I'M OBSESSED! CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF NATURAL DYES

Potassium Aluminum Sulfate - Cream of Tartar - Madder RootSo, I've been playing around with natural dyes for a while now, mostly just for fun little projects like Easter eggs or small pieces of fabric. But, I'm a spinner and knitter, and it finally dawned on me that I should try dyeing my own wool yarn. I started with a small 50g skein and some madder root, and wow, I'm totally hooked! The color was...

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FROM CHICKENS TO ALPACAS: EXPLORING THE DELIGHT OF SPENDING A DAY WITH FARM ANIMALS

Nestled in the picturesque landscape in a rural part of Prior Lake, MN, is Whispering Oaks Alpacas where they offer a delightful escape into the world of hobby farming. This charming farm invites visitors to engage with a variety of friendly farm animals, from curious goats to soft, fluffy alpacas. One of the most unique experiences is taking an alpaca for a walk - a joyful activity that brings both...

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TRANSFORMING OUR GARDEN INTO A PARTY PARADISE

After years of thinking about it, my daughter and I finally transformed our forested backyard into a space for a potluck garden party. With lush native plants and winding trails, our yard had always been enchanting, but the abundant pollinators, stinging insects, and overall natural chaos made hosting a gathering seem too complicated. For some time we wondered how we could invite friends into our...

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CANDLE MAKING FUN, THANKS TO MY DAUGHTER

 I've wanted this candle making kit from Bramble Berry since last Christmas. I was happily surprised when my daughter gifted it to me this year. I enjoy making candles and this kit takes all the work out finding the right wick to go with the wax and size of container. They came out beautiful!The best part is the fragrance and eco glitter. The fragrance is heavenly and the glitter adds that bit...

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WHEN CHRISTMAS SNEAKS UP ON YOU

 Oh my gosh! This is the first year that Christmas has snuck up on me. I'm usually done shopping for prezzies by the last week of November and at this time I'm watching Christmas movies by the fire and nibbling on the cookies I baked, but I'm sooooo behind. I thought I had at least a week and half beforeChristmas but realized over this past weekend how wrong I was. I finally finished making my...

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I'M FINALLY GOING TO LEARN HOW TO SPIN ON A WHEEL!

I am so excited to finally have my own spinning wheel. My friend Susan gifted me this Ashford Traditional spinning wheel a couple days ago. It just needs a few minor repairs and then I can begin spinning. I've been spinning wool for several years on a top whorl drop spindle but it has always been my goal to learn the wheel. Wheels are quite spendy and they look kind of complicated so I've never purchased...

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ETSY... DANGEROUS PLACE TO VISIT

I need to stay away from Etsy.  Just a few seconds on there and the next thing I know I have a dozen new knitting patterns, a few sewing patterns, some incense, a new shirt... Oh my.  I am NEVER going on there again. But, in the meantime I bought and made THIS cute little penguin rice heating pad pattern.  It is super easy and the instructions are very clear.  I'm just not great...

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THE NON SEWERS GUIDE TO MAKING A DOGGIE BELLY BAND

I like to pretend I know how to sew but truth is I'm really no good at it.  I wish I could make fancy clothing or a nice set of drapes but my skill level only allows for sloppy doggie wraps and maybe a tiny hand bag that small children will like. Doing this post for my friend Julie, my sewing "lingo" is my own, I have no idea what the proper verbiage is for those that actually know how to sew. The...

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CHRISTMAS TREE CANDLES

It's always fun to see what people do with their Christmas trees after the holidays.  If you ever go on Pinterest you'll find some really cool ideas or just surfing the web you'll find some interesting ways of making your tree last.  This is one thing we've done with ours. Step One: Cutting the tree trunk Step Two: Decide where to drill cavity for candle. Step Three: drill...

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DIY VANILLA EXTRACT

My daughter and I made some vanilla extract again this year.  We'll be giving these bottles away at Christmas time.  Last time I made vanilla extract I purchased beans from Beanilla, I really wanted the Mexican vanilla beans at the time but they were all sold out so I bought the Madagascar beans instead.  I found that I really loved the way the vanilla turned out so I ordered the...

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PROCESSING WOOL: PART 2

I finally moved on to washing the raw wool. The first bag was pretty clean. I wish I knew who I bought that particular bag from because that person takes immaculate care of their sheep. The second bag was pretty awful in terms of lanolin - maybe it has to do with the type of sheep??? I have no idea. So... part one: pick through raw wool to get rid of particles like hay or poop. Part two: wash wool.  I...

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I DID IT! I MADE MAPLE SYRUP!

After 30+ years thinking about it, I finally made some maple syrup. Don't laugh but here it is. This came from a silver maple tree in the city so we get the added taste of pollution too. Haha! I boiled down nearly 2 gallons of silver maple sap and what you see above is what I ended up with (there would have been a little more but I ruined the 2nd half I boiled by getting distracted on the...

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