(Knitted) 1800s Hat-Scarf

Hi everyone!

It has been almost a year since I started this project. In January, I finished the crocheted version (find it here). Now, I have finished the knitted version!

As a refresher, this is my knitted version of a one-piece hat-scarf based on the hat-scarf worn by 19th century Frenchman Charles-Marie-Étienne Champion Dubois de Nansouty (image from Wikipedia). He was a military man turned mountaineer who lived from 1815-1895. I discovered his picture at an event hosted by the National Park Service in Maryland at the Monocacy Civil War Battlefield in Frederick. I immediately knew I had to recreate his hat-scarf.

Ravelry: Knitted 1800s Hat-Scarf pattern link
LoveKnitting/LoveCrafts: Knitted 1800s Hat-Scarf pattern link

Champion Dubois de Nansouty

I used the same yarn as the crocheted version, but much less of it: 
Lion Brand Yarn Fishermen’s Wool, Natural (MC) – 1.25 skeins, 580 yds 
Lion Brand Yarn, Fishermen’s Wool, Brown Heather (CC) – 1 skein, 465 yds

...although any worsted/aran weight yarn would work. And you don't have to stripe it if you don't want to.

I'm going to show the National Park Service ranger, who showed me the picture of Champion Dubois de Nansouty, both hat-scarves (knit and crochet) next weekend at the Monocacy Battlefield. I'm sure he'll be delighted!

Cheers!

Copy.Cat C.C (Colorado Chick) Beanie

I'm knitting more lately than crocheting. One of the latest hats I've made has been the Copy.Cat C.C (Colorado Chick) Beanie by Clementine Knits. It's a fun and easy pattern, especially for beginning knitters.

I modified the pattern somewhat. I originally started out making a different hat, but abandoned that one. Here's what I did:

I used US 6 needles for the K1P1 rim. I also only did this for 2 inches and did not fold it over. I didn't do a provisional cast on so I couldn't do this step. I switched to US 8 needles to do the rest of the hat. Also, instead of doing a K1P1 rib in between the purl only bands, I did a K1P1 seed stitch band.

I think it turned out nice. :)

Quick and Easy Fudge Recipe

I want to try something a little different and share a recipe I love making. Since I don't like chocolate, I can only go by the words of my friends, but they swear by my fudge. It always disappears soon after I reveal it to them. The recipe is easily adaptable and adjustable to different tastes. I'm going to give you the variation of the recipe that my friends seem to like the most. 

Dark Chocolate and Orange Zest Fudge

Time: a few minutes

Rest time: a few hours to overnight

Makes about 20 1" x 1" pieces

Ingredients:

One 10 or 11 oz. package of dark chocolate chips (either size will work)

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (one 14 oz. can is actually 1 and 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The zest of a medium orange (about a tablespoon, although you can decrease this for a milder taste)

Line an 8" x 8" pan with aluminum foil such that you can later easily lift the foil (with the fudge) out of the pan. Combine all ingredients into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for one minute. Use a spatula to stir all ingredients to combine. If not all of the chocolate has melted, put the bowl back into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until all the chocolate has melted (I've never had to put it in for anything more than 1 minute 30 seconds total. Usually, the chocolate has melted with the first minute.). Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread it out with a spatula to an even layer. Let stand on the counter for a few hours (3-4 or so) or overnight (I prefer this option) to let it set up. Once it has set up, lift the foil out of the pan. Use a knife (doesn't need to be sharp; a butter knife would work) to cut pieces. Enjoy!

Tips:

• I would advise against putting the fudge in the fridge in order to hasten hardening. When I have done this, it has resulted in a fudge that is almost too hard to cut. Also, I would be concerned about condensation possibly forming on the fudge, which would not be a good thing.
• A pizza cutter also works very well for cutting pieces.
• If you decide to use white chocolate chips for this recipe, use a little LESS sweetened condensed milk. Don't fill the 1/3 cup all the way to the top. It has been my experience in the past that using all 2/3 cup produces fudge that will not harden up.
• Since one can of sweetened condensed milk is double what you need, why not make two batches of fudge!

Variations on the recipe:

• You can swap the dark chocolate for milk or semisweet chips and ditch the zest for plain chocolate fudge.
• Lightly roasting about a cup of almond slivers and using white chocolate chips gives a nice nutty variation to the recipe. 

Use your imagination for more variations. Cheers!  :)