The other one ~ Crocheted Rug

Television has not been so entertaining lately (and the news is depressing), so I had the brainy idea of digging out some  yarn for a rug.  The one at my back door needs replaced badly, and I figured I could whip up something.

I opened the tote and found yarn that had a half-way crocheted dishcloth attached to it.  That was the "other one" I found a few days ago.

Slumping my shoulders, and lowering my head, I felt like those pesky projects where my worst nightmare this winter.  I straightened back up, smiled, and did what anyone else would do.  I ripped that booger out, and wound that yarn back on.

Then I grabbed a few more colors of yarn, and got to work.

Crocheted Scrap Yarn Rug

When I said I would make the next yarn rug with all my leftover scraps, I really meant it.  I dug through all my totes and used up what I had.  If it didn't have enough yarn on the ball to go across one time, it was rolled up and put into a bag with even smaller scraps of yarn (to use for other projects).

Random Tidbits ~ Camper Everything ~ More Cleaning

Yesterday's chores were still getting worked on when the kids got home from school.  I had to get everything washed and on the line as rain (storms) are expected today.  

I got all the rugs washed and dried too.  Speaking of rugs, our 18 year-old daughter took the peach colored (crocheted in cotton yarn) rug for her dorm.  I just read somewhere that they cannot have rubber backed rugs, so that worked out nicely.  So, if you kiddo is heading to college, a handmade crocheted rug would come in handy for her/him.  The ones you see on my clothesline are from old sheets, old jeans, and scrap cotton yarn.  They all wash up nicely too.

 

I forgot to dump my ice trays and bag it, so I could freeze all the organic collards I had yesterday.  I managed to get half of them froze.  I have more to freeze today.

An apple in my pocket ~ The iPod eating box ~ Floor Rug

School closed today, so watch out.  This post will be a doozy.  I've got a pot of coffee all to myself, and all the kids are still in bed.

I guess, although we are to warm up to the 38°F, they are predicting ice covered roads until noon today.
 
Aside from animal feed, which I may run out before the end of the week, I'm declaring this week a no-spend week.  Toilet paper is stocked up so we are good in that department.

The most random yet....Homemade Slaw Dressing ~ Homemade Celery Salt

I revamped the family favorite broccoli salad yesterday.  The original recipe calls for Marzetti Slaw Dressing.  

I looked up the ingredients in the slaw dressing and the first ingredient is soybean oil (many salad dressings contain this).  It also contains "corn-cider vinegar."

INGREDIENTS: SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, CORN-CIDER VINEGAR, WATER, EGG YOLK, SALT, MUSTARD SEED, XANTHAN GUM, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.

Contains Egg.

- See more at: http://www.marzetti.com/products/product/3/208/marzetti-original-slaw-dressing#sthash.VJ9fSV9Z.dpuf

INGREDIENTS: SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, CORN-CIDER VINEGAR, WATER, EGG YOLK, SALT, MUSTARD SEED, XANTHAN GUM, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.

Contains Egg.

- See more at: http://www.marzetti.com/products/product/3/208/marzetti-original-slaw-dressing#sthash.VJ9fSV9Z.dpuf

We already use an organic/non-gmo safflower mayo, so that part was easy.  Making it ourselves, also cuts our cost.  I used

Rag Rug ~ Preserving Memories

I finally finished it.  Phew!  I crocheted a rag rug with sheets, pillow cases, and other rag-worthy fabric.  I've been saving fabric for approximately a year now. 

It measures about 5 1/2 feet long by about 22 inches wide.  I even cut up an old apron my kids used for playing house when they were very young.  I also cut up an old baby crib sheet that I probably used for all the kids.  

My Uncle gave us a new set of sheets and pillow cases, and we greatly appreciated them.  It gave me the opportunity to cut my old pillow cases and sheets, and make this very useful rug.  Some of my pillow cases were over 20 years old and worn very thin.  I honestly thought they would rip when I crocheted them, but they held tight.  

My 9 year-old was watching me sew the strips together the other day.  She now wants, not one, but two rag rugs for her hope chest.  

Now......I better get back to cleaning.  I just hope I don't come across another unfinished project, or I may have to stop cleaning to finish it too.

Braided Rag Rug, Heart Wall Paper Note Cards and More Projects

We weren't really snowed in yesterday, but we did get snow.  It was perfect for sitting down in front of the wood burning stove, and to start braiding a rag rug.  

Reflections of 2015 ~ Part 1

I started out 2015 by making a binder to start keeping herbal recipes in. I learned a lot last year, and hope to learn more this year, along with essential oils.

From the Handiwork Journal . . .

. . . played around with a new "flower" dish scrubbie pattern.  I am making some to sell at the next Farmer's Market.

. . . finished my 11 year-old's tablet cover.  Finally.

. . . started another pot holder set, and dishcloth.  These are my "to go" projects.  When I need to go somewhere, and I am not driving, these go with me.

. . . got around to embellishing the crocheted cat bookmark.

(Click here to see more from my S.C.R.A.P. Blogspot)

. . . spray painted chalkboard paint on a clip board to make a sign for Farmer's Market.  

. . . crocheted 1 rag rug for the master bath (sheets and pillow cases).

. . . crocheted another bookmark for the store/market.



The weather is hot and humid here.  I collected 70 pints of water in my dehumidifier.  We have been running it in our master bath, to help the the tile project dry completely.  Rain is in the forecast today, but you never know anymore.







 

Organizing and more purging

Sprinkles arrived early yesterday morning, followed by thunder and lightning.  I decided to pull out all of my totes of items I sell at craft shows, take an inventory, write down what needs re-stocked, and price everything that wasn't.  I need to package the remaining items, and print labels for them, but now I need to replace my printer first.  

In the process I was looking for salt and pepper shakers a Tupperware dealer gifted me (mini one's) at show we did.  I did not find them.  They were for the camper and as of yet I have not found them.  Hm.

Either way, I filled yet another large box for donation.  I now need a storage container for all the camper bedding I am keeping to use for rag rugs.

In the process of looking for the salt and pepper shakers, I have found more areas to purge and re-organize.  

I also found this unfinished set of pot holders.  I didn't find the crocheted rug I was looking for.  Something in my foggy brain thinks I finished it and gave it to Daughter E for her hope chest last year.  I found an unfinished lapghan too.

. . .from the handiwork journal

Snow storms have been moving in all around us, but it's soon turning to nastier weather.  

It's a perfect time to use up yarn, and work on larger crochet projects.  Large blankets only get crocheted in the cold of winter.  

Do you remember this random blanket I crocheted in the winter of 2022/2023?   I used up some yarn from leftover projects, and I dug it out during this freezing cold weather we are having.  I sewed in the last of the ends.  My husband wants to keep it.  I had planned to just sell it, but it is larger (approx. 72 x 56 inches) and will fit the spare bed perfectly.

(link goes to my blogpost regarding the pattern I used)  I really like the pattern, but I do not like the enormous amount of ends to sew in.

. . .I finished a matching hat to the scarf.  It is Red Heart yarn, and not my favorite for a hat and scarf, but it's warm and comfortable.  Hat pattern is Mountain Ridges Crochet Hat, by The Friendly Red Fox (free pattern online).  However, her pattern says "J" hook, and I used an "H" hook with medium worsted weight yarn.

It is the same yarn as the scarf I finished last week.  The remaining yarn will be used for scrap lap afghans I think.  The pattern for the scarf is by "Hooked by Robin" called Easy Crochet Scarf (online video tutorial).  I think this is my favorite scarf pattern so far.

Yarn for both scarf and hat - Sutherland Stripe, Red Heart Super Saver.  I used an entire skein for the scarf, but length is always up to you.  

. . .another lap afghan on the hook to eventually donate.  I donated to two places last winter, but I am getting concerned about not getting a response back from one location this winter.  I will have to make a few phone calls.  Colors are from Red Heart yarn, soft white, petal pink, and Lt. raspberry.

I have a lot of pink yarn right now.  Some of the brighter ones were for crocheting nail polish Christmas ornaments, but the rest I purchased to make Mom a blanket using the first pattern on this post.  I never got the chance to even start one, so I may be doing more lap afghans.  I guess we'll see.

. . .another larger ripple blanket on the hooks.  I'm using up some leftover yarn from my daughter's cardigan, and some from the last blanket and craft show items.  I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the color combination, but it's on the hook.  By the way, I bought the yarn for the cardigan years ago, based on their suggestion of how much for the size I crocheted.  I have more leftover, so I hope this blanket uses it up and looks good.  I'll be back to update, and share the colors I used.

I have a feeling this blanket will continue into next winter.  I am really working hard on our winter project list right now, so my handiwork time is limited for now.

. . .what would you use leftover cotton scrap yarn for?  The only thing(s) I can think of, are random cup/mug coasters and face scrubbies.  I may contact the school to see if the art teacher can use it.  The leftover balls are too small for rug making.  I don't think there is enough yarn on the balls to make lip balm holders either.

I dug out my journal, so I can make written records on what colors I used for certain projects, and to note patterns, hook size etc.

There are more projects on the hooks, but I was too lazy to go photograph them.  I really need to get the doily finished.  It's been a year now, but it's smaller stitches.  I just need to get in the mood to work on it.

. . . from the handiwork journal  © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

A Warm Up

 

Although they say we'll dip to a low of 5°F tonight, yesterday the sun was out all day and the icicles started to melt.  What a joy that was to see.   I knocked them down over the door to avoid any falling on us.  The warm up is approaching thankfully.  I am prepared for a big muddy mess, but so glad to be moving out of the cold spell.

I had a lot of indoor house chores, and after doing laundry all day, I pulled the rug from the washer only to notice water on the floor.  Yep.  Guess what my husband is doing today?  Ha ha ha!  Fixing the softener line that runs into the water lines behind the utility room sink.  Water is shut off, so thankfully I had jugs of water to make coffee this morning.

Speaking of rugs, the rug at my master bath shower is a rag rug, crocheted from old bedding.  I do think it's time to make a new one, but time will tell.  I was exhausted from housework, but at least that is done and will free up time this weekend.  We need to tackle fixing the wood splitter too.  

Mail is running very slow in our parts.  There has been times when we are not getting anything for 3 days, which is very unusual.  We typically don't go one day without something (mostly junk mail), but I do worry about a late bill, so guess what I am doing today?  Writing down due dates and bill names on my handy dandy planner.  I pay them all online, so I can check my planner every day from now on.  

Oh, and speaking of late mail, the IRS said we didn't pay our taxes in 2020.  I typed up a letter, gave them the online bank confirmation number, sent them the interest they were charging us (which we should have had to pay).  Guess what they sent back?  Yep.  They interest.  Guess it was worth writing a letter with a real check vs. paying online this time.

Okay, sorry for the boring post.  I'm trying to get my husband to start this day.  I had to tell him about the mess in the utility room as he was literally walking in the door from work last night.  Hallway progress will depend on how long it takes to tackle today's repairs, and of course splitting some wood so we can turn off our expensive electric heat.

Hope Chest ~ Preparing Your Kids for Independent Life

I was asked to explain our daughter's Hope Chest.  I do not have an actual "chest" in which items go into, but they go into storage bins.

A Hope Chest simply refers to preparing your child for independent life.  To us, it doesn't mean simply "marriage" but independent life, and have a good start for it.

(not my photo)

There is actually a book written about the Hope Chest, and suggestions.  I used to own this book, but passed it on to a friend years ago.

We don't want our kids going broke, when it's time to leave the "nest" so I try to add to their stash quite often.  The first three to move out even had boxes of homemade Christmas ornaments for their own, first Christmas trees away from home.

(Made with scraps of cotton year leftover from knitting dishcloths and other items).

I recently added a scrap rug to our youngest's daughter's "Hope Chest" along with a few Christmas ornaments.  I also added a set of coffee cup coasters with a hand embroidered kitchen towel, and a new kitchen utensil.  

It's not limited to what you put in a child's hope chest, but most importantly useful and needed items.  I just add a few items to keep it fun and real, like the ornaments or other items.

Just for example (but not limited, let your mind be creative), here is a list of ideas to stock up and prepare your child for independent life:

-Bedding, handmade quilt, hand crocheted afghan

-Handmade washcloths and face scrubbies (I crochet)

-Handmade hot pads, dish towels (embroidered etc).  I hand crochet hot pads, XL pt holders.

-Handmade dishcloths, hand crocheted dish scrubbies (I knit and crochet them)

-kitchen items: salt/pepper shaker, butter dish, utensils, set of dishes, canister set

-basic bakeware/cookware

-handmade doilies, dresser and night stand covers

-handmade tablecloths

-recipe box, locally made or handmade

-cookbook with family recipes, including homemade cleaner recipes like homemade laundry soap, foaming hand soap, grout cleaner, and homemade "lysol" wipes.  Our youngest is the only one to have a "family" cookbook, but I get messages from the older ones for family recipes often.  Include easier recipes for homemade dry mixes like taco mix, italian, seasoned salt, homemade hot cocoa, homemade butters (honey-cinnamon, cranberry etc.,) Recipes for herb infused cooking oils, spreadable butter etc.

-books on growing indoor/outdoor herbs, veggies etc.


When they get older gift them a dehydrator with a recipe book, and homemade useful, frugal recipes.


Our daughter already has quite a bit, aside from the bedding.  She has entire set of 7 hand embroidered "cat" kitchen towels and many other items.  

I often look for unique items while out at the thrift stores, but more-so at antique stores (butter dishes, measuring cups, measuring spoons, spoon rest, etc.).

Store items in a chest (thrift stores often have them), or storage bins.  A hope chest is not limited to your own children either.  It could be a grand child, God child etc.

I hope you enjoyed my post today.  I just try to add a personal touch to most of what we put in Youngest Daughter's Hope chest.

I remember when our oldest daughter set up in her first apt. by herself.  She sent me photos of everything I had made, and was so proud of her new "home."  Even the smallest item can make a difference.

Mug Rug for the Football Fanatic ~ Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

The pattern is really for a place-mat, but I call it a mug/snack rug for a football fan.  I just finished one for a Christmas present for hubby.  These look pretty nice when they are finished.

The pattern can be found at

On the Hooks ~ Frost Warning (again) ~ Spearmint Seeds Inquiry

Crocheting a rag rug.  This project is on hold for now.  I am having to use all my spare sheets and pillow cases to cover my asparagus, rhubarb, etc.  We had another freeze/frost warning.  Once the cold wave passes, I'll make more strips of old sheets to finish this rug.

Knitting a dishcloth in red/white and blue.

A set of pot holders.  Sorry for the bad photo.

Off the hook. . .

A new dishcloth pattern.  I learned the waffle stitch this year, which is very easy to do.  I however, feel this is way too thick for a dishcloth.  It also uses twice the amount of yarn than a regular crocheted dishcloth.  It's going in my stash of cleaning cloths and will be used for that.

I dug out my tatting, but haven't yet got back to it to see if I even remember how to do it.  Could be fun.  Who knows.

Does anyone have extra organic spearmint seeds?  My potted plant died and I cannot get the seeds from High Mowing, Territorial, Baker Creek, Sow True,  PineTree or Strictly Medicinal Seeds.  A packet costs about $3 so I can barter as well.

Organizing and Getting Projects Finished

I am working my way through my craft supplies, and finally started a set of flour sack towels for my 9 year-old's hope chest.  I just found out that my 12 year-old wants the same ones, but with black and gray cats.   These particular ones, will have orange cats, to match her own cat, Tiger.

Tiger, as a baby.

I also crocheted a bath rug, from 3 skeins of thick macrame yarn.  I purchased them at a Goodwill many years ago,and had not done anything with them.  

This was a bit of a challenge.  This type of yarn frays and I had to knot each end, and then weave the ends in.  Either way, I made a useful bath rug, and used supplies I already had. 

More projects to finish yet.  I also taught my 9 year-old to sew a button on, and to hand sew.  Now, all she talks about, is when we are going to rent the cabin again, and sit in our "rockers and sew." Ha ha ha!  She is such a "mini-me" through and through.  Now she wants to learn to do embroidery.

Rag Rugs and Cleaning

"Honey did the closet swallow you up?" inquired my husband this morning.

Yes I got swallowed up and chewed up and spit out. However, now we can actually see the floor in there! Ha ha ha! Although there is not enough room for all my craft supplies, I have organized, decluttered and found two purses with stuff in them. One of them has a chewed up strap from a naughty dog.

I've even cut an old pillow case into strips to sew together for another rag rug, put those absolutely wonderful 3M hooks everywhere to get stuff off the floor (like my boxing gloves), and vacuumed up 2 hairy wolf spiders.

Amazingly, I will still have time to finish a second pair of crocheted slippers, close out my on-line pampered chef party, get some writing done, and make dinner. I'm taking advantage of this wonderful rainy day.

Before the snow arrives, I will have rolls of cut rags all ready for a winter rug project. I'll have handmade presents to share and bless with, and I'll be rested knowing that all the Christmas ornaments are made and in their assigned boxes.

Finishing up Summer Projects

It sure feels great to finish a few projects this summer. I finally finished the crocheted t-shirt rag rug for my SCRAP Web site. I love the rug and it's perfect for our simple country bathroom. I can't wait to start one made of recycled cotton sheets.

Our oldest earned his driver's license this morning so that is one more thing to check off the summer to-do list. Hooray to him!

I working on another recycling article for the Scrap Web site and creating more Christmas ornaments. Things are looking pretty good.

From the Handiwork Journal . . .

 . . . I am up to about 52 feet on my braid of rags for my rag rug.  This was kind of forgotten about over summer and the holidays.  This project continues.

. . . still plugging away at knitting basket weave blocks for a blanket. 
 

. . . my 11 year-old daughter knitted her first bean bag.  She still needs practice, but she continues to learn.

 You may also like to read this post:  Crocheted Rag Rug

 

Backyard Camping

This is the lean-to or "wall tent" the kids made last year.

We washed up some rugs, aprons, towels, tablecloths and sheets.