Pioneer Woman at Heart

Finished this Christmas book and matching book blanket granny square.  It's about the 6th of 16-18 books of a box I bought at an antique store very early in the year.  I'll attach it to the blanket soon. Two of the kiddos who received the 24 day advent gift bags, have been in touch, and so far have really enjoyed them (and found it fun and love the "useable" theme I tried to adhere to).  One kiddo I have not heard one iota from.  Not even a thank you.  One loved the hand crocheted dust cloth (as it is reusable and saves them money), while one was ecstatic about the tiny sample jam jars we included.   The Christmas Spice Extract I "brewed" up was ready to strain and bottle.  Just a few lucky ones will be receiving it to try this Christmas season.  I was able to bottle this up early December, but have not tried it yet. The had-it-on-the-plan, but did not happen.  Yet. Homemade Seasoned Salt for another quick and easy gift idea. My Mom loved th...

Even though Hubby didn't want to exchange gifts, I took advantage of a 50% off sale and got him some joggers for the gym, a new pair of slippers with rubber soles (he wanted some to take the dog out), and half price snow boots.   He hasn't had a pair for a few years.  I got them half off and another $10 off that.  A very good deal.  I already gave him the snow boots.  All things he's needed, but never took the time to get himself. Hubby asked me to write up a list of things to get me. I told him "I have no idea."   Finished the double wrap infinity scarf.  It's ready for delivery.  She previously ordered the headband, and wanted a scarf to match. Finished Hubby's hat.  Got it wrapped too.  He has no idea.  I've been working on it while he's at work.  Very warm too.

Hopefully it's not to small of print for you to read.  Something neat for someone traveling.

Tuesday started out just gorgeous.  Caught these photos after seeing it going out to fetch firewood.  Just makes a person smile.   BBQ pork chops went into crock pot yesterday.  We had leftover wild rice, and it was a perfect match.  The sauce is home canned, with added fresh onion, green pepper etc.  Yum.  Recipe is in the cookbook, "Fix it and Forget it."  Although I think it's called "Spicy" not BBQ in the book. Now if you just read the blogpost title and wondered (hiccup) if I indulged (hiccup) in that bourbon or (hiccup) not .  .  .   . . . Cherry-Bourbon BBQ Sauce was canned. Recipe is a "pile to file" keeper recipe.  I've had this on my list for over a year now.  It's from "The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving @ 2016."   And you bet I tasted it right away.  Yum!    I would recommend it for gift giving for any occasion too.  You can use it on meat, f...

We seem to have a situation in the chicken coop.  On October 21st of 2013, this is what we got from the coop:

I wanted to send Daughter some good coffee, and finally found a way to do it.  The first thing that came to mind was a "Coffee Tea Bag" but they are really Coffee bags.  After I made these.  .  . 

Woke up to fog.  And cold.  I left windows open all night due to the warm weather.  We woke up to a pretty cold house.  Brr.  The kids have a 2 hour delay today, so I actually slept in for once.  

"Yikes! She caught me!" Jasper has been more skittish than before, ever since the propane "boom" we had.  He walks around looking startled by any little movement or noise.  I have such a hard time getting a photo of him. The other day, before the school bus arrived, I was able to snap this photograph.  He was actually playing until he saw me get down to his level and snap a few shots. Ha ha! As for today's weather here. . . . .

The pattern is real ly for a place-mat, but I call it a mug/snack rug for a foot ball fa n.  I just finished one for a Christmas present for hu bby.  These look pretty nice when they are finished. The pattern can be found at

I'm sharing some very special hankies that belonged to my mother.  I am not sure what I will do with them yet.  I know for one idea, I will be using them to decorate around the house and possibly take some camping.

I am reading the diaries from pioneer women who crossed the U.S. in the 1800's and it's been interesting and amazing.  Many women took extra needles and thread with them and traded with Indians for food.  Embroidery work, on hankies and other items were also given as gifts.  In my quest to embroider, learn more, and improve my skills, I have completed several projects.  Here are photos of my progress so far: Here is my first embroidery sampler (posted before)

The green one is a hot pad holder, very thick with a crab (reverse sc) stitch for edging.  The red is a dish cloth, and again very durable.  I used an on-line pattern, but used yarn I already had, and did not add the pansy flower as instructed in the original pattern. Dishcloth and Hot Pad Holder (register for free with sugar n' cream yarns to download free pattern)

I just finished another Christmas present.  I made this nice warm wrap for my 14 year-old using a pattern on-line .  One more gift done!

Here is another finished crocheted Christmas gift.  This is a men's hat and scarf.  I used up leftover yarn from a blanket, yarn from a friend and leftover yarn from crocheting wrist warmers last winter.  Here's the pattern I used:

With leftover yarn from a blanket and leftover yarn from a scarf I made last year, I made my 8 year old this poncho.  It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be, but she's tall, so she can wear it for a few years.

Here is a pattern I am using for my 8  year-old's poncho.  I am using leftover yarn from two different projects.  I will make 2 rectangle pieces and sew them together, creating a diamond shaped neck hole.

I was probably the only one in my county that put laundry out to dry while it was snowing.   It proved to be worth it.  The wind kicked up, and the sun came out.  Everything dried. On another note, I finished a crocheted shawl for my 16 year-old for Christmas, using the 1/2 dc stitch.  Then today I made this "poncho" for my 11 year old with a rose colored yarn that would look great over a white turtle neck sweater.  Apologies in advance for the poor lighting in my house when I took this photo. I did not use the yarn that the pattern called for, but used yarn a friend gave me.  It worked pretty well and I'm happy with the final poncho.  Here's the pattern I went by:  Posh Poncho.

I found a super simple pattern on the Internet for these cute wrist warmers.  They are actually called fingerless mittens on the pattern.  I plan to make more sets with the yarn left over from making slippers.  If I can locate the exact link to the pattern, I will add it to this post.  I think I will make longer ones for the older girls. 

I found this wonderful link to many free bead projects. All of the instructions include a skill level and there are many ideas for Christmas gifts you can make yourself.

(Size 9 x 9 inch, above) (Size 10 x 10 inch, above) (Size 8 x 8 inch, above)