Step by Step How to make a JRT Biscuit / Puff Quilt

Finished this quilt a while back.  It was very challenging for my neck, so it took a while.  It is mostly sewn by hand.  Since I've had Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs), I decided to make a JRT biscuit quilt.  The biscuit or puff quilts looked like so much fun, and I had some foam from a previous dog bed that had gotten torn up.

Cheesemaking update

It seems like all those cheeses I made a while back are coming of age all at the same time.  We've been fortunate to be able to eat homemade cheese for a while now.  I need to start making more, though.  Here's the status so far:

How to Make Homemade Knitting Needles

So, I've been busy.  I was sick with a sore throat for a week, so that halted everything.  I'm pretty sure I got that while going on a great thrift store hunt, where I found a couple t-shirts for my husband and a bowl.  Not what I bargained for!

I was able to knit a lot though.  I finished a Halloween colored sweater, and made a matching one for my dog.  When it actually gets cold enough to wear, I will post some pics.  Right now it's still in the 90's.

Ever hopeful, I'm working on a pumpkin pie colored cardigan.  That ought to be fun.  So, I discovered I didn't have the right sized knitting needles for that project.  Being me, of course, I decided to make my own.

Spinning Wheel!!!!

While at the Salvation Army with my new found friend, Christine, who I met on http://www.girlfriendsocial.com/, I found a spinning wheel.  I said, I must buy it!  So I did.  And after looking on ebay, I apparently got a great bargain!

Random Assortment of Updates

I just thought I'd update you on what I've been doing.

On the cheese front:

You Need a Budget (YNAB) Review

I've been away from my blog dear reader (yes, I mean my one lonely reader) due to my neck.  It's been feeling better.  So I didn't want to mess it up by sitting in front of the computer, and lying on my back hanging my head off the side of the bed only works when I'm between feeling good and feeling really crappy.  I have now setup my computer so that I can use it while standing.  We'll see how it goes.  So, without further ado, my next post.

If it will make you feel better, go ahead an call me cheap.  It wouldn't be the first time.  But please don't hate me because (I'm beautiful, and) when I've got the time and energy, I love to work with financial software.  I like the math and logic that goes with it.

Wax On!

I waxed my first cheese!  It's the Jack.  The Jack, as you may remember, was a bit dry due to my mid-cheesemaking trip to Goodwill for the said wax, crockpot.

Here's the waxing process:

Stirred Curd Cheddar is Whey Better

My Stirred Curd Cheddar is mutt better than the Jack cheese I made.  It helps when I don't leave the house while I'm supposed to be checking on the cheese.

Here it is in a slideshow:

Grilled Romaine Lettuce?

Yep, grilled Romaine lettuce.  Who knew?  I am seriously liking my new grill pan.  The steak turned out great.  We paid way too much on my last birthday to go to a fancy steak place.  Today's meal was so much better than that, and I think the steak may have cost around $10 at a meat market.  I wonder if I can get my money back from my birthday meal, hmmm.

Jack (not Russell Terrier) Cheese

I'm making Jack cheese today.  Not this which is a cheesy Jack Russell Terrier:

Feta

My feta did nicely overnight in the brine.

Cheese Glorious Cheese - Yes I can!

I did it!  I made cheese!  Woo hoo!

Don't Cry Over Sour Milk

Well, my first foray into cheesemaking was a flop :(.  I pretty much made sour milk.  But I learned what I did wrong.  Since I used store bought milk, I needed to use more Rennet and Calcium Chloride.  I also cut the batch in half so that if I do screw up again, I'm not out a whole gallon of milk.

I decided to split my gallon and make cottage cheese and feta - the two basic starter cheeses.  There is a point where you have to heat them VERY slowly.  I'm still working on that one.  I'll get there!

Cheese Glorious Cheese - Press

I can't wait to get my home cheesemaking starter kit in the mail.  It should be here tomorrow or the next day!

While I was waiting, this weekend I made my own cheese press.  As I told the guy at Lowes when he asked what does a cheese press do, it presses cheese.

How to Roll a Ball of Yarn with Bert and Ernie

Now that you've made your T-shirt yarn or are ready to start on your next knitting project, you'll need to roll your yarn into a ball.  It's easy and free.

For my next trick...T-shirt Yarn

You may have seen this around, but too bad, I'm making my own tutorial.  In case you haven't heard of T-shirt yarn, you're probably thinking, huh?  Here's the basics:

My Olfa Circle Cutter - Fun!!!

So my fav fav sewing tool is my Olfa Circle Cutter. Why do I love it so?

Pain pain go away

The pain is no bueno lately. So slow on the project front.
I give it 0 buttons up

Upcoming Projects - Biscuit Quilt & Cheese

I've got loads of time and a creative brain - scary mixture.  Luckily (?) not much stamina due to my neck pain, otherwise, lookout!

Here's what's coming up:

Failed Margarita Popsicles

Before my neck starts acting up I wanted to quickly make a post about the margarita popsicles I've seen on Pinterest.  The ones I made did not work :(.  Could be that I used $1 store popsicle molds, or could be that the alcohol prevents them from freezing properly.