For a while now I’ve been aware that Black-eyed Susan flowers can be used for natural dyeing, and they’re specifically used to achieve a pale or sage green. But I admit, I’ve been skeptical. Green is a difficult color to dye on it’s own, and past attempts on my...
Dip Dye Yarn: An easy technique creates striped or variegated effects
One of my favorite dye techniques to date is dip-dyeing. I love self-striping yarns for socks, but dip-dyeing can also be used for subtler effects. There are a couple of ways to do this depending on which colors you are combining and how you want the final yarn to...
Spicy Greens, or: What to do with that mystery veg in my CSA box
Hot chili oil can make any bland vegetable more interesting and fun. When you’re overrun with fresh greens this summer, or not sure how to use up the other half of that huge cabbage you bought, try this dish. Ingredients 1 pound of green leafy vegetable of your choice:...
Glazed Zucchini: A quick and tasty side dish for summer
I remember years ago, when we had a garden overflowing with vegetables, that I was stopping the neighborhood children on the sidewalk and telling them they had to take some before they could pass by. Whether in your own garden or in a mystery box of CSA vegetables, zucchini...
Tasting Mead and Melomel: Patience pays off
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this brewing experience, Rick and I showed you how to make mead and how to add fruit juice to create a melomel from the same base. Now, after months of patiently waiting, it’s finally time to taste them! This week we’re joined...
Cream Scones: A quick savory or sweet treat
Whether I’m having a friend over for coffee or trying to figure out a last-minute addition to a potluck supper, these scones are a quick and delicious treat on their own, or with a meal. If you do not eat gluten there are many gluten-free mixes on the market...
Relocating Bees: our friends attempt to re-home a swarm.
Bees are amazing creatures, and we’ve all heard about how vital they are to the wild ecosystem, and to our ability to produce food crops. While Rick and I aren’t keen to raise our own bees we do plant and encourage many types of flowers on our property, to...
How to overdye a piece of clothing: tips for success
Sometimes, we end up owning a piece of clothing that we like the fit of, but we’re not happy with the color. Or, perhaps it’s something that’s hard to match in an outfit. With some inexpensive materials you can overdye fabrics in natural materials (wool, silk, linen, and cotton)...
Sweater plans: Yarn choice and techniques for knitting “Wool & Honey”
We’re back after a week off due to illness. And even though my voice is still a bit frog-like, I wanted to share the yarn I purchased at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, and some tips for making the sweater that I’ve had my eye on for a...
Maple Sugaring: A time-honored tradition celebrated with friends
Maple syrup is a big deal in Vermont, and for a small state we have a big share of production too: 42% of US-made maple syrup annually, accounting for more than $300 million in direct income. But how is maple syrup made, and what is it like to have...