Marshmallows and Tiny Houses

 Two things I have done in December and am excited to share is my first attempt (successful) at marshmallows. The second is my Tiny House project. Lots of pictures so get comfy. First, the Marshmallows. I used Alton Brown's recipe and it was super simple. You do need a candy thermometer though. Here is the process in pictures:

Gelatin and water, waiting for the syrup

Pan prepared with powdered sugar and cornstarch

Syrup in the pan, waiting to boil.

Pouring hot syrup into the gelatin as the mixer is going.

Out of order, but the syrup cooking to 140 degrees

Again, dammit, out of order, thanks blogger, covering with powdered sugar

Whipping until stiff peaks form

There they are! Stiff enough. Don't want to set them up too soon.

Into the pans they go.

I used 2 8-inch square pans instead of the one 9x13. It was easier to deal with.

Again, all out of order for no apparent reason. but they were delicious and amazing and I will do them again!

Now, tiny houses. I have kept up at one per day. Here is where I am after today...

Actually, this was Monday. I am having so much fun with these, and keeping at it is easy. You can check my Instagram for all the pictures of this. I am @grammie_q and I post the house there every day.

Have a Happy and safe New Year's eve and here's hope for better things in 2021 for all of us.

Missing in December

 I know i have not been here in the month of December. In fact, my last post was November 25. I have thought of posting, but this Christmas season has been especially difficult for me. I find it hard to pretend that all is well, or normal in any way. But today, I decided to post a long-ish catch up post . First, let me just say Happy Winter Solstice to one and all. From now on, the days start getting longer. Yay!

I have been doing some sewing and baking and other crafty things, which I want to share, and document here. So here we go...

First of all, I finished my Penny Sampler quilt top. This was a year long project done with monthly installments from Rachel, at Stitched In Color. I really enjoyed this one. Up for the new year is making the backing and quilting it. I have a plan.

Second, I finished my Geesey Geesey quilt top, also a sew along with Rachel. She has ideas that inspire me. What else can I say? This one will also get quilted in the new year.

I made two throw pillows for my bed, to go with the Christmas quilt that resides there now, during the holidays. After Christmas, the covers will go back into storage until next year.

Next is my tiny house project. Since I first began making these a year or so ago, I wanted to make a bunch to put into a small wall hanging type of quilt. I could never make myself just start making them, though. So I decided on December 1 to do a 100 Days Project. By March 10 I will have 100 tiny houses to put together. Right now, this is the only sewing going on here. That will change eventually, but for now, I sew for 15 minutes a day. I am truly enjoying this little project. I share them daily on Instagram.

There is also some hand embroidery going on here and I did finish another crocheted blanket. I haven't uploaded the pictures yet, do that will have to wait for another day. I also tried my hand at making homemade marshmallows and I have to say they are pretty darn good. I will upload all those pictures soon and share them here. 

For now, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.