My Flock of Easter Sheep
On 2025-04-14 by PamAs the Easter season approached, I set a goal to knit 25 sheep. I have one more to go (and may knit a few more) before Good Friday. We have also baked countless loaves of paska. All these Easter treats will be distributed to friends and neighbours in order to celebrate Easter. These little lambs
Headband – Simple and Fast
On 2025-04-12 by PamA simple, knotted headband makes a great gift and it is fast and easy to make. I have included the pattern here so you can try one…https://icansewthis.com/free-knotted-headband-pattern/This is another great way to use up scraps of fabric. I am including them with my little bunny “un-birthday” gifts for the little girls at the birthday party.
A Doorway Puppet Theater
On 2025-04-10 by PamA sixth birthday is a BIG deal and so, we created this puppet theater to celebrate the occasion. The pattern is available on ETSY for $10.00 and it instantly downloads. The only difference or addition that I added was that I lined the actual puppet theater with a thicker fabric so that it was a
Little Bunnies for Little Girls…
On 2025-04-08 by PamThis weekend, we are off to a birthday party for Mason, growing up so fast and already turning 6. At the party, there will be some little girls who need to have “unbirthday” presents. I created these little bunnies simply by cutting out the bunny shape, sewing wide around the outside, clipping with pinking shears,
Dishcloths – #67 out of #101 Designs
On 2025-04-06 by PamI will be finished this book of dishcloth designs by the end of 2025. Currently, my “batch” of dishcloths will be part of small gifts (including paska and little knitted Easter lambs) for friends and neighbours this Easter. I am hoping “spring” weather comes with Easter – the weather lately is VERY up and down.
March 2025 – A Pair of Socks
On 2025-04-04 by PamWhen I knit socks, I practice “Tangential Immersion” . The definition of “Tangential Immersion” is doing 2 tedious tasks simultaneously to keep your brain occupied. Tedious to me means a task that you do “day after day” that takes a long time (it can be dull or tiresome or monotonous), although, I read and knit
March 2025 Book List
On 2025-04-02 by PamW e are 25% through 2025 and I am 28% through my goal of 175 books. I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction. I believe in listening to and reading books. Reading makes a HUGE difference in my life. It brings me relaxation and perspective, it introduces me to ideas and history and it moves
Can you slow down?
On 2025-03-29 by PamPart of what I like about creative arts is that it slows you down. You can’t knit or crochet or sew fast, you have to stop, think and plan. You have to consult a pattern, choose colours of yarn and fabric and pull out errors. I like to move fast, take action and get things
The Health Benefits of Ginger
On 2025-03-27 by PamWe eat a LOT of ginger in our house. I add it to stir fry and curry, salads and tea. Along with ginger, I often add fresh garlic and tumeric. Spices make us healthier and they add so much flavour to food that we make. I also drink ginger tea (made with the smaller sized
Crochet a Washcloth – Try some Self Care
On 2025-03-25 by PamYou can travel around the whole world but you’ll never find anyone who deserves you love as much as you. To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. – Oscar WildeWhat lies behind us and what lies before us are tine matters compared to what lies within us. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Loving
Spring Is Here…Cycling Goals
On 2025-03-23 by PamLast week, the weather was SO warm that it inspired me to start setting some cycling goals for this week. I set a goal of 100 km between Sunday, March 23 and Saturday, March 29th. Then, our false spring ended. At this point, you have a decision to make, do you dress up and go
The Little Lamb
On 2025-03-21 by PamWhat are the symbols of spring? Daffodils and spring lambs, bunnies and sunshine and green grass. Everything is NEW and we can start again – in our gardens and even in our lives. It is a time to re-commit to how you spend your time and how you make a difference. We can commit to
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Complete
On 2025-03-19 by PamThe Very Hungry Caterpillar is a children’s book by Eric Carle. In the book, the caterpillar eats every day for a week…Monday – 1 apple, Tuesday – 2 pears, Wednesday – 3 plums, Thursday – 4 strawberries,Friday – 5 oranges, Saturday – chocolate cake, ice cream cone, pickle, Swiss cheese, salami, lollipop, cherry pie, sausage,
Dishcloths for This Week…
On 2025-03-17 by PamEvery week I churn out 2 new dishcloths. I get to think about the colours and try new stitches and designs and add them to my pile of things that I have to give away whenever the need or desire arises. I am always on the lookout for cotton yarn that is “on sale”. I
Spring Brings New Life and Hope…
On 2025-03-14 by PamThese are troubling times to say the least. We are trying to buy Canadian, trust our leaders, stay calm and trust our leadership to carry us through. It is so important not to get carried away with “doom scrolling” and negativity but, rather cling to hope and optimism and realism. We can change – when
A Row of Chickens…
On 2025-03-12 by PamWhat do you do with bits of yarn? Granny squares are a fun project and a great way to learn to crochet. You can find a free pattern for the chicken at this link: https://www.sweetsofties.com/2024/09/granny-square-chicken-modifications.html I ended up making 20 (or more) little chickens. The final 20 that I made (at least for now) or
Planning Meals Every Day!
On 2025-03-10 by PamI love to cook but, I also like to be inspired. We were visiting with friends this weekend and she had purchased a new cookbook, vegetarian. It is called “Two Chefs in the Garden” and it is available on Amazon. It is written by Lynn Crawford and Laura Kirk and is inspired by fresh vegetables
Winter, Winter, Winter…
On 2025-03-08 by PamWe are saying good-bye to winter with a little trip to Collingwood to see some good friends and enjoy the VERY deep snow that has accumulated here this year. With a little hiking, some snowshoeing, a dip in the hot tub and some delicious food, we are enjoying our little winter get-away.
Can you crochet the day away? You might just create a dishcloth!
On 2025-03-06 by PamBe Your Own Hero1. Find joy in the little things. 2. Move your body – often. 3. Cultivate multiple sources of connection. 4. Give back in some way. 5. Let go and have fun. 6. Build financial freedom – live within your means. 7. Don’t turn people into projects – you do not need to
Socks for 2025
On 2025-03-04 by PamHave you found your passion? Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them. – Napolean Bonaparte Our true passions are selfish. – Stendhal Intense passion is always a little selfish. Passion has to be
St. Patrick’s Day Tea Towels
On 2025-02-27 by PamTomorrow is the final day of February! March is literally around the corner! With March comes St. Patrick’s Day and so I have started planning for some fun and creative things to give to celebrate “the green” with my circle of friends and family.
Getting Ready for Spring Dishcloths
On 2025-02-25 by PamBy now, we are all looking forward to spring. Will March come in like a “lion” or a “lamb”? Can we wait 23 days until the first day of spring? What do you do to get ready for spring? Do you do spring cleaning? Washing curtains and windows, dusting walls and baseboards is a great
Upside-Down Apple Cake
On 2025-02-23 by PamIn the winter, apple desserts are one of my favourites. Apples are a favourite ingredient to add to baking. Apples are a great sweetener (apple sauce in baking), especially when they are heated. This apple cake is great for a dinner party – it looks beautiful and is great for a birthdays or dinner party.
Working on a Baby Quilt
On 2025-02-21 by PamI have made a lot of baby quilts and I have re-used the same pattern most of the time. It is a beautiful pattern and it allows for a lot of creativity. This time, I wanted to try something new and I was pleasantly surprised and how I was able to figure it out (lots
How Many Dishcloths Do You Need?
On 2025-02-19 by PamI keep creating dishcloths. I use the pattern that is available and then I just keep adding until it gets to be the size I want it to be. I love creating and in times of stress, creating is so important. I create for many reasons, to express myself, connect with others and to try
The Re-Created Cardinal
On 2025-02-17 by PamI started trying foundation paper piecing a few years ago and started making birds. I love doing it and it is challenging. I do not get things as perfectly matched as is described below but, I feel that creating something from nature (like a bird) allows you to be less perfect because nature is not
The Traditions of Valentine’s Day
On 2025-02-13 by PamEveryone agrees that Valentine’s Day is a cultural phenomena. Basically, created by retail businesses to sell products, we can always get caught up in the materialistic nature of the event. I choose to celebrate family and friends whenever I can and I love to give gifts – mostly homemade to those in my circle. So,
The Easy-to-Make Shopping Bag
On 2025-02-11 by PamDuring the month of February, I have been looking for fun things to make for my friends and family. So, when I considered my friend, Helen, I went looking for a pattern for a shopping bag. Helen goes grocery shopping, she carries items back and forth to church and she can really make use of
Cottage Cheese – The New (old) Protein
On 2025-02-09 by PamLately, we have been eating a lot of cottage cheese – not straight but, rather mixed into baking and things like pancakes, etc. There are many delicious ways to eat cottage cheese. Cottage cheese helps fight cancer and diabetes, strengthens bones and boosts digestive health, boosts immunity and helps with weight loss and can even
Dishcloths
On 2025-02-07 by PamJust a couple more dishcloths to add to my collection – ready to give away for Valentine’s Day!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Part 1
On 2025-02-05 by PamOne of the fun things about having a friend who teaches kindergarten is that you get to create such fun things! My current project is a crocheted version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You can find the pattern on Etsy. I have started with the “food” that the caterpillar eats and it is SO fun
January 2025 SOCKS
On 2025-02-03 by PamI have completed my first pair of socks for 2025. I was very surprised when I started knitting the second pair of socks and the foot did not stripe. You will see from the pictures that the yarn must have not been dyed properly. I don’t care but, it is a reminder that we can
January 2025 Reading List
On 2025-02-01 by PamHere we go! February is here already and I have completed 17 books during the first month of 2025. Non-FictionThe Little Book of Mindfulness: 10 Minutes a Day to Less Stress, More Peace by Patrizia CollardThis is a quick reads that reminds you of the importance slowing down, calming your mind and lightening your spirit.
Dishcloths Never Go Out of Style
On 2025-01-28 by PamWe all want to live a good life – live up to our potential and take advantage of all the opportunities that come our way. It is up to you to take control and responsibility for all of your thoughts and behaviours. There you will find fulfillment and you can change the world. Right now,
I Spy Quilt
On 2025-01-26 by PamI haven’t created an “I Spy” quilt in quite some time but, the birth of my friend’s grandson inspired me to look through my novelty fabric and make a plan. The results are always fun and in this case, the father is a childhood friend of our boys and so it was fun to think
10 Things That Say I Love You
On 2025-01-24 by PamValentine’s Day is around the corner. How can you celebrate love and friendship without “breaking the bank”? Valentine’s Day is about friendship and showing others that we care so, don’t miss this opportunity to spread some love and friendship. Making Valentine’s Day special can be very simple – spend some time thinking about the people
A Sweet Idea for Valentine’s Day
On 2025-01-22 by PamDo you want to give your friends a neighbours a fun little Valentine treat? Do you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter? Bake some cookies…add some cloth to the top of a jar (tie some yarn or use an elastic to secure the cloth on the jar) and serve… IngredientsFor the Cookies… InstructionsInto a stand mixer
Embroidery for Valentine’s Day
On 2025-01-21 by PamEmbroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle and thread. It can also incorporate other materials like beads, pearls, quills, and sequins. Embroidery originated in early Chinese civilizations around 30,000 B.C. It was once a sign of wealth and social status. The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th century work of art,
Crochet Square #55 out of 101 Designs
On 2025-01-18 by Pam2025 will be the year for me to complete 101 crochet squares as dishcloths. I always complete 2 squares of the same kind each week in order to make sure I have practiced the stitches from the new square so that I can re-use them. In order to complete these squares, I have to slow
Do you need to fix your walk?
On 2025-01-16 by PamFor those of us over 50, we need to remember that we are not helpless in the face of the changes that occur in our bodies as we age, and there are practical solutions available. There is SO much living ahead for us and we need to make sure that we can live happy, healthy
Dishcloths – An Ordinary Routine
On 2025-01-14 by PamEvery night, I spend 20-30 minutes working on a dishcloth. Every week there is a new pattern, new yarn to choose and a slightly different focus but, generally, it is a routine. As you already know, I give these dishcloths away – attaching them to the top of a jar of homemade jam or chutney
The Beautiful Blue Jay
On 2025-01-12 by PamOn the warmer days in various seasons, we often sit on the front porch and feed the squirrels and the blue jays. I have created one bird to hang in our bedroom but, I wanted to create a blue jay given that we have such beautiful ones in our garden. Paper piecing is not easy
Do you RESET in January?
On 2025-01-10 by PamAfter all of the Christmas decorations are packed away, I always take a look around the house and do a “reset”. This week, I have purged clothing that I haven’t worn in at least 2 years, cleaned up the office and I have done a thorough vacuum/dust and floor washing throughout the whole house. It
A New Season, Another Layer to the Outdoor Pillows…
On 2025-01-08 by PamHow do you keep life positive? It is all the little things that we do – like creating new pillow covers that celebrate winter. With Christmas packed away, and Valentine’s Day around the corner, I am always looking for a way to brighten my day and make those in my little circle feel loved and
The New Year begins…Dishcloths
On 2025-01-06 by PamToday was quite the day. Between Donald Trump tweeting about how much Canadians would like to be the 51st State (not) and Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation (sort of) and a group of Ontario College Faculty planning a strike in the middle of an immigration nightmare that impacts enrollment (and possibly forgetting that the rest of
December 2024 Socks
On 2025-01-04 by PamMy final socks of 2024 do not match. I made them two-tone and then I forgot to change colours at the heel and so they became VERY fraternal twins. I guess that is what happens when you are busy getting ready for the Holidays. I think the lesson here is that you can take anything
The Final 21 Books of 2024
On 2025-01-02 by PamI made it – 175 books in 2024. I have set a new goal for 175 books in 2025. I left my goal the same because that seems to be my personal “zone”. I want my goal to be achievable – it is about 15 books a month. I like to delve into some thick
A Simple Sewing Gift…The Pillow Case
On 2024-12-29 by PamWith the Post Office back in business, there are a couple of gifts that I still want to send across the country. Aunt Sue lives in Winnipeg and we just got back (in November) from a visit for her 90th birthday. Aunt Sue is Charles’ dad’s sister and we have found a special bond –
The FINAL Dishcloths of 2024
On 2024-12-27 by PamWhat are you doing for the last time this year? Maybe you are looking for an “end of 2024” playlist. Here are some of the best songs for New Year’s Eve… “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” by the Orioles“This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies“New Year’s Song” by Tim McMorris“The Final Countdown”
The Peace of Christmas Day
On 2024-12-25 by PamBREATHE, PRAY, SEEK WISE COUNSEL, BE FRIENDLY WITH YOURSELF…FEEL MORE PEACEFUL, PRESENT AND ALIVE. The garment of life, be it tattered and tornthe cloak of the soldier is withered and wornBut what child is this that was poverty-bornThe peace of Christmas Day The branch that bears the bright hollyThe dove that rests in yonder treeThe
Are you thinking about 2025?
On 2024-12-23 by PamThere are many ways to prepare for the new year, including: For now, eat delicious food, have a glass of wine, taste some delicious baking, get together with friends and family, read a book, take a walk and be kind to yourself.
The Gingerbread Man
On 2024-12-21 by PamGetting in the Christmas spirit usually means a batch of “Gingerbread Men”. This year, I made quite a few for a nursery school decorating party for Charlotte and I was kind of “done” with them by the time we had baked a pile of them for the children. On Friday, I went to Vermeer’s (our
Getting Ready for the Holidays….Bone Broth
On 2024-12-19 by PamIt is 5 days until Christmas Eve and in our house, that means that the broth must be prepared for the French Onion Soup. Yes, you can purchase beef broth but, there is really nothing that warms your heart (or smells better) than homemade broth being created in your kitchen. Tonight, I picked up beef
Just keep crocheting….dishcloths…
On 2024-12-17 by PamWhen you are putting together a little Christmas basket for someone, just tuck in a couple of little dishcloths and a jar or two of home preserves and you have a gift that keeps on giving. You can guarantee that these two dishcloths will make an appearance this Christmas – adding some joy and colour
The Hooded Jacket (for kids)
On 2024-12-14 by PamA couple of years, I crocheted hoodie sweaters for Charlotte and Mason and…guess what? They grew! So, this year for Christmas, it was time to create new sweaters for them. I am sharing the link to the pattern….https://shopthemoulehole.com/products/jessy-hoodie-crochet-patternThe pattern will cost about $10 Canadian but, it is well worth the money. It is called the
Cabbage Roll Casserole
On 2024-12-12 by PamSometimes, you just need a simple little dinner that hits the spot. Making cabbage rolls is time consuming and so, creating this quick little casserole gives you the flavours, without the work. In your food processor (or with a shredder or knife) cut up a small head of cabbage. I also added 2 carrots and
Puff Stitch Dishcloth
On 2024-12-10 by PamI just finished two new dishcloths. These dishcloths feature the puff stitch… The puff stitch is a crochet stitch that’s often used to create fluffy items like hats, blankets and flowers. It’s part of the same family as the bobble and popcorn stitches, but is different in that you don’t complete each stitch individually. Instead, you accumulate
The Quilted Jacket
On 2024-12-08 by PamI have completed my quilted coat. I started working on this project in the summer by first going through the fabric that I currently own to create my own “fabric” to match the pieces of the pattern. This meant sewing together pieces of fabric big enough for the 2 sleeves, 2 front panels and the
Socks, Socks and MORE Socks…
On 2024-12-06 by PamAnother month and another pair of hand knit socks. Why do I knit socks? 1. Socks are a VERY portable project. I can stuff them in my purse or bag and knit them on a plane, in the car, at a coffee shop, or while chatting after dinner. They don’t require a huge ball of
The First Snow and Summery Dishcloths
On 2024-12-04 by PamToday was the first snowfall of the season. It was mostly a dusting but, left about 1 cm of snow on the ground. In the midst of all the Christmas preparations, I continue to crochet 2 dishcloths each week. This weeks dishcloths look like a big slice of watermelon – a little summer on a
November 2024 Book List
On 2024-12-02 by PamThis year is flying to an end…SO MUCH has been happening in the world. This quote by Adam Grant (one of my favourite authors) ” Disappointment comes from knowing things could be better. Gratitude flows from knowing things could be worse. We don’t control events, but we do choose our outlook. Where we focus shapes
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