Sorry it's been awhile

I know I haven't posted in over a week. I have been having computer issues. It's hard to blog when you never know when the computer will die on you. It's no fun when you lose information and you didn't save it. Any who, I hope to start posting again soon. Maybe my husband will get me a new computer?!?!

Sling Daddy

Daddy likes carrying the baby in a sling too. So cozy.

Dreaming about crochet

"My Treasures"

Ok....I had my second crafting dream. When I first fell in love with embroidery I couldn't sleep well because I kept dreaming about it. Last night was full of crochet dreams. When I become obsessed about something I because obsessed. Crocheting is coming along very nicely. I bought two beginner books but I have to tell you, watching the Expert Villiage videos on YouTube and Free Vinatge Crochet has helped me a lot. I am not that good at reading crochet patterns yet. They can be a bit confusing. I also found a few sites that offer free crochet patterns for when I learn how to read them. So fun! Here are the sites, 1, 2, 3, 4. Crochet is easier than you might think and so exciting when you finish a piece. I really enjoy the process of crochet.

The table runner to the left was embroidered and edged with crochet by my Grandma, Ola Mae and the two crochet hearts were done by my Nana, Shirley. I cherish them.

In the turn of the century, doilies were everywhere in homes. On top of dressers, bedside tables, or buffets to protect the furniture's finish from becoming scratched by vases, plates, or lamps. Some historians believe doilies have been used as early as the 11th century! Pick up a pack of crochet needles and some yarn and get to work! You will love it.

Adding crochet to my list of hobbies!

I love all kinds of crafts and crochet is a beautiful one! I see crochet added to all types of things from my baby girl's clothing to my clothing to home decor pieces. It's a sweet detail. So yesterday I stopped by my favorite store, Micheal's and picked up a pack of crochet hooks, some yarn and two simple beginner books. I'm practicing and working on my stitches. I need to lighten up and not be so tense because my stitched tend to me tight. I am going to practice until I feel comfortable enough to start on a baby blanket for my friend! So exciting.

I received the fabric rolls for my baby girl's quilt yesterday! It's even more beautiful in person. All I could say while opening the package was, "omg,omg,omg!" I'm so in love with it.

Garlic Tincture

If I could only pick one herb to keep in my home it would definitely be garlic. It is very versatile for both cooking and healing. I made a garlic tincture to use for a number of ailments. Garlic is anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It's great to take for colds, flu, fever, UTI, athlete's foot, upper respiratory ailments, ear aches, and much more. I have personally used it to treat my daughter's colds and bronchialitis, as well as my UTI and sore throat. It is a wonderful daily health tonic to keep your body strong against infection, as well as, encouraging heart health.

Here is how to make a simple garlic tincture for your family.

Garlic Tincture

Enough chopped garlic to fill a jelly jar 3/4 full
80-100 proof vodka

Fill a clean dry jelly jar 3/4 full with the chopped garlic. Do not pack. Pour the vodka into the jar until the garlic is covered 2-3 inches and bring the liquid just under the lip of the jar. Place a clean lid and ring on your jelly jar and shake. Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight for 4 to 6 weeks shaking the jar everyday or as often as possible. Once the time is up place a double layer of clean cheese cloth into a strainer over a bowl and pour jar out into the cheese cloth lined strainer. Gather up ends of the cheese cloth and squeeze all of the liquid out of the garlic and into the bowl. Pour the strained liquid into a clean jar and lable with the type of tincture and year. Store in a cool dark place. You can put some, if not all of the tincture in an amber bottle with a dropper like I did. Tinctures are given by drops and I recommend two books to help you treat your family with herbals.

(This info is for educational purposes only and not meant to diagnose or treat anyone)

Quilt fabric!

I finally bought the fabric bundle for my baby girl's quilt! It was a tough decision but I think I found the best one for her. Not too modern, not too old fashioned. Just right. I chose a Jelly Roll in "Sweet" from Fat Quarter Shop. I also bought a Jelly Roll in, Milk. I can't wait to start. I will post pictures as I go.

My Treasures

This week in, "My Treasures" I want to high light this wonderful quilt made by my Grandmother, Ola Mae. She made many quilts in her life time and I am honored to own this beautiful and intricate quilt. This pattern is called, "Cathedral Window". Some of her quilts were simple and some fancy. Some of the pieces were cut from old shirts, dresses, flour and feed sacks and some from bolts of fabric. Quilting was a way of life. A chore in itself, necessary for a family's survival. Quilting Bees were a popular way for women to enjoy each others company while helping with the quilting process.

In order to preserves my family's long tradition of quilt making, I have decided to make a quilt for my daughter. I have chosen one of my favorite patterns, "Grandmother's Flower Garden". You can find free quilt patterns here. I found these great sites that sell bundles of fabric for quilting. You can choose a bundle with the colors, design, or style of your liking. (Here are the sites, 1,2,3.) I think I will choose a more vintage style for Amelia's quilt and make it a queen size so she can use it when she is older. (Here are a few styles I want to choose from. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)