Crockpots and Canning

It's definitely "FALL".

Today we've been very productive. Not only is the house filled with the welcoming smell of dinner (thanks to the crockpot and my hubby). We also canned for the very "first" time; and made Apple Preserves.

It was somewhat time consuming; but with the two of us peeling/coring/slicing, and then the actual preparation of the apples prior to going into each bottle, we filled 14 jars with yummy Arkansas Black apples.

Preparation:Sliced Apples into large saucepan with water and lemon juice.

Then they boil for 10 minutes before adding pectin, sugar and the seasonings (nutmeg, ginger & cinnamon.

Once the jars are filled, they must be placed in boiling water (I'm guessing to help seal in the flavors), but that's just a guess.

And the final product; 14 jars of Apple Preserves. Prepared from four $10 bags of Arkansas Black apples. Yes that totals $40. Not by choice; but we made the most of the situation.

Disclaimer: Jim aka Hubby wants everyone to know that between the cooking in the kitchen he found time to sit on the couch, watch football, drink a beer and scratch his butt, so that he could maintain his "manhood".

FYI: The above disclaimer is not true. He took a nap after working in the kitchen.

If he thinks I'm going to lie on his behalf he has another thing coming.

Besides, he can "blog" about his butt scratching and manhood on his own blog.

"HAPPY FALL"

Crafty

I've recently started making cards & invitations & even an occasional scrapbook (for gifts). They can be somewhat time-consuming, but gratifying. And it's satisfying to see the faces on the recipient (of said card/invite/scrapbook).

One that I'm pretty proud of is the following card/invitation given to my friend for her birthday. I laid it out to reflect the day I had planned to celebrate her birthday.

It was a lot of fun to create and so was the day.

I just completed several handmade Halloween cards, but failed to take pictures. I had Monday (Columbus Day) off and spent a good part of the day crafting the cards.

I also spent time cutting out fabric for aprons I made for a craft show in LA. Co-worker friends of mine offered to sell them at the show. We'll see - I'm not sure - but I do know one sold even before the show.

It's satisfying to know that someone enjoys the work I put into the things I create; whatever that may be.

WO-mannequin

Employee of the Month

I'd like to introduce you to Penelope (*Penny* for short).

side note * she's easily distracted by things that are shiney.

She's a perfect WOmannequin Model for my new "Sew Sassy" Retro Aprons business.

It just wasn't fun displaying and taking photos of my aprons on a simple plastic hanger. I needed something fun. Something that added pizzaz! Something with character that would show off the aprons properly.

I can't take all the credit for giving her a name. I saw a friend's blog, who than shared a friend's blog and both had named their mannequins.

"Why not"?, I thought. If men can name their cars, why can't women name their mannequins? Or Womannequins (I prefer).

Never thought I'd hear myself say that, let alone own a mannequin.

Honestly, I can't even take credit for naming her. My hubby Jim did. He said "How about Penelope"? And I thought, "Sure"!

The name actually reminded me of a very fun vintage cartoon I grew up with "The Perils of Penelope Pitstop"

And then I thought of the poem "Brown Penny" by William Butler Yeats.

I WHISPERED, "I am too young,"

And then, "I am old enough;"

Wherefore I threw a penny

To find out if I might love.

"Go and love, go and love, young man,

If the lady be young and fair."

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

I am looped in the loops of her hair.

O love is the crooked thing,

There is nobody wise enough

To find out all that is in it,

For he would be thinking of love.

Till the stars had run away

And the shadows eaten the moon.

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

One cannot begin it too soon.

So, I guess it was meant to be.

I hope you enjoy Penelope's debut.

Thanks for "Bloggin' By"...

Cre8ive Xpression

Custom Apron & Tea Cozy

I sure do get great joy out of creating. I especially enjoy creating unique items that are "one of a kind".

A co-worker/friend of mine has a beautiful "work-in-progress" cottage. And, she is in the middle of remodeling her kitchen.

She happened to see one of my aprons and commissioned me to create an apron for her kitchen. She provided the fabric and I provided the sewing.

And here's the final result...

Wah Lah!

As a "Thank You" I created my first "reversible" tea cozy (pattern provided by my friend, Celeste). I think the cozy came out pretty cute for my first try. I plan on adding a few more to my "Sew Sassy" shop.

And I have another custom apron that I am working on next. Along with many that are cut and ready to be sewn.

So keep your eyes out for more upcoming aprons and cozies.

Thanks for "Bloggin By"...