April

Earlier this month we enjoyed the first of our springtime flowers, crocuses. My little girl loves flowers and was excited to pick dainty bouquets for our kitchen table. In the picture above you can see her collection of bouquets in her tiny tea cups.

 Jemimah loves to color, and I am grateful to find a wonderful variety of coloring pages through Pinterest. I am always especially pleased to find scripture verses for her to color. Over the past two months Jemimah has memorized all of the verses comprising the Romans Road. It truly blesses my heart to hear my daughter recite the many scriptures she has memorized over the past year.

 Our new hens have begun egg production! After a long winter of not collecting any eggs it has been wonderful to have an abundance of eggs to share once again. Since we have a variety of breeds this time, it is nice to take note of the variances of the egg shell colors. My sister commented how some of the eggs are almost mauve in their hue.

 Over the winter Jemimah learned to embroider. Embroidery was one of my favorite pastimes when I was a youngster, however I will admit I didn't learn to embroider quite as young as Jemimah has. She spent many painstaking hours creating this precious kitty tea towel for me. I know that I will treasure it forever!

 My most recently completed project is a crocheted afghan. It has been quite a while since I crocheted an afghan. It had been on my mind that I would like to crochet an afghan for our living room.
My grandma was quite prolific in her crocheting of afghans. All three of her children, as well as some grandchildren were gifted with multiple hand crocheted afghans. Growing up I always loved to nap under one of grandma's afghans. I thought of my grandma a lot while crocheting this afghan. It was my grandma who taught me to crochet, and this pattern is very similar to a pattern she crocheted a number of times.

 I am really pleased with the end result! It is super cozy and I love the stitch pattern. It was fun to crochet as it was not overly repetitive, but was simple to memorize.

Did you all have a nice Resurrection Sunday? We did, even if it was quiet and different. One of the special treats we enjoyed this Easter was chocolate cream pie. I thought I would share the recipe today. Over the past few years it has become a family favorite and one of my most requested desserts to bring to family gatherings. In fact my one sister always asks me to make her a chocolate cream pie for her birthday and wedding anniversary. : )

Chocolate Cream Pie

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix ingredients well in a medium saucepan. Then add:

3 3/4 cups milk (I recommend whole milk)
Cook over medium-high heat. Stir constantly. Mixture will come to a boil. Boil 1 minute or until the pudding is thick. Then add:

3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix well. Pour into an already baked pie crust. Chill in refrigerator until completely cool. I typically allow my pie to cool overnight in the refrigerator. Then top with homemade whipped cream, and if you are feeling extra festive maybe some sprinkles.

To close I would like to share a devotional I recently read in David Jeremiah's daily devotional Turning Points.
********************************************************************
 Unwavering

The Lord has promised good things.
Numbers 10:29

In his commentary on the book of Joshua, John Calvin wrote, “Our faith, unless founded solely on [God’s] promise, must be continually wavering…. Faith ought properly to recline on the truth of God alone.”[1]

Are you troubled today? The Bible says, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion” (Psalm 27:5).

Do you feel weak? The Lord declares, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Are you anxious about how a situation will work out? Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

For every pulsing thought, there is a pulsating Scripture. There’s always a Bible verse waiting to be requisitioned to your need. Search it out and write it on the tablet of your mind. If our faith is founded solely on God’s promises, we’ll be unwavering.

That which God promises to us in word he seals by act.
John Calvin

 

 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
2 Peter 1:2-4

Jam, Zucchini Bread and A Doily

 Zucchinis are one of my favorite vegetables! They are incredibly versatile, just yesterday I was commenting to my mom how many ways I have incorporated zucchini into our meals. Last night we enjoyed a supper of zucchini pancakes, corn on the cob, tomatoes and cucumbers- all from our garden, and for dessert zucchini brownies. It is such a blessing, especially since our first few gardens at our home were complete failures

In the picture above I had made a savory cheddar cheese zucchini bread and double chocolate zucchini bread. When I make the double chocolate zucchini bread I substitute the 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/3 cup honey, making it a little healthier. My daughter, niece and nephew all refer to the double chocolate zucchini bread as chocolate cake. It truly is a delicious recipe.

 Another recipe I tried for the first time this year is Peach Maple Jam. Adam made maple syrup this spring. Much of it was boiled over an open fire and it has a marvelous flavor. It was fun to find a jam recipe that could use some of Adam's syrup. The flavor of the maple syrup and vanilla combined with peaches is unique and absolutely delightful.

 Recently I finished crocheting the doily pictured above. It was a fun project and the design is one of the prettiest I have seen in quite a while. I love the unique shape. It looks perfect on my kitchen table under our oil lamp. The pattern I used can be purchased here.

 This was our first year to plant sweet corn. Jemimah loves corn and was extremely excited to plant corn with her papa this spring. She monitored her corn daily and compared her corn's growth with the corn in surrounding fields. You can imagine how thrilled she was to eat the first ears of corn from our garden. : ) We have been eating corn a few times each week for the past couple weeks. Jemimah has been very pleased to pick the corn for supper and then husk it. I love to see her carrying the freshly husked ears of corn in her apron skirt. 

We are already planning to plant more corn next year in hopes of having enough to freeze or can.

Right now I am collecting up tomatoes with plans to make pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce.

Do you have a favorite zucchini recipe? Or a favorite jam recipe?

"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious" Psalm 66:1-2

May- Yarn Along

 It is hard to believe it is already May. The month of April seemed to fly by, despite the winter-like weather we had most of the month. Spring has finally arrived here and we are enjoying the spring breezes, golden daffodils and sunshine!

Today I am pleased join the May Yarn Along. Despite spring's arrival my knitting is autumn minded. I know how little knitting I accomplish throughout the summer months, so I thought it best to begin work on a new fall/winter cardigan for Jemimah. The pattern I am using is "Granny's Favorite", I used this pattern once before.

I am currently reading For All Your Life by Emilie Loring. The book was published in 1952. It is a fun romantic mystery about a young woman who unexpectedly inherits a fortune, as well as a beautiful mountain home. From the day of her arrival mystery has followed her, as she and her new found friends try to discover a missing parrot and $10,000 of stolen money. I am more than halfway through the book, and have enjoyed the descriptions and story line. However it is not my favorite Emilie Loring book. I have read a few of her books now, and this so far has been my least favorite.

You may remember these coasters from this post. They were a fun project and the best part is they are pretty and practical! I used this pattern to crochet my coasters.

March- Yarn Along and a Tag

Once again I am joining the Yarn Along and sharing my recent projects. Currently I am knitting a shawl using a simple pattern I have knit many time over the past several years. I don't remember the name of the pattern, it was a free pattern I picked up at Wal-Mart. Having knit this shawl so many times, I have memorized the pattern and have altered the design slightly. Shawls are always fun knitting projects: simple and relaxing!

At the present I am reading Jacob's Way by Gilbert Morris. I am thoroughly enjoying this book! Jacob's Way tells the story of a young Jewish woman and her grandfather. The year is 1870 and they must flee their home in Russia due to an attack by the pogrom. They travel by ship to America, and begin a new life in New York. I don't want to give away too much, but if you are curious to read a more detailed synopsis here is a link. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely a book I would recommend.

I have also enjoyed working on some beautiful new doily designs from the Lacy Crochet blog. The doily above was made using a free pattern that can be found here. The doily below was made using this pattern. In the first picture you will see that I have begun another crochet project (the green cotton thread). I am crocheting coasters using this pattern.

On a different note, Hadassah of Photography Phun tagged my blog with the Liebster Award. Here are her questions and my answers:

1. What is your favorite color? Blue
2. What state/country do you live in? I live in beautiful upstate New York.
3. What is your favorite thing about blogging? I love to being able to connect with so many like minded ladies! It has been a blessing to make so many sweet friends over the years through blogging.
4. Do you enjoy photography? I enjoy taking pictures, but I strictly use the automatic settings. My husband enjoys photography and actually has a few antique cameras he can use.
5. What type of music do you enjoy the most? I especially enjoy classical music and hymns.
6. Do you live in the country or the city? I live in the country, and always have. I couldn't imagine living away from the country!
7. What is your favorite season? Definitely springtime! : )
8. What is your favorite three movies? "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", "Little Women" (1949) and "Rose Marie" (1936).
9. Do you enjoy sewing/craft projects? Yes! : )
10. What is your favorite things to do in your free time? I love to read a good book or work on knitting in my spare time.
11. Do you enjoy spending time in God's Word? Yes!!! Every morning I love reading God's Word. It gives me strength for the day ahead. I love how God can speak to us through His Word.

Thank you, Hadassah for tagging me and creating such a fun list of questions!

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reading, Knitting, and Crocheting

Today I am joining the February Yarn Along. My current knitting project is a pair of socks for myself. I hope to finish the first sock today since I only have a few more rows to knit. I am using the same sock pattern I used to knit Adam's socks, but instead of knitting the wide rib stitch I am knitting the textured stitch used in this pattern.

My crocheting project is Spring Leaves Doily. It is a beautiful pattern; I love the delicate leafy design.

Currently I am reading The Treasure of the Secret Cove by Amy Le Feuvre. The Treasure of the Secret Cove is an exciting story from 1899, taking place in an English fishing community. From the first chapter I was drawn into the setting. It is truly an engaging tale, that has kept me up too late more than once. : )

"So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:6-8

September

It is hard to believe tomorrow is the last day of September! Where did this month go?! It has been quite a while since I last posted here - the summer months just flew by. Summer is always a busy season for us: working in our garden, canning, picnics by the lake, day trips and just enjoying time outside in our yard. 

 I enjoyed canning a variety of foods this summer. There are so many wonderful recipes on-line, I thought I would share a few of the new recipes I tried this year. The two quart jars contain soup, this was my first time canning soup and I am so pleased to have delicious homemade soup in my pantry! The two recipes I made are French Onion Soup and Tomato Vegetable Beef Soup (if you click on them you will be taken to the recipe). I am also hoping to can chicken soup within the next few weeks, which will be nice to have on hand during the cold season. It had been years since I made pickles and this year we had an abundance of cucumbers, so pickles were a must! I made "The Best Dill Pickles", they are delicious, but be forewarned the red pepper flakes do make for a zippy aftertaste. I also made pizza sauce for the first time, I eliminated the red pepper flakes from this recipe. : ) Two of my favorite recipes from last year that I made again are: Zesty Salsa and Spaghetti Sauce. I made a couple of different jams this year, but the unanimous favorite was Vanilla-Rhubarb Jam!

It feels good to look at my pantry and see so many jars ready for the winter ahead. It is always a treat to enjoy a taste of summer throughout those long cold months.

Over the summer months I completed a project that has long sat in my work basket unfinished. I am so please to have this beautiful design complete and ready to frame! This is my second embroidery project from Clementine Patterns. You can see the first one here.

I did make a few changes in the pattern's colors. I love bluebirds and changed the original robin colors to bluebird colors.

As a side story, we put up our first bluebird box this summer. Within two days of having placed the box in our side yard we discovered a bluebird couple had begun a nest! I was so pleased! They had a successful family of four babies. It was truly a blessing this summer. : )

 Another project I completed over the summer months was this doily. I have enjoyed revisiting this handicraft.

Our garden is pretty much done for the season. The pumpkins were a surprise since we never planted them. We think they must have been in our compost from last fall. Due to the rainy season they never did ripen as they should have, but I rather like the unusual color.

Our hens are spending their days scratching through the newly fallen leaves. They are comical at times! Adam says they make him think of a biker gang. They travel as a group at all times and have poor Winston (our cat) terrified of them!

This week I finished reading "Out of The Storm" by Grace Livingston Hill. It was a wonderful story of two brave young people meeting during a ship wreck. As you may know Grace Livingston Hill is one of my favorite authors. While I peeled vegetables to can this summer, I listened to a couple of her books on Librivox, it really made the time fly! I would highly recommend her Marcia Schuyler trilogy! Here are the links to all three: Marcia Schuyler, Phoebe Deane and Miranda. The series takes place in Upstate New York during the mid-1800's. Each story had me on the edge of my seat, I couldn't wait to see what would unfold next.

With the days growing chiller I have resumed my evening knitting. The scarves shown above are so practical and cozy! They are knit from a variety of lovely fibers, including alpaca, wool, cashmere and silk. You can find them in my Esty shop.

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely start of autumn!

"As for God, His way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    He shields all who take refuge in him."

Psalm 18:30

A Snowy Week

 This past week our area was engulfed in a snow storm. We had record snow for the month of March, the third most in history! The snow began falling Tuesday morning and fell continuously through Tuesday and Wednesday.

 Since we have had a mild winter so far it seemed fitting to have a snowstorm of this measure. It just wouldn't be winter without snow! ; )

 While the snow fell I was busy doing a number of things. I was able to finish a doily I began last month. It had been such a long time since I crocheted a doily. As a teenager I crocheted one doily after another. My new doily is now gracing our dining room table under an oil lamp.

   A bouquet of bonnets! One of my tasks for our business this week, in addition to a couple of dresses.

 One of my favorite treats is chocolate and peanut butter. I make no-bake cookies almost every week for Jemimah, as they are her favorite, but this week I made a treat I haven't made in years. It is a very simple recipe! You simply combine 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup honey in a saucepan. Heat these ingredients until melted. Add 1/2 cup of cocoa and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Combine well, then pour into lined muffin tins, filling the tins halfway or less. Chill in the refrigerator until set.

 I also made chocolate granola for the first time. I used a basic recipe, then added pecans and chia seeds. It is delicious combined with coffee yogurt.

 Winston was rather disturbed by the storm. He loves spending time outside. One morning he stole one of Jemimah's little toy horses. Jemimah didn't think he should be allowed to steal her horse, but I was able to convince her to share. I think Winston fancied the horse to be a bit like a mouse, the sizes were close. : )

 Jemimah didn't mind the storm, she enjoyed watching the snow fall. Each day she has a number of projects to work on such as her "cookie dough" aka Play-Doh.

 One book we especially enjoyed this week was "Corgiville Fair" by Tasha Tudor. I had won the book in a drawing at a Tasha Tudor tea we attended two years ago. At that time Jemimah was too little to enjoy the book, I had tucked it away for a later date. Coming across it recently I decided Jemimah would like it now, and she certainly did! Even after I had finished reading a page she would go back through to study the illustrations and point out all of the bunnies.

I just finished reading "The Dim Lantern" by Temple Bailey this week. It was a sweet story set in the early 1920's soon after World War I. It was written in 1922 and if you like books of that era I would recommend Temple Bailey. This is the third book I have read by her, and each has been beautifully written.

Did you see much snow this week?

May you have a blessed and restful weekend!

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater." Isaiah 55:10

Pillowcases with Crocheted Edging

Ever since I can remember I have loved crocheted edging on pillowcases. When I was a child my mom had a couple very soft, old white cases with white crocheted edging that her great grandma had made. As a teenager I was an avid crocheter. I spent many summer afternoons sitting on our front porch crocheting doilies for my hope chest. I even made a set of pillowcases with embroidery and crocheted edging. Admittedly that particular set of pillowcases has yet to be taken from my hope chest. Some thing are just too pretty to use! ; )

I have seen several ideas for making calico pillowcases with coordinating crocheted edging, and have long wanted to make my own set. This summer while enjoying a sunny afternoon outside under our maple tree, I crocheted the edging on this set of pillowcases.

I was hoping to have time to provide a step by step tutorial on how I made my pillowcases, but it didn't work out that way. I hope these brief instructions may help anyone who would like to create their own crocheted edging for pillowcases.

To start I cut two pieces of fabric 32" long by 22" wide. I stitched the edges and top leaving the bottom open. I then hemmed the bottom edge by pressing the raw edge under by 1/4" and then folding up 1 3/4" and pressing. I stitched my hem and was ready to start my edging!

 Using a large embroidery needle I stitched a blanket stitch along the creased edge of my pillow case. I used crochet cotton in size 10 and doubled my thread, however doubling your thread isn't entirely necessary. Each stitch is approximately 1/4" apart.

Once my base of blanket stitches was complete I began my crocheted border. Once again I used size 10 crochet cotton thread, and a size 6 crochet hook.

Row 1: Slip stitch thread to one blanket stitch space, chain 2 *half double crochet in next space* repeat between * until you come to your original chain 2. Slip stitch into top of chain two.

Row 2: Single crochet in next stitch, skip next stitch, 5 double crochet in next stitch, skip next stitch... and continue on with the sequence of direction. When you reach the end you may not have an even amount of stitches left to complete the pattern properly, so I just single crochet in the last stitch and fasten off my thread.

"I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me." Psalm 3:5

Bread Baking Aprons and a Crocheted Rug

 Marilla sighed and then said proudly:
"I'm giving Anne that half dozen braided rugs I have in the garret. I never supposed she'd want them- they're so old-fashioned, and nobody seems to want anything but hooked mats now. But she asked me for them- said she'd rather have them then anything else for her floors. They are pretty. I made them of the nicest rags, and braided them in stripes. It was such company these last few winters."
-Anne's House of Dreams" Lucy Maud Montgomery

Over the summer months, when it is too hot to knit, I enjoy cutting my scrap calicos into strips and then crocheting the strips into rugs. It is a great way to use up extra fabric, which I always seem to have an abundance of! There is something so old-fashioned and homey about a crocheted or braided rag rug.

"Anne's House of Dreams" is my favorite of the "Anne" series. It has been years since I read "Anne's House of Dreams", but I have had the pleasure of listening to the story read aloud while I sew and crochet here.

When I was growing up my mom almost always wore aprons while working about the home. We would refer to her favorite style as her "Bread Baking Apron". It is loose fitting and long; perfect for working about the home and garden. My mom often baked homemade bread, and this apron style allows plenty of freedom to move while kneading bread dough. : )

My sisters and I would sometimes grab one of mom's aprons off of the hook in the kitchen before heading out to the garden. The large pockets are perfect for stashing a of couple fresh tomatoes and the apron length helps protect your skirt from being stained by the plants as you walk between them.

 Both aprons and the rug are now available to purchase in my Etsy shop!

Hope you all are enjoying these beautiful summer days! The warmth and sunshine are such a blessing!

"Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

                                         And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”

1 Chronicles 16:31

Lacy Crochet Baby Afghan

Last week I completed Jemimah's baby afghan. I had begun crocheting this afghan before Jemimah was born, but it was set aside soon before her birth and I never quite found the time to complete it until this past month.

Originally I planned to use another pattern for her afghan, but I was not totally pleased with the outcome. So I decided to unravel what I had begun and search for a pattern on-line. I love looking for free patterns on Pinterest. : )

 It was during this search that I discovered the most delightful crocheting blog, Lacy Crochet. Olga, the author of the Lacy Crochet blog, is a fabulous crocheter and offers a beautiful variety of free patterns. If you enjoy crocheting I would highly recommend checking out her blog. The pattern was very easy to follow and I am so pleased with the finished results.

Here is a link to the pattern I crocheted: Lacy Baby Blanket. The only change I made was to add a shell border.

I am sure that Jemimah will find her new afghan cozy and perfect for nap time.

Scrubbies

Several years ago I began crocheting scrubbies. They have always been a big hit with my family. Crocheted from nylon netting (also know as crinoline the material petticoats are made from) scrubbies are perfect for all of your pans, even those with protective coatings. You can wash scrubbies in your washing machine with Clorox, they are very durable and nothing works as well on hard to clean pots and pans. Once you have given scrubbies a try I am sure you will be a fan too. : )

To begin you must cut your nylon netting into 2” wide strips. At first I found this the most challenging step; nylon netting has a way of slipping about. Somewhere along the way I began pinning my neatly folded material to the carpet. I would then mark every 2” with a black marker and cut.


Using a size 9/I crochet hook chain 4. Slip stitch to first chain to form a ring.

Round 1: Chain 2, 6 dc (double crochet) in ring. Sl st (slip stitch) to first chain.

Round 2: Chain 2, dc in same space, 2 dc in each dc of previous round. (I always add one extra dc, as I feel there is a space between where I began and where I am to end. There should be a total of 15 sts counting the first two chains as a dc.) Sl st to first chain.

Round 3: Chain 2, dc in same space, 2 dc in each dc of previous round.

Round 4: Chain 1, sc (single crochet) in each dc of previous round. Sl st to first chain.

Round 5: Chain 2, dc in each sc of previous round. Sl st to first chain.

Round 6: Chain 2, dc in every other dc of previous round.

Round 7: Chain 2, dc in every other dc of previous round.

You will now have a small opening in the back of your scrubbie. I simply slip stitch from one side of the opening into the other side 2-3 times. Cut material and draw material through the loop on your hook. Pull excess material into the inside of the scrubbie, I do this by pushing my hook through the front of the scrubbie and drawing the excess material through to the inside.