It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, winter holidays are on everyone’s minds and time for the 2nd annual #HousefulofCookies blog hop. Led by Natasha of Houseful of Nicholes, 24 other bloggers and I will bring you 25 Days of Cookies.

This year, I decided to go with Fruitcake Cookies. I know, I know. The word fruitcake conjures up images of bricks of uneaten cake that could be used as a doorstop. But stick with me here.

In my family, fruitcake is a holiday tradition. Freshly baked, fluffy cake made in a tube pan based on my grandmother’s recipe. Memories, light the corners of my mind. 

Anyway, I thought this year it would be interesting to make fruitcake in cookie form. I found a recipe in Country Living and modified it to be gluten-free and use supplies I had on hand.

Fruitcake Cookies

Adapted from Country Living recipe. Makes approximately 5 dozen cookies.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 1 3/4 cup gluten-free flour suitable for cakes, divided (I used King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure Flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ( I used Irish butter)
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped Maraschino and green cherries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped candied pineapple

Glaze

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cognac (or brandy as in original recipe)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats. Mix together 1 ¼ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Toss pecans and pistachios with remaining ½ cup flour in a separate bowl.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg, beating until incorporated. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, beating just until incorporated, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in nuts and flour mix, cherries, and pineapple until evenly incorporated. Using a ½ tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop dough and place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.*note: I noticed that the cookie dough doesn’t spread much while baking so I pressed the cookies down lightly into shape.* Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown, about 14 minutes. Cool on baking sheets on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to the racks to cool completely.
3. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, Cognac, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon milk (add more if glaze is too thick). Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let sit, at room temperature, until glaze is set.

Thanks for stopping by and tomorrow check out out next blogger A Real Urban Mom.

Li’l T didn’t adjust well AT ALL. Almost daily calls or reports that he was screaming, kicking and/or hitting other kids and teachers. To the point of being warned that he could be kicked out of his before/aftercare program and me having to attend a parent-student support meeting. I never knew what I would hear when I’d pick him up after work.

Juggling work and school has been hard. The ONLY semester my class was available would also happen to be a busy time in my project work. Trying to delegate tasks while everyone is stressed and overworked. Telecommuting one day a week so I could go to class and work from campus. (Stressful when you’re trying to find a quiet corner to get on a phone conference.) Getting little sleep and having more anxiety attacks than are usual for me. I pulled back from social media a bit while trying to get myself together.

BUT, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Li’l T finally made the transition and other than the usual 5-year-old bumps he’s doing really well. His teacher had little constructive feedback for him during the end of 1st quarter parent-teacher conference. High school football season has ended for Big T so he’s less stressed and getting into a groove. And the semester is almost over for me. I am REALLY looking forward to some downtime during the winter holidays.

Hello and welcome to the next stop of the Houseful of Cookies Cookie Hop. Gluten-free cooking can involve a lot of trial and error ESPECIALLY when you’re taking an existing recipe and substituting. I started off using All You Magazine’s recipe as-is with just a substitution of 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.

That was a total DISASTER that left me with melted, flat and crispy cookies. Then came “Gluten-Free Recipes” magazine to the rescue. I used the base chocolate chip cookie recipe and added cranberries and almonds. VOILA! I should have just done that to begin with but you live and you learn. The mixture of shortening and butter was just right for fluffy cookies that held their shape. I may play around with the shortening to butter ratio in future baking but this will be my go to recipe from now on.

Now, I have a ton of cookies in my house that really need to go before I eat them all! Enjoy.

Gluten-free Bourbon, Cranberry and Almond Cookies
Inspired by All You Magazine’s “Bourbon, Cranberry and Almond Cookies” recipe and Gluten-Free Recipes Magazine’s “Chocolate Chip Cookies” recipe.

3/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. gluten-free vanilla
2 1/4 c. gluten-free baking flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
3/4 c. dried cranberries
1/4 c. bourbon
1/2 c. almond slivers (toasted, optional)
Preheat oven to 350F^o
Combine cranberries and bourbon in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 15 minutes.
(Optional, toast almonds in a pan over medium heat. Stirring frequently to prevent burning.)

Beat shortening and butter together in a large mixing bowl on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Beat in flour.
With a large spoon mix in cranberries and almonds.
Drop dough in rounded tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until evenly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes and then transfer to wire rack. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Don’t forget to check out the other cookies linked on Houseful of Nicholes.

A few months ago, the ladies at By Hand London had a pattern sale and I picked up Kim, Elisalex, and Flora dress patterns. I was dying to try Flora and an upcoming wedding provided the perfect opportunity.  I learned a lot along the way, including using my XL-2600i as an overcast machine. I put my “G” overcasting foot on it and paired it with a cone of Gutermann Toldi Lock thread. Now, I understand why some sewists have a serger in addition to a sewing machine. It saved so much time by being able to finish my seams on a separate machine instead of switching the feet and thread on one machine.

I’m also not the best when it comes to sewing my seam lines correctly, so I FINALLY followed the tip of using a stack of post-it notes as a seam guide. Why didn’t I do this before?! I was able to sew faster since the post-its kept my fabric on track.

I hand-picked my zipper again and I’m getting better at it. I used an all purpose zipper instead of an invisible one. While I like how it feels stronger than an invisible zipper, I don’t like that the zipper pull doesn’t glide smoothly over the teeth. I might have to try some other brands. I also, should have interfaced the seam allowances but it was very late/early in the morning and I was tired.

Pattern Review
Pattern Description: Flora Dress. Fundamentally feminine and universally flattering with her cinched waist and voluminous pleated straight or dipped hem circle skirt, Flora is the definitive party dress. Choose from two entirely different bodice variations: a classic sleeveless faux-wrap style or the more demure tank bodice, with her high square neckline and simple shoulder straps.

Pattern Sizing: Multi-sized sewing pattern from UK 6 / US 2 up to UK 20 / US 16. I sewed a straight 14 with adjustments.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? They probably are but I followed along with By Hand London’s Flora Sewalong

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the faux wrap bodice and dipped hem. Also, the packaging is lovely. I’m glad I was able to get this pattern, and the other two, before BHL went completely PDF.

Fabric Used: A 53W cotton voile from Fabric Mart Fabrics for the shell and a poly/cotton blend from Jo-ann Fabric for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Well, the sewalong suggested using my waist measurement (size 14) for the bodice size but that didn’t work very well. I used my lining to test the fit and ended up with armhole gapping in the front and back. That’s the second time I’ve gone against my instincts of using my high bust measurement. In the end I made the bust darts bigger and brought the back shoulder up half an inch. My adjustments didn’t get rid of all of the gapping but it was better. Next time I’ll just go with my high bust measurement (size 12) and do an FBA in the front and tight back adjustment for my broad upper back.

The pattern calls for 60″ wide fabric but I really, really loved this voile so I cut my skirt pieces on a cross wise fold. Since, my hearts are directional I had to cut each skirt piece separately, including the front skirt that should have been on the fold. I was in a groove cutting before I realized that I hadn’t added a seam allowance for the front skirt pieces. Oops. I sewed the pieces together with a 3/8″ seam allowance and took 3/8″ out of both front knife pleats to make up the difference.

I fully lined the skirt since my voile was sheer. I lined to my knees and left the inside of the dipped hem unlined.

I added lace hem tape the hem to add something pretty for the dipped hem AND I made a waist stay. That was my first time ever making a waist stay and I really like it. I made it out of grosgrain ribbon and a swimwear hook. I followed Gorgeous Fabric’s tutorial and Handmade Jane’s suggestion of second notch for post-meal fitting.

It’s also a given that pretty much any dress or skirt I make will have pockets. Ha. And I put a few tacks in the front where my the bodice crossed because my bra was peeking out.

Would you sew it again? YES! I want to a better job with the faux wrap and try the other bodice and straight skirt.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, definitely.

Last month, the family went to Awesome Con, a local comic convention, and I knew I wanted to dress up. I decided on a skirt but battled for days on whether it would be a circle, pleated or gathered skirt.

Uh oh, Red Shirt

The decision was made for me when I bought the last yardage of Star Trek Enterprise fabric on the bolt. All 1 3/4 yards of it. The fabric was about 50″ wide so I cut it in half to have to ~20″ panels.

Because the fabric was quilt cotton weight I decided on lining the skirt. I reused the lining from an old dress that never fit correctly. Upcycling for the win. Gathered the fabric, stitched it to lining, added a waistband and handpicked zipper and scrambled to finish so we could head to the convention.

ETA: How could I forget to mention the pockets? I LOVE pockets in skirts and dresses so the addition was a must. I used some pieces of the lining for the pocket bags in the side seams.

Upcycled lining

Can I say that this was my first time hand sewing a zipper and I love the look of it. I may sew all of my zippers this way from now on.

I’ve almost subdued these gigantic hares so lets go from the far reaches of space, to the crashing waves of the beach.

Last year I bought this fish and seashell swimming knit from Girl Charlee with the intention of making Closet Case Pattern’s Bombshell swimsuit in view A. I was ALMOST done when I got distracted by other projects and my swimsuit became a lonely UFO (unfinished object). Fast forward to this month, and an upcoming beach trip with Big T and some friends inspired me to revisit it. I pulled out the UFO with the intention of finishing it and decided to try it on first. Surprise surprise, well not really, it didn’t fit since I’ve gained weight since last year. I tore the swimsuit apart and between the pieces and some remnants, I had enough fabric to make view c, the bikini bottom.

I was so nervous about making a swimsuit. Would it hold up or would I be on the beach trying to cover myself? There was no need to worry as I danced around on the beach with no problems. The pattern worked up with very little problems. I made some adjustments to account for my waist but I probably could have just gotten away with only grading to the biggest pattern size. I’m planning take in the sides for a better fit.

Crotch area hidden under the swim skirt

The dust bunnies and I have declared a truce for the moment, and they agree to back off as long as I post again soon. So, as long as I can get my thoughts typed out there are plenty more posts to come.

Next up on my completed sewing list is Colette Patterns’ Myrtle Dress. The pattern is beginner level and can be sewn in a woven or knit. I used a voile viscose challis that I had in my stash for a while.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description: Myrtle has a beautifully draped cowl neckline, a comfortable and figure skimming elasticized waist, and a flowing gathered skirt with in-seam pockets.

The skirt of Version 1 falls just below the knee. Version 2 features adjustable button-on shoulder tabs and an above-the-knee hemline.

I made version 1.

Pattern Sizing: XS – 3XL. I graded through a size M bust, XL waist and L hips. More adjustment information below.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were very simple. And Colette Patterns provided a sewalong for additional help.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it’s a simple project that can be completed in a day. I had some fitting issues since it’s a pattern for woven and knit.

Fabric Used: Rose print voile viscose challis from Fabric Mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had a lot of fitting issues with this pattern. Based on my measurements the sewalong suggested that I go up in bodice size to an L and do an SBA. It didn’t work well for me. Rotating the SBA into the cowl produced a very narrow cowl and not much bust shape.

I recut the muslin out of a L and had armhole gaping. Cut another muslin with an M grading to an L at the waist.

Finally decided on an M bust with an FBA and bodice darts and graded to an XL at the waist. Made bias tape out of fabric scraps instead of store bought. Instead of just folding the waistband, I chose to make a casing for the waistband and inserted my elastic. I also eased in the hem to avoid extra fabric.

Would you sew it again? No. One dress is enough for me.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: It’s an okay pattern. I’m not fond of all the trial and error to get the fitting right. There’s some poofiness at the hips and I probably could have used an M because of the ease. With a blazer, though, it makes a great addition to my work wardrobe. And you can never go wrong with pockets.

I was devastated and didn’t want to believe it. A few days later we had x-rays and bloodwork done and they showed that something was wrong. His white blood cell count and other red flags were extremely high. He was dehydrated and slightly anemic. Over time he rapidly started losing weight and lost interest in drinking water as well. We went through a round of antibiotics, appetite stimulants and prescription cat food that had to be fed to him to through a syringe. After the antibiotics it looked like he might be making a slow recovery. He was voluntarily drinking water again but was still sluggish and a little weak in his hind legs. We were scheduled for more bloodwork and an ultrasound with a biopsy.

On Sunday evening, Big T made a call that I wasn’t expecting. He called to let me know that Bonsai was gone. It was all so sudden. Big T had given him a bath since feeding him had left his fur messy. He left Bonsai to sunbathe while he took Li’l T for a late lunch. Bonsai passed while they were gone. At 11, everyone keeps telling me that he was an older cat and that comes with health problems but he was my baby. He and his litter-mates were found at a few weeks old and I brought him home around 8 weeks.

He was a little spiky haired furball who became a mischievous young adult and a fatty after he was neutered. Bonsai came into my life as I was taking my first steps as adult with my first apartment and job. He was there to welcome home Li’l T from the hospital. He always acted like he didn’t like Li’l T but he’d sneak into his bedroom when no one was looking.
Bonsai was my first pet as an adult and my first cat ever. He was more than a pet and I just figured that he’d always be here.

I walked into the house yesterday and saw a receipt for the cremation, his bowls in the kitchen, his mouse toy hidden under a cabinet. There was a sympathy card in the mail from the pet hospital. It’s all just so overwhelming. October has been a LONG month for me and I never saw it ending this way.

Bonsai “the wondercat” you will be missed. Until we meet at the Rainbow Bridge.

May 2003-October 26, 2014

I’ve been slacking on my sewing posts, lately. It’s been a few months and I’ve been meaning to blog about the Mabel skirt pattern by Colette Patterns, a self-drafted maxi skirt and a client project. First, up is the Mabel skirt. I made the taupe version in June and the teal two nights ago.

Lesson learned with this skirt is to double check the fabric before I make the next one. This double knit didn’t have as much recovery as I would like so it seems a little out of shape when I wear it.

My greatest accomplishment was discovering the overlock stitch on my sewing machine. I don’t have a serger but this worked so well. This the first item I’ve made where I’m proud of how the inside looks.

After I made the first skirt, an error was found in the waistband pattern piece and a new PDF was released. The waistband fits much better on my teal skirt.

I really like the side panels in this version. They’d be great for a color-blocked skirt.

The fabric pattern reminds me of Grecian keys.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description: Mid-rise knit skirt with three variations. 1. Mid-length skirt. 2. Mid-length skirt with faux placket and buttons. 3. Knee-length skirt with kick-pleat. I made version 3.

Pattern Sizing: XS – 3XL. I made size L.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were very simple.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it’s a simple project that can be completed in a day.

Fabric Used: Double knit for the body both skirts. The teal knit is leftover from a jumpsuit I made last year and never blogged. Jersey knit for the waistband linings.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn’t use a twin needle for the hems. With the taupe skirt I basted the hem and then topstitched. For the teal, I stabilized the fabric with stitch witchery and then secured the hem with a narrow zig-zag stitch. This was a better finish than the first.

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: I really like this pattern and see myself making more including the other versions. The skirts are very comfortable and I could wear them all day.