It's been a while since I posted. I think I'm going to change things up just a little bit... it will be new for me, by posting lessons on how to make certain items. I'm doing this because I am starting a 4H group that is working on Home Economics. The lessons will center mostly around needle work, machine sewing, gardening and food preservation. One of the main things my students and members will do is to make a journal of their learning... no matter what they want to learn. The journals and the items made will be entered into the yearly county agricultural fair (held in our county in August). I am excited to share the knowledge given to me by my mom and great Aunt Mary... also from trial and error.
A perfect example is the Peach Jam I made this year... and forgot an ingredient! So, actually it is more like topping for pancakes, waffles or ice cream than toast!
However, my Salsa was awesome! (*I didn't get to taste it myself, I'm allergic to onions).
The best part of this Salsa? All the ingredients were absolutely FREE. What wasn't grown in my own garden, was given to me by friends... the best part of preserving my own food for my family? A taste of summer in the midst of winter, when it's cold, rainy, snowy or just downright COLD!
The other thing I like about winter is the time to make handmade and homemade items. Some I give as gifts and others are made for clients... a way to supplement my income. (Substitute teachers don't work all the time, nor do they make good money... enough to keep the wolves at bay at best).
So, needlework is one of the things I enjoy while watching a movie or visiting with friends...
These are several items I've made in the past year... all gifts. The top is a 6 foot shawl made in my own pattern for my daughter for her birthday (last year in her 20's), the middle is a diaper bag for my cousin and his girl friend, expecting their first bundle of joy... and the bottom is a Memory quilt made for a special friend who lost her son. He was in the Army and passed away a little over a year ago... Giving and making items for others can be very satisfying. It is something that you can't just go buy another one at a store, it is special, and made for one person in particular... so they are special from the fabric, the design, right down to the stitches...
So, my first lesson will be the shawl. Why? Because a friend of mine asked me to share... So, this will be the very first time I have done a lesson on my blog... be patient with me!!
So, I will begin to get the lesson and the pattern together...
Until then, blessings and happy stitching to all!!
