Creative Explosions

I'm Dyeing

2012-01-19T13:44:00.001-04:00

Fiber, that is :) This is my first attempt at it and I've used commercial dyes. I hope sometime soon to commence using natural dyes, but I'm not there yet. Here's my first attempts:

Blue mohair and wool.The first two were dyed in a pot on the stove with alum as a mordant. The last did not have alum but had salt and was dyed in a crockpot.

Grey wool

Family Get-together

2012-01-05T12:23:00.000-04:00

We met, last night, at my aunt's house to meet my 98 year old great aunt, the last surviving of her family and youngest of 13 kids. Last time I had seen her, I was just a kids and I don't even remember.
She is a veritable fountain of family knowledge. I look forward to visiting her again and getting to know some of my family history and writing it down.

Some of the cousins haven't seen each other since we were babies. It was nice seeing everyone.

A Morning Walk

2012-01-03T21:40:00.000-04:00

The path.

Add caption

Sliding on the ice!

Trying to take a self portrait :)

watch the ice carefully as he jumps....

geysers!

seriously hollow ice-cave in!

feathered ice

New Year

2012-01-02T11:21:00.000-04:00

our gingerbread houses 2011

Happy New Year!

My wonderful husband bought me a new spinning wheel with accessories for Christmas. It works like a dream. Beware all sheep and alpacas! I'm coming after you with my shears! :)

We visited family and played lots of board games and ate many delicious meals. God granted us a nice rest.

Family Christmas Supper

Christmas Eve Dessert!!


Vest for Grampy

New toys!


The old barn on the homestead.

My 3 getting ready to slide with new sleds.

hubby and son enjoying the winter snow

Give Away

2011-11-21T11:40:00.001-04:00

There is a contest here for winning a 100$, a 200$, and a 300$ gift certificate from Vision Forum!! Vision Forum has been one of my greatest shopping spots for Godly reading, home education, and many other items. Great items on biblical femininity, great history and science (Jonathan Park!), and family.

They have great sales on all the time too. Great place to shop for Christmas. I was not paid or coerced to say this, I just love the site :)

Full Slip

2011-10-28T13:49:00.003-03:00

Here's a great link on how to make a full slip

Shot

2011-10-27T09:24:00.001-03:00

Our family has opted to forgo immunizations. Like it or lump it. Our choice.

When my hubby cut his thumb with a chain saw, he chose to get a tetanus shot. He got more than he bargained. He was informed, after he got the shot, that it comes the with whooping cough vaccine. Tetanus with whooping cough??! Why? Is he really going to suffer from whooping cough by being cut with a chain saw? Why not tell us before? Even better, why not ask?

This fall, the government really pushed the whooping cough vaccine with emotionally charged ads every 5 minutes on TV. Now they are sneaking in the vaccine with other shots. Who really knows what's going into us? Are there other things in our needles that we don't know about?. Kind of scary. Kind of maddening.

NEW: Interesting note. A friend of mine on facebook just posted this, "Yesterday Ken (her husband) got his flu shot and passed out." They're testing to see what the problem is. I've heard tons of horror stories of the flu shot. They wouldn't give it to my (then) pregnant sister because they said it wasn't tested enough but they wanted to give her the then new swine flu shot!!

The latest news and projects

2011-10-24T10:03:00.000-03:00

It's been a while since I've posted. We had a great visit this weekend with a good friend and honorary grampy to my kids.

We had some sad news on Friday morning at finding one of our three bunnies dead. He seemed to have died of natural causes and just wouldn't come out to see us one day. My daughter was distraught.Her father cheered her up by bringing home a new dwarf black bunny-she was thrilled.

New bunny-Sir Douglas

My poor hubby cut his thumb with the chainsaw and had to get 5 stitches. Hard to do carpentry work like that, but he's managing.


hubby at work

I'm still shelling beans for winter storage. There seems to be no end to them, which is good, 'cause there'll be lots for the winter.

Beans to shell.

Shelled beans.

I've heard that the price of meat is to go up 30% and the price of grain up 20% this winter. We are thinking of getting a 1/2 side of beef for the freezer for this winter, while it's cheaper.

I was given a bucket of carrots and a large pot of grapes, so I guess I'll be dealing with those today.

I've finished up some sewing projects I had on the go. Here are some pics:

Sweater dress-made from recycled sweaters.

Night dress

details on nightdress

Dress

dress details

New soaps, Apple orchards, and Scarfs

2011-10-03T19:18:00.002-03:00

So tired tonight. I made soap...lots of batches of soap. Some of them are...Ginger Peach, Coconut, Lavender (with real lavender ground in and decorated with oregano blossoms), Red Delicious Apple (so Yummy!!-with dried rose petals on top of this pink soap), a plain soap bar batch for my mom, a small batch of lilac (very mild scented), oh! and a lovely chocolate topped with curled/grated chocolate soap on top...I think that's it. I will take pics soon for you to see :)

Chocolate soap with chocolate shavings.

Red Delicious Apple soap with Rose petals.

I finished the ends of a bunch of scarfs that I bought. Someone had started to make them and never finished. I finished them (yes, I took on someone else's UFO project!)

I also sewed up a few blocks on my tessellation quilt before making supper.

Mom came over after lunch and we made a quick jaunt down to the apple orchard...which reminds me, I better go check the apple crisp in the oven....

Apple Crisp

2011-10-01T20:21:00.001-03:00

I dropped into Fabricville again today...and (wait for it) bought NO fabric-amazing I know. Instead I bought dye and thread (black).

I have a jean skirt that I love..all except the faded look at the top of the skirt. So that's going to be dyed.

I also have a favorite shirt in a bright cornflower blue that has faded. This one is going to be tricky, as it has embroidery on it. I may just dye over it, leaving the embroidery blackish. Dunno.

Lastly, I have a favorite brown cotton skirt that floofs when you walk. It, alas, has also faded..and has a busted zipper that I plan to fix. Those small plastic hidden zippers tend to be cheap and break. I don't like them at all.

I also stopped at the garden center and bought 2 daffodil bulbs for my daughter who went crazy for them this spring-she was so excited.

Here are some pics from our trip to Ontario:

Niagara Falls


Large land snails my daughter fell in love with at Niagara Falls.

Our crazy family in a twisted mirror at the Science Center.


My youngest in awe of a model spaceship at the Science Center.


The gang at the Medieval Dinner and show-it was fun!

Medieval show!

The King with his Queen :)


Tally-ho! Going for a ride at Canada's Wonderland-one of the tamer ones!!

Here are some videos we took of the wilder rides we were on-too funny. The guy screaming is my husband ;)

Shopping Fabric!!

2011-09-30T21:04:00.000-03:00

My dear husband dropped me off in Ottawa street while we were on vacation in Ontario. Ottawa street is all fabric and the parking lot and signs are all buttons and spools (see pic on the side).

I shopped with my daughter-what fun!

Here are the fabrics I picked up. They're all quilting fabrics, as I needed more for the two quilts I'm working on (one king sized for hubby and I, and one for my daughter that she doesn't know about).

AND as promised, here is a pic of the cathedral window quilt in progress:

Home Education

2011-09-02T12:55:00.000-03:00

My kids are anxious to get back to our home education and their books. They decided to do some of their work, even though we have not officially started (gotta get the harvest in yet).


My youngest enjoying his math.

We plan to visit some friends in Ontario this month as well. I'm looking forward to seeing them-it's been 9 years!

In a Pickle

2011-08-30T22:00:00.000-03:00

I made a batch of dill pickles today but didn't have enough cukes to do a batch (drat all that spring rain), so I used zucchini spears instead. I'll let you know how they turn out in a month or two (when we pop open a battle and try them.

I also harvested most of my broccoli today. De-worming them is a chore (I farm organically). Some have suggested salt water soaks, but the silly things attach themselves to the broccoli with fine silk. The trick I use is to pour hot tap water over the whole bunch and shake vigorously. Then I slice off pieces and put them under hot tap water while finely inspecting and separating branches. Then I blanch and freeze. Works great.

I finally decided on a solid black background for my daughter's hope chest quilt. I eyed the blue batiks that were on sale (buy one get two meters free) but I passed on it. The colors on the cathedral window quilt will stand out so much better on black.

I also found some old fashioned map fabric for my map loving youngest son. He needs a new quilt as well.

We helped my mom pick all her latest cukes and veggies from the garden. She kept one and gave me the rest, so guess what I'm doing tomorrow? Pickles! Mustard pickles. I should be able to make 2 batches (about 52 jars!!) I'm getting the kids to help, though!

August 29

2011-08-29T19:50:00.000-03:00

Today, I put away the last of the peaches: another 12 bottles of sliced peaches. peach jam, and peach-n-blueberry jam. Turned out yummy.

My feet are so sore, though. I think my arches are falling again. A good soak in the tub helped.

I have curtains to sew for my sister and baby crib sheets for a friend whose expecting. Might work on that tonight, since I can sit for that.

The hurricane winds finally slowed down to a regular breeze tonight. It feels much more peaceful outside now.

I might make a trip to Fabricville tomorrow. I hope to get started on a new quilt for my daughter's hope chest (due in a year). I plan to make a cathedral windows quilt. I found this tutorial that was quite helpful and plan to use it.

Results of the fair

2011-08-28T20:19:00.001-03:00

Just back from picking up our items, ribbons, and prize money from the fair.

Here's how it all looked:

My daughter won 15.00$ worth of prizes (her bread won 2'nds and 3'rds-pretty good for an 11 year old competing against adults!)

My son won 9$ in prizes (his handmade pottery candle holder won first place in his age division)

I won 62$ in prizes. I received 5 first place ribbons (for a ring, my dried garden herbs, a crazy quilt I had made for my eldest son, a turnip from my garden, and broccoli I grew.) I also won 8 second place ribbons and 8 third place ribbons.

Quite a haul, quite a haul. :)

To the Fair we go!

2011-08-23T18:24:00.000-03:00

My kids and I are getting geared up for the St. Marie Expo which is the local fair here. Featured are the agricultural/crafts/home economics/animals. And lets not forget the rides!

So excited! I'm entering 3 pages of items to be judged. Hopefully I'll win a few ribbons (and some cash prizes as well.)

My daughter has brown bread and whole wheat bread and rolls in the oven as we speak. Should be quite something else if she wins (being 11) against all those grammies ;)

I have a quilt, knitted items, and lots of garden produce. I may even raid my mother's flowers for some bouquets!

We are looking forward to petting the lambs, seeing the HUGE horses, and looking at everything. (and of course, the rides for the boys).

Blueberries

2011-08-22T11:10:00.000-03:00

I picked 16 pounds of blueberries on Saturday. It took me from 10:00 to 3:00, but it was worth it. Looking forward to eating these :)

The key to picking without a sore back was to take a low stool. Worked great. A straw hat prevented a heat stroke in the sun.

A trick my family and I use in cleaning them is to roll them along a tilted window screen that is placed in a tray. The good ones roll down and the debris stays on the screen. Works great and saves a lot of time.

Yum! Blueberry pies, muffins, jam, oatmeal....

Even the rejects look pretty!

Drying herbs

2011-08-21T20:17:00.000-03:00

The kitchen en-wreathed with drying herbs.

Drying herbs in the kitchen.

In my garden

2011-08-18T09:49:00.000-03:00

Purple Liatris

Nasturtiums are edible (leaves, seeds, and flowers) and taste a bit like a radish. Great in salads!

Poppies grown for the seed to put in bread and soap.


Before opening-I love the crisscross basket weave look.

Romaine Lettuce

Sunflower at Large :)

Baby butternut squash..or pumpkin. Hard to tell yet.


Baby broccoli just starting up.

My beets are HUGE this year!

Scarlet runner Beans. Good for baked beans and for attracting hummingbirds.

My daughter's radishes she's saving for seed.

The goldenrod is in bloom. The blossoms make good dye for natural fibers.

Calendula harvested for their petals for my soap. The olny petals that keep their color, plus good for dry skin.

Fruits of our Labors

2011-08-17T17:57:00.002-03:00

Peaches from the local store (on sale)-the before shot.

After-15 bottles of peaches-all canned and ready to go!

Yummy Blueberries for the winter months.

Fresh Raspberries!


String Beans from our garden this year all bottled up for the winter.


My daughter's Homemade bread

Herbs and blueberries

2011-08-13T09:10:00.000-03:00

I'm going raspberry and blueberry picking today! So excited to stock up on these for the winter :)

I also am happy to announce that my new shop, Acadian Homestead is now open. Currently I have handmade soaps, and dried herbs available. I also plan to put up sewn items, and knitted items.

www.acadianhomestead.blogspot.com

Home again Home again...Jiggety Jig

2011-08-11T20:25:00.000-03:00

I'm so excited to be back home again after a week of being away doing music for the VBS at our church (good way to get in shape, by the way).

The week before, I was away at my in laws cottage with the family on vacation and visiting with extended family who were visiting. It was also my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary and we celebrated it by putting on a family concert for friends and family (many of my husband's family are musically inclined).It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. Looking forward to rest and being at home.

These 2 weeks made me realize two things, that a homemaker's job extends beyond the house...but it sure is nice to be back home! Home is my domain.

2011-07-29T08:45:00.001-03:00

This is a great article on the use of certain wild plants (ie: weeds), their herbal uses, and how to prepare them.

Summer pics

2011-07-28T21:13:00.000-03:00

Asparagus ferns next to the old wood fence.

Such a beautiful fragrance from this rose.

Ready to eat (wish I could eat them all over again...oh well, I will enjoy them this winter.

Strawberries!

On the Homestead

2011-07-28T21:05:00.000-03:00

Today I dried dill and parsley. It has to be dried quickly in order to crumble, so in the oven at a low temp is the easiest way to manage this. Dill may also be frozen with excellent results. I froze mine but dried the extras for sale.

I picked a big basket of snow peas today-so crisp and crunchy!

I had to redo my princess Leia costume today with better results. It looks more like her costume and less like a large white tent. I also sewed a modest bathing suit for a friend's daughter today. It went so quick and smoothly! So glad, 'cause I was tired by that point. Just a wookie costume to go and I'm done....

Dried herbs, Pricess Leia, and THUNDER

2011-07-27T13:30:00.002-03:00

Today I have crumbled some dried herbs to put away for the winter, namely oregano and lemon thyme. My herb garden is lovely this year. I segmented the garden into small beds of each different kinds of spice. I have oregano, lemon thyme, regular thyme, basil, summer savory, sage, rosemary, and 2 garlic plants (I plan on replanting these).

I'm thinking about selling my extra herbs, so if anyone wants some, just let me know :)

I'm sewing costumes for my mom-in-love's 50'th anniversary party that we (the family) are putting together. Today I'm making a princess Leia costume (white dress) to fit myself as one of the songs is a Star Wars theme. I tried to find fur at our local Frenchy's (goodwill/thrift store) but nothing has shown up yet.

In the midst of a large thunderstorm and have set aside water in case the power goes out. I think this summer should be called the summer of the thunderstorms. We have had thunder from April on and with some doozies of storms too!

Quilts, Rabbits, and Lynx

2011-06-15T09:43:00.000-03:00

I finished making a beautiful scrap quilt for my oldest. I machine stippled it.

It's a summer quilt with only an old flannel quilt in place of the batting. This gives it the weight but not the loft. These quilts tend to be cool feeling in the summer and are great as added weight on top of blankets in the winter.

I wish I could post a pic, but alas, the camera is broken and we have no replacement yet. : ( All in good time.

My large garden is growing (and so are the weeds). The farmers have started their first haying in the back field (just when I thought allergy season was dying off....)

My daughter and my husband (her dad) are in the midst of building a rabbit pen. These have to be partially underground to prevent them from digging out (or from predators digging in). I hope the foxes across the road move on.

We heard a lynx next door to us one evening a couple weeks ago. Sounded like a couple cats fighting, but when I got on the deck, I realized that it was only one voice...and it was deeper and bigger than a mere housecat.-- http://www.junglewalk.com/sound/lynx-sounds.htm

Shampoo Recipes

2011-06-15T09:33:00.000-03:00

Here are some links for shampoo recipes:

http://hairrecipes.homestead.com/shampoorecipes.html-some non-castille

http://chemistry.about.com/od/cleanerchemistry/a/makeshampoo.htm-uses alcohol though

Conditioner recipes:

http://hairrecipes.homestead.com/deepconditionerrecipes.html

Fabricville sales

2011-06-14T14:07:00.000-03:00

McCalls is on sale until tomorrow, June 15, at 3.49$ each and Vogue goes on sale from June 16-21 at 5.99$ each and 50% off all their spring/summer fashion fabrics. Not bad!

Free Online Underclothes and other Sewing Patterns

2011-06-14T09:27:00.000-03:00

Here is one to make panties (been looking for this for a long time!)
How to sew a half slip (PDF)
How to sew a bra (this will save us a ton of money!!)

Tons more patterns for various clothes here: http://craftstew.com/sewing/free-clothes-patterns

My Homemade Bread Recipe

2011-03-30T10:05:00.000-03:00

Here is the bread recipe we use to make every type of bread imaginable:

3 tsp yeast (regular, old fashioned dry yeast)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup of warm water

*dissolve sugar into warm water and sprinkle in yeast. Let rise until bubbly.

4 cups water
1/4 cup oil
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar (1/2 cup molasses for brown bread)

*Mix in a bowl with yeast mixture. Add whatever grains you any want (1/4 cup-1/2 cup) (or 1/2 cup raisins and 2 tbsp cinnamon for raisin bread). Add flour (about 6-8 cups?) and knead until elastic (not sticky, and not dry and crumbly).

Once dough is kneaded, spread the top with butter and put a hand towel (non-fuzzy) over it. Let rise to double its size.

Once risen, pound down to get air bubbles out. Cut in 3 equal parts and shape into loaves or rolls. (I roll it flat and then roll it up like making cinnamon rolls, tucking the ends in).
Let rise until it makes a nice sized loaf. Bake for about 15-20 minutes (until golden brown)

Makes 3 loaves.

Soaps

2010-12-14T15:33:00.000-04:00

Here are some handmade soaps I have made recently. I really enjoy doing these-so creative, with lovely scents. Above is Mocha latte.

Green apple

Olive oil in Sweet Pear

Candy Cane with sprinkles!

Fresh Cut Rose, Sweet Rose, and unscented aloe vera

orangesicles an lemon pops

lavender shells

lemon shells

lemon sun

lavender ducky

lavender bunny

lemon sunflower and bees

Saving on Buttons and Supplies

2010-11-20T19:20:00.000-04:00

For those of you interested in buttons and supplies, I have a shop on Etsy --> http://www.buttonjars.etsy.com

I will be offering savings coupons from time to time, so keep posted to get them :)

Here is the first coupon code (put it in when requested at payment):
BUTTONJARS112010

Have fun shopping!

Sewing

2010-10-29T21:07:00.000-03:00

Well, I finally swallowed my fear and bought sewing patterns!

Since I never start small, I started with a pattern for a winter jacket for my daughter-modified, of course. It's hard to find water-proof fabric at my local store, but I found a nice bright yellow that looked lovely on my daughter. I cut and sewed...to find out that the Burda pattern I bought fits smaller. Even though she is a size 8 regularly, she will need the 10, I think.

Thankfully, I think I have enough fabric for both jackets. Now I have an extra one that will fit about a size 6-7....Hmmm.....

Summer Sonnets

2010-09-23T19:25:00.000-03:00

I have been itching to get back online and write what I've been up to this summer. Since fall is officially tomorrow, it's a perfect time to recap the summer from the perspective of my handiwork.

The clothespin Gang

I planted a small garden at the cottage, which did not do too much since it had little sunshine, was worked for the first year, and lacked nutrients. But I did harvest some oregano that was already growing there and we munched on a few snow peas.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed the water (as did hubby and I). It barely rained all summer! We went to 2 camps where the kids learned how to paintball and the fine skill of horsemanship. God kept a close eye on them for me and kept them safe even though my youngest tried flipping over his horses head, and almost drowned in the pool and then at a friend's house. Hard on a mom's heart though!

Boating with dad.

Turtle at the lake.

I knit and spun and quilted by hand here and there all summer long. My daughter and I picked wild flowers, wild mint (which we dried and put away for the winter) and enjoyed the bug free, lazy, hot summer days.

We also found an enormous stand of chokecherry trees. We picked for an hour and came away with about 2 dozen bottles of jelly! I saved some for us, gave some away, and plan to sell the rest. I also made this delicious Blueberry Spice jam (we're keeping all of it), at the cottage.

We finally moved into our "new" home that God gave to us. We're renting this lovely 3 story house with heated tiles in the bathroom, and the whole top floor (a finished attic) is all furnished with my knitting, sewing, spinning, loom, quilt rack, etc (and a rocking chair).

Playing Jenga with the packing boxes.

I have been commissioned by a girl at church to make a shawl for her. I started with this fuchsia mohair and will probably not have enough. But I do have another shade of pink mohair that will blend in with it nicely. I also found some online, should I run out of that one as well. I hope it will be enough....

I have been making lots of jelly of late. I made some with this lovely beet juice and added spices-best jelly yet! I also made some with rowan berries (also known as Eastern Mountain Ash). These are only edible cooked, though (FYI).

Daily Quote

2010-06-24T21:25:00.000-03:00

"Comparing my weaknesses to the strengths of others, while neglecting to be grateful for the gifts and abilities God has given to me, is coveting at its lowest, and truly smacks of idolatry."- Tiana Krenz, Ladies against Feminism

Kings Landing Pics

2010-06-17T15:05:00.003-03:00

Using a dutch Oven to bake a pie.

Making Butter

2010-06-16T13:39:00.004-03:00

Here are some pics of the ladies at King's Landing churning butter (with my youngest lending a hand).

Summer Plans

2010-06-16T11:07:00.002-03:00

I have all these great ideas to write in the evening but when I sit down, my mind goes blank.

We are moving and I'll be away from the computer for 2 months.

We went to King's Landing yesterday. I loved to see everything and really got inspired to make more things by hand. There is a look and feeling of hominess, love and beauty that so permeates everything made by hand. I want to do that for my family.

I want to make braided rugs (they had woven cloth carpets in some of the houses-what a load of work!). Also, the next quilts I make, I plan to have real cotton in it to authenticate the real feel and look of a quilt-besides providing better warmth and fewer chemicals.

This summer, we will be at the cottage lots. I plan to bring my fabric and squares and do some hand sewing. It is much more portable, and I'm suspecting it will also be quite enjoyable.

I also plan to bring my knitting along and my spinning. Nice to have some variety.

I have a few books that I plan on reading as well. So Much More by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin (great for women of all ages), Logic by Isaac Watts (which used to be a textbook-wow! See how far we've fallen in our literacy), and Raising maidens of Virtue by Stacy McDonald (mother and daughter book). That should keep me going all summer.

Cotton

2010-05-05T17:10:00.000-03:00

I ordered cotton here with very good results-great for spinning, quilt batting, etc.

How to Knit for Beginners : Picking up a Dropped Stitch

2010-04-29T21:59:00.000-03:00

How to Knit : How to Pick Up a Dropped Stitch in Knitting

2010-04-29T21:58:00.000-03:00

Knitting Bind Off

2010-04-29T21:57:00.000-03:00

Knitting - How to Knit a Bobble

2010-04-29T21:56:00.001-03:00

Knitting - Long-Tail Cast-on

2010-04-29T21:56:00.000-03:00

Free Online Knitting Patterns

2010-04-29T21:52:00.002-03:00

Knitting Pattern Central - Free Dishcloths Knitting Pattern Link Directory

Knit stitches - collection of knitting stitches with charts

Aunt Maggie's Slippers
Ballet-Style Slippers
Patons: Pattern Detail - Classic Wool - Slippers (knit)
Desert Boots and Slippers
Knitting Pattern Central - Free Slipper Knitting Pattern Link Directory

Great Beginners Knitting Links

2010-04-29T21:45:00.002-03:00

Learn To Knit: Glossary Of Knitting Terms

How to read a knitting chart

AWESOME knitting link-glossary of knitting terms...with videos! (both English and continental methods)

KNITTING NEEDLE SIZES AND CONVERSIONS

Knit stitches - collection of knitting stitches with charts

Where to get supplies at a good price in Moncton, NB:

straight knitting needles-Great Canadian Dollar Store
Knitting accessories-Great Canadian Dollar Store
Yarn and DPN's=Zellers (the one on Mountain Rd. has the best selection)

Carding Fibers

2010-01-30T16:00:00.001-04:00

HInt: Use dog brushes (the flat square ones) to card your fibers for spinning!

Sorbet

2010-01-30T15:55:00.001-04:00

Sorbet Recipes (from Kara)

Simple Syrup

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

Combine in saucepan, heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool. May store in fridge for 2 weeks.

Chocolate Banana Sorbet

4 very ripe bananas

2/3 cup simple syrup

2 tbsp cocoa powder

Puree until liquiefied, pour into shallow pans. Freeze for 6 hours. Put frozen chunks ...in food processor and puree until smooth.

Raspberry Sorbet

1 1/2 cup raspberries

2/3 cup simple syrup

2tbsp lime juice

See directions above.

Strawberry Sorbet

2 pkg frozen sliced strawberries (15oz eaach)

2/3 cup simple syrup

2 tbsp lemon juice

Knitting Links and Resources

2010-01-30T15:50:00.003-04:00

Many Knitting stitches

Knitting Needle Conversion Chart

Knitting Patterns for tons of dishcloths

How to Cast on (cable/knit method)

How to Knit : How to Pick Up a Dropped Stitch in Knitting

Knitting Bind Off

How to Pick up a dropped pearl

Finished Curved Medallion Quilt

2010-01-30T15:04:00.005-04:00

I started this quilt about 5-6 years ago. I put it away once I finished the center medallion. The curved piecing wasn't sitting flat enough for my liking. Amazingly enough, after being stored for so long, it did flatten a fair bit. A wedding prompted me to pull it back out and complete it. Here are the results.

Hint

2010-01-20T09:48:00.000-04:00

Use dog brushes (the flat square ones) to card your fibers for spinning! A good way to get started.

Vintage Typewriter Key Choices

2009-12-07T21:23:00.004-04:00

Team ESST

2009-11-13T08:11:00.005-04:00

The Etsy Supply Street Team is one comprised of many shop owners selling supplies for all sorts of crafting/sewing/jewelry making needs...and more.

Find a full list of shops (including my Button Jars shop) here: http://teamesst.blogspot.com/

or just search for all Etsy products under that heading here.

Have fun shopping!!

Because I Can

2009-10-29T19:50:00.003-03:00

Actually, bottling is closer word, but not as punny. Here's some of my mustard pickles and relish I made (YUM!!). It's dissapearing so fast, I thought I'd better take a pic and make it last.

Shops

2009-10-28T10:28:00.002-03:00

I decided to re-open my etsy shops. I had them closed and was uncertain whether or not to re-open them. It was a nice break :)

With Christmas on its way, a little extra cash will help though.

Come visit me at:
Secret Attic
Button Jars
Fabrications

Star Wars Quilt

2009-10-24T19:58:00.006-03:00

I'm working on a Star Wars Quilt for a nephew of mine.

I have silhouettes cut out from various brown/beige/ and green prints.

I also have the silhouettes traced onto various sized squares in glow-in-the-dark thread!

That should be a fun surprise for him. :)

I find it easy to make patterns from coloring pages here on the web.

You can take these shapes on the left, re-size them, and print.

Finished Train Quilt

2009-10-24T19:53:00.001-03:00

Here is a pic of my finished train quilt for my nephew (my mom is holding him). He absolutely loves it and often refuses to part with it. I'm so glad :)

YART SALE!!

2009-06-09T14:47:00.005-03:00

No, I'm not misspelling yard sale. Yart sale is like a yard sale, but only with the emphasis on art.
Actually, we also sell supplies and vintage items.

This is taking place at Etsy.com from June 10-14/09.

I'm having some great sales:

Fabrications has lower prices on selected items (see the Yart Sale category)!
Button Jars has a store wide 20% off on everything!
Secret Attic has a whopping 50% off everything in store!!!

There are sooo many more stores with sales (these are just mine). Check these out: YART SALE!!

Under Construction

2009-05-06T09:48:00.006-03:00

I'm in the middle of some custom bracelet and cuff link orders for a wedding party.

Lots of fun!
Here's the finished results for the bracelets (for the bridesmaids).

Can you sew a zigzag?

2009-04-16T16:11:00.003-03:00

If you can, join me in this evangelism effort:

Make a Parachute for Colombia

Guerrillas in Colombia attack and threaten Christians and sometimes drive believers from their own homes. The Voice of the Martyrs helps support a missionary pilot who drops Bibles and Christian books into guerrilla-controlled areas. The books float to the ground in small parachutes. “We need tens of thousands more parachutes!” said the pilot.

Follow the instructions below to make a chute. Send finished parachutes to:

VOM Parachutes
510 SW Adeline
P.O. Box 443
Bartlesville, OK 74003

Please include $3 with each chute to help pay for books, airplane fuel, and shipping costs. (the flier in the mail said 5$)

Instructions

Pray for Colombia as you make the chute.
Cut a circle of white cloth (cotton or polyester) 22 inches in diameter.
Using a marker, print “Dios es Amor” (“God is love” in Spanish) on the cloth. Please do not write in English and do not write other words.
With a sewing machine, use a zigzag stitch (see diagram) to attach six 36-inch nylon cords (1/8-inch thick) to the cloth. Sew 10 3/4 inches of each cord onto the cloth from the edge toward the center. Space the six cords at equal intervals around the cloth.
Ask an adult to seal the tips of the cords by burning them.
Fold the cords inside the parachute and mail them to The Voice of the Martyrs at the address above.

Download the pattern here. Note: Not scaled to size.

Rings N Things

2009-04-16T14:38:00.005-03:00

I've been working hard to stock up my Fabrications store. Lately it has been a wide variety of rings, cuff links, tie clips, brooches, etc.

Here are my latest:
This is part of a bracelet that I made yesterday.
My favorite ring to date-Airship Propeller Ring

Celtic feel to these cuff links.

Lots of fun making these :)

Train Quilt

2009-04-16T14:34:00.002-03:00

This is the latest quilt I'm working hard to try to finish for my nephew. It's a crib sized train quilt. This is my favorite block.

New Fabric, New Projects

2009-04-03T13:11:00.003-03:00

I've started 2 new quilts (I love starting them. It's the finishing that takes some discipline.)

A crib sized train quilt for my nephew and a star wars quilt for my other nephew.

Here's some fabric (3 pieces) that I bought for the star wars quilt:
Very cool!!

I'll post pics of the choo-choo quilt later.

Latest Quilt

2009-02-26T17:43:00.004-04:00

This quilt project is a strip quilt made from scraps that have been accumulating over the years. I love this kind of project. It's quick, easy, and I love the colors!!

This is one strip that is going to be the width of the quilt. It's going to be a summer quilt (no batting, just an old sheet in the middle). I'm machine quilting as I go (free motion-stippling).

Click on the pick for a close up.

A Quilter's Point of View

2009-02-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

A New Look at Houseplants

2009-01-23T17:28:00.005-04:00

2009-01-21T13:26:00.001-04:00

ETSY BABY

Book Review Relocation

2009-01-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

Want to read some book reviews? Try here

Diapers...everywhere

2009-01-09T09:33:00.006-04:00

I really enjoy making diapers. I find it very relaxing. That being said, I hope I sell some soon-before the house is overrun with diapers!

Here are some new prints:

Shade by John Olsen

2008-11-17T08:21:00.004-04:00

I received this book not too long ago (Thanks!) and read it that night. I really enjoyed it!
A different read (for me anyway) but worth it.

A bit of a love story with a twist or two along the way.

I'm interested in knowing if Athena and Blaise come into play in a future book. Their characters intrigued me.

Buy here:
Shade
John Olson’s Web site

What others have to say about this book:

*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Labels 4 Sale

2008-10-28T11:57:00.002-03:00

Get them HERE

Check out This Book!

2008-10-19T21:49:00.006-03:00

From the Back Cover
Sixteen-year-old Nathan Shepherd has a great life traveling where the careers of his father, an investigator, and mother, a renowned violinist, take him … until his parents are found murdered. Left with only a mirror and notes from his father’s last case, Nathan goes into hiding at the remote country home of Tony, his father’s college buddy, and Tony’s teenage daughter, Kelly. The mysterious mirror must be a clue to what happened to his parents, and when images appear in it—people and things that don’t exist—Nathan and Kelly painstakingly gather evidence. But the killers want the mirror too, and danger threatens the teens at every turn. As it becomes evident that Nathan’s father had stumbled upon dark forces at work in the world, several questions arise. Could it be that the mirror is a portal to a parallel world? Could this technology be used for evil purposes? And could his parents still be alive, trapped in another dimension? Nathan and Kelly struggle to solve the mystery before they too become victims. This chilling, hair-raising adventure is jam-packed with action in a fantastical world where nothing is as it seems, and even mirrors tell lies. -source from Amazon

Sounds intriguing!

Get it here: Beyond the Reflection’s Edge
Bryan Davis’s Web site
Bryan Davis’s blog

*Check out other reviews here:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Courtney
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Mike Lynch
Magma
Terri Main
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
Greg Slade
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Thanks for stopping by :)

Sergers and coffee grinds

2008-10-16T21:49:00.001-03:00

My mom in law gave me her serger!!! I'm so excited! She has a button on her sewing machine that does this already, so she passed her serger along :)

I dyed some quilt strips today..not tea dying but coffee dying. All I had was loose grinds, so I dumped that in the pot to boil. It would probably have worked fine with regular fabric. I didn't think of the grinds getting caught in the batting *groan*

After they go in the dryer to set the color, I'm planning to wash them. Hopefully that will work. I'll keep you posted.

SOLD!

2008-10-08T11:17:00.002-03:00

Sold a book today: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=10934733

"A sale a day keeps the creditors at bay." *smirk*

I also went to Frenchy's last night (local thrift store) and found a whole load of aprons to revamp!! Really nice ones.

I also found the perfect colored buttons for my kid's coat I'm making. Yup, I'm down to the buttons now. It turned out really well. I'll post pics when I'm done.

My youngest is feeling better today after 3 days of fever off and on. They're all at the kitchen table doing their school work now.

The weather certainly has been cold here. Looking forward to getting our propane tanks filled and turning on the heat.

After God's Own Heart

2008-10-07T13:02:00.002-03:00

I've always viewed this phrase as being a person who pleases God.

Today I saw this phrase in a slightly different light. As chasing after God's heart...pursuing after the things that please God...after God Himself.

God likes to be pursued. Like a woman likes to be pursued by the one she loves. Lethargic and indifferent can really kill a relationship.

I guess that's be me of late in my relationship with You, God.

Business

2008-10-07T10:23:00.002-03:00

I guess this must be the lull before the Christmas rush :)

I made about 4 sales a days for the last 2-3 weeks, and this past week-maybe one a day.

Yikes! That's quite a drop in sales.

Oh well. It's God that gives the increase anyhow.

Been Stitching

2008-10-06T16:10:00.003-03:00

I'm in the midst of sewing a kids coat size 4...from a pattern (I usually don't use patterns).

I learned how to understitch today!! (topstitching close to the seam)

Here's the pockets:

Love the fabric!!

black n Silver

2008-09-12T16:43:00.001-03:00

Gift certificate

2008-08-07T09:13:00.000-03:00

Vintage Quilt

2008-07-22T21:59:00.004-03:00

Mixed Media Fairy Fun

2008-07-22T08:46:00.001-03:00

I had fun making this one!

Flickr

2008-07-08T20:55:00.000-03:00

Just wanted to let ya know that you can visit me on Flikr too-at http://www.flickr.com/people/creativeexplosions/

Latest Creations...of the Feathered Sort

2008-07-05T15:38:00.010-03:00

Nouveau Mode Hair Fascinator

Ice Maiden Fascinator

Moss Green Flapper Fascinator

Callistina Red Fascinator / Hair Accent

Ballerina Brooch

Mermaid's Brooch

Pirate's Daughter Brooch

New Baby Diapers!

2008-06-13T15:39:00.002-03:00

I have been making fitted flannel diapers for friends and decided to sell some with unique printed flannel. Here is my first of this series:

Vintage Hanky Postcards

2008-06-09T20:26:00.007-03:00

Farmer's Wife

Sepia

Red Letter Days

Princess

Moss Rose

Diaper Flannel

2008-06-09T14:54:00.001-03:00

Vintage Hanky Postcards

2008-06-06T12:46:00.001-03:00

Update

2008-06-05T09:14:00.003-03:00

Hello! Remember me? Yup, I'm still here. I've been busy sewing and selling-yes, my stuff is selling!
I've sold some of my vintage yellow ducky pins and a couple postcards!

I've also been making a ton of cloth diapers for a friend and plan to be posting some up to sell soon. (These are one diaper fits all sizes-very cool!)

I am also fabric-ating more postcards. This next batch are made with vintage embroidered hankies-they are so sweet!!

I'll be posting pics up soon, so keep posted :)

What's in a name?

2008-05-31T23:04:00.002-03:00

This is a beautiful article that applauds quality workmanship along with a good name-loved it.

Quilter's Dream Fabric Postcard

2008-05-29T23:22:00.002-03:00

A beaded postcard for a swap. :)

Tan Baby Cowboy Booties

2008-05-22T13:42:00.003-03:00

These tan colored, cowboy style booties are a great accessory for baby!

This fabric is fuzzy in spots and flat everywhere else-very unique.

The back opens and shuts via velcro for ease of access.

Size:0-3 months, Preemie, doll

Materials: cotton polyester, Velcro, thread

$10.00

Buy here

New item for sale

2008-05-19T10:36:00.003-03:00

This flowery half apron is now for sale-click hereto view details. :)

Fiber Art Postcard-Chicken Tenders

2008-05-17T18:58:00.009-03:00

Chicken Tenders is fiber art and a mailable postcard. Click on image for a closer look.

The body is traditionally pieced. The chicken is fused and free motion quilted. The edges are stitched in variegated thread.

The backing is printed card stock.

Materials:100% cotton, thread, card stock, paper.

$10.00

Free Cloth Diaper Patterns

2008-05-17T13:44:00.003-03:00

Check these links for free patterns that you can sew!
*Diaper measurements by brand: http://www.diapersewing.com/measurements.htm
*How to Sew a Fitted Cloth Diaper: http://mayna.livejournal.com/198548.html
*Allin One Diaper: http://www.diapersewing.com/all_in_one.htm
*many pattern links here: http://www.zany-zebra.com/free-cloth-diaper-patterns.shtml

Eve's Art Store Online

2008-05-17T09:42:00.003-03:00

Since I have closed my Etsy shop, I have decided to make my items available through this blog.

Simply click on the For Sale tab above to view items in my shop. Payment is to be made through Paypal via available BUY NOW button under each item.

My store policy is above and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks for shopping!
-Eve

New Postcards

2008-05-14T21:10:00.004-03:00

These cosy fairies are three of my latest postcards for a Fantasy swap.

These Maple leafs have just fallen into the water. Their color reflects onto the still water. This is for a Reflections swap.

It's Finished!

2008-04-30T15:39:00.003-03:00

I finished my crib sized African quilt for some friends of mine who are expecting another child. I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out. See the post below for more accurate color and details.

Another project on the Go

2008-04-29T20:13:00.005-03:00

I love starting projects-here's my latest. It is going to be a crib quilt for some African friends of mine.

These are just a few of the blocks. Most of the patterns I discovered in my box of cookie cutters. The rest I cut out from online coloring books or googled images.

I can't wait to see the whole thing put together. :) The shapes are fused and machine appliqued.

Scrappy Chicks Postcard

2008-04-29T20:09:00.003-03:00

These are my three scrappy chicks. My latest postcards.