medallion earring pattern

I'd been toying with the idea of working up a pair of earrings for awhile.  I don't make jewelry in the traditional sense.  I've always been afraid that if I allowed myself to learn, I'd have beads everywhere!  and I already have yarn everywhere!

Anyway, here is what I came up with.  I was pretty happy with how they turned out!

I used a small amount of aunt lydia's cotton crochet thread in white and a size 9 (1.15 mm) hook.  Gauge is not really important here.  You want a fairly tight stitch and try to make sure your gauge is consistent.

Medallion Pattern:  Ch 3.  Sl st to beginning ch to form a ring.  Row 1:  Ch 3.  Make 20 dc into ring.  Sl st to beginning dc to join.  Row 2: Ch 4.  Skip one stitch and sl st in next stitch.  * Ch 3, skip one stitch and sl st in next stitch. *  Repeat the pattern between ** completely around the circle ending with a sl st in the stitch where you began this row.  Row 3:  In each ch space, work sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc.  When you have completed this pattern in each ch space, sl st to beginning sc to join.  Fasten off and weave in ends.  Attach your earring hooks to your completed medallion by simple inserting them in the desired position.  I used 'beadalon' ear wires I purchased at my local craft store.

perfect oatmeal raisin cookies

So at my house, we are diehard oatmeal chocolate chip cookie fans.  However, about once a year, I start craving oatmeal raisin cookies.  But, it can't be any oatmeal raisin cookie, it has to be just the way I like them.  I really hate raisins, so it's a bit strange that I like this oatmeal raisin cookie.  All I can say is the secret for me lies in the treatment of the raisins.  I hate biting into a cookie and 'finding' a raisin.  The raisins have to blend in with the texture, and the flavor of the rest of the cookie.  This cookie is soft and chewy with a bit of cinnamon to round out the flavors.    And, the raisins blend with, not stand out from, the rest of the cookie.

Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
2 cups raisins
1/3 cup water
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon vanilla
 Bring raisins and water to a boil in a small saucepan.  Cover and turn off heat.  Let this set until all or most of the water has been absorbed by the raisins.  I would recommend letting this set for at least 1 hour to get the proper effect.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bown, cream butter and sugars together well.  Add eggs and beat well (4-5 minutes), or until light and fluffy.  Mix dry ingredients in another bowl and gradually add to the batter until thoroughly incorporated.  Add the raisins and mix thoroughly (if there is much water left in the pan with the raisins, drain it first).  Stir in vanilla.  Form cookies into 1 1/2 - 2 inch balls and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 6 - 8 minutes.  Do not overbake these cookies.  They will appear slightly underdone, but once they are thoroughly cooled, should be perfect.  You may, however, have to adjust this cooking time for your oven and your bakeware.  One more note, I use whole wheat pastry flour in these.  It makes them a bit healthier, and you'd never know the difference! 

headband /ear warmer patterns available

Due to several requests, I have added a line of heaband/earwarmers to my etsy shop.  After playing around with different patterns and flower options, I came up with a few that I especially liked.

I have the patterns available now in my esty shop.  The purple one is a bit wider than the other, and the flower styles on the two are different.  The patterns are in pdf format to be emailed after purchase.

Most of the prototypes are also available for purchase in my esty shop.  Even though it is warming up a bit, they are great for those cold mornings going out for a run, walk, or even getting a bit of yard work done!  The headbands themselves are adjustable.  They fasten with a button in the back, and two buttons are sewn on, so they fit most adult head sizes. 

They are made from 100% cotton and are priced at $15 shipped.