Strawberry Anyone?!

Okay, a hit of cognac to chase away the doubt and a big attempt to finally, actually "can" something! The Strawberries were big and beautiful at Hyvee (my favorite grocery store) and I couldn't resist. I've had all of the supplies needed for canning for several years now and most importantly the book by Better Homes and Gardens 'You Can Can'. I just love that name! But of course I first consulted Youtube and searched "canning strawberries". How did I ever survive without Youtube? It really helps me to watch someone doing something to learn.

My first canning experiment created 3 - 1/2 pints which really got me going. I followed the no sugar recipe on Youtube.

That's it, I got the bug and I was so proud! Back to the store for more strawberries. This time I used the pectin, sugar, etc. It produced 8 - 1/2 pints of terrific jam (I HAD to use the 1/2 pint jars cause they are just too cute. Leftovers were used to make a strawberry pie for the guests! With a sprig of mint from my garden!!!

Last weekend the guests enjoyed gourmet Chocolate Chip cookies with a soft frosting - Ghiradelli chocolates only! Oh my word. Recipe from Martha Stewart's book 'Cupcakes'. Not sorry I bought that one! And the guests are in for a real treat this season!

Yes, Jeff, I am baking for the guests.

Farmer Girlfriends - last fiber day I mentioned how "muddy" my beautiful roving turned out to be after spinning.  This is what I was talking about. 

The roving is absolutely breathtaking but when I spun and plied it it looks a little mucky, but somehow better in this photo.  Sherryl had some multi colored roving which spun up very clear and beautiful.  Maybe this had too much brown in it?  Lesson learned:  Not sure...maybe let Sherryl pick my roving from now on!  What fun!

My Gift Shop/Cabinet

 The nice thing about owning a Bed and Breakfast is you can actually show what you make and try to make some money to feed your habit.  In the entryway I have a beautiful old cabinet filled with Fiber treasures.  Things move along slowly but it's good because I can keep up with it. 

Of course my Fiber Friends contribute their items as well.  We have all natural, super soft wool scarves, face scrubbies, warm cowls, felted purses, potholders, "Guest" towels, Potpourri and more.

My mother made the Victorian lady potholders which I just love. I machine embroidered some red work towels.

 Here I have some nice washcloths and my glycerin soaps (see larger photo below) and the finished Princess Coat that is way too large for Cara Isabella.  I also hand crocheted some lavendar scented sachets.

 Home made potpourri!  I use flowers that were left behind by guests, hang them up quick to dry, snip them and spray a nice, gentle scent on the mix.  Put it in a vintage basket with a vintage hanky and you are good to go! You can just imagine the memeories of wonderful getaways behind each batch.

Softly scented Glycerin Soap using only Essential Oils of course.  Each has a vintage photo adhered to the top which makes them especially charming and one-of-a-kind!

And last but not least, my crocheted wash/dish cloths. 
I use 100% cotton and, don't tell my Fiber Gals this, but the real pretty ones are made with expensive "Noro" yarn.  They are the best.  I just love them and they hold up way better and longer than my cotton towels.  Love the colors and the feel.

Please, consider emailing me pictures of your projects.  Let's inspire one another!

First Ever Spinning/Knitting Project - For me that is!

We have an old looking hutch in our kitchen. The top doors have windows and I love opening up the doors because I have some really nice smelling candles and potpourri in there. Every time you open the door you want to bake something! Or have some Tea!

I have a few pieces of this "Old Country Rose" pattern by Royal Albert. It is so dainty and fun to use on special occasions. On the right is a tea cozy I knitted. I used the wool I spun for the first time, Angora on the top from my spinning friend and designed my own pattern. Lots of firsts here. I just love it when it all works out! Take a chance and just do it.

Here you can see the flower I crocheted a little better with two green leaves. And why not have a button in the middle with beads falling down from the center? What fun. Looks homespun and that is exactly what I was shooting for! The wool was a merino/alpa mix. And it really keeps the tea hot for a long time!