Courtesan au Chocolat!

As the school year ended and summer began, I was obsessed with The Grand Budapest Hotel.  As summer is now ending and the school year is beginning, I still find myself infatuated with the film along with many others by Wes Anderson.  The Mendl’s Courtesan au Chocolat featured in the movie stole my heart and we had to give them a try.  I am “truly” grateful for this sweet DIY recipe, so everyone can enjoy making these darling treats.  

Hoppy Easter!

“Hoppy” Easter… clever because this is a post about Easter and bunnies, right?  Actually, this is a post about “hoppy” beer because these little bunnies required some responsible drinking to complete them.  This was not quite the “easy crochet bunny,” but it was worth the effort because they did turn out pretty cute.  I tried so hard to follow the pattern, but by the time I got to ears it was a free for all.  I couldn’t do them right and each one is different, but whatever… adds character.  I only had the patience to make one bow.  There were just too many little parts that had to be connected and stitched together.  I really had to pay attention for this project, haha.  I only intended to make three, but there will be four because I just found another muzzle I had made.  We kept the first one and then the others went to my grandma, aunt, and friend.  I’m saving the pattern, but I think I may be done with this one at least for a while.  Happy Easter and happy crocheting!  
*Suggestion:  Add an oval cardboard piece to the bottom before it’s stuffed to help it sit up.  The first one I made didn’t have this support, so it has to lean on something.  

Wonder of the World

“Wonder of the World," written by David Lindsay-Abaire, is happening at The Empty Space for the next couple of weekends… go see it!!!  This play is filled with lots of laughs and the director, cast, and crew are amazing!!!  I get to help move sets around and help with costume changes this time around… so much fun!  I find myself picking favorite lines during the scenes, while I wait for my cues.  Each time I listen to the show, the list of favorites goes on and on… there are too many good ones!  The gem below inspired me to attempt a macramé purse as a prop for the show and thankfully it turned out to be useable.  As usual, I deviated from the tutorial I “followed” and the single crochet stitches that were required were almost too much for me to finish.  It was meant to be though because it miraculously got done on time.  As much as I would like to keep it (I would actually use it), I think it needs to stay with the actress who plays Lois.  As always, thanks to The Empty Space for letting me be involved in another great show.  It's awesome to see everyone come together and the continued success of The Empty Space.       

LOIS. … It’s good to have projects.

CASS. Yes it is.  I make mosaic tabletops.

LOIS. Crafty.  I do macramé.  Take a look at this.  (Lois pulls a macramé purse out of her barrel.  The words “I Love Bingo” have been stitched into it.)  I made it myself.

CASS. It’s adorable.

LOIS. Thank you.

CASS.  You think you could teach me macramé?

LOIS.  Sure.  It’s real easy once you --- (Suddenly realizes.)  No, I can’t teach you macramé!  I’m here to kill myself!  What’s the matter with you?

CASS.  Sorry, just looking for things to do.

LOIS.  I’m making myself a drink.

Pat's Day!

I love to crochet and I love making crocheted things to give to others, but lately I have been asked if I could teach people how to crochet.  Aye!!!  I honestly don’t really know how to myself.  I taught myself years ago from a book and my first scarf was not to scale and ended up being a fat rectangle that went to the cat.  I put it away for a while, but rediscovered it when my dad was in the hospital.  I started crocheting scarves for the wonderful people we met at UCLA and after making more than 100 scarves (here are a few), I became addicted and have tried to branch out from scarves.  I still have one scarf left that I need to finish for a nurse, but I haven’t been able to complete that one just yet… one day.  Even with all that practice I still don’t know how to make things to scale and I probably never will.  I probably won’t be able to read a pattern either or crochet a scarf the "right" way.  Thankfully, my friend Lisa is a crocheting and knitting master and a way better teacher.  She started a Stich ‘n’ Bitch group and our first meeting was a blast!  We decided to meet the following week at a local coffee shop.  To our surprise, a group of musicians were also meeting and we got to enjoy some wonderful music and a little Baileys.  I had some leftover green yarn and was able to make fourteen of these shamrocks to share before we headed out.  The best part was that they all found a home with the musicians and their supporters who were also enjoying their music.  CHEERS!!!… to such an unexpected, but fun evening!

HCSD!

What does HCSD stand for you ask?  It's short for Happy Chocolate Souffle Day, which is celebrated on the 28th of February.  I stumbled upon a reminder from a friend about this important day and turned to our favorite baker, Dulce Delight.  We decided to open up the V-Day kit we got from her and, even though it was a rainy day, got to baking.  Surprisingly, souffles are not difficult to make at all and I think we just may be celebrating them more often. :)