Category: Creative Endeavours
Butterflies for the Baby
When I found out that my friend was going to be a grandma, I immediately started searching through my fabric for something to inspire me to create a quilt. I came across several different butterfly prints and I was immediately in “creative” mode. I used my “classic” baby quilt pattern and I embroidered a heart
The Granny Square becomes a Dishcloth
There are 8 basic crochet stitches and these can combine to create many more stitches. Over 150 crochet stitches or “stitch patterns” more accurately have been designed since crochet came to be. The treble crochet is probably the hardest working stitch of the crochet world. Whether you’re making a ripple blanket, a granny square or fancier stitch pattern,
The “30 Minutes a Day” Sock
What do you spend 30 minutes doing each day? What are 30 things you can do in 30 minutes? Write snail mail or a card to send to a friendFold laundry and put it awayRead a few chapters of a bookDo a spot clean of your house and put things away out of placeDo a
Healthy Applesauce Muffins
These muffins have NO sugar or eggs and they are “flexible” – you can add apple pieces, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, oatmeal or whatever you want to add to customize them according to what you love in a good muffin. I actually love baking muffins because you can take the basic recipe and just make
Popcorn Dishcloths
The “popcorn” stitch is simple – 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch, pull up the last stitch and put the needle through the first double crochet of the 5 and pull the last stitch through – the stitch that is made looks like a kernel of popcorn. This dishcloth features the popcorn stitch.
The Swinging Ghost
These cute little ghosts are a fun addition to my Hallowe’en crocheting. They are easy to make and fun to give away. You can find the pattern here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1572112963/ghost-sit-on-swing-crochet-pattern-ghostFun Facts About Ghosts…1. The United States is the most haunted country in the world. This is based on the number of reported ghost and UFO sightings and
The Crocheted “BOO” Bag…
Each year for special occasions, I try to create a little treat for some friends to celebrate those in my circle. Having solid connections in your life is so important. These little ghost bags are easy to make and will make a fun way to share some treats with all the little people in my
Some “Middle of October” Dishcloths…
Time flies, as the saying goes. Thanksgiving has come and gone, the pool is closed for another year and I just had the winter tires put on our car. The seasons change and “time marches on”. How do you slow down and enjoy each moment? One way is to add some margin to each day
The Barbequed Turkey
This year, we barbequed our Thanksgiving turkey. We were so grateful to be able to spend a couple of days as a family – riding bikes, going for a walk, talking, eating and just being together – the real meaning of Thanksgiving. This year, we roasted a 16 lb turkey. We heated the BBQ to
The Great Pumpkin for Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! I decided to try the largest pumpkin size with very thick yarn and a size 7 crochet hook. I used a striped pattern and some “different” colours and I am happy to share my GREAT PUMPKIN for Thanksgiving! https://sarahmaker.com/crochet-pumpkin-pattern
Thanksgiving Napkins
Getting ready for Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause and consider everything that is a blessing in your life. You can step outside feelings, worries, anxieties and look outside yourself and just appreciate life. Gratitude is considered to be something that is good for our mental health and it inspires us to move and to
Socks from September 2024
I continue to knit one pair of socks every month. Sometimes, I save them and then find random times to give them out to people but, this month, I kept the in-house and gave them to my husband, Charles. The yarn for these was VERY thin and so, they will fit nicely inside shoes for
The Autumn Garden (and some Dishcloths)
The Autumn garden changes to purples and golds and the grasses in the garden become wispy in the wind and the rain. I start trimming back and pulling out but, the flowers still bloom and I remember to be gentle with the zinnias because they remain beautiful late into the Fall. I will soon be
It is Pumpkin Season…
I have always said that one of my favourite parts of sewing or quilting is picking out fabric. With Thanksgiving and Hallowe’en around the corner, fabric stores have lots of fun fabric. So, I went looking for some fabric to use to cover some pillows – both for my porch and for my friend Jayde
A New Bedroom Rug
Another beautiful rug…this one is in our bedroom and was made from the leftover fabric from the quilt that I made for our bedroom. This is the second rug that I have made – this one turned out really well. It is difficult to make them turn out flat. This time, I washed the rug
Caramelized Onions
Every year, I buy a couple of large bags of onions, slice them up, add some balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar and salt and pepper and create some caramelized onions that I can use all winter on pizza or charcuterie boards (they are great with cheese). This year, I found an EVEN easier
Crochet a Pumpkin
This cute little pumpkin is easy to make and can be made with any thickness of yarn and any size crochet hook. It is a fun gift that you could add eyes and mouth to change into a jack-o-lantern. I definitely like to keep my hands busy while I am reading and watching TV and
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Welcome to Fall! Pumpkins everywhere! 3 weeks until Thanksgiving! Leaves are changing colour, evening are cooler…sweater weather! This simple recipe makes a great morning breakfast for anyone who is “on the run” or a mid-morning pick up. Today, I had the help of my little friend, Charlotte who loved dumping and mixing and tasting. These
An Autumn Project
I have created my own fabric before – it is called crumb quilted. I used it to make a pillow. This Autumn, I am working on a coat. I have currently created all the fabric for the front pieces, the arms and the back by sewing together pieces of fabric from my collection (and a
Nourish Your Well-Being
Over the years (especially in the last 5), I have learned the importance of nourishing your well-being. That doesn’t make you selfish, in fact, I think it has made me more generous and more outward-looking because I take the time I need to be stronger physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Having hobbies and trying new
Beef and Broccoli
For a quick meal that is healthy and delicious, throw together this dish in about 20 minutes. 1 lb of steak, cut into thin strips1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper Season the meat with the white pepper and set it aside. Combine 1/3 cup of soya sauce and 1/3 cup of water and 1 tablespoon
Pumpkin Garland
Autumn is here and with it comes time to bring out some decorations that suit the season, pumpkins, sunflowers, coloured leaves, cornucopia, scarecrows, corn stalks, bales of hay, buckets of mums and so much more. Over the weekend, I created a simple pumpkin garland. We have a double fireplace in our house so we have
Dishcloths that Celebrate Flowers
I love dishcloths that are created to look like flowers. But, nothing beats the real thing! What do you think are the names of the 20 most beautiful flowers in the world. Flowers are one of life’s simplest pleasures, representing beauty in its purest, most flawless form. There’s nothing like a vase of flowers to
Where did the summer go?
I always feel the end of summer as we approach Labour Day. I know that we will have more summer-like days ahead but, the freedom and “lazy day” feeling comes to an end as we approach the official “Autumn” on the calendar. I start with my “Autumn Cleanup” – cleaning out flower beds, polishing hardwood
Even Kids deserve a new pair of socks…
This pattern is great for kids from 5-8 years old. I made these for my friend, Mason who is 5 and he wore them to bed when he first got them. They were a big hit. Kids love handmade things and this young man is very appreciative of receiving gifts so it is fun to
Dishcloth Reflection
Sometimes when I am crocheting or knitting, I start reflecting. Recently, I have run across a couple of books with “questions for reflection” and so I have been pondering some of these…What habits do I want to cultivate this year?What habits do I want to eliminate this year? What can I do to enhance my
Grilled Peach Halloumi Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
Hello, halloumi…this salty, creamy grilling cheese tastes great with just about anything but especially when nestled in a salad alongside sweet grilled peaches, plenty of greens and fresh balsamic dressing. This salad is SO easy to put together and is a wonderful addition to any summer BBQ. Dressing 1/4 cup of olive oil1/4 cup fresh
August Dishcloths – Making the World a Brighter Place
Another set of dishcloths to brighten the summer days. Isn’t is great to live in a world where we experience the freedom to do things that we enjoy, that relax us, that bring us peace and that, ultimately make the world a better place. Everyone has the capacity to become more enlightened and more self-aware.
Socks and Sock Yarn…
I am often complimented on the combination of colours for my socks. I tell everyone it is the yarn and I laugh but, in fact it really is. Sock yarn is created by machine to created patterns and stripes as you knit the socks. It requires you to be flexible and make socks that are
New Dishcloths…New Stitches
The “front post double crochet” and the “back post double crochet” work together to create this dishcloth. Pushing yourself to try new things is so important! Taking risks is called “Discover Mode” and refers to living your life scanning for opportunities, like a “kid in a candy shop”. You think for yourself and you grow.
Here come the YIP YIPS…
The Martians, sometimes called “the Yip-Yips,” are interplanetary visitors, presumed to be from the planet Mars, who are terrified by things like clocks, telephones, and computers on Sesame Street. When frightened, they hide beneath their lower lips, which shoot up to cover their faces. They rarely come face-to-face with other characters on the show. In their skits,
Dishcloth Pattern #30
I am continuing to work through the book 101 Crochet Squares, making them into dishcloths. https://www.google.ca/books/edition/101_Crochet_Squares/wvByDQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcoverToday, we spent about 5 hours in the car, driving to the airport to pick up our sons who spent 10 days in Scotland. So, I spent the time finishing my dishcloth, working on my knitted sock and crocheting my
Moroccan-Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Salad
Satisfying and delicious and a perfect compliment to any dinner – winter, spring, summer or fall. Easy to make and can be kept for several days. You can make a batch and then eat it for lunch or dinner as a side dish all week. This side dish will really spice up your mealtime –
More Dresses for Little Girls…
Once you start doing something fun, it is really hard to stop. I was inspired to sew a dress for Charlotte when we found some “CARS” fabric at Joann Fabric in Niagara Falls, New York. Then, it gave me the idea that I should probably keep practicing this pattern until it became part of my
Dishcloths in the Kitchen
I have given away LOTS of dishcloths and I often get the comment that they are “too pretty to use.” It reminds me of growing up with my mom’s good dishes – we hardly ever used them. They were expensive and breakable and “special”. Now, young families do not have “good china” and buffets full
Fun in the City – Beautiful Canadian Quilts
We started the day with a stop at Kelly’s Gluten Free Bakery in Burlington for muffins and coffee on our way to spend the day with Zachary. We hopped on the Go Train in Burlington and headed for Mimico Station – a short walk to Zachary’s apartment. Zach had ordered a gluten free pizza from
The Bee Dress
Several weeks ago, while shopping with my friend, I found this beautiful, light-denim “bee” fabric. When I saw it, I immediately wanted to make a dress out of it – this time for myself – and I really wanted it to be an old-fashioned jumper that I can put a turtle neck under in Autumn
Dishcloths in the Garden
Today’s new dishcloths are featured in my beautiful summer garden. The garden is in its prime right now. Every day there are new blooms and now the butterflies and bees and rabbits are enjoying the beauty and serenity. We are feeding the squirrels and the birds and there are some days when I feel like
A Pair of Socks – June 2024
A quick history of socks… http://wabi-sabi.caKnitting socks goes back at least to the 11th century. The oldest surviving knitted item is a pair of colourwork socks from Egypt, and while no earlier items have yet been discovered, the complexity of both the sock construction and the colourwork suggests that the craft was developed much earlier (because, after all, if
Healthy Summer Eating – Burgers and Fries
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers1 – 1/4 lbs of lean ground turkey1 – 1/2 cups of finely chopped fresh spinach4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese2 cloves of minced garlice1/4 cup of bread crumbs (I use gluten free)1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning1 large egg2 teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce (I use gluten free)1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Why do I Crochet Dishcloths?
I would say the biggest reason that I do it is because it feels good. I recently read a book called, Just Feel Good. I loved the book because it stressed taking a few minutes every day to intentionally experience positive emotions – not stifling them with worry or doubt or requirements. So, in the
What’s Chayote? Everything you need to know about this sweet, green squash.
Chayote (rhymes with “coyote”) is a type of squash with the taste and texture of summer squash and the harvest season (late summer to early fall) and extended storage of winter squash . Native to Central America, chayote was a staple food for the Aztecs when European explorers encountered it. Its cultivation spread throughout the
Flower Scrunchie
Summer Solstice is just around the corner and to celebrate long summer nights and warm floats in the pool, I found this scrunchie. I have made a bunch and they seem to be a hit with my little circle. The pattern is free so, I have included it…as well as some pictures of my scrunchies!
A Flower Garland
Anyone who knows me, is aware that I love flowers. My garden is full of them, and in winter, my house always has a fresh bouquet somewhere. I also love anything homemade. Yes, you can buy a scarf or mittens or dishcloths or a dress or shirt or a pair of socks ANYWHERE and at
Are you out of dishcloths? Just give me a call…
Every week, I make two dishcloths. I think most of you who have read any of my posts know that I have been doing this for awhile. The funny thing is…I don’t have a huge pile of dishcloths because I give them away almost as fast as I make them. I have often looked up
June Blossoms in the Garden
After the “end of May” planting of herbs, vegetables, annuals and bringing out all the indoor plants to the patio, June comes with its blossoms. I fertilize my pots and vegetables about once a week and, depending on the weather, water every other day or so (especially when the weather is hot). The June garden
Summertime…and a couple more Dishcloths
This year we put up a gazebo beside our pool. A big shout out to Zachary, who gave up a weekend to help us put it up and Sebastian who helped us finish the roof on Mother’s Day. So, whenever I start to think my life is a bit hard or rough, I take a
May 2024 SOCKS
I am still knitting a pair of socks each month. I have talked about the benefits of knitting before but, these days, I am focused on improving the function of my vagus nerve, as well as learning how to consistently taken a few minutes each day to intentionally experience positive emotions and just feel good
Summer Salad Time!
What does it mean to eat healthy? For us, it is lots of fruit and vegetables, protein and finding foods that increase polyphenols in my diet. Adding polyphenols to your diet improves blood sugar levels and helps your gut, skin, and cognitive health. Polyphenols are present in the rich, green Mediterranean diet as well as
Here Comes Summer!
I love all the seasons – Autumn, Winter, Spring – each brings its beauty and its surprises. I love snow, falling leaves, puddles, tulips – the beauty of a winter storm when everyone is home safe and sound…crunching on leaves but, then there is SUMMER. The pool opens, we plant and plant and plant. There
Dishcloth #20
I am working my way through a book of “101 Crochet Squares” and making them into cotton dishcloths. If you can believe it, Mother’s Day cleaned me out of dishcloths and so, I am in the process of building up my “inventory” again. This book is available on Amazon…https://www.amazon.ca/101-Crochet-Squares-Jean-Leinhauser-ebook/dp/B01N3SUDE8If you work your way through this
Are You Looking for a New Cookbook?
I often find recipes on Pinterest or during a google search, but I still like putting my hands on a “real” cookbook. I used to have several shelves (4 to be exact) and I have reduced my collection to 2 shelves. I have often celebrated the Mediterranean diet – it is full of great, salty,
Feet…
When Zachary came home last weekend, he opened up a box that contained his new camping cot. He set it up in the tent and was a little concerned about the impact of the feet (all six of them) on the canvas of the tent (especially with rougher ground underneath). I thought I might sew
Sewing a Little Dress
I am a quilter, not a dressmaker. I am a crocheter and a knitter and so, when I am faced with a garment, it is a bit of a challenge. I have sewn several small garments now and, each time, I learn something new. This time, I had the privilege of sewing with my friend,
Dishcloths for Mother’s Day
AS I was crocheting these dishcloths, I was thinking that I would give them to some of my friends for Mother’s Day. If you are going to wash dishes, you might as well do it with something beautiful and colourful. This made me think about what mothers ACTUALLY want for Mother’s Day. 1. Time Alone
Little Aprons
I am so privileged to be able to spend time with some VERY FUN little people. We share stories, go to the park, scooter around the neighbourhood, bake and make and colour and play. So, when their mom asked me if I could make some aprons for them, it made my heart very happy. I
It is DEFINITLEY Tulip Time…
Everywhere you drive right now, there are tulips. Today, I was doing some errands and there are beds of tulips all over the city where I live. The newest “thing to do” is go and visit these HUGE tulip farms – paying to pick tulips and walk through the fields of tulips. My own garden
Spring and Joy
Yesterday, I came home and was unloading some groceries and the beauty of my garden caught my eye. Nothing special – or amazing – just some beautiful tulips and daffodils and the signs of spring all around me. A couple of days ago, I was cleaning and looked out the window to see a group
A Case for Your Sunglasses
This is a simple pattern – it took a bit to figure out and adapt but, once I did, it was very straight forward. Start by cutting outer and lining fabrics 9- 1/2 x 8 inches Cut pieces of heavy felt to 6 x 6-1/2 inchesCut fabric from the outer fabric for the tabs 2
Relax: Crochet a Dishcloth
Breathe deeply and look around in wonder when you wake. Retire the past. Retire the future. Practice presence. Just here.Aging breath by breath. Intending to live as soul. Life won’t be what we wish it to be – when we truly care, we make time for who and what we value. Unearth what it takes
Bunny Love
This little bunny is an easy crochet and a perfect gift for a little girl or boy. I found the pattern on etsy and it is $7.00 to buy. I have made it twice and it is such a fun gift to give. Cute and cuddly…https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/211104833/bunny-ragdoll-haak-amigurumi-patroon-pdf
Enchilada “One Pot” Casserole
I love a meal that you can throw in a pot and enjoy. This can be served with nachos but, it has lots of “carbs” so you probably don’t need any other carbs….but, this is a great meal for dipping a nacho into…lol 1 tablespoon of olive oil I package of chicken thighs (4 full
“Snazzy Socks for Charles”
Every once in awhile you have to knit a pair of socks for someone you love! It is NOT a hardship but, it is a reminder how important it is to show love, show kindness and practice unconditional positive regard every single day. Life is too short to not listen, not care and not make
Crocheting Washcloths in Victoria, BC
What do you take with you when you go on vacation? For some, it is a camper or a canoe, for others it is favourite snacks or clothes, for me, it is yarn and books. So, as we headed out for Victoria last week, I packed the cotton yarn that I needed to crochet two
The Gluten Free Dilemma
As anyone who knows our family or anyone who has checked out any recipes on my blog, you will know that my husband, Charles is celiac – we discovered this around 16 years ago and we eat gluten free. When we first started on this journey, it was very difficult. It has since become much
Quilting a Mountain
Our son, Sebastian is a “climber” – that does not mean the “ladder of success” but, rather mountains, cliffs and climbing gyms. He asked for a quilt of a mountain and so, Charles designed one and we created it. Sebastian loves to climb and his brother, Zachary has started climbing with him (in a climbing
The Last of the Hats…Spring is Here!
I have been knitting hats this winter. I am going to tuck them away to donate or give as gifts when Fall/Winter arrive on our doorstep once again. What is next? I don’t know quite yet but, I might work on a few sewing projects instead…time will tell. One of the things that I LOVE
Washing Dishes in Style…
We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about washing dishes anymore…we toss the in the dishwasher and go on with our day. Dishcloths can be beautiful – right now, I am using some “spring” colours to liven up my collection of dishcloths. With Easter around the corner, I will be giving out some dishcloths
The 90-Minute Quilt
Can you sew a cute little TV watching quilt in a morning? Yes, you can! I gathered together the fabric, cut 35 – 6 inch squares, created a pattern and sewing it all together. I found some backing, put the front and backing right sides together and put batting on top, sewed it all together
Bunny Cups for Easter…
Do you need something fun to make for Easter? These little bunny cups use up lots of “stash” yarn and are super easy to make (I could make one in about 1 – 1/2 hours in an evening). I held three strands of DK weight yarn together in various colours and this makes the bunny