Lacy Gloves and a Present

So I figured out (finally) why it was I could not see the Yarn Along linky!  It's now fixed and the yarn alongs can proceed!

Ginny over at Small Things says:
~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

You can find the latest yarn along here.

This week, you can see "Winter in Thrush Green" by Miss Read.  I chose to show one of the illustrations inside the book because it is a very old library book, with an unexciting exterior.  And I thought the illustrations are sweet!   I got the book on a recommendation- but I cannot remember whether it was a yarn along post, or somewhere else!  Oh well, if you mentioned it- thank you!
On top of that, you can barely see my 1950's style cardigan (the green).  This is the back, and it is still in progress.
On top, is a crocheted lace glove.  A lovely lady gave me an old pattern- no idea where it originally came from, but the exact same pattern can be found in this book.  It describes it as 1950's, so I am guessing that is when this pattern came from!  It is a little complicated to make, and it is imperative you get the gauge right - I am using thread which is a little bigger than the original (since I can't find the original size) and the smaller hook size- I decided to stick with that because I have VERY long fingers, and although my hands are not very large, I have to have large gloves just so the fingers fit.  Or have the fingers end 3/8" above the end of my fingers!

 

Here is a collar, 1930's style belt and some matching sleeve decorative trim.  I adapted a pattern I found on Ravelry for a crocheted Peter Pan style collar.  I added shells at the edge for fun.  The trim on the sleeves I made up.  The dress it is on desperately needed something on the bodice (it is a 1940's pattern).  I opted initially for a collar.  When I got lazy, I went with this one - which was a lot quicker to make!  I then decided to actually add sleeve trim (as the pattern had suggested) and it helped a lot too.  Finally I made a belt from a 1930's pattern- aren't the rings really cool?  I made it a little thinner than the original.  But I thought, that just maybe, you might like to have the pattern too!

You should be able to click on it and save it to your machine.  It is a pretty easy pattern!

Win a Titanic Era Blouse

You have to see this blouse from Wearing History- it is part of their new range due to be released in just over a week!

The blouse is based on a Titanic era look- and is stunningly beautiful.  You could make it for your best Downton Abbey lookl, or dress it up with a modern skirt or trousers for that 'naughty secretary' look ;)
It is released on March 20th, but you have your opportunity to win it for yourself at the Wearing History Blog.  Take a look!

Knitting Along- 2 collars and a cardigan front.

Knitting Along- 2 collars and a cardigan front.
Originally uploaded by Spinneretta
Since my batteries are dead in my camera, and all the fresh batteries are gone, I am writing from my iPad. That would be the reason you don't see any books in the picture because I am taking the picture WITH the book I am reading ;)

Here you can see the front of the 1950s cardigan I posted about in my last post.

On top are two crocheted collars I made to liven up a dress I love the shape of but find rather bland. Neither of them took long to make, and both have free patterns online. The lavender one I added shells to the outer edge to make it prettier ;)

I changed my mind about the cardigan I was making from my Madelintosh. Instead I have a 1950s 'slipon' on the needles. It is not pictured as it is currently resting ;)

Book wise I have been reading several novels on my iPad, borrowed from the library. Nothing exciting! Maybe I'll have more exciting reading next time!

Catch other Yarn Along Posts over at Ginny's Place :)

(Sorry I have tried and tried to see the linky there, but I cannot :()

Recent Finds

I told you a couple of posts ago, that I had some recent finds which I thought were particularly nice and that I would share them with you.
This is not all of them, mind you.  I left some of them tucked away, maybe to share another day ;)

First up, this booklet I discovered for sale on Ebay.

It is from the 1950's and has the most gorgeous fashions in it.  I really love this set on the front- there looks to be three different ones, but they are the same!  It is a cardigan and 'slipover' set.  I fell in love with the white, and my husband the green.  So he bought it for me as an anniversary present!

Look at these two!  Aren't they gorgeous?

Next up this booklet.  It is from the 1930's and I found it hidden in a corner in an antique mall.

It has a huge array of crochet (and some knit) projects- including doilies.  *I* bought it because I loved the accessories.

Please excuse the weird shapes on this picture.
For whatever reason they come out this way
when I scan it.

Look at the pretty crochet lace blouse.  And her hair!  But the picture below is really what I bought it for- crocheted mesh gloves!

I have been wanting some of these forever- and this pattern has them with a hat!
And look at this really cute belt.

Then there is this pattern for a 1905-1907 ladies blouse.  I am not sure how old the pattern is itself, but it is old.  And I love the idea of a REAL Downton piece of clothing!

This dress was another Ebay find.  I love this one- it was whole- even down to the transfer for the embroidered border around the neck and skirt.  I shall definitely try to make this one- maybe in white- or maybe in a pale blue or pink.

 

Anyway, that's my pattern roundup for today.  I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of my stash ;)

CRÊPES GEORGETTE

 We enjoyed our pancake day yesterday- and I thought you might enjoy me sharing the recipe :)

CRÊPES GEORGETTE

Crepes Georgette
Originally uploaded by Spinneretta

Pastry Crème
2 egg yolks
1 egg white
2 oz sugar (finely ground sugar is best)
1 oz plain flour
½ pint milk
½ t Vanilla extract

Crêpes
2 large eggs
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
1 cup flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
Butter, for coating the pan

Crêpes Georgette
2oz Butter
6 Pineapple Rings, drained and finely chopped
4 T Rum, divided
Pastry Crème,
Crêpe style pancakes
Icing sugar for Dressing

Crêpes
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and pulse for 10 seconds. Place the crepe batter in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This allows the bubbles to subside so the crepes will be less likely to tear during cooking. The batter will keep for up to 48 hours.
Heat a small non-stick pan. Add butter to coat. Pour 1 ounce of batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly. Cook for 30 seconds and flip. Cook for another 10 seconds and remove to the cutting board. Lay them out flat so they can cool. Continue until all batter is gone.

Pastry Crème
Whisk the eggs with the sugar in a mixing bowl until pale and creamy. Sift in flour, whisking. Gradually add milk. Pour into a small saucepan and bring to the boil whisking continuously.
Simmer over a very low heat for 2-3 minutes to ensure the flour is cooked.
Add the vanilla. Set aside.
This can also be use to make custard or fruit pastries as a flan filling.

Crêpes Georgette
Melt butter, using a small amount to grease a flameproof dish.
Add 1 T rum to pastry crème and mix in well until smooth.
Add pineapple and mix well.
Fill pancakes ½ full and roll into a tube.
Brush with butter.
Dredge with icing sugar and brand with a hot skewer.
Grill until icing sugar is glazed.
Before serving, cover with the rest of the rum and set ablaze!