A Make Do Life

Rain Predicted, Sun Shining

2011-03-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

Rain was predicted, we received sun. This afternoon I took a walk. A delightful time out of doors! Spring flowers are popping up. Crocus and daffodils. I can see some buds on early blooming trees. The raspberry canes have soft green leaves starting to appear. Soon! Soon! Spring is starting to bloom! To celebrate, I picked some daffodils from the back yard, and brought their sunny smiles inside to enjoy. Mmmm, I love basking in the afternoon spring sunshine.
Hope Spring is making her appearance for you too.
Debbie

Severe Storm Warnings Given

2011-02-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

The view from the dinning room window early this morning.

I know.......you guys in the mid west and the east are sick of this white stuff, and the cold.

Other than a very light dusting , this is our snow of the season.

Barely over 2".

As the day dawned, the clouds broke apart. We still had patches of snow gently falling, while the sun glistened.

Today, the kids stay home and play. Many businesses are closed. It's the severe storm of the season. We must stop and enjoy it before the rain starts tomorrow. (lol)

Mean while........I think I'll work on a sewing project.

Thanks for visiting.

Blessings,

Debbie

Dedication Gown

2011-02-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

Another niece to arrive soon.

The mother and her family are 3000 miles away.

No problem having a baby shower.

We had a SKYPE shower.

Family gathered on the west coast.

Each one bringing a gift.

One by one we sat in front of the camera and showed our gift.

I made a dedication gown.

My great grandmother was a frugal lady.

She also love beautiful things.

She made fabulous laces.

When something wore out, she would save buttons and trim to reuse.

Some of that lace has been passed on to me.

Now I'm passing it on to the next generation.

Pin tucks on the bodice with vintage buttons.

Lace edge puff sleeves.

Large tucks at the bottom with lace and ruffle.

Underslip hemmed with more vintage lace.

Vintage button closer in back

Wrapped and tied with a hand made silk ribbon.

It's a joy to pass it on.

This is one of my favorite things to make.

Debbie

Mindy's Penny Arrived!

2011-02-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

WooHoo! It came today! I've been waiting for this all week. Last week Mindy, at Ranmond Homestead had a give away. She was giving away this very cute and primitive penny mat that she made, when she reached 100 followers.

Surpriseingly, I won! Waiting........I was excited for the mat to come. It looked so perfect in Mindy's pictures. The colors would look great in my home. I opened the package...... On top was an envelope with this card. A picture of the mat she was giving away. I opened the tissue slowly, enjoying every moment, drawing the suspence out......

It is so lovely! It is perfect for my home! Mindy's work is lovely. The muted colors in the over dyed wool, adds depth and texture to the piece.

I'm just lovin' looking at it as I write letters and work at my desk.
Thank you so much Mindy! It is a lovely piece of folk art. Be sure to visit Mindy at Raymond Homestead to see what else she is up to.
Thank you for visiting,
Debbie

I Pad Cover Solution

2011-02-16T22:31:00.000-08:00

My Children gave me a wonderful "little toy" for Christmas. An I Pad. I love it! I use it much more than I thought I would. I'm getting on line all the time now, just looking things up. Before it would have been inconvenient to go upstairs, just to look something up on a whim. Now I just grab the handy I Pad, with a few touches, I have the info, and I'm back doing whatever. My fear it is that I might drop it and kill it. What to do?? I went to the Apple store to look at covers. I was rather uninspired. Nothing looked right. Nothing was really in my budget. So I thought about it.... and.... bought this piece of leather, and made this case. I like the rough organic look of it. The wavy, natural edge of the flap. I used heavy pearled cotton to whip stitch the sides together.

I made a removable padded pocket also. I mostly stays in the case, but can side out.

Something so very simple, but so right for me.

Thank you Dear Children!

Now, I need to figure out how to load my pictures from my camera to the pad so I can use it for blogging too. lol

Thank you for visiting. Blessings,

Debbie

Stop the Draft!

2011-02-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Something I wanted and needed to do for years! Stop the draft! This old house is NOT well insulated. The way it was constructed, we cannot blow in insulation. Then the issues of a old settling house, causing the doors to not fit tightly. I can see light around the doors.

I had some large pieces of upholstery fabric and purchased some more from the 50% off sale table, along with some quilt batting and made "quilts" for the doors. They are rather heavy, but they are stopping the drafts.

I sewed tabs at the top to easily slide along the rod, so the door can be opened without catching on the "quilt". This one is in the living room, and adds some life to a dark area.

This one is in the dining room. I made them long enough to "puddle" on the floor to stop the drafts. They add a cozy feel to the rooms. Hopefully they will cut down on the electric bill too.

Finally! I finally made them now that winter is soon to be gone. That's OK. I'm ready for next year.

Hope you are staying warm.

Debbie

Snowdrops

2011-02-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

The first day of February. Snowdrops abound. The crocus will be showing their colors soon, as well as the daffodils.

It's still chilly here, really cold at night. I brought some snowdrops inside to cheer things up. Spring will be here soon.

I need to quickly finish projects inside, the garden will be demanding all my time soon.

My prayers are with you in the east. May you stay safe and warm during this storm.

Blessings

Debbie

Sweet Addition

2011-01-31T13:21:00.000-08:00

My cousin and her husband have been waiting for this for years. Finally, they are crowding 9 months of expecting into about 3 weeks. Their little boy was born, soon they will hold him in their arms and take him home. What a blessing after years of waiting, and hearts crying to be mother and father.

To celebrate, I've made this sweet little baby tux for him. Made from scraps of a wedding dress, vintage lace and vintage mother of pearl buttons.

I'm so excited to meet my new little cousin!

In another part of my life, my son and his company made it safely into the nether regions of Afghanistan. A few posts ago, I talked about sewing these patches into his clothing. He left a few in his room. My husband came down and said they would make a great bracelet.

I got out the findings, and here it is.

My husband wears it, a reminder to pray throughout the day. (does he really need reminding???)

I am at peace with him there. Thank you for your prayers for all out servicemen.

Now, what is the next project? The list is long. Which one do I chose? LOL

Thank you for visiting!

Debbie

Organizing and Sewing

2011-01-21T22:11:00.001-08:00

I can't take the credit. After the new year, my studio was......well.....it looked like a tornado touched down. Everything was a mess. Piles everywhere. One daughter was over, I went in the studio, sighed, "I need to clean this up" I said. She walked right in and started picking things up, moving things around.

After two days, things are reorganized and usable. It was wonderful. I played with the baby, she cleaned and organized. Now it's just a little messy, cause I've been playing in it again. lol

I have LOTS of stuff. The sewing stuff. The painting stuff. The book making stuff. The different kinds of fabric for clothing, quilting, formal wear, and upholstery, and other home decorating. The vintage lace and fabric scraps. Books about all of that, along with gardening, and medicinal herbs. I'm not bragging about the amount of stuff. Just justifying to myself the reason why I have so much, so I shouldn't get rid of it (and have more room to work), cause I use stuff from the stash all the time. It does make things crowded and easy to be overwhelmed when I get several projects going a once.

I like the way she hung some finished pieces on a old six pained window frame that are not out on display right now, next to hanging baskets, and bags.

I finally got to sew something for myself. It's an upgraded hoodie. I used a Burda pattern. The fabric is a blend of cotton and silk, French Terry knit. I love the feel of this fabric.

I think I be wearing this a lot.

I made this jacket from a gently worn wool suit several years ago. Another folk art clothing item, all pieced together. When I first made it the styles were rather boxy. I haven't worn it for a couple of years, because it looked so .......frumpy. It's light, but warm, and very comfortable to wear. Today I spent a little time taking it in. You can't see it well, but it does have some curves now.

My favorite part of the jacket is the scalloped hem.

How is your weekend? There are still two days to do fun things. Enjoy!

Thanks for taking time to visit.

Debbie

Priviledged Sewing

2011-01-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

This morning My husband and I said good bye to our son. I didn't think I would be in this position a few years ago. I knew I would say good bye, as in leaving the "nest". I just never dreamed in his growing up years that he would join the Marines. I wasn't anti-military, it had never been discussed, although my husband is a former Marine. Our son joined two years ago. I've had to rethink my views and how I would support our son. Today in the early morning hours I took this picture, our last for awhile, son and father. We said good bye, knowing he is on a long journey, serving with the Marines, for the next 16 months in Afghanistan.

While my son was home, I had the privilege of sewing on patches. You know all the "stuff" you see on uniforms. I had an education. So many pieces to wear under what you see. Garments for warm weather, garments for cold. Flame retardant clothing, covers for your head, and gloves. A variety of patches for each item, and inside each item, his name. It was a privilege to sew them on. Being able to do this small thing for him was important to me, and in a way, this is a small piece of me going along with him.

While my son was home, one of my daughters had a birthday. Last week we had seen a skirt made from a sweater. It was sooo cute. I went home looking through some old sweaters.......This is what I did:

I cut the sweater off, straight across, under the arm. The ribbing at the bottom of the sweater became the bottom of the skirt. (The skirt I saw turned the sweater up-side-down and had the ribbing hug the hip) I accented a pocket with embroidery. I cut a thin strip of wool and attached it to the bottom of the skirt for a vine with whip stitching.

Then I cut out leaves from another washed and shrunk sweater. I attached them with pearled cotton, using stitches for veins on the leaves. Next I cut out small pieces of dark red washed sweater wool. Pinching them together, as I sewed them on to create flowers.

I made a waist band using wool from the sleeves. I cut the band a little smaller than the skirt, so there would be some stretch to hold the skirt to the hip. I sewed it on with a Herringbone stitch, described for stretch construction in Alabama Studio Style.

It was a fun, creative project. I'm pleased with the outcome. I need to find some more sweaters..........so many ideas! Privileged sew for may family.

Thanks for visiting,

Debbie

Tea Cozy and Crackers

2010-12-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

The dawn of the last day of the year. The soft glow was wonderful for moments, when the earth was hanging on to the last little bit of night, then bursting into dazzling sunshine. We woke to shivery chrystals of ice and sun. We haven't seen much sun for the last few weeks. What a welcome sight!

One of the projects I was working on for gifts was another tea cozy. With space for handle and spout, tea can be poured without removing the cozy. Made of washed recycled wool, hand appliqued, cotton batting to hold warmth, lined with cotton, and trimmed with bias cotton.

I made it for my sister. We have been enjoying tea time lately.

I tried a new cracker recipe for a party last night.

I used some of my own milled whole wheat flour. They have a rich nutty taste. They are not too heavy or cardboardy tasting, as sometimes happens with whole wheat.

I roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8th" thick. Then I brushed on a little melted butter infused with garlic, rosemary, and fresh cracked pepper. Cut to the size of a tea bag. Then baked for 9 minutes.

Mmmmm. Served plain or with fresh farmers or goat cheese.......yum.

Thank you for your wonderful inspiration and thoughts this past year. You all are amazing. May you treasure the memories of this past year, and experience true joy in the new year.

Happy New Year!

Debbie

Jingle Bell Tassels

2010-12-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

I enjoy a few tassels around. Most tassels are a little fancy. I made some last year using old glass door knobs for the top.

A few look good juxtaposed against my more primitive decor. Last night I was hanging some jingle bell garlands that I made, and had an idea for a bell tassel using a few left over bells.

First I cut a fringe from a scrap of black wool and some homespun cotton.

I tied the bells with some knit cord, and stained the candle cup.

I threaded a loop of cord through the hole in the bottom of the candle cup for hanging. Then placed the grouped end of cording on the fabric and rolled. After placing a generous amount of hot glue in the candle cup I shoved the rolled end in and waited.......How will this look????? while the glue cooled and dried.

Finished! A Primitive jungle bell tassel.

I hope you are enjoying yourself in the hurry of the season. Much of the time we rush about, as I have been doing, and neglect to ponder or appreciate the meaning of this season. Is it a duty? What family and friends expect? I want to be joyful and share the love that God has shown me (even during some hard times) with those I love and others I cross paths with day by day and on occasion. May you experience peace this day.

Debbie

No Show and Tell

2010-12-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

What Pictures can I show you? Show and tell is hard to do right now, because everything I have been working on are presents. I would hate to ruin a surprise. There are a few people who will stop by and see what I'm wrapping up to give to them. Sooooooo....instead, I'll show you one or two things around the house.
I love the old world Father Christmas. He sets the tone for the long ago Christmas flavor we try to keep in our home. Lots of greens and garlands. Old Christmas theme stitchery, jungle bells, and candles everywhere.

One example of a candle arrangement is: a wooden bowl, old silver that I have bent to hang and hold a small candle, a hurricane, and spices.

I put the hurricane in the bowl, added star anise, allspice, rose hips, cinnamon sticks and cloves. around the outside of the hurricane. I hooked the twisted silver spoons on the edge of the hurricane and set the candle on the bowl of the large serving spoon. It sets next to an angel and a old wooden cake pedestal holding orange and clove pomanders, covered with a old wire dome. All draped with a wool garland proclaiming "Joy to the World".

During the dark time of the year I hate to get out of bed and have all the lights in the house on. It seems so intrusive all the lights blazing. I like to wake up gently. I use candles and oil lamps in the mornings while I make the morning coffee (cocoa for me), breakfasts, and lunches.

My husband comes down to join me for a candlelight breakfast. It's a quiet and intimate time, starting the day together in the soft glow, watching the light grow out the windows. It helps keep a relaxed atmosphere, a time when we don't have to rush.

I hope you are enjoying this season. These special times spent with family and friends are a time apart from the everyday. A time for memories to be made.
Thank you for letting me share with you,
Debbie

Fall, Tea, and Comfort Food

2010-11-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

The leaves are still here, gorgeous, falling. I love the fogy mornings, the earth wearing a mantel of shrouded mystery. Soon the color will be gone, .....on the ground for me to rake. Fall......
it's time for comfort meals, cozy quilts, hot chocolate, spiced cider, crackling fires, and tea with friends.

Comfort foods aplenty here. The Oregonian featured this Bacon, Onion, Upside down Cornbread last week. Baked in a cast iron pan.

Very yummy! And pares well with soup. I made a Split Pea soup.

I started a new project. Using recycled wool, wool and cotton scraps. In the style of Maggie Bonanomi, who designs 19th century-inspired primitive projects, I made a Tea Cozy.

I made openings on each side of the cozy. One for the spout, and one for the handle. Tea may be poured without removing the cozy and losing heat.

There is a different design on each side.

I'm also spending time snuggling with my newest granddaughter, Emery Abigail.

Looking at the beautiful, bright warm tones of leaves gently swirling to the ground, I'm reminded of how rich and warm life is. I hope you are enjoying your fall.

Debbie

The Simple Pleasure of Hydrangeas

2010-10-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

One of my daughters has two beautiful hydrangea bushes. When the nights turned cool, she harvested a box full of blooms and brought them over.

With a salvaged straw wreath and some hot glue, I fashioned this wreath to enjoy till we see the new blooms next season. Simple pleasures.

"Fruit" From the Waiting Room

2010-10-18T17:57:00.001-07:00

What do you do in a waiting room? From what I have seen the last several years, most people read, talk to other people waiting, watch T.V., or knit. I've done my share of reading. I mostly do a lot of handwork. This summer, just before Father's Day I started on a table runner. When I knew I would be hours in hospital waiting rooms and doctors offices, I grabbed the project, thankful that I had something started. I finally finished. I kind of like it on the back of the couch (the couch is another story and soon to be recovered).

The base fabric is natural linen. Old washed wool scraps were appliqued on in an overhand stitch.

Bound in homespun cotton. Here and there some embroidery stitches are worked into the design.

A reminder of warm summer days.

The Break Is Over

2010-10-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Summer has been crazy! I know.....summer has been over for several weeks.....I'm not sure.......Well, it's Fall now, but let me tell you some of what summer was for me. The biggest news is our new grand baby. Emery is a little doll. Grandma gets a little spoiling time two afternoons a week, while mommy is at school. Lucky me!
I told you about Gerry breaking his ankle on Fathers Day. He is still walking with a brace because of nerve damage, (still trying to figure out how that happened....), so I have to drive him everywhere. Because of the driving time, about one hour to the office, an hour back, then again in the afternoon or evening to pick him up,I didn't have much gardening time.

Despite the neglect, the dahlias are gorgeous. We have had a cooler summer in the northwest, so many flowers have had a much longer bloom time. The veggies have taken much longer to arrive also. I'm really glad the corn season has been longer or I would have missed out. I was finally able to get some today. Yum!

Luscious organic corn, grown on a historic farm near our home.

We will enjoy this summer sunshine all winter.

Hopefully, I'm back to blogging now. I'm starting to be able to reclaim some time for myself. I've enjoyed visiting your sites for some relaxing moments. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us out here.

Debbie

Birthday?

2010-06-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

Really??? Today???? Oh yeah! It is.....my birthday. Family came over last Saturday. We had a fine celebration. So, I kind of just forgot about it. My mind has been centered more on doctors appointments and pain medication (that doesn't seem to be helping much) for my husband. In between that I was harvesting some broccoli that was starting to bolt.

Finding the last of the season's rhubarb.

Chopping it up for the freezer.

Mmmm....pies, crisp, jam, chutney........what about roasting some for a savory sauce?......

Taking a walk in the garden for a few moments.......breath.............

Marveling at the first raspberries.

Being amazed with the hydrangea bush. Last year this bush grew 3 blooms. This year......Well, whatever happened....it liked it!

Then pausing to look back, just a quick glance, before I go back to thinking about those things crowding my life right now. It is a happy birthday.....It's my life. Sometimes unfortunate things happen. But in the middle of it all I am blessed. I thank God the the last of the rhubarb, the first amazing luscious raspberries, and for special people who bring me garden fresh flowers.

Unexpected Father's Day

2010-06-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've had to re-arrange my kitchen area. It has taken on the look of an old world kitchen. Well, it has always looked a little that way, but now it has the traditional sick bed off to the side. This space was my little sitting nook off the kitchen. For now, it will be a space where my husband will spend time resting, yet able to look outside, and keep in the hub of the family.
Saturday night we had been sitting by the fire in the back yard, just taking time to relax. My husband went to get a piece of wood and fell over a spot of uneven ground. His ankle didn't twist with the rest of his body. He had broken both bones by his ankle and dislocated the ankle joint.
We spent most of the night at the ER. Now he is wearing this.
Thankfully, we had a family dinner planned at our home for Father's day. Although we were tired, the BBQ went on as planned. We still ate strawberry shortcake for dessert. It seemed though, that the spirit of the celebration was a little different. We were thankful for and honored the fathers in our family. We were very thankful that this dad was here, yes, looking forward to surgery next week and a long recovery, but here, with us.

Finally Here!

2010-06-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Usually...........a term that isn't happening here in the Northwest this year regarding weather. Usually, we are picking strawberries as soon as school is out, or even before. Strawberry festivals abound the first part of June. Usually, strawberries are part of graduation events, part of Father's Day celebrations. We have a hard time waiting for the first sun -warmed, juicy, luscious bite. A sign that summer is really here. Picking strawberries is pleasant when thinking of shortcake, jams, and pies. This year......well.....yes we have strawberries, but late, and few. It has rained and rained, ruining and delaying many crops. We have had a few partly sunny days, so things are starting to move along. Today we went out to pick strawberries. The first field we went to, (they advertised picking this weekend) well, I didn't even see a berry. Several fields are not even letting people u pick this year because of so few berries.

This is where we picked. Yes there are berries hiding from the rain under the leaves. Luscious, juicy, berries. They were not as abundant, many were oddly shaped, but enough for us. I have to say that picking under the bright clouds, instead of the beating sun was a pleasant change. We filled the trunk with berries. The whole car was filled with the aroma, just teasing us all the way home.

Now.........I'm making jam.

Mad Dash Into The Garden

2010-06-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

We finally have had a few sunny days here in the Northwest. Yeah! So those of us who garden have made a mad dash out to our gardens. I'm enjoying the bright spot my new garden clogs bring, along with the riot of madly growing plants and festive blooms.

With all the rain we have had, (three times the norm in May and more than the average monthly rainfall for June in the first five days) I was afraid the plants might drown. No worries! They are growing crazily. Along with the weeds! My compost pile is huge!

Many blooms are a little late, but the wait is very much worth it. The windows in the background are to the chicken coop. The "Ladies" worked very hard early spring and cultivated the raised beds, while ridding the beds of many slugs and bugs. Now the lettuce and spinach, etc, are without pest.

Saliva spires stand tall, while Jupiter's beard waves it's crimson arms. The Rebecka (black-eyed Susan) in the foreground have not set their blooms yet.

Dames Rocket and Giant Inula, stand under the bird houses, hosting a new family this spring.

Being in the garden on one of my favorite things to do.

Remembering

2010-05-31T13:34:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed to give us the freedom and opportunities we have today.

Thank you to all who are serving now. Thank you to the families, who support loved ones in that service.

Memorial Day can be all about picnics and the first camping trip of the year. It's great to have those times and build memories. Many times I've forgotten to reason for the holiday - to remember those who have gone before us. To take a moment to give thanks to those who have sacrificed so we don't have to go through the horrors of war or live without the freedom we experience today, to live in a democracy. So I'm taking the time to reflect, a moment to say Thank you.

Cozy Little Rugs

2010-05-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

I like to have a little project that I can just pick up and work a few moments on. So I can feel creative for a moment or two in between all the happenings of a day.

I had an idea for hooked coasters. I have hooked a little, so I thought these would be a fast project. The first one I made with lots of texture, not unifying the loops, just to see how that would look.

The next on , more unified loops and color contrast.

Perfect for protecting from heat and moisture.

Cozy little old fashioned "rugs" for glass and cup.

Is The Color Right?

2010-05-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's a project I had been meaning to do all winter. Really, I had been talking about doing it for over a year. But I couldn't decide. What color? Sometimes going into a project I will just "know" what color something should be. But in this case.....I just wasn't sure. I have a very old kitchen. Not much has changed in it since the house was built in 1892. I have one built in base of cabinets. The rest of the kitchen has free standing cupboards. Some old, some Gerry and I build to look old, and a large walk in pantry. The built in base was a combed yellow, matching the wood work . Yellow is very sunshiny in the gray months of the Northwest. But this was getting grimy and dingy and wouldn't clean up well. But what color to paint? I have yellows, greens, red, along with natural woods. I didn't need another color to add to the mix. Finally, I decided on black - the latest neutral I'm told. Black Licorice #0529 by Miller Paint. I was really afraid it would be too bold. In reality, it is a blending influence. I like it.

For handles, I bent old serving spoons and forks and screwed them onto the doors and drawers.

There is a slight green tone in some lights to the black. Also, the texture from the combing application in the previous paint is still there, adding more dimension.

I like the pop of the silver on the black.

Most likely there will soon be a few dings. When that happens, I'll softly sand the edges and around the handles a little for a distressed look. But for now, I'm enjoying this look. I'd love to know what you think.

Debbie

Introducing Handworks

2010-05-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to introduce you to Handworks. You'll see the link to the left of the page. It's just a low key site to offer some of the work of my hands to you. Some of you have asked if I sell my work. The answer is "Yes" to the people I know will appreciate the work and skill involved. I do these items out of love for the craft and delight in creating. My day job (from my studio in my home) is sewing and altering formal wear. So this is a nice change for me. I hope you will enjoy my offerings to you.

Happy May Day! I'm enjoying spring. It has been a very wet one here in the Northwest. We haven't had many days to get out and work in the garden, and the ground is still heavy with water, unless you have raised beds.

Thankfully, I do have some raised beds. I've been able to start some greens.

I've been able to pick a few leaves to add to salads. YUM!

With all the moisture, perennials are growing well. The woodland Hyacinth abounds. Hope you are enjoying your May Day, and please enjoy a visit to Handworks.

Debbie

New bag

2010-04-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

I made a new bag for our oldest daughter. I made it for her birthday. After I gave it to her I remembered that I didn't take any pictures. So I grabed these pictures while we were shopping.

The pattern was for a pillow from Maggie Bonanomi's first book. I downsized the pattern and changed it around a little. Made from all recycled wool. Super relaxing project!

Renewed Vows

2010-04-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Last year, on April 10th, Katheryn and Steven were married.

Gerry, my husband officiated.

Witnessed by myself, my daughter Sara, and son Paul.

It was a intimate time, at sunset, at Hagg Lake, not far from where we live. At the same time plans started for a small "wedding" on their first anniversary.

This past Saturday, April 10th, we celebrated with family and friends the first year of Katheryn and Stevens marriage. Head pieces, hats, and dresses reflected the chosen 40's theme.

Saturday morning, Katheryn jumped out of bed and crashed open the door when she heard her brother's voice. We didn't think he would be granted leave from the Marine Corp. to come home for the weekend. Everyone was screaming with happiness when he arrived. Katheryn was proud to have her younger brother escort her into the church.

The vows were renewed by candlelight.

Katheryn and Sara relaxing, watching pictures being taken.

All the daughters posed afterwards. It's not often that all of the family is together these days.

Today, all is quiet at home. Family is back to where they live - D.C., Montreal, Panama, Cali, and Portland. Soon, Sara will be home from school and track, the talk will begin, the louder music will start, activities to go to.............life back to normal.

April

2010-04-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome April! The month I finally say "Ahh, Spring!" Yes we have already had the daffodils, and flowering trees, and I said spring is here. But now, now we have tulips, lilacs, wallflower, everyday more plants show us their fresh color. The showers are still here, but growing softer and gentler. Spring is really here to stay. The scent in the air changes everyday, bringing sweetness into our home. Yesterday I saw a hummingbird flitting around the lilac bush, looking for the first burst of flower. Yes, welcome April. We treasurer what you bring us.

More than sipping Tea

2010-03-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot more than just sitting around sipping tea. Sorry for being gone. Things are getting a little crazy. I'm working like mad on dresses for one of my daughters wedding. Of course, I've waited too long, so now I'm rushed. The wedding is April 10th. The next two and a half weeks will be fun with family coming, and everything we do in preparation for her wedding

In between the rushing, I relax by making bread. I've used some recipes from this book.

You mix up some dough, and let it sit in the frig. til you want some bread. You can make a large loaf or something small. It's nice to adjust the size for how many people will be at dinner, or how much you want sitting, smelling wonderful, waiting to munch on.

It will be great to have a large amount of this on hand when the crowds descend in two weeks.

We took a little break and went to the Cannon Beach for a day. It was a little chilly, but I aways enjoy walking on the beach no matter the weather, just breathing the sea air.

Mmmmmm, Wonderful! We seem to enjoy the beach more than the many shops.

Then we stop and eat at one of the many cafes that serve fantastic food. This work of are is a gingerbread waffle topped with sliced pears and whipped cream.

I had this yummy Cobb salad.
Now I'm back home, sewing dresses. I'll get back to you soon.

Debbie

Dreams

2010-03-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

Dreams to inspiration, to dreams. I have been so blessed with children. My children are dreamers. Dreamers, who are inspired to go out and live their dreams. Children, who then dream some more, and help others live their dreams. All of the "kids" have traveled, or still travel. Some close to home, other to far off lands. During some of their "down" time, they seek non tourist "treasures" to bring back home. Much of the time I am the recipient of some "treasure". Recently, one daughter traveled to Mali. She brought back several pieces of textiles. There seem to be two kinds of cottons that are most often found in the markets. You see them stacked above.

The finer cottons are what a Malian woman would use to make an outfit for herself. There, you don't by fabric by the yard. You purchase it by the piece, about 12 yards. That is the amount needed to make a traditional outfit, always with matching headpiece.

The finer cottons are actually woven in England and sent to Mali for dying.

Mali is famous for it's bright designs. Also for it's indigo dyes. Indigo dye is more difficult to achieve and is more expensive.

Cotton fabric woven in Mali is much heaver. The spun cotton fiber in rather rough by out standards. It is not woven in the wide widths we are use to, but in 4"-6" strips. The piece above was woven using two colors, then sewn onto more white strips. You can see it in the top picture. Some strips are dyed then sewn together to make wider pieces of cloth.

Some are sewn together, then dyed to make a large pattern. This is mud cloth. Not quite as rough as our burlap.The Bozo people in northern Mali make this traditional cloth. The white parts are non dyed areas. The people gather dark mud and let it ferment in a container for a year, then use it to paint the designs on the cloth.

A piece such as this might be used as a covering for a doorway. Or it might be the covering on a sleeping platform.

This is large enough to be a bed spread. Again, narrow strips were sewn together, then dyed. Then the indigo edging was added. The color varies in intensity over the whole cloth.

The Malian people still use traditional methods their people have used for centuries. Gathering from the earth around them, blending, manipulating, experimenting for a verity of colors, and creating great beauty.

From another part of the world, Panama, one daughter brought this shawl. Woven, using fine threads, native Indian woman create these incredible designs. Traditionally, the tribal women would wrap these around themselves to wear, their only garment, in the humid, intense, heat. Now, the women sell their weaving to people who travel to the remote mountain regions of that country.

India is another country rich in fiber. A wonderful silk shawl.

The Indian people in remote areas densely embroider strips of fabric. Later, it is pieced together to form a large decorative piece.

I am privileged to receive many different fabrics. I marvel at the different kinds of beauty, the different skills, the different mediums and techniques. Each one so different, yet all using many of the same "ingredients " and tools. Spinning wheels, looms, dyes,and needle, all products of hard working hands. I wonder about the dreams each creator had in her mind. Did she envision the completed piece in her mind even before starting? Did she "wing it" and see how it developed as she went along? What was the inspiration for each design? Did she dream about what this completed piece would do for her family? Would her child have shoes, or books for school? Was it letting part of "herself" go. Does she wonder where the labor of her hands is now? Would she be surprised that I think of her as an artist? I would love to tell her that what she dared to dream, then create, has inspired me. Her artwork does not end. It has created new dreams.

Debbie

2010-03-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what it is lately. I have so many ideas. Maybe it's the coming of spring. Maybe it's the flowers blooming or their aroma. Maybe it's getting outside, saying good bye to winter. Maybe I'm getting use the the kids being gone. Maybe......it really doesn't matter. I have ideas and energy, and it's great! Here are two projects I've used some of this energy on. I so enjoy stitching. There was pleasure seeing these develop as I stitched along. Sometimes I work from a book. Sometimes I draw a pattern myself, then stitch. Sometimes I just start with a idea and start working and see what happens.

This is stitched on a wool/ poly blend, that has a nubby look and texture to it.
Actually, It started out as a pair of dress pants that I found at goodwill. They had a hole in them, and were frayed at the hem. Now there is new life in this bag.

Sweet little flowers and buds in a garden patch, circled with full bloomed flowers.

Lined in a light tan checked cotton, with a darker checked pocket to hold necessities.
Finished with a magnetic clasp.

For a completely different look is bag with a mix of applications.

Wool patchwork, topped with vintage buttons.

Wool applique, whipped stitched for a textured primitive look.

And embroidery.

It's amazing how quickly this kind of work goes. A quiet evening after working in the garden.
I am content.

Debbie

Welcome March

2010-03-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

I was expecting a lionish day. A little cooler. Rainy. A little breezy. But...

..... it's rather lambish. OK....a rather cheesy beginning.....It's the first day of March....it just had to be said. LOL I worked outside for a couple of hours this afternoon and just loved it. Getting my hands into the dirt, the scent of the cherry trees, the scent of all the early springtime flowers, created a very heady two hours playing in the yard. Remember when you were a kid, that first sunny day you could get out and play, you just reveled in the luxury of the outdoors? Yep... that was me today.

Planted a few spinach. The leeks remain from the fall planting and will soon be ready for harvest. In just a couple of weeks, we will be having our own fresh greens. Yum, can't wait.

Time for a new calender page. March, a typically rainy month. Keep your umbrellas handy.

Debbie

Another Bag

2010-02-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Another bag. I had this vision after making the other bag that I showed you two posts ago.

I combined washed wool with pearled cotton for embroidery on a cotton foundation. .
It's a simple pattern, but very textured. The "worm" is floss that has been fluffed.

The bag has an inner lining of batting, giving it a soft feel.

I used a recycled zipper in the side opening. The lining is patterned cotton.

A quaint bag for a summer day.

Thanks for visiting.

Debbie

Bring Them In!

2010-02-22T14:20:00.001-08:00

They are here! For me, daffodils are the beginning of spring. I know, by the calendar we have another month before official spring. In the northwest we revel in the week of sunshine we usually have in February. We know that there will be lots of gray and rain before the sun of July and August. We celebrate the smiling faces of daffodils, the flowering trees bursting out in color quickly following, the sunshine that comes with them, and keep them in our memory during the rains that bring the lush green and flowers to our part of the world.

I bring the bright yellow into our home and tuck them here and there,

and in odd places, such as in small bottles nestled in small open drawers.

Enjoy your rain or shine, think of what it may bring to you.

Debbie

From Silk Scraps To Lamp Shade

2010-02-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

I needed a lamp shade for a lamp by my work table. I had this old wire shade frame that has seen several makeovers. I wanted something different. Affordable lampshades can be so boring. What to do that would be creative and playful?

My inspiration was this bag of silk scraps. It's the bag I reach into for little applique pieces, or to make little potpourri bags. It's all those little, wonderful pieces of fabric in yummy colors. What I did was: cover the wire frame with black satin ribbon. I just wrapped it around the wire and tied it leaving a tail hanging. Then I cut strips of fabric, on the bias about 1/2 to 3/4 wide and 5'' long. I used scissors, not the rotary cutter, and cut the strips a little crooked for interest. I attached the strips with a half hitch knot to the horizontal wires.

Finished shade. It's very funky. I think I'll get a different bulb. It looks a little haphazard, yet rich with the texture of silk.

Well, that was fun, I better get back to work. Enjoy your day!

Debbie

Finished Embroidered Bag

2010-02-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

Another project finished! This one was really fun....again. Because most of my projects are fun. This did not take very long.

I enjoy embroidery. I can relax or think, whichever needs to be done, while keeping my hands busy. Lately, I have been using mostly pearled cotton instead of floss. I really like the depth and texture that the pearled cotton gives. This bag is from the same book that I've told you about several times.

Worked mostly in chain stitch, in a delightful folk art pattern. Lined in floral cotton, and finished with a vintage fabric button and loop. The long narrow strap allows the bag to rest nicely against my hip, when slung over my shoulder.

To top off the fun, I was able to teach my cousin some embroidery stitches over the weekend, to pass on the craft. It is satisfying to pass the knowledge and skills on. Then watch and see how the craft grows and changes. Tell me some of the skills you have been able to pass on.

Blesssings,

Debbie

Reclaiming the Window Molding

2010-02-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

No way would I part with this window header and the surrounding molding when we added onto our home, turning the window into a door. This is molding from when the house was built in 1892. Old by Northwest standards. I thought about putting doorknobs on it and turning it into a coat rack or just something fun to hang things from. I never found just the right place. Finally,......inspiration struck! It would make a fine black splash for the table holding the sink in the bathroom.

So I added some new paint, and quickly put it up.

I think it would look good if I added a little stenciling to blend with the stenciling already in the room. But that will have to wait.........I loaned my favorite collection of stencils, the stencils were lost "somewhere". I am truly bummed about that. So I will add that detail later.

The mirror is off center from the table, but is centered to other features in the room. There are so many quirky, irregular features in this room that you have to look at the whole to balance everything.

I think I'm liken' it.

Her are some other views of the bathroom.

I found the decanter at goodwill and filled it with lavender and rose bath salts that I made with botanical from my yard.

I enjoy the sun and shadow effect that plays on the walls.

The sweet Amish couple I made years ago now aromatically sit on the ledge, scenting the air with their spice filled bodies and cinnamon arms and legs.

The large cast iron tub, original to the house, is perfect for relaxing and planning the day, or contemplating life's twisting turns. Things hanging from the shaker pegs need a little revamping. Another project....

I have a large old open shelving piece for storage. The old sewing drawers hold make up, clips, etc. The picnic basket holds the hair dryer and curling irons, etc. Jars and boxes add interest and hold all necessities, such as pot pourri, lotions, salts, and bath herbs.

I enjoy this old room. It hasn't changed much since first made as a very modern bathroom of that age. Time has almost stood still here. I'm glad I was able to take from one part of the house and add that part here, keeping it a part of the whole. Moving, changing, slightly, slowly, going forward, living.

Debbie

Crocous, Snowdrops, and Make Do

2010-02-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

We are so Blessed in the Northwest to have a few sunny days! I wish I could send some of it to the east coast. Instead, here are a few cheery spring flowers to warm you hearts. The back yard is a carpet of snowdrops.

With so many cloudy days here, the vibrant, clear colors of spring flowers are a stimulating contrast to much of the weather. This carpet of heirloom crocus is a welcome to visitors walking to the side door.

The crocus pop up between rocks and bricks, multiplying each year.
I've seen some camellias starting to bloom. The lilacs are starting to leaf out and will soon blossom. When stepping outside today, into the sunshine, without a sweater I might add, I could feel the energy of a new season vibrating around me. Everywhere I looked I could see growth. The swelling of branches getting ready to have leaves burst forth from them. Brushing back some leaves, deposited from last year to nurture another year of life, I could see light green shoots pushing upward toward the warmth and sunshine, growing to "live" again. Yes, we will have more winter. But the cold is loosening it's hold, giving way to spring and life. Soon, I'll be spending most of my time outside. For now, well, I better finish projects that I have started. Soon the garden will call......And I will go.

One project is a bag from this book. I've made several projects from With These Hands during the winter. My mind has been full and occupied. I haven't been able to settle and design a project from start to finish this winter. Finding a project in a book that I love and working on it allows me to enjoy the occupation, yet not have to "think" much about design. Leaving my mind open to go other places. It really helps me to sort things out mentally, having my hands busy.

I'll sit, and beside me is a low stool, upon the stool in an old berry carrier. An old lace edged table scarf in draped across the carrier. I'll set my tea, embroidery, or whatever in the carrier. The stool can be moved out of the way, or to another chair easily. It's my portable "coffee" table. Using things in this manner it part of my make do life. Taking things I love, using them in my life in a purposeful way, seeing beauty in the ordinary, in the simple. I'm getting ready to say "good bye" to winter, feeling the creative life stir within. Ready to grow.

Enjoying Life,

Debbie

Re Purposing Feed Bags

2010-02-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the feed bags? My daughter found them in a old barn on her husband's family homestead. I showed them to you and gave a few away here. This Christmas I made them into market bags for each of my children.

I cut them in quarters, to create each side, and lining of the bag. I used scraps of fabric at the top of one side and for the handles. Everyone loved them. The kids are using them now when they grocery shop and will use them at farmers markets this summer. Their size is 18''x23''. So they will hold a lot. They are also strong and very washable. I thinks it's a great way to re purpose the bags.

Now I am sorting and organizing all the remnants. That might take a while.

Enjoy your day,

Debbie

Mortar and Pestle

2010-02-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of the perks of children traveling to many parts of the world are all the interesting things they send back home. It's even more fun when these items can be incorporated into use, and not just set on a shelf to look at. One of my daughters was in Mali, West Africa this past fall. She loved going to the local market.

One stall had mortar and pestles. This is a small one. Every household has several. The local women selling these couldn't figure out why she would want one. In Mali, one thing they use mortar and pestle for is to smash yams and make a paste that is used in many dishes they prepare.

Here I am smashing avocados to make guacamole.

The mortar and pestle are hand carved by local craftsmen from a local tree. The mortar (the bowl part) is one piece, about 19 inches high and the pestle is 25 inches tall. Each knife cut is seen, making a beautiful textured, yet smooth pattern. The wood is oiled for lasting use. As it ages small cracks appear in the wood, but do not jeopardize it's use. It's a beautiful primitive piece that I'm loving having around.

Being mindful

2010-02-02T00:36:00.000-08:00

Where did January go???? I seem to have done this a lot this past year. Family things come up. Then......things get soooo busy that I lose touch. SO I WILL DO BETTER THIS YEAR!!!! Well, starting this month. Let me explain, I have eight children and I sew formal wear as a home based business. When the kids are around I'm completely involved with them, or keeping up with the business. Things are changing. Actually, they have been changing for several years. The house is getting empty, my youngest has one more year in high school. I'm wanting to be in touch with creative people. I've always had a very busy household, kids in and out, here and there. Even though I'm a more quiet type, I love to get with people and be creative. While the kids were at home something creative was always going on. Now I need to reach out to find some of that energy. I'm sure there are many of you who know just what I'm talking about.

Anyway, just as I'm getting into the swing of this electronic reaching out, someone comes home for a visit. Everything gets crazy and fun. Yet, in all that goes on I need to remember to keep reaching out to new friends. To remember that although I will always be very involved in my children's lives, my life will take on a different look, and things will shift. So, this year with a daughter getting married in two months, me making the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses, and a new grandchild due later this year, kids coming home for a visit from their travels, I want to have room in my life for new friends. I need to use this calendar and write in times to grow with you and explore your creative endeavors. To move into a new part of life. You are delightful people, and I love reading about what you are doing. The joy and energy you generate is amazing. So I'm pledging now to get back to sitting with my cup of tea and chatting, and catching up on all that you have been doing.

Oh - the calendars........I made a new one for this year. I'll show you the pages months by month.

Blessings,

Debbie

Biscotti Smells Soooo Delightful

2009-12-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

The wind outside is fright full and freezing but the smells inside are delightful. I'm staying warm and enjoying the aroma of Biscotti. I'm making two kinds. Peanut butter and chocolate almond.
Mixing it up.

Patting the dough into logs for baking.
Finished baking........the first time. MMMMM smells wonderful!
Sliced and ready to bake..........again.
The peanut butter biscotti is all cooled down and dipped into dark chocolate.

The chocolate almond is dipped into white chocolate and drizzled with dark chocolate.

Finished. Ready to sample a few (darlin, I said a few!) and give some to friends for holiday cheer.

Fashionista Christmas Stocking

2009-12-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

I had a sweet request from my three year old granddaughter over the weekend. "Grandma, would you please make a Christmas stocking for me colored pink?" Of course I would! Looking through my stash of "things" I went. Pink micro wale corduroy with scattered snowflakes and rhinestones in the center. White organza ribbon. Silver jingle bells. White fur. Ribbon with opalescent fringe. A white tassel. Black felt.

This is what I made for her. (Sorry about the wall color. Looks terrible with the stocking. It didn't look that way in real time.) She is a little fashionista, who loves pink and princesses.
It is now in the mail, flying to the sweetest three year old in Quebec.
With Love, From Grandma.

Slip Covering a Worn Chair and Wool Things

2009-11-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

Gerry loves it. He sits in this chair everyday in the sitting nook of our kitchen. It has seen a lot of years and hard use. I think it's time for an upgrade, but he loves it, and I'm not one to go out and buy new furniture. So, the easiest thing to do it give us what we both want. He keeps his favorite chair, I get rid of the worn look. Now, I like the worn artful look in many things, but not in this chair. It's worn without the art. I had been on the lookout for some upholstery fabric on the sale table. I finally scored in Sept. when JoAnns was having 50% off the sale table. So for $3.00 per yard, I was able to make a slip cover for the chair.

I like how it turned out. not too loose, fairly snug. The colors and pattern blend well with what I already have, and add to the cozy feel of the room.

Instead of ties, I used buttons and button holes. Ties made with this fabric would be too bulky and not stay tied very tightly. Buttons hold it tightly together. I'm really pleased with the upgrade.

Some other projects I've been working on are from the book With these Hands by Maggie Bonanomi.

A table runner used at Thanksgiving.

An unfinished piece of wool draped over the back of a chair.

I changed the name in the pattern to ours and changed the date, to the date when our house was built.
A small pin cushion, in remembrance, "from me, to thee". I'm really enjoying this book. The style goes with the primitive nature of our home. It is inspiring me to do more work with wool. As I've said before, wool is so flexible and forgiving. I love working with it. These designs are classic, simple, quick and easy to do.

Fall Leaves and Abundance

2009-11-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

It's one of those days. I wake up.....WOW! It's sunny out! Get everyone where they need to go the pull on the decade old duck boots, grab a rake and head out to the yard. I haven't been out in a while, it's been really rainy. In the northwest it's misty rain a lot of the time. Most of us love it. The mist keeps everything a lush green. Lately, it has been really rainy. Anyway, out I go to rake soggy leaves. Outside, I discover the last of the seasons flowers.They are bright, spots of color, next to the spent foliage of plants (as I like to think) going into retirement before winter.

It feels great to be outside, stretching, doing physical activity. Filling my lungs with fresh air, enjoying the sun, enjoying all that is still growing. The scent of the earth is more muted now than in spring and summer. Energy is returning to the warmth under the blanket of compost.

The greens are still producing in abundance. I share some with the girls as they search for tasty morsels.

The ladies have gone into overtime production. Eleanor Rigby and Hadassa are laying everyday now. They are entertainment running all around the yard poking into everything. They love to scratch and send the freshly raked leaves fluttering into the air and onto the grass again. Making me rake twice as much. They talk and cluck and follow me around the yard.

I am so thankful for the abundance that we have been given. Thankfulness that I want to express as I go day to day doing the mundane and the exciting. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

2009-11-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

I bought this shirt this summer. Well it wasn't like this when I bought it. It was fairly plain, with two small buttons on the bodice. It was a comfy shirt. I made the mistake of cooking in this shirt without an apron. I splattered grease on the front. Then I forgot to put grease or stain remover before I put it in the laundry basket where it sat for a few days. Of course, the spots didn't come out when I got around throwing it into the wash, and became permanent in the dryer. I was annoyed with myself. I hadn't had the shirt that long, then I ruined it. Well, it would be good to wear for painting or something. Several months ago I looked through Alabama Stitch Book, by Natasha Chanin. It was so inspiring! The beauty and simplicity were amazing. I put her ideas on my future "to do" list. Now, I thought, this would be a great shirt to try out Chanin's techniques on. I thought that if I didn't like the outcome, I wouldn't be out anything.

First I painted some leaves and stems onto the shirt. After the paint dried, I slit the center of each leaf. Then I sewed some light weight green knit to the underside of the shirt as a lining. I used pearled cotton to sew around each leaf and stem. Then I cut the center of each leaf out, leaving the paint at the edges. Then I sewed down the center of each leaf to add a little dimension. I really liked how it turned out. I want to try some projects in Natasha Chanin's book and am excited to see her new book coming out in March 2010.

Now I need to get the house into shape for Thanksgiving.

Sophia is not much help. She is a darling all curled up in the stack of old wooden bowls and leaves.

The house is getting that cozy look, when I bring in large dried bouquets of dried flowers in the fall. This is Sea Lavender, filling a corner of the living room, next to an old pew filled with wool pillows. I'll be doing more of this to prepare for Thanksgiving. Along with turkey, stuffing, relish, rolls, pie................

Too Much Basil?

2009-08-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

Did I plant enough? I knew I wanted lots. Two plants last year just didn't make enough. Back in May each plant was so small. Twelve plants, two different kinds. That should be enough to dry some and make pesto, I thought. Maybe I should have gotten one more six pack of plants. Ha!This year the plants are sooooo much bigger. They are growing and growing. Maybe it is do to the chicken contribution. I've cut bunches to dry. Yesterday I harvested more. I made 18 batches of pesto to add to what I made earlier. The basil plants are still healthy and growing. I'm sure I will have much more in the end. Did I mention, there have been basil give aways too. There will be more. Anyone live close by??

Then there are the cucumbers. I haven't made pickles in years. I unearthed my old recipes and "put up" a few jars.

The green beans are still going strong. 32 pints. I made a few pints of dilly beans too. The peaches are yummy! Quarts and quarts of peaches are waiting in the pantry for the time in the winter when we want to bring back the taste of summer. Then I've made peach jam and syrup. Maybe I'm doing more this year because most of the kids are gone. Wow, they took up a lot of energy! There will be food in the pantry when they come visiting.

I've been enjoying "putting food up". Each day I've wanted to do something has been a cooler day, in between our heat waves. So it has been enjoyable. There is still lot to do in the garden. It's satisfying.

Warm Hellos!

2009-08-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

I know. It's been a while. I don't really have an excuse........ Well.. the computer did die, we finally gave it complete transplants and revived it. It has been working well for some time now.....but then life has been ...... well...... life. I've missed you! While I've been gone things have been busy! One daughter and one niece have been married. A son-in-law has graduated from nursing school. Now he and my daughter are moving across the country. Another daughter is moving to Panama with her husband to teach. My oldest son, wife and two grandchildren were visiting from Quebec most of the summer. I finally got to play with my youngest grand kids!!! My youngest son just went off to Marine Boot Camp. (I'm proud and sad). Now I have one daughter left at home. She is into distance running. By the time cross country starts next week, she will have run 300 miles this summer. That's just a few high points. Meanwhile....I'll share a little of what has been going on in the gardens. The top picture is our side entrance in late June.

This is a view from the same entrance looking towards my mom's garden. She is soo talented! Her garden always looks fantastic!

One of my favorites in the back is "Love lies bleeding" aka "Kiss my over the garden fence". It's not what you see in every ones garden. The color is so vibrant. It also dries well.

We have gone from mostly shade in the back to almost full sun. This tree in the reason.

We spent a couple of days in spring cutting it down. It was such a lovely tree, shading the house during the summer and keeping it cool. Unfortunately, it had rotted inside and was mostly hollow. So it had to come down before it fell.

Now we are using the wood for evening fires outside.

Matilda was loving having the garden to herself. We thought she needed some company. And I know I need more eggs. So we have a total of five chickens now. They are almost grown. For the longest time they stayed away from the veggies. Then one day I went out and almost all my greens were gone, and damage to other veggies. I didn't want them to spend all their time in the coop, although it is very roomy.

I took lots of sticks from the tree we cut and pushed them along the edges of the beds. They were easy to move when I needed to work in the beds. It actually worked keeping them out. There were enough bugs and other yummy plants for them to eat in other parts of the yard.

Now I'm harvesting broccoli, cabbage, and beans. It's a busy time canning, freezing, pickling, etc. It's something I really enjoy. I'll share more.

Oh, of course we've had some time camping and enjoying my favorite beach, Oceanside too.

Springtime Pillows

2009-03-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

It's time to change for spring. In springtime I get restless about changing things around. New furniture is out. The easiest and most inexpensive way to change and give a new look is to change pillows. I have been playing around with a few designs in my head for several weeks. I finally put it in cloth. I wanted to do something in wool. We think of wool for winter, for warming us up. So I wanted something with bright color, lots of punch, to give the look of spring, still keeping an organic feel. This is what I've done so far. This one with the white flowers is my favorite.
I cut the base for the pillow fronts, then cut the shapes for the flowers. I sewed the flowers on by hand with pearled cotton floss. I use a random length straight stitch. Some of the petal points lift slightly and help give the flowers a look of movement.
Then I made two tulip pillows. The tulip on the yellow is flat.
The tulip on the tweed is sewn on in pieces. The tips of the tulip lift away from the pillow for a 3d effect.
Each pillow is a different size. I cut the size and shape on a whim. The backs of the pillows are pieced together. One in pieces of one color and one in random colors. They are not the size of pre-made forms. I make a form by making a "bag" out of muslin, and stuff it with stuffing. I like my pillows plump and soft. I like the bold more modern look of these, still keeping an organic, traditional concept. It was fun and very quick to make. I have a few more designs taking shape in my head.

Making Butter,Facial Scrub Toutorial, and Painting

2009-02-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

Finally! It was the computer again! Does anyone have as many problems as we do??? I still seem to have something lurking. We've worked through several problems, some that were hidden by the technicians working on this beast last time. They could not fix the problem, so tried to bypass, that worked for a while until.........Now there seems to be a conflict between our anti virus and our server..........I run on while I could be writing about some fun stuff.
I've been buying our milk from a farm nearby. The milk soooo yummy! One fun thing is that it comes with cream. If you look carefully, you can see the line between the milk and the cream. I whip some of the cream to have on mocha's and hot chocolate. I use most of the cream for butter.
Right now, I'm making it in the blender. I know, sure way to burn the motor out. I'm hoping to find a small churn soon.
I like making fresh butter. It's a relaxing process. "Churning" the cream, washing the buttermilk out, then adding salt. I know what the cow ate and how the cow is cared for. I know that my family is eating dairy that is pure, no gmo's, no hormones or additives. I like that. I also have been making yogurt, cream cheese, and other simple cheeses.
I made a gentle face and body scrub. I use oatmeal for the base. Then add dried roses, calandula (pot marigold), and lemon peel.
First, I grind the oatmeal in a small coffee grinder. It's a grinder that I use only for herbal things. I don't want my herbal things to smell or taste like coffee, and my husband doesn't want his coffee to taste like herbs. I grind the oatmeal to a powder. Oatmeal is very nourishing to the skin and is a gentle exfoliate.
After putting the oatmeal in a jar I grind small roses saved from last summer. I pull the petals off. In the center are small seeds that I add. Then grind.
Then I add some calandula to the jar. You can see about how much I add. I don't measure too closely. On top of it all I add about 2T of ground lemon peel. This is anti bacterial, cleansing, and exfoliating.

Now it's time to mix it all together.
When You want to use it, just scoop out about 1 1/2 T. I have this cute little soap dish I put it in.
Then I add a little warm water, and stir it around with my finger. I scoop a little up with my fingers, and rub it onto my face. I gently rub my face all over, then rinse it off with warm water. Then rinse again with cold water. It's refreshing. I love the way my face feels afterward. I have very oily skin. This really helps without making the cells produce more oil. Again, it's something very natural and gentle for me. No additives. I can say the name of every ingredient.
I also started a larger project. Look at this horror. It's a large closet that we have used as an office. Lots of years ago the kids wanted to paint it the way they wanted. They wanted to have fun with it. I let them. Every wall was a different, bright color. It suited them at the time. Now they are gone. My husband wants to use the space for his at home office. One daughter is back home for a short time. A HA! She gets to paint the base coat of paint. With that done, I get to have some fun with the walls.
I'm sponging on some greens and copper, and making some swirls in antique bronze.
It's very random. It's hard to see in these pictures. When I get the room (closet) finished, I'll see if I can get a picture that gives you the feel of the whole room. It has an old world feel. I don't usually use white or off white, but with no windows, and small space I went for it. It's called Primitive White by Dutch Boy. It's kind of fun to rub and swirl paint on here and there. The walls in our home are lath and plaster. All the bumps and ridges that you see are really there. Painting a more modern look wouldn't would look out of place. It's great to finally change this wild look.

Treating the Winter Bugs With Herbs

2009-02-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'm an herbalist. I know I've said that before. I guess I say that again because it is one of my passions. It's part of who I am. I love to work with the plants. I love to watch how they interact with humans. Plants meet us on so many levels. Think of the smiles you give when you see a flower, or smell the wonderful aroma. Your favorite foods wouldn't be what they are without the flavor plants add. Plants added to bath salts help ease your muscles and you mind. I could go on, but you get the idea. This week the winter bugs hit our household. So, I was reaching for my favoirte medicinal plants to ease my family.
I made decoctions to gargle. Teas to drink.
I brought out some dried elderberries from the depths of my herbal closet to make this sore throat and cough syrup. It is really yummy and effective. All you need to do is:
Add 4 oz. of dried elderberries to 3 cups of water.
Simmer for about 30 min. Reduceing to about 2C.
Squish the berries while they are still in the pan.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
Add 3/4 - 1 c. of honey. Stir til honey is well blended.
This will keep in your frig 3-4 months.

I was busy taking care of everyone. I was sorry that they were sick, but I was having fun making herbal remedies. Then I decided to make something we could all use.
I gathered ingredients for some body cream. Melting oils and some beeswax together. Then pouring them into a blender and letting them cool to room temperature. Mixing aloe vera gel, secented water, lanoline, a few drops of essiential oil, and a few drops of vitaman e, letting them rise to room temperature.
Pouring the waters into the oils as the blender runs on high. In a moment, the mixture turns into this beautiful white cream. Kind of the same process as making your own mayo.
It is the best body lotion. A little goes a long way. I know what all the ingredients are, nothing I can't pronounce or reconize. Dealing with illness doesn't need to be a hardship. I enjoy using the plants for healing. It's an amazing process to watch and be involved in.

What Hat?

2009-02-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

It's Monday. The day I draw three names out of a hat to give away three feed sacks. But which hat???? There are piles of knit hats around.
Should I use ones of these? There are many others to choose from.
Lets have a look.
Maybe this little black hat, with feathers and netting. Or.....
This black and white with a huge black bow and netting. Or....
This wedding hat. It also has netting and tulle down the back. Mmmm, I seem to have a likeing for netting. Maybe this would do:
A summer straw hat that I like to wear on picnics. Or the blue wool.......
There is this hat, given to me by my girls on my XXXX birthday. It's rather outlandish.
How about this little straw garden hat?Perfect! And the Names ARE..........
Denice from Look beyond the Picket Fence
Paula from The Fraker Farm and
Kim from Up On A Hill

Congratulations. Please E mail me your address so I can send you your feed sacks. Let all of us know what you do with them. I love to see every ones ideas.

Feed Sack Give Away

2009-01-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Look at these feed and flour sacks. You just don't see something like this anymore. I've seen a few. In some magazines, I've seen them made into curtains or an apron. They have been stretched onto stretcher bars and hung as a picture, or made into pillows.
Friends of my daughter were cleaning out a very old barn. The barn dates back to the late 1800's. The family's great grandparents had homesteaded the land. It was full of wonderful old things. Much of it they will clean up and sell on e-bay. There on a shelf was a stack of these feed and flour sacks. They were going to toss out. To them it was garbage, my daughter knew I would consider it treasure. Most of the sacks had their stitching taken out. They were very dusty. I washed them up. Now they are ready for.........???????
This month is my blogging anniversary. I've been blogging for a year. Where has the time gone? I look back through the posts - wow, I've talked a lot. It's been fun. I've met so many people. Had so many conversations. You have inspired and encouraged me. Thank you for your comments. I savor each one. I wish I could take more time and respond to each one of you. You are all delightful!
To celebrate I am having a drawing to give away three of the feed bags. I wish I could give one to each of you, but......
Just leave a comment. I'll put the names into a hat. Next Monday,Feb. 2, 2009, I'll draw out two names, and announce the winners on my blog that day. Tell your friends.
Thank you for visiting and all you share!

Surprise Snowdrops

2009-01-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

I was taking a "walk" around the back yard. Just noting what I need to start on before Spring. Here in the Northwest, Spring seems to come all at once. One day it's winter and freezing, the next day it's Spring. Not really, it just seems that way. The change is gradual. If we look closely we can see the signs. It's still cold in Spring, but we have more and more days of warmth. I was also pondering the change in our country. Change has been coming gradually. Yesterday, we saw it happen. It almost seems like it happened overnight, or just this year. But the change has been happening. We just haven't been looking. Just like seeing the first unexpected snowdrops. I saw the tops of spring bulbs starting to push through the dirt. Then, in another bed there they were - beautiful snowdrops. I hadn't been out in the garden to see them growing. It seem like they were suddenly there.
Right now, the garden is rather bleak. Just these few snowdrops. They are small. Think of how strong they are growing in the cold and snow, the weeks of freezing weather when many plants die. To me they are beauty. Also a reminder, of how, with nurturing, much will grow here in the warming months. So thinking about our country - we are in a "cold time" right now. But we know how to nurture, we know it will take us getting out in the "garden" and working. We can't have this place of bounty, without giving to it what it needs to grow. It's work to weed, fertilize, plant, and water. Soon, "Spring" will be here - our "garden" will be a place of beauty and bounty.

Making a Made Do

2009-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

This blog is called A Make Do Life. My life is make do. Doing with what one has. Not always buying new. In years gone by woman made make dos. "What in the world is that?" people ask. Basically - a pin cushion. They were rather whimsical. Something very functional and decorative at the same time. Fashioned of wool, linen, or cotton, into flowers, birds, animals, fancy shoes, or just a round ball. Most of the time they would be attached to a pedestal of some sort, such as the base of a broken oil lamp or a candlestick. Kind of like junk out of art that we do so much of today.
I've had this candlestick for years, and rarely use it. The idea has been in the back of my head for a while to use it to make a make do. Yesterday I got out this recycled washed wool, drew a pattern and sewed. Before I stuffed it I sprayed it with some grubby spray.
You can see the difference in red color. It gives it a nice aged look. Next, stuffing.

My grandmother taught us to always save hair from our hair cuts. She learned this from her ancestors who came from the "old country". They were very fugal people, and used everything. The ultimate recyclers. Nothing was thrown out, everything was reused in some way. They stuffed their pincushions with hair. When the pins and needles were pushed in, they were lightly oiled and sharpened rubbing against the hair shaft. When my older children were babies, I used cloth diapers. The diaper pins quickly became dull. I would run the pins through my hair each time I changed a diaper. The pins would slip through the cloth easily then. Through the years, I've saved hair from my children's hair cuts and used the hair in pincushions. This is the hair my son saved from his last hair cut. Into the pincushion it goes. Hair stuffs firmly and smoothly. You don't have to work out the bumps.

Finished. A Red Cardinal. My grandmother's and mother's favorite bird.
Ladies of long ago would have something like this at their side to put pins in while sewing. Maybe a fancy one would sit on their dresser to hold hat pins. My grandmother had one shaped like a flower, where she would put her corsage pins and a few safety pins. She would use corsage pins for many purposes, (another story) so always wanted some handy. This is a visual memory of grandmother, honoring her make do life.

A Great Little Fabric Store

2009-01-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

After New Years, two daughters and I took a day to go into the city. While a son-in-law and son played paintball, we looked at some fun boutiques. One place we visited was Bolt Fabrics. It's a great little store. It's not huge, but it has a lot. They carry several designer lines, and have a little bit of everything. So many fabric stores are craft or quilt stores now. It was great to be in a place that had unique fabric for quilts and crafts, AND clothing. While we were there, My 16 year old daughter saw some fabric and said it would be a cool pillow case. "Just joking," she said, "or not". So, I purchased a yard, went home and made this pillow case for her.
She wanted the saw tooth edge to replicate the flames coming out of the rockets.

I wanted to show you an old coffee grinder that my husband gave me a while back. Amazingly, it still works. I have an electric coffee bean grinder that grinds multiple grinds, quickly. So I've repurposed this grinder for my spice grinder.
Fresh ground spices are so much more flavorful. I end up using less spice and having more flavor.I uses this to grind dried citrus peel, allspice, cloves and cinnamon. It grinds a beautifully uniform fine powder. I seem to do lots more baking in the winter. Bag lunches "need" cookies. Baking gives more warmth to the house and the aroma is so cozy feeling. When I'm not baking, I usually have a pot of water on the stove with cinnamon, lemon peel, and cloves sprinkled on top, Just for the scent and feeling it gives. What are some of the things you do to give your home a cozy feel in the winter.

After The Holidays

2009-01-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

The holidays were so fun! OK, so there were some snafu's along the way, but I just rolled with it as best as possible. When you roll everything is more interesting, never the expected, staying out of the rut.
Just thought I would share a few interesting gifts.
One daughter gave me this cup, made in South Africa. I love the whimsical design. She also gave me cocoa and rose marshmallows that she had made, (see the rose one floating in the foam?) to have with cocoa in the morning. YUM
Another interesting gift was the old copper measuring cups, given to me by my husband. He came into the room when I was sighing over them at this site. They go so well in our primitive home.
Later, he found them and ordered them for me. What a sweetie!!!
My parents found this little gem here. It is a pinker. I have pinking shears. I had never seen something like this.

As you feed the fabric through on the little platform, the wheel turns and cuts a zigzag on wool or leather.
Fun stuff to feed my visual appetite. The snow is gone, kids are back in school. Hubby is back to work. Now I will have time to create again. How are you spending your time after the Holidays?
Have a great day.

Let It Snow

2008-12-29T16:08:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have been a little crazy! I know getting ready for Christmas can be a little chaotic some years, for some people every year, but this was crazy. It started snowing. I know for most of the country that is normal. Well, a flake or two here would be normal too. I live in a part of the country where at the first flake of snow everyone rushes down to the store to stock up on things in case they get snowed in. Here, I think most people think if the ground is white, then you are snowed in. 1/2" of snow fall is on the high side of normal. Well, we had 22" piled up here. Not so normal for here. It was beautiful!
I took these pictures when we had about 4 inches.

The icicles were amazing. This was the view from my studio. But the snow didn't keep me down. The first day of snow, the brakes went out on my van. They were gone, suddenly, peddle to the metal, gone. That's what kept me down. Tow trucks were so overwhelmed with work they were only towing if you were stuck in the road. Thankfully, I was able to get the van home. So I walked to places close to me or took the bus. All that took a lot more time, time I wanted to devote to Christmas preparations. So I made some choices. I stayed home more, bought some thinks on line, and had a more relaxing season. I kept saying "slow down". "Enjoy". "Remember what this is all about." I guess I needed to have a little push in practicing what I was saying. I didn't have to dig out my van like everyone else. I wasn't going anywhere. It was a good thing. Then.....some pipes froze. Just the pipes that go to the laundry room. Gerry was gone, so dealing with them was for me to do. The problem came several times during the last two weeks. Now the pipes wear a nice wrap of heat tape if it ever gets that cold here again.
Soon all the decoration will be put away until next year. I will miss several angels hang around. Each have different styles of copper wings, vintage cotton dresses with pin tucks and antique lace. Each, one of a kind.
Old St. Nick will visit well into January. Some things are just fun to have around longer than the other decorations.
When Christmas is over I kind of have a let down. I've been so busy making things and cooking - suddenly nothing, or very little - - - for a couple of days. There are three birthdays in our family before New Years. But, usually before I get into more gift stuff, I want to do something for no reason.....just for fun....just because. This time it's lavender filled linen laundry bags. Mmmm, the aroma of summer.I had some pieces of linen that I cut in rectangles 5"x 12". I folded the rectangle in half, and sewed two sides with 1/4" seams. Now it's a bag 4 1/2" x 6". I poured 1 cup of lavender in the bag. Then folded the top over twice, and sewed over the folds to close the bag.
Now they are ready to throw into the dryer. Everything smells so fresh and sweet. Mmmm. Love it. It's not too strong or overpowering. When I use to use laundry sheets, I would sneeze, no matter what kind. Now I just use lavender bags. I doesn't bother me The guys don't mind, it's such a light scent. Each bag is used many times.

The first birthday gift is a taggie for a first birthday. The body is a light green micro fleese for babies. It's edged with triangles, forming a sawtooth edging in two colors of satin.
Little ones love to hold them when they don't have their big blanket with them.

Hope you have had a wonderful Christmas, taking time to show more love to family and friends. Building memories. Giving some of the abundance we have been so blessed to receive.

More Decorating

2008-12-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

Gerry and I finally went out and cut some greenery . I have holly and cedar in our yard, but I wanted some fir too. Now I've been doing more decorating. I always have lots of greenery around.
I put it over pictures, with festive primitive ribbon.

Garlands over doors.

Inside and outside.

Around the Nativity.
The Nativity sits on top of the buffet in the dining room. I hang starry fabric on the wall and sheer over the stars with angels in the folds.
I made the copper angel several years ago .
My oldest son made the stable using cinnamon sticks many years ago. The floor of the stable is scattered with sandalwood and star anise and anise seed. The aroma is wonderful. Not the usual for a stable. The Christmas village is arranged. Carolers sing, couples walk, children throw snowballs. Each house shines brightly in the candle lit room.
The stockings are already hanging, ready for all the little fun things that fill them each year. Not so many this year. I've made crazy quilt stockings for each child.
Our home is almost ready. There are a few more things to do. I'm enjoying the moments, and the memories. Most of the decorations are older, so as I set out each item, conversations and and expressions are in my minds eye. So many happy times, then and yet to come.

Re Inspired

2008-12-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

For years ( that's lots of years), I've handmade gifts for my children, friends and now grandchildren. Sometimes they are GREAT gifts, you know that kind that get the " OH WOW!" when opened. Sometimes "oh, nice." I always try for the first kind, but don't always get it. So this year, there is a little anxiety in thinking of what to make for the grand kids. After soooooo many years, it's hard to thing of something new. How do the designers do it????
This fall Alicia Paulson of Posie Gets Cozy, published her book, Stitched In Time. This book is full of ideas and projects, all with a whimsical air. There were projects that were new and then some projects that were not new, just a new flavor, a new updated presentation. I was inspired, or re inspired to make a few.
First project was the superhero cape. Each project I varied a little. This project I used a half circle instead of a quarter circle. I just liked the fuller look. I think most kids like lots of fabric billowing out behind them. Here we have Superhero of the universe, and Superheroine of the flowers.
Alicia's instructions were clear and complete, so putting the project together was fast and easy.
Next project was a pillow case. Actually two. One for a little boy who likes bugs. One for a little girl who likes pink. For the girls case I used some Daisy Kingdom fabric I had from when my older kids were young. For the case hem I used satin and embroidered their name - another change.
The third project was the grow chart. Sorry, it doesn't show well here. The 12 blocks going up the chart have a light block in them - so I was imagining bricks. At the bottom there is a double door, at the top in a window. Then a tape measure sewn through the blocks. The only change I made was using washed wool to edge the chart instead of bias tape.
I hope Alicia doesn't mind the changes. I think that is what's great about books like this. The author inspires us to be creative so that each person makes something unique.

How are your projects coming for your gift giving? I have more to do, so must leave for now. Hope you enjoy you gift making!

Christmas: Simple Memories

2008-12-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well,......here's a start. I have a few decorations up. It's has been really nice, enjoying the slower process. Most of it is done on my own time, instead of the short hurried time when everyone can get together. Other years more family has been involved, which it GREAT, but then I'm directing, there's more hustle and bustle, all the personalities - fun times, precious moments, memories, and exhausting being in the center of all that. Even though it is busy, I try to keep things simple. It is the family times, memories, what we have in our hearts that make Christmas. Next Sunday all the family that is in the area will come and we will have a tree decorating party. We have done this for many years, one of those family memories. As we decorate, the kids remember years past, and laugh over their ornaments they made and so lovingly have hung every year. There is one Snow White ornament that is affectionately fought over every year. It is one person's tattered treasure and most others abhor it. Outside, wreaths adorn every window, garland is swagged along the porch railings. The posts are circled in dark red ribbon. Inside, a light in each window, the old tradition of welcome, and lighting the way for travelers. .

The sugar cookies are ready for the grand kids decorate.
Peanut brittle and other goodies are ready.

My work areas are stacked with sweets. We have a big family and many friends who will eat most of this....thankfully.
Cranberry garlands are swagged over the cupboards.

Blocks, giving word to the message of the season are set.

Reindeer visit.
Today I will go and harvest pine and fir boughs to make wreaths and garland. There will be sprigs of green and holly tucked most everywhere. The house will take on the aroma of winter Christmas. There will be bowls of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and star anise scenting every room. There are still the Christmas village, Nativity, angels, etc. to set out. As I'm decorating, I'm thinking of making memories for my family. Thinking of the peace we can experience because of what happened so long ago, the precious gift we have been given. That gift is always at the center of our celebration.

Slowing Down the Crazyness

2008-12-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I did. This time of year SOOOOO much is happening. We want to think of others. Help others have a better holiday season. Especially connect with family and have more meaningful times with your immediate family. In achieving this, things can get a little crazy. There are a few things that I usually do that I will be cutting back on, such as blogging. So....I will be here off and on, as it seems to have been going lately. I'm always so happy to get back to visit. I miss the humor, inspiration, and cleverness of all of you.

We had a lovely time Thanksgiving day, hosting 25 people. Here we are getting ready to fill our plates. We brought in four tables from other rooms and lined them up through the dining room and into the living room.
When we are all stuffed, we clear everything, and play games. It's a good time to have fun together and talk about what is happening in each others lives. It seem like no matter how much we talk, there is always more to say.
Later, the pies and other desserts come out. There is so much, I always take some to friends later and share the bounty.

As we begin the last month of this year, take time. Remember what this season is all about. Think of ways to enrich this season for your family and friends. Most of the gifts I'm giving this year, as in years past, will be handmade. So I'll be busy finishing those projects. I'll share a few along the way. Enjoy December! The season of giving. Remember what we have been given and rejoice in it.

Embroidered Banner

2008-11-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in my .....work room, sewing room, studio?????? whatever.....I was in there working on a project for Christmas. Many times this seems to happen. I'll be a little bummed because I haven't been too inspired lately. I do some projects, but it's not too original, just a slight variation of someone else project. They are great projects, and fun to do. And really, ....Can one person always come up with something original? I find that working on a project seems to feed the creative spirit in me. Anyway,.....I was working on a project that I had seen in Somerset Life, and out of the blue, an idea hit me. Does this happen to you? I had seen several banners made out of paper for Thanksgiving. They were really nice, and I liked the idea, but I needed something a little smaller, maybe a little more primitive. The idea....I could embroider a small banner on some wool scraps.
I made one for Thanksgiving. Well, Why not one for Christmas? The project was very quick, and simple. No skills needed in embroidery or spilling. It's very primitive looking and blends well with our home. I have a few more strips of wool, so I'll do some more and longer ones too. I'm sure someone else has done this before, I just haven't seen it.

I need to keep in mind what I have embroidered - Give Thanks. And stop being bummed about silly things. Be thankful for the gifts that I have been given, and be grateful that I can use my gifts. My heart is full to be where I am right now. This season of Thanksgiving I want to express that and help create a spirit of thankfulness for what we have been blessed with, and what we can share with others.

The Real End of Summer

2008-11-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

We had a beautiful late summer. The trees were showing their colors. The weather was warm. Just right for walking and crunching leaves under foot. I love to walk along and kick and crunch the leaves. The fall tree colors are not as vivid here in the Northwest as in the Northeast. But it is beautiful. Last weekend, the rains came and are still here, bringing the leaves off the trees. We have cedar trees and big leaf maple trees in our yard.
You can see part of this old tree. It's amazing how many leaves are still on the tree when you see how many are on the ground.
It's fun to watch them flutter merrily to the ground. They are like helicopters spinning out of control, not knowing where to land. So many of them filling up all available space, covering everything. They are huge!
And lovely. If we have a few dry days next week, I think I'll make a big pile and jump in them.
***************************
I had been showing you a new calendar page each month before the computer went crazy this summer. Sorry I missed a couple of months. I finally was able to scan these.
November is gold stenciling, painted over with blue and white, for a icy look. The gold flourish stenciling doesn't show up well. Antique lace is added on the side. The lines dividing the numbered boxes is gold thread, sewn on in BIG stitches.
Wow! just one more page and it's over. I haven't started one for the new year. Still trying to decide if I will.
Thanksgiving this month. I'm so excited. Family will visit. I so look forward to the family times. It's busy and hectic, full of warm memories, late night talks, lots of laughter, hugs, watching everyone grow. One of my favorite times of year.

Treasure

2008-10-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

This was my grandmother's button bag. My mom has it now. When I was young, I thought of it as a treasure bag. I loved to look at all the buttons. I would dig my hand in deep and grab a handful, and let the buttons fall through my fingers, like gold. There were so many. All colors,shapes, and sizes; common and unusual. My grandmother saved all buttons. When an item of clothing was discarded from wearable use, she would cut the buttons off and put them in the bag. My mother did the same thing. When my mom made something for me, she would always look in the bag before she would buy new buttons. Now I do the same thing. Many things I make are unusual because of the buttons. I've kept buttons in tins or jars. Jars are nice. It's like a jar of candy sitting of the shelf. When I'm looking for buttons, I end up pouring the whole jar out, spilling some on the floor, trying to find the perfect button.
When looking for a button in the bag, the bag folds open, no pouring needed. It's easy to sort through and find what I need. It's time to make my own button bag.

What I need:

fabric 18''x 38''
5 1/2'' round of cardboard
8 1/2'' rings
ribbon - 1 1/2 yd.

Fold fabric in half, right sides together. Sew two sides. Turn right side out.
Find the center of the square, and mark a 5 1/2'' circle.
Insert the cardboard between the layers of fabric, centering.
Pin around the cardboard circle to keep in place.

Using your zipper foot, sew around the cardboard circle. This creates the bottom of the bag.

Turn the raw edges of the forth side of the bag to the inside and sew closed.

Sew the rings on. Place a ring at the center of each side, at the edge. For corner rings, place them 2 1/2'' from the point, in from each corner.

Press each corner point back.The corner ring in now at the pressed edge.

Choose your ribbon, and thread through the rings and tie.
Pile the buttons on the round and spilling over.
Pull the ribbon up from each side, letting the buttons weight the bag.
Finished!

A new bag, full of treasures.

So easy to plop open and search for the perfect button. Yet holding them in so they don't roll all over the floor. Maybe some day someone will remember this bag as grandma's button bag and think of it as a bag of treasure.

Inspired

2008-10-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

The other day I was reading The Pleasures of Homemaking blog spot. Manuela had made a tassel using a bird shaped pepper shaker at the top of the tassle. It was done in black and white. Her tassel was so darling and simple. I really like tassels. They are a nice contrast to the many primitive things I have. I thought, "I can do that". So I rummaged around, thinking I had a pepper shaker I could use.........no. Well, I had to do a few errands, I could stop at the thrift store and find something. I saw a couple of nice shakers, but the holes were off center, so it wouldn't hang straight. Mm mm.
I really wanted to make a tassel. When I got back home I thought, "I'll look for an alternative". Rummage, rummage........not finding anything. I know, I know, I could have made a plain tassel, with some beads on top. But that would not satisfy this time. Mm mm..........What to do?????
I was looking through some boxes of "stuff". You know, the stuff you are saving for the "perfect" project. Not seeing anything. I was starting to get bummed. At this point I just sat back, and let my gaze wander around, not really looking at anything specific, Just letting my eye look and communicate with my brain without my consciousness getting in the way. Have you ever done that?
Suddenly, something sparkling caught my eye, and communicated with my brain "that's it". What , what??? Oh, a glass doorknob. A newer one that I wouldn't be using in restoration on the house. I had it sitting out, knowing it would be just right for some project, sometime.
Out came the glue gun, out came the fringe and ribbon. As soon as the glue was hot, I applied it to the base of the knob and wrapped the fringe around it about three times. Wrapping the fringe around the fat knob makes the tassel look plumper, like it's a fat tassel, without using so much fringe. Then I added some bead trim, and topped that with ribbon. Then I glued a ribbon loop to the top of the knob.
Oh! There were two knobs......so I did it again.Twenty minuets later, I had two tassels. I really like them. They are very elegant, and will go almost anywhere. You know........Christmas is coming. I hardly want to think about it yet. I want to enjoy autumn and Thanksgiving. But I make most of our gifts, so I need to get on with it. Tassels would be a lovely gift or decoration on a box or bag. I think I need to let my eye wander and "see" what else I could use to make tassels. Thanks Manuela for the inspiration.

Scrapy, Make Do Jacket

2008-10-22T11:32:00.001-07:00

I made this jacket a while back. I thought it would be good for autumn, when you want something light. It was fun. It's amazing what you can make when you take a scrap from one project, then another from a different project, then put it all together.
Finishing by adding some embroidery stitches for a artsy, folk look. The "flowers" are little squares of wool, pinched together and sewn on so they stand out a little. I wish I had made the body a little longer. The 3/4 sleeves are nice. they stay out of whatever I'm doing. It's great for a layered look.

Transitions

2008-10-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

This is a transitions time. From outside to inside. Getting that warm and cozy feeling in the home. I never really stop doing things outside. My focus just changes more to inside. In the fall, I tend to bring more flowers inside to enjoy than during the summer months. When it is warm, I enjoy the flowers and plants as they grow. This year, we have had a warmer fall, so the flowers keep blooming. They are so bright and cheerful these chilly mornings.
One of the transitions is having a warm spicy drink in the mornings. Homemade chai tea is so yummy! The making becomes a little ritual. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, nutmeg, and ginger fills the house. I spend a few moments contemplating the day ahead, and enjoying memories of "before".
My dear friend, Hannah, grew up making this tea in Kenya. It's a recipe to play around with and adjust to your taste.
3 C whole milk
2 T black Tea
2 3" sticks of cinnamon
4 whole cloves
several cardamon seeds, ground
1/2 t nutmeg
slice of fresh ginger
2 peppercorns
3 C water
Put it all in a pan and bring to a boil. Watch out! Don't let it boil over. Simmer the tea for about 30 seconds. Strain.
Add honey to taste.
Yum. Mum mm.
A wonderful way to wake in the morning.

Kids, Beaches, and Apples

2008-10-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

In the middle of last week, I received a call from my daughter. She was at school, at cross country practice. The team was going on a beach trip the coming weekend. "Mom", she said "Coach says we need more chaperons for the trip. Can you come?" Yikes! These are great kids, so there won't be problems. I was thinking of all the things I had planned to do during the weekend. Like put the garden to bed. I had been trying to do this for a couple of weeks. Freezing corn. I had been trying to do that for a couple of weeks too. The laundry had piled up, some paperwork needs to be finished................STOP!!! All of these things would wait. Spending time with these kids was more important. So I spent a day getting ready, finishing what I could, then hopped on a bus with the cross country team. They work together, play together, and are great fun to be with. Talking with them and hearing their views about what is happening around them, at school, with family, friends, in politics, and the economic market was fascinating.
Of course I took my camera. Went down to the beach and started taking pictures.
The sun was getting ready to set. A little fog was rolling in. It would be a great, colorful sunset. I love the sculptural look of the wind whipped trees. Then the screen started blinking memory card FULL. Oops! That's one thing I didn't get done before leaving home. It was a beautiful weekend.
Arriving home, I found apples, a gift from a friend.
I got out this tool. What is it called???? It peels, slices and hulls at the same time. I've had it for years. I had never used it before. I don't know why.
It's a fun tool. It really helps the process go fast.
I have to say I did play a little with the apple curls. They were so bouncy.
I filled the trays for the dehydrator, then made 6 quarts of apple pie filling, and put them in the freezer. Very satisfying.

More Fall

2008-10-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

I pulled out the old window from storage. Something simple to add a little make do fun. I used acrylic paints, with little detailing,just to give the feeling of harvest. I'll add a hay bale or two and pumpkins. So I'm off to the pumpkin patch for supplies. We are having a birthday party tomorrow and I want the front porch to be a harvest welcome.

A Few Fall Things

2008-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

The weather finally changed over the weekend. It went from the 80's to the 60's overnight. We are now experiencing our typical Northwest autumn. So up go a few autumn and Halloween decorations. Many of my decorations are years old. I painted these pumpkins over twenty years ago, when the children were young, and thought they were scary.
They went trick or treating with these quilted pumpkins.

Wooden bowls of small gourds and multi colored corn rest on tables.
Small ears of corn rest in this cast iron corn bread pan.

Fall leaves are scattered on table tops. The room glows with candlelight late evening, in its autumn colors.

Of course there are some fall wool mini quilts around.
The wool bird is standing on the pumpkin, resting for a moment, carrying the heavy acorn.
When fall comes, I still spend time cleaning up the garden, but most of my thoughts and time are for indoors. I tend to nest. Furniture is rearranged, quilts and throws are layered, for a warm, cozy feel and look. The scents of cinnamon, cloves, and apples waft through the house. It's time for baking bread and making soups. The quilting project, set aside for summer, is brought back out. Candles are lit in the evening. Home is experienced in a different way, comforting us, as the season changes. I see twirling leaves through the window and can't resist going out to walk and play in them. Letting the experience invigorate me, I go back inside, renewed, still smelling the crisp air, to continue nesting.

Weaving Worms

2008-09-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

It seems so intimidating! All those warp ends, so easily mixed up and knotted. If dressing the loom isn't done right, the weaving is harder to do and the whole thing could look awful. So I console myself, "It's my first project on a big loom". " Irregularities will make it seem more charming and one of a kind." You know how it is when you start something new, you really want to do it well. You really want it to look nice. I mean do you really work on a project and say to yourself," I want this to look like trash" when I'm done?
Well, time to get started. Dressing the loom. Putting all those threads through the slots, then through the heddles. I'm making a "rag" rug. When I went to the Pendleton Wool outlet, I purchased a bag of "worms". Worms are the long strips cut off the edges of their blankets. Pendleton sells them to weavers for rug making.
Dressing the loom took longer then weaving the rug. It's something I could sit for a few moments and weave two or three shots, leave, then come back later and do more. Almost done here. I'm taking it off the loom. Weaving worms is really messy. There is soooo much fuzz from the cut edges. Then all these little pieces of worm that break off. The floor is littered.
Here is the rug next to some "worms". I have enough for about 8 more rugs. A little goes a long way.
Finally finished, and on the wood floor in the dining room. Yes there are some mistakes. It just adds to the charm and makes it more one of a kind. It was fun, and I want to make a few more. Now I wont be nearly so intimidated.

Still Life in the Garden

2008-09-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

There is still life in the garden. The tomatoes are finally producing. I don't know about where you live, but the beginning of summer was so slow here that crops like tomatoes are very late in ripening. We've been wondering how many we would get before the first frost.
Really, I have quite a few. Tonight I'll make some sauce and can it.
I have about 20 pounds. The squash are producing nicely too.
There are still bright spots around the back. The snapdragons never stop.
The Rudbecka are still lovely. Even the spent blossoms are interesting texture.
Asters.
Cosmos.

Borage. All swaying in the gentle, fall breeze. All blooming the hearts out till the first frost. The crispness is in the air. I need to pay attention to each one everyday. Soon their cheerful faces will be a memory that I dream about in the cold of winter.

Wooly Projects

2008-09-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

I love wool. I love the process, from fleece, to spinning, to weaving. When dyed, there is so much depth to the color. Each part of the fiber "takes" the dye differently. As a fabric, it is soft, yet firm, stable, yet giving. So when I thought of a new table runner for fall, I knew I wanted to make it from washed, overdyed wool, to capture to aura of the season. First, I chose some wool scraps that reflected the season's colors.
Then I cut out maple and oak leaves of different sizes and colors.
Then scattered them around.
Sewing the leaves with embroidery floss, using a straight stitch, leaving knots and tails on top.
Finishing the runner by cutting up about 6 inches and tie with an overhand knot to create a fringe. Giving it a scarf look. The fall colors and wool look good on the scrubbed pine table. It was a fun project. It turned out well and inspired me. So of course I had to do a few other things to celebrate the new season.A pumpkin pillow for the bench on the front porch. It's made from wool and repurposed cotton fabric.
I machine appliqued the pumpkins.
Then used strips of wool for tie closures at the side. The Boo pillow is all wool. The foundation is pieced from a salvaged wool jacket. and the Boo s from a salvaged wool skirt. I just top stitched the Boo on the foundation, letting the letters fray a bit.
Fun and easy. The day after I finished these the weather changed from very warm to cool. The leaves started falling. Fall is here. Celebrate!

Biking Again

2008-09-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! I bought a bike. I had one a lot of years ago, one with a trailer, so I could bike with the youngest kids, but they were stolen. So now, years later, I have one again. I'm also finding a few muscles that have been neglected. This bike is a FUJI Crosstown. It has 8 speeds, just right for biking errands. It's not made for the road trips.
I love the basket. There is a little frame the fits over the handle bars that holds the basket. With a twist of the handle, the basket comes off, so I can carry it right into the store. It also came with a little cute dinging bell. I don't think too many cars will hear the bell. I think bikes need to come equipped with the big horns the semi trucks have. But it is a cute retro look. To be honest, on the hot days (90's) I haven't been out with it. But most days, if I don't have errands, I'm off on a ride just for the exercise. I added fenders so I won't have the excuse not to ride in the rain. I'm feeling good about this. Saving gas, money, and getting much needed exercise.

Unexpected Pears

2008-09-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

A week before the wedding, my future brother-in-law arrived with a gift. He had been watching a pear tree in a field close to his home. The time was right for picking pears. He brought over a large box. I was so thankful for the pears. I love fresh pears, then canned pears in the winter. Inside my head I was wailing, "When will I have time to put these up in the middle of preparing for a wedding?????"
Unexpectedly, one morning the schedule was rearranged. My opportunity! 19 quarts of summer sunshine ready to enjoy this winter. Thanks for the unexpected, wonderful gift.

Showers and Weddings

2008-09-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

Weddings are fun! Our family has had several weddings the last few years. Our backyard is one of the places that events around weddings or the wedding itself takes place. Two weeks ago, I gave a wedding shower for my sister in the back yard. It was a simple event, yet even simple events can, and in my case do, take quiet a bit of work. The yard is rather wild. The flowerbeds are full of culinary and medicinal herbs. The "lawn" is mostly clover, selfheal, English lawn daisy, and plantain. Around the chairs, I put bamboo poles into the ground and tie ribbons on them. they are festive fluttering in a small breeze.
Scattered around the yard are torches, candles, and lanterns. As the evening grows dark, the yard becomes magical looking. I forgo the usual cake and use the seasons bounty to make pies for dessert. Deciding what pies to make is a huge problem, there are soooooooo many! I finally narrow the selection down to eight.

Topping the list is strawberry pie. I love this no fail receipe.

I tried a new receipe from the Better Homes and Garden magazine. pie.
White chocolate Cranberry Pie. YUM!!!!!
Then.............
This past week, the wedding.
We rearranged the chairs. Added lots of tule, as bows on the chairs, streaming between the poles with lights hidden in the layers.
We added more candles and lanterns.As people arrived, the light faded, candles were lit.Vows were spoken.

I'm very thankful that our place has hosted so many special events, and created so many memories. Last night, when Gerry and I were sitting in front of the backyard fireplace, we recounted memories, family times, what life is about, our relationships. The memory of an events, simply done, so much lasting joy.

This, That, and the Other...

2008-08-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

THIS is what happened. My computer was sick. Very sick. It came on very suddenly. I took it to a geeky hospital. More than detox was needed. My computer sustained several transplants and was in the hospital for over two weeks.

Now, I thought, I can get back on track. Then...THAT happened. My camera froze. The lens came out and stayed, the power turned off, and that was that. So.... the camera was sent to camera hospital. That took over two weeks to ........ well whatever happened at the camera hospital. I was sooo excited when this package came!!!
So to let you know a little of what has been happening.

Early in July, we took a trip to the Seattle area.

I love the ferries.

I found some lace treasures.

Two are pillow case edges, and one is to adorn the back of a chair. The chair back lace I'll use as intended. The pillow edging,.....mmmm....I don't want to cut them.......mmmm...any ideas?

The raspberries ripened.

They are so luscious! Now they are all harvested and in and in the freezer, ready to use for a taste of summer in the winter.

I harvested the lavender. It is hanging to dry in the dining room. It's dry enough now to take the buds off. I'll use the buds in sachets, potpourris, skin products, and in cooking. The stems I'll save and bundle them. some bundles will be used for smugging, some for fire starters, and some I'll cut very finely , put them into bags for the dryer.

Of course, it's hot, so I needed a new top.
For a pattern, I used Simplicity 3790. I wanted to add a little design, so I embroidered the yoke. I drew, freehand, on the yoke, then started stitching.
As I stitched, I kind of ignored my drawing and free stitched. This is what came out in the end.
I like it. It's very comfy and cool to wear.
Lots of OTHER things have happened, but life is waiting. More later.

Intoxicating Aromas

2008-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

The first evening of July, a day of intense heat, sitting of the porch, relaxing, cooling off, smell that wonderful aroma. Mmmmm! Only a very sunny day will convince the plants to release their volatile oils, that heady smell that intoxicates. I love that about summer. It's part of what keeps me gardening. So I'm sitting on the porch and look around, what plants are making themselves known this evening? Not the daisies, They look great, but have you gotten a nose full of their odor? God certainly has a sense of humor.
Yes this is it. The bells. They are a heirloom variety. Their aroma is very strong at night. Yum!
This is one of the porches we sit and relax. Soaking up July, sharing with family and friends.
I'll be gone, visiting family over the 4th. Barbecuing, watching the fire works being shot off a barge, laughing, and loving our friends and family. This is what it's about, July.

Turn the Page To July

2008-07-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

July, for me, one of the intense months. By saying intense I'm thinking of several things. The intensity of the fire works on the forth, filling the sky, the sizzle, crackle, and booms. The smoke and sulfur, a thick haze floating to the ground like a blanket over everyone. The intensity at which we Americans are prone to play on our vacations. I don't do that, but it's all around me. The intensity of how fast and beautiful the plants are growing in the garden. The intensity of the sun. They intensity of the sky. I love to watch the sky change in the mornings and evenings, all the different shades of color. From midnight blues to clear light blues, with red, flaming orange, lavender and velvet purple in between. Enjoy it. Soak up the aura of July. Use it to be at your creative best and deepen your relationships. I'm looking forward to a full month, lots of family times. People coming and going. The laughter and sharing. Enjoying the intensity at a relaxed pace.

Farm Day

2008-06-30T10:09:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Apifera Farm held a Pino Pie Farm Day. Beth and I went to join the fun. We drove into the wine and lavender country of Yamhill County with high expectations of finally seeing the farm and artist we had read about for months. Finally we saw the farm sign. "We're finally here!" we laughed. "MMMM! Smell the lavender!" We drove by the field Katherine and Martyn grow. It's a lovely haze of varying shades of lavender. We parked and walked to the party.
Right there in front of everything is a table of pies. Katherine and her donkey, Pino, encourage us to take pies to ones in need of cheer. So many brought pies in Pino's honor. Pino and company were on hand to pet. The children hugged and pet the donkeys. They stood for hours receiving their tribute.
Hanging on the fences were all the aprons people have sent, some from as far away as France. Beth bought the French Laundry Bag Apron.
Katherine is using the money from the sale of aprons and art to help in her work with caring for animals and helping people. Read her blog to find out all she does.
How often do you get to see the studio of an artist? What kind of magical place would it be?
A small peek. Your have to come to the next farm day to see. People from as far away as New York Kentucky, and Washington, came to enjoy the art and lavender. The studio was very inspiring. Art everywhere. It is very evident that Katherine derives her inspiration from what is outside the studio door. The connection between plant, animal, and person, and the messages she sees come through in her art.

They are creating drought tolerant gardens around their home. They are lush and vibrant. Martyn was a great resource about gardening. I could have talked for hours.
Thank you Katherine and Martyn for a wonderful day. We enjoyed it so much. It was a day that has lasting impressions. The nurturing care that you freely give is something to emulate.

The Palvilion

2008-06-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

It's what we call it. It may not be the dictionaries definition, but then, it's our whimsy to name. Wow, I hope I don't sound like a brat when I say that. Anyway....When we moved here, the back was a garbage heap.....literally. The only green growing were blackberries, morning glory, and ivy. All invasive. I still have lots of ivy growing in some places, that's a project for another year. Starts of blackberry still keep wanting to grow, so I keep a watchful eye out for it to cut it back before it gets growing too much. The morning glory.......... That is where most of my effort goes in the yard. It grows everywhere, and chokes everything out. It winds around the stock of a plant. If the plant is lush, you may not see it until it is sticking over the top of the plant. Then you have to unwind it trying not to strip off all the leave and blooms in the process. I know many places it isn't invasive, and people enjoy the vines and flowers, but here........well, it the stuff that induces nightmares for gardeners. Back to the Pavilion. This circle was the burn pile. People had burned here for years. The garbage I pulled out of this pile; car batteries, shocks, cans, broken bottles, to name a few. I didn't think much would grow in this spot, and I didn't want to be digging around in a lot of broken glass. So we created this spot.

We laid brick in a circle. We added the posts. I hang jars with candles in them between the posts. We found this door and added it to the circle. Then planted lavender around. The sand between the bricks is ideal for the lavender seeds to grow. I get ten or twelve new baby plants each year. Moss and alisym grow on the bricks too. It's a great place to sit and have lunch, or a glass of lemon aid when working out. At night, it's very magical with all the candles and lanterns in the yard.

This is one of our favorite spots to enjoy in our yard. The lavender smells wonderful. Soon it will be time to harvest. Later, I'll share how I use lavender, not only in dried bunches, but in laundry, cleaning, skin care, and in cooking.

Tomorrow, I'll be going to Apifera Farm . I'll see their lavender farm and all her animals I've been reading about. I'll take a couple of pies with me for her donkey Pino. Read about it and her efforts helping people on her blog.

New Bag

2008-06-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

I go back and forth, small bag, large bag, small bag, large bag. It might be the seasons. I tend to carry more with me in the summer. With trying not to accept plastic bags when I get something at the store, I need more room or just another bag. I don't want to carry another bag unless I'm doing a large shopping. I just put whatever in my bag and go. Did you know some stores are not letting customers do this, you have to carry out whatever you purchase in their bag. So.... yesterday I made this bag, using upholstery remnants from my stash.
I fused stabilizer to the back of the outer and lining fabrics with heavy heat bond. This gave the bag a firm body, so it doesn't collapse into a fabric puddle, yet soft and flexible. It has three large pocket inside.
I used this pattern from Sweet Treasures. The pattern has three bag sizes and three cuff finishes. The instructions were simple and clear. I think I'll make another bag in a smaller size. I was fun to make and took about 1 1/2 hours to make, start to finish. What is your favorite bag to make?

Strawberry Season

2008-06-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Strawberries! YUMMMM! I love it when strawberry season is here. They have been around in the stores for several months. But really........who wants to eat red stryo???? When the local berries ripen, mmmm, they are sooo juicy, they smell so good, and taste sooooo wonderful. When strawberries ripen, summer is here. I don't have enough room in my yard to grow as many strawberries as I want, so I go to a local farmer and spend an hour picking. This year I picked 30 pounds.
Have you ever wondered how much one of the little baskets weighs? How much are you buying? Right there.......10.6 ounces.
After picking, going home, making a strawberry smoothie, it's time to "put up the berries". Some of the caps are still on the berries. I've never been able to make the little berry huler thingies work right. I would aways take half of the berry off. I wasn't much better with a knife. My solution? Right here....
My mom was given this tip from a friend several years ago. A grapefruit spoon. It works great! The point goes under the cap, and pulls it right out. The edge cuts out any spot, if needed. I have 30 bags for the freezer. The label says 2 C, but it's more like 2 1/2 C.

Then I make 2 batches of freezer jam. I put the jam in various size jars. Some jars are cute to use as gifts. Then I save some to eat fresh. We love strawberry shortcake. I made some, but ate it before I could take a picture. Maybe I'll get a picture with the next shortcake. It was just too delicious to wait.
I think I'll pick more. I want to infuse some in vodka and rum, and try dehydrating some. Have you ever done that? How did it work? I hope you get to enjoy some berries too.

Where are the Cherries?

2008-06-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

You've heard the saying "Life's a bowl of cherries". Sometimes, like this week for me, we get soooooooooooo busy, and sooooooooo much happens, we don't enjoy the "cherries". Sooo, I'm taking a deep breath, and enjoying the "cherries" today, and will "visit" with you tomorrow"

Garden Visitor

2008-06-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Each spring the Crone Lady makes her appearance in the herb garden. Her arrival is a little later than usual this year. She prefers warmer weather, and likes to stay here after most of the rain is over. This year she is standing in the back corner, guarding her garden, by the blackberries, feverfew, Lemon balm, Valerian, and oregano. One day soon, she will start carrying a basket of flowers and herbs.
She looks out over the sage rosemary, fennel, marshmallow, and lavender.
The view from our back door is flagstone and brick path under the broad leaf Maple tree. The tree shades the house from the morning sun and keeps everything cool with it's far reaching branches. Unfortunately, disease has attacked the tree. I think this is it's last year. I'm saddened, it's a lovely tree and over 100 years old.
The walk on the other side of the tree goes by the raised beds, grapes, blueberries, red raspberries, and lovage. It's a rather wild place. The Crone Lady feels at home in this Wild Herbalist's garden.

Viking House

2008-06-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Come take a short tour with me. It's the Viking House. The Viking house class builds one every year. The students take woods, and construction classes as prerequisites. Then they apply to take this class. Not everyone is picked to be on the crew. They earn college credit along with their high school credit, and are able to go on to advanced building technologies at the college level of work in the field.
This is the 2008 house. They have built almost every part .
Before you go inside, you will see custom woodwork that is a hallmark throughout the house.
Wood floors throughout, this medallion greets you in the entry, and was a senior project of one of the students.
Painted wood paneling lines the hall.
Looking down the hall, to the great room, the wood floors and ceiling reflect the soft lighting.
The great room is dominated by the stone floor to ceiling fireplace. The ceiling sores 14' high in this part of the house, giving the feeling of space. The house has 7 skylights. You can see the light playing on the paneling and molding.
Custom kitchen, everyone's dream. There are so many unique features here and through the house. Every space is used for efficient storage.The spacious main bathroom. All the cabinetry in the house has been made by students also.
The tile walk in shower in the master bath. This is one small corner. No bumping your elbow on the wall here. It's huge!
It is all truly amazing work. Each room has built in custom features, all made by these students, this school year.
This is my son, who was part of this project. I'm so proud of him and the rest of the crew. He is a senior and graduating. I'm glad he has these skills to use as he takes this next big step in life.