Violet Jam. Fail. Lemon Tart. Not Fail.

About a month ago J gathered a packed cup of violets from the yard for me. I really really wanted to like this idea from SouleMama. The color is divine. I may not have read the pectin package right, but it never jelled into jelly and stayed syrup-y - and tasted like spicy grass smells, with lots of citrus from the lemon juice. Not very pleasant, and not really anything we wanted to eat. So I started to think, if I did this again I might make a lemon curd recipe but add some violets for color. Next spring, will have to try that. J had fun gathering the violets, after all!

While I was thinking about lemons, I happened across this recipe on Epicurious. I cannot tell you how yum it was. Very tangy, and I switched out the pastry crust called for with a chocolate/oat press-in crust - the hint of chocolate was just the right counterpoint to the rich custard. In addition to being so luscious, this is one of the easiest desserts I think I've ever made, next to jello. So thank you, violet jam, for leading me to lemon tart.

Mitred Squares Blanket from Mason-Dixon

Reader, I cast on.

I've been debating what to do with this partially felted blue wool from my stash. 7 skeins. Too warm and potentially rough for kid sweaters. Only enough for a vest for me. I love many of the patterns in the spring Interweave but I did about 3 swatches and none of them was feeling like something I'd wear once I got it done. Hardly inspiring.

Then I saw this post and thought of the llama wool from Scott Farms as a contrasting color. The only question remaining is, blue or oatmeal crosses? Some of each? I'm going to finish this block then reverse them to see. I have a vision of this blanket with one contrasting block ... you know when you get excited about a pattern? The only drawback so far is the difficulty in remembering which row to knit and which to mitre (every other row. or so)

All funds raised from this pattern ($5 on Mason Dixon through Ravelry) go to Mercy Corps for Japan Earthquake relief if purchased this year, to their general funds after 2011. Go get it!

Color Wheel Activity for Toddlers

This was a quick rainy day activity perfect for a 4 year old who loves cutting with scissors, and a two year old working on color names.

I spread out a bunch of magazines - catalogs were some of the best sources - and had J trace a plate on the page to create the circle. Then we started looking for colors to fill it in. I drew a circle a bit larger than a quarter and J cut them out. Sweet P was a "spotter" turning pages to look for the color we asked for.

We started with primary colors in a triangle, then the secondary colors, then we had a lot of fun looking for "in-between" colors and discussing their names (greeny-blue, pinky purple, etc). J wondered where black and white were supposed to go on the wheel and I didn't know, so we made four corner colors also including brown and grey. You can also find a color wheel explanation here, so you can be better prepared for questions!

Blackboard Hallway

We've had a transformation.

From this ..... to this. I'm like many in blogland and have longed for a blackboard wall for a while. This triangular section of our hallway seemed like a perfect spot for murals, drawings, doodlings, and writing practice. I painted on white lines and plan to paint in the alphabet along the bottom edge - when I get the time to print out and create stencils. For now, I'm practicing, practicing, practicing - and I think I'm getting pretty good at lower case!

KCWC Day 8? - Pretty Dress Now With Rose

But without sash. Objections were raised, though it is unclear why. Pockets to the rescue!

KCWC Day 4 - Guayabera Shirt

Ok, this is not a Guayabera pattern, but all I need is pin tucks and pockets and it *WILL* be. To match Poppa for the wedding... Now, to cut it out.

KCWC Day 3 - Pretty Dress part 2

So I got this far. I made the top of the dress for a three year old, for my long-torsoed toddler, but had to gather at the neck to make it fit. Even though I measured on her, the skirt still needs to be about 2 in shorter. Something to spend an hour on tomorrow!

And, so far it is winning the toddler beaming smile of approval. She didn't want to take it off until I pointed out that without buttons, it was only held on by pins. Ouch.