Defective Compositions

Thoughtful Thursday ~ Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Fiction becomes a curse when true stories lose their power.

Cheesecake Brownie Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:42:00 +0000

I tried a recipe today, and I think it turned out rather good! Cheesecake Brownie Bites (recipe found on the Just a Taste blog) are chocolatey, cream cheesy, and believe it or not, bite-sized!

For me, the batch made far more than the recipe suggested, but for the last batch, instead of making the mini muffin size, I switched and made a normal muffin size. I had 48 mini muffins and 6 regular muffins when I was finished.
Cheesecake Brownie Bites would would make a good dessert for a picnic, because I'm quite sure they will store well, if you have any left over to store.
Definitely give them a try!

Free Weekly Laundry Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:30:00 +0000

A laundry schedule is extremely helpful in a large household where there is a load of laundry in the machine at least once a day. Have no more confusion over whose day it is to wash!

Click on the image, then right-click and select "save image as" to download.

You can use a fun metallic colored marker to write in the names, or you can download the Quicksand font, and add it in a image editor before you print. Finally, the size of the image is quite large, so you might prefer to make it a bit smaller.

Book Review ~ Not Regina

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:21:00 +0000

Not Regina by Christmas Carol Kauffman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Regina Strahm is an innocent nineteen-year-old girl in tumultuous times. The teaching of the Anabaptists is seeping in throughout Switzerland, but the state church is firm in it's attempts to suppress it's spread. Regina doesn't know what to think, and she is kept miserable by seeing Anabaptist prisoners being marched away, by the increasing silence and confusion of her father, and the weekly struggle the pastor has with choosing a passage to read to the church. As time goes on her heart begins to yearn for the peace and assurance that the Anabaptists seem to have. It is after she witnesses the public execution of Felix Manz that she truly desires this new way of life for herself. Events then move quickly when she becomes re-baptized (her first baptism having been as an infant), is accused of associating with the Anabaptists, and is subsequently placed under arrest. Sweet Regina remains firm in her new-found faith, despite the many friends who beg her to remain true to the state church.

"Won't you please swear and tell the board of trustees today you'll forget it all and come back to us and start over?"

"Catri," answer Regina, "I could never do that. I would be giving up my joy, my everlasting life. I would sooner spend the rest of my life in prison that do that. If you could only understand how happy I am" (pg. 189)

Not Regina started out slowly, as the writing is far from spectacular and the complete innocence of Regina was somewhat hard to believe. Her speech and manner seemed to be that of a much younger girl. Later on, however, I became more drawn into the story it didn't bother me as much.

It was easy to sympathize with her confusion though. I am not a strong thinker myself, and I could easily place myself in that situation and understand that I would have been no more decided than she started out, probably less so. Fear kept her silent for so long, and that too is understandable from a human perspective, but she finally took the step of faith and proclaimed her new allegiance even if it meant imprisonment or death. The peace that she had so long searched for finally came.

It is not a brilliant book, yet it is interesting look at what it meant in the 1500's to truly follow Christ, and the turmoil that came of it.

View all my reviews

Thoughtful Thursday ~ Bess Streeter Aldrich

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Davis Lake, Oregon

“I think that love is more like a light that you carry. At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance. Then motherhood lights it and then duty . . . and maybe after that sorrow. You wouldn't think that sorrow could be a light, would you, dearie? But it can. And then after that, service lights it. Yes. . . . I think that is what love is to a woman . . . a lantern in her hand.”

~Bess Streeter Aldrich, A Lantern in Her Hand

Here's a sneak peek at my current knitting project. I'm not the most accomplished pattern designer in the world, so mainly my method consists of entreating the pattern and charts to "please work out!" I'm sure there's a more mathematical way to do this, but I'm afraid it would muddle my brain.

Felt Coin Purse Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:28:00 +0000

I have barely entered the world of crafting with felt (lack of materials makes a project rather difficult!), but upon being given a few sheets of brown felt this afternoon, I excitedly began sifting through ideas of what to make.

This was the result:

Materials

3" x 4" piece of felt
Embroidery Floss
Needle
Zipper

1. Embroider your design on one or both sides of your felt. Folding it in half helps with placement of your design. I just free-handed mine, since the felt was so dark. I don't really know if there's another way to do it.

2. With your sewing machine sew back and forth across the zipper to shorten your zipper so that it is just a little longer than the short end of your piece of felt. Cut off the excess.

3. Place one short end of the felt over one side of the zipper. Using the embroidery floss, sew the felt to the zipper with a running stitch.

4. Fold the other end up to meet the zipper as well. Again, using a running stitch, sew the felt to the zipper. Now you should have a nice tube-shaped piece.

5. Flatten the tube, and once more use a running stitch to sew up both sides of the purse. On the second side it is helpful to unzip the zipper to finish.

Hooray! Now you have a cute little coin purse, easily customizable to suit your tastes, or that of a friend's.

Another Day

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:17:00 +0000

A drive, a picnic, and a little walk on a gorgeous day makes for one happy family. These are the golden-tinted days that we never specifically remember individually, but rather as a collective impression of the first enjoyable weeks of summer.

And yes, that's a sleepy puppy on the car-ride home. :)

For Today

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Craftiness for today

My latest knitting project has been the Daphne Purse, as seen on the front of Knitting Little Luxuries. I'm using an evergreen color for it, and some old yarn that I've saved for years specifically for this project. I'm over half way done with the knitting now, so hopefully I'll finish it soon!

I'm also working on some sewing projects lately. There's a lap quilt in the works, an apron waiting to be made, and a green blouse with little white flowers to be finished. My Grandma gave me a bunch of fabrics and I can't wait to turn them all into something lovely.

Leafing through the pages

-Les Miserables | Victor Hugo

-Not Regina | Christmas Carol Kauffman

- The Acts

Plans for the afternoon

My Mom and I will be heading over to a friends house to discuss Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. After that I go over to my Grammy's house to watch a movie with her. Tonight I think it will be the first three episodes of Jeeves and Wooster.

Excited about
I ordered some books recently, and one of them still hasn't come yet, so I'm looking forward to it's arrival. Also, I just ordered some yarn last night, hopefully for a new Classic Kniterature item. I don't order yarn very often, so it really is very exciting! I'm also pleased to be getting my Pampered Chef business geared up again.

What is your day going to look like?

How Doth the Little Busy Bee

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:04:00 +0000

How doth the little busy bee

Improve each shining hour,

And gather honey all the day

From every opening flower!

~Isaac Watts

Wherein I Over-Edit Just for Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:47:00 +0000

The results of experimenting with the new photo-editing tool, PicMonkey.

Quilts and Honeybees

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Yesterday we went and picked up our bees. We've had a hive for a while, but now it is occupied!

I started a new project this afternoon. I've wanted to make a quilt for a long time, but have either failed, or never had the patience. Today I sat down and picked out the pieces from squares that my great-grandma had cut out. I trimmed them all down to the right size, and began sewing together my blocks. So far I have five out of twenty completed. It won't be a huge quilt, but I'm very excited about it!

As I begin each new block, I start to worry thinking "Oh, I shouldn't have put these colors or patterns together! They'll look awful!" Once I finish the block, however, I am always quite pleased with the result. I can't wait to see the finished project!

One Boy's Battle ~ Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:45:00 +0000

One Boy's Battle by Christmas Carol Kauffman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Millard Gingrich is a young lad whose life is not that put together. He completely respects his mother, yearns to be close to his father, and knows he needs to be right with God, but in the last two areas he is held back by his father's stand-offish manner. In a moment of weakness and in a small way, despair, he enlists with the military at the start of World War II, only to discover that this is the very last thing his mother wished for him. With no way to back out, Millard just sincerely hopes that he will never actually see any action.

When he is sent to the front lines, Millard is forced to see how ugly and pointless war really is. His agonized days are spent carrying out orders, but trying to desperately make sense of it all. One night when he is knocked unconscious from a blast he finally decides to release his life to the Lord. In doing so, he is utterly convicted of the sin of killing any of mankind, and realizes he can no longer fulfill the obligations of his job. Perceiving his difficulty he goes to the camp priest and shares his conviction only to be told that he should sleep it off.

The rest of this true story shares Millard's journey as he waits to travel home to his loved ones in the States, and how he finally found peace, forgiveness, and love for every man, including the Germans and Japanese that he had fought against. It is a testimony of non-resistance, and how God does amazing things for and through those who are obedient to Him.

This book receives four stars, not for great writing, but for a great message that is powerful and convicting. For another fabulous read by the same author, check out For One Moment: A Biographical Story.

View all my reviews

Corn Tortilla Pizzas

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:53:00 +0000

When you have eliminated a certain product from your diet, sometimes it can be a challenge to try and find good tasting alternatives. Especially when that removed item is something as common as wheat. My family has been trying to go wheat-free for the last couple of months, and it has certainly been an adventure!

The idea that I tried this afternoon was a very simple pizza. I had tried it before with just plain corn tortillas, but they were so floppy I had to eat it with a fork. These pizzas, however, are crisp and yummy. They are also make a quick and easy lunch item that everyone will enjoy.

Corn Tortilla Pizza

Corn tortillas
Oil
Tomato sauce
Mozzarella Cheese
Toppings of choice

Place oil in pan so that it is 1/4 inch deep and heat on medium-high heat. When oil is hot, place a tortilla into the oil until it is crisp. Remove from oil and place on paper towels on a plate to drain.

Once the tortillas are ready, place them on a baking sheet, and top away! The toppings that we usually have on hand include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and diced ham.

Try other things too! Pepperoni, cheddar cheese, ground hamburger, sausage, mushrooms, red or green peppers, etc. The possibilities are really endless. In fact, I'm envisioning desert pizzas now!

Rounded Avatars in Comments Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:09:00 +0000

I was quite pleased to discover a little trick while I was messing around with my blog template in the last couple of days. I had seen on a friend's blog that the comment avatars were little circles rather than the standard square shape. The circle was just really cute, and was one of those small touches that adds so much to a design, so I decided to add it to my own blog.

I didn't have any luck finding a tutorial to follow, so I fiddled around until I came up with the right combination and here it is!

1. Of course you begin every similar tutorial like this by going to the html editor of your blog, and downloading the template. That is unless you're like me (read: lazy), and don't. It's up to you.

2. Search for the following code:

.avatar-image-container {

3. Right under that, paste this code:

-moz-border-radius: 20px !important;

-webkit-border-radius: 20px !important;

-goog-ms-border-radius: 20px !important;

border-radius: 20px !important;

4. Save your template, and go check it out! The preview won't work in this situation, because the comments don't show up on the home page.

Enjoy!

Book Review ~ Bruchko

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Bruchko by Bruce Olson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Usually when we think of becoming a missionary, or read stories of those who were missionaries, we hear of having to go through the mission board. There's nothing wrong with that, and that is how many missions are supported, but it was amazing to read the story of Bruce Olsen who was turned down by the mission board, only had enough money to get him to Venezuela, and had no idea what he was going to do once he arrived. The only thing he knew was that God had called him to serve the Indians in South America, and so he went.

Beginning with an unhappy childhood, Bruchko follows young Bruce through his conversion to Christianity, his call to become a missionary, and how he followed that call to serve the Motilone tribe in Columbia. It took time for the Indians to accept him, and then it took time for them to accept the gospel message, but once they did it spread like wildfire, reaching into the souls of many tribes. In many ways, it was the Indians' faith that strengthened Bruce's. Their belief would bring him back to the ground time and again with it's simple truth.

Another fascinating aspect to Bruce's work is that he never tried to make the Indian's become like North American people. He didn't try to force away their customs or try to get them to wear the clothes that he felt they should wear. He simply introduced the Gospel, medicine, and schools to teach them to read the Gospel.

It was beautiful to read of God's work in South America and to see a different method to overseas missions. Although this is probably not my favorite missionary story simply due to how brief I felt it was in the telling, it is a very interesting account of what the Lord has done in Columbia.

View all my reviews

The Inspiration Challenge Giveaway #2

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:46:00 +0000

Well, I have had an extremely busy week, so I didn't actually complete the challenge this time. Yesterday I was gone pretty much all day, preparing for and attending a homeschool Ball! It was a great time, but it meant that I didn't do a last project for this week.

However, it's time for a giveaway! Here's the prize:

Sweet little Sewing Machine necklace from Life with Abibliophobia

Miss Amanda has kindly donated this darling piece for one of you to win!

| requirements |

1. Please complete the mandatory entry first before continuing to the optional entries.

2. This giveaway is only available for those in the US.

3. Giveaway ends March 9th at midnight (Pacific Time).

| mandatory entry |

Leave a comment on this post. It doesn't have to answer a specific question or anything, but just be friendly!

*****

| optional entries |

1. If you participated in the Inspiration Challenge, post a separate comment with a link to your Inspiration Challenge posts in each comment.

2. Subscribe to my blog, or follow me on Twitter. (one comment each)

3. Go to Life with Abibliophobia and leave a comment saying hi!

Thanks for participating!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:16:00 +0000

You know those pictures of homes where all of the books are color coordinated, or all turned around so that mostly the white pages are showing? Well, I must admit that I've been tempted to do that; at least the color coordinating bit. Really though, it puts all of the books in a jumble! I couldn't put my Jules Verne collection next to the crochet pattern books, now could I?

Here's where an old idea comes in handy.

DIY Paperback Book Covers shows how simple, stylish, and coordinated you can make your books, without ruining them, or loss of true organization. As far as my project went, I'm pretty happy with the results, although I should have ironed the paper bags before I put them on looking like dirty clothes.

My cat enjoyed the project too. Or...it might have been the treats I left for her to find amidst the stack of books. Naw, Minnie's always been a book lover.

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:10:00 +0000

For today's project I found this free "Whatever Is" printable by Arian Armstrong, and printed it out. I wrote some lovely things to think about today on it, then pasted it into my journal. After that, I went to do something, came back, made my bed, and several things, and now I can't find my journal. Which means I can't take a picture of it to show you all. Even though it sounds like a "dog ate my homework" excuse, it's not. You'll just have to take my word for it!

What did you accomplish on this fine last day of February? Don't forget you can jump in at any time!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:13:00 +0000

For newcomers, feel free to jump in at any time during this week! Two items made in a week is better than none at all.

Also, don't forget to link back to The Inspiration Challenge in the posts on your blogs. Feel free to take the banner to use in your posts! This helps others to be able join in the fun as well.

I kind of consider my project for today to be somewhat of a fail. I like the idea, the source of inspiration, and the endless possibilities of what you can do with these little owls (inspired by The Owlies Shop), but mine just did not turn out quite right. He's cute enough, but when you click back to where the idea came from you can see that his ancestors are much more adorable.

What did you make today?

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

For the first day of the challenge, I thought a new recipe would be fun to try, so this No-Carb Pizza recipe sounded perfect.

It tasted a bit like lasagna, so it was pretty good, but the crust was certainly not sturdy enough to pick up. A fork was needed. If anyone has any good ideas on something to add to help, let me know!

A friend of mine who is participating in the challenge made this really cute scarf! Thanks so much for sharing!

What did you make today?

A Change of Plans for the Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Due to a recent blog post by a photographer/lawyer, I felt some changes needed to be made to the upcoming challenge. Don't worry, it's nothing drastic!

Please go and read "Why I Tearfully Deleted My Pinterest Inspiration Boards" by DDKPortraits. It discusses the legal issues behind using Pinterest, and why you may choose to opt out.

I myself have decided to opt out. I love Pinterest as much as the next gal, however the thought has plagued me for some time that it's just a sneaky way to be illegal, so this isn't a surprise to me. As much as we value independence, we don't often stop to independently think that maybe what everybody else is doing is wrong. Instead we go along with the flow and pin pictures that aren't ours at all. Instead I will be bookmarking my favorite tutorials with that handy feature that most browsers have.

Anyhoo, in lieu of the Pinterest challenge that happened last month and was about to happen again, I am switching it to "The Inspiration Challenge". Sounds...inspiring...doesn't it?

The new plans are, that the challenge is not limited to Pinterest findings, since we find inspiration all over the web, right? Besides, it's not truly Pinterest where these things come from. I follow several craft blogs, and so often I am inspired by the pictures and projects they post. However, how often do we act upon that inspiration? I usually continue to sit there looking at blogs, and think, "Oh, I'll make that another time." This challenge helps to change that.

The rest of the challenge will remain the same, every day, complete a project and post about it. Feel free to jump in at any time! The simple change just removes the requirement of any specific website, which shouldn't have happened in the first place.

Sound good? I think so! I'm all ready to gear up for this very exciting week, and I hope you are too!

Welcome to the Inspiration Challenge!

Quotes on Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:02:00 +0000

A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.

~William Penn

Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

~Psalm 27:9

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

~John 15:12-13

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.

~C.S. Lewis

How great victory was that which Jonathon must have gained over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him! He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learned to delight in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine him, but another faithful man raised up for God and Israel.

~Robert C. Chapman

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

~Romans 12:9-10

It costs to be a friend or to have a friend. It not only costs time, affection, patience, love, but sometimes a man must even lay down his life for his friends. There is no true friendship without self-abnegation, self-sacrifice.

~Unknown

If I take offence easily; if I am content to continue in cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~ Amy Carmichael

When friends stop being frank and useful to each other, the whole world loses some of its radiance.
~Anatole Broyard

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:15:00 +0000

It's next week my friends! Starting on Monday and going through Friday, the Pinterest challenge will be attempted once more!

After last month's challenge was completed there were several people who left comments lamenting on the fact that they had missed it by several days, or the entire week through no fault of their own! In fact, I am perfectly willing to lay the blame on myself, because I simply jumped into it and didn't give anyone any time to think.

Now you still have time to think about it, plan ahead, and get excited! If you don't know what the Pinterest Challenge is be sure to check out the introductory post.

~~~

One other thing before you go. I started following this adorable blog, Wild Olive, a few weeks ago. I have to say that I'm hooked on this girl's designs. They are cute, fun, whimsical, and can be on anything from Valentines Day cards to embroidery patterns. What's not to love about cute little smiley faces that adorify anything? (Yes, it's possible I made up that word, adorify.)

Speaking of embroidery patterns, she's starting up an stitch swap! Sign up, and you will have a month to complete and send a little project that should fit into a 4" hoop. I'm really excited about this idea, and am seriously considering participation! One thing to remember though is that this swap is including all of our International neighbors as well (Yay!), so be prepared to possibly pay a little extra shipping.

So, Pinterest Challenge and Stitch Swap. Are you as excited as I am?

Dearest Whatsits

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Jenny and Abigail have posted some of their favorite things, and while this is a fairly popular blog topic it's such an appealing one that I decided to do one too.

> The smell of old books

> Writing when inspiration hits

> Reading books that inspire me to try harder

> Perfectly shaped cursive letters

> Good Science Fiction

> A well-organized spot

> Music from musicals

> Works (books, movies...) that make you think and wonder

> Classic literature

> Yarn shops sorted by color

> Excellently executed allegories

> Rosemary Sutcliff

> Clearance racks

> My favorite childhood books

> Growing and learning in my walk with Christ

A School Project

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Kniterature) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +0000

A lazy, late-start school day is usually unproductive around here. We'll get it all done, but it probably won't be as motivated or fun as it would have been earlier in the day. Don't ask me why. Today, though, was a little different.

I also usually have a hard time finding a craft or activity to go along with what I read to my little brother in his school book, but today I knew what I was going to do in no time.

Paper teepees, almost dry markers, fast food dinner, a cheesy movie with my siblings; all in all an enjoyable, laid-back day.

I love the airplane on my little brother's teepee. An interesting interpretation of the assignment, no?