In my latest spinning session I decided to try my hand at an art yarn skein. It’s not a style, that I’ve had any experience with, and I would say the end product is also well out of my usual comfort zone. But, inspired by a spinning class I...
Chicken Curry: classic flavors combine for a delicious, quick supper
As I’ve mentioned before, we’re often looking for new recipes to make at home, to mix up our menus when we find ourselves stuck in a rut. While I’m not new to cooking curry dishes, many recipes I’ve tried in the past have involved more ingredients, steps, and time...
Sewing a Skirt & Sash – A Project for a Special Night
If you’ve been reading the blog or following on our YouTube channel for a while, you’ll know that I don’t talk about sewing much. That’s because I don’t sew much, or at least haven’t in a long time. This year I’m hoping that will change. I believe everyone should...
Overdye Yarn: How to shift shades for a happier result
A couple of weeks ago, I shared an experiment for dyeing yarn with food coloring. The results were interesting, but I decided the yarn didn’t have a cohesive, finished look. So, it’s back to the dye pot this week. Overdyeing can rescue failed dye experiments if you’re careful about...
Waterbury, Vermont Field Trip: Local Yarn, Food, Beers
This weekend, my mother and I made a quick trip up to Waterbury, Vermont a town about an hour from the homestead. Our venture was prompted by the relocation of our local yarn shop from Montpelier. We were happy to see the new space: bright, open, and buzzing with...
Dye yarn with food coloring: a fun and easy fiber experiment
In today’s yarn world, there are thousands of people dyeing yarn at home and achieving wild and interesting (and sometimes, even beautiful) results. Have you ever wanted to try your hand at dyeing your own yarn, but were too intimidated? Or, perhaps you just didn’t want to shell out...
Mead & Melomel: variation on a honey brew
In Part 1, Rick explained the simple method for making mead, an ancient beverage of fermented honey. Next Steps Today, Rick racked the mead to a freshly washed carboy to get rid of the sediment that had started to build up over the past 5 weeks. We’ll keep half...
Holiday Films: Seasonal classics, and unusual favorites
We don’t always have time to watch as many of these as we’d like, but we love our holiday films. From classic and modern adaptations of A Christmas Carol, to more off-beat selections like About a Boy, there’s something here for every audience. Please share your holiday favorites by...
Beeswax Candles You Can Pour Yourself & Great Gifts
Sarah’s mother Nancy joins for a discussion of making your own beeswax candles at home. With a few tools and some helpful tips, you can make your own delicious-smelling candles, or give them as gifts. Beeswax is a byproduct of honey production, and readily available. We suggest finding a...
Swedish Cardamom Bread is a delicious holiday treat that makes a great gift.
Last year I wanted to mix it up with holiday baking, and came across a recipe for Swedish cardamom bread. With a few batches under my belt I have made some modifications to add just a touch more decadence. It’s an easy recipe and great for gift-giving. Makes two...