Hands to Work, Hearts to God

Emily

13

Kitten Mitten Knitten Update

I've made it to the end of my pinky finger with the blue yarn.  I'm now ready to begin the decreases for the closure at the fingers.   I've made the thumb opening and am knitting around and around with the green.  After I finish these, I'll have another mitten of each color to make.  Why did I start two different pairs at once?  I had one ball of each color.  I wanted to work each section at least twice in a row to learn the technique.  That's just how I learn.  Do it over and over again.  So, I made two cuffs, then two gussets for the thumbs, and now, the two hand portions of stockinette stitch.  Soon I'll decrease both and close with a kitcher's stitch.  Click on the photo for the Knit Picks video tutorial that I'm following.

May God bless you as you prepare your homes, your hearts, and your gifts for Christmas.

Laura
Knittin' for Kittens

Having a Rough Day? This is REAL!

I was having a rough day recently.  I was preparing dinner.  We love garlic.  Well, this little clove of garlic loved me right back!  I promise that this really happened.  It looked just like this when I peeled it!

I just had to smile back!

God does have a sense of humor, doesn't he?  I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Laura

Happy at Home



Shared:
 Wow Us Wednesday - Wonderful Wednesdays - - Fluster's Creative Muster -  Making a Home 

Mittens for Kittens Progress

As you know, my three little kittens need some mittens.  I'm following the Kelley's Mitten Class at Knit Picks.  I knit my first four inch cuff today.  I made it long; so, it can fold over or tuck into coat sleeves.  I like to knit Fuzzy Feet socks section by section assembly line fashion; so, I'm going to do the same thing with these kitten mittens.  I only have one ball of each yarn; so, I'm going to go ahead and knit the cuff for the green mittens before I go on to the main body and thumbs.  That way I'll have more practice on one skill before I go onto the next skill.  I'm afraid that I'm going to be all thumbs after finish the cuffs.  ;~) 

Here's the second color of Wool-Ease.  It's a lovely green.  I cannot say which kittens will get which mittens even though they've been warned not to read my blog until after Christmas!

Well, I'm off to cast on the first mitten of the second pair.  Until next time, I'll be a knittin' kitten!

Laura

Happy at Home

The First Time...Michael and Papa.

The deer won this round.

Three Little Kittens Need Some Mittens!

I'm going to make my first pair of mittens using this video from Knit Picks.




I cannot say for whom I am making these.  This is my very time to make mittens.

I found some lovely Blue Mist Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn in a worsted weight for my first pair.

I just couldn't wait for an order!  I'll show photos as I go.  Tonight, I'll just watch the first video and roll my yarn into a ball. 

Wish me well!



Laura
Knitting for Christmas


Shared:
 Mommy Moments  Amaze Me Monday 

Encouraging Words About My Fussy Sewing Machine

Thank you for your encouraging words about my fussy sewing machine.  I've been out of town a couple days and haven't had a chance to try your suggestions.  I'm hoping tomorrow to start working overtime on sewing and knitting and baking!

By the way, with Thanksgiving coming, you may be looking for a new recipe or two.  My Pineapple Cream Pie doesn't have any added sugar.  I make it for my mother-in-love who is diabetic.  Now, I'm not saying it's good for her.  It does have sour cream, pineapple, instant sugar free pudding and a graham cracker crust.  It is, however, better for her than my fully loaded coconut or chocolate meringue pies!

The recipe for the Pineapple Cream Pie is here.

Have a terrific weekend!

Sewing and Knitting and Making a List

Well, the craft show and all the knitting and sewing that went along with it is finished now.  It's time to get back to Christmas gift making.  As you may know, it's going to be a homemade handmade heartmade Christmas at Harvest Lane Cottage this year.  I'm not planning on buying anything except perhaps a few stocking stuffers, if the Lord provides.  It's rather freeing to know that I don't have to shop on Black Friday. 

I am running up against one problem.  My sewing machine isn't working properly.  I spoke with the repairman.  It is skipping stitches and isn't picking up the bobbin thread correctly.  He thinks it's that the timing is off.  A $60 repair.  I bought a new package of needles for $4 instead.  I'm going to try the new needles to see if they help.  If not, well, plans will have to be changed.  The $60 isn't in the budget right now.  I know how to hand sew; and, I enjoy it.  It's just a little to slow for all the projects I have in mind. 

I'm traveling today; so, I'll be taking along a little knitting.  I love how portable small knitting projects are.  I hope Lowell will be driving! ~grin~

I want to encourage you all.  In spite of obstacles, little or no money, broken machines, limited resources, you can enjoy this holiday season by putting your focus in the right place.  Thanks Living.  Advent. Jesus Christ.  Loving family and friends.

Happy Thanks Living!

Laura

Using it Up

Wearing it Out

Making it Do

Doing Without

But thanks to God,

Not if We Really Need It.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

 A Pleasant Day of Puttering, Baking, Shopping, and Planning

~~~~~

Spread Love



“Spread love everywhere you go:

first of all in your own house.

Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor…

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”

~Mother Theresa

God bless!

Laura

Happy at Home

Escapee!

I was a litte distracted the morning of the craft show.  My cinnamon roll dough escaped!

We Had a Great Time and Made Some New Friends

We had a great time at the craft show and made some new friends.  Everyone sold something, even little Amy.  She was quite the little sales lady.  The afternoon ended with my children going around and bartering things they'd made (plus a couple of hats I made) for Christmas gifts for family members.  Everyone was pleased to barter with them. 

I wonder why we don't do that more often? 

It only makes sense these days.

We didn't make a lot of money; but, we made a wonderful memory.  Our family, Dad, Momma, and all three little kiddles worked together to make this event happen.  All used their talents; and all worked hard.

Now, a day of rest.

Blessings!
Laura

Holiday Craft Show Saturday Carthage, MO

Cinnamon rolls, homemade from scratch cocoa, knitted and crocheted hats, tea wallets, corn sacks, bracelets, scarves, American Girl / Vision Forum doll accessories, cards, bookmarks, and walking sticks.  Just a few of many items for sale at the Holiday Craft Show Today from 9-12.

4865 S Garrison Ave
Carthage, MO 64836

71 hwy to Cedar Rd Exit
Turn West to Garrison.
(Outer road on West side)

Go North 3 driveways to 4865 S Garrison.

Watch for signs.

When It Comes Down to It, Sometimes the Old Ways Are Best

I spent this afternoon stitching away on my machine making corn sacks for Saturday's sale.  About three o'clock, I ran out of thread.   A perfect excuse to take a quick trip to the quilt shop.  I invited Emily to go along; and, soon we were on our way.  Now, I couldn't just go right in and buy my thread, could I?  We browsed through the beautiful and some not so beautiful fabrics.  I oohed and awed over the browns and navies, burgundies, and tans.  Emily sighed over the bright purples, pinks, and peacock blues.  After fifteen minutes of pure pleasure, I paid for the rather unexciting off-white thread; and, we came home.  As a side note, we saw the most beautiful cloud formation with the sun's rays just bursting out behind it just like the glory of God.  I picture it to be something like that when Christ comes back only immeasurably better.

Well, when I got home, my sewing machine wouldn't work.  I spent over an hour trying to fix it.  Finally, I was able to make it sew with some skipped stitches.  That simply wouldn't do.  Ugh.  What now?  Well, I filled my bags half full of feed corn as planned.  I then sewed along the seam line twice.  Then, because it looked rather sloppy, I folded it over twice and pinned it.  The rest of the evening was spent hand sewing the bags closed.  Five down, six to go.  I'm sure glad I know how to hand sew well!  When it comes right down to it, sometimes the old ways are best.

Making do,
Laura
Happy at Home

Holiday Craft Show 9-5 Saturday 13th

Welcome to The Gathering Place at Harvest Lane. We wanted to create a wonderful place that folks could come to for their special occassions. Weddings, receptions, parties, banquets, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. We have lots of room; and, uniquely, the house is empty. Each event is custom planned to meet your requirements; you don't have to plan around our furniture. The Holiday Craft Show is the first event that we, ourselves, are hosting.




What to expect?



We recently went to the Mount Vernon Apple Butter Makin' Days and the Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage. We went to these events looking for unique handcrafted item vendors. We found several and have been able to contact several more from the area. We are very excited to bring some of the best that the Ozarks has to offer to you.



The fall decorations are up, but we can't forget to put up the Christmas tree. It is supposed to be a nice fall day with a cool morning and a high in the 50's; so, we will have all four fireplaces burning and a big pot of homemade cocoa to warm yourself. Don't forget, Laura is making homemade Cinnamon rolls too! She will also have some other goodies available as well as drinks.



We will have a display in the foyer from the Carthage Crisis Center. We will be making a donation; and, we will be taking donations for them. They have many needs; but, for the Thanksgiving Dinner, they need CASH for supplies, desserts, holiday salads, and volunteers. For day to day needs, they could use any household items such as cleaning supplies, deodorants, razors, and other toiletries. For more details, call Marilyn at 417-358-3533.



Let's talk about those vendors.

We have found some very unique handmade items for you to choose from.



Old-fashioned lye soap and bath bomb truffles.



Books



Jewelry



Ornaments



Seasonal items including snowmen, Santa's, wreaths, decor, and lots more.



Crochet rugs, afghans, and names



Hats, bags, and bookmarks



Cross-stitch items



Kritter Kozees



Quilted items



Hairbows



Album covers



Wood items



Plastic canvas items



Aprons



Hand towels



AND LOTS LOTS MORE!

If you have any questions, please call me at 417-358-0963.


I look forward to seeing you there!

Lowell Lane
Laura's Husband

I Should Have Charged for It!

I bought my one and only bag of candy corn at the after H......... sale.  I opened it, ate three or four pieces, filled my candy bowl, turned around (or so it seemed), and it was empty!  I saved the rest of the bag for Thanksgiving.  I thought.  I decided to snitch a couple last night.  They're gone!  I should have charged for it!
No more candy corn until next year. :(  Oh well, I do enjoy my children....and my husband!

Happy Month of Thanks Living!
Thank someone today!

Laura
Candy Corn Deprived

It Was So Scary!

I couldn't find it anywhere.  I couldn't replace it.  I couldn't even remember it well enough to recreate it.  It was so scary.  I'd lost a treasure...a handed down two generations family treasure...my Grandma Bern's Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe.  Grandma gave it to Mom and Mom gave it to me.  Grandma and Mom are in Heaven waiting for me.  So, I called Dad.  Nope.  He didn't have it.  I prayed and looked one more time through my recipe drawer.  The card had to be there somewhere.  My little girl, Amy, found it...in the recipe box...where I'd already looked.  I have no idea why I didn't see it.  I just thank God that she found it.  I sent the recipe to my dad and my brother.  Now, I'm going to put it here, also...just in case.

Grandma Bern's Raisin Bread Pudding

Put into 1 1/2 qt baking dish:


4 slices buttered toast, torn in pieces.
Sprinkle over toast 1/3 cup raisins.


Pour over mixture:


2 slightly beaten eggs
1/4 c sugar
1/8 t salt
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup boiling water
1 t vanilla


Let stand 10 minutes; then, sprinkle with:


4 t sugar
1/4 t cinnamon


Makes 4 servings


Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean.



Now I know where I put it, in the box and in my sidebar.

Laura
So Thankful

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Spring Party

Call for Cinnamon Rolls!

I'm super busy making hats right now.  I'm going to sell them at our Craft Show next Saturday.  I'm excited.  I have many things to make and do before the big day not the least of which is make lots of cinnamon rolls each Friday morning.  We sell them from our doorstep or deliver if it's a large order.  Just give me a call by Thursday at 5:00 if you want to order.  That way I can get up extra early if necessary.  Of course, 4:00 a.m. still feels extra early to me!  If you don't make it by 5:00, go ahead and give me a call, even if it's Friday.  I often have extras. 

God bless!

Laura

The Gathering Place Holiday Craft Show Carthage MO

Holiday Craft Show Vendor Information

THE GATHERING PLACE AT HARVEST LANE
HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW NOVEMBER 13, 2010 9AM-5PM

While planning this holiday craft show we have had the pleasure of meeting several vendors and seeing some beautiful items. I can't wait to get them all under one roof.

Booths are $20.00 except the foyer, it is $40.00. Remember that we reserve the spots on a first come, first serve basis. If you have a spot you really want you need to indicate it when you bring your check by, or mail it.

Please list your top 3 choices for booth spaces. We already have several taken, and a list of folks who want in, so for best choice you need to respond quickly.

Several vendors have wanted to set up on Friday night. That is fine and I will have the building open from 6pm to 10pm for setting up. Call Friday morning to see if you can come earlier. You will also be able to set up Saturday morning from 6am-8am. I would like all booths set up and ready by 8am.

PROMOTIONS:

We have already started promoting this event to the public, but I need your help. When you send or bring by your check, please have a list of some of the items you have so that we can highlight them. We are trying to promote the idea that these are handmade crafted items for the holidays. We will be making every effort to get the word out in order to have a great turnout.

We will have sack lunches available to all vendors for just $5.00. It will include a sandwich with homemade bread, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo or mustard. It will also include a bag of chips, fruit, a homemade cookie, and your drink.

We will also have homemade baked goods available and drinks such as coffee, cider, tea, and water.

Of course we will have Christmas music playing softly in the background as well as a fire in the fireplace if it is chilly.

Looking forward to visiting with you soon.


Lowell Lane

The Gathering Place at Harvest Lane
4865 S. Garrison Ave. Carthage, Mo 64836 417