Knitting Pattern Rustic Wristlets

      

 I have to say it was really tough photographing my own arm for this wristlet and the lighting wasn't the best. It's been raining all day so the colors aren't as true as they would be in sunlight. I used 100% Wool in colors Oatmeal and Brown Heather. I really enjoyed creating this pattern and added just a bit of simple fair isle knitting.

 

 

 The rustic look of the finished wristlets is what I really love about this pattern. Although they would be just as nice done in just about any color combination.

 

 

I am currently finishing up the second mitt took a break to post the pattern. A simple sewing the seam and it will be a complete pair.

 

 

The pattern is fairly easy is knitted flat, as is the little bit of fair isle, and knits up really fast with the Rib Stitch and Garter Stitch combination

 

MATERIALS                                                                                                                                                        

Fisherman 100% wool by Lionbrand                                                                                           
1 skein Oatmeal MC                                                                                                                                                        
1 skein Brown Heather CC
U.S. Size 3 / Size 4 knitting needles
Tapestry Needle

GAUGE - 28st and 24 rows = 4"/10 cm in stockinette stitch

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS STITCH PATTERN
Circumference 7”/18cm Round 1* (k2,p2) around
Length 11”/28cm Repeat Round 1 for Rib Pattern

                                                                  GARTER STITCH - knit each row

Cast on 46 stitches using size 3 needles move up to the 4 if you knit tightly
Row 1 - K2,P2, K2 across
Row 2 - P2, K2, P2
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for 20 rows.

Begin Garter stitch when increasing- knit into front and back of stitch on left needle

Knit 2 rounds, increase 1 on last round
Knit 1 round -change to size 4 needles
Begin check pattern on right side with beginning chain string on right side

1 - k2 CC, knit 3 MC across
2- repeat row 1 moving color changes to front then back when knitting.
3- k MC across
4- k MC
5- k, MC
6- k, CC
7- k, CC
8- k, MC
9- k, MC
10- k, MC
11. k, MC - dec. 46 remaining st,
12. k, MC
13. k, MC
14. Repeat row 1, increasing 1
15. Repeat row 1
16. k, MC
17. k, MC
18. k, MC dec. 1 you should have 46 stitches on needle
19. k, MC
20. k, MC
21. k, MC
22. k, MC
23. k, MC

24. k, MC

25. k, MC

26. k, MC

27. k, MC

28. k, MC

29. k, MC

30. k, MC

31. k, MC

32. k, CC

33. k, CC

With MC Begin Rib Pattern

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 5”

1. K2, P2, K2

2. P2, K2, P2

Bind off using Rib Pattern cast off.

Cut MC yarn long enough to sew seam close.

Sew seam using Mattress Stitch beginning at top where yarn was cut. Sew down to 2 ¼” begin thumb opening, weave yarn through one side of seam down to 3 ¾” . Thumb hole should measure 3 ¾” begin sewing seam making sure the rows with color match up as sewing. Weave ends in when finished.

 

If you have any problems with the pattern or find any errors please contact Pamela at www.rusticfarmliving@aol.com or leave a comment.

Copyright 2013 - Rustic Farm Living/Pamela

 

 

Two Tutorials with a Surprise

  Sometimes in life you stumble across things that just say....Wow! Whether in a magazine or on the Internet I always am amazed everyday by the talent that seems to live all around this world

 like this photograph. It just says simple and comfort. I am a huge fan of using items for nature like the gathered wheat bundles displayed on the table. What a heartfelt idea, don't you think?

All the natural color just says...earthy and the photography is remarkable.

 

                                       
 Then I stumbled upon a woman, Lesa, who's blog is just full of creative DIY projects that show step by step on how to add some really cool decor on a budget. Like this Welcome Sampler. The link will take you the tutorial to make this adorable sign.

                                                                          
 Lesa also has another called Rustic Number Sign and there is a tutorial for this one too. Everything she makes always contains instruction with visuals. Her blog is called Home Frosting.

                                                         
I am posting twice today...the next one will contain a pattern just for you. I really fell in love with how it turned out and goes very well with the theme of this post. The new pattern being released is called " Rustic Wristlets" there is a bit of fair isle work nothing a beginner can not accomplish. See ya in a bit :0)

Unusual Connection ....Part 1

 My blog is about many things, creating sure, baking sure, gardening yup, but there is a lot more in life then just that, and I explore them all. After all isn't that one of the many things life is about? With that being said, there is one thing that has always intrigued me....miracles. I've heard about them, I've seen them reported on the news, but, haven't really witnessed one... or have I?

If you've read my story... why I live a simple life then maybe you know... is that really a miracle or simply realizing your own strengths? I would have to say the latter, realizing your own strengths. For me and a majority of us have to actually see to believe, or experience it ourselves, seems a tad shallow doesn't it? After all nothing in life is impossible...so they say.

I have always lived my life with the belief if I haven't seen it for myself then how do I really know. Sure I can read about it, watch documentaries about it, but how does one really know? I've spent most of my life walking this path of seeing before believing, I've made a lot of people angry, at parties, family holidays, birthdays, over this exact thing. Let's just say, I've heated up a lot of conversations.

 I've always been thought of as a skeptic or so I was told, one who was an explorer of things, of the truth, of things that couldn't be explain. In search of the unusual, the mysterious, of just as I said...the truth in everything. And that my friends is how I lived much of my life. Until one day about 5 years ago, something changed everything for me that actually began in 1997...

I went out with a friend to grab a bite to eat and had just gotten home. It was a cool spring evening, just the kind of night when you look up at the sky see a ton of tiny stars that seemed to go on forever. I went inside to grab a small brown blanket from the closet, go out to the yard by the driveway, lay down and enjoy the heavenly view. I rounded the corner of the house and much to my surprise was this tiny little black and white kitten, that seemed to come out of nowhere. Standing there I thought  out of no where, hello, you live in the country.

The little one stood there looking at me, I did the same, as I turned to go back upstairs and grab a packet of tuna.  She moved back as I approached, I moved closer and back she went. Finally I decided to sit down on the cool gray concrete and lure the little one my way using the tuna. Sitting as still a possible I laid the tuna in front of me, she moved forward with much care and nibbled up the tuna. So I laid a bit more and a little more...this went on for more weeks than I could remember or would have imagined.

Everyday she'd show up at the same time in the same place and I'd be there waiting. So out of character for me, I am not a fan of cats at all which made me wonder, why her, why now. After all, there had been many little ones around before and I hadn't stopped to feed them. I've heard many comments about a cat, you either love them or you don't, there seems to be no in between. I was always on the hello, not a lover of cats here. So for me this was very unusual and odd, many who knew couldn't go without pointing it out, followed by myself constantly wondering what was I doing.

As the weeks with this little one passed, we began to interact just a bit, playing lying on the ground as she would play around me. I could only watch as if to touch she'd run away. I began to call her KDK kind of like kitty kitty. Weekly a friend of mine would stop by who just loved cats, but this little one wouldn't let them close. Time went by, the days of feedings continued, until finally I managed to get her to come to the porch. I would feed her at the same time everyday never without fail. Then one day she didn't appear, another day followed and by the third day I found myself so attached I would bundle up, grab her bowl armed with an open can of tuna, I'd go outside walking in the ways I saw her come and go before. Always calling her name KDK, KDK...until she'd finally arrive out of no where, I'd sit down in the cool grass, pet her while filling the bowl with tuna, and she'd eat. After she would rub up against me, purr as I would pet her so softly. Not once thinking this is a feral, a stray cat. I just knew something was different, something was happening.

Things continued on as usual until one day she disappeared... a week went by no KDK. I walked and walked in the dark, fearless of anything, and always with one thing in mind...I was going to find her...no matter what. But that week, and weeks to follow there was no KDK. Fall turned into winter and my friend continued to stop by only to say, she's a feral, a cat that roams the day and night. Not meant to be a friend she belongs to the world. A tad broken hearted I still felt somehow she'd return. I  was not going to entertain the thought that she was gone.

On one cool early winter night, a clear sky of vibrant stars and me sitting on the old wooden stairs enjoying the view. Remembering how much this night was the same as when I first meant her. I found myself softly saying out loud KDK, where are you, KDK where are you...within the last vocal I spoke there she stood on a stack of old logs from a tree cut down. I got up she came closer and there coming around the corner just as tall as her mom, a little baby kitten. Oh so tiny it was much smaller then when I first meant KDK...as I moved forward and leaned down KDK hissed at me and backed off, went back around the corner as the baby followed. Within seconds a little gray kitten began moving across the grass, as I stood oh so still. Caught in between two pieces of wood up against a shed the little one couldn't move. With gloves on I grabbed the baby and began up my steps, when out of no where KDK came at me like a lioness protecting her young. Never thinking she would defend her offspring...I put my boot up and yelled back off KDK, back off as loud as I could as I made my way inside the door and KDK back down.


I put the little one on the counter who was crying and whining, I knew what she wanted, me wanting to make sure the baby was okay. After a few minutes or so I put the kitten in little basket and took it back outside to give to KDK. I called KDK... hissing at me as she showed herself, I said, KDK it's okay I didn't hurt your baby. I sat the basket on it's side and off they went. KDK didn't come back for a couple days, and me rightly understanding. But she came around again, the same time, just to eat and go back to the babies. I came to realize this was her way. . she'd eat and ran off were her babies were waiting for her protection and care.

One winter night as the snow fell so lightly and large in size, just a quite night snow covering everything, landing on the trees like an artist brush as it made a stroke. Landing on the ground building inch after inch. I knew the snow had gotten to deep for KDK to make her way to eat. At one in the morning I bundled myself up grabbed a can of cat food, small bottle of milk, a flash light, and took off out in the deep snow. Gosh, it was so beautiful, the snowfall lighting up the night and falling so gracefully. Step by step in the deep snow I made my way to where I knew she might be....when arriving at the place I stood there calling her name KDK, KDK come on KDK...it didn't matter how long it took I just knew I would wait until she appeared. I watched as she came running and this time behind her was the little black and white kitten from the yard, now a bit larger, we all went under an old metal empty building as they ate the cat food. After which I would fill with warmed milk pet her and start my way back home. That night as I left I turned around there was KDK watching as I made my way through the snow. I looked at her and said bye for now my sweet girl knowing both were fine for one more night.

I'd tell my friend and children of my adventures with KDK and they always reminded me how much I hated cats, how dangerous it was to be out in the night. What was it about her that was so wonderful after all she was just a feral cat, a stray not to be tamed. Then again that was not my goal. I would simply respond, as far as the night for some reason as long as I was looking for her, nothing else matter not even fear. How could one explain the relationship between a stray cat and a human. I myself didn't understand it either, nor did I question. I just knew something magical, unexplainable, was happening between us. It was as if she knew me, and I her, in a strange mysterious way, unlike anything I had experienced before....so new to me and so very strange to those who witnessed. It was certainly not your typical human and a pet....no it was way beyond anything I could have ever imaged.




                                                           Part 2 next Monday!

Pet Peeve # 2 ....Plus Knitting Pattern

This new age, this new world we are living in is not only weird, but can be a bit annoying. Yes, I have another Pet Peeve. Now don't get me wrong, they don't annoy me to the point of pulling out my hair....but come on... some things are just down right ridiculous!! Eat this, don't eat it now, eat that, no forget it we found something wrong with it...I say this..just eat and forget about it!! I mean come on is that the only topics Good Morning America, and all the rest can come up with...oh wait, let's just repeat the same things over and over.....note to self, must email shows... record players are no longer used, get off the needle. Translation: it goes round and round across the record...

                                    

I mean come on...I am by far NOT a huge TV fan (oh wait... must watch Vampire Diaries and Scandal) always used for voices... since I live alone or do I? hmmmm....after all this is an old house. I only speak to the living please! I have been knitting since 6 a.m. this morning... on every talk show that has graced the same station...it's the same thing over and over.  Don't be fat, be thin, don't be thin, put on some weight, buy this kindle HD, wait my son just bought me at Christmas the last Kindle...look she's having a baby, it's the baby bump.

Oh she says, I am so excited and scared...of what! Hey you... today they have epidurals, try squatting in a hole like a Eskimo!! How many times do I have hear how to take care of a baby or a child, come on it's been going on since the beginning of human life....It's human nature...Gee, I watched my grandson's pop out like a thermometer in a turkey and all my daughter in law said, I feel pressure.

 

Okay, Okay I know it's TV is all about marketing, it's selling product, etc...But hey, would someone realize there are those of us in our late 40ties and 50ties, speak to us please....not about Peri-menopause, not menopause, not condiments, not one more are you over 50ty commercial you may need health insurance, wait no... you need joint medication...Come on...show me something new....alright, already, I'm aging..I know...but I still wanna LIVE, LEARN, LAUGH, and have FUN! Hey I have an idea...how about a knitting show, craft show, crocheting show around the clock!!

 

And darn it... as long as I bathe, have on clean clothes, who the he!! cares what I look like.. but me!! If life truly is short, sorry gals, I'm going out eating chocolate :0) The odds a majority of us getting national focus is 1 in probably a trillion. Not my priority. Happiness is mine and doing what I love everyday. Like spending time with my family, talking and sharing something with you!

 

LIKE THIS... "LORELLE" Knitted Flat - Fingerless Mitten

 

 

 There is a lady I meant, Lorelle, who is Italian at the craft store. She had on this beautiful knitted button down sweater. We got to talking and much to my surprise, she didn't use a pattern. I know there are a lot of people out there who can knit without patterns that I have always admired. Lorelle was surprised by how many people in the U.S. need to have a pattern.

Well everyone, she's been working with me by phone, via email, and I am so excited as I am learning so much. Thus I created another pattern for you that I just LOVE...with her help it's the easiest ever. If you think you can't knit a mitt, you will be surprised!  And, I named it after her. One ball will make more than one pair.

MATERIALS

 Paton's Classic Wool (Worsted)

 U.S. 7 needles

Tapestry Needle

Gauge is not important

Stitch knowledge - Knit - Purl - Stockinette SS -M1 increase  Knit Picks has a good tutorial on M1

                                 You can adjust mitt to size/ this one fits a palm of 7 1/2 inch

Cast on 34 stitches - if you close your seam with mattress stitch cast on 35 to end on knit and work pattern including the extra stitch at the K 17 it would be K 18.

Work K1-P1 rib for 18 rows
Work SS for 4 rows

RIGHT MITT
K 17, M1, K3, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl
Work SS for 2 rows
_____________________
K 17, M1, K5, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl
Work SS for 2 rows
______________________
K 17, M1, K7, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl
Work SS for 2 rows
______________________
K 17, M1, K9, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl

There will be 42 stitches on your needle
Knit 28, turn work, Purl 11

Work for Both Mitts
On the 11 stitches , work k1,p1 rib for 4 more rows or until you've reached desired thumb length.
Bind off very loosely. If you bind off tightly move up a size needles.
Cut off yarn leaving about 18 inch tail for stitching up thumb from top to bottom.
After sewing thumb continue using tail pick up two stitches at base of thumb and knit to the end of row. Rejoin your ball of yarn purl row.
Work remainder of mitt for 12 rows or desired length.
Work 6 rows of K1, P1, rib bind off. Again if you tend to bind off tightly move up a size in needles.

Cast on same number as for right mitt...
LEFT MITT
K 14, M1, K3, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl
Work SS for 2 rows
________________________
K 14, M1, K5, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl
Work SS for 2 rows
________________________
K 14, M1, K7, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl
Work SS for 2 rows
________________________
K 14, M1, K9, M1, Knit to end
Next row Purl

You should have 42 stitches on your needle
Knit 25, turn Purl 11
go to section WORK FOR BOTH MITTS and continue.

If you have any questions or need help simply leave a comment.

Enjoy knitting!

 
 
                                                          

Awesome Vintage Find...

 

I just love any reproduction vintage.....anything that says,"look what we did with such very little" offers such a warm feeling, says comfort, doesn't it? Before all the hussle and bussle of the world evolved was bought for me yesterday by my daughter in law, who knows, I don't spend money on trivial things that have no function. I guess I am what they call, practical, after all I do most everything as simple as possible, so this will come in handy after all no washer or dryer here... I hang my laundry outside.

 

There is a really neat site she found where this was purchased called www.decorsteals.com today they have an old Utilitarian Charm wooden cone with string. Everyday at 10 p.m. Est time. they offer another vintage find from what I see you have to jump in quick as this is already sold out. Go take a peek and if they don't sell the vintage clothesline above watch for them at www.farmhousewares.com

they are out of stock, but sure to refill.

 

Have a wonderful day vintage shopping!

 

 

Lemon Cake and a Pattern

 

First I have to say, I apologize for the late post. My computer is running slow and it's taken me awhile to even get this post done. Yesterday was a very windy day close to 50 mile an hour winds. Oh, I love the sound of my windows rattling it's so calming.

So I baked a lemon cake...see all those bubbles? I always pick up the loaf pan and lightly drop it on the counter to get rid of them. My mom taught me to do this... As you can see it makes quite a bit so I took my pie dish and made an extra.  Oh, if you love Starbucks lemon iced cake, you will love this recipe.

 

 

 Earlier today I sat down for a bite...mmmm, it just melts in your mouth.

 

 

I also mentioned in my last post I was working on a pattern to share. The only pans I ever cook with are cast iron. First you season them...never have to wash them, simply wipe them out when done. I just love it not only for the convenience, but they also can go right in the oven. I own no other frying pans.

 

 

Actually I own 2 of them, one is 6 inches, the other is 12. The smaller one gets the most use, yet there is a problem with them. So many times when the oven is on and cooking I go to move them and they are hot, why I move them who knows... I have burnt my hands so many times picking one up, even when cooking with them. So I decide enough was enough and I was to fight back. I created a simple little pattern (The Pan Handle) that fits over them perfectly, and I tested them last night. Walla, no more hot handles and hot hands. I just love them, although I haven't decided what color combination for mine yet. I kind of like the black, there is a lot of it throughout my home. And, it doesn't fight with the rest of my decor.

 

Here is the pattern, I hope you enjoy!

 

Materials - The Pan Handle

Sugar n Cream cotton Yarn (colors of choice)

MC and CC (color change)

Knitting Needles size US size 5

Tapestry needle

 

Pattern Sitch - Garter

Closing - Mattress Sitich

 

Cast on 16 stitches - I also use size 3 because I knit to loose on a cast on then go to size 5 after row two) adjust yours accordingly

Rows 1-20  Knit

Row 21 - CC for stripe Knit (front side facing)

Row 22 - CC Knit

Row 23- MC Knit

Row 24- MC

Row 25 - CC Knit

Row 26 - CC Knit

Row 27- 36 MC Knit

Row 37 - Knit 2 stitches dec. ( pull first stitch over second off needle) Knit 5 sts, dec. again, Knit 5, decrease over last two stitches.

Row 38 - Knit

Row 39 - Dec. over first two stitches, knit 6 sts, dec.again, knit 6 sts. dec over last two. (10 stitches on needles)

Row 40 - Knit

Row 41 - Decrease across ( 5 stitches remain)

Cut cotton thread leaving a long enough tail for closing, thread with tapestry needle and run through remaining 5 stitches. Pull up tightly and knot off in top. Fold in half, closing top then once the round part is close lay flat close the rest with a mattress stitch. Weave in ends.

 

I am not an expert at writing patterns, so if you find an error or have any difficulties simply contact me at rusticfarmliving@aol.com

  

<3 Pamela



CoCo Nut and Me

 

 Okay so it's Saturday night and I'm writing a post and browsing a bit on the Internet after knitting earlier. Which I must tell you I have a new pattern about to be released that I worked on tonight.

But, that's not what this post is about...by now you've guessed it's Coconut water and me. I love coconut to eat, to drink, in a dry oil body spray or a oil bath.

 

I have been drinking coconut water for about 2 years now and love it, not only for the fact it is the most natural and by far the best thirst quencher and contains more potassium then one banana.

Yup, that's right! And it has more electrolytes then any sport drink on the market. I drink two types that I have found to be the best, Vita Coco, can be found at Walmart and almost any grocery store.

 

ABOUT COCONUT WATER

Coconut water is the juice in the interior or endosperm of young coconut.

 The water is obtained by opening a tender, green, healthy, and undamaged coconut. Inside, it's clear liquid is sweet, and sterile and composed of unique chemicals such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, cytokine, and phyto-hormones. In general, young and slightly immature coconuts harvested when they are about 5-7 months of age for the drink. The juice is packed with simple sugar, electrolytes, and minerals to replenish hydration levels within the body.

Contains enzymes that help in the balance of digestion and metabolism.

Lets just say I don't drink water, I hate water no matter what I put in it, and I hate all juices. But this is the most refreshing drink ever and that's no lie!!

   

 

My oldest sister is in her late 60ties, she has restless leg syndrome since drinking an 14 oz. glass a day her legs shake no more. She doesn't go a day without and neither do I...The potassium alone is excellent for the muscles, leg cramps, etc. It gets my seal of approval. On a hot day, a cold coconut water is the best and keep in mind it's to be drank cold! I personally don't like the taste on it's own, so I add half a crystal light pack flavor lemonade.

 

Zico is my favorite of all..the only place it can be found in my area is Target. Both cost 2.49 a bottle and well worth it. After I do any kind of exercise, whether it's a walk, or planting in the garden, etc. I finish with a Zico or Vita Coco. Try one...however as I said, because the water is young from the coconut I find it better to add some flavor of choice. Once you try it I guarentee you'll be hooked!

 

 

Pet Peeve - Plus a Pattern

 

I am by far not perfect and do have a few small pet peeves, one of them...everything time I go to the grocery store. I pick things off the shelf, put them in my shopping cart, go to the check out, watch the cashier ring them and put them in a bag. Then this wheel goes round like a merry go round, I have to grab them off and put them in my cart. And heaven forbid if you use a self check out. Then you're packing them yourself, but at least you can watch what you ring up, opposed to reading the receipt after the cashiers done.

 

Then I go outside, my son puts them in the car and off we go! Then I get home between the two of us we carry them up to my apartment, he hugs me and goes home. I take all my weather bundles off hang them up and the task begins. I have to take them out of the bags, put them on the counter, and then into there proper place in the cupboards.

 

Does this feel a lot like doing laundry to anyone else?

 

Thank goodness on Downton Abbey, one of my favorite shows, they have maids and butlers. Oh, how I sit and think if only...then I yell, hey Benson, I need another drink. Of course no one comes, at best it feels good... because I laugh.

 

 

 

 

Then I put on my favorite sweat pants and my handmade crocheted, oh so cozy, slippers.

And all is good again. At least until I do it all over again, and men think they have it rough,

now that's a real laugh. Go ahead you can do it, laughing feels so good doesn't it?

 Slipper pattern can be found here...I tweaked it a bit yet it's wonderfully easy pattern.

                                                     

Lavender Tutorial

 

Isn't this jar just too cute...I am so obsessed with them they are tiny Atlas ball jars. Yet, it's not about the jar it's about the Lavender inside.

 

 

Today I was busy removing the Lavender from there stems. If you grow lavender make sure you leave a bit of stem and do not throw them out. you will find out as your read. Those of you who think you can't grow Lavender not to worry it's fairly easy. I have grown it before at a previous home, and it did very well. It's also lends an amazing aroma and gorgeous view. It loves a bit of lime in the soil, yet still the same, it's quite forgiving.

What your are viewing.. 4 different types of Lavender, please don't ask, Ms. doesn't document everything forgot to write them down, and the detail is on the sticks outside buried in the snow. Make note to self...Write things down or go get the receipt...ah, maybe later.

  

 

Wow, I thought I pulled off a pretty good magic trick, the disappearing act, much to my own surprise it's just a paper towel over the lavender. I'm preparing the method of removing the lavender. Some use towels, me, no, I just use paper towels.

One on the bottom, one on the top and the beauty of the paper towels, when I am done with all the lavender, I have two gorgeous smelling paper  towels.

Folded 4 ways stick them in a zip lock bag for a few days and walla, great smelling dryer sheets. Waste not want not. Right!

  

 

Let's continue...next I take a rolling pin, looking at the words rolling pin just says weird, doesn't it? Rolling pin...it's the pin part that gets me. It is rolling pin, right?

Taking both palms of my hands lay them on the roller and gently roll back and forth, taking a few peeks to see how it's coming along.

  

 

After you're done begin picking up the stems. You will find some lavender still attached just pull them off, but don't, throw away the stems. They have a wonderful purpose.

 

 

Once you have them all gathered take out some raffia, holding the end at your fingertips, stretch it to the top of your shoulder. Don't cut it yet, measure another piece the same length, roughly 72 inches. Seems like a lot I know, but it's not.

Center the raffia under the stems as shown in the photograph and begin wrapping it around the stems, leaving enough to make a nice little bow.

 

 

This is what it will look like when done. Now for the fun part! Most people don't know that Lavender stems, in fact, the whole plant not just the buds contain the scent. If you have a burning fireplace, wood burner, and in the spring through fall simply throw the wrapped bunch in a fire and walla, your house is sure to smell of lavender. Even your fire-pit outside. So waste not want, don't throw them out until you burn them out.

 

 

For those who wonder where I got the little atlas ball jar in the first photo. At the grocery store in the spaghetti sauce isle, are these tiny little ball jars called Classic Pesto, of course, this one contained ready made Pesto. There are others that are different pasta sauces that are delicious, and when they are on sale I grab them up. They're just too cute! The only problem none of the canning lids fit them. I just wash and save the lids, you  can use them for so many things. Just let  your imagination go!

 

In my section Everything Lavender I will be adding some really cute items soon. So stick around lots more to come!

Knitting What!

 

Okay so yesterday's post I mentioned the Super Bowl, but I didn't mention, what I was doing while I watched the little I could tolerate. Well okay, so my team didn't make it...yes, I am a die hard Philly fan as far back as Quarterback, Jawarski. Yes, alright I'm a bit older but that photo on the side is me and was taken the summer of 2012. Hey let's face it, we don't get better looking with age, we just get better about ourselves, and I am loving it! I've changed a bit since then after all I am moving forward in age not backwards...which is what I did on Sunday went backwards to those plain face cloths my mother made with me adding a bit of color. That's the beauty in going back with tangible things you can change them.

 

 

I knitted, and knitted, and knitted and paused with a get up off the couch scream of run, run, when Jone's ran it in for a 109 yard TD making history. Okay, alright, one has to acknowledge a great return even if I am female. So I sat back down and knitted and knitted...after changing the station to watch Downton Abbey. Love, love, love it!

  

 

Being an empty nester my time is totally mine...Whee! One would think time would slow down at this point, yet it still moves just as fast as when the kids were little. I just have that time for myself.

So, I knitted and knitted again.

  

 

This is part of the end result...oh yeah...there are more waiting to have the ends weaved away.

Why one may ask? Well as much as I'd like to say, you'll just have to wait and see.

 

<3 Pamela

A Wonderful Journey...

 

Okay, so yesterday I watched what I could take of the Super Bowl, um, not impressed. I've been watching since I was 12..whee...let's not go back there, well maybe, football was better. That's just my opinion!  But the view I'm about to go on today,was even better, it was relaxing.

Yup, those are my feet ready to embark on a walk in the woods.

 I just had to get outside it feeds my spirit....like the little ones who appear in the spring.

 

 

These are all over the field were I grow my garden. In the spring a purple marlin hotel becomes great company, along with the Mason Bee House. Let's keep going...

  

 

I'm off...literally...down the center of the field....left side and right are used for planting. It's so beautiful outside...about 29 degrees, not a breeze blowing and the snow falling softly from the sky. Even caught a few on my tongue...I love it..being able to enjoy the change of seasons is amazing isn't it?

  

 

Oh and before I continue, I did take a photograph of one of my lavender plants. Can't wait to see them in the spring...what a fragrance as they grow you can smell them in the air...it's truly amazing!

 The bees and the neighbors love it!

 

 

Okay, so I'm just going into the woods. I see these everywhere throughout the year and have no idea what they are...behind them is a wonderful elderberry tree.

If you know what they are please let me know...

  

 

Finally the woods..I just love being out here away from everything. Out here I find peace, I feel a sense of a time past, a connection to everything living. I wonder who's been here before, then I imagine 100 years ago. This is a place to be when I need to ground myself, make sense out of a senseless world filled with so much, selfishness lack of kindness, and violence. I am renewed and oh so grateful for it!

  

 

As I make my way back...I grabbed a photograph of the garden waiting to be rototilled once again.

I am always in aw of this earth...especially since my children have grown and I am on my own. I can focus and take it all in and that's wonderful.

 

 

This is where my neighbor and I meet in the spring through the summer and chat away, an ice tea and a bit of girl talk. One of my many favorite places. Inviting even in the snow.

  

 

As I head inside I notice the grapevines doormat, waiting for spring to bloom!

 

 

 

Like last year...they make such wonderful grape juice and jelly. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such beauty everywhere..and it's there...you just have to take a time and enjoy your view.

 

I made a video while I was out in the woods today. I plan on adding it to the post once I figure out how to do so. Learning is another thing I always look forward to doing.

 

BTW...I am still knitting away finishing a few surprises to come and enjoying it all.