It occurs to me lately that if I’m going to make a real go of this housewife gig I need to hone my domestic skills a bit. With that in mind I bought a sewing machine on Monday. I’d been hinting for one around every gift-giving occasion for years, but Olof either didn’t get my drift or didn’t take me seriously, so finally I had to take matters into my own hands and just bought the best cheap one I could find. I haven’t had the chance even to take it out of the box yet, let alone actually learn how to use it, but Lydia’s already got a list of projects a mile long for me to get started on right away. I fear she is going to be sorely disappointed once she realizes that I’m the most amateur-ish of amateur seamstresses. I’m hoping that I can figure out at least the basics with a minimum of trouble, though, and if all else fails I can always wait until she learns how to use a sewing machine at school and she can teach me. Either way, we’re golden.
Also on my housewifely to-do list is learning to knit. I’ve been saying for years, ever since I mastered the crochet hook, that I wanted to learn to knit, but so far I’ve been unsuccessful. I’ve given it a few half-hearted attempts, but I haven’t been able to get past the+casting-on stage. I’m inspired anew, however, after seeing Carrie’s cuter-than-cute baby sweater. It would be so much fun to make little things like that for Petra. I guess that’s a bit ambitious, considering that it took me nearly three years to finish crocheting the baby afghan I started for Tage when I found out I was expecting him … maybe I’d better plan to knit cute baby things for my grandchildren instead.
Beverly, I am hoping you can help me. I have an old recipe from my Swedish grandmother written in half Swedish and half English. The recipe calls for 1 tsp of hjortronssalt — what is this and what would be the equivalent in the US? If you have any idea I would sure love some help. I’ve been enjoying your blog (lurking) for quite some time.
Thanks,
Lisa
I should have mentioned I am trying to make Kubbar, an almond flavored coffee cake my grandmother used to make. They are almost like almond flavored biscuits.
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi Lisa! I love it when lurkers comment! 🙂
Hjorthornsalt is ammonium carbonate, sometimes called “baker’s ammonia.” It’s a leavening agent that I don’t think you can buy in the States. I’m told it works to substitute baking soda instead. If you want the real thing, I’d be happy to pop a little pack in the mail for you!
Thanks so much Beverly!! I’ll try it with the baking soda first and if it doesn’t work I’ll take you up on your offer. I’ll keep you posted on my progress 🙂
Now this is why I need one of those handy dandy transporter thingies (ala Star Trek). That way I would just beam over and help you with the sewing and knitting and I could have a little fika (cinnamon buns just don’t taste the same without pearl sugar).
If you want any virtual help with knitting or sewing I’d be more than happy to offer my assistance. Take care.
That would be so cool, Mo! I would gladly bake all the cinnamon buns you could handle! 🙂