) and discovered a pretty quilt that I pieced sometime last year, and it was already basted. Last night I quilted it, and today I bound, labeled, and washed it.<br />
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It is an incredibly simple four-patch on white using 30s fabrics. The size is just smaller than twin. For obvious reasons I've called it "Simplicity." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVJWpp9FS-NNT37iY-XPu6YIvO5vFv8TfLJGMrZxEH0A5ZXaGIIgNReelgUnyCSCSOEsIRj_pt8aVUojlk_psa0yRWFD0bSa6Ja2vM9wuEmPnbC-ri-BdZ8DUj1ruDDDkpaLtogdWA0y2/s1600/simplicity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVJWpp9FS-NNT37iY-XPu6YIvO5vFv8TfLJGMrZxEH0A5ZXaGIIgNReelgUnyCSCSOEsIRj_pt8aVUojlk_psa0yRWFD0bSa6Ja2vM9wuEmPnbC-ri-BdZ8DUj1ruDDDkpaLtogdWA0y2/s640/simplicity.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I particularly like the binding, a pastel stripe with which I made bias strips. It perfectly complements the 30s fabrics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmycWFsR4a9rQ-D0tSIE8a_q-pxStaSWLdRLUuTe0ehq9qX23jtVWWaR28P-9Ehv1m_LyHlLxk074M5qbbIc0g4jfVmh2TwrJI3id69mGFZxzOET4YGpymiKpbpspqP7YSglqxMR_ErfBY/s1600/simplicity-close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmycWFsR4a9rQ-D0tSIE8a_q-pxStaSWLdRLUuTe0ehq9qX23jtVWWaR28P-9Ehv1m_LyHlLxk074M5qbbIc0g4jfVmh2TwrJI3id69mGFZxzOET4YGpymiKpbpspqP7YSglqxMR_ErfBY/s400/simplicity-close.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this moment I am washing yet a second completed quilt that I call "<i>Dia de los Animales</i>." It is a fabulous quilt that I designed and pieced, and my sister Pat quilted. I finally found time (and the creative spirit!) to bind, label, and wash it today. I will take a photo within the next day or two to share. It's incredibly beautiful, and the complete opposite of "Simplicity" in its style and color. </div><br />
So Ted was right -- I took a single step that led me to yet another, and within a 24 hour period I have TWO quilts completed! YAY ME!<br />
<br />
'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-40901212169141213132011-09-10T10:07:00.000-04:002011-09-10T10:07:09.823-04:00Housewarming GiftsYes, I know it's been ages, but my job has sapped me of my creative energy. (insert frowny face)<br />
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Ironically, it was my job (in a way, at least) that spurred a flurry of creativity this week. One of my bosses has moved into a new house and tonight is his housewarming party. I can't go empty handed, so I thought up a clever gift to present to him and his wife.<br />
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One of my favorite films is "It's a Wonderful Life." I'm sure you recall the scene where Mary Baily presents the Martini family three gifts. (I'm paraphrasing) "<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><!--[if !ppt]--><!--[endif]--> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>B</span><span>read</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">that you may</span> <span style="font-size: small;">never know hunger;</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span> s</span><span>al</span><span>t</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;">that your life may</span> <span style="font-size: small;">always have flavor; and</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span> w</span><span>in</span><span>e</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">that you may</span> <span style="font-size: small;">always have joy."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I created a card with those words:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vz1XXSFI7Ek5feewrMg38Ns1ULwiDsOD4HGFmLNNvy9eCQZnfM7kgDLXi7rtGLDTVb_fVtU3eXVTq8rjF7gYCc_0k-TVCOoO1-xvY4zwyqV8ryX1q40Jow4yOGYecEfaZMMsvXOFjiQN/s1600/housewarming+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vz1XXSFI7Ek5feewrMg38Ns1ULwiDsOD4HGFmLNNvy9eCQZnfM7kgDLXi7rtGLDTVb_fVtU3eXVTq8rjF7gYCc_0k-TVCOoO1-xvY4zwyqV8ryX1q40Jow4yOGYecEfaZMMsvXOFjiQN/s400/housewarming+card.jpg" width="289" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The image is from <a href="http://store.doverpublications.com/">Dover Publications</a> and I used one of my favorite fonts, Albermarle, by <a href="http://www.fontcraft.com/fontcraft/">Fontcraft</a>. I printed the image onto watercolor paper and colored it in with watercolor pencils and then used a wet brush to activate the watercolor pencils. It turned out quite well, I think. </div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="O" style="font-family: inherit;"> </div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I assembled a gift basket with those three things. I baked a loaf of white sandwich bread, hand-mixed exotic salts (Pacific black and red sea salt, Atlantic white sea salt) in a nice crockery container, and added a bottle of Vineyard Tears white wine from my <a href="http://www.roundbarnwinery.com/">favorite Michigan winery, Round Barn in Baroda</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkip2ch0zeEQXaomUju6v2pSCr-MKQyiUySQyLfqY8K658dbycWUFc45I9vpRhPwsrkfP761tRdE6i1gIzG2N8UuWs7IBj0CewD62S6rqAFEv4YV8wf8ePp8YMXkucf0QXElDrSNPEapB/s1600/housewarming-basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkip2ch0zeEQXaomUju6v2pSCr-MKQyiUySQyLfqY8K658dbycWUFc45I9vpRhPwsrkfP761tRdE6i1gIzG2N8UuWs7IBj0CewD62S6rqAFEv4YV8wf8ePp8YMXkucf0QXElDrSNPEapB/s400/housewarming-basket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that Bryon and Jenn will appreciate not only the contents of the basket, but also the effort that went into making the gift!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, I still hope to get back to podcasting. If nothing else, I'll post projects here on my blog so you don't forget me!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh -- and excitement of excitements! Today when I was at my market buying the wine, I discovered that Honey Crisp apples are in season! Callooh callay!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">'Til later (I hope not much later!),</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">'thann</span></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-79169225679978497112011-03-05T16:37:00.000-05:002011-03-05T16:37:27.606-05:00Teddy's Knitting Has Far Surpassed Mine!Teddy was home this past week on "spring" break, and while home he finished this scarf for a female friend of his. He was inspired by a scarf he saw somewhere, but this is his own design. The scarf is about six feet in length.Yarn is a super chunky wool in cerulean (the iPhone photo doesn't do it justice).<br />
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<b>Good job, Teddy! </b>I'm putting my order in for fingerless gloves in avocado green!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJiJyzQekiRnJ-ONDbi4LSdBBjrpARpzKEJq_5ytcWgGUFZnNGQdF-s0wzUGChbsiwUoJJoFTSWFDfk678QQSp4v-BQA2Ja7-eQnH0ZV1my0ksRGoNiZ4eESlIBwCdkAssSVmuLCFjopU/s1600/johannas-scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJiJyzQekiRnJ-ONDbi4LSdBBjrpARpzKEJq_5ytcWgGUFZnNGQdF-s0wzUGChbsiwUoJJoFTSWFDfk678QQSp4v-BQA2Ja7-eQnH0ZV1my0ksRGoNiZ4eESlIBwCdkAssSVmuLCFjopU/s1600/johannas-scarf.jpg" /></a></div>'thannRuthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-21575625597428219252011-02-21T18:22:00.000-05:002011-02-21T18:22:05.266-05:00Snow Day! Quilting a Little GemI had an unexpected snow day today and accomplished a lot with the gift of time. Ted and I reorganized my sewing room to accommodate the treasures that my sister-in-law Michelle gave me Friday. I designed and printed the label for Piper Floriana's baby quilt.<br />
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When I make a quilt label I prepare fabric with Bubble Jet Set 2000, a liquid that makes regular fabric printable so that the ink doesn't wash out. Then I ironed the prepared fabric to freezer paper cut to fit my color ink-jet printer.<br />
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The prepared fabric sheet was 8.5 x 11 inches, and the label was only 4.5 x 3.5 or so, and I didn't want to waste all that space. I found an old image from a 19th century fairy tale book and pulled it into my computer program and printed it alongside the quilt label. I added a couple of borders to enhance the image.<br />
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Here is the resulting quilt. This finished gem of a quilt is about 10 x 12 inches, and it's embellished with Swarovski crystals and a variety of decorative threads. Not a bad accomplishment for a snowy afternoon! (and it's snowing yet again as I type this!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBo7xWjvXGWSuTqGPjJAy3j0xii_SE-3CU4aeX3jEj-NkbHKRIZLOol1CH8WnfncTGLGRQNP45U_xKiXc4kMbCyQKPet7sBNni8Y109iI4nLYtlfaOLtG15MgQH1ExIWF_VFcF_XXNyB3/s1600/frog-fairy-quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBo7xWjvXGWSuTqGPjJAy3j0xii_SE-3CU4aeX3jEj-NkbHKRIZLOol1CH8WnfncTGLGRQNP45U_xKiXc4kMbCyQKPet7sBNni8Y109iI4nLYtlfaOLtG15MgQH1ExIWF_VFcF_XXNyB3/s1600/frog-fairy-quilt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-74072483721715452322011-02-19T16:44:00.000-05:002011-02-19T16:44:23.627-05:00Babies Cause Creativity!One of my recent blog posts included a photo of the cute little hat I knit my new grand-niece Riley Rose. Well, just two days ago I had yet another grand-niece, Piper Floriane -- nephew Adam and niece-in-law Kara's first baby. I started to knit a hat for her, too, but ended up ripping the stitches out three times. There's either something wrong with the pattern, or something wrong with me! (Hmmm, I wonder which it could be!)<br />
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If you're a Facebook friend of mine, you know that my wonderful sister-in-law Michelle stopped by yesterday with her SUV loaded with quilting supplies, from entire bolts of batiks to yardage of first-quality quilting fabric, and all sorts of quilting supplies, books, and patterns. (She and my brother are moving to a condo in Florida and she simply hasn't the room to store her enormous stash of quilting treasures! -- I suggested that they buy a second condo just for their hobbies and arts!)<br />
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She had one package of fabric all ready to be made into a quilt, including the book containing the pattern. The fabric is called Vintage Alphabet by Michael Miller fabrics, and the pattern is from the book "Sweet and Simple Baby Quilts" by Mary Hickey (page 60 -- and the fabric is identical to the quilt from the book). Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Simple-Baby-Quilts-Hickey/dp/1564774260?ie=UTF8&tag=mirkwooddesigns&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sweet and Simple Baby Quilts</a></b> If you're looking for easy, cute quilts to make in a day or two for that new baby in your life, definitely buy this book! Unfortunately the fabric is discontinued (it was produced in 2002-2003).<br />
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Here is my quilt -- it took just several hours to make, including machine quilting -- easily a one-day project. It's about 33 x 33 inches square, perfect for a lap blanket in the stroller.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0yWBKM96sF8e-er_z5to3OBkN2G5i74jeAeeYb5_dhojzvTl4ReAv4tTo0mgwc47vmLK0HqcbCi3AcF4Tlz0C-u00u-5CZcZh6uSxNZvMJPiEzceziFC6tD9CbKhTNfV1IOU3cYtfbmv/s1600/piper-quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0yWBKM96sF8e-er_z5to3OBkN2G5i74jeAeeYb5_dhojzvTl4ReAv4tTo0mgwc47vmLK0HqcbCi3AcF4Tlz0C-u00u-5CZcZh6uSxNZvMJPiEzceziFC6tD9CbKhTNfV1IOU3cYtfbmv/s1600/piper-quilt.jpg" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mirkwooddesigns&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1564774260" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />The fabric is so charming -- I love using the Snowball quilt block to showcase "conversation" prints. And here is the back showing the quilting -- nothing fancy, just functional!</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dyCxOaAUUFmY-69-1CvNMIeAKylm03sdInHnckG0IK2AVtmH-Buki8SANroKo2EncHVxjU12vnSQGD3z1v1ZfnYGZ5WGNHMwTublcyV3ZJfVKxoxIsjWAN4Mg_A8W04bpOWH6aP08Ttc/s1600/piper-quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dyCxOaAUUFmY-69-1CvNMIeAKylm03sdInHnckG0IK2AVtmH-Buki8SANroKo2EncHVxjU12vnSQGD3z1v1ZfnYGZ5WGNHMwTublcyV3ZJfVKxoxIsjWAN4Mg_A8W04bpOWH6aP08Ttc/s1600/piper-quilting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>I'm working on a podcast for February -- this time it'll feature a paper project for sure, and maybe a fiber arts project. </b><br />
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<b>My Big Podcast Project for April is at my sister Patsy's for long-arm quilting. I'm so excited about the April podcast -- it'll feature an original quilt, a moving story, a history lesson, and a song or two, all rolled into one.</b><br />
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<b>My thought for the day: If you're not feeling particularly creative, find someone who has a new baby -- talk about a creative muse! I feel so blessed to have these two little beauties in my life! Riley Rose and Piper Floriane, thanks so much for the inspiration!</b><br />
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<b>'thann </b>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-61532667944946085562011-02-07T19:11:00.001-05:002011-02-07T19:12:52.100-05:00Bonus Recipe: Ruthann's Blue Cheese DressingI just had to share this fantastic recipe I developed today (after a shortened day of work when our roof caved in!). Unfortunately I ate the salad so fast that I couldn't capture a photo, so you'll just have to imagine it.<br />
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The recipe is quick and easy, and is by far the best blue cheese dressing I've ever had. The addition of garlic and cayenne pepper help to even out the sweetness of some homemade blue cheese dressings.<br />
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Oh my goodness, I think I need yet a THIRD helping!<br />
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If you're worried about fat content, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream; you can also use a sugar substitute, such as Splenda. (Although I always use The Real Thing!) <br />
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Here it is:<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Ruthann's Blue Cheese Dressing</span></b></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1 tablespoon white wine vinegar<span style="font-family: Symbol;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1 large clove garlic</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>½ teaspoon granulated sugar</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>½ teaspoon table salt</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>½ cup mayonnaise (I make my own mayonnaise)</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>½ cup sour cream</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>½ cup crumbled blue cheese (I used Maytag)</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal">Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor or blender and process until creamy. Thin with a bit of milk if necessary.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Serve over a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with very thin slivers of sweet red onion, pineapple, and more crumbled blue cheese.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I dare you to eat just one helping! YUM!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">'thann</div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-22121173633604015392011-02-06T15:20:00.002-05:002011-02-06T15:22:17.478-05:00And With February Came CREATIVITY!February is usually my least favorite month of the year, and I've often been thankful that it is the shortest.<br />
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Interestingly, this February dawned with a spark of the creative flame I've been missing since June.<br />
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Just this week I've completed two quilt tops and a skirt.<br />
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Here is the first quilt top, which is called "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier," and is dedicated to my Great-great Grandfather, John Emsch, who served and died in the American Civil War. I will offer this quilt pattern and a story (and one or two songs) in my April podcast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_cL44jaVx8vhFv6DaLLnsb7uGBjL29SUXQm_weB6vxhYvXOfqo_vxnm9Whk7U55XqtHQ8Yv0uJYZD_UHXSwazp2wGiL_kjbtkySWb4M7p4P37Z1O2V01SKtoeJxpdlzwpZmvKHs50Kpb/s1600/cw-quilt-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_cL44jaVx8vhFv6DaLLnsb7uGBjL29SUXQm_weB6vxhYvXOfqo_vxnm9Whk7U55XqtHQ8Yv0uJYZD_UHXSwazp2wGiL_kjbtkySWb4M7p4P37Z1O2V01SKtoeJxpdlzwpZmvKHs50Kpb/s400/cw-quilt-top.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My "little sister" Patsy (who is actually older, but is tinier than I am, hence "little") is quilting both of the tops I completed this week. Her neighbor, Deb, has a longarm machine that she allows Patsy to use -- wouldn't you like a neighbor like that?!?<br />
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I haven't taken a photo of the second top I completed yet -- maybe I'll take one before I send it to Patsy. I bought the fabric a year ago and when I was cleaning my sewing room this week I discovered the shopping bag! It was like a little gift! I had forgotten all about it. The fabric is called Folklorica, and was designed by noted children's book illustrator Julie Pachkis. I adored this fabric and couldn't stop myself from buying every fabric in the line. The quilt top I made (my original design) is fairly straightforward, and features the various fabrics. Yes, I promise to take a photo to share! Sadly, the line is no longer available. [Insert sad face!]<br />
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Anyway, I wanted to share with everyone that somehow, this bleakest of winter months (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) has sparked just a bit of creativity in my soul!<br />
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'thann<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-69133365208827632402011-02-02T20:19:00.002-05:002011-02-02T20:21:33.522-05:00New Baby!We have a new baby in the family. My beautiful niece Christy Lee just gave birth to Riley Rose. She, husband Nick, and Big Brother Brady are thrilled to have a sweet little princess in the family!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVIhFII4mqLqRT8HLVx4ZUZ92lqRXMQemUxFp68FiRo6AG4KzNmPWy9TlNNPT69hEcDytaG8NRUb_23KInMsZW1CDDB2dXkPBFfikWoWs5xPADjlSfhdv1EynXuztHjpXUPXBHqc7poA0/s1600/rileys-hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVIhFII4mqLqRT8HLVx4ZUZ92lqRXMQemUxFp68FiRo6AG4KzNmPWy9TlNNPT69hEcDytaG8NRUb_23KInMsZW1CDDB2dXkPBFfikWoWs5xPADjlSfhdv1EynXuztHjpXUPXBHqc7poA0/s1600/rileys-hat.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I made Riley Rose a cute little hat using a kit by <b>Debby Ware</b>. The hat I made is called "Scrumptious Squiggle Beanie," although I added different embellishments than the pattern. Click this link to buy the pattern: <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scrumptious-Squiggle-Beanie-Pattern/dp/B002O06AJY?ie=UTF8&tag=mirkwooddesigns&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Scrumptious Squiggle Beanie Pattern</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mirkwooddesigns&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002O06AJY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></b></span><br />
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This hat was super easy to make, and I know I'll be making more as gifts (another baby is due SOON!).<br />
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'thann<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232988458915533313.post-3835915071644637832011-01-08T18:49:00.000-05:002011-01-08T18:49:09.569-05:00Podcast 20 - "A Single Step"Total length of this podcast: 29:56<br />
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<b><a href="http://media10.podbean.com/pb/3cb4c4b9d689f675c9804fcf1da0ec05/4d28f765/blogs10/172334/uploads/MirkwoodDesigns-020.mp3">CLICK HERE</a></b> to listen to Podcast 020. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D7u0OWTK39pJm7nAHSPW3cJoy4GkF-atKL8dtWcj0ltI9380gH-ehU-1p9ar0mC6HVKinfCOtLnWpkehuKoYmdSWyeiADE5SOsseTTzcnVVLAWBBC2QVc_EhyphenhyphenTiG0AySTQgktICPNURn/s1600/bookmarks-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D7u0OWTK39pJm7nAHSPW3cJoy4GkF-atKL8dtWcj0ltI9380gH-ehU-1p9ar0mC6HVKinfCOtLnWpkehuKoYmdSWyeiADE5SOsseTTzcnVVLAWBBC2QVc_EhyphenhyphenTiG0AySTQgktICPNURn/s1600/bookmarks-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, <b>Valerie Swain Moss of Pastimes Online</b>. <b>Click the image below to visit her Web site</b>, where you'll find blocks of the month, classes, fabrics, patterns, kits, and much more! Thanks, Valerie!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pastimesonline.ca/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69DTOcseE8i2ZKew3Agvf4_q6Fnb2ApvbmlGWNdQ7Jw4niWpwiAFhGhJaCT39lGFrOvIRwK9CQXULeCfs99m37kQUZxRWrAH9M2_eQvOPD_fM1IwRv-o7obQUyugG9SzxilTam95RQFTi/s1600/pastimes-logo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPAKbUlQcBBlw5FK0XEn20JwXzzJpHWpSSoMUPFggsgBWIqlmKuBIgsX7WdSJLc9DTrjzJFGUCwlHr1qEGWPEYvLfdbBZaKhzMJ8Yr8TZisvz3QTLHjOhCNNdqy6ZROUgg67LsJkMm4ib/s1600/moonset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Surgery Update</b></span></div>While I'm recovering quite well physically, I've had a few memory problems stemming from undergoing general anesthesia. Have you had memory loss after undergoing general anesthesia? You are not alone! <b><a href="http://www.ehow.com/about_5503591_memory-loss-due-anesthesia.html">CLICK HERE</a></b> for information.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Craftication in San Diego!</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPAKbUlQcBBlw5FK0XEn20JwXzzJpHWpSSoMUPFggsgBWIqlmKuBIgsX7WdSJLc9DTrjzJFGUCwlHr1qEGWPEYvLfdbBZaKhzMJ8Yr8TZisvz3QTLHjOhCNNdqy6ZROUgg67LsJkMm4ib/s1600/moonset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPAKbUlQcBBlw5FK0XEn20JwXzzJpHWpSSoMUPFggsgBWIqlmKuBIgsX7WdSJLc9DTrjzJFGUCwlHr1qEGWPEYvLfdbBZaKhzMJ8Yr8TZisvz3QTLHjOhCNNdqy6ZROUgg67LsJkMm4ib/s1600/moonset.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The full moon setting over my sister's swimming pool.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJXuy5Zmaa6PWG2uEemAdsfJuiQp5z-IKEGkWp-mYIHfOFqpAmoGmquEiT4CkSZEq8jRgHplc7LNHDpnYtW2zkpCUKrejmtYlus8A2NJcLOuL9g4iUB5IAQBoleKzRIRp3WvQN0mRq9xL/s1600/guesthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJXuy5Zmaa6PWG2uEemAdsfJuiQp5z-IKEGkWp-mYIHfOFqpAmoGmquEiT4CkSZEq8jRgHplc7LNHDpnYtW2zkpCUKrejmtYlus8A2NJcLOuL9g4iUB5IAQBoleKzRIRp3WvQN0mRq9xL/s1600/guesthouse.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The guest house on my sister's estate</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LBIzNutpsmxnNypYohTyyl4bW7p_0xPpuLfRlVtH5h1B7V08XYJoSsDXo-UP8cGyQXY1EiEznJ2LYlSNER1RlxQ_enEEujFHF_wmDUpsH6bXYuxFEwQawindPcofyIesKWnxrlsjaq0x/s1600/balboa-park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LBIzNutpsmxnNypYohTyyl4bW7p_0xPpuLfRlVtH5h1B7V08XYJoSsDXo-UP8cGyQXY1EiEznJ2LYlSNER1RlxQ_enEEujFHF_wmDUpsH6bXYuxFEwQawindPcofyIesKWnxrlsjaq0x/s1600/balboa-park.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A photo taken at Balboa Park -- <br />
I love how you can see the spiral staircase in the steeple.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Huzzah! Teddy is now a knitter!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpX3VTaUhdApHw8p6vTKqg4w29xrhVS7jNnXUKyUXOfG6GAaT3kOKus4yJxRurN8t5xZR6CIODt2DjKYfc_y5CiA993yXtv6usp9XwP8kPr7vYGxhJ8mAk9sxkdXKWkbbLs4MrpPfROpl/s1600/teddys-knitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpX3VTaUhdApHw8p6vTKqg4w29xrhVS7jNnXUKyUXOfG6GAaT3kOKus4yJxRurN8t5xZR6CIODt2DjKYfc_y5CiA993yXtv6usp9XwP8kPr7vYGxhJ8mAk9sxkdXKWkbbLs4MrpPfROpl/s1600/teddys-knitting.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A cowl and hat he made for his room mate, <br />
the green scarf he made as a surprise for me, and a really cool "sunflower" hat</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMRT7KuS4aU6IbUGCgIjxqLSIFgv_js21p70M0B-O-8SSJsqOZcuXHtHQyXid9qveq7kKST6WeVEkPnPVWkF2HBJwpYyM9_-Iig1Q7A1HFmDWsQtW9fpfefyzkjnhAg7zIkgbuZeLWguv/s1600/sunflower-tam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMRT7KuS4aU6IbUGCgIjxqLSIFgv_js21p70M0B-O-8SSJsqOZcuXHtHQyXid9qveq7kKST6WeVEkPnPVWkF2HBJwpYyM9_-Iig1Q7A1HFmDWsQtW9fpfefyzkjnhAg7zIkgbuZeLWguv/s1600/sunflower-tam.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Here's a close-up of the sunflower hat. I love the detail.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIwL2gC4GLo5mC0ZrO2KfrvNepYz2uGJrG98X50svqzBGreLpxa6S13CF0pBhvr3seXMtEuN6_CeKAGBnDK7YQoxaUF0v61bTBgqsnMGQP7LhYjL4tdJeuEYiTFmal-_qN-pTDS-Xty29/s1600/thanns-hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIwL2gC4GLo5mC0ZrO2KfrvNepYz2uGJrG98X50svqzBGreLpxa6S13CF0pBhvr3seXMtEuN6_CeKAGBnDK7YQoxaUF0v61bTBgqsnMGQP7LhYjL4tdJeuEYiTFmal-_qN-pTDS-Xty29/s1600/thanns-hats.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Teddy's knitting has inspired me to begin knitting again. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I've gone crazy for hats! I'm donating several of these to charity. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The blue and yellow was my first -- I since learned to do a rib stitch </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">at the bottom because stockinette rolls.</span></div><br />
<div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Projects! </b></span></div><br />
<b>Click the image below </b>to open the next of my Audubon redwork series, the <b>White-Throated Sparrow.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/audubon-white-throated-sparrow-redwork.pdf"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8at07R8qT8_ANTlidYA44q_x2is0NqI6JH4oBXTSTJq4Pz6QFLPFGkZ6v0iZ1RjTmiy0SCPCLqqc5zQX-xBiKYp6s1llccSA0dT1-Z_McLvQinLC9U84WKP_H3SPEBmOMeof1PbGZAlG/s1600/sparrow.jpg" /> CLICK HERE to download the free Audubon Redwork White-Throated Sparrow project sheet.</a></div><br />
<b>Click the image below </b>to open the free project sheet for my <b>Jeweled Bookmarks</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mirkwooddesigns.com/projects/jeweled-bookmarks.pdf"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEist2Wn8c8iKyCmwKtqoenZUpXbdYeP7SXLJRmC9_DlRCfEeLGlO2k8ZD64hhTnN13UjXWTAECW-iadyiUiPdh6UOj-ro-V-EdWW6S27oKtJC9kRB5YEkaXPYDC1HfUsAibAqihLwaXXcog/s1600/bookmarks-2.jpg" /> CLICK HERE to download the free Jeweled Bookmarks project sheet.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D7u0OWTK39pJm7nAHSPW3cJoy4GkF-atKL8dtWcj0ltI9380gH-ehU-1p9ar0mC6HVKinfCOtLnWpkehuKoYmdSWyeiADE5SOsseTTzcnVVLAWBBC2QVc_EhyphenhyphenTiG0AySTQgktICPNURn/s1600/bookmarks-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And remember . . .<br />
every adventure begins<br />
with a single step.</span></i></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Ruthann Logsdon Zaroffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941109944824061255noreply@blogger.com10