The Best Sewing Gift Ever!

It was a Christmas that I thought would be especially bleak. My father had recently left, and my mother was especially sad. It was our first Christmas alone, and we were over a thousand miles away from any family. But, under the tree was a gift for me. I opened it, and inside was a sewing pattern and fabric. As wonderful as that was, what made it all the more special was that the fabric that was in the box was the exact same fabric that was on the pattern envelope! Everything was in the box to recreate the garment that I saw. I just couldn't believe it, 2 black and white coordinates, and packages of white cording. 

Over the Christmas break, I made up the outfit, and of course wore it proudly on my first day back at school. I felt as though I was wearing a designer garment. 

I still have the pattern. The envelope is a little worse for wear, but everything is still intact, no missing pattern pieces.

I've decided to somewhat recreate the outfit. Rather than in the matching fabric, I am using a plaid wool flannel for the skirt, and a coordinating black cotton chambray for the shirt. 

Although 1 is cotton, and the other wool, I really like how the 2 coordinate. 

I'll do the version on the right just as I did when I had the coordinating fabric, but this time around, I won't add the big patch pockets. Rather than a contrasting piping, I'll just self pipe both the shirt and the skirt. 

The pattern is really just a basic shirt and a wrap skirt, but it's special. It takes me back to a time when my world had fallen apart, and yet, there under that tree was a gift that represented potential. As it was, it was just a box with a pattern and some fabric. But, with just a little effort, I had something that made me feel so very special.  

Sunday Brunch/Biscuits Part 2

Treasures. What really constitutes a treasure? For some, it's money. Others value jewels. And then, there are things. All of these can be gone in the blink of an eye, but what can never be taken from us are our memories. Now, true enough, some suffer from debilitating diseases that can destroy the mind, and wipe away memories. But, even then, I think the mind can have moments of remembering. When my uncle was suffering with Alzheimer's, I found it interesting that he could have beautiful moments when he remembered something. Maybe it was just the touch of my aunt's hand. The far away look in his eyes would change, and for a moment, I could see that there was recognition. It was like a small gift to my aunt especially, but I think to him as well.

I thought I would share a few "treasures." In my last biscuit post, I talked about a tiny iron skillet that was mine. When I would visit with my grandmother, this little skillet was for my biscuits, and mine only. In the picture below, you see that tiny little skillet, my grandmother's biscuit cutter, and my great-great grandmother's wooden biscuit bowl. I used it this morning :) My great-great grandmother died at the age of 96 in 1960, so the bowl is quite old. 

  

My grandmother made biscuits each and every morning for breakfast. Her recipe is simple, nothing as elaborate as the Joanna Gaines biscuits. They can be made in a flash. After making the Joanna Gaines biscuits, which were good, but quite a bit of work, I decided to make up my grandmother's recipe and compare. Maybe it's because this is what I grew up eating, but I like my grandmother's the best :)

As I said, the recipe is simple, 

Begin by pouring oil into a cast iron skillet and heating until piping hot. At the same time, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Mix 1 cup of self-rising flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of oil.

Mix in just shy of 1 cup of buttermilk(between 3/4 and 1 cup). Mix the batter together and place on a floured surface. 

Pat out the dough and cut into 2" or so sized biscuits. Do not over work the dough.

Place the biscuits in the hot oil. Quickly turn the biscuit over, coating both sides with the oil.

Place in oven and bake until golden brown. Approximately 15 minutes.

What I love about placing the biscuits in the hot oil is that you get a crunchy bottom. Yum!

Elvera's Biscuits

ingredients;
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon oil
1 scant cup buttermilk
Extra oil for cast iron skillet

directions;
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Heat at least 2 tablespoons of oil in cast iron skillet until skillet is piping hot. 
Combine flour, baking soda, oil and buttermilk. Place on a floured surface. Sprinkle flour over the top of the dough and pat dough out to about 1/2" thick. Do not over work the dough. 
Cut into 2" biscuits.
Place in hot oil and turn over, coating both sides of the biscuit. Place the skillet in preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until biscuits have browned.
Serve piping hot!

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I have the sweetest memories of my grandmother. I loved how she would sing as she worked. Even under the worst circumstances, she always had a song in her heart.  

As this year draws to  a close, I hope that you will find some lovely memories to reflect upon, and maybe even a sweet song in your heart.

Rhonda