34 Weeks Until Christmas

 

I tried a new recipe this month already - a spin on the traditional green bean casserole, but I left out the "fried onions" it called for.  I used homemade mushroom soup as well.

Recipe is from Mennonite Girls Can Cook.  I adapted with organic ingredients, and of course, homemade condensed mushroom soup (it really is the best).

Results:  We love this casserole!!  Of course we had the delight of trying it with freshly picked, homegrown asparagus, so it will be on the meal rotation, as well as a welcome substitute casserole for the traditional green bean casserole at the holidays.

Note:  We both felt that 2 cups of asparagus were not enough.  I will be using more asparagus when we make this recipe again.  

If you saw my last Christmas countdown post, you read that I was making something handmade for the advent gifts next.

Here it is. . . 

I made a hand crocheted item to add to the advent gifts this Christmas - Dust cloths.  Yep.  I know they will be over joyed when they open them (not!), but they are useful, and the blanket yarn makes a very nice duster cloth.

I used Bernat Blanket Yarn, in the color Silver Steel.  The label suggests US 11 crochet hook or L.  I did not have either one, and did not want to buy a new hook, so I used an N crochet hook (I think it's a 10mm hook).

Yes, you can use the same yarn to crochet those duster cloths for the mop heads, and even the dust wands, but I kept it simple.

Here is how I crocheted mine (you can make then any size you want):

CH 15

SC in 2nd CH from hook, and SC in remaining (14)  I crochet into the back bump, so when I go to do the edging, it's more even, and looks better.  

Rows 2-15:  Turn CH 1, SC in each 

Do not cut yarn.  CH1, 3 SC in corner, and SC all around edging evenly, SL into last, cut yarn and sew in ends.  Mine were about 9 x 9 inches or so.

(you can do your corners how ever you like, I used 3 SC to round out the corners)

If you have scraps of different colored blanket yarns, you could make the edging a different color (to use up those scraps, or just make the duster cloth a different color).

I do not have Word on my computer any longer, and have yet to figure out Google Docs (on the plan to check that out, just haven't needed it).

I had some labels leftover from craft show days, so I printed off some Avery labels, cut some card stock to wrap around the folded dust cloths, added the labels, and taped them on the back side.

                

All ready to be wrapped up.  Maybe it will entice them to clean house before the holidays, ha ha!  Either way, they are getting something handmade and useful.

The dust cloths are not just for gifting.  They are an inexpensive way to make your own (if you have the yarn).  If you crochet, and want to make some, the blanket yarn is about $3 less expensive at your Wal-mart.  Unless you can find it online for less than that, or get it free from a friend who just wants to get rid of some.

34 Weeks Until Christmas  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart