Handmade Preserves

Preserving is part of the routine here........Directions for jams, chutneys, pickles and relishes occupy a large section of my recipe box.   Being on 10 acres of land with a large vege patch and orchard, there is always an abundance of some type of produce ready to be bottled for later use.

Preserving is a great way to ensure our 
gardening efforts do not go to waste but I also
think they are a great "simple-life" tool as well.

A jar of homemade jam or chutney can be a wonderful "thanks mate" gift for the neighbour who helps feed the chickens while you're on a weekend away.  Its a great "bartering" tool with a local farmer - my jam for your moo poo. 

It's also a way of making some extra money at the local markets to buy seed and seedlings for the patch.  But, best of all jars of preserves are an awesome "you're appreciated" gift for your BFF who is always standing by when you need them. 

So.........I like my preserving jars to look a bit thoughtful, special and very homemade.  A quick way of doing this is with a crocheted jar lid cover.

Here is a set I have just finished, ready for some mango chutney I will be making on the weekend.  They are made using leftover cotton yarn and buttons from my button jar.  No extra expense - just some of my free time in front of the TV after the days work is done. 

Here is the pattern if you want to give them a go.

• Chain 3 and slip stitch to form a ring
• Chain 3 (this will be the first DC)
• 11 DC into the ring  and join with slip stitch to top of chain 3 (12 stitches)
• Chain 3,1 DC in the bottom of chain 3, 2 DC in every stitch to end - slip stitch to top of chain 3 (24 stitches)
• Chain 3, **1 DC in next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch** repeat from ** to ** to end and slip stitch closed (36 stitches)  This ring now forms the top of the jar
• Chain 3, **DC in next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch** repeat from ** to ** to end and slip stitch closed (54 stitches) 
• Chain 3, 1 DC in every stitch to end - close with a slip stitch. (54 stitches)  This is the row to insert the gathering chain.
• Chain 3, 2 DC in every stitch (108 stitches)  This is the edge row.
• Finish off and weave in ends.

• Then chain a length approximately 20 inches in a contrasting colour for the gathering cord.
• Insert cord in appropriate row
• Sew a button to the centre

Granny Square Throw

Earlier in the month saw me doing the yearly "de-clutter"  slash "clean out" of the craft cupboard.  I was truly amazed at how many partly used and odd balls of 8ply yarn I found hanging about in there from long forgotten projects and bargain finds at the op shop.

A sure fire, quick way of using up these odds and ends to make something worthwhile and useful for yourself, or for giving as a gift, is the humble granny square throw.

Three weeks later,  here is a pic of my completed blanket which measures a nice size of 1.4m x 1.4m.  This is a great size for throwing over yourself whilst cuddled up watching the TV or for giving to a friend to do the same.   

As all the leftover yarn together makes the throw a bit too colourful for my decor inside the house - I have decided to keep it on the back seat of the car.  This way it can come in handy whilst travelling or provide some extra comfort when hanging out in one of those budget hotel rooms I seem destined to constantly pick to stay in when we decide to go away for the weekend.
 

Below is an up-close detail of what a standard, humble "Granny Square" is made up of.  Full instructions for completing a granny from start to finish can be found HERE. 

 

To Skein or Not to Skein

Several months ago I purchased some skeins of cotton from ECOYARNS.   They are Australian suppliers of 100% organic, fair trade cotton which is plant dyed by hand using Traditional Methods.

After seeing the wonderful array of colours available and the 100% organic cotton label - I was hooked.  Seeing the yarn in a skein (which I had never used before) also spoke to me of being that much more organic, simple and more of a "starting from scratch" kind of project.   I just needed to.......... "get me some of that" as soon as possible.

I dashed to the mail box everyday for a week waiting anxiously for my parcel to arrive.  Finally, there it was...my yarn had arrived.

I eagerly tore open the parcel, untwisted the first skein and began to try and wind it into a ball.  Oh my gosh....what a mess - my lovely skein, after a few turns had turned into a tangled, knotted mess.  The more I twisted and turned the yarn trying to untangle it,  the more it knotted.  Low and behold the tears started to flow.  After two hours of trying to wind, then more detangling and cutting, I had produced 4 tiny balls and a huge pile of tangled yarn.  I picked it all up and threw it to the back of the cupboard and tried not to think about the money I had wasted on the other 3 skeins that I had purchased, with now,  no way of winding them into balls.  

Then a few days ago, I met Rhonda from "Down to Earth" who enlightened me to the wonders of her antique wool winder.  Yes...it looks like something from Star Trek but it is truly an awesome invention.

After a hands-on lesson at her kitchen table, over a cup of tea, I was flabbergasted at how simple the whole process of winding a ball of yarn could be.  Five minutes and you are done.   Thankyou, Rhonda for the lend of your wool winder.  I now have all my skeins neatly wound into balls ready to be knitted into a project. I am also on the lookout for my very own wool winder.  Scouring the internet and shops.

And I emphasize to all who read this.....YOU CAN NOT ROLL A SKEIN OF YARN INTO A BALL BY HAND.   Never, ever, ever attempt to try !!!!!!