A Week of Apples- Crock Pot Applesauce Recipe

 It has been a week of apples here, beginning with a fun filled day of apple picking with friends, and continuing on throughout the days with tons of apple recipes.

 We picked a good 20lbs. of apples, so we had lots to bake with.  We went to Hackleboro Orchards in Canterbury, New Hampshire.  It is completely in the middle of nowhere, and a fantastic place to visit, if you 

 are ever in the area.  They have a tractor ride, goats, chickens, bunnies....

 ...and fun little wagons to pull your apples, um er, your children in.

My friend Barbara pulled her around, while my husband pulled the 100+ pounds of apples.lol

 We baked an apple crumb cake that night, and some apple bread the next day, which was used for french toast (yummmy!!!)

Later in the week, we went for a fun fall walk and returned home for some apple cooking.

A dinner of pork tenderloin with apple slices baked into it, followed by homemade crock pot applesauce.

Want to make your own crock pot applesauce?

It is really easy, and delicious!  There is something so rewarding in making your own.  It just tastes better, and you know exactly what is going into it, especially if you picked the apples yourself.

Here's what you need:

About 20 average sized apples (peeled and chopped)

3/4 cup of water

About a tablespoon of lemon juice 

Cinnamon and sugar to taste

and a potato masher (your applesauce will be a little chunky)

In that wonderful crock pot way, you will set it and forget it!

All ingredients go in, you can adjust the flavor with the cinnamon and sugar, and mash it at the end.

Cook on high for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Delish!

Huzzah! It's Finished! CAL Sweater

 I am so excited that it's finally finished!  My ladies shrug/cardigan is now complete; sleeves and all!

The best part, is I got to wear it apple picking today :-)

We went with some friends to an orchard, and the weather definitely warranted a toasty sweater.

 I really was worried that I would not get that final sleeve done in time, but I stayed up late, woke up early, and put in the finishing touches.

I had to make several adjustments to the sleeves, as I previously mentioned in my last post, but they came out beautifully.  They are a nice wide sleeve, comfortable, and fall just right below the wrist. I was afraid to make my first sweater, especially when it came to the sleeves, but everything worked out well.

I don't know how many of you worked this pattern, but I would highly recommend it to any and all crocheters looking for a nice cardi pattern.  It is easy to follow, with basic stitches, helpful photos, and the results are fabulous!

This is definitely my new favorite sweater, and I can't wait to make more!

Now it is on to many other projects.  I have quite a list of WIP's that desperately need my attention, Christmas presents, a custom order for Halloween, and a couple of new items for my daughter.  My next post may be entirely devoted to my current WIP's.

How many projects do you have going at any one given time?

Have a great Columbus Weekend!

CAL Progress- Sleeves

 Ok, so it all came down to the sleeves.  I loved it as a vest, don't get me wrong, but this was to be a sweater.
The sleeves seemed very straightforward, and although I have always despised making sleeves (I can't help but fail to make them the same way as the other without oodles of stress along the way), I had full confidence that this would move along quickly.

 Wrong!
I realized when working around the armhole, that my count was 10 more than in the pattern.  Hmmm.... I thought....
Oh well, I continued along.  Once I reached the point of the sleeve where you switch stitch work, I realized that they would not be long enough.  Hmmm....again....
So I made the necessary adjustments by adding several more rows, and the result was a very nice sleeve, which I am quite fond of.
The problem is, I now believe the reason for the difference may have been the way I seamed up the sweater sides.  Oh crap!  Yup, of course I would realize this after doing an ENTIRE SLEEVE!!!  I am most definitely not wanting to rip it out and start again.  Against my better judgement, I am continuing onto sleeve number 2.  I hope that it will fall/drape the way it is supposed to and that it will match the other.

If the second sleeve doesn't work out, I will rip out both, and it may stay a vest for an indeterminate period of time.
Wish me luck!
How are you all progressing with your sweaters?

CAL Progress- Ladies Shrug/Cardigan

Ta-dah!  It's a vest!  

I buckled down this week and made some serious progress on the sweater.  I finished the cowl, seamed up both sides, and voila: a vest!  I do fully intend to add the sleeves, but I was so excited to be able to wear it, that I just had to show it off for the day.  I do love it as just a vest, but I really wanted a long sleeved sweater, so that is what it will be.

The sleeve part of the pattern seems pretty straight forward, and I don't think they should take me too long to finish.  Sleeves are usually my nemesis, so I'm pleased with the simplicity of this pattern. 

 As with all of Mon Petit Violon's patterns, it is very easy to follow; there are several helpful pictures and clear instructions.  If you aren't currently working this project along with me, or if you've never tried her patterns, I would highly recommend them.  This is definitely a great beginner's sweater, and it works up quickly, if you're looking for something to wear this fall/winter.

I am hoping to wear this sweater apple picking next week, so I am off to work on my sleeves.  I would love to hear about your progress on the CAL!  Feel free to share pictures/links here in the comments or on my facebook page.

Pattern Release!

My latest pattern has been released!  My homage to the 20's flapper look, ...And All That Jazz, is now available for purchase in all three of my shops.  For today only, you can get your copy for just $3.50!

This is a very simple pattern, perfect for beginners, and works up quite quickly.  Would make an adorable Halloween costume, or just a fun "dress up" outfit.

It is written out for one size, with instructions on making it to fit any measurements.

Available for purchase here:
Etsy:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/cavendishclassiccraf
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/clothing/and-all-that-jazz/71357?fresh=true&NAVIGATION_PAGE_CONTEXT_ATTR=PATTERN
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/and-all-that-jazz