Saturday, November 7, 2009

My Colonial Scarf

I love the Colonial period of United State's history. It was a time of great hardship but also a time of extraordinary events for our country. I also related to the puritan philosophy of that time and the simplicity of ideas and values. Or so it seems until you look closely. I suppose every generation faces their own troubles and political difficulties.



In any event, this simple scarf reminds me of Colonial America and I couldn't resist knitting it in time for Thanksgiving.


My interest in the colonial period was recently reinvigorated when I watched a couple of videos about that period. If you are interested in this period, you might also enjoy watching them. One was John Adams (an HBO miniseries) and other was a movie The Crossing about George Washington's surprise attack over the icy Delaware with the future of our country in the balance. Both were very strong men who knew a thing or two about facing opposition and difficult odds.

A blogging friend, Tracy of Pink Purl recently featured this post reviewing the book My Dearest Friend, Abigail and John Adams, which is a closer view of this extraordinary couple.

Particulars: Cinnamon Grace (free scarf pattern courtesy of Knitworks by Katie Harris); 3.5 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas - Melange; US 3 needles - circular 40 inch; modifications: none. The pattern states this should be 72 inches long. Mine is a 46 inch crescent shape. I washed but did not stretch or block this as I think some of the flounce might be lost if you do that. Or, perhaps mine turned out so much shorter than 72 inches cuz I was doing something wrong. Who knows. I am happy with the length, in any event.



Sorry for this short and rather disjunct post. I'm tired and feel as though I have worked a thousand hours these past few weeks. Wanted you to see my home office (in the upper corner of the above picture) where I unravel complex accounting frauds. I'm afraid I'm not very tidy, but I know where everything is. I'm currently in the middle of a large case that is in full swing with pretrial filings and discovery work.

But, since the holidays are coming whether we are ready or not, here's a nice recipe (picture from last year) that is a favorite of mine.

Holiday Salad Recipe ~ Mixed Greens with Oranges, Cranberries and Pecans

Keeping with a colonial theme, this is a rustic but tasty salad that compliments the flavors of the Fall harvest. It's a great dish to take along when meeting knitting friends for lunch or a large gathering of family. I mix the dressing ahead of time along with the pecans and then just pour it over the green salad just before serving. I hope that you will enjoy this salad as much as I do!


Ingredients:

6 Servings:

1 cup plus 3 Tablespoons orange juice
6 Tablespoons dried cranberries
3 1/2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
6 cups mixed baby greens
3 oranges peeled and white pith removed, segmented
3/4 cup pecans, toasted

Directions:

1. Bring 1 cup orange juice to simmer in heavy small saucepan. Remove from heat. Mix in dried cranberries. Let stand until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain well and discard soaking juice.

2. Toast pecans for approximately 10 minutes in a low oven. Set aside to cool.

2. Whisk oil, vinegar, orange peal and remaining 3 Tablespoons orange juice in small bowl to blend. Mix in cranberries. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper (can be prepared 1 day ahead). Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

3. Place greens in large bowl. Toss with 2/3 of dressing. Add the orange and pecans. Serve remaining dressing on the side.

Mr Puffy Update



Busy yes. But not too busy to buy Mr Puffy a pumpkin. He continues to do well and be cheerful, bless his little heart. Until next time, be well love well and celebrate togetherness this holiday season!

32 comments:

Renee said...

Oh, Claudia ~ Your Colonial Scarf is so lovely! Very stylish, comforting and wearable.
Thanks for the recipe and glimpse of your work place. :)
I enjoy historic movies, I'll have to check out your recommendations.
Take care and hope you can rest and relax very soon.

SissySees said...

What a nice post, Claudia! American history, a pretty knit, something with cranberries, and Mr Puffy AND pumpkin in the same photo. It doesn't get much better than that for me.

t does wool said...

well...not disjunct at all...everything seems to be falling into place...and the scarf is lovely...a wonderful shade of gray...the salad sounds fabulous and hurray for Mr Puffy ...lovely airy,light filled office...a place to think.

punkin said...

Your scarf is lovely.

I sometimes feel that American history has been watered down. The sacrifice and courage of people in that time period humbles me.

raining sheep said...

Wow, I just saw these photos on Flickr and I am in awe. It is a most beautiful scarf; I love ruffles. And...Mr. Puffy...the most beautiful dog! I can say that because I don't have a dog and luckily Mr. Puffy is not a cat...otherwise he would have to come after Tencents :)

Willow said...

Mr. Puffy looks healthy and happy and quite please with his pumpkin!

I am a history lover and have considered the Adams Family to be much more interesting than Thomas Jefferson! The scarf is lovely. I am glad you were able to knit in the midst of the tyranny of the urgent work schedule.

The salad looks yummy! Simple, classic and healthy.

Monika said...

A simple but beautiful scarf. Sometimes one doesn't feel fancy, and you wear it so well. I hope you'll have extra free time to relax after the case is over. I'm glad Mr. Puffy is doing so well.

Anna said...

What a gorgeous scarf! I love how it looks both cosy and elegant at the same time.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Your colonial scarf is lovely. I too love that time in our countrys history. I have been back east a couple of times to visit all the landmarks and walk the cobblestone streets and it makes me wish I lived closer to visit it more often.

Good luck with your case and I'm glad Mr. Puffy seems to be doing so well! Take care.

Bridget said...

What Channon said!

jillian said...

Lovely scarf/shawl! I find the simpler knits, especially in neutral colors, are the ones I turn to most often to wear :)

Hope you find time this holiday season to relax and enjoy, despite the big project!

So glad Puffy's still doing well. And thanks for the recipe too, it looks very yum.

onewhirleddesign said...

What a lovely blog and inspiring crochet work! I have tweeted about this post, so I hope you get lots of views. I am an accountant also.
:)
All the best,

subliminalrabbit said...

that is a fantastic scarf! 72" seems like it would perhaps be way too long so - whatever you did, it worked!

glad to hear mr puffy is feeling happy and perky. gentle ear tugs from us to him!

knittingdragonflies said...

I like the simplicity of the scarf, the color shows off the edging. My husband is a real history buff, I'll pass the info on to him.
Mr. Puffy looks adorable with his pumpkin
Vicki

A South Park Republican said...

I'm happy to hear Mr. Puffy is doing well!

Your scarf is lovely, shorter than the pattern or not!

Anonymous said...

Darn! I keep wanting to abstain from commenting for a while so you all won't see what a lurker I am, here at Mr. Puffy's site, but all your blogs strike such a chord that I can't resist! My husband and I have been watching John Adams which we thoroughly enjoy and which is making me want to visit Massachusetts. I lived with deadlines for many years in an office, and can't imagine how you maintain the discipline to do this at home. I will definitely be making that salad dressing. Yummy. And three cheers for adorable Mr. Puffy. Long may he live happily and pain free. Ursula

Rebekah said...

OH I love the scarf, I love scarves that are a little larger then your typical scarf as they can double as near shawl.

Here's my bit of American History, apparently it is quite possible one of my relatives on my Dad's side was one of the first people injured in the Revolutionary War. There's a poem about him by a historian from Salem MA (I think).

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Ursula: Thank you so much for your comment! I'm often told (usually by someone who has never left a comment - LOL)that the comments are fun to read through. So, you see, your participation helps make the blog enjoyable for others.

Not every post is read by every reader - and some posts will not resonate with all readers - and that's okay. But it is only through comments that the doorway to interaction is opened and I've made some wonderful friends through comments left and through reading and leaving comments myself on blogs.

Regarding the American Revolution, if I hadn't been so tired when I wrote this post I would have written more on the subject. It is a reminder that the price of freedom never comes cheaply and we have all benefited from the vision of men who believed in equality and freedom for all.

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Wow Rebekah! That's amazing. I would love it if you would post the poem - either here or on your blog!

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

Beautiful scarf! I'm adding it to my ever-growing list of things I want to knit...

I love the picture of Mr Puffy with his pumpkin! He is too cute for words.

Beautiful house as well - I am envious of your home office.

betty said...

That's a lovely scarf, and the shorter length seems perfect. Thanks for the recipe. I wonder how it would taste with honey glazed pecans...

I'm also glad to Mr. Puffy doing so well.

Allie said...

That scarf is so beautiful - and yes, very Colonial! I too enjoy reading about that period.
Mr. Puffy looks adorable. I bet he's looking forward to some turkey, lol!

Tracy said...

LOVELY post, Claudia! As you know I've been reading a lot on John Adams and the found years and founding fathers of America. See of you to mention my book post. The huge sacrifices our early politicians and citizens made is truly inspiring. My reading the last year or so has really given me a much needed refresher course on our history! It is all very humbling. Your Colonial Scarf is a dream... I just love that bit of a ruffle on the edge. This looks like a great kit--and lovely yarn you chose too! This salad looks so tasty--must try this one, and soon! So very happy Mr. Puffy continues to do so well and was enjoying Halloween. Your workspace looks terrific--so open, airy and bright! Hope there is much sweetness between all your busy days just now. :o) Happy Days, my friend ((BIG HUGS))

tiennie said...

That is beautiful! Great color too!

Love salads like that. mmmm.....!

Windyridge said...

Mr Puffy looks well.
They need a few accounting fraud experts like you on Wall Street!
My husband is a big history buff especially the colonial period.

Hilary said...

That is SUCH a pretty scarf and just perfect for this season! I love ruffly-ness and the Colonial tie-in. It is a period that interests me, too, and I have heard great things about the John Adams miniseries. Must check that out. I love seeing a little glimpse into your home office/working life! How wonderful to have all those windows right in front of your office.

KnittySue said...

So many have said the same thing I'd like to say...
Love history shows/dvds..books, after all it was my fav. subject in school.
Do LOVE the scarf..on you it shines and I think it's the perfect length for you.
Your office and career ...facinating to me. I've been the acct. clerk for 16 years and from what I've seen your job has never a dull moment. My strengths were in auditing I just had a passion for it.
Take care and give Mr. Puffy a belly rub for me....he's such a cutie.

Anita said...

Lovely scarf!

And I love the open spaces & windows in your home. Don't work too hard.

And I'm glad to hear that Mr. Puffy is doing good & got himself a pumpkin. :)

amanda said...

beautiful scarf! I love the unique shape of it.
glad mr. p is doing well. Everyone should have a pumpkin this time of year!

Lana said...

Such a beautiful knit! I too love the Colonial period in our American history. Thanks for the lovely and uplifting post:~)

Northernstar28 said...

The scarf is beautiful! Our founding fathers were so incredible. I am inspired by their vast educational knowledge. Their educational backgrounds seem to have been much broader than ours and they had five times the amount of work to do just to survive back then. I complain about having no time and yet they were schooled in philosophy, history and literature and did alot of reading by candlelight. We could sure use them today. I have the same birthday as Sam Adams so you will have to watch your tea if I am around (just kidding). The John Adams movie was a great one. I think they did a good portrayal of showing the founding fathers as a group that despite their faults pulled together and did a very great feat in history. It wasn't so sugar-coated and I think it showed a true portrait of integrity and bravery.

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