Category: Creative Endeavours
Lupins in the Garden
We grew our lupins from seed several years ago. We planted them in our front garden and they have spread like wildfire. Lupins are striking members of the legume family known for their vibrant, towering flower spires. Native to both the Americas and the Mediterranean, these plants are popular garden additions that feature palmate leaves
Knitting Socks
Knitting socks is a highly rewarding, portable and versatile craft. Whether you are looking for a relaxing project or a way to level up your skills, here are 10 reasons why hand-knitting socks is the perfect hobby:
Finding Beauty and Calm in Chaos
Do you ever have a moment where you just feel overwhelmed by the chaos around us? What do you do when you feel this way? I start with hydration and then I look around for something to be grateful for and then, I choose a meaningful task. I might exercise, go outside, complete a project
The Funfetti Dishcloth
Summer is coming and so this set of dishcloths is getting ready for the lazy, hazy, crazy days ahead. 10 Ways to Have Fun in the Summer (without breaking the bank):1. Most local libraries have a projector you can borrow, so you can plan a backyard movie night. Pop some popcorn, put out some chairs
Vegetarian Eggplant Ricotta Casserole
This is a simple a delicious lasagna-style meal that goes with a salad (or a little Italian sausage). I was able to get two small casseroles (one to eat and one for the freezer). It is SO important that when you are cooking, you need to consider making just a little bit more for a
Sunny Day Dishcloths
The sun is out today and so it is a perfect time to post these fun dishcloths that celebrate sunshine, warmth, blue skies and summer! Wake up each morning with gratitude in your heart for something, even on the difficult days. Walk in nature and most of all, invite positivity into your life. I used
The Slow, Simple Crochet Life – 2 New Dishclothes
Hope lives in small, slow moments, in each compassionate choice. When we move with sincerity and gentleness and you will be able to navigate whatever comes your way. Never cease from exploring or trying new things. Authenticity – the true home within yourself – is a lifelong journey. Ground each act in presence. What is
Log Cabin Quilt – Complete
The final step in completing the log cabin scrap quilt is to put the binding on the quilt. I used bias binding. I sewed the initial edging of the bias binding to the right side of the quilt. I then wrapped it the back of the quilt and blind-stitched ALL the way around the quilt
The New Sock Pattern – April 2026
Another beautiful pair of socks using the new pattern. I have a box of sock yarn upstairs and I am slowly working my way through it. I am combining colours and continuing to create socks that make my heart happy. I am sure, along the way, I will be able to give them to someone
A Woven Look – Crocheted Dishcloth
These dishcloths are completed by changing yarn colour row by row. The crochet pattern has a stitch called “shell” and when you have completed a row of shells, you create the woven look by crocheting into the top of the previous row’s shells. It actually takes a lot of time (for a dishcloth) but, the
Pretty Flowers Dishcloth
The joy of putting together colours of yarn to represent the beauty if the garden is very satisfying. Take a breath, enjoy the simplest things in life, even the dishcloth you are washing your dishes with.
Pillows – The Finishing Touch
After completing my twister quilt, it was evident that the current pillows would not match. I wanted to continue to only use fabric from my stash. This was important to me because I have LOTS of fabric and though it is sometimes easier to buy fabric, I want to continue to work on sustainability. Pillows
The Shamrock Dishcloth – Faith, Hope, and Love
The shamrock a three-leafed clover, is one of Ireland’s most treasured and recognized symbols, deeply woven into the country’s history, culture, and faith. Its name derives from the Irish word “seamróg” (pronounced sham-rog), meaning “little clover.” Many mistakenly believe the shamrock s simply a lucky charm, but its true meaning runs much deeper. The three leaves of the shamrock old great significance,
Hope in the Spring Flowers
That is a beautiful sentiment. Spring flowers are a powerful symbol of renewal, resilience, and hope – representing the ability to bloom after a long, cold winter. Resilience and New Beginnings: Just as flowers push through cold, barren soil to bloom, they symbolize the ability to overcome hardship and start anew. A Symbol of Hope:
My Log Cabin Quilt – Sashing
All the rows of my log cabin single bed quilt are complete. I have not purchased any material to complete this quilt and I am really happy about that. I am now starting to sash the pieces together. I have attached a video on sashing to help you if you want to try this yourself.
Bunny Dishcloths for Easter
Just can’t stop hopping around through my dishcloth crochet pattern book….Happy Easter!
The NEW Sock Pattern…Large Size
I am really enjoying this new sock pattern. This time, I made the largest size. I love the pattern – it is called the hibernal stitch pattern and it is a 4 row repeat. This is also a top town pattern – it starts at the cuff and works its way down to the toe.
How do you crochet a flower?
I have crocheted lots of different flowers. I have had great success with some and less success with some. What is success for you? For me, success is satisfactory achievement of a goal or project (sometimes it is “good enough” vibes), personal growth, overcoming challenges and feeling authentic. Challenging myself with projects is a growth
Sweet Potato Spanish Tortilla
This dish is Spain’s version of the frittata. Sweet potatoes add both colour and nutrition to this dish. The sauce is delicious and adds so much to this dish. This is an easy midweek meal that can include a number of different vegetables. You will enjoy every bite! Cube two large sweet potatoes, chop up
Where is Spring?
Spring lands in late March, but that doesn’t stop the snow from falling, the winds from blowing and the cold weather and cold rain from greeting us every day. Today, there are huge snowflakes falling outside AND Easter is around the corner. After a long snowy winter, we are all wishing for warm sunny days
Scrap Log Cabin Quilt – Step 2
In the process of creating my quilt for the second spare bed, I had to decide how to “quilt-as-you-go”. I am quilting it in strips using a diamond pattern. I have three different backings that I am using. I used three different backing fabrics because I didn’t want to purchase any fabric. Everything I have
Dishcloths with Details
Have you ever planned a big event? I make lists, plan each detail and then remember that you do the best you can and then sit back and relax. Take a breath – remember, whenever you make plans, God laughs; Does that stop me from planning? Never, but I have learned over the years that
A “Quilted” Twister Quilt
I am so excited to share my completed twister quilt. I really wanted to have homemade quilts on all the beds in my house. I designed this quilt myself and used the “twister” ruler to create the blocks with ALL scraps and fabric from my stash. I purchased fabric for the backing. I am so
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are absolutely delicious! Throw everything in a bowl, add chocolate or butterscotch chips and brew some tea and enjoy! Combine 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2/3 of a cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of peanut butter – mix until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of
Just An Ordinary Little Dishcloth
Do you appreciate the ordinary things in your life? That has been one of the things I have focused on during 2026. This allows us to be grateful and kind and to stay. It also allows you practice mindfulness and living in the moment. I try to focus on one things at a time, savour
Easter Bunny Pockets
Every year, I enjoy creating a fun little treat for the people in my circle to celebrate holidays as the occur. Easter is around the corner and I found this cute little pattern. I am going to make a bunch of these (they take about one hour to make) and put a little treat (a
Spruce Mittens
This beautiful pair of mittens is being knit by Charles for me. I knit the same pattern for Angel in green. It is a beautiful pattern – NOT a beginner pattern. I like to try knitting patterns that are a bit more challenging. The time for knitting mittens is almost over as spring is around
A New Sock Pattern
I have been knitting one pair of socks every month for the last several years. I have shared pairs of socks with lots of people. This month, I started a new pattern. This pattern was sent to me by my Aunt Sue. Aunt Sue and I write letters back and forth almost every month. A
Flower Dishcloths for February
The first day of spring is Friday, March 20th – 23 days away. We are all ready to start seeing green grass poke out. The bulbs that I planted last Autumn will start pushing up through the still-cold soil – tulips, crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. This dishcloths depict the flowers that are on their way
Happy 30th Birthday Cake!
Turning 30 is an amazing milestone, especially for Angel and Zachary as in 6 months, they will be married and begin their life together. We were so thrilled to be asked to create a birthday cake for their celebration. I used my now infamous lemon bundt cake recipe (gluten free). You can find it below:
Sewing Tutorial: A Sturdy, Quilted Pouch for Your Airwrap + Accessories
When it comes to sewing projects, making something three-dimensional is a fun challenge. Our future daughter-in-law, Angel, has a Dyson Airwrap hair curling tool. It comes in a rigid container, but for travel, she wanted a soft case for it and asked if we could make one. She picked a lovely pink denim for the
Jillian Jigg’s and Her Pigs – A Fun Craft for Kids
Today was a fun day with kids. If you have any little people in your life, this is a fun activity. I used to read the Jillian Jigg’s stories when I was a teacher librarian. To make the pigs, you need pink tights or nylons, google eyes, pipe cleaners, large buttons for the nose, a
The Scrap Log Cabin Quilt – Part 2
I have created 48 log cabin blocks out of scraps from my fabric stash. Once the blocks were complete, I had to decide about the backing. I was determined to use fabric that I already had in my collection so, I started digging. I was able to find fabric and this began the assembling portion
The World’s Simplest Mittens
You can find the free pattern here: https://tincanknits.com/pattern/the-worlds-simplest-mittens?g=2 These mittens are super easy to make and the pattern shows you all the sizes from toddler to large adult hand. It gives you measurements that include around the hand, length of the mitten from cuff to finger tips and cuff length. The patterns includes instructions for
Happy Flower Scrubbies
Two scrubbies, same pattern…what happened? Well, the importance of fully reading the instructions becomes very clear. For the first scrubbie, I left out one complete row and it made a big difference. Have you ever tried to make a recipe without reading to the bottom? I have – I end up improvising, which is not
Letting the yarn do all the work.
I (Charles) found this hand-dyed yarn by Stitch Noir about 2 years ago at a fibre festival in Hamilton, Ontario called the Fibre Forge (https://www.thefibreforge.ca/) If you live in the Golden Horseshoe, it’s definitely worth the drive as there are many Canadian, and Ontario vendors, and there is always something new. As soon as I
The January 2026 Socks are for ME…
What is self care to you? For me, sometimes, it is spending a whole day just binge-watching a show I have wanted to watch or reading a book I want to finish. It is doing my nails at a salon, it is spending time with my little people and taking them to do something fun
Crochet Something Beautiful
Creating beautiful things is an act of hope and hope fills our hearts with courage. Hope is described as “…a desire for things to change for the better, and to want that better situation very much.” There is some thing about the pace at which craft is created that deeply soothes my nervous system: it is meditative
Beautiful Creations – Tulip Dishcloths
Rest in your God-breathed worth. Stop holding your breath, hiding your gifts, ducking your head, dulling your roar, distracting your soul, stilling your hands, quieting your voice, and satiating your hunger with the lesser things of this world. – Sarah Bessey Get up, go ahead, do something, move. Be a justice-seeker – be energetic, not
A Little Valentine Bucket
MaterialsFelt – 20×8 rectangle or 20×6 for a shorter basketStrips of scrap fabric – 2” wide – make sure they are long enough so that when you fold them over the cover the feltFor binding top raw edge (if not using a lining): 1 20.5+” strip x 2” wide Step-by-Step Instructions1. Prepare the BaseLay your
The Swaddling Blanket
This week, I found this simple patter for a swaddling blanket. I looked for fabric that celebrated the soon-to-be-dad’s love of cycling and some buzzing bees. This is SO simple and such a lovely gift for parents-to-be. The pattern is attached: https://sewcraftyme.com/2012/06/hooded-baby-blanket-sewing-pattern.html Benefits of Swaddling A Newborn 1. Recreating Your Baby’s First Home The transition
Week 2 – Dishcloths – January 2026
It might be blustery outside, but my current round of dishcloths is all about spring and flowers. Creating something beautiful is always a great way to make a difference in the world – add creativity, colour and curiosity and the world is always a better place.
A Simple Knitted Hat
This simple pattern is great with any kind of wool. You need chunky wool, but I used worsted and held four strands of different colours together to give a variegated look to my hat. It is easy to knit and I was so pleased with how it turned out. Start with US 9 needles (5.5
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
You can make a VERY creamy mac and cheese simply by roasting some vegetables and making a delicious sauce. It has become a family favourite. Peel and cube a butternut squash. Preheat the oven to 425 F and put foil on a baking tray with a rim. Oil the pan and spread the butternut squash
Week 1 – A Year of Dishcloths 2026
This year, I have decided to repeat the book, A Year in Dishcloths. The book is available (Amazon has it listed for a ridiculous price), however; it can be ordered through Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/a-year-of-dishcloths/11dc1b38-27bd-3b0d-8339-5226a486788e.htmlI debated even continuing to do dishcloths this year. My intuition told me that re-doing this book was a great idea because it
The Log Cabin Quilt Block
The log cabin quilt is a symbol of home because the blocks design mimics a literal log cabin, symbolizing shelter, security, and the beautiful spirit of the settler on the frontier. When you use a red center on your block it signifies the hearth (fireplace) which was the heart of the home. The log cabin
Gluten Free Apple Cake
I bought some fancy new baking pans over Christmas and so I wanted to try a new recipe. This apple cake is gluten free and still fluffy, moist and full of apple pieces. The spice mix is perfect – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This cake is both delicious and easy. Grease or butter your pain
The End of 2025 Socks…December
We have a LOT of sock yarn! I made a decision a few years ago to knit one pair of socks per month. I have got a system in place now that allows me to be successful at it. I have already started my January 2026 sock so, I am off and running for the
Chestnuts roasting or simmering?
This Christmas season, we celebrated with our family and returned to many of our favourite foods and snacks. Charles saw an interesting recipe for chestnuts on a video on his phone. They weren’t roasted on an open fire, so it was going to be possible to make it in our kitchen. The chestnuts recipe is
The Christmas Cookie Tray
Every year, you see advertisements for the “Christmas Cookie Tray” on social media. You can order them, pick them up and share them. I choose to make them myself – I always make a lot and they always seem to slowly disappear. Containers sent to neighbours, dessert over the Holidays, a few with your morning
Almond Crescent Cookies
Do you need to whip together a quick batch of cookies for a Christmas party? These are fast and easy and delicious…and easily gluten free (or not). Whip together 1 cup of butter and 2/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract. Whisk together 1 – 1/2 cups of almond flour and 1
Gingerbread Cake
Anyone who knows me, know how much I love to bake, especially at Christmas. I jumped in and bought a new baking pan (not that I needed one). It was adorable and I plan to use it a few times this season. I started by finding a Gingerbread Cake recipe and baked some little gingerbread
A Simple Journal Cover
After purchasing a journal for a friend for Christmas, I decided to create a cover for it. I used to pieces of fabric (measured 10 inches longer than the length of the book and 8 inches wider than the full width of the book). In order to measure the width of the book, just wrap
The Best Gluten Free Shortbread
I have been attempting to make gluten free shortbread for a few years. For some reason, gluten free makes shortbread very difficult – it often looses its shape and you are often adding extra flour or cornstarch. The flavour is ok, but not the buttery, amazing consistency of regular shortbread. This year, I tried whipped
Beautiful Socks, Amazing Hobby…
I love my “sock making” hobby! I am never without something to keep my hands busy and it also acts as a form of meditation. I have knit so many socks that I only need to briefly check the pattern (usually for the heel) and so, it is all about relaxing your shoulders, finding a
101 Dishcloths COMPLETE…
My goal was to use the book, 101 Crochet Squares (which you can now find for about $10 on Etsy) and make them into dishcloths. I used one pattern per week and created 2 dishcloths with each pattern. I didn’t skip a week and I often listened to a book, watched TV or read a
Merry Christmas!
For years, I had a Styrofoam banner of gingerbread cookies that hung in my living room window. It disintegrated. So, this year I decided to replace that old banner with some quilted letters that say “Merry Christmas”. These letters are VERY easy to make. Cut 2 – 5 inch squares of fabric and put a
Twister Quilt – Stage 2
In my quest to meet the goal of having every bed in my house with a homemade quilt, I am moving forward to create the first of the two quilts that I plan to complete this winter. This will go on the double bed in the spare room and I will soon be starting a
October Dishcloths from 101 Crochet Squares
As this year quickly slides to a close, I am completing 99, 100 and 101 dischcloths from the book “101 Crochet Squares” – you can find it at the link below: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1736828404/crochet-squares-pattern-book-101-unique?gpla=1&gao=1& This has been a fun project full of creativity and colour. A lot of the patterns for the squares are too small to
The Little Ghost Family
This little ghost family was created for my friends in Grimsby. Instead of MORE candy, I included a couple of little gift certificates and created this little family to celebrate Hallowe’en. Do you take time to celebrate the people that you love and care about? You can celebrate with simple homemade gifts – baking, books,
A Pair of Socks for October 2025
Once in awhile when you knit a pair of socks, all the colours just work. I am creating socks out of wool that is already in our stash and so, sometimes I am putting together a variety of colours to make a pair that might not always perfectly match. This happens because you look at
Dishcloths to Celebrate Changing Seasons
Although we officially have about 6 weeks of Autumn left, the frost this morning was a reminder that winter is coming. We woke up to a layer of white on bushes and rooftops and the grass. When I was crocheting these dishcloths, winter seemed a long way in the future and we are still waiting
These High-Protein Waffles Are Actually Worth Waking Up For
Look, we all know that feeling when your breakfast fails you by 10 AM and you’re already eyeing the office snack drawer. These waffles? They’re not that breakfast. Packed with protein and fiber, they’ll actually keep you going until lunch without the mid-morning crash. The Protein Situation Let’s talk about what makes these waffles legit.
The Completed Granny Square Sweater
A big thanks to Charles for crocheting the sweater together for me. This was such a fun project full of amazing colours. I am thrilled with the result. This is SO easy – it is a great place to start if you are a beginning crocheter.
The Ornamental Pepper
I have always wanted to have ornamental pepper plants in my house. In the spring, I went to a greenhouse and was told that they are only sold in the Autumn. I have since seen them at several greenhouses. However, not to be delayed, I purchased some seeds on Amazon and we took all summer
Beautiful Colours, Beautiful Dishcloths
Doing chores with beautiful dishcloths can make cleaning more enjoyable, sustainable, and effective. Aesthetically pleasing cloths can turn cleaning into a more positive, less tedious activity, and reusable options like handmade crocheted or knitted cotton dishcloths are an eco-friendly choice that reduces waste from paper towels and sponges. Many beautiful cloths are also highly functional, designed to be
Working on the Twister Quilt
This project has been on-going. Creating a twister requires several steps that result in a rectangle that is a combination of some beautiful colours. I completed 8 different rectangles and now I am in the process of sewing them together to make a quilt. I am adding borders that will end up creating a large
Hexagon Runner for Autumn
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the runner on the shelf in my front hall was for summer. For most people this would not matter at all…to me, it was an opportunity to find some fabric and create something. I wanted to try to do it all on the machine this time and
The Cutest Little Crocheted Pumpkin
I have crocheted or knit a lot of little pumpkins over the years. I found this pattern on line and it is the best and easiest I have ever used. Use thick wool and a larger crochet hook (but it doesn’t really matter – thin wool and small hooks make tiny pumpkins). You simply make
Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins
Here are some DELICIOUS muffins that are perfect for the Thanksgiving and Hallowe’en season. I started the process by buying 6 pie pumpkin. I cut them in half, scooped out the seeds, greased a baking sheet and then put the pumpkins flesh down on the baking sheet. I baked them for 45 minutes, scooped out