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Crochet – Chain Stitch (Left Handed)

The chain stitch (usually abbreviated “ch”) is about as simple as a stitch can get. It is often used as the first row in projects.

IMG_0442The “G” hook (4.25 mm) is my favorite size. I’ve recently switched to using the thicker handled ones, which do seem to be less fatiguing and easier to use for long periods of time.

IMG_0443Start a chain by making a loop over the hook, the short end should cross over the long end, so it can be trapped in the next step.

IMG_0445Put the yarn over the hook (yo).

IMG_0446And pull through. There should be a loop around the hook, and the first stitch below.

IMG_0447Yarn over (yo) and pull through to repeat the stitch. A series of chain stitches is known as a chain, and is used as the starting point for many patterns.

Another example:

IMG_0465Start position

IMG_0467Yarn over (yo)

IMG_0469Pull through.

IMG_0470Chain stitch complete.

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Grubbycup’s Peach Kuchen

Grubbycup’s Peach Kuchen

Crust

½ Cup butter

2 Cups flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 Cup sugar

Filling

8-10 peaches sliced

1 Cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 egg yolks

1 Cup heavy cream

 

Heat oven to 400F

Mix sifted flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Work softened butter into mixture. Press an even layer into bottom and up sides of pan (9’x 13’) with hands.

Put peaches into shell (crust). Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over peaches. Bake for 15 min. While baking, blend yolks and cream. Remove pan from oven, pour cream mixture over peaches, return to oven, and bake 30 min more.

 

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Grow with Grubbycup Collectible Buttons (2013)

The 2013 promotional Grow with Grubbycup collectible buttons have arrived. Printed for the Grow with Us Hydroponics customer appreciation weekend – Boston Freedom Rally – Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply (special thanks to General Hydroponics) tour. Hitting Rhode Island, Mass, New York, and maybe others before heading back to California to get back into the studio and record more episodes.

Almost half of the first run have already been given out, and only expect to have a pack or two for myself left at the end of the week.

 

Buttons 019

The first six button set features

1) I love Herb the Wizard’s Magic Potions – I’m pretty sure I’m going to change these to either just I love Herb the Wizard or just go in a different direction with these.

2) Sancho Bonsai – I like these, and one of the more popular buttons. It is clean and easy to read. Will probably keep this design for the Sancho buttons at least for a while.

3) The original Grubbycup button with the growing G logo – The first and most popular of the Grubbycup promotional buttons.

4) A crop of the Grow with Grubbycup show logo – May change the text to be larger, and tweak the purple G.

5) Grow with Grubbycup green with heart – Cute, but will likely be replaced by a different button.

6) Admit One Alphred’s Dungeon Pass – I really like the concept here, but the script came out a little difficult to read. Will likely change for the next print run.

So Gentle Readers, why the extra details about the buttons? And why point out which ones will likely not be reprinted?

Because some folks collect them. Not because they will ever be worth any more than they are now, but just for fun. By posting a chronological record with photos, descriptions and comments, I hope to make it a little more fun for those folks.

Current plan is for the next set of buttons to be used as giveaways for Gentle Listeners, but still working on the details. Until then, if you see me, don’t be shy about walking up and asking me for a button, I try to keep at least a few in my pocket for just such an occasion, particularly at events (limited quantities, while supplies last).

 

 

 

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Bleach Tie Dye part 2 (General Hydroponics Shirt)

If you haven’t already, check out my first post on Bleach Tie Dye here .

I had so much fun doing bleach tie dye last time, I thought I’d do it again. This time I grabbed some shirts I had picked up at a Maximum Yield Magazine trade show

tie dye 001

For this batch, one of the shirts I selected was one from General Hydroponics (thank you GH). 100% cotton fabric works best, so check the label before you start.

tie dye 007

The shirts are folded and tied. Folds in and around the center of the chest tend to do well. The GH shirt I believe is in the lower right corner.

The ratio I use for bleach tie dye is 1 cup of bleach to 3 cups of water. The bleach can damage surfaces and skin, so use gloves and care when handling.

tie dye 013

Here you can see the dark blue has bleached out to reveal a maroon color. The change happens rapidly when it starts so do not leave unattended. Once the color has changed, rinse well with cool water, untie, and continue to rinse until the bleach has been removed.

tie dye 033

 

This is how the General Hydroponics shirt came out. I think it is much more interesting than a “stock” shirt, and is now a one of a kind.

tie dye 029

The above shirt was originally all black. I think it came out exceptionally well.

Especially for folks (like me) who are on a tight budget, a little beach tie dye can be a nice way to punch up your wardrobe. Just remember the process is not without risk, so the garment may wind up ruined, don’t risk what you can’t afford to lose.

I hope you have fun with it, and if you try it, please consider taking some photos of your results and posting them to the Grow with Grubbycup facebook page!

Peace, love and puka shells,

Grubbycup

 

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Dutch Babies

To make Dutch Babies, the ingredients are:

¾ cup of butter
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup of milk

Preheat the oven to 425 F (220 C). When the oven is almost ready, put the butter into the pan, and then the pan into the oven to melt the butter.

Blend the 4 eggs in the blender for about a minute or until they turn a light yellow color.

Then slowly blend in first the flour, then the milk. Mix the batter for a minute or so once all the flour and milk has been added.

Pour the batter into the pan of melted butter, and put into the center rack of the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes.IMG_3294

I like them with a little powdered sugar sprinkled on top.