Make It Monday: Maple Oat Scones in a Handmade Scone Cozy

Written on December 7, 2009 at 2:29 pm, by Team DIY

This week’s Make It Monday comes to us The Farm Chicks, aka Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards, aka two of the most delightful gals on the planet. This duo does it all: crafting, junk-hunting, baking, and being awesome stay-at-home moms to their little farm chickadees. They agreed to share with us one of their heartwarming recipes, plus instructions for a project with stellar gift potential. It’s not too soon to think about holiday brunches! If you adore this project, there are tons more like in their new book, The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen. Enjoy! — Team DIY

Maple Oat Scones

These scones are great because they’re sweetened with just a bit of maple syrup, making them not too sweet, yet full of delicious maple flavor. They’re the perfect accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (about 2 ounces)
• Maple Glaze (recipe follows

Directions

Mix the dough: Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the flour, oats, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Use a pasty blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is the size of peas. Add the cream, maple syrup, and egg; mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Stir in the walnuts.

Bake the scones: Turn out the dough onto an unfloured work surface and form into an 8-inch round about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned–about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Meanwhile, prepare the Maple Glaze.

Glaze the scones: Drizzle cooled scones with Maple Glaze and serve.

Maple Glaze: Combine 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth and lump free.

Scone Cozy

What we really like about this project is that it has great gift potential. Prepare our Maple Oat Scones, place them in the cute cozy, set on a plate, and deliver to a new neighbor or send them to school as a teacher-appreciation gift.

1. Cut two 11-inch diameter circles from a terry- or other thick-cloth kitchen towel.
2. Finish the raw edge of each with bias binding and, if desired, embellish with rickrack.
3. With chalk, divide one circle into six equal wedges, just as if cutting a pie. Place the marked circle on top of the second circle, and sew them together along the lines.

From The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen ©2009 by The Farm Chicks, Inc. Used with permission from Hearst Books, a division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

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Must-Read Knitting Books

Written on December 1, 2009 at 2:41 pm, by Team DIY

Several members of Team DIY have decided this is the year to take up knitting. In our quest to learn all things yarn and needles, we’ve come across some invaluable resources. Yesterday, DIY Editor Beth Eslinger wrote about the You Tube videos that took her from beginner to neck-warmer-knitter in just a couple of weeks. Today, we’re sharing several books we’ve found super-helpful. Have any other suggestions? What books have helped you along your knitting path?

Lily Chin’s Knitting Tips & Tricks

This small but mighty guide has a permanent home in our tote bags. It contains everything the beginning and intermediate knitter needs to know, from buying materials (differences in needles, yarn weights and types) to specific stitches, to joining new yarn, to binding off and finishing. And everything in between. Knitting Tips & Tricks has helped us pick up a missed stitch (more than once…or twice). We can’t say enough about the book’s simple how-to instructions and clear illustrations — essential for beginners like us! If you’re into crocheting, check out a sister book, Lily Chin’s Crochet Tips & Tricks.

400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns

When the subtitle promises “complete”, it means business. You’ll start with the simplest knit and purl stitches and work your way through crossed stitches and cables, cast-off stitches, slipped stitches, fancy stitches, lacy stitches, and more. We found ourselves gazing longingly at stitches that are just a wee bit out of our beginner league (lookin’ at you, rose bud, blackberry, and Moroccan screen stitches), but the straightforward directions and diagrams actually put them into doable (eventually) range. 400 Stitches is an ideal reference for demystifying the patterns we found online and in other books.

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies

by Hadley Fierlinger

Awww. It’s impossible not to page through Vintage Knits for Modern Babies without making cute noises. Because not only are the projects awww-inspiring, the photography of soft ‘n’ sweet babes is equally adorable. This beautiful book ranks projects by skill level — beginner, intermediate, and experienced — so those of all skill levels can take part in the fun. Talk about gift potential! These aren’t your typical baby sweaters. New Zealand-based author Hadley Fierlinger gives us baby-fied versions of an angola bolero, a matinee jacket, cabled booties, even a double-breasted car coat. We think her vintage pixie cap and organic heirloom blanket would make fabulous gifts for friends with wee ones. Check out Fierlinger’s online shop at shescraftyknits.com). She’s been creating knit duds for cool kiddies — including her own two sons — since 2002.

Hat Heads: 1 Man + 2 Knitting Needles = 50 Fun Hat Designs

by Trond Anfinnsen (aka Knitkid)

Let’s just start by saying this is the funnest knitting book of the bunch. By the end of the book, you want to be BFFs with author Trond Anfinnsen and the cool cast of friends and family he recruited for Hat Heads. Here’s the concept: Anfinnsen created unique hat patterns for 50 people in his life, including his parents, his girlfriend, old band mates, friends’ kids, and other members of his community. Each spread in the book features a hat pattern, a lovely photo of the person for whom it was created, and a quick story about that individual. The result is absolutely delightful, even for non-knitters. (Did we mention the hat patterns themselves are totally hip? Any one of them would make an excellent gift.)

One More Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit

by Leigh Radford

Want to splurge on a skein or two of pricey yarn? Looking for a way to use up half a skein leftover from a different project? This is the book we’d turn to. The follow-up to One Skein, One More Skein features projects in four categories: wearables, baby stuff, bags/gift bags/totes, and home decor. The ideas are diverse in style and execution, from ribbed linen placemats to wool kitty toys to a swanky silk gelato clutch. This book would be an ideal gift for friends who pick up new projects but never seem to finish them. Each of these patterns is designed to create quickly.

This just in! We received a very early copy of Melissa Leapman’s book, Color Knitting: Essential Techniques, Perfect Palettes, and Fresh Designs Using Just One Color at a Time. The book is due out in March 2010, and from what we can tell, it’s gonna be a good one–particularly for knitters who crave gorgeous color. Leapman provides step-by-step instructions for lots of color knitting techniques, from two-color double-knitting to picture knitting.

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DIY Book Club: This Green House

Written on November 11, 2009 at 3:44 pm, by Team DIY

These days, going green is the new black. Bookstores are full of how-to guides for making everything from your closet to your car to your cat litter more environmentally friendly. Team DIY’s new favorite go-green book is for the entire home.

This Green House by Joshua Piven offers “home improvements for the eco-smart, the thrifty, and the Do-It-Yourselfer.” Hey, that sounds like us! The book is broken up into funny and easy-to-read sections that cover every possible square foot of the home. Piven’s fun and affordable projects range from the simple—shaving using less water—to more advanced projects, such as how to install solar panels. There’s even a section for greening your roof. Our favorites? Building your own terra-cotta flowerpot grill and capturing and reusing rainwater for your yard or garden.Check out the author’s blog here.

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Team DIY Book Club: Trash to Treasure

Written on November 4, 2009 at 2:46 pm, by Team DIY

Garage sales and flea markets can be a do-it-yourselfer’s best friends. Rehabbing forgotten furniture can be inexpensive and incredibly rewarding. At Team DIY HQ, we’re admittedly obsessed with breathing new life into old stuff. That’s why we’re digging Linda and John Meyers’ new book Wary Meyers’ Tossed & Found: Unconventional Design From Cast-offs.

In the book, this husband-and-wife duo shows readers how to transform trash into creative treasures for the home. Ever considered picking up a piece of junk on the curb? This book is your affirmation and validation. You’ll love flipping through the funky photography and fun illustrations for design inspiration. Found an old basketball hoop? Turn it into a wall-mounted side table. Old swimming toys? Create a pool noodle papasan chair. Admit it: You’re curious.
The book focuses on seating, table, storage, lighting, and décor projects for the home. We especially love the lighting section (partly because we’re in love with DIY lamp and light fixture projects). Aside from inspiration and project ideas, the book is full of hardworking guides to reupholstering, stenciling, rewiring, and construction that DIYers of all levels could easily pull off. Now get out there and start dumpster diving!

What DIY, design, and decor books are you reading right now? Have a book you’d like us to review? Leave a comment and let us know! — Team DIY

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DIY Book Club: Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning But Simple Designs

Written on October 28, 2009 at 8:17 am, by Team DIY

It seems like we keep finding out new scary things about plastic. So we perk up when we hear about alternatives to plastic toys for kids. That’s just one of the reasons we’re loving Kate Haxell’s latest book, Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning But Simple Designs. Like Kate’s previous reads, the photography in Stitched Toys is superb, and the step-by-step directions are spot-on. From puppets and pillows to a felted take on a teddy bear, these projects are downright lovely. Ever seen the price tags for handmade toys at designer baby shops? This book helps you get that look for a fraction of the cost. No bambinos of your own? Sew up one of these, and your gift will be tops at the next baby shower you attend.

Another major bonus: Most of the projects use only a tiny amount of fabric, so scraps and recycled fabrics are A-OK. The first few pages of Stitched Toys cover techniques and materials, and you’ll find patterns in the back. Pretty much everything you need (minus the fabric and thread) to get started.

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5 Questions with Patricia Hoskins of Crafty Planet

Written on October 21, 2009 at 10:26 am, by Team DIY

Good luck trying to leave Crafty Planet.

Once you’re inside, you don’t really want to go anywhere. Let’s begin with the latest Amy Butler fabrics. And entire walls of designer yarns. The campy-cool Sublime Stitching embroidery patterns. A well-edited selection of knitting, DIY, and crafts books. Tons of fun notions, embellishments, and hip sewing stuff. An entire back area for workshops, classes, and impromptu crafting. The shop itself is situated in Minneapolis’ hip Northeast neighborhood, with a vintage clothing store next door.

The store’s owner, Patricia Hoskins, is another reason to visit. She’s a one-woman wealth of crafty and creative knowledge. When we stopped by the shop, she had a brand-new baby nestled into a sling (constructed from super-cute fabric, of course), while she sorted mail, tracked sales, and paid invoices.

Not only does the new mom manage operations at Crafty Planet, work a separate day job, and organize the No Coast Craft-o-Rama, she is also co-author of a new book, out today. One-Yard Wonders: 101 Fabulous Fabric Projects is a nice, fat book packed with home décor, fashion, accessory, and other projects you can sew up using a yard or less of fabric.

Trish took a few moments to chat with Team DIY about her shop, her book, and what’s on the horizon.

Do It Yourself: When and why did you launch the store? How has it grown and changed?
Patricia Hoskins: We opened the store in October 2003 after some solid planning and prep. Our main motivation was to provide a warm, welcoming, fun place for new crafters to learn and to find those fabrics and supplies that were cool and hard to find locally. Emphasis being on the welcoming and friendly atmosphere; when I was learning to sew and knit myself, I would often find myself intimidated and overwhelmed in the specialty yarn and fabric shops, afraid to ask a stupid question.

Originally we envisioned carrying a little bit of everything crafty — cool stamps, papers, and more, plus consignment handmade goods, in addition to fabrics and yarns and other needlecrafts. Soon we realized we would do better to focus a bit more, so we stuck primarily to needlecrafts. We do still carry kids’ craft kits in a variety of areas, along with a few handmade consignment lines, but those are minimal.

As far as how we’ve changed, we started on a shoestring, so we now carry far more fabrics and yarns, and we’re much deeper in basic notions and supplies, as well.

DIY: What types of classes do you teach? What do you love about teaching?
PH: I’ve taught knitting, crochet, embroidery, and sewing — mostly beginning classes. I enjoy seeing people learn a new skill and gain that confidence in themselves. So many people say, “I’m not crafty at all!” or “I’m sure I will suck at this,” then they concoct awesome crafty goodness! I guess there’s a certain kind of crafty/creative “spark” that I enjoy seeing getting fired up for the first time.

DIY: Congratulations on the new book! How did you come up with 101 sewing projects? That’s a lot!
PH: One-Yard Wonders is a collaboration not just between Rebecca Yaker, my co-author, and me, but about 70 contributors as well. 101 is a lot of projects! We mostly solicited contributors through blogs, craft forums like Craftster, word-of-mouth, and Crafty Planet newsletters. We had so many great submissions we actually didn’t have room for them all. Rebecca and I contributed several projects of our own, of course. Some things we were already making anyway, or had been thinking of trying to make — then we just had to figure out how to do it with just one yard of fabric.

DIY: Who and what inspires you?

PH: I am a very big fan of retro and vintage design in everything from crafts and textiles, to architecture and furniture, and more. I particularly love the midcentury modern aesthetic, but not just mid-century; I appreciate design from a variety of eras and cultures. Also, our customers inspire me every day! Seeing what they’re putting together for colors and patterns and seeing their finished projects — this all gives me great inspiration.
DIY: What’s on the horizon for you and Crafty Planet?
PH: I’m working on a book called Crafty Planet Goes Green, which will feature sewing, knitting, and other needlecraft-y projects using all recycled materials. Of course I hope Rebecca and I can continue developing a One Yard Wonders series in the vein of the One-Skein Wonders series, though that’s all TBD.

On a personal note, my husband and I just had a baby in September, so a big part of everything in my life will be just figuring out how to juggle all my varying commitments! In addition to the shop and my writing endeavors, I also work more than 30 hours a week as a business librarian, so time management is top of my agenda right now.

Visit Crafty Planet’s online store here. Or stop by the real deal! Crafty Planet is located at 2833 Johnson St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Pick up a copy of One-Yard Wonders: 101 Fabulous Fabric Projects here. Or find it at your local crafts shop!

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Halloween Tricks with Matthew Mead

Written on October 12, 2009 at 9:31 am, by Team DIY

Matthew Mead is one our favorite designers, and we’re delighted that he agreed to share some of his wicked-cool ideas for Halloween decorating! Check out his fabulous book, Matthew Mead’s Halloween: Shockingly Simple Holiday Crafts and Treats for tons more crafts, recipes, and party ideas. Enjoy! - Team DIY

Entertaining ideas for Halloween are simple and interesting when you use what you have around the house.

Bird houses are the base for haunted houses made of store-bought mini cookies adhered with homemade royal icing.

Carrots outfitted with black-eyed peas come to life and fit perfectly into wooden candlesticks for a fresh take on a centerpiece.

An heirloom pumpkin sans the stem is the perfect bowl for healthy and natural Halloween treats.

Find Matthew’s book on the newsstand or in the holiday section at your local bookstore! (We’ve added his creepy-crawly takes on cupcakes to our Halloween party menu!)

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