A Peek Inside - Garnishing Tools

Miss Abigail recently received this beautiful set of garnishing tools for her hope chest. Of course, she may use them right away and I'm already looking for an instructive book about garnishing. There is a triangular knife in the set that will make zig-zag edges on a cut melon sooo much easier. What a great gift! Many thanks to Miss Isobel!

A Peek Inside - Abigail's Wool Mittens and Socks

I have saved some of Miss Abigail's baby clothing, books and toys for the hopechest. My thought is that Abigail can use them with her own children someday. Since it is now January, and sooooo cold outside, I thought I would show you these little socks and mittens. These were knitted for Miss Abigail when she was just a wee girl by her Aunt Camille, who probably also spun the yarn, since she is a handspinner as well as a knitter. Lovely, aren't they?

BTW, I looked at my last posted date and feel shocked. January is really whizzing by quickly! I am really not just lazy about this blog. I do have some fun things to show and I have been busily working on hopechest things, but I am right in the middle of changing computers and learning new software. And, sometimes time just gets away from me! Plus, we are still not connected to the Internet at home, so I have to drive to the library to post anything. And at this time of year, I just don't get around as much as I do when the weather is warmer. (Do you hear those violins playing? They're beautiful...) ;o)

Merry Christmas 2012

A Very Merry Christmas

from Miss Abigail's Hope Chest!

 

This recipe is a favorite one my mother always made at Christmastime and I hope you will try it. I am busily working to finish up Christmas plans and will soon enjoy time off with my family. We are especially happy to have company coming to spend Christmas with us. Abigail misses her brothers and at times hates being the last one left at home.  I hope you will also enjoy this special time of year with loved ones and friends. I look forward to blogging again in January - see you then.

 

BTW- the pictures makes the first ingredient a little hard to read. It should read "one three-inch cinnamon stick." (NOT a thirteen inch one!)

Handmade Dishtowels - from homespun fabric

If you've not thought of using the cotton "homespun" fabric for dishtowels, you're missing something great. I really enjoy making my own dishtowels. Of course, the drawback is that you cannot bleach them the same as white ones. But, I like the fun colors and prints and you can make them whatever size you like. These homespun towels dry dishes wonderfully--they are very thirsty. But you have to be careful to check the label and make sure the fabric is 100% cotton. It also helps if the fabric hasn't been treated with anything. This set of homespun dishtowels will go with the Christmas Star Dishcloths and the Filet Crochet Towels I made last year to begin a Christmas Set for Miss Abigail's hope chest.

A Peek Inside - Embroidered Snowflake Ornament

This gorgeous snowflake was created with a embroidery machine. I saw it at a crafts show and spent quite a lot of time visiting with the woman who made it. I took her card and hope she is still in business if I'm ever ready to have monogramming done on towels for the hope chest. She used stabilizer on a stiff gorgette fabric and then cut away the fabric. Brilliant!

This second stocking ornament is just as cute. I love craft shows and creative people. You just never know what you'll find!

A Peek Inside - Rocking Horse Ornament

2011 blessed our family with two new grandchildren. I bought ornaments for them last year and couldn't resist adding this one for Miss Abigail's hope chest. I like to imagine her children hanging this on some future Christmas tree.

A Peek Inside - Peridot Wreath Ornament

I made this pretty peridot wreath ornament for the hope chest collection this year. I strung peridot chips on three strands of wire, with red glass beads at intervals. Then I twisted the strands together into a wreath and added the jewelry cap on top.