While My Pretty One Knits (23 page)

Dyeing Yarn With Jell-O: The Microwave Method

SUPPLIES & INGREDIENTS

Large microwaveable bowl—nonporous

Long-handled spoon or fork to manipulate yarn—nonporous

1 package regular Jell-O Berry Blue

White vinegar—1 cup

Salt—1 teaspoon

Water—5 cups

Skein of white wool—70 to 80 grams

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, mix together in the order listed:

5 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1 package regular Jell-O Berry Blue

1 cup white vinegar

 

Stir with utensil to mix. Add skein of wool and swish around to allow dye to soak into fibers.

Place bowl in microwave and heat on high for 2 minutes. Remove and let it cool for 1.5 minutes. Repeat process 3 times altogether.

Let wool cool before removing and hanging to dry.

Dear Customers,

 

Did you miss the “Felting Just for Fun” class we had? It was a big hit. I’ll definitely hold another session soon.

If you want to get started on your own, check out some of these websites:

“Knitty” is a favorite. You can find felting instructions and free patterns for great projects here, including a wonderful French market tote. Go to www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/FEATfelthis.html

Or you can click on the felting link from the navigation bar on www.mybagatelle.com

www.Michaels.com has felting instructions, too, and a free pattern. Just use the words “Fabulous Felted Knit Flowers” in the search box on the homepage.

And let me know if you have any questions. I’m always here to help.

Keep Knitting!

—Maggie

Sock Monkey Fans Unite!

Here’s the pattern info about the sock monkey hats I made this winter. Go to www.knittingpatterncentral.com and search “Sock Monkey Hat.”

These grinning little guys grow on you, don’t they? There are some great sock monkey projects out there—toys, socks, Vintage Sock Monkey. Here are a few more links I found: www.sockmonkeyfun.com and www.sockmonkey.net

Enjoy monkeying around!

—Lucy

Okay, Everybody—here is that secret guacamole recipe you keep asking me about. Special tip: If the avocados aren’t fully ripened, just peel, cut into pieces, and put them in a blender or food processor with a tablespoon of olive oil and a dash of lemon juice. Blend for a second or two—just until the pieces break up and mix with the oil. Don’t make an avocado slushy out of it, okay? You can also add a spoonful of mayo to the recipe to fake a richer, riper texture.

—Ole! Suzanne

Suzanne’s Chunky Guacamole Recipe

3 ripe avocados (Haas brand preferred)

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

Half a lemon

½ sweet onion, diced into small chunks

1 small ripe tomato, seeds removed and diced into small chunks

1 to 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Coarse salt

Choose the two ripest of the three avocados. Peel off skin and cut in half to remove pit. Place halves in a large mixing bowl and smash with a fork until smooth.

Add olive oil and squeeze in juice from half a lemon.

Add onion and tomato chunks and 1½ tablespoons of the cilantro.

Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and about ½ teaspoon coarse salt, depending on taste.

Blend all ingredients. Mixture does not need to be perfectly smooth.

Peel the remaining avocado and remove pit. Chop into pieces about ½ inch in size and add to the mixture.

With a spatula, scoop guacamole into a smaller bowl suitable for dipping and top with remaining chopped cilantro and a small wedge of lime. If not serving immediately, store in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap and press wrap flat to the top of mixture (this will prevent the dip from getting brown on top).

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.