Alright my friends, I am going to attempt my first EVER sewing tutorial! I told you that I was taught how to make a granny square while I was on my Ladies Retreat. It was so much easier for me to learn from the ladies teaching than it was for me to look at a book and try. The picture quality is not wonderful, I just saw some of the pictures I took last night, but hopefully you will get the hang of it as easily as I did and you will be turning out some beautiful squares as well!
If you are a Newbie to Crochet HERE is a site to help you with basic stitches, you will see me refer to several in this tutorial... Chain, Slip Stitch, Double Crochet.
Step 1: Chain 5 Cool, you got that! Alrighty we are on our way!
Step 2: You want to turn that chain into a round so you will go to the first chain and slip stitch... Now we have our center, we will build on from there! Woohoo!
Step 3: Chain 3 Here we are building out from the center and we will begin making a larger circle to build on from here
Step 4: Two(2) Double Crochets and chain 1 Alright, here we are in process of making our circle, so what we are going to do is we are going to double crochet 2 times and then chain 1. The chain will make the space we need to help us along in future steps...
Step 5: 3 Double Crochets and chain 1 (3 more times) slip stitch to complete the circle Now we have a circle!! Yippee... but wait I told you we were making Granny Squares right? Ok, bear with me we will get to the square in a minute.
So to make sure we are cool to this point, counting the first 3 chains as one DC (double crochet) you will have 4 sets of 3 double crochets with one chain in between.... clear as mud??
Step 6: Chain 3 and then double crochet 2, chain 1, double crochet 3 and chain 1 in the same hole If you will look at your round you will see 3 double crochets and then a hole/space in between each set of 3. This space is where you will go into to make your next layer or sets of 3. Does this make sense... I am trying!
What you are doing now is building your edges... we can't make this granny square stay a circle any longer, we are going to put some corners on it!
Step 7: Look for next hole, double crochet 3 and chain 1~ 2 times in each hole. (You will do this in each hole till you meet back up with your first set. This will form your first square. Slip Stitch to complete the square and now you are ready to build on.
Step 8: Chain 3, double crochet 2, chain 1 You will notice that there is now a hole between each of the four edges, you are going to do almost the same thing in each hole... meaning you don't want an edge you just want a set of 3 dc's to fill the hole.
So dc three times and chain one and move to your edge.
Step 9: Double Crochet 3 times, chain 1, Double Crochet 3 times, chain 1 in corner hole. Again, you are making corners for this square, you should be catching on to a pattern if I have successfully portrayed this to you. So in each of the corners you are making 3 dc's, chain 1, 3 dc's, chain 1. Simple!
Step 10: Slip stitch to join the square together
Step 11: Finish out your next layer of the square the same way as in Steps 8 and 9, the only difference is you will find 2 holes in the in between each edge this time... no big deal just dc 3 times and chain one in each.
***REMEMBER, your first chain of 3 counts as your first dc in your first set.***
Step 12: All the way baby... go all around just as I told you, come together again, slip stitch and tie off your end. The lady who taught me only does 4 layers, but of course you can do more if you like.
Now you want a bunch of these... so get to it! I don't have nearly as many as I would like to have had done by now, but remember I am teaching myself to hold the crochet needle/hook in the proper way, so I am SLOW JOE right now. Once you get several made you can do all kinds of things with them...
Make them into an afghan by stitching them together, make potholders out of them by putting several layers together on top of each other and stitching, use them as coasters, make a pillow cover, make your dd a doll blanket out of a few... whatever you like.
I hope you enjoyed and understood my attempt of spreading the knowledge that I received this past weekend. If you see a mistake, feel free to email me or message me and I will change it, and now go get your yarn and your hook and go for it! If I can do it YOU can do it!
With Love From My Homestead to Yours,
~Chas~
Chasity L. Burrell
Senior Editor Homesteadblogger Heritage Acres Farm
chives, length of jar height or 1" lengths
1 lemon peel, 1" square
4 peppercorns
3 mustard seeds
white vinegar, to fill
Fill pint jar loosely with chives. Add lemon peel, peppercorns and mustard seeds.
Fill with vinegar. Cover.
Let stand in cool place for 4 weeks. Strain into pretty bottle. Two or three
lengths of chives can be left in botle for looks.
----------------------------------------
Herb Vinegar
2 cups white cider or wine vinegar
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, basil, rosemary or tarragon thyme or oregano
3 to 4 whole garlic cloves, optional
1 fresh herb sprig per bottle, optional
1 whole red or green chili per bottle, optional
Place the vinegar in a non-aluminum saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the
chopped herbs in a clean, hot glass jar. Add the garlic. Pour the hot vinegar
over, cover and place in a cool, dark place for 5 days, stirring once a day.
Strain. Add the sprigs of fresh herbs and chili for a zestier taste and garnish.
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months. Refrigerate for longer storage.
Makes: 2 cups
---------------------------------------
Italian Vinegar
I happend upon this really neat photo index for herbs this morning, while attempting to identify a lovely little plant that popped up after our much needed rains.
NaturesHerbal has some links to other "herby" things, too. I found a Poison Ivy Relief kit that my dear friend Debbie needs right this minute!
Speaking of Poison Ivy relief....I am searching, without much success, for Jewelweed seeds. I found a source for plants, but would prefer seeds if possible. If any of you are fortunate enough to have Jewelweed growing wild on your homestead, I would be so very thankful if you would share some seed with me. I will gladly pay for the seeds and the postage if you would be kind enough to send them my way!
Zucchini is one of those garden veggies that almost always gives us a bumper crop. I used to try to keep my zucchini plants down to one or two, because I just couldn't think of enough things to do with it and they would go to waste. But, this year I planted a LOT because I have learned some wonderful ways to use this versatile veggie. Here are some things that I am doing this year with zucchini:
Zucchini milk - Take as many zucchini as you have handy. Peel and dice them. Put about two cups worth at a time into your blender along with a little water. Blend until smooth and "liquidy" like milk. You can use this as a substitute in any recipe that calls for milk. I just used this in my waffle recipe and my very picky 9 year old son never knew the difference! This freezes well.
Dried Zucchini - Slice zucchini thin and dehydrate until crispy. I like to put the dried chips into my blender or food processor and blend into a powder. I then add the dried zucchini powder to my homemade breads - this is great for getting veggies into picky eaters! One large "torpedo sized" zucchini dehydrates down to about 1/4 cup powder.
Mock Pineapple - Use this in any recipe calling for crushed pineapple. No one will ever know the difference! We love it on pizza!
8 quarts zucchini, peeled, seeded and ground
1 1/2 cups bottled lemon juice
46 oz. can unsweetened pineapple juice
3 cups sugar or 1 1/2 cups clover honey
Combine all ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Fill hot pint jars with hot mixture, dividing liquids and solids evenly. Process in a boiling water bath - 20 minutes for pints, 25 minutes for quarts. Use exactly as you would crushed pineapple in any recipe. Makes 3-4 quarts or 6-8 pints.
I hope you will never have "too much" zucchini again. There is truly so much you can do with this reliable garden veggie.
Blessings!
Lisa
Lisa Vitello publishes the New Harvest Homestead newsletter for Christian women who love the homestead life. Visit her website at www.newharvesthomestead.com to learn more and request your free introductory issue.
I'm getting ready for the Fall & Winter growing season. How about you?
I always enjoy the Bountiful Gardens newsletter, and this month they advertised the Winter Vegetables Collection . Ten seed packets for $19.50 is a pretty good deal; especially since they sell heirloom, untreated, sustainable..."Good" seeds!
I know that we have gardeners from all over, with very different climates and growing conditions; so I'd love to hear what you grow in the Fall and Winter in your area.
In Fall, I grow pretty much the same things as in the Spring garden. Many things actually do better in the cooler days of Fall since we can often go from Winter to almost summer-like conditions quickly.
The Winter garden allows us in the "heat zone" to grow those lovely greens like spinach, lettuce, mustard, etc. that can't take our hot weather during the spring and summer. Onions, beets, turnips, kale, broccoli and cauliflower also enjoy the winter weather here in the heart of Texas. 3 herbs that do well in my winter garden are: Parsley, Cilantro, and one of my favorites, Calendula. Oh, and my favorite flower of all, which has edible flowers, too- Violas!
Oh, I am ready, ready, ready for the cooler days ahead!
A trip to the grocery store these days can be stressful, at least for our single income family. Though it is sometimes tempting to buy those Ramen noodles for pennies a bag, or other seemingly inexpensive processed "food"; I know that is not a good source of nutrition, and would very likely prove more costly in the long run. We try to eat "whole" foods, and organic ones when possible, all while keeping to a pretty lean budget. Beans and grains are becoming more of a staple diet than in days past. If I hadn't been raised in such a meat-n-potatoes family, vegetarian cooking would be a possibility, too. We do eat meatless frequently, and other than some chicken or tuna now and then, I would be fine meatless. My husband and children might not enjoy the "veggie" lifestyle so much, though. The food group that I have the hardest time reducing is dairy. I love cheese, and use it in so many recipes; not to mention just cheese, crackers and a few veggies or piece of fruit being a quick, but healthy lunch. But, at $4.78 or so a pound, it is no longer an inexpensive food for us. I wouldn't dare pay that for meat, though I do for cheese every week . I'm wondering, is it any less expensive to make your own cheese? I've never made hard cheese, which is mostly what I buy. I do frequently make yogurt, and then strain for "yogurt cheese", etc. Cheesemakers, input please!
I've been rereading a book that's been on my shelf for some time- Diet for a Small Planet. The recipe section has lots of good meatless meals that incorporate beans and grains.
Hello dear friends!
I tell you, the weather has been rough around here... our garden has suffered. It hasn't helped that Shannon and I have not been ourselves either. We are thankful for what we have been able to get out of the garden, what we have been able to preserve for the winter. One thing that is doing quite beautifully though is my Luffa's. Dear Rhonda Jean sent me a package of seeds when we had a swap and I am so excited to harvest these once they have dried. Silly as it may sound, I always thought luffas were a type of sponge from the sea. I had NO idea it was something to grow in the garden. Her site has some great info on how to prepare these for use.
You let these dry on the vine and then once dried you can harvest the seed and peel the skin. Then you soak them in a bit of bleach water and let them dry... after dried they are ready for use or for gift giving.
I would love to get my own soap made so I could give a gift of soap and luffa.
But I am having a terrible time trying to find lye. Any ideas where I can buy this. I have tried Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart... I can't find it.
Thanks for your visit. May God bless you and your Homestead.
From my Homestead to Yours,
~Chas~
Chasity L. Burrell
Senior Editor Homesteadblogger Heritage Acres Farm
Would some of you please share your tips, thoughts, tricks, or tried & true recipes for ways to preserve the harvest with me? In particular, things like dehydrating, fermenting, pickling, salting, etc. I have good information on canning and freezing; but would like to explore other methods.
I have this book from the Bountiful Gardens website on my never-ending wishlist. But as it is Back-to-Homeschool time for my family, the book funds are all allocated to other types of learning for now.
Hello... I have received an email from one of our fellow bloggers who has decided to blog about an illness that she has suffered from. She wants to share and help others who might be going through what she, herself went through. Country Mom
would like for you to stop by her blog and give your thoughts or experiences with this very real problem.
Thanks!
From My Homestead to Yours,
~Chas~
Chasity L. Burrell
Senior Editor Homesteadblogger Heritage Acres Farm
I know I've posted articles about this topic before, but I am convinced that a good, deep layer of mulch is a must in the garden.
The summer heat is almost unbearable here in the "heart of Texas", and my garden has been the most pitiful thing this year. I finally decided to just give up and wait for time to plant the Fall crops. But, the jalapeno and serrano pepper plants were still living, though I was having to water them every day, and they still looked sad and wilty. I wanted to keep them alive until we move in hopes to transplant them into containers and take them with us.
In a burst of gardening energy one morning before the scorching heat set in, I raked up a whole bunch of dead leaves and other "mulchy looking stuff" from under the trees and brush at the back of our property line. I put a thick layer- at least 6 inches, on top of the layer of cypress mulch already in place, around the pepper plants. When I first put it down, it was about halfway covering the plants themselves, but after watering it wasn't quite so tall. I watered thoroughly, making sure to soak not only the mulch, but the soil underneath.
I kid you not, those pepper plants look so much better, and haven't wilted since! I've even gone a few days without watering, and they are not only thriving, but setting fruit again.
I've always mulched, but since I've bought bagged mulch in the past, I didn't mulch quite so deeply. From now on, I'm going to be more thrifty and rake up whatever looks "mulchy" in my yard, and perhaps offer to rake a few neighbors leaves come Fall, too!
Mulch your gardens thickly! Your plants will thank you.
The variegated "Calamondin Orange" would also be fun to grow if you have a greenhouse, sunroom, or live in a warm climate. Unfortunately for me, they can't ship citrus plants to Texas. I really don't understand that, because you can buy citrus trees at the nurseries here. Some oddball regulation, I suppose.
Oh well, I'll just request the Vanilla plant for my all too quickly approaching birthday, and be happy to get a new "pet"!
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I told you that I was taught how to make a granny square while I was on my Ladies Retreat. It was so much easier for me to learn from the ladies teaching than it was for me to look at a book and try. The picture quality is not wonderful, I just saw some of the pictures I took last night, but hopefully you will get the hang of it as easily as I did and you will be turning out some beautiful squares as well!
Cool, you got that! Alrighty we are on our way! 
Now we have our center, we will build on from there! Woohoo! 
Here we are building out from the center and we will begin making a larger circle to build on from here
Alright, here we are in process of making our circle, so what we are going to do is we are going to double crochet 2 times and then chain 1. The chain will make the space we need to help us along in future steps...
Now we have a circle!! Yippee... but wait I told you we were making Granny Squares right? Ok, bear with me we will get to the square in a minute.
If you will look at your round you will see 3 double crochets and then a hole/space in between each set of 3. This space is where you will go into to make your next layer or sets of 3. Does this make sense... I am trying! 
You will notice that there is now a hole between each of the four edges, you are going to do almost the same thing in each hole... meaning you don't want an edge you just want a set of 3 dc's to fill the hole.
Again, you are making corners for this square, you should be catching on to a pattern if I have successfully portrayed this to you. So in each of the corners you are making 3 dc's, chain 1, 3 dc's, chain 1. Simple!
The lady who taught me only does 4 layers, but of course you can do more if you like. 
I don't have nearly as many as I would like to have had done by now, but remember I am teaching myself to hold the crochet needle/hook in the proper way, so I am SLOW JOE right now. 
Once you get several made you can do all kinds of things with them... 
. I'm wondering, is it any less expensive to make your own cheese? I've never made hard cheese, which is mostly what I buy. I do frequently make yogurt, and then strain for "yogurt cheese", etc. Cheesemakers, input please! 
Silly as it may sound, I always thought luffas were a type of sponge from the sea. I had NO idea it was something to grow in the garden. 
