Learn to Socks Learn to knit socks to fit everyone on your Christmas list. This sock class includes a “recipe” and not a pattern, per se. You will learn to knit socks in every size using any yarn. The workshop includes online access to our tutorials and in-person instruction at our shop in Plantersville, Texas. … Continue reading Sock Workshop
Author: Eleanor
Making an Alpaca Tam
Processing alpaca Fiber
5 Essential Farmsteading skills you can learn now!
Learn 5 Essential Farmsteading skills that will get you on your way to self sufficiency.
Wishing Wednesday (week 4)
Hello there! Wishing Well Wednesday is here again and I am so glad to be at this point. The last few weeks were devoted to determining what we want. I know that seems pretty basic, but the truth is most of us spend far too much time trying to get what we think others will… Continue reading Wishing Wednesday (week 4)
UFOs and other life lessons
What is your knitting trying to teach you? UFOs were a clear indicator of Attention Deficit Disorder.
Parcel Post Dandy Cowl
This easy to knit Dandy Cowl is perfect for Houston climate. I used a cotton yarn instead of wool to extend the season of use.
Basket Weave Pattern
Basket Weave Cowl Pattern by Ellienoir One size fits all. Finished measurements: 36 inches. Yarn:2 skeins Lion’s Pride Woolspun (bulky) Needles: Size 10 Circular Notions: needle and waste yarn Cast on 30 stitches. k1, p 1 repeat to end. turn. p1, k1 * repeat to end. Continue in this manner (moss stitch) for 3… Continue reading Basket Weave Pattern
Tillmanator – Box Cardercycle 1000
Introducing: The Tillmanator Box Cardercycle 1000! Jim has completed the redesign of my box carder. I have been asking for this contraption since we joked about how awesome it would be. I should have known better than to joke and pose what I’d known he’d take as a challenge [wink, wink]. This is exactly the… Continue reading Tillmanator – Box Cardercycle 1000
Gourds
I planted some gourds last year and have been tripping up on our harvest. I had used gourds as maracas when my children were small, but I can’t honestly say that I have “crafted” with Gourds. I’ve seen a wonderful display of possibilities (a “quick” search on Pinterest will blow your mind), so I was ready to tackle the chore.
Keep it wet to avoid nasty dust
Most posts cautioned about mold dust and such, so I was good to keep the gourd wet while working on it, to keep the dust down. It cleaned up rather easily with just a bit of effort and a scouring pad. I like the marbled effect I was achieving so I wasn’t too determined to get it completely clean ( read: minimum effort =maximum results).
Simple tools
I used a regular ol’ hand saw to cut the neck off. I shook the seeds out then used a hand drill to make holes along the design that I wanted ( no photos, sorry). I used a simple jigsaw blade in my hand and started connecting the holes that I had drilled. This part was surprisingly easy. I used a little scrap of sandpaper (for this I suggest a mask for protection) and worked it carefully along the cut ends and design.
Finishing Touch
I used my husband’s shoe polish and an old rag to distribute the wax. I wasn’t thrilled with the results but my handy son suggested I use a lighter to warm the wax for easier application. I took his suggestion as an offer and, with my new volunteer, proceeded to cover the remaining gourd with ease.
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Check out these other gourd projects!
This was my first attempt and certainly far from perfect, but I am happy enough with the results that I am eager to attempt some of the more complicated designs on Pinterest.
