Making a Mess

Life has a way of shifting your priorities for you, or in my case forcing my hand. I have been meaning for some time to cook at home more often. I am a damn good cook, but between, work, my hobbies and sleep, I manage to not have enough time to do the necessary prep let alone execute. As fate would have it, lately, I've been spending a lot of time-more than usual-cooking. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook, but I haven't cooked this often (read: daily) in years, if ever.

I've noticed that I don't really have "cooking clothes" nor any aprons. My kitchen counters/sink are at a perfect height for tasks which also means its the perfect height to stain the fronts of my clothes.

So what's hobbywhore to do? Well, make aprons of course.

My web handle would suggest that I am indiscriminate but, I assure you, I am particular about aprons. For example I do not like the halter style, as it irritates my neck and is otherwise uncomfortable. I like this style, but for the most part a 1/2 apron will suit me just fine.

I went to a great fabric shop and grabbed some great fabrics from the clearance rack!

Now I just have to dig my aunt's old sewing machine out of the study and get it humming...and I figure while I'm at it I might as well give one away (in one of these color combinations or another of your choosing.)

GIVEAWAY: So, leave a message about something you've been meaning to start or get back in to and be entered into a drawing for an apron. Comments will close on Sunday, June 27, 2010. ~ksp

Birthday Wishes...and Oyster Dreams

Lots of folks have asked me what I did for my birthday. Here's part one of the full accounting.

First off..I went to work. Ordinary some may say...but I wore pink. This may not be shocking to some, but for those in the know Kelli doesn't do pink. I got mucho compliments. Since I usually wear casual wear (jeans and cardigans), it was quite the shock to my co-workers and my students.

After work, I went to dinner for these:

First Course

I'm a sucker for a good raw bar.

Second course

That weekend, I went to the New Jersey Quilt Guild in Somerset and walked around. I didn't buy a lot but I picked up these little beauts on clearance. They remind me of the time I've spent in the Caribbean. Not sure what I'm going to do with them but I am registered for a hand quilting class here in April and I need to make a little ditty to practice on. This might fit the bill.

I ran by MY and picked up a couple of skeins of Malabrigo sock yarn.

One day, I hope these will grow up to be knee-high socks. Since my calves are 16" around a lot of yardage is needed.

Outside of the stuff I bought myself (I believe in being a good gift-giver), I also received some really great gifts. More on those items next time...~ksp