Nicole's Hats

That nip in the air inspired Nicole to get out her old circle loom and begin making hats.

And here's how to take a raggedy old skein of yarn...

and roll it into a beautiful, tangle-free ball of yarn.

First rule:   Always pull the yarn from the center of the skein or ball.  Don't use the end that's wrapped around the outside.  This one little tip can save hours of tangles and knots, and prevent your yarn from rolling all around the house...

When you've found the end that comes from the center of the skein,

leave about a 4" tail and wrap the yarn loosely around two fingers.

Remove from your fingers and turn sideways, 

inserting your thumb in the hole to keep the beginning tail in place.

Loosely wrap yarn around middle of the yarn ring, eventually fanning out, 

twisting the ball so the layers of yarn overlap as you turn.    

*Always keep your thumb in the center of the ball as you wind.  

 *Always wrap through the center of the ball, 

continuing to turn the ball around as you add layers.  

 *Always keep the beginning tail free as you wrap.

When you get to the end, tuck the tail into the bottom of the ball.

 Ready to use.

A thing of beauty!

~the Momma

Thimblechaser Crafts

Lauren and Ryler had fun with a little craft booth at The Summer Flea.

Ryler did custom Japanese Kanji calligraphy.

Lauren made stuff:
     Mannequin pincushions.

    ... by the dozen...

     Wallets.  See more HERE.

    Other stuff:  Stuffed stuff, Monster Crayon Bags, Book Purses, Framed Marker Boards

Adorable crocheted jewelry.

You can find Lauren's extras on her Thimblechaser Etsy Store!  Custom orders:  801-678-3529, or email stellar.galloshes@gmail.com.  *Ü*

See more of Lauren's creative pursuits on her blog:  THIMBLECHASER.

Chelsea's Been Sewing!

 Sewing...

Smiling... (I don't blame her - look at those perfectly matched points!  She did a little happy dance too...)

Making the binding...

Quilted by Mom...

Minkee backing... yum.

Beautiful!

Star Medallion Lap Quilt << PATTERN

Remember Chelsea's prize-winning quilt?

She also received a 4th Place ribbon at the State Fair!  (Very cool, as ribbons awarded at the State Fair are only given to 5 places per category).  Even Charley is impressed.

This is the payoff for Chelsea hanging out in the sewing room for all those years - not only in $$, but in confidence.  Well done, Chelsea!

~The Momma

Spaghetti Zoodles

Zucchini is still going.

Making "Zoodles" ~ Zucchini Noodles ~ with a Julienne slicer.

Chelsea whipped up a batch of "The Best Homemade Marinara Sauce" (see recipe below),

Chopped up some leftover grilled chicken.  We marinate it in Berenstein's Italian dressing and the Dad is the grill chief.  Tastes so good, it's a miracle there are any leftovers!

Boil some spaghetti noodles according to package directions.  Zoodles go in for the last minute of cooking; drain.

Mix it all together and throw it in the Pyrex.  Bake at 350o until heated through.  Add grated cheese to top.

Mmmmm!

Dig in, and slurp noodles all over your face.  Pass the napkins, please.


The Best Homemade Marinara
Saute':
1 T. canola or coconut oil
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced

Add:
14-oz can whole tomatoes, pureed
14-oz can diced tomatoes
14-oz can crushed tomatoes
8-oz can tomato sauce
2 t. oregano
1 t. basil
1/2 t. thyme leaves
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. sugar
1/4 t. garlic powder (use only if not using fresh garlic clove)
1 - 2  bay leaves

Simmer until thick (up to one hour), stirring occasionally.  Remove bay leaves. Spoon over any pasta of your choice, and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan to serve.

Add 1-1/2 to 2 lbs. ground beef or sausage to the onion/garlic for a terrific Spaghetti sauce!

~ the Momma

A Huckleberry Adventure

Drove 6 hours and 13 minutes north and a little east of home; up the interstate, through some little towns on the back roads to the family reunion, then up through the forest over a pass, through the countryside, along a river, past a geyser and a herd of antelope to a sweet little cabin, then headed for the mountains.

It was a little overcast.
Took a left at the lake,
Forgot to pull over at the picnic grounds for a hike, ended up on an 8-mile one-way road.
Pulled over at the first opportunity.
Saw the lake, got a few pictures.

Hey, what's that bush at our feet and down the slope?

No, it can't be!  Not with all these people tromping around, looking at the lake...
Little shining treasures right at their feet... or about knee-high, that is.

Tasted a few... yep.  Huckleberries.  That zingy tart burst of purple goodness.  Berry Perfect.

Spent our time picking berries instead of hiking.  Good trade.

Ryler documented our adventure.

Here's his view from the top of the water bottle...

Picked up some sugar, canning jars and a couple packages of pectin on the way back to the cabin.  Combined the berries with the now-thawed fresh-picked frozen raspberries purchased at the family reunion, and a few minutes later...

We be jammin'!  Just followed the recipe for raspberry jam on the pectin box.  Added 1/2 c. huckleberries to the first batch, then combined half raspberries and half huckleberries for the second.

Oh, that indescribable burst of flavor!

We still have enough berries for the Dad's birthday coming up... time for some Huckleberry Cheesecake!
I may be a little stingy with the berries, but if you stop by, I'll share a bit of toast and jam.  Maybe.  If we don't eat it all first.  Better hurry on over.  :)

~The Momma
More Huckleberry Celebrations (& recipes) HERE.

Prize-Winning Cookies!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Nicole!!

Nicole won SWEEPSTAKES at the Wasatch County Fair with her amazing White Chocolate Chip/Craisin Oatmeal Cookies!!  Best cookies in the whole county!

Big old Sweepstakes Ribbon,
$20 Cash in an envelope.
Smiles and cookies all around!

Woohoo!!  Way to go, Coco!  This prize-winning recipe has never failed!


PRIZE-WINNING OATMEAL COOKIES

In a large mixing bowl, combine and cream together:

4 sticks butter or margarine

2 c. sugar

2 c. brown sugar

4 eggs

2 t. vanilla

In a separate bowl, stir together:

4 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

Add to creamed mixture, stir well.

Add and stir in by hand:

4 c. quick oats

2 to 3 c. chocolate chips

Line a baking sheet with parchment.  Use a small ice cream scoop and drop mounds on the cookie sheet.  Bake at 350o for 10 minutes or so.

Makes a TON of Prize-winning cookies every time!  Bake up a few, then freeze unbaked cookie mounds to save for later.

VARIATIONS:

Substitute any flavor of chip for chocolate chips: try half chocolate chips and half peanut-butter chips, or any combination of mini chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, mint chips, toffee chips, etc., or any combination of the above with raisins or craisins, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, etc.  

 Oh, M.M.M.M.M.M!!!
So proud of you, Nicole!
~ the Momma