Swap Sister Revealed

My secret sister from the swap that Kimberly hosted was the first swap that I've participated in. I'm a member of Christian Artisans, which is a really neat group, we share our love for Christ, and fiber arts. I've learned so much from this groups of ladies, by the way, there is one guy in the group too. So, I'm posting to share what I received from Karen at Windy Lane Farms. The roving is wonderful, I've never felt anything other than cashmere that is this soft. Thank so much to Karen for praying for me, and gifting me with so many wonderful things. I've been wanting to make this shawl, called Bee Fields Shawl, by Anne Hansen, http://www.knitspot.com/ and low and behold it was one of the last things I pulled from my box. I received, Earl Gray Tea, Java Jingle, Coffee, by Pioneer Coffe, a tea mug with strainer, and lid, sugar free chocolate Bar, Merion Oro lace weight yarn for the shawl(this also is so soft), and the pattern, plus a generous bump of lovely colored roving, that is super soft. This is Kimberly's blog page. http://www.wovenspun.com/blogmain/index.php I was very impressed with Kimberly when I first saw her, I'm new to blogging, and I thought it was neat that she is a Christian woman, and not ashamed to share her faith. Thanks Kimberly for hosting the swap, it's always neat to get to know other people. Praying for a person is such a blessing, I enjoyed this swap.

Fruitcake anyone?

Autumn has past, and winter is here, or is it? It will be 79 degrees here tomorrow. Crazy, just crazy! How is a person to get in the Christmas spirit?

I have been busy, I'll have you know. I have a friend who is always telling me to get my stuff on Etsy. I've been dragging my feet, literally. I've injured my right foot, again. I did get my order to the local yarn shop. This week I'll be dying yarn for the Etsy shop, and working on Christmas presents. I'll also be starting my Christmas baking.

Christmas time always brings memories. I used to make fruitcake and give it as part of my gift giving, until someone once said on the sly, that it was one of the worst gifts you could give. I disagree, so this year, I will be making fruitcake. I remember my grandmother making a fruitcake, but not baking it. It was yummy! I don't have her exact recipe, but she may have used the one I found. I was going to throw out a few cookbooks, de-cluttering. I happened to open this one up(Cornerstone Cook-Book, Lajes Field Azores), and low and behold, I found the recipe. There is not a date in the cookbook, but it's old, they refer to the refrigerator as the ice box, it also includes can sizes, and lots of neat information you don't hear about nowadays. I'll include the recipe here, along with some eye candy of the yarn I just dyed.

Refrigerator Fruit Cake

1 qt. mixed canned fruit
1 qt. shelled pecans
1 lb. marshmallows
1 lb. raisins
1 lb. box graham crackers
1/4 cup milk
submitted by: Helen Hassenmiller-Lafyette, LA

Melt marshmallows in milk in double boiler. Roll crackers. add fruit and nuts to graham crackers, add marshmallow and mix thoroughly. Line container with paper and press mix firmly. Add sherry as desired.
May be used after 24 hours of chilling buy recommended 30 days.

I will be using dried MI cherries, white raisins, and candied orange peel when I make my fruitcake, as most people don't like the mixed citron fruit. I like the taste of brandy on a fruitcake also This recipe calls for regular canned fruit, which might be more economical, but not have the traditional taste.