Seaside Wrap

October 22, 2015March 16, 20188 Comments

Despite being the only driver on this cross-country adventure, I did managed to find a bit of time to knit along the way. Usually it was in the morning (and yes, usually I was sitting in the camper bathroom to keep from waking the kids). But knitting is knitting, I say! No matter where I have to do it.

And so it was that just before we left Maine I cast off my Seaside Wrap.

Knit with a scrumptious silk/Merino blend from Sundara Yarn it is indescribably soft, drapey, and so delicious. I'm wild for this yarn – as well as the clever Sensible Shawl pattern! I've worn it almost every day since I cast it off, and have skipped blocking altogether since that would mean a day or two without my wrap.

The shawl crosses in the front and ties in the back, keeping it clear of hay bales, nibbling goats, and breakfast dishes. (Kudos to Sage for being a good sport and snapping a few photographs of me wearing it!)

The perfect luxurious yet practical wrap for this farm mama.

And yes, I know I just posted this picture a couple of days ago. But I love it so much I think I'll share it twice! And worth noting, I'm not normally a fan of garter stitch but I thought I'd give it a try just this once. It has officially won me over.

What a simple, rewarding project this was!

You can find my project on Ravelry here.

Shawls for love

June 2, 2015March 16, 20187 Comments

One of the loveliest things that has happened since I started blogging is the development of a handful of new friendships with women I've met online. And though most of these friends I have not had the pleasure of meeting in person (or not yet), we are connected through our shared stories and common paths.

Ginny is one of those friends.

I'm not even sure how we met anymore – someone left a comment or shared a link somewhere along the way and it just unfolded from there – but I'm so thankful that is did.

Among other things, Ginny and I share passions for homeschooling, homesteading, goats, undersized houses, and yes, knitting.

We also share a passion for helping others.

So when Ginny announced that she was going to host a handknit shawl raffle to raise money for Iraqi women and children I was in before I even knew the details. I mean honestly. I was – quite literally – casting off my Forest Nymph capelet when I read her call for knitters. Right that minute. It was knitting destiny.

And that's how it happens that my newest shawl – along with eleven others made by eleven other lovely ladies – is up for raffle on Ginny's blog right this minute.

The money being raised will go to Preemptive Love Coalition and be used for emergency relief, education for refugee children, and small business grants to women in Iraq.

And I can't think of a more important or beautiful way to wear this shawl that by giving it away and knowing that good will come to families far, far away (in every sense) from this quiet and peaceful valley.

To join us, hop over to Small Things and follow Ginny's instructions for making your donation and entering the raffle. It's easy! And you just might take home a lovely wrap to call your own.

Thank you for your big, generous hearts, and for doing what you can to make a difference in the lives of others, even if it's just $5.

Because no matter how broken our world feels at times, every person working for good is tipping the scales of what tomorrow will bring. You can do that. You can change things.

And I can chance things. It's what we're here for.

What do you say we get to work?

Book Giveaway: Making Peg Dolls and More

February 3, 2015March 16, 2018111 Comments

If you've been around here for long you know we're a bit peg dog obsessed over here.

As in: I dare you to type "peg people" in the search bar to the right and see just how many posts come up. On second thought, don't. It a little embarrassing how many posts on the subjects I've written through the years. Goodness.

When it comes to homemade treasures, our house is brimming with peg dolls.

From zipper pulls to favorite necklaces, key chains to doll house dolls, mobiles to ornaments. There are even peg doll fairies peeking out from under the leaves of the house plant in our kitchen.

Really.

It's a shameless love affair, with just the tiniest dose of shame for overdoing it.

So when long-time Clean reader Margaret Bloom invited us to review her new book (and share a copy with you!) it was a a no-brainer. Our paint brushes were ready. We couldn't wait to see what Margaret had dreamed up for us this time around.

Making Peg Dolls and More is the second whimsical book of of Margaret's that we've had the pleasure to read.

Her first book, Making Peg Dolls, (which I shared with you back in 2013) holds a duly-earned place of honor in our craft cabinet and has been well loved by all the crafty folk around here.

Her new book picks up where her first left off, with inspired new projects that move beyond what the expected for peg doll crafts.

Working with peg people, other wooden bits, ribbon, paint, fabric, and other embellishment Margaret guides you through crafting wall hangings, mobiles, puppets, and other charming projects. Her ideas are sure to inspire the crafty people in your home for years to come. There's even a zipper pull project inspired by one I made for Lupine several years ago. (I'm so happy to see that project included, Margaret!)

Margaret was kind enough to offer up a copy of Making Peg Dolls and More to one lucky reader. If you'd like a chance at winning just leave a comment below. I'll close comments and choose a winner by the end of the week!

Comments are now closed. Congratulations to our winner Keri who said…

"What a lovely book! Would love to read it."

And if you win a copy or not, do save a place on your bookshelf. You'll be so glad you did.

Making Peg Dolls and More Book Tour

February 2nd :: The Crafty Crow

February 3rd :: Clean

February 4th :: Castle in the Air

February 5th :: Salley Mavor (Wee Folk Studio)

February 6th :: Remedial Eating

February 7th :: A Child's Dream

February 9th :: Forest Fairy Crafts

February 10th :: Bella Luna Toys

February 11th :: Ben & Birdy

February 12th :: Twig & Toadstool

February 13th :: Wee Wonderfuls

Backyard forts (Or: Let’s not overthink this)

May 27, 2014March 16, 201817 Comments

I spent one evening this weekend searching Pinterest for the perfect backyard tent to make with my kids.

And I found some charming designs. Wooden frames, hemmed fabrics, grommets, twinkle lights – the works.

Every one was picture-perfect.

And as I closed my laptop I decided that we wouldn't make backyard tents this weekend after all.

Because I had no bamboo poles, dowels, or 1×2's. I only had two grommets, and no yard after yard of perfect fabric to cut and sew into a tent. And frankly, no ambition to take on a six hour craft project after weeding eighteen thousand thistle plants out of my strawberry bed.

Don't get me wrong. I adore Pinterest. I find great inspiration there. But sometimes what I see is all a bit beyond my reach.

And then as I looked out on my kids playing in the backyard I realized what was happening.

It was the perfection myth bubbling up again.

The false idea that if it isn't photogenic it isn't worth doing.

That if it isn't perfect it isn't enough.

What nonsense.

I wasn't going to play that game.

We were building forts, dang it.

So instead of going back to Pinterest I went to the linen closet. I pulled out some old bedsheets, blankets, and table cloths.

I went to the barn and gathered all the bailing twine we pulled off the hay bales last winter.

I grabbed my pocket knife and we set to work.

Not Pinterest-style, but old school. Like what I built when I was a kid with only my imagination to guide me.

And we did it. In one afternoon.

Two fabulous, simple – and yes – imperfect play forts.

Total cost: $0.

Total time: 5 minutes for Lupine's, all afternoon for Sage's as he tweaked and modified and tricked his out again and again.

And the play value? Fan-freaking-tastic.

Want to make one, too? It's easy. Really.

You can squeeze it between the sidewalk and your garage, tuck one in the corner of your patio, or set it up in the woods. Be where you are and use what you've got.

Heck, you could even make one without a yard if you screwed a couple of lag bolts into your living room walls and anchored the corners with bean bags or duct tape.

And, of course, it doesn't need to be perfect. (But you already knew that.)

So grab your kids, some old sheets, and get outside.

Here's what to do:

Supplies

Large bedsheet, table cloth, or other sturdy fabric
Rope, twine, or clothesline
Knife or scissors for rope
Tent stakes or a few strong sticks
Four small rocks
Clothespins (optional)
Blanket and pillows for the ground (optional)

How-To

1. Find the biggest flat sheet you can spare for the day or the week or forever. (You can still use them for sheets as for this basic version there's not need to cut or sew it.)

2. Run a strongish rope, clothesline, or spliced lengths of bailing twine tightly between two trees, a tree and an eye bolt on your house, or your fence and playhouse. Whatever you've got that will hold the weight of a sheet. Be creative! Set the height based on the size of your sheet (smaller sheet = lower line). Ours is a full sheet and set set it at waist/chest height.

3. Suspend your sheet along this rope. The sheet above is centered but you could also hang it off-center for a more one-sided shelter. If needed use spring clothespins to secure your fabric.

4. Sage suggests tucking a small rock into each sheet corner and tie a rope or piece of twine tightly around the rock. (The rock will keep the corners from slipping out.)

5. Secure to a tent stake, root, tree trunk, or stick pushed into the earth. Angle the stake back toward the tent to keep it from pulling out.

6. Trick it out with doors, windows, walls, tree branch supports – whatever inspires you or your kids. (Optional)

7. Line with a blanket or pile of pillows if you wish, and get in there and play!

There. Now aren't you glad you didn't get disouraged by those pretty, fancy play tents?

Me, too.

Take that, perfection.

Spinning Nutmeg’s wool

April 24, 2014March 16, 201815 Comments

Her name is Nutmeg, but usually we refer to her as The Queen.

She is regal in every way, and so wary of people I've honestly only touched her a handful of times.

Aloof.

Royal.

Proud.

We chose her for her wool, impossibly soft, dense and fluffy. It starts out black but fades in the sun to a deep chocolate brown as the year progresses.

I was excited to get started on my first sheep-to-sweater project when we adopted our first ewes, but stalled out after trying to wash a dirty fleece in our bathtub and hopelessly clogging the drain before I was even half done.

Oops.

So the fleeces went back to the basement until Match. Finally when the spring warmed up I was able to scour them outside in buckets and dry them in the sun. And honestly it was a messy, wet, dirty, and fragrant job – yet inexplicably satisfying. I was cleaning my own wool!

Soon with the help of my trusty friend YouTube (this new farming family's school of choice) I learned how to card and roll rolags.

We were off and running.

I spend much of last weekend carding and spinning Nutmeg's wool into yarn. Some day this yarn will become a sweater of vest or mittens or something exceptionally special for one of us. I'm leaning toward a hoodie for Sage. The color is perfect.

But before that happens there is more to be done. More carding. More spinning. And finally plying the yarn and setting the twist. I don't expect to cast on before fall.

Since shearing last month I somehow have twelve fleeces to work with. Twelve giant bags overflowing with wool.

Oh. My.

I think it's time to get busy.

I can hardly wait.

Nutmeg, however, is just wondering where her warm and wooly coat has gone.

Thank you for your patience while Typepad continues to work the bugs out after the recent attacks. This morning it seems comments are down but we hope they'll be up again soon!

Edited to add: Comments seem to be working now! Here's hoping it stays that way.

Seeing abundance

March 24, 2014March 16, 201813 Comments

I'm glad that I didn't hoard this pretty paper all for myself, like I was contemplating after I brought it home.

I'm glad that instead I spent the better part of the weekend making a mess of our kitchen table with my kids and we laughed and talked and created. Together.

It would have been too easy to hide this treasure away, the crafty version of the secret tub of ice cream in the back of the freezer. (Confess, mamas. You know the ice cream I'm talking about.)

Mine, mine, mine.

A perfect, pristine, fancy pack of paper.

Just for me.

If I had it would still be that. A perfect, pristine, fancy pack of paper.

Unused. Waiting.

Waiting for what, I'm not sure.

So I shared.

Like I expect them to do so often.

I shared that pretty paper without any need to control the outcome or to remind them to cut from the corners or to take just enough.

Allowing.

Accepting.

Embracing.

And because of that choice I was able to share in the joy of their process and find my own opportunity to create.

With the best crafting partners I could imagine.

Presence.

Joy.

Creation.

It was a crafty free-for all.

A full weekend of goodness, imaginations on fire.

For the cost of one pack of paper.

I kept my new fabric for myself, yes. But the paper I shared with an open heart.

Decoupaged cigar boxes, birthday cards, bookmarks, collages.

Only once did I catch myself staring big-eyed as a print I had my sights set on was lovingly cut with gusto by small scissors held in small hands.

And then I exhaled.

And smiled.

Because there was enough.

Always enough.

An abundance.

Of pretty paper, of special things kept just for me, of time together, and of the simple, quiet, messy joy of making.

Oh, yes. I'm so glad I didn't keep it all to myself.

Craft therapy

November 19, 2013March 16, 201830 Comments

Goodness.

Let's lighten things up a little, shall we?

Thanks for your kind comments and messages over the past couple of days. You are lovely.

And yes, I'm feeling so much better.

Thank you for asking.

That's the medicine of time, perspective, and a three-day craft binge.

Okay. And a bowl of popcorn, a glass (or two) of red wine, and copious amounts of sleep.

The crafting I cranked out this weekend was over the top.

I completed some rockin' pants and a sweet sweater for my girl; curtains I started this summer for my craft room; and a skirt for myself.

Unprecedented.

The curtains are made of an old pillowcase and some scraps from my stash.

The solid pink is from Lupine's first twirly skirt.

The upper creamy striped fabric is from curtains I made for the first house we owned, where Sage was born.

And the vintage lace from a friend's garage sale.

Sweet, easy, messy, and girly.

My kind of curtains.

And then I got to work on my skirt.

The pockets are from a scrap of fabric a dear friend wrapped a gift in for me in years ago. I loved it so and knew it needed to become something really special. Done.

The pattern (McCalls 5430) boldy proclaims this to be a "1 HOUR SKIRT".

2 1/2 years after I started sewing it, it's ready to wear.

Welcome to my life.

And then, these sassy pants.

The pants (which I'm referring to as trousers on account of that vintage corduroy) were from a pattern I found in this book.

They were my first attempt at these crazy European-style patterns, and overall I think they turned out sweet. The knees were tricky, but after a few attempts I found success.

Me and my seam ripper? We're tight after this weekend.

Are these trousers perfect?

Of course not. (You know me well enough to have guessed that by now.)

Are they adorable? So. Very.

Lupine agrees.

And without the cost of the pattern book (which I had already) they cost me all of 50 cents. Whoot!

(The main color was once a pair of XL men's cords from a thrift store's clearance bin. I bought up all the corduroy they had for future kid pants, six pairs for $3. Score.)

Homemade and free?

Best crafting yet.

Oh, yes. And finally that sweater.

It's been Lupine's vest since spring when I bound off the sleeves instead of knitting them long.

This weekend I pulled out the cast off and knitted on long sleeves for winter.

You can find the free pattern link and details on my variation here.

The main yarn was a gift from a friend, from her Icelandic sheep.

Her flock is made up of the offspring of the flock we just adopted, so the yarn is almost like family.

Sentimental yarn, worn by my girl. Double perfect.

Overall, crafting made for good therapy this weekend.

A bit of focused work, a bit of creativity, and lots of hard work.

Now that's my kind of healing.

I'd love to know: what's in your workbasket these days?

Love,

Rachel

Oh, wait. And one more thing:

I thought you needed this picture.

Just because.

Because more than my craftiness I think you love me for my dirty floors.

(And walls. And door. And… well, you get the idea.)

Homemade paper lantern tutorial

November 4, 2013March 16, 20183 Comments

As November arrives at my latitude, the season of darkness has truly begun.

Dark when we wake up, dark long before we go to bed.

Dark, dark, dark.

And while for some it's a depressing shift, I secretly love the nesting that the darkness inspires.

I find myself inviting warming light inside, and candles that sat unused since last winter are found and lit.

Below is a repost from 2010 on crafting a homemade lantern from watercolor paper. Three years later we still have these lanterns and they are still beautiful.

If you're interested in other crafts that cast a warm glow, you can find my beeswax lanterns here and decoupaged candle jars here.

On with the tutorial!

The days here in the north are growing shorter.

By dinner time the
outdoors are immersed in complete darkness, and when we wake in the
morning the sun is still nowhere to be seen. And the days are growing shorter still.

To celebrate the light that shines within each of us (even during
these darkest days) the children and I made paper lanterns and carried
them out into the darkness for a bedtime walk.

The lanterns represent
the brightness we bring to the dark, and the positive effect our bright
spirits bring.

The process of making the lanterns is more simple than you might
imagine. We loosely interpreted the pattern for Martinmas lanterns from this lovely book (another recommended read) as our jumping off point. I have shared our version of the lanterns below.

Supplies

Watercolor paints

Watercolor paper (ours is approximately 14" x 20", purchased here)

Ruler

Scissors

Pencil

Craft knife

Cutting mat or board

Kite or tissue paper

Glue stick

White glue

5 spring-type clothespins per lantern

Yarn or wire for handle

Hole punch (optional)

Fireproofing spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Create a simple watercolor painting. Allow to dry completely. (You
will have enough paper for two lanterns from each piece of paper.)

2. On the back of your painting carefully mark the following measurements with pencil and a straight edge:

Divide the painting in half with a horizontal line. To simplify, you
may cut your paper into these two long thin strips now. (Our strips were
7 1/2" tall and almost 20" long.

Parallel to your original cut mark two lines: one 1/2 inch down from
the top and a second line 2" up from the bottom. These will form the
top lip and the bottom of the lantern.

Perpendicular to your original line, begin at the left and measure
in 1". Mark line. This will be an overlapping piece used to form the
lantern during the final steps of the project.

From this 1" mark, measure five 3 1/2" panels and mark. These will be the five window panels.

Cut off any excess after your last 3 1/2" panel.

3. Score all lines using a straight edge. (This will make folding your lantern easier.)

4. Cut tabs
for the top and bottom of your lantern by cutting all lines above and
below your two long horizontal lines. (Confused? See two photos below
for a visual of where you cut.)

These tabs will overlap and form the
bottom and the top lip of the lantern when you glue the lantern
together.

5. With a
pencil, draw the shapes you desire for windows on the back of your paper
strip. Think simple forms – circles, stars, even rectangular "windows".

6. Use a craft knife (X-acto type) to carefully cut out the windows.

7. Flip over
your painting and admire your work! Add additional details if desired
with hole punch or craft knife. We used a small circular hole punch to
embellish our lanterns.

8. Cut kite paper windows the size of your main panels. Glue into place with glue stick and smooth.

(Note:
the next step requires a teeny bit of patience. At least it did for me.
The lantern has a propensity to spring open while you are encouraging it
to stay closed. Hang tight! You are almost done, and you are smarter
than the glue.)

9. Fold your
lantern carefully into shape, creasing each scored line firmly. Observe
where the flaps overlap on the top, side, and bottom.

Apply a thin
layer of white glue on each overlapping point, then refold the lantern
pressing the glued panels together. (These will be triangles of glue on
one end of each flap.)

Be consistent with the end you glue (all on the
left, for example) so that you can neatly close one flap after another
and end up with a firm secure bottom.

10. Use a clothespin at each overlapping point on the top of the
lantern to hold the tabs together until the glue is set.

Before the glue
is all the way dry remove the clothespins. (This way you don't
accidentally tear the lantern when you remove the clips).

10. Cover
the hole in the bottom of your lantern with a scrap of watercolor paper
approximately the size of the base of your lantern. Secure with more
glue.

11. Punch
two holes in the lantern's top rim and string through some wire or wool
yarn. (Skip this step if you are making a candle holder instead of a lantern.)

Knot yarn securely.

12. Add a tea light candle, securing to the
bottom with poster putty (if you, like me, lack poster putty gum will
work in a pinch, and adds a minty smell to the whole event.)

(One
thought: for those of you with young children or a concern of you little
one holding a paper box with fire inside, battery powered tea lights
are a good choice. I believe that the responsibility of holding a
lantern with a candle inside is wonderful for a child, but perhaps that
should wait until they are 4 or 5.

13. You are done! Now just wait for nightfall and take your lantern with you to spread a bit of light into the darkness.

Driftless art.

September 16, 2013March 16, 20187 Comments

Tammy Olson

Pat Kroth

Full Circle Jewelery

misterkoppa

My friend Greg Cheeseborough (the Potters Field)

Our homeschool coop's Stone Soup mosaic, on display

We so rarely leave the house.

Especially all four of us. Together.

At the same time.

And for an art festival? Well. That's pretty much unheard of.

Come to think of it, it's completely unheard of.

But we pulled it off on Sunday on a whim, after seeding the pasture, spreading straw, and building a goat shed for our newest friends.

I konw. We're wild over here.

But what a treasure it was awaiting us there, just a few miles from home.

Including so many friends and neighbors, sharing a view into their soul through the work of their hands.

Including the mosaic the kids made last year, displayed alongside children's art from nearby schools.

Including hot organic apple cider, world-class local coffee, and live bluegrass.

The Driftless Art Festival was just one more bundle of reminders of just how this place amazes me.

And as for the art, well, the photos above speak for themselves.

What struck me most was how these inspiring people created beauty – magical, inspiring beauty that speaks their own story – out of simple, discarded, or ordinary things.

Now there is a lesson to carry with us.

As we go forth to create beauty from the simple materials of this day.

Book Giveaway : : A Kid’s Guide to Sewing.

August 20, 2013March 16, 2018124 Comments

Sage turns 11 at the end of this month.

Eleven. Is that even possible?

And while I stood there, jaw agape in wonder at just how old he's grown, Lupine had gifts to plan.

(See? Even she's growing up.)

Since we are a family of makers through-and-through, buying a gift never occurred to her.

Funny. It never occurs to me, either.

But what can a six year-old make for her eleven year-old brother that he'll love?

We tossed around some ideas and thumbed through a few books. And then she found her inspiration in a sweet children's sewing book that had just landed in our craft room with a little help from Sew Mama Sew and the FunStitch Studio Summer Camp.

A Kid's Guide to Sewing is written by Sophie Kerr, the young lady pictured above.

She's close to Sage's age.

How amazing is that? A kid. Who wrote a book (with a little help from her crafty parents). Go, Sophie and your crafty self! I'm 40 and can't seem to pull it together enough to get a book to print.

Edited to add: Sophie's mom left a lovely comment here in an attempt to curb my enthusiasm a bit regarding Sophie writing this book. Because technically her parents wrote it. But it was a project she participated in and learned new skills throughout, and her words are peppered throughout. Eh, whatever. I'm still way impressed and giving Sophie all the props.

The project from the book that inspired Lu was a pillowcase, made of just three pieces of fabric. Simple, but plenty of "pow".

It's practical, cozy, and unlikely to embarrass him in front of his friends.

Since we were unsure as to how long it would take Lupine to cut, iron, pin, and sew the pillowcase we skipped the optional embroidery.

As it turned out it took her less than an hour!

The directions were simple, kid-friendly, and easy to follow. Lupine wanted help with only the cutting and the lining up of the edges before pinning. If she were a year or two older she would have been able to do it all on her own.

Lupine chose fabrics to match the quilt that I am really hoping to am doubtful to am absolutely certain to finish in time for Sage's birthday.

To make it even sweeter she chose a strip of his baby sling for the narrow accent band.

I think this is where I'm to cry some sentimental mama tears.

Yup. It is.

So much sweetness.

But the sweetness doesn't end in my sewing room. Because the kind folks at FunStitch Studio were generous enough to give me a second copy of the book to share with you. Whoot!

So. Who wants?

Just leave a comment here to enter! I'll choose one winner before the week is through.

Comments are now closed. I'll announce our winner soon!

Our winner is Fiona who said:

"My daughter would love this! thanks."

(U.S. shipping only, please. Thanks for understanding!)

Love,
Rachel