Brit Dram

The Salford Commute

Over the past couple of weeks I've been cycling up to the Lowry in Salford bright and early each morning for work. I've never really been a big fan of the Quays, they're eerily quiet at all hours and full of modern tower blocks that look like they're inhabited by shiny carboard cut-out people. (And you can tell - they all have floor-ceiling windows so any passer by can peer in, creepy!)

Anyway, the point is, I've only ever been there on the tram (ick) before, so the daily commute through Trafford Park was new for me. And who knew I was in for such architectual wonderment each morning?!

That's all.

The Daisy Factory & Other Knits

Since grabbing a break between dissertation work and revision for finals I've become quite fanatical about knitting... Aside from anything else knitted accessories are gorgeous, and beyond that cute knits are such a simple pressie idea.

So, particularly, the gorgeous sunshine has inspired a pile of daisies. (A few of which are pictured here!) They're quite dainty, the petals are 9 stitches at the widest point on 3mm needles, and therefore are super versatile. They can be attached to jewellery backs to make great hairgrips or pins for jackets & handbags.

The important thing to remember is to keep plenty of extra wool at the base of each petal, as they need to be sticked together quite extensively. Extra wool leaves some scope to play with the structure and make sure each flower sits as you'd like it too.

Variations on the theme...

Aww, I love this, it took about 2 minutes. (It's circle that's just been tied tightly from one end to the middle so it starts to look heart shaped.) And it jazzes up a monotone outfit. (I wear them with fun pumps, of-the-moment white jeans & a plain dark tee or vest.)

I've also been knitting kittens for the family. Patterns for these are all over the internet and superbly simple. Kittens are basically constructed from a rectangle, a thin strip for the tail, and a third piece for the head. Lots of scope to go organic with the colours...

So, I'm attempting to create a miniature knitted kitten family that replicates my Mother's real farm-kitten family. Two down, (Introducing Fuzzy and Womble.) Six to go.

And finally.... My contribution towards a 'knitted poem' that my town is attempting to complete before the Royal Wedding weekend Poetry Festival. I followed their pattern for this one, and it was actually quite refreshing to follow exact instructions!

So, next project.... who knows! Perhaps a scarf or hat created from an unravelled old Grandad jumper?

Objects of Lust

Oh, it's springtime! The sun is shining, the aviators are necessary and I shan't wear trousers again till October. Spring means I can dress creatively again, I can wear all sorts of brightly coloured things that aren't my high vis cycling jacket. Anyway, this exciting new rush of daylight to the head has unearthed a little crush...

Creature shaped earrings! Gawp in wonderment at their quirky timelessness. Now, the flower on the left isn't quite a 'creature' per se, but that pair were in a jewelry box that's a family heirloom. I adore that Topshop (responsible for the middle 3) are still churning out stuff of such a similar ilk.

So, that's all, and for this week my ears (recently re-punctured after a winter of woolly hats - ouch!) shall be constantly adorned with creepy crawlies.

Hurrah, off to knit daisies now.

New Year Scrimp: Thai Vegetable Soup

A Festive season of melted chocolate indulgence and fairytale pistes seems like a distant memory. So, waving goodbye to a deadline filled hard-hitting January the kitchen calls... And my Thai Vegetable Soup is the stuff of creamy comforting scrimping student dreams.

Method

First to hit a deep soup pan on medium heat are a few cloves of garlic (no scrimping here) crushed with the back of a knife then diced. Also half a red o

nion, diced, A chilli, also diced (or dried crushed chilli, lasts for ages and almost as good) & half a teaspoon of ginger powder. Splash the olive oil in and fry off whilst chopping a large sweet potato. Bang the potato in too, and stir for a few secs before adding 500ml of water fresh from the kettle.

Right, now I'd also add my homemade thai fish stock, which I'll explain at the end* or could be replaced with a tin of coconut milk, 1/4 of a fish stock cube, another dash of ginger & chilli, and some lime juice (equiv. about 1 lime)

Chop up about 2 courgettes and add them, then do whiff test. If th

e coconut's a tad overpowering I'd add some more lime or ginger, to taste. Leave the pot to simmer (covered) for about 20 mins, stirring regularly, and taking the time to dice some pak choi and mushrooms, then return to mash! (Or blend, but I prefer mashing...) Then time to whack in the diced veg, and leave for another 5-10 mins (if it looks pretty near to awesome at this point then cover, but not if it's a bit liquidy, let excess water steam off.) It's also time to taste test that badboy, add more of whatever feels right! Also some Cayenne pepper is handy if you fancy some more heat.

What do I need?

Garlic.

Olive oil.

Red onion.

Ginger powder.

Fresh or dried chilli.

Sweet potato.

Courgettes (or similar if you're clearing the fridge out..)

Mushrooms.

Pak Choi.

*What about that stock?

Now, this stock was a byproduct of yesterday's supper, as all the best are. 'Poached white fish & veg.' So, I poached my fish-tacular in coconut milk, with lime, chilli & a generous dose of ginger. I also whacked some veg (courgettes and mushrooms) in with it. Afterwards, the stock is saved from the pyrex dish.

(Unrelated to stock but when poaching, only half cover the fish & top with a crust of cayenne breadcrumbs, made from binding butter, plain flour & cayenne pepper.)

Et Voila! Now, doesn't that make you feel like you're here..?

Good.