Flowers Hat

 What you'll need:

• A straw hat (the wider the brim, the better)
• Silk flowers in a variety of colours
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon or twine for hanging (optional)

Flowers:

Chrysanthemum

Lavender [for marching outfit]

Blue Larkspur/ Peonies/ Ferns

Instructions:

1. Start by arranging the silk flowers on the brim of the hat. You can play with different colours and textures to create your own unique look.
2. Once you're happy with the arrangement, hot glue the flowers in place. Be sure to use enough glue to secure them, especially if you plan to wear the wreath.
3. If you'd like to hang your wreath, tie a ribbon or twine around the base of the hat. You can also use a command hook or other wall-mounted adhesive.

Tips:

• For a more rustic look, use dried flowers or herbs instead of silk flowers.
• You can also add other embellishments to your wreath, such as ribbons, lace, or buttons.
• Get creative! There are endless possibilities for this versatile craft project.

Sizzling Sesame Stir-Fried Cucumber with Ginger & Chill

 

Ingredients (Serves 4):

2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 inch ginger, peeled and julienned

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red chilli pepper, thinly sliced (adjust for desired spice level)

1/4 cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep cucumbers: Pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Heat oils: In a large wok or frying pan, heat sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Aromatics: Add ginger, garlic, and chilli pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Stir-fry cucumbers: Add the cucumber slices and toss well. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened and translucent.
5. Season and simmer: Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the chilli pepper.
• Substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter option.
• Add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for extra flavour and aroma.
• Serve this dish with rice, noodles, or tofu for a complete meal.

Nutrients:

This recipe is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin K and potassium, while ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Honey Cable and Lozenge

 

Additional Instruction:

C2f: slip 1 stitch to a cable needle and hold in front of work, k1, then k1

            from the cable needle.

C2b: slip 1 stitch to a cable needle and hold in back of work, k1, then k1

            from the cable needle.

Abbreviations:

st, sts: Stitch, Stitches

R: Right side

W: Wrong side

K: Knit

P: Purl

Pattern for Middle [Honey Cable]

Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches

Row*   Side Begin Row Repeat Repeat From+ End Row

1     W             * k2, p4, k2 +

2     R                 * p2, C2f, C2b, p2 +

3     W             * k2, p4, k2 +

4     R                 * p2, C2b, C2f, p2 +

Rep Rows 1 - 4

Pattern [Lozenge]

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches

Row*   Side Begin Row Repeat             Repeat From+ End 

1         R         * k6, p6,          +     to end

2         W

3         R         * p1, k5, p5, k1,                +

4         W

5         R         * k1, p1, k4, p4, k1, p1,         +     

6         W

7         R         * p1, k1, p1, k3, p3, k1, p1, k1,          +

8         W

9         R         * [k1, p1] twice, k2, p2, [k1, p1] twice  +

10         W

11         R         * p1, k1,                       +

12         W

13         R         * k1, p1,               +         

14         W

15         R         * [p1, k1] twice, p2, k2, [p1, k1] twice  +         

16         W

17         R         * k1, p1, k1, p3, k3, p1, k1, p1,          +         

18         W

19         R         * p1, k1, p4, k4, p1, k1,                  +         

20         W

21         R         * k1, p5, k5, p1,                                   +         

22         W

23         R         * p6, k6,                          +         

24         W

25         R         *   p5, k1, p1, k5,                                  +         

26         W

27         R         * p4, [k1,p1] twice, k4,                        +         

28         W

29         R         * p3, [k1, p1] 3 times, k3,                   +         

30         W

31         R         * p2, [k1, p1] 4 times, k2,                   +         

32         W

33         R         * p1, k1,                           +         

34         W

35         R         * k1, p1,                           +         

36         W

37         R         * k2, [p1, k1]  4 times, p2,         +         

38         W

39         R         * k3, [p1,k1]  3 times, p3,         +         

40         W

41         R         * k4, [p1, k1] twice, p4,         +         

42         W

43         R         * k5, p1, k1, p5,            +         

44         W

Rep Rows 1 - 44

Simple Cable

 

Additional Instruction:

C6f: slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front of work, k3, then k3 from 

the cable needle.

Abbreviations:

st, sts:     Stitch, Stitches

R:     Right side

W:     Wrong side

K:     Knit

P:     Purl

Pattern [Cable  with Knit]

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches

Row*  Side Begin Row             Repeat Repeat From+ End

1         R *                      p2, k2, p2, k6, +         p2

2         W *                     K2, p2, k2, p6, +         k2

3         R *                      p2, k2, p2, k6, +         p2

4         W *                     K2, p2, k2, p6, +         k2

5         R *                      p2, k2, p2, k6, +         p2

6         W *                     K2, p2, k2, p6, +         k2

7         R *                      p2, k2, p2, k6, +         p2

8         W *                     K2, p2, k2, p6, +         k2

9         R *                      p2, k2, p2, k6, +         p2

10         W *                     K2, p2, k2, p6, +         k2

11         R *                      p2, k2, p2, C6f,         +         p2

Rep Rows 1 - 11