From the heart........the S&B girls

Inspiration...........yup, that's how this story started. A few months ago, I watched a local program that highlighted a Manchester, N.H. women who had recently completed assembling a bundle for a soon-to-be-mom, who could use a helping hand. I can't recall exactly how many she had made but, believe me it was in the thousands.I have a group of friends who meet every Tuesday to Stitch or Bitch at their leisure and as I related the story, we thought............We can do at least one gift basket for a new mom in need of a helping hand.

So I bought a large container and thought I'd see what we could do to fill it.

 My friends didn't disappoint me......handmade sweaters,booties,helpful books, onesies,warm mittens for mom.......

 Our oh so talented seamstress Gisele made baby sacks with matching receiving blankets

and of course, matching burp cloths. How cute is that!!!
 Bubble rompers,holiday wear............

                                             a little intro to Minnie Mouse

Newborn hat teething ring handmade washcloths baby shampoo and baby lotion, wipes,gift card from Target for diapers or whatever mom needs Coffee cozy to help keep her morning coffee warm. We all know it will be a while before she can have that coffee in one sitting.

A few more outfits to grow on

not to mention the never enough sleepwear

Now the basket is full............and ready to go.

Of course, can't forget much love from all who participated in giving someone a helping hand.

Finally......back to the Farmer's Market

Do you have a Farmers Market?Here in New Hampshire we are lucky enough to have one going on 52 weeks a year. Hard to believe that just a few short years ago , the thought of going to the market meant your local grocery store.Our area has managed to make supporting our local farmers and crafter something that can happen every weekend

Look at this place just filled to the gills with stuff I really need

Not only that,but, they are there to help you with gardening questions , information on composting, local yarn,freshly made cheeses, desserts, breads and even handmade chocolates.In the summer everyone has their own local Farmers Market ,however, come winter it's like a traveling show.You get to met Farmers and crafters from surrounding communities that you didn't even know were out there. 

This week I purchased freshly roasted coffee from a roaster in Newmarket.........they will even ship your coffee to you if you want. This time I was happy to run into them at the Market and picked up my purchase there. They even knew my name.............how cool is that.

Potatoes, baby spinach...........just picked and homemade apple cider doughnuts for the ride home I know, I just had to taste while setting up my purchases for a photo shoot. They are yummy! Good thing Riverside is not next door.Their Farm is in Berwick Maine. Sounds far but, only 15 miles from my house.

I made Lamb stew for my "soup People" Isn't it amazing that I could get it raised and even ground just the way I needed. Riverslea farm is in Epping NH and also about 15 miles from my home.

Needing soap this week but, unable to get to my usual supplier, I could rest assure that Jesta Farms would give me a product that would satisfy my needs.All these farms are within an easy drive from my home BUT, all are in different directions. I was able to do one stop shopping and meet and great friends at the same time.

Pretty neat ..............said the hobbit

Day dreaming

Our weather in New England has been pretty nasty for the past 10 days.Nothing like the mid-west but, enough to keep us in the kitchen by a warm oven or bundled up on the couch with our knitting. 

It doen't take much to give me cabin fever and my husband and I took a little drive on the back roads of our neighborhood to see how everyone else was managing.

About 15 miles from our home we saw these horses out for the afternoon just enjoying the day.I think this one was happy to see someone drop by.

I guess we interrupted lunch and this fellow had no intention of being social. He never did raise so much as an eyebrow to see who was watching him.Someday I plan on taking a few lessons and and enjoy the thrill of being up on one of these mighty steeds. Maybe this will be the year?

Looks like my grand daughter is dreaming the same thing. I can hear her now saying "Jayne ......when you grow up ,I'm going to ride you into the wind"
                           Can't wait to see that..................said the hobbit

IT'S SUNDAY..............WHAT'S HAPPENING??

 Today I am taking a journey into the past ..............Climbing up these stairs will take me to a room where my children put all the things they didn't have the heart to throw away.

With four grown children ...........there are many "I can't throw this away" items.

 All have been warned that I'm making this journey.

So.......with garbage bag in hand, the journey begins. Wish me luck !

Do you see what I see

It is always a welcomed treat to come upon one of natures beauties. This monarch was sunning itself on one of the many weeds currently in my garden.

It was being so lazy that I was able to go back in the house get my camera  and catch a picture as  it aired itself in the sunlight.............so lucky to get it,said the hobbit

Where have I been?

GOOSEBERRIES

I know, you probably thought I fell in a ditch and no one heard me call for help.Nothing so serious.Summer,the garden, vacation, canning,filling the larder to make it through the winter all seem to come to a head in August and although I'm sure I can handle it all.......it just doesn't happen.So here I am,ready to give it the old college try one more time.

A new (for me) discovery this year......gooseberries! Have you ever tried these? My sister-in-law has a booth at the Laconia Farmers market and she has this as a staple in the early summer. When a bought them they were a light green. A few days in my fridge turned them a variety of colors and I wasn't sure if I  had missed an opportunity to use them at the right time. A quick check on the internet calmed my fears and I proceeded to pluck the little stems off and mix them with rhubarb,sugar and a little cinnamon. I popped them in the oven and let them make some tasty juices.

Then topped it with an oatmeal, flour and brown sugar blend.................back in the oven to make a nice crust

Out of the oven came this luscious treat just begging to be crowned with a dollop of french vanilla ice cream.It definitely reminded me of strawberries but, different.........know what I mean? I will be sure to give these another try next year. It is a local flavor that shouldn't be missed. But like the truffles of France only a few know where to harvest the best tasting ones.....................said the hobbit

Now what are my people up to?

Several years ago I decided to step up my interest in being self sufficient. Having a farmers heritage frugality was well ingrained in me. The children were all grown and doing their own things and the thought of spending my time creating whatever I needed was very tempting. Of course I soon discovered that some of my wants were totally unnecessary and that was the first step in my journey. Then in an effort to learn some new skills I met some amazing people.One of these people is the very talented Carol Caldwell. After a divorce she was looking for a hobby that would tap her creative juices and free her mind to move forward.Well.......she sure picked the right art for her talents and patience. She has chosen a loom reminiscent of the "old way",just like grandma would have done.She works her patterns in miniature before settling on the final design.She is still learning and excited about every new project. Just ask Carol,"How does this work" and be prepared for a lesson in weaves and warps that will have your head spinning.

This finished product is a towel or wall hanging. I say that because there is nothing that she likes better than to see her weaving used in the way they were intended.They are done in the finest cotton available to her and if you ever had to dry anything with today's dishcloths you know what I'm talking about.I am most fortunate to have found her on my journey. Occasionally she is in a local craft fair but, that is the extent of her marketing.When she has  "free" time you most likely will find her taking courses at our local college to keep her grey matter going.All I can say is AMAZING.

And here is one of my latest creations. Not nearly as impressive but an attempt at expanding my knowledge none the less.Here is what's different about these socks. For the knitters out there who hate creating a flap and then picking up stitches on either side this is perfect.Working on 32 stitches or half  of all the stitches on your needle work in short rows as follows: knit to last stitch and bring yarn forward as if you were going to purl.Pass the stitch onto your needle and turn your work to start a new row. So if you started with 32  your first row will be to knit to 31 your second row will be to knit to 30 wrapping the last stitch and starting a new row after each W&T (wrap and turn). When you have 8 stitches left unwrapped it is time to reverse the process. Now you will knit 8 and wrap next row knit 9 and wrap until all you are right back where you started. And that is exactly were you will be with your other stitches waiting for you to pick up where you left off. Just a matter of knitting your foot to desired lenght.

My next project will be a shawl. I've been checking out  patterns and I'm tempted by the one Betty has started. However this one from (click on ) CLARA  was something a mother should be only too proud to show and tell.......said the hobbit

Here in New England

Do you know someone that has made preserving the past their purpose in life? I am fortunate to know LIZ AND JEFF and their wonderful farm. They made the choice to live on this farm,raise sheep and lamb and educate people to a way of life that is still possible. For the second year they have opened their doors to the public to show how it's possible to live with the land and share with each other so many great talents.

Many of these crafts were available to purchase but, every artisan was also there to give you hands on instructions if you wanted to try yourself. Of course most have been at it for quite a while so their finished product was most tempting to purchase. The baskets were of the highest quality and would make a great gift by themselves or filled with fresh bread and homemade jam.

These adorable felted animals are made by Liz's niece and she proudly displays them with all her local yarns. Isn't that how families should support each other?

I fell in love with these and I wish my camera could have done them justice. They are 16x16 napkins. She uses the finest of threads to weave patterns that she remembers seeing. I have her card and will be placing an order for a few real soon.

Also on my must have list are these 100% wool blankets. The wool comes from her sheep and they are woven in Nova Scotia. They are over sized and even a twin would fit a double bed with overhang. At $75 for the twin size how could you possible go wrong. It was a wonderful day and I was introduced to so many new arts. I'd love to do them all but, I have decided to support my local artist instead of copying them. So this year for Christmas I will be making some of my gifts but some I'll just say I made it..................Naw, just kidding............said the hobbit

Here in New England

Summertime is just filled with things to see and do in New England. We try to squeeze everything into 10 short weeks of summer. This year is no exception,so much to see and do and so little time. Of course I can't start summer without a visit to the sheep and wool festival. Ours was in late May. I know this is July,but, I'm having a little trouble keeping up

Here are some of the sights I saw. This is a bunny!! Can you believe it? He just sits on his owners lap while she spins his hair. My husband thought this was a great idea. He actually said he wanted to have bunnies like this and learn how to spin. What could be better this winter than having a fuzzy bunny sitting in your lap to help keep you warm. As much as I'd love to take him up on his offer to be a spinner, it's not going to happen. I have visions of furry bunnies running around the house waiting to have their fur spun and my husband saying"I did it last week....isn't it your turn?"

Then we saw the llamas. They were dressed as tv character for a parade. I think this was suppose to be Lucille Ball. Not sure,but, Jiggy fell in love with them too.

How about this guy. Now that's some kind of sheep. I do believe he was in for a cut and trim.

Once we decided that one of the animals was not going to come home with us, I bought a skein of lace yarn and am working on a lightweight shawl that would be just enough for those chilly restaurants or maybe that wedding coming up in September. Did you know that a skein of lace yarn has 1000 yards? At least this one did. I wound it all by hand and thought it would never end.................said the hobbit

Summer in Bloom

Summer came yesterday. I was absolutely smitten and couldn't wait to get out there. Hubby couldn't wait to get on the road and drive, drive and have a nice lunch.

So off we went to do a little shopping and eating. I spotted a local woodworker who was selling wood cubes. I had visions of my porch having these dressed up as tables/eating areas and I quickly ordered 2. I don't have them yet but, I'll keep you posted as to the actual turnout. Then it was off to the Maine Coast and one of Jiggy's favorite restaurants.

THE MAINE DINER ......I quite enjoy this restaurant but, as with all diners the portions are more than I can eat. Jiggs had his favorite SHE CRAB SOUP while I sipped on an ice tea.Then we shared an appetizer of fried seafood and a side order of potato salad. When the appetizer came I thought she was bringing us someone's seafood platter. Really it was that big.We took our time eating and had just enough room for a huge (of course) strawberry shortcake. Now I'm really stuffed and it's time to move on to a farmers market. Hubby is really trying but market to him is

TRADER JOE"S That's ok I know by now what he really needs is a cart to help him walk and I don't make a fuss when we drive right by 2 fresh and local markets. No carts at the eat local and he still has a hard time with uneven ground. The new knee still needs to be babied. Don't tell him I know. We bought all the treats that he loves and can not buy "locally" Dried fruit for his granola pistachios for watching baseball and Canadian cheddar and crackers to root for his beloved Bruin hockey

Meanwhile I'm dreaming of the porch and how I would like it to look. Last year I went to a Quilt Shop in Cornish Maine and this was her porch.

Not perfect but, so welcoming. I thought it was time to dress up our porch and as taking inspiration from hers.

A closer look show a grouping of totally unnecessary items but in just the right colors to make for good eye appeal and fun conversation. My favorite thing was her Nasturtiums.

I immediately went home last year and tried to duplicate these. Starter plants were all gone so I planted seeds in a pot much smaller then hers. Of course I had blooms for about 2 weeks before a frost came. Her pot was a huge cobalt blue about 24 in across at the top. I checked these out at the garden shop and it's a little pricey for me. Besides you can't even see the pot or the crumbled pieces that the UPS man had just made when he hit the pot while backing up. So today is not sunny and gorgeous. A perfect day to work outside,however, the lawn has gotten out of hand and not only does it need to be cut,it also needs to be raked. Really it's that high! Luckily I've learnt to take one day at a time so maybe tomorrow I'll be in the garden.....................said the hobbit

The girls and I in Boston

Taking a break from the busy holiday workload to look back on my day in the big city with my girls.

Like to sew? This window had at least 3 dozen antique sewing machines on display. What fun to look back on what was then and be grateful for what is now.

I promised myself I would not buy any more yarn on that trip but.........well you know how it is. I had never seen anything like this. This yarn is not quite spun.Not sure what you use it for maybe to needlepunch on a felted project? I asked the salesperson and she was so busy telling me about the women who does these and the colors that she offers that I don't remember my question being answered.

So I attempted to make a scarf with it. It was a little difficult because the yarn is delicate and comes apart easily. I figured once it was washed and blocked it would be fine.

It's a real light green like you would see in a block of soapstone. Also new to my knitting was this flower made by casting on 80 stitches. I couldn't imagine what it was going to look like but,I'm happy with the results. Currently it's soaking in a warm water and creme rinse solution. I often do this when I feel the wool is not as soft as I would like. Well I have to get back to my Christmas to-do list.Santa is cracking that whip.......................said the hobbit