The Mint Needle

I'm so excited about today's posting. For one, it's been on my 'to-do' list for sometime. And second, it's super delicious. The pictures I post today were taken last month, in early October, when it was greatfully warm outside and I was able to pick this amazing herb in a short sleeve t-shirt. Now it's the end of November and snow will be on it's way. (Must...pick...more...and freeze.) This amazing perennial herb is 'yellow dock'. Some of you may even have supplements in your cabinets, but eating it is sooo much better! It promotes elimination of toxins, bacterial infections, acne, treats headaches, and constipation. Now, I'm really fortunate to have yellow dock growing all around my yard. And I'm 99.9% sure that you would too, if you never cut your grass. I guess living in the country has its benefits. It thrives well in any location, from well-drained soil to clay. For us, it grows among the wood lines and beside our garden. So... on wi...

This little project started off to be a pillow sham for my daughters room.... Somewhere between being too stubborn for measurements and musical rhythms guiding my way, I ended up with a crooked rectangle that couldn't be stuffed. I didn't feel like undoing or cutting away any material, so I folded it over and left it there. After another project left red material scraps lying perfectly above the brown, retro print, I realized I had to make a little bag. For starters, it was already lined, hence -  'pillow case done on both sides'.  I cut up the red scraps to form handles & trim. (Now before any opinion is formed.....yes, I am aware it is still crooked.....but sooo cute:)) I will probably never leave my house with this little number, (the stitching is not my best), but I had to post it. First, for how darn cute it looks. Second, it may spark a reader to do something even greater. And third, it's great for storage where people can't have bo...

Tis the season! Holiday shopping has started and holiday outfits are all about. One can't help but love the adorable and sweet skirts that are lining the clothing racks at so many stores.  But they're all red, green, white, and black! Where's the color? Having little girls means colors, rainbows, and sparkles. Soooo...like all the other times, I examined a cute little number, how it was made, and got moving to the fabric store.  I cut my material length by following a little skirt in my daughters closet and added 2.5 inches for the waist and hem. After serging the purple rectangle, I created the 'waist space'. I know that this is not an actual sewing term, but this is the space where the elastic band will be.  The blue sparkle material was hemmed on one side and a zig-zag stitch on the opposing to make sure no ends would fray.  Now, I didn't want the glitter fabric lining the waist, because I already know, "mom this is itchy." Instead I...

I did it! I did it! I really, really did! And boy oh boy am I ECSTATIC about it! After searching the web to find various methods of baking and creating with medlar, I pieced together a few simple steps to come up with this beautiful tart but sweet jam. Everyone that steps foot in this house, gives it a try and is blown away by the taste! I just had to share. Now, not all of the fruit is ripe when picked. Remember, this little guy needs frost to make the pulp turn soft, to be edible. (That's why it's considered a late fall, early winter fruit.) So....first take the fruit that is not soft. Cut off both ends, keeping the skin on, toss them into a cooking pot, (this particular sky blue pot is cast iron - cooks really great, but when you cook with cast iron, remember that the heat does not need to be as high as the recipe may call for.) Next, take your soft fruit and from the papery bud ends, hold it and squeeze all the pulp out. The amount of fruit calls for the equal am...

I absolutely adore this dress! I usually don't go for the strapless thing, but this little number was too cute. It has a classic, retro shape, accompanied by the coolest brown and black plaid print. The complete dress is lined from top to bottom and is perfect for a summer evening or a picnic. I loved it soo much...studied it from top to bottom and after sometime, I decided, "I can do this." The diagonal of the skirt with the vertical and horizontal top is eye catching, so I wanted to keep this element in my project. I got a Butterick Pattern, some red, white, and blue plaid shirting fabric, (which was not a good choice according to the ladies at the fabric store....) and off I went. After measuring, and starting to piece my dress together, I realized the skirt was fabulous on its own. Therefore, no one piece here. I decided to make a separate top and bottom to maximize my options. The skirt looks great with a pair of leather brown boots for fall.  Like the orig...

Sewing is one of the most relaxing and mind appeasing things I have done next to gardening. I love the fact that one can chop up a bunch of fabric and put it back together to create some beautiful pieces of clothing.  Now I have to admit, I am a self taught seamstress. I did not take any classes. Hence, I still make mistakes. I got my first sewing machine when I was fourteen. I remember it was such a treat. At sixteen, I made my first skirt. (And actually wore it too!) I'll post that pic soon. Since then, I have enjoyed doing projects from making my daughters dresses, and skirts, to tops and bottoms for myself. I LOVE making aprons and can spend multiple hours in a fabric store without feeling overwhelmed. EBay is a great place to buy beautiful quilting and apparel fabric at a fraction of the cost.  I notice that alot of my friends say that they would love to sew, but can't stand sifting through all the choices in a fabric store. So......I figured I'd share...

More of my moms one day wonders:  In the Midwest and Eastcoast, take advantage of the fall and winter by dressing up your closet with knit scarves and hats. Do-it yourselfers can create some of the most beautiful items. I have to admit, I have a pet peeve. I love one of a kind items.  Don't get me wrong, mass production is not always a bad thing, but nothing feels greater than a compliment followed by "you made this?'".  I had to share some more pics. Take a look at these: I love that these are one solid piece. No hassle with loose ends. Two of my favorite yarns to work with is Lion Brand's 'Amazing' and Simply Soft. LB's is 53% wool, 47% acrylic. SS is completely acrylic, but it is soft.

I love scarves! I love them, I love them, I really really do! I used a 6.5mm crochet hook and Bernat Roving thread, 80% acrylic and 20% wool. This is a tight weave as you can see in the pictures . Instead of making short rows, I thought it would be more fun to follow one long row, creating a horizontal stripe when worn.    When I completed the desired height, which was 17 rows,  a shell stitch was done at the bottom, (thanks mom), and the two open ends were closed.  Look at how cute this turned out!  The shell stitch adds a little bit of whimsy and makes it a bit more dressed up.  And, as with any project, one must model it so we can tell, 'is it really as pretty on, as it is just placed on a mannequin?' The answer, 'Of Course!'