Category: Oblibby’s Life

What I get up to when I’m nor working or making stuff

New Year, same old Oblibby

Happy New Year, Oodlers.  Hope 2016 brings you everything you wish for.  I always have mixed feelings at New Year; excitement at the fresh start and all the projects I’m looking forward to undertaking in the next 12 months, mixed with sadness (and a touch of anger) at everything I’ve failed to achieve in the past year.  I know I can’t do everything, but I really, really want to structure my life so I become more productive and use my free time better this year.  We shall see…

When I’m making up my project list for this year* I’m definitely adding a couple of things from these books I got a Christmas.  Both look wonderful and have so many things I’d like to make.  I think I’ll got with the orangutan from Edward’s Menagerie and the bull from Animal Heads as the first one from each book.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Christmas 2015 Crochet Books

*Actually, I think maybe listing the projects I want to do and ticking them off as they’re complete might be the way forward for me.  Ideally I’d only like to have one large and few small projects on the go at any given time, as I’m terrible for starting larger projects and having so many on the go I become overwhelmed and end up doing nothing.  I’ll report back on the list situation and let you know if it’s working or not.

I’m also looking forward to trying out my new cooking and cocktail books.  The Nopi one will be great for dinner parties and special occasions, whilst Spuntino is full of hassle-free food to cook at weekends.  Tequila Mockingbird is full of literary based cocktails, so looking forward to posting some fab booze pics soon.

Oodles of Obliciousness - 2015 Christmas Cookbooks

On the subject of cooking, I’m definitely going to get back to posting regular recipes here.  I’m also going to slightly change the way I cook and start doing more batch cooking for midweek meals, instead of cooking something from scratch every night.  I’m hoping this will free up a bit more time to spend on my crafty projects, as I’d really like to do a fair later in the year.

One of my current makes is taking a little longer than expected.  I’m making a Fair Isle tank top, using a pattern from Debbie Bliss’ Blue Faced Leicester DK book.  I’m using Patons Merino Extra Fine DK in shades Camel (105), Wine (132), Olive (171), Chartreuse (174), Blue Nile (155), Black (199), and Cream (102).  It’s a long time since I’ve knitted anything and had forgotten just how much longer it takes to do than crochet.  I’m really enjoying making it although it has to be said it’d definitely a design which needs my full attention.  Here’s my progress so far.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Tank Top

Thanks for looking.  I would love to see what you’re making or cooking, or even projects you’d like to do at some point in 2016.

 

Patatas Bravas with Chorizo and Poached Egg

Hello again!  You may have noticed, my last attempt to keep updated didn’t quite work out according to plan, but the good news is I now know what was causing my fatigue and I’m well on the way to recovery.

I posted a picture of this on my facebook feed and one of my friends asked for the recipe, so I thought what better way to kick start my blog again.  This one’s for you, Moogle ;).

 

Patatas Bravas with Chorizo and Poached Egg
Print Recipe
Crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce, chorizo, topped with a poached egg. Perfect comfort food.
Servings Prep Time
1 10 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 10 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Patatas Bravas with Chorizo and Poached Egg
Print Recipe
Crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce, chorizo, topped with a poached egg. Perfect comfort food.
Servings Prep Time
1 10 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 10 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 baking potato (peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference; I prefer the skin on)
  • 50 grams chorizo (cut into chunks)
  • 0.5 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic (crushed)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chilli powder (increase or reduce this amount to suit your own taste. I prefer a little more, but whilst the dish should be spicy, it shouldn't be searingly hot)
Servings:
Instructions
  2. Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees and brush or spray a baking tray with oil.
  3. Cut the potato into 2cm (approx) cubes, place on the baking tray and spray or coat with more oil. Sprinkle salt on top and bake for around 20 minutes until the potatoes begin to crisp up on the outside and soften in the middle.
  4. Sprinkle the chorizo on top of the potatoes then cook in the oven for another 5 minutes or so.
  5. Whilst the potatoes are cooking, mix together the tomatoes, garlic, paprika, and chilli (don't worry about pre cooking the garlic, as the sauce will cook in the oven later).
  6. Add the sauce to the potato and chorizo mixture, reduce the oven temperature to 160 degrees and cook for a further 10-15 minutes or so until sauce has started to thicken -
  7. When your potato mixture is almost done, poach your egg.
  8. Put the potatoes in a dish, top with the egg, and sprinkle with a little more sea salt.
Recipe Notes

If you want to be really decadent, you could deep fry the potatoes in true Spanish style, and top with a fried egg.

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A Stitch in Time

Hello, little blog, it’s been way too long since I last updated.  The intention was there but somehow life, laziness, time, and other stuff all just seemed to get the better of me.  However, I’m now back (still with what feels like a million ongoing projects, recipes in my head, crafty things I want to do, and places I want to visit, all jostling around in my head.

Anyway, onto the good stuff.  I’ve never attempted cross stitch before, and to be honest, it’s a craft that didn’t hugely appeal to me, mainly because so many of the designs on the market aren’t quite me.  Late last year however, I came across some designs by Bothy Crafts, which I really liked.  I had some Christmas money, so decided to go for the Love Tree one.

It’s been a slow process, mainly because of ends and it being a project I do for a few days then leave for months.  I’d love to get it finished before this Christmas though, as I want to make a gallery wall in our dining room after Christmas, and this is going on it!

Oodles of Obliciousness - Cross Stitck

As you can see, I’m on the outline stage now (not sure if that’s the official cross stitch term or not).  It’s pretty time consuming, mainly because I chose a design with tons of little motifs.  I’ll get there though, then it’ll just be quick wash and press then to find a frame.

Next up I’d like to an embroidery sampler, or maybe a cross stitch ouija board – decisions, decisions….

Are you a cross stitch fan?  If so, I’d love to hear of your pattern recommendations.

Thanks for reading

Oblibby xxx

Solar Daydreamer

You may recall from my last post that I was making a dress (the final results of which will be seen shortly; I just need to beg someone to take a photo of me) to wear to the wedding of really good friends of ours. As I have recently rediscovered my beady mojo, I decided it was only fitting I made some jewellery to go with it. Now, I’ve always been a bit underwhelmed with the new shaped beads which have been abundant of late, however when I saw this Daydreamer Rope by Jill Wiseman (even better as it’s a free download), I decided to buy some Czech Superduos and give it a go.  I decided on Halo finish in Tangerine, French Rose, Razzmatazz, Persian Rose, and Celestial.  For my seed beads I chose Miyuki seed beads in Taupe Lined Crystal AB.  As I was bursting with beady inspiration, I also decided to try out the new beading technique by Melanie de Miguel’s book, Let’s Hubble.  As I love throwing myself in at the deep end, I chose the Solar Flare Pendant and thought the deliciously exotic-sounding Pardparadascha Swarovski rivoli would go really well with my other colours.  I’ve never worked with this colour before and when it arrived I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s a lovely reddish coral colour and bang on trend this season.

Here’s a what was on my bead board when I began my project (minus the 14mm rivoli, which must be hiding):


 

Originally I was going to do a necklace and a bracelet, but the sizing worked perfectly for a bangle which meant that I wouldn’t have to worry about a catch slipping round or potentially snagging my dress.

Here’s what I ended up with after a few hours of work:

Oodles of Obliciousness - Solar Daydreamer

…and because the pendant doesn’t show up very well from that distance, a little close up showing the padparadascha colour in all it’s beautiful glory.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Solar Daydreamer

 

The colours I used went so well with my fabric.  I had originally planned to use brights, but the Superduo colour selection wasn’t wonderful and the ones I did manage to find were too garish and just didn’t give the look I wanted, whereas these muted tones really brought out the vibrant colours in the fabric.  Also, taupe lined crystal AB have rocketed into my favourite seedy colour list.

I’m delighted with the finished results (and to have my creative mojo back again).

I strongly encourage you to have a go at the Daydreamer Rope if you’re at all beadily inclined.  A really simple yet effective design which works up pretty quickly.

Thanks for looking.

Oblibby, you shall go to the ball

Okay, so it’s probably the coldest summer in Scotland in a long, long time, but at least the crappy weather gives me an excuse to stay home and get cracked on with projects.

I’m making a dress and jewellery for my friends’ wedding in a couple of weeks, and so far, it’s all going very smoothly.  My last attempt at a dress was a Gertie pattern (Butterick B5953), and was an unmitigated disaster. Even though I had added a FBA allowance,  the top part just seemed too low and wide to cross properly.  I may have another go at some point but will try using a fabric with a bit of stretch instead of the recommended woven.

Anyway, on to my current project, a much more enjoyable experience altogether.  I’d heard good things about Style Arc, an Australian pattern company and their Layla design seemed to be exactly what I wanted, albeit with a bit a tweaking needed to give it a bit more of an ‘Old Hollywood Screen Siren’ vibe. At the moment I’ve done the bodice and the skirt; I’ve made a minor adjustment to the skirt, opting for a slightly longer, narrower silhouette, and adding a godet at the back instead of the kick pleat. I’m not sure if the godet will stay, or if there is enough give in the fabric to just do a wiggle skirt.

I’ve chosen a thickish stretch cotton, with a slightly satiny sheen to it, which I ordered from Fabric Godmother. It’s my first time ordering dress fabric online and I have to say I’m very very happy with it – it’s lush.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Style Arc Layla
Oodles of Obliciousness – Style Arc Layla

(don’t let the hangar size fool you – I’ve made it in a 14.)

I’ve not decided if I’m going to put the zip in yet. Part of my thinks if it fits well without it, just leave it out, but we’ll see. The one thing I will definitely change are the sleeves; the cap sleeves on the pattern are lovely, but I hate my upper arms, so wouldn’t be comfortable with them on show, also if the temperatures aren’t fantastic, I’ll feel less chilly with 3/4 length sleeves. I just need to find another pattern with sleeves which will fit, but I have a feeling I have one in a Burda Style mag which will be perfect.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Style Arc Layla
Oodles of Obliciousness – Style Arc Layla

I can’t wait to show you the beaded jewellery I’m making as well; I’m hoping it will go beautifully with the dress style and fabric.

Wish me luck!

What’s on my bead board – April 2015

Firstly,  apologies there was no recipe post last week; I was a bit under the weather with a heavy head cold and really couldn’t summon up the energy to photograph and write down a recipe.  Well on the way to recover now though, so normal service will be resumed this week.

Now onto the subject of this post – beads!  I’ve beaded for quite a few years now and it’s a hobby I really enjoy (unless I’m three quarters of the way through a long project!).  The last year however, it’s take a bit of a back seat.  I’ve dug my beads out, looked at them, then put them away again.  Basically, I’ve been suffering from the scourge of crafters everywhere – lost mojo.  I think Mr Mojo is slowing and surely returning, thanks in past to some lovely beads purchased from a good friend of mine, Linda Mabbott at Inside the Fire (more about these in a later post).

So, I thought I’d show you what’s on my bead board this week.  It’s been a bit of a work in progress, started about a year ago and sadly neglected, partly because I can’t decide whether to make a long necklace, short necklace with dangles, or a lariat.  I love this colour combo, and I’m very proud of the big beaded bead.  The lampwork bead came from my stash via a friend’s destash.


 Oodles of Obliciousness - Bead Board Apr

 

I love this colour combo, and I’m very proud of this big beaded bead.  The lampwork bead came from my stash via a friend’s destash.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Bead Board Apr

I’m hoping to have it finished within the next week or so, as it has dragged on a bit too long now and I really want to start something new.

Thanks for looking.

Mexican Cottage Pie

Everyone loves a cottage pie, so I thought I’d give it a nice Mexican twist.  The inspiration for the topping came from the wonderful Thomasina Myers, who is a bit of a hero of mine, not least because she won Masterchef.  The Mexican street food in her Wahaca restaurants is so, so good.  The last time we were in London, we went to the original one near Covent Garden for lunch, which was brilliant.  I thoroughly recommend her book Mexican Food Made Simple.  There are also Wahaca – Mexican Food at Home and Chilli Notes books, which are on my wishlist.

A couple of the ingredients listed in this recipe are a bit more difficult to source than the ingredients in my previous recipes, but they’re not essential; where a suitable alternative exists, I’ve also given that (or you can leave them out completely).  You’ll also notice the cooking time is a bit longer, however the meat and bean mixture can be made in advance.  Actually, the pie freezes really well; should you wish to freeze it, I recommend cutting it into individual portion sized pieces, wrapping in cling, then popping in a freezer bag.

Without further ado, I give you Mexican Cottage Pie.

Mexican Pulled Pork Cottage Pie
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6-8 20 minutes
Cook Time
120 - 160 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6-8 20 minutes
Cook Time
120 - 160 minutes
Mexican Pulled Pork Cottage Pie
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6-8 20 minutes
Cook Time
120 - 160 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6-8 20 minutes
Cook Time
120 - 160 minutes
Ingredients
Pie Filling
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 3 bell peppers (sliced)
  • 5 or 6 red chillies (finely chopped or ground to a paste or 1 tsp chilli powder plus more to taste)
  • 4 cloves garlic (grated or crushed)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika 1
  • 1 tbsp mole (or square of 80%+ dark chocolate) - optional
  • splash balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried epazote - optional
  • 1 tsp dried tarragon
  • 750 grams pork shoulder steaks
  • 500 ml passata
  • 1 or 2 cans red kidney beans (drained)
Pie Topping
  • 3 cans sweetcorn (large cans - drained)
  • 3 tbsp cornmeal (or plain flour - not cornflour)
  • 10 grams butter
  • 1 tsp salt
Servings:
Instructions
  1. If you're using an oven proof pan, preheat your oven to 150 degrees.
  2. Heat the oil over a medium hot heat, add the sliced onions and peppers, salt and sugar, and cook for 10 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to be soft and starting to brown.
  3. Add the grated/crushed garlic, cumin, coriander, epazote, tarragon, smoked paprika, and half the chillies.
  4. Add the pork, then stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spice mix. Now, add the passata, vinegar, and mole (or chocolate) and stir again. Taste the sauce and add the rest of the chillis if you wish. Put the lid on your pan.
  5. If using an ovenproof dish, transfer to the oven and cook for 90-120 minutes until meat is tender and falling apart. If you are not using an ovenproof dish, cook for the same amount of time on a gentle heat, stirring every now and again to stop the mixture sticking. Add the beans then transfer the filling to a large ovenproof dish.
  6. Adjust the oven temperature to 175 degrees. Put the topping ingredients into your food processor and blitz into a very course paste.
  7. Spread the topping onto your pie filling and bake for 30-40 minutes or so until the pie topping starts to form a crust.
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Sophie’s Universe – Parts 1-11

At last, a post about something that isn’t food!

Last month, I kept seeing the most gorgeous crochet afghan showing up on my Instagram feed.  After investigating a bit further, I discovered the joys of a crochet along and the beautiful Sophie’s Universe.  After crochet like crazy since I returned from Sevilla (travel report still to come), I am finally up to date and eagerly awaiting the next installment’s release on Sunday.

This is a little closeup of my favourite part of Sophie.

  1. Oodles of Obliciousness - Sophie's Universe, flower detail

We’re now about half way through and I have to say the pattern has been a joy to crochet.  Very little repetition and lots of interesting new stitches and features throughout.  If you’d like to give it a go, pop over to the designer, Dedri’s site at Look What I Made.  The instructions are very clear and well written.  If you do decide to give Sophie’s Universe, I’d love to see your colour scheme and progress.

I decided to do this Sophie in Stylecraft DK from my stash.  I’ve had to buy a couple of balls when I’ve run out of a colour I’ve wanted to use again, but it has been great stash-buster so far.

Oh, and did I mention I’ve already started another one in a more subdued colour scheme, as my original is earmarked for my niece as a starting school gift.  I’ll miss Sophie #1 so much when she goes though!

Happy hooking xx