tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39064894216968974872024-02-18T21:32:28.364-05:00Mini- HomesteadApartment HomesteadingLorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-9315082306402290642011-11-11T10:49:00.001-05:002011-11-11T10:50:48.268-05:00A New (Blog) HomeI've moved the blog to <a href="https://minihearthstead.wordpress.com/">Mini-Hearthstead</a>. All the archives will be moved there over time, and this site deleted, so please update your bookmarks. All new posts are at the new site.<br />
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Thank you!Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-42504048334074003502011-10-02T11:20:00.001-04:002011-10-02T11:20:14.398-04:00Independance Day Challenge, 2 October 2011The past week or two I've been focusing on getting the house neatened up - back to where 'clean' is easy to maintain & piles don't breed when I blink. Yule is coming, school has started, and the days are getting shorter. Everyone is enjoying the fall & winter recipes I've started making again. Next up, getting warmer clothes out. All I have right now is shorts!<br />
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1. Gardening: Nothing, just keeping things watered.<br />
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2. Waste not (preparations): nothing.<br />
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3. Want not (manage your stores): Refreshing my stash in Ravelry, so that I can use it as a reminder of what I have & where. Applying a bit more logic to storage locations as I go, and frogging projects I know I'll never finish.<br />
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4. Build community: Met a new neighbor.<br />
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5. Eat the food: I'm actually planning meals lately - always a challenge for me. I found a recipe for the ground elk so one day soon we'll have elk meatball sandwiches. Part of the focus has been to eat out the fridge/freezer - both are extremely full. I want to make pumpkin pie, and can't, because there's no room in the fridge for it! Three people can't eat the entire pie in one sitting, after all.<br />
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6. Crafting: Did a few stash-busting projects, and will restart another hibernating project here shortly.<br />
<br />Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-37372621415993418802011-09-18T22:27:00.000-04:002011-09-18T22:27:18.096-04:00Independance Day Update - 18 Sept. 2011It's been a quiet weekend, rainy and pleasant. I've caught up on some of my reading as I wait for new books to come in. Fall is sneaking in slowly, and I'm starting to pull out clothes and linens for the cooler weather. Mostly because I want to; 60-70'f isn't really <i>cold</i> except that it's cooling off from 90'f and it's damp. And I really <i>want</i> it to be closer to 50'f. Yes, my favorite seasons are fall and winter.<br />
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1. Gardening: Checked the sweet potatoes on the balcony. The ones I've kind of ignored all year. All the originals are still edible, and I pulled a fingerling-sized new one. The rest are still in the pots to give them more time to grow. Still - SUCCESS! I can grow sweet potatoes on our shady balcony! With more attention, I should get a reasonable harvest next year.<br />
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2. Waste not (preparations): nada<br />
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3. Want not (manage your stores): zip<br />
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4. Build community: zilch<br />
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5. Eat the food: Shepherd's pie, apple pie, spaghetti. Nice warm favorite foods. Yum.<br />
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6. Crafting: Making Sweetie a basic-but-warm wool hat. He needs it in the rain/drizzle we've had the last couple of days.<br />
<br />Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-71317562540322645322011-09-05T13:29:00.003-04:002011-09-05T13:46:35.411-04:00Independence Day Challenge: 5 Sept. 2011It now looks like both Katia and Lee will miss us, which works for me! We are still ready, if a bit shorter on cat food. I'll get more end of this week.<br /><br />1. Gardening:<br />**Pulled up the tomatoes (all done, except the Sungold. VERY happy with that variety!) & bell peppers (all done). Pulled carrots, which really could have used more time in the ground but they had to be pulled per our schedule. The pink-eye peas are attempting to grow but the deer have other ideas.<br />**On the balcony, I bought some impatiens and planted them so there is something pretty to look at. They'll last till first frost, then I'll plant pansies and start planning for spring. The sweet potatoes are still growing well and the herbs are thinking about forgiving me after this summer's neglect. They are <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> happy.<br /><br />2. Waste not (preparations):<br />**Scanning family photos and some documents onto the portable hard drive. In case of hurricane evacuation, we can grab the hard drive and the control journal and be able to reconstruct a lot of things. We'll still loose a lot, but at least we won't loose as much.<br />**We're working on re-assembling the Singer 66 I have - we had to break down the table; now we are working on replacing the destroyed parts and re-assembling it.<br />**Bikes have been assessed; we need fenders and possibly chain guards for winter (rainy season) riding. Also need to see about ponchos or other ways to keep the legs dry.<br /><br />3. Want not (manage your stores):Canned 18 pints of venison stew, using our carrots & onions. This gets the venison out of the freezer, where it laid in wait to fall on you as you opened the door. Also it used about half the carrots we harvested.<br /><br />4. Build community: giving a friend the info for a farmer that offers beef in bulk that's grass-finished.<br /><br />5. Eat the food: Yes. I've stayed on budget for food except what I spent on fast food; better planning on my end will take care of that. Hurricane season, and that last close call, are giving me incentive to eat out of the freezer. Tomorrow, venison roast in the crock pot =) Leftover will revisit as a potpie. I miss fall & winter's foods; can someone get the weather to cooperate?<br /><br />6. Crafting: Spinning my Icelandic fleece, and today I'm washing the fleece I bought last month. I'm still working on the Dragon stocking when I get larger chunks of time.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-21945668251789768222011-08-30T18:23:00.003-04:002011-08-30T19:20:08.163-04:00Independance Day - 30 August 2011Hurricane Irene went past us on Saturday. We didn't even lose power. Why would it? We were prepared =) Which is just as well, since Katia might visit next week.
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<br />Many of my neighbors seem to think that electricity, either from the grid or from their generator, is a requirement. Our plan of attack is to live without electric, and so we use oil lamps instead of flashlights, solar-heated camp showers, and a camp stove for cooking. Also, we have the setup items for a sawdust toilet, which saves some water. You could also use the water from washing dishes or laundry to flush.
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<br />I'm modifying my version of this checklist again - I do so little gardening that I'm changing it to one item rather than 3. So far, the nice shady patio seems to do best growing leaves & sweet potatoes.
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<br />1. Gardening: Cleaned up the balcony, removed dead plants, starting thinking about what to plant over the winter.
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<br />2. Waste not (preparations): Bought more lamp oil, more Coleman fuel, and another oil lamp. The new lamp leaks so I will be exchanging it, but otherwise we're quite happy with it. We are staying prepared for hurricanes for the rest of the season.
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<br />3. Want not (manage your stores): Water: We have 9 days of water, and I may get more. The store-bought water is kept until about 6 months before its expiration and then we drink it and buy fresh. So far, this is all fresh. I'd like to make up some camping-type foods, as well, that I can have ready if we do lose power for a few days.
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<br />4. Build community: Nothing. I hibernated, as a rest from (comparatively) large amounts of seeing the very large extended family.
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<br />5. Eat the food: Yes. I can't remember what I've cooked most times, but we are eating out of the pantry!
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<br />6. Crafting: I re-started a cross-stitch project - a dragon stocking. Can we hope it's done this year?
<br />Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-18418391553160438932011-08-13T14:04:00.002-04:002011-08-13T14:13:50.127-04:00Independance Day Challenge 13 August 2011I haven't been posting as regularly for a small host of reasons. I've made two trips to New England this summer, the car died and hasn't yet been replaced, and I feel like I've gone full-tilt for two months now. Today is a rest day, so I'm puttering about doing various things in between bouts of computer games. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
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<br />1. Plant something: Nothing. Lack of access to garden: 10 miles = 1 hour by bus.
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<br />2. Harvest something: A bit of tomatoes and bell peppers. The tomatoes are nearly done, same with the cucumbers. We won't grow cantaloupe again unless it's in the backyard - we've grown it, just to remove all the overripe ones! We just couldn't harvest them in a timely manner. The pink-eye peas are doing very well with the neglect they're getting, though.
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<br />3. Preserved something: I can't remember when we made things, but we made sweet relish, and I'm aiming for more pickles and to dry sweet bells and tomato paste today.
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<br />4. Waste not (preparations): Getting in better shape by riding my bike. Also, up north I found a food mill with 3 sieve-pieces for $18 and an older enamel tea kettle, that I brought home.
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<br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Does catching up on cleaning count?
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<br />6. Build community: nothing.
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<br />7. Eat the food: Enjoying venison given to us by a friend.
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<br />8. Crafting: Almost done spinning singles with the SeaGlass fiber I bought in New Hampshire last year, and getting closer to done with spinning singles with the Icelandic as well. I am attempting to work on my lace gloves but the are a challenge! Also, I'm crocheting seat pads for our kitchen chairs. It's a brainless project, which is nice.
<br />Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-11152531100159888952011-08-01T19:14:00.003-04:002011-08-01T19:21:00.827-04:00Independance Day Challenge 1 August 2011Our garden doesn't look like much right now, with half of it ripped out and the rest looking tired! We need to see about getting some fall plants started soon.<br /><br />1. Plant something: pink-eye peas. Prepped a few more areas for the next round, as well.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: cantaloupe, cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, last of the green beans, chard, first of the carrots.<br /><br />3. Preserved something: Canned up some tomatoes - 4 pints diced, 2 pints of 'tomato drippings' to use in winter broths.<br /><br />4. Waste not (preparations): Not sure if this falls here, but for a while our main mode of transportation will be bicycles & the bus. Interesting to get groceries this way =)<br /><br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Better organization (an ongoing challenge!)<br /><br />6. Build community: I talked to someone about canning food while at the grocery store - she seems more willing to try it now, said it doesn't sound as hard as she thought. Yay!<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Homemade lo mein with fresh veggies from the garden (peppers, chard, green beans, carrots). Snacking on cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and cabbage stored in the fridge since harvest (still good as new)<br /><br />8. Crafting: Working on the Twin-Leaf gloves; had to restart them in a yarn better suited to the pattern.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-55696388317284765132011-07-20T22:08:00.000-04:002011-07-20T22:08:00.304-04:00Catching up<span>I'm back! Sorry about the long break;</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>I knew I'd be gone a few days over the holiday to visit family but wasn't expecting to get swamped when I got back.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1. Plant something:</span> Nothing recently.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Harvest something:</span> Zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, green beans, cucumbers, Tangerine tomatoes, Sungold cherry tomatoes, beets, turnips & swiss chard.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Preserved something</span>: Dried green beans, sweet bell peppers, zucchini and squash chips. Canned 24 pints yellow squash. More is waiting to be done, we just need time! We did get 4 more trays of pint jars because we were out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Waste not (preparations):</span> nothing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Want not (manage your stores): </span>Looking for bare spots so we know what we should put up for winter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Build community:</span> Talking with others at the community garden.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Eat the food: </span>Yellow squash. Endless snackings of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Green beans.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Crafting:</span> The 'Cold Shoulders' shawl is pretty much done; I just need to add the button to close it with. I've re-started my Twin Leaf fingerless gloves in a different yarn that is better suited to the pattern.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-61253615006426557232011-06-27T20:09:00.004-04:002011-06-27T22:24:00.831-04:00The Zucchini Bat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_Ut9FwpGgDRXQMHdKUQakmpwGOWQx0xsRCRvhxL6DLII8BH43z9BENB5W9Ca8o4iBV5FKbVBn9o_MrGz9_KqpQ6gYMHbvyvcIgJyoC-Wo9wR-mfQwBvsPLHbt5MlRuXOkZB8Yddhsu8/s1600/zucchini-bat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_Ut9FwpGgDRXQMHdKUQakmpwGOWQx0xsRCRvhxL6DLII8BH43z9BENB5W9Ca8o4iBV5FKbVBn9o_MrGz9_KqpQ6gYMHbvyvcIgJyoC-Wo9wR-mfQwBvsPLHbt5MlRuXOkZB8Yddhsu8/s320/zucchini-bat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623088203673495490" border="0" /></a>This is what happens when you don't keep up with them. We were there last Thursday; then the car broke down and we didn't get there again until tonight. The 16-inch-long, 3 1/2lb 'bat' was the same size as the smaller one 5 days ago. These are off the same plant.<br /><br />Also, just for fun I've added a page called "<a href="http://minihomestead.blogspot.com/p/harvest-2011.html">Harvest 2011</a>." I'm keeping track of the harvest, plus the prices (commercial and organic) with a running total at the top. It's interesting to see the numbers, and know we'll benefit all year from the garden. Anything not eaten fresh will be put up for winter - that's why we have a 40-foot row of tomatoes!Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-42287253873049245432011-06-24T19:18:00.001-04:002011-06-24T19:18:00.863-04:00Harvest NoteOur garden is just getting started with production. We've lost a few tomatoes to worms, and had a few things not come up. There are still bare spots in there. I didn't pay for all of the seeds and seedlings, but we have put $100 or so into the garden for trellising, mulch, and the like.<br /><br />Today, I decided to weigh our current harvest - what we haven't eaten yet, and harvested this week. I'm also listing what these items cost locally. Our food is organic; prices listed are commercially grown and then Organic.<br /><ul><li>2 heads Cabbage (3lbs):</li><ul><li>$.69/lb = $2.07 </li><li>Organic:$1.69/lb = $5.07</li></ul></ul><ul><li>14 oz Turnip Greens:<br /></li><ul><li>$.99/lb = $0.86 <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Organic not available</span></li></ul></ul><ul><li>7lb 14oz Yellow Squash:<br /></li><ul><li>$1.99/lb = $15.67<br /></li><li>Organic: $2.99/lb= $23.55</li></ul></ul><ul><li>3lb Zucchini:<br /></li><ul><li>$1.99/lb = $5.97<br /></li><li>Organic:$3.50/lb = $10.50</li></ul></ul><ul><li>9 Cucumbers (5 3/4lb):<br /></li><ul><li>$.79 each = $7.11<br /></li><li>Organic: $1.69 each = $15.21</li></ul></ul><ul><li>12 oz Tomatoes:<br /></li><ul><li>$2.99/lb = $2.25.<br /></li><li>Organic: $4.99/lb = $3.75</li></ul></ul><ul><li>11oz SunGold cherry tomatoes:<br /></li><ul><li>$.30/oz = $3.30 <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Organic not available</span></li></ul></ul><br />Total Commercial Value= $37.23<br /><br />Total Organic Value = $58.08, not including cherry tomatoes and turnip greens.<br /><br />Looking at the price ratios (commercial vs. organic), it looks like Organic cherry tomatoes would be $.49/oz, so $4.90 for our harvest. Turnip greens tend to run half the price of collard greens, which they do offer organic, so half that price would be $1.25/lb = $1.09, bringing the total for Organics to $64.07.<br /><br />$64 in food, plus what we've already eaten. And we're just getting started. Nice!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Prices for this post came from the online section of Harris Teeter stores in Virginia.</span>Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-87026132099924966402011-06-23T22:20:00.001-04:002011-06-23T22:20:00.356-04:00Ripping a Seam - Skirt ModificationI made a skirt following <a href="http://www.fabrics-store.com/blog/2010/05/06/wrapped-up-how-to-sew-a-linen-skirt/">these instructions </a>- mostly. Instead of linen, I used cotton eyelet fabric with a lining of plain white cotton (since you could see through the eyelet, even where it was solid!). So instead of flipping the waistband over to form the channel for the ribbon tie, I sewed the plain cotton to the eyelet (front sides together), flipped the plain cotton to the inside of the skirt, and added two small grommet holes for the ribbon to come through. I then sewed the two layers together again about an inch below the first seam, forming the ribbon channel.<br /><br />This all worked great, till I put it on.<br /><br />I take long strides. Too long for the way I had made the skirt. So, I need to add a slit to the back of the skirt, where the seam in the 'tube' is. That's what I'm showing here.<br /><hr />1. Decide how long you want the slit to be. I made mine about 6 inches long. Using a fabric pencil or tailor's chalk to mark the length on the fabric. Don't worry, it will wash out.<br /><br />2. Rip out the existing seam up to the mark you made. You'll need a seam ripper - they are inexpensive, and are sold at any fabric store.<br />Use the seam ripper to pick out one or two stitches, then pull them apart with your fingers. After about a half-inch to an inch is loose, you should be able to see the stitches much better and can use the seam ripper to pull them out easily. Be careful not to rip the fabric! In this picture, you can see two stitches on the seam ripper, one right behind the red knob.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g3MyVk9yQglflBEBJKCa32uYZdV2Ba1cZg9plq9_2smsE7GWE-o4BRsGM_Dm83PWo4NtMSd_OyVRudcS4lfB6jRp3lJVwYfcqype1yBUEulfDXLrIEEzKzgo_tKYQN6cokvh2Hy21Dg/s1600/Ripping-Seam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g3MyVk9yQglflBEBJKCa32uYZdV2Ba1cZg9plq9_2smsE7GWE-o4BRsGM_Dm83PWo4NtMSd_OyVRudcS4lfB6jRp3lJVwYfcqype1yBUEulfDXLrIEEzKzgo_tKYQN6cokvh2Hy21Dg/s320/Ripping-Seam.jpg" alt="Ripping the Seam" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621601917259370594" border="0" /></a><br />2. Iron out the wrinkles and folds.<br /><br />3. Iron <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span> the folds that you want. This will make hemming easier.<br /><ul><li>Fold once, 1/4" to 1/8" towards the wrong side of the fabric. Iron.</li><li>Fold again, the same way. Iron.</li></ul>4. Re-enforce the end of the seam you just ripped open, so that it won't rip farther. I did this by sewing over the last half an inch, turning the fabric, and re-sewing what I'd just gone over. I made sure to lock the stitches both where I started and when I finished.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Lock stitches</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>by sewing 3 or 4 stitches, and (1)sewing backwards over them, and then sewing forward again; or (2) lifting the pressure foot and moving the fabric so the needle is once again over the place you started sewing. Option 2 works on sewing machines that don't sew backwards, like mine.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Turn the fabric</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>by making sure the needle was through the fabric, lift the pressure foot, then turn the fabric and put the foot back down. Once the foot is back down you can start sewing again. This is great for sharp corners, as well.</li></ul>5. Hem the edges of the slit.<br /><ul><li>Looking at the wrong side of the fabric, hold the ironed folds so that they are flat on one side of the seam. Line this up with the sewing needle, starting at the bottom of the skirt, so that you're sewing towards the waist of the skirt.</li><li>Sew the hem in place, at the fold farther from the edge. You can see what I mean about the hem in the picture below.<br /></li><li>Don't forget to lock your stitches!<br /></li><li>Repeat on the other side.<br /></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMffw-bXMlLKmkgsoHpUUPI2IzIjUfTRRQSZY_64GWwDHfgAOKFfLzyeA0E3hgWvQJRjrZ82FPcNhShUahGhErYK55q3punVeURSY0SOyi1Jz9cL3H_Bbc_gv33lsy_cRfBbbdyU0kj24/s1600/Skirt-hemming.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMffw-bXMlLKmkgsoHpUUPI2IzIjUfTRRQSZY_64GWwDHfgAOKFfLzyeA0E3hgWvQJRjrZ82FPcNhShUahGhErYK55q3punVeURSY0SOyi1Jz9cL3H_Bbc_gv33lsy_cRfBbbdyU0kj24/s320/Skirt-hemming.jpg" alt="Sewing the Hem" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621601915292388610" border="0" /></a>Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-51005990397635399262011-06-21T19:18:00.004-04:002011-06-21T19:29:19.249-04:00Our Garden - Pictures!Photos from 6/20:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQr0eU4Q83Vj6hNp7iDgYKZ2FAhn7KR2qmqetCKZ6f6FRmgXTwya5v-HiET9L6UIWV6-HhbjE2TBYwvDbNsQAnTJ5gC8AZue4JryKmyIwLQt6mIlDqn-btzOOOAuL_CLcN2bH0OGsNPY/s1600/garden2-6.20.11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQr0eU4Q83Vj6hNp7iDgYKZ2FAhn7KR2qmqetCKZ6f6FRmgXTwya5v-HiET9L6UIWV6-HhbjE2TBYwvDbNsQAnTJ5gC8AZue4JryKmyIwLQt6mIlDqn-btzOOOAuL_CLcN2bH0OGsNPY/s320/garden2-6.20.11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620816784864955186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">South-east corner, above. Left to right: Chard, butternut squash on trellis, green beans, snacking tomatoes, onions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB8K_Fte1LrxuTYWBmD_98hWOHElvMQirbP2mm3NYjWewAmqARIGGLdQLVRuY0Dlj-AdetMev2ZSxXGTPYNtL7RCZmDbaw3z1L_b-pgr-evuHENIZEotbWRLA4FU6_twc3AG5179NQMo/s1600/garden1-6.20.11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB8K_Fte1LrxuTYWBmD_98hWOHElvMQirbP2mm3NYjWewAmqARIGGLdQLVRuY0Dlj-AdetMev2ZSxXGTPYNtL7RCZmDbaw3z1L_b-pgr-evuHENIZEotbWRLA4FU6_twc3AG5179NQMo/s320/garden1-6.20.11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620816776935456594" border="0" /></a>Northeast corner, above. Left to right: Tomatoes, onions, carrots behind the onions, cucumbers, cabbage behind them; fresh tilled spot with beets behind.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxjH05DLlHDPaXNBJeT-xbwneEeS3ZdKOvjimu0hnWJ-8IDGrmexd-y937TQXEYO4KiO89RdgLVoEOu8o0JJAaXcezwc1COAT-zYTIDuN33ZesHQt6fXw4zqRXQgruHIMqi3zUtuXWAo/s1600/garden3-6.20.11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxjH05DLlHDPaXNBJeT-xbwneEeS3ZdKOvjimu0hnWJ-8IDGrmexd-y937TQXEYO4KiO89RdgLVoEOu8o0JJAaXcezwc1COAT-zYTIDuN33ZesHQt6fXw4zqRXQgruHIMqi3zUtuXWAo/s320/garden3-6.20.11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620816785756025458" border="0" /></a><br />North-west corner, above. Left to right: Various peppers , a zucchini in between bare spots, a bare 1/3 row in front of the carrots, then the canning tomatoes.<br /><br />Snacking tomatoes - we have one each of Sungold, Tangerine, Sugar Baby, German Striped, and another red slicing tomato. These are just for eating fresh; the canning tomatoes are Big Bog to be pressure-canned this year. Everything is organic! The mulches are straw and wood chip; pine mulch is next. This is a learning year =)Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-50128272714609917082011-06-20T17:32:00.001-04:002011-06-20T17:32:00.117-04:00Chicken notesMy friend has chickens - two breeds right now: <a href="http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Rhode-Island-B97.aspx">Rhode Island Reds</a> and <a href="http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/delaware.html">Delawares</a>, as well as the <a href="http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/bourbon.html">Bourbon Red </a>turkeys. The links have nice information about the breeds but don't mention the sounds. Did you know the Rhode Island Reds cluck/chirp and almost sound like they're purring? While the Delawares squawk and are much louder! They're also twice as big.<br /><br />The turkeys - they make a bit of noise but to me it was no problem. And they gobble back at you, which is kinda fun =)<br /><br />I think they breed for white 'dark meat' on some birds - I've seen birds I know were pastured, and the 'dark meat' was as pale as the breasts. For those of us who <span style="font-style: italic;">like </span>dark meat - on the Delawares and the Bourbon Reds, it's a nice red color. <a href="http://minihomestead.blogspot.com/2010/11/turkey-tasting.html">See?</a> I don't know about the Rhode Island Reds, though.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-40382017904572574242011-06-19T12:09:00.003-04:002011-06-19T12:26:06.430-04:00Independance Days - 19 June 2011<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Plant something:</span> Put stalks of spearmint in a pot to root & start me a new plant - just have to keep it watered! The empty places in the garden are tilled and will be planted later in the week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Harvest something:</span> Zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, cucumbers, Tangerine tomatoes, Sungold cherry tomatoes, cabbage, baby turnips & greens.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Preserved something</span>: nothing left to preserve yet; we're eating it all!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Waste not (preparations):</span> nothing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Want not (manage your stores): </span>nothing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Build community:</span> Spent a day at farmer-friends, giving her a day off and learning from her. I know how to cure the onions, and how to tell if the cabbage is ready to harvest or not.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Eat the food: </span>Turnip greens, yellow squash. Eating a lot of melons right now but they're all from the store right. Sliced cucumbers are a favorite snack & we've gotten the first ones from the garden!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Crafting:</span> I finished the Gir hat, and started a 'Cold Shoulders' shawl. I also made lace-fabric fingerless gloves to go with daughter's formal gown, and lace-fabric 'sheers' for her window. No, she's not 'girly,' but black-and-red curtains always look nice =)Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-65428390176853078052011-06-06T17:27:00.000-04:002011-06-06T17:27:00.144-04:00Day of SurprisesSaturday was like Yule for me!<br /><br />I had a major find at the thrift store, of something I have been wanting, and it's even more helpful than I had hoped. According to various internet sources, it's an Accordion Sewing Box from the 1950's:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdWiL-a8O428mtpqBaMHLw6nUHxIu7M3knVN30-EBfRNubQ5QQg4nSuC3G5kRKwya-aqY-JIB7g3aJdxBCGExMkKdb0eHUxt3MM-u7VE_oEpUoUbvxSClgLOS3nPVE9gCezO9wcVjH28/s1600/Accordion-sewing-box-closed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdWiL-a8O428mtpqBaMHLw6nUHxIu7M3knVN30-EBfRNubQ5QQg4nSuC3G5kRKwya-aqY-JIB7g3aJdxBCGExMkKdb0eHUxt3MM-u7VE_oEpUoUbvxSClgLOS3nPVE9gCezO9wcVjH28/s320/Accordion-sewing-box-closed.jpg" alt="1950's Accordion Sewing Box, Closed" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614851330747990114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBBVnLmFjJeNZe5qK7udlBdIdGYghS1y6_95F628s0cMVu9X3Ar9XYNQHd1tMzHh8WPOHfumZEh_ZYEV1Nm75RmY8oyNGuiQjWlSL6lv9z882wn_qPKl2DVJu8gjq83sYc0NjVLW0KmI/s1600/Accordion-Sewing-Box-Open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBBVnLmFjJeNZe5qK7udlBdIdGYghS1y6_95F628s0cMVu9X3Ar9XYNQHd1tMzHh8WPOHfumZEh_ZYEV1Nm75RmY8oyNGuiQjWlSL6lv9z882wn_qPKl2DVJu8gjq83sYc0NjVLW0KmI/s320/Accordion-Sewing-Box-Open.jpg" alt="1950's Accordion Sewing Box, Open" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614851334891804178" border="0" /></a><br />All we need to do is replace the 'pull handles' it used to have on the side. We've already bought brass drawer handles for it.<br /><br />Also, my <a href="http://www.bluemountainhandcrafts.com/index.html">Blue Mountain </a>handcards came in the mail today:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI97Tkk0NIshk7PfSEhnf0vmCSIQe8xzFsnU9Hz8vaMP6vjnTWJz3hRgyRXn81lFpQpYIgVuaX1FxWHul6apLfhmqVjjHvlKGWualPzC2E55AYdtd5loXg9ygZgYYr_mq83_EB18SSvQ/s1600/BlueMountainCombs-2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI97Tkk0NIshk7PfSEhnf0vmCSIQe8xzFsnU9Hz8vaMP6vjnTWJz3hRgyRXn81lFpQpYIgVuaX1FxWHul6apLfhmqVjjHvlKGWualPzC2E55AYdtd5loXg9ygZgYYr_mq83_EB18SSvQ/s320/BlueMountainCombs-2011.jpg" alt="Blue Mountain Fiber Combs" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614851341188175682" border="0" /></a>Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-66985440271844570272011-06-05T15:59:00.004-04:002011-06-05T17:27:01.895-04:00Independance Day - 5 June 2010Just a quick update today - we've got a day full of thunderstorms and much-needed rain. Nice soaking rain in there with the downpours, which is good. We did get more wood mulch for the garden, plus the trellises we need. They'd be put in today, but it was raining at dawn, so we'll do that as soon as the weather lets us!<br /><br />1. Plant something: Nothing this week.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: Endive. Note to self: deal with freshly harvested food THAT NIGHT. Do not allow to rot on kitchen counter.<br /><br />3. Preserved something: Nothing this week.<br /><br />4. Waste not (preparations): Nothing this week.<br /><br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Better organization of house. I cleaned <span style="font-style: italic;">all the things</span> on Saturday - enough that I had sore muscles afterwards!<br /><br />6. Build community: nothing.<br /><br />7. Eat the food: yes =) Nothing special, no new foods/recipes.<br /><br />8. Crafting: Lots of sewing, working on Grr hat. I'm on my last two started-and-stalled sewing projects!Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-91363365762050078542011-05-22T11:38:00.003-04:002011-05-22T11:53:47.122-04:00Indepedance Days - 22 May 2011The garden is well-started. We need to put up the trellising for the squashes & cucumbers, and when the plants are tall enough we'll get another bale of straw for mulch. It comes with wheat seeds, but the weeds (wheat seedlings) will at least be easier to pull from damp ground, and since we're still hauling our water up there it's worth it to shade the soil and keep the moisture longer. We're still under moderate drought here, according to the <a href="http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html">US Drought Monitor</a>.<br /><br />I've also been focusing on the house. I've felt for awhile that it was getting out of control - drifts of stuff piling up in corners or around furniture. It's aggravating for me when it does this, so I've been going through, straightening up and putting things away. Almost nothing ever gets put back exactly where it came from, so when I dust (by moving the items and wiping down the shelf) it's amazing how much less goes back on the shelf and how much neater things are. And I've made some good progress on piles that had to be dealt with rather than put away. Very satisfying to accomplish this.<br /><br />1. Plant something: I don't think we planted anything this week, actually. I need to check the garden and see what we have left for room to plant more.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: The turnip thinnings.<br /><br />3. Preserved something: Just the strawberries, so far.<br /><br />4. Waste not (preparations): Nothing this week.<br /><br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Organizing the pantry and just the house in general.<br /><br />6. Build community: Finding & buying from the local lady with the strawberries.<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Turnip greens. Ponsett -yes, everyone else spells in <a href="http://www.filipinofoodrecipes.net/pansit_bihon.htm">pancit</a>, and you can use really really thin rice noodles from the Asian section of the store. Yummy & very easy.<br /><br />8. Crafting: Sewing - I've done half the sewing pile I had, and finished all the pillowcases. Lots of this stuff has essentially been sewing seams where needed.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-26708210601516860272011-05-20T20:53:00.000-04:002011-05-20T20:53:00.526-04:00Getting the Garden StartedNote: Original post was attempted on April 18. I wanted to add pictures. I <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> got the pictures in the computer. Please forgive the delay, and enjoy the post, yes?<br /><br />We're starting with this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRUK9srpkf89mK1AwnLvPZuaZctvyMe7uNA2sSBQZILmWsTWl01_sb9kIPD-1KiMgEVQU-7oeHMAiCm7ShRzeGVQEWwpBaEF9nhd2WcghS26XtsmVZRgFv-fPvwzLIiAC01yWzCkwPGg/s1600/2011.4.14-BlankSlate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRUK9srpkf89mK1AwnLvPZuaZctvyMe7uNA2sSBQZILmWsTWl01_sb9kIPD-1KiMgEVQU-7oeHMAiCm7ShRzeGVQEWwpBaEF9nhd2WcghS26XtsmVZRgFv-fPvwzLIiAC01yWzCkwPGg/s320/2011.4.14-BlankSlate.jpg" alt="Blank Slate" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608628905837976082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first day, we went out and edged the plot, raked it well, and removed any weeds or roots we found. The second day, we weeded and then hoed and raked the beds - removing weeds and then chopping any roots we missed. We're calling it 'preventive weeding' - anything that we get now, is less weeding we do later! Since we go in the evening, anything on the top after Day 1 or Day spent the day withering in the sun - it's mid-70's here both days.<br /><br />We got compliments while we were working - and I found it neat that a younger couple might do the preventive weeding after seeing us do it, while the older couple with the plot next to ours commented they'd done it yesterday.<br /><br />Day 3 we planted what we have and watered it. We'll keep going back nightly to water and weed to keep up on things. I still have to order herbs, and find potatoes to plant. (note: never found them, too late in my area)<br /><br />A good start:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cTlPwd5KKzoZHpbs7aHozClSlxJiPmeb16H0QJEL6c3D5LqWmXHSMNfeKn1BShyphenhyphenakFtoSyWqMIx7xPkPYS84wc5NDDOxqGIXwpZ-KdKUXm6jHkzKjYZmr_H4DJAxgs6IPTPXJ8VwHEs/s1600/2011.4.18-Just_Planted.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cTlPwd5KKzoZHpbs7aHozClSlxJiPmeb16H0QJEL6c3D5LqWmXHSMNfeKn1BShyphenhyphenakFtoSyWqMIx7xPkPYS84wc5NDDOxqGIXwpZ-KdKUXm6jHkzKjYZmr_H4DJAxgs6IPTPXJ8VwHEs/s320/2011.4.18-Just_Planted.jpg" alt="Just Planted" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608628912953454274" border="0" /></a>Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-13449331577125149792011-05-19T23:06:00.003-04:002011-05-19T23:12:18.193-04:00First Harvests<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOap9qByCcSfYXsmZN3NpHIHjzCSndtlhQiQRE_n8bMweQVSDpV9UcO9AHgWhwH3UoYbCk1zM0z3YPX8Z1ktPQ8TtTv32MgYChVQkksjbBVipUP5h-m6cJXMZN-WZ4GJ0EXT66UuOJgew/s1600/2011.5.19-FirstHarvest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOap9qByCcSfYXsmZN3NpHIHjzCSndtlhQiQRE_n8bMweQVSDpV9UcO9AHgWhwH3UoYbCk1zM0z3YPX8Z1ktPQ8TtTv32MgYChVQkksjbBVipUP5h-m6cJXMZN-WZ4GJ0EXT66UuOJgew/s320/2011.5.19-FirstHarvest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608629680641450306" border="0" /></a><br />From the garden: A mix of turnip and chard seedlings from thinning our plantings today. Very yummy when we steamed them for dinner!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGM5LTAb1tc1Mq93PhahUxa62qbUyiMbhsuKVrcP7gdUXuYhX42SWdvxcZhVZP58X00-saHv1rU3J_cRAxn_H1FOT6717JehCMHHTV5Vd7ocDHhi3MmMIRO1o5nscRQXZUUNMK5DQD-8/s1600/2011_May_FreshHerbs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGM5LTAb1tc1Mq93PhahUxa62qbUyiMbhsuKVrcP7gdUXuYhX42SWdvxcZhVZP58X00-saHv1rU3J_cRAxn_H1FOT6717JehCMHHTV5Vd7ocDHhi3MmMIRO1o5nscRQXZUUNMK5DQD-8/s320/2011_May_FreshHerbs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608629686304265922" border="0" /></a><br />From the balcony, a scented bouquet. Clockwise, from top left is rosemary, lemon balm (in the 'center'). cilantro, chives, orange mint, and basil. All the herbs were dried for later.<br /><br />Strawberry season is in full swing, but I don't have pictures because they don't last long enough! Strawberry shortcake desserts, and we have put up 3 dozen half-pints of jams plus dried some as well. And I'll likely put up more - very yummy!Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-75850688747746451622011-05-15T16:14:00.000-04:002011-05-15T16:14:01.048-04:00Independance Days - 15 May 2011We've been going to the garden about every other night, keeping it weeded and watered. So far all the seeds are coming up fine!<br /><br />1. Plant something: Cantaloupe, green beans.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: Herbs from the patio. Strawberries at the pick-your-own farm.<br /><br />3. Preserved something: Dried the herbs, made strawberry jam.<br /><br />4. Waste not (preparations): Not really much in this area right now.<br /><br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Getting together what we'll need to put up the garden's bounty.<br /><br />6. Build community: Being friendly at the community garden. I'm delighted to see the diversity there!<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Strawberry shortcake!<br /><br />8. Crafting: Working on the Grr hat, and on my lacy fingerless gloves.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-23251844857054247012011-05-04T19:01:00.000-04:002011-05-04T19:01:00.902-04:00Teaching Myself to Sew....from books and what I remember of a long-ago 8th grade home ec. class. I remembered to lock my stitches and how to sew a hem. That was about it.<br /><br />I've made a couple of t-shirts, and even adjusted the pattern. That wasn't hard because it had a line saying "add length here" which is what I needed! The one I chose also has three choices for collars and sleeve lengths - which makes it very flexible. The shirts I've made are comfortable and look good. None have sleeves yet, because when I tried to add them I found out they won't fit me without adjusting the pattern. While I do have a book that tells me how to do it, I haven't been that brave yet!<br /><br />I've also modified pillow cases, made a couple from an extra sheet, and done some basic repairs. If it's fixable and not something I'll be heartbroken to loose, I'll try fixing it and count it no-loss if it doesn't work. So far, so good!<br /><br />Have you tried to teach yourself something new?Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-25998531575282011202011-05-02T19:49:00.003-04:002011-05-02T19:55:40.002-04:00Independance Day 2 May 2011The community garden seems to be getting a great response - They started with 20 plots; now there are 78 plots tilled and most of them have something going on. We've got about half of ours in the ground. More seed to plant still, and I want to get a bale or two of straw to mulch with.<br /><br />1. Plant something: Lots of things! Still more going in, and I need to get seeds and straw for mulch.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: nothing yet.<br /><br />3. Preserved something: nothing yet.<br /><br />4. Waste not (preparations): Making sure we finish eating the leftovers.<br /><br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Re-made my custom shopping list and used that this month. I'm less likely to forget stuff we need.<br /><br />6. Build community: Meeting the other folk at the community garden.<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Yes. LOL still can't remember what we've eaten, other than trying a recipe for lo mien last night. It came out pretty good!<br /><br />8. Crafting: Finished the commission blanket. Next up is my fingerless gloves.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-29996495587520814702011-04-19T18:41:00.002-04:002011-04-19T18:41:00.499-04:00A New GardenOur town finally has a community garden. Newly tilled and fenced, but no water on site. We have a plot, 18x40 feet, facing south. I called my farmer friend for help and we planned what would go where. Since we keep the plot till Nov. 30, we'll have a second round going in when the first round comes out. I'm told that the fall garden will be even better than the summer garden!<br /><br />Right now, I have about 20 feet of space for herbs. We're growing a double row of green beans, 2 hills of zucchini, 3 of yellow squash, a row of mixed tomatoes, a row of white potatoes, plus carrots, cukes, cantaloupe, butternut squash, onions, and several other things. A fair bit will end up in the pantry - tomatoes, winter squash, onions, potatoes, the herbs and so on. Some of the herbs were chosen for eating fresh - savory doesn't store well, same with chervil, and I'd like to try those. And of course, there are tomatoes, cukes and <a href="http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/5178/">Ambrosia cantaloupe </a>for eating fresh!<br /><br />I'm growing both hybrid and heirloom varieties this year. Since I cannot save seed this year and need the best production for putting food up, it's a good compromise.<br /><br />Hybrids are "plants produced by impregnating the pistil of one species with the pollen of another" (source: <a href="http://landscaping.about.com/cs/lazylandscaping/g/hybridplant.htm">About.com</a>) - you can create hybrids in your back yard. GMO is what I try to avoid; those are the ones that are "modified using genetic engineering techniques" (source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_plant">Wikipedia</a>) - <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>something you can do in the backyard! I wanted to clarify that as there is sometimes confusion between to two terms.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-51072523805416873592011-04-18T17:26:00.001-04:002011-04-18T17:26:01.030-04:00Farmer's Market as TrainingI use the Farmer's market as training. All this fresh, local food. I don't even have to grow it. But, how on earth do you <span style="font-style: italic;">cook </span>some of these things? Eggplant? - well, purple is a cool color, but, um, ya - weird food. Zucchini? No idea.<br /><br />So, I buy a couple here and there of the different things. An eggplant in the fridge until I'm no longer afraid to cook the weird thing. Squash, over and over, till I'm forced to learn new things it can do. Keep the tomato drippings - if they came off tomatoes that yummy, they should be good for something! - Ah, yes, broth for winter's soups.<br /><br />After doing this for two years, I know not to plant eggplant in our sunny garden, since we don't eat it yet. Summer squash will get planted, and I'll learn more ways to cook and store it. <a href="http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-7929-sun-gold-f1.aspx">Sungold </a>tomatoes? <a href="http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-5633-striped-german-og.aspx">German Striped </a>slicers? Yum! Cabbage, too, so that I can put up homemade sauerkraut - it's the only kind I can eat. Green beans get a double row, because they'll end up dried or canned in the pantry.<br /><br />Right now? It's Egg Season (spring). I have 5 dozen eggs in the fridge - yes, five! - so I'm training on how to serve them all! And <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/quicherecipes/Quiche_Recipes_and_Related_Baked_Egg_Recipes.htm">quiche </a>would be good but isn't on the menu (because of the dairy in it). Hmm... Perhaps I ought to start baking...Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906489421696897487.post-2409215067439128252011-04-17T18:03:00.003-04:002011-04-17T18:23:35.651-04:00Indepedance Day - 17 April 2011We get a sunny garden this year! We have a plot at the new community garden, and will be growing food there to put up for the winter.<br /><br />1. Plant something: Nothing this week. There are, however, trays of plants on the patio that <span style="font-style: italic;">need </span>planting.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: Nothing.<br /><br />3. Preserved something: Diced bread for stuffing.<br /><br />4. Waste not (preparations): Planning the sunny garden and what we should put up for next winter. Writing down ideas for the fall garden, because we will keep the garden plot until Nov. 30.<br /><br />5. Want not (manage your stores): Re-organized the second pantry so I can find the food =)<br /><br />6. Build community: My farmer friend helped my plan my sunny garden. I'm helping her when she needs me, too.<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Is it bad I can't remember what I'm cooking lately? But I am cooking, from scratch and from the pantry.<br /><br />8. Crafting: Working on the commission blanket.Lorrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051017990294691081noreply@blogger.com0