The Perfect Pancake

Good Friday Morning! Love this pancake mix! My daughter introduced me to these Kodiak products. She discovered them on one of the food blogs that she follows. They are so easy, just add water, and make the lightest, fluffiest, pancake I have had. You can order it from Amazon.com
They also make a cookie and brownie mix. The brownies are yummy as well. Oh, by the way,Weight Watchers, this pancake only has 4 Points Plus! I use the sugar-free syrup which adds 1 PP. Not bad for a flapjack!

Location:Home Sweet Home

Lovely Fall Day

I so enjoyed making this little punkin for a friend's granddaughter. Pumpkins make me think of fall and this has been a perfect fall day that God had made! I used some of my very first handspun yarn! Can't wait to cook a real pumpkin to use in some recipes that I have.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone. This little pattern has all sizes up to adult. It's called The Perfect Pumpkin Hat. This was a welcome break from my shawl which is now ready for clue 5. Hope I can stick with it and not grow weary.

Location:St John Rd,Boonville,United States

My Different Lines Shawl

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My BFF Wanda is modeling my shawl. I am very happy with how it turned out. It drapes nicely and will be nice to wear out on chilly evenings. I managed to finish this in between working on my knit-a long shawl, which is progressing nicely. Never thought I would knit a shawl from fingering weight yarn.
The knit and crochet show this past weekend was great. Plenty of eye candy for us yarnaholics. Loved having a show that didn't require an overnight stay! Next up is SAFF in Asheville.

It is Finished/Different Lines Shawl

Finally off the needles and on the blocking board. I have my ceiling fan blowing on it to speed up the drying process. The shawl grew when blocked. I was so ready to finish this one.However, This was an easy, fun, pattern. The shape remind me of a sports pennant. You could easily knit it in your favorite collegiate colors.


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Leisure Knitting

When I need a break from my KAL shawl project, I am working on my Different Lines Shawl. I stumbled upon this pattern while looking at the Stripe Study Shawl. Definitely different from my usual shaped wraps or shawls. I dyed the gold yarn in my crockpot after I was unable to find a contrasting color that I liked. Hope to be wearing this one soon!




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Tupelo Honey Shrimp and Grits

A beautiful day was
made even better by a visit from our two girls. I made these shrimp and grits from the Tupelo Honey Restaurant in Asheville,NC. This and many other recipes are in their cookbook. The grits have goat cheese and fresh basil in them. Can't wait to go there in Oct. When we go to SAFF. No leftovers tonight!



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Don't Let Your Friends Knit and Drive

No, I was not knitting and driving! I pulled out my knitting while waiting on AAA to change my flat tire! What a great way to start hump day. But I have to say everything went smoothly and I arrived at work only thirty minutes late! Turned out to be a great day and I am looking forward to Knit Night at Knit Picky.


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The tire was blown to bits! Luckily no harm was done. Getting new tires in the am!

Through the Looking Glass Shawl Knit-a -long

This is the beginning of my shawl! I think originally this was a mystery knit a long. It may be a miracle shawl for me! This is not a knit night project for me. However, I love my gradiance colorway Deep Waters. I thought this would be a good challenge for my knitting skills. I tend to shy away from intricate lace patterns. So I decided to give this one a try. Happy Knitting!


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Location:Home

Belvadear's Cowboy Cowl

My Cowboy Cowl was a fun knit and the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino was so nice to knit. It feels so soft next to your neck. This camel color will look great with a lot of different color tops! Can't wait to wear my cowl!


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Clara's Coffee

I roasted these beans for my friend and fellow knitter Clara. She likes a darker roast so I let them go further into the second crack phase of roasting. This produced a very dark and shiny bean that smells wonderful! The shine comes from the oils that surface during the roast. Darker roasts produce more smoke that wafts throughout our neighborhood. Adjusting your roast to suit your preference simply requires watching the beans as you should for safety anyway.


Later, I met my friend Nancy for lunch at the Riverbirch Lodge. It was great to see her and we enjoyed a delicious salad! We caught up on everything from knitting to spinning and wedding plans. What a beautiful sunny day. Did anybody feel the earthquake? I did.


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Red Ruffled and Ruched Scarf

Another quick project off the needles. I love this design by Pam Powers. Can't wait til sweater weather to wear this! The Manos yarn was nice to knit. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy the flower knitted up. I would like to make another of a different color,then perhaps I might gift this one. Or maybe not.
Today is my 35th wedding anniversary! I have to say that I have a great hubby who treats me like a queen!We aren't doing anything special, just a quiet day at home so far. Taking it easy, may have a visit from the kids later on. It really is hard to believe we have been married that long. Where does the time go?






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Fruits of My Labor

Here's my latest finished yarns. The blue is my finished singles spun from some lovely Mrs. Babs fiber. The purple was spun from some merino top. My biggest spinning challenge is controlling the tension and twist of yarn. Most expert spinners will tell you that practice is very important in developing one's spinning skills. Guess I will keep practicing.


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I'd Rather Be Knitting...

As I am getting ready for work, I long  to spend the day enjoying my favorite crafts and past-times. But alas as most fellow knitters know, we must work to support our "yarn habit". I was able to complete my Ruffled and Ruched Scarf last night. The flower used to adorn the scarf worked up way quicker than anticipated. I will post pics soon. I noticed from my little coffee grinder/bin that coffee roasting is soon to be on my list of things to do. Oh well, It's off to work I go!!

Sweet Summer Peaches

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One of my favorite summer fruits are sweet,juicy,peaches from right here in NC.The perfect companion  fora great cup of coffee is this easy and delicious fruit cobbler. This is my go to dessert. You can use frozen fruit when fresh isn't available. Blackberries are used in my original recipe.
1c.self rising flour
1c. Sugar
1egg
1/2stick melted butter
1qt. of berries or other fruit
1/2c. Sugar
1/2c. water
Make a crumb mixture with the first three ingredients. Place berries in the bottom of a 9x13 dish. Sprinkle the 1/2c. sugar and pour 1/2c.water over the berries. Top evenly with your crumb mixture. Drizzle the top with the melted butter. Bake at 350 for 45 min. Til brown and bubbly. Enjoy with a cup of fresh brewed coffee. I also added a few fresh blueberries.

Location:Home

Vest/Wrap

Here's a photo of my WIP!


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The Land of Cloudy Day and Hot Flashes!

     A cloudy day here and some much needed showers for which I am thankful1! The clouds and rain have brought down the scorching temperatures. Not to worry, there is always the unpredictable hot flash to contend with.They come and go as they wish!  Today was a great day to knit and spin. I am working on the Boku Wrap (Plymouth Pattern) which is more like a vest. Nothing more than a rectangle with arm holes. It is however taking a while to complete. I am using Noro Kureyon instead of Boku.  The days seem to go by at a slower pace when I am not out and running around. I will venture out to a Bridal Brunch tomorrow after my 8am hair appt.

Spinnin Wheel Got To Round

It's so hot, I decided to stay in today. I have played in various types of fiber most of the day. I found myself going from spinning, to plying some singles,
knitting, and blocking my Just Enough Ruffles Scarf! I am spinning some lovely fiber from Mrs Babs. It is silk, merino,and bamboo in shades of blue with a little white. I am attempting to spin singles. We'll see how this turns out. A fairly productive day!

Location:Home

Fresh Roasted Coffee!

Fresh roasted coffee is sooo good! Once you have tasted freshly roasted and ground coffee you will be hooked! They don't call them green for nothing.coffeebeandirect.com is a great source for ordering your green coffee beans. There are some local roasters who will sell you green coffee beans if you ask.




- I store my green coffee beans in burlap bags. They will keep a long time in a dry environment.




Here's my beautiful beans after roasting. They smell so wonderful.



You must stay with the roaster and watch the beans until they are as dark as you like your beans. It takes me approximately 20 min to roast 12oz of beans. My home roasters have a cooling cycle that you start when done roasting. Trust me, roasting your own beans is easy! I

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Coffee, Not Just For Drinking

Just finished enjoying a delicious, yet simple dinner! Sweet yellow corn fresh from my neighbors garden! Thanks Micheal! He also blessed us with some beautiful red tomatoes.Yummy! However, my reason for this post involves the filet mignon to which I rubbed on this awesome coffee rub from Cafe Roche in Winston-Salem,NC. The owner blends his ground coffee with various spices to create this rub that is great on beef. I learned of the rub from an article in the WS Journal. My daughter Maggie visits this little coffee shop at least once weekly, so I requested that she pick some up for me. The rub is sold by the ounce so you don't have to commit to a large amount before trying. Try it you won't be disappointed!!

A Gift For Baby

I made this sweet little toboggan and mittens for a coworker awaiting the arrival of her sweet baby boy. Made from Cascade Superwash, I won't worry that Mom will felt or shrink it. Check out the book 60 Quick Baby Knits. Great patterns all made with Superwash worsted weight yarn.


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Hot Pepper Butter Mustard

If you happen to have 36 hot banana peppers, then I have the recipe for you! This stuff is great with pretzels, sandwiches, and will certainly liven up those hotdogs. My friend, coworker,and fellow home coffee roaster, Kim shared this recipe with me!
36 hot banana peppers
1qt generic mustard
1qt vinegar
4 cups sugar
1tsp salt
1-1/2 c. of flour
Chop peppers in food processor.purée with the vinegar. Add everything but flour to a large pot. Make a thin paste with the flour and the water. Bring pepper mixture to a boil,remove from heat and add flour mixture. Mix well, return to heat and boil hard for 10 minutes. Process for 3 minutes. Makes 8 pints. I used half-pint jars.


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Location:Home

Getting Ready To Roast/Baby It's Hot Outside!

If you are thinking of becoming a home coffee roaster you should consider this book. The title was the inspiration for my blog title.


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Water Bottle Sock

This little bottle sock knits up quickly and is a great way to use up leftover yarn. I am planning to knit them for coworkers to give as Christmas gifts! A great little break from big projects. The designer is Carol Fuhr and is a free pattern on Ravelry.com. The bottle is by Brita and has a filter that attaches to the lid. I am hopeful that this will help to increase my water intake!


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Staycation

First day of staycation and I was awakened at 4am with a sinus Headache. I was hoping to get in some good knitting and spinning time. There are so many projects and so little time! Not feeling well wasn't in my plans.


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Location:Home

Great Summer Salad

OK, I know this blog is supposed to be about roasting coffee and knitting, but I just made a wonderful summer salad with this little box of Near East Taboule wheat salad. It's a great way to use those fresh cukes and homegrown tomatoes. I have to give my foodie daughter,Maggie,
credit for introducing me to this grain. The recipe is on the back of the box and takes minutes to prepare. Each serving of the grain itself has 5gms of fiber!




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Location:Home

Welcome Knitters and Home Coffee Roasters

You are invited to share in my adventures as a knitter and home coffee roaster. I hope to spark some interest that will inspire others to try home coffee roasting.