Cornmeal

This past year we grew corn in the garden specifically for grinding into cornmeal.  We purchased our Mock mill 100 last year. 

The corn was left until fairly dry on the plant and removed in October.  It further dried in our garage until January.  The following photos show the corn cobs, the mill and the final product.  The mill is a little on the loud side but it works exactly as described in the manual.  Here is to more baking!

Planning to try it again this year.

Dying Cross-stitch Fabric

In order to start some new cross-stitch projects, I needed fabric, right?  I did not have in my stash exactly what I was looking for.  I decided to try my hand at dying the fabic with Rit due this time.  I used hot water and filled up my large slow cooker( I have this one exclusively for dying) halfway and put it on high.  I used a capfull of Rit all purpose dye liquid in the aquamarine colorway, adding it to the Crock-Pot and 1/4 cup of salt(consult the dye package directions).  I first tried a piece of 18 count Aida left it set in the dye 20 minutes.  It was a bit too dark for what I had in mind.  I also decided 14 count would be best for the project I had in mind.  My second attempt was to overdye some coffee/tea stained Aida.  I left it in the dye bath about 10 minutes.  This attempt yeilded more if a dirty teal(seen in the middle of the photo).  My last attempt was with a large chunk of white 14 count Aida.  I scrunched it up and left it soaking about 3 minutes.  I knew with rinsing it would lighten up just a bit.  I hung each to dry over the bathtub after they were rinsed in cold water.  The following photo shows all three attempts.  The very lightest one will be utilized in my next project.  I should mention, I used the same dye bath for all pieces and dyed one right after the other.  

This was a fun project for the day.  You too may want to give it a try.

Until next time happy making!

Christmas Surprise

For the past few years my mom, my daughter and I get together to make holiday memories.  This year the three of us went to a local greenhouse and made outdoor holiday decorations.  As many of you know, I have been cross stitching small pillows as decorations for my mom and myself this year.  On the way to the greenhouse I was quickly stitching shut the pillows for my mom.  Here are the photos of the front and back.  

The three of us had a very good time.  The patterns are from the holiday edition of Just Cross Stitch Magazine from 2017 and 2018.  Thank you designers.  These were stitched on 14 count Aida coffee)tea dyed by me.  I think they turned out well.  

Tis the Season SAL

I am new to cross stitch alongs.  My first stitich along (aka SAL) is a pattern from Blackbird Designs.  I started Labor Day weekend.  I have yet to iron or have it framed but the stitching is complete.  I changed a few colors and I changed the words at the bottom a bit as well.  

I am so pleased with the outcome and I plan to participate in more SALs.  In this project I utilized 18 count Aida hand dyed by Picture This Plus in the Sterling color.  I stitched for the first time with hand dyed floss and stitched one thread over one.  

The floss colors are Classic Colorworks Pea Pod.  The Gentle Art Forest Glade and Grecian Gold.  DMC 3852 for the bird beak.  Several colors of Weeks Due Works Palamino, Bark, Whitewash and my favorite color Turkish Red.  

I hope to have it framed and hanging this winter.  

Summer Cross Stitch

As readers if the blog may make note,  I do like to stitch Lizzie Kate and this is another Lizzie Kate pattern- Summer Smalls.  Stitched on 14 count Aida in Antique White fabric.  The colors are DMC and one specialty floss Whisper White distributed by Rainbow Gallery.  DMC floss colors are:. 413, 310, 3052, 730, 3803, 3687, and 834.  I did make some changes in the colors by putting in the yellow color.  I just love yellow- it says summertime to me.  

I do have plans to eventually make at least one more pattern in this brochure.

Stitching on the 4th if July

This patriotic cross stitch was also completed this month.  I stitched on 14 count Aida fabric in the antique white color.  All floss colors were DMC:. 311, 223, 3051, 3031, 801 and 3777.  This was a fast project that I plan to display as a completed pillow along with other patriotic theme decorations.  

Patriotic Stitching

Pattern is America by Threadwork Primitives.  stitched all in DMC floss colors are:. 930, 355, and 739.  The fabric is 14 count Aida in antique white.  

Very pleased with how it turned out.  I intend to make a pillow for display.