Laura's Pecan Pie

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with precious family and friends here in the Pacific Northwest. I'm not bragging, but I think we had a pretty spectacular meal(s) with a fresh free range turkey and all the fixings. I even used fresh sage and rosemary from my garden for the stuffing! One of our favorite menu items is always the pecan pie. Thanks to my dear Georgia friend Laura for the recipe!  

3 eggs

1/4 cup soft butter 

1 cup chopped pecans

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup light Karo syrup

1/2 cup sugar

unbaked pie shell

Beat eggs slightly, add butter, sugar, syrup, nuts,

and vanilla.  Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell.

Bake in preheated 375 oven for 10 minutes, then turn

oven down to 350 and bake for 50 minutes.

I used the following crust recipe and made two pies -- one for my house and one for a neighbor! 

http://www.joyofbaking.com/PieCrust.html

Wine (or Beer) Bottle Gift Bag

Just had a request for the directions for these bags, so here goes! They work on a variety of bottle sizes and would be great for a nice oil or vinegar also. I like to add charms for a little something extra!

You will need:
cotton or cotton blend worsted
g hook

Start with an adjustable loop, chain 2 and 10 hdc, slip stitch top chain and chain 2.
2nd row:  2 hdc in each hdc,slip stitch top chain and chain 2.
3rd row: 2 hdc, in first hdc and 1 hdc in second, repeat around and slip stitch top chain and chain 2.
4th row: dc around in back loop only, slip stitch top chain.
5th row: chain 5, skip 3 dc, sc in nest dc around.
For about 15 rows chain 5 and sc in chain 5 space. Then do one row in chain three. 3 sc in 3 chain space and one in the sc around. Use a decorative edge around at this point. I like a reverse sc.

Make a chain of about 20 inches and
add a tassel or curlicue or motif of choice.
 Weave tie though space in net.
 Enjoy!

There is nothing the needs to be very exact about this pattern. Hopefully it all makes sense.

How to Crochet a Basic Cup Cozy

My crochet cup cozies are fun and quick to make! I like to use pretty yarns and decorate them with a motif or vintage button(s). Worsted weight yarn in wool or acrylic works best with a 'G' hook.

Chain 28, make sure the chain is straight and join to form a circle, chain 2

1st row: half double crochet(hdc) 28, join front loop only top of chain 2, chain 2

2nd row: double crochet(dc) back loop, dc front loop to total 28, join through both loops of chain 2, chain 2

3rd row: hdc 2, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 12, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 12, join back loop only top of chain 2, chain 2 (30 total)

4th row: dc front loop, dc back loop to total 30, join through both loops of chain 2, chain 2

5th row: hdc 9, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 12, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 7, join front loop only top of chain 2, chain 2 (32)

6th row: dc back loop, dc front loop to total 32, join through both loops of chain 2, chain 2

7th row: hdc 14, 2 hdc in next stitch, hdc 15, 2 hdc's in next stitch,1 hdc, join through back loop only top of chain 2, chain 2 (34)

8th row: dc front loop, dc back loop to total 34, join through both loop of chain w and finish off, weave in ends.

Embellish as desired! Enjoy! These are stretchy and fit a variety of sizes!

A Few Words and Pix on Yarn Bombing

International Yarnbombing day is almost here

June 11th(that also happens to be my dad's 91st birthday.)

Here's the wiki definition:

yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk.

As a textile artist and (seasoned) crocheter yarn bombing intrigues me. But I don't really think it's anything new. It really reminds me of what I'd like to call 'domestic yarn bombing'. It's been going on for generations. I'm thinking of the doll turned toilet paper cozy that adorned the back of my folks' toilet forever. (Apparently these are back in style.) I decided to make my own version in the form of a coffee cup.

In any event, yarn bombing can be as big as the cover for a tank or as small as a flower or as plain as a band on a pole. Domestic yarn bombing is also the use of crochet for impractical purposes, only in the home. Either way, the hope is it yarn bombing will brighten your day.

I'm a Lucky Girl

I've had my online shops for just over a year and it couldn't be more fun! Here I sit at home in my pjs (and today is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day) 'working.' I've been looking over past feedback from both shops and I am thankful to have had the privilege to connect with wonderful customers around the world. Besides a passion for my art I learned young the importance of good customer service and it is a joy to serve every day. Sometimes it's as simple as thinking through the golden rule, So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:12.

Here's a sampling of favorite feedbacks.

From Cage Free Fibers:

Wow! Quickest ship ever! Bought this for a gift and the receipient received many compliments on the first use!!! Thanks Cage Free! -- Jennifer, Huntington Beach, CA

I LOVE THEM ALL! I CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE THESE HOME AND GIFT THEM! THEY REALLY ARE WORKS OF ART! SO FAST, TOO! -- Patricia, Rockville, MD

Wonderful seller, great communication, quick delivery, and GORGEOUS product. I love the coffee cozy so much I'm going to order more!! -- Doreen, Staten Island, NY

I received your cozies today and I will quickly become your #1 fan! These are beautiful and your work is exquisite! You are very talented. Thank you so very much, I love them and the recipients I give them to will as well. -- Debbie, Corona, CA

Love your cozies, can´t have enough of them :-))) -- Daniele, Austria

I am so happy with my purchased item, beautiful! Plus a special gift for being a 200 customer, amazing kindness. Would strongly recommend this site to others, the items are beautiful and quick, friendly service. What more can I say, but Thank you. Will be back! -- Sandra, UK

From Grandmas Ceder Chest:

This set is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! Probably the nicest Etsian ever, I can't believe how great this outfit is. I hope to buy more from this seller soon! -- Bailee, Oak Harbor, WA

A beautiful girl was telling me how much she liked this jacket. She was very bummed out when it sold before she could buy it. I surprised her with it and she loved it! Thanks! -- Jake, South Carolina

Excellent Seller! Fast delivery and nice quality of product. A++++,Thank you very much for your detailed explanation about the product.Thank you for ur kindness!!And Thank you for ur letter!! -- Miho, Japan

Such a beautiful dress and I am honored to have it. I will give it many years of love and care, please let your mom know and tell her thank you so very much! I am so happy and proud to have these dresses. Love-Jenn xoxoxo -- Jennifer, West Seneca, NY

Great seller. Even more gorgeous than I expected!! Thank you so much. -- Melise, Brooklyn

Thanks to all my wonderful customers who make what I do such a pleasure and especially thank You, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with loving people in my life and the many opportunities to give back.