Monday, October 31, 2011

Ear Warmer Cozy...!

Well, the idea of a Earwarmer/Headband has been in the back of my mind for the longest time.  There has been something tricky about it - I guess some projects just take more time and effort, huh?  I have wanted to design something for my daughter & I to wear that would keep our ears warm, & also be a stylish accessory to hold back the flyaway hair!  This new 'Frost Bite' Earwarmer design allows me to use the chunky homespun yarn & oversized hook that I have become so fond of  (obsessed with?)....!  Just like my 'Snow Kiss' Headband, it has an elastic band in the back to ensure a good fit.

This fall, we have been picking apples, taking train rides, walking through pumpkin fields & now look forward to trick-or-treating & picking out Christmas trees.  This newly designed 'Frost Bite' Earwarmer will be the perfect accessory to wear this winter as we embark on more fun family adventures...!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Chunky Barley Cowl

This Thick & Chunky Barley Brown Neck Cozy is a great new addition to the shop.  What a great color to go into the fall & winter months with.  Coordinates well with white, cream, denim, tan, etc - Really cute with jeans & a denim jacket!

www.CrochetMarket.etsy.com

Busy....

A day of preparing & packaging orders.  On days like this I wonder - where does the time go?!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Snow.....?!

Today has been a snuggly day at my house!  My little boy has a cold & just needs to hang out with mom.  On top of that, we've been hit with a 'nor-easter-winter-storm' that has found us snow-bound for the day.  A surprise snow-storm will always brighten the spirits around here!  Of course, it's really wierd for PA to get a snow storm of this magnitude in October, but what-cha-gonna-do?!  Guess we'll crochet some new things, make hot chocolate & snuggle...!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Chunky Natural Cozy


I've got a bunch of these piling up around here...!  Another new color to the collection - Chunky Natural Oatmeal 'Sweet Beans' Cup Cozy for the fall/winter months.  Oh, these are so chunky & thick - they just make me want to snuggle up...

Chunky Fig Cozy

Chunky Fig - 'Sweet Beans' Cozy
Yep, another wool blend color to add to the 'Sweet Beans' Chunky Cup Cozy collection!  This 'fig' color is wonderful for fall & will transition beautifully into winter.  It's got an organic cotton flower & wood branch button on it.  Hummmm, I wonder what I should fill my coffee cup with today?

Don't forget - these Chunky Cozy's will make great stocking stuffers for your loved ones this year.  Add a Starbucks Gift Card & you're set!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Chunky Headband

Chunky 'Snow Kiss' Headband

I love headbands!  I started designing an Earwarmer type Headband that would keep your ears cozy warm through the windy fall months, but got side tracked by this cutie!  It is made with a thick wool yarn, large hook & an elastic band at the back to ensure the fit.  This Chunky 'Snow Kiss' Headband is going to keep your hair pulled back in fashion as you walk to the coffee shop or go trick-or-treating this fall!  I am making them in colors to match the Cozy Neck Cowls & Chunky Cup Cozy's (natural, brown, blue, fig, ivory, butterscotch, pumpkin). 

These will make the most adorable stocking stuffers for Christmas.  I hope you enjoy this new design.  (2 months until Christmas!)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Busy Day...

Lots of crocheting going on today...Christmas orders are getting ready to be mailed - Cotton Lime Green Cozies, Wool Thick & Chunky Cozies, Acrylic Chocolate Brown Cozies, as well as some more Wood Branch Buttons...whewww!   Thank you for supporting my little shop!! 

I will be listing some new Chunky Neck Cowls, Chunky Coffee Cozies and Chunky Headbands.  If there is something you would like to see, please let me know.

2 months until Christmas!!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Creamy Ivory Chunky Cowl

Creamy Ivory Cowl

Sweet Chunky Neck Cowl in another fun neutral color - Creamy Ivory!  

Get one before the weather gets too cold & nasty. 

We're off for a fun day together to watch the trees change color at our local arboretum.  Yeah!  I'm sure I'll wear my Cozy Cowl since the weather is chilly today.


Friday, October 21, 2011

Oatmeal Chunky Cowl

Chunky Oatmeal Cowl
I am listing more Sweet Chunky Neck Cowls in the shop.  I can't tell you how warm they keep me through the chilly months of fall.  Even while doing paperwork & teaching the kids during the day, I find comfort in the warmth around my neck, now that the weather has begun to cool.

This Oatmeal Sweet Slim Cowl is a great neutral color.  It is so sweet with denim!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Chunky Coffee 'Costume'...?

Thick & Chunky Bark Cozy
These Thick & Chunky Cup Cozy's have become one of my favorites.  And when I say "Thick", I really mean it!  They have oversized flowers made of organic cotton & my new wood bark buttons - so cute!  This is the perfect gift for fall, as we start to 'dress-up' our coffee cups for Halloween!  The adults need to have fun, too.  Enjoy the chilly temps with your favorite drink.

Apples in my Cake

Diced Apple Cake w/ Streusel Topping
I love to bake throughout the fall season.  There are so many farmers markets and pick-your-own farms in my area.  Pumpkins & Apples are at the top of my list this time of year. 

This Diced Apple Cake is a family favorite - not sure where my grandmother got it .  It just warms my heart to make it.  This recipe freezes well, when you need to use up lots & lots of apples.  It is good warm or cold. I like it best, cold, the next day, after all of the flavors have been able to blend together!  There are lots of apples packed into this cake - Serve with fresh whipped cream!

To make this yummy treat for your family, you will need:
Diced Apple Cake

3/4 cup, Unsalted Butter (soft)
1 1/2 cups, Raw Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp, Vanilla
2 1/2 cups, All-purpose Flour
1 tsp, Salt
1 tsp, Baking Soda
4 cups, Diced Apples (crunchy)
1/2 cup, Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup, Raisins (optional)


Cream the butter, sugar, eggs & vanilla together. Sift together the flour, salt & baking soda. Add the butter mixture to the flour mixture & stir together until just combined. Now, add the apples & nuts. (This batter is thick, but don't worry - it bakes up so moist & yummy!)

Crumb Topping:
1/3 cup, Brown Sugar
1/3 cup, Raw Sugar
1 tsp, Cinnamon
1/2 tsp, Ground Ginger
1/8 tsp, Salt
1/2 cup, Softened Butter
1 3/4 cup, All Purpose Flour
 
Combine all of these ingredients into a bowl & mix with a fork or with your hands.

Grease a bundt pan & evenly fill with the Batter, then pile the Crumbs on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour.  Insert a cake tester into the cake to make sure it comes out clean before taking out of the oven. 

I usually drizzle a little icing on the top when the cake has cooled (optional).  This recipe is all about the consistency you are comfortable with.  If it's too thick to drizzle, add more milk to thin it out.

Drizzle:
1 1/2 cups, Powdered Sugar
3 oz, Cream Cheese (soft)
2 Tbls, Milk (maybe more)
1 tsp, Vanilla
1 Tbsp, Melted Butter

Monday, October 17, 2011

How Sweet!

A little bit of Crochet Chunky Sweetness for your little one this fall!
Pink Chunky Baby Beanie

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Buttons from my Forest!

Wood Branch Buttons 1"
Well, purchasing buttons for my Coffee Cup Cozy's & Hats has become a bit costly.  As a desperation move, I asked my husband to forage for branches in our forest, cut them into small thin circles & drill holes in them - all so I could make my own buttons!!  A bit tricky in the beginning, but SO worth it in the end!  Ha Ha.  Instead of rubbing them with oil, I am coating them with a thin layer of shellac.  I worry about people hand washing their Coffee Cozy & damaging the wood.  The shellac will protect the 'button' from harm.

The kids got involved in this project by finding branches & sticks the correct size & making sure Daddy cuts them 'just right' for Mommie!  I'm working on sizes & thickness at this point, but I am thrilled with the outcome, so far.  My husband asked me:  "Does this make me a 'crafter' now?"  I said, "Most certainly not.  You are just my Supplier!"  He is such a great support to my quirky crafy ideas - I don't know what I would do without him...
1 1/4" Branch Buttons
1" Branch Buttons

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Pumpkin Wow-Wee!

Iced Pumpkin Cookie Treats!
I found this recipe for Iced Pumpkin Cookies on the 'Mommas Like Me' blog (http://lacee-mommaslikeme.blogspot.com/) &  I knew I had to try them as soon as possible!  The photographs & descriptions on her blog took me in.  I am a sucker for anything pumpkin this time of year.  As soon as the temps start to cool, I get all snuggly & my taste buds seem to require spicy pumpkin things (whoopie pies, cookies, pies, coffees, creamers, pancakes, waffles, lasagna, pasta, etc.) - you get the idea!??

I love to bake a lot & often make a big mess - today was no execption.  After making these yummy cookies, my kitchen was a total disaster, but they were SO worth it!  This recipe creates a 'cookie' that is so different than anything else you've had - soft, moist, sweet, cupcake-like, spicy, melt-in-your-mouth-Yum-O, have-to-have-more, feeling you've got to experience!  I added some cream cheese to the icing & some chopped nuts to the batter as well as a garnish.  Oh my!!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies
This recipe has found it's way into my holiday collection.  I hope you experience these - let your family enjoy the amazing smells coming from the kitchen & feel the warmth of your love through these cookies.  Experience this snuggly season with your loved ones.  Thank you so much Lacee (Good job)!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Fun for Fall....

Thick & Chunky Sweet Beans Cup Cozy's are on their way!  Oh my - These Chunky Cozy's have stollen my heart with their fluff.  You know you are grabbing something thick & snuggly when you hold one of these.  I can't wait for you to try them.  Working on Butterscotch, Bark Brown, Harvest Pumpkin, Fisherman Cream, etc.  Most of them will match the new Sweet Chunky Neck Cowls that are being added to the shop.  Get 'em now, so you won't be left holding a steaming hot (naked) cup of coffee!!!  Do you like them with the flower & button or not?

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Pumpkin Cozy Neck Cowl


As you must know, I have started listing my new Sweet Chunky Neck Cowls into the shop for the upcoming chilly Fall weather!  Today I will list the newest - 'Sweet Slim' in Harvest Pumpkin - Oh my!!!!  Get 'em before the weather gets nasty....

Cowls are In...

A couple of the Chunky Neck Cowls have been listed in the shop. This is the 'Sweet Slim' in Bark Brown Wool.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Coffee Filters

More Reusable Coffee Filters were made & shipped out today.  Things come & go from my shop - most of them are not even sold on line - they are sold to friends & people I meet locally!  Oh well, doesn't matter how you sell it, right?!! 

I love the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle concept.  Although it's just a little part, it feels so good.

Fall Cozy's


It's a rainy day here, but an order of Sweet Beans Coffee Cup Cozies are leaving anyway!  I hope they are loved wherever they go!!

I invision your cup Dressed-Up for Halloween & filled with a Pumpkin Spice latte'!!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Neck Cowls

I will be putting these Chunky Neck Cowl's in the shop this week, for sure!  They are made of a soft chunky wool blend yarn with a simple edging & will be available in 2 different styles:  Sweet Chubby (short & fat) & Sweet Slim (long & skinny).  You're choice, both will be the same price.

This is the perfect accessory for fall - Just enough bulk to provide warmth for those chilly evenings sitting on the back porch, windy walks to the local coffee shop, picking pumpkins, choosing christmas trees or an added something special when you're out on the town with your love!


Chocolate Cup Cozy

My Sweet Beans Chocolate Cup Cozy was featured here - "A Little Taste of Cocoa"

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA1MDY0fDg1MjQwMjk5MQ/a-little-taste-of-cocoa

Facebook?

Well, I am going to start a Facebook page for KroshayCafe'.  I'm sure that I will need some help along the way...so, if you are able to help me, please feel free to offer assistance!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...

You know those little sheets of cardboard we get from paper tablets, to-go-cup wrappers, packaged clothing, toys, etc...?  What do YOU do with them?  I would love to hear what creative ways you use these easily discarded sheets of cardboard, or do you just throw them away...?

I get the kids to cut them into shapes, stamp or embellish with my artwork, hang with twine & make them into shop tags & thank you tags to ship with my orders.  Reduce, Reuse, Recyle - every little bit helps!!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Newborn Chunky Baby Beanie...

Chunky Charcoal
As I am designing new things for the fall, I couldn't help but come up with a little bit of snuggly warmth for our little ones!  Oh my, these Chunky Beanies are precious.  This one is made with charcoal acrylic & creamy alpaca yarns with a coconut button.  Still working out the sizing between newborn & toddler before considering them for the shop.

I would love to find someone local (in PA) to help me product test this newborn size...!...?

Homemade...

Baking more bread with the kiddos today - Yum!


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

It's a Cozy day...!

I find myself with heavy thoughts today...Although this blog is a little venue for me to share my crafts, occasionally my thoughts & ideals get in here too!  My thoughts are caught up in the frustration of negative comments & narrow mindedness of people around me.  I wish that I could openly share & make a difference without the critical comments I hear around me!  It's hard to make a difference when all I see is people hanging on to their old ways with no need for change.  Guess this has bothered me for years & it's rearing it's ugly head again.  I've spent time journalling my thoughts, & realize that I need to move past these attitudes I am surrounded with & think positively.  We aren't supposed to spend our days daunted by others, but encouraging them instead.  I suppose I can't change anyone but myself...?! God is good & always has a plan.  Be careful how your attitude & words affect others - this is a good lesson for me, as I assess my own actions (Ephesians 4).

I need to curl up with a Hot Steamy Cup Java & yarn this afternoon!  The weather here has surprised us with bright warm sun & gentle breezes - wow - how encouraging!

This Spicy Pumpkin Cozy & a Natural Cozy were added to the shop today.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

BBQ Chicken...

Today we are making 'Pulled Chicken' in the crock pot  (http://punkinheadsanddoodaloos.blogspot.com/2011/08/easy-melt-in-your-mouth-pulled-chicken.html)  We enjoy making our own breads & cereals around here - we chose to make an Oatmeal Honey Bread to go with this meal.  It was a yummy science class today...!  Enjoy your dinner tonight.

BBQ Pulled Chicken


Warm Honey Oatmeal Bread

Chunky Neck Warmer Cowl

I will be adding some new things to the shop this week - Since the weather has turned too chilly for me, I've gotten desperate for ways to keep my neck & ears cozy warm.  I've been working on a Chunky Neck Warmer Cowl & Headband Earwarmer design in a few neutral colors that I can't wait to share with you.

This Cowl design is not too long & not too short....it's JUST right!  It will keep your neck from feeling the chill of fall breezes and will look stylish & fresh laying over a sweater or peaking out from a jacket. 

Imagine how 'very put together' you will look when you meet your friends at the cafe' with a matching Coffee Cozy & Chunky Neck Warmer Cowl this season!  Would love to hear your comments on these cuties....?

Monday, October 3, 2011

Golden Mustard Cup Cozy



Well, this may be my newest favorite color of the season (for now)!  Pared with the Creamy Ivory Flower & Coconut Button, it is just so cozy & sweet - Perfect for my steaming hot Pumpkin Drink of the day!