"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

If you give me scrap crochet thread

I have him-hawed over this scrap (leftover from another project) #3 cotton crochet thread.  I almost donated it to an area store that actually sells scrap balls of yarns.  I did not.  I let it sit around for almost 6 months, ha ha!

I tackled one of the leftover threads.  I have no idea how it even solidified in my brain, but a series of events made it happen.  

First, I was scrolling on my phone while out and about, and the husband was driving  (not a usual event for me to scroll facebook).  I wasn't looking at anything in particular, but a crochet pattern popped up, I screen shot it, and weeks later, it all came together.





I found free bookmark printables in black and white, and printed a sheet of them to tuck and package the hand crocheted bookmark.


I had this much left.  This thread made 3 more flowers for 3 more bookmarks.


 I used the last bit to tie a bow onto the finished, packaged surprise gift. Nothing wasted.


I gave a bunch of books (12 books and 1 puzzle) to one of our daughters (my finished load off my home bookshelf), and gifted her the bookmark to go with them.  I absolutely love the finished bookmark, and loved the end packaging result too.  The free printable was a bonus bookmark.  I will be looking to see if I have more scrap thread to make a few more for surprise gifts to make someone's day (just because).  If you crochet, it literally takes less than 10 minutes to make one.

note:  original pattern uses worsted weight yarn and an H hook.

Free Pattern can be found online:  Daisy Cottage Designs
Free bookmark printables are also online:  Printabulls.com

Monday, April 28, 2025

A Year of First Times ~ Surprise Weekend Visit

 I got the chance to go on a new outing, and with a surprise outing with one of the kids.   I was over joyed to get out of the house and do something fun.  It really has been a year for "first" times for so many things, and it is bringing me (us) pure joy, adventures, and fulfillment.  Big or small.

First, I received gifts!  A bag, new Spring bathrobe, garden gloves and a coffee mug.





The garden gloves are touch screen, so I can keep them on to use my cell phone if needed.  They work too!  Fit great! Love them!

Oh, and here is the "first time" part of the special day. . .we went to a coffee shop that we have never been too (first visit).  It's been open for many a year or so.  It's small, quaint, and oh boy, sells used and new books (gulp!).  They also sell locally made crafted items as well.


I got to try hot and iced coffee flights for the first time ever!!  Oh my gosh, these were delightful.


My first ever blind date with a book.  I will have an update on this, when I read it.  How cool is this get up?

My new pen!





These were the teabags on each of our blind date books.  I got the mint and rose tea.

As long as the coffee shop continues to stay open, it will be a special place to enjoy in the future.  The coffee was spot on good.  The used books will definitely get me into trouble, as I have enough to read right now, ha ha!

We had so much fun, that we may plan another coffee adventure in the near future, and yes it will be another "first time" adventures.



A Year of First Times ~ Surprise Weekend Visit  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart