Homemade Huckleberry Sauce

Not to be used until Thanksgiving...

Our weather has been so amazing lately that we have found ourselves out at a park or a trail everyday. We had planned to go out on the boat on Sunday for some crabbing and fishing, but the wind was blowing a little too hard for us. So instead...an impromptu trip to Settler's Cove for some beachcombing. Instead...we got distracted by the bright red huckleberries everywhere and picked until it was time to go home.

The whole family got in on the action.

Then after washing and picking over the berries I turned it into a huckleberry sauce, to be used in lieu of cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving.

We have one more day of good weather, so tomorrow we will pick some more for our annual Christmas Eve cran-horseradish dip (huck-horseradish in this case).

Huckleberry Sauce Recipe

4 cups berries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

boil sugar and water, add berries and stir. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars.

Wide Striped Curtains from Walmart Sheets

It seems like wide-striped curtains are all the rage on Pinterest, and while I didn't love it at first, it grew on me. But the dramatic navy/cream and black/white stipe combos were too much for my mostly earth-tone living room. I started to envision a tone-on-tone neutral stripe combination. But here in Alaska (and anywhere) to buy enough fabric for 4 full curtain panels is expensive.

What to do, what to do.

After some contemplating I remembered that Walmart sold their sheets in separates, so I could buy just the flat sheet...plus they offer a lot of color choices. And the sheets are $5! So 4 twin sheets later (2 tan, 2 brown) I had what I needed to curtain my entire living room.

I went with pretty wide stripes, cutting each sheet evenly into 4 strips and then combining them into 4 piles of strips to be put back together. Plus I used the pre-sewn hems to my advantage. The heights of the sheet was basically correct, so I just went with it. However, the sheet was too wide, so I eyeballed it and cut off about 18", leaving me with enough scrap to recover the rest of my couch pillows. Nice, huh?

Last but not least, I used the cheap white curtains that were already hanging on the curtain rod as lining. Since the width was different between the two (and because I'm lazy) I just centered the panel when sewing the top hem and sewed it inside the hem. It gives such a nice, heavy appearance, I think it made all the difference. (plus here in Alaska it made it nearly light-proof...perfect for those nights that should be dark but aren't...cause it's Alaska)

Tips:
1) Make sure to match the sheets on the same window. I used the top edge of both tan sheets to make both top panels for one window, and I used the bottom edge of the tan sheet for the other panel tops. (this way they automatically match without any additional measuring)
2) When sewing the strips together use the finished hem on one side and match up perfectly, once sewn together you can hem the other side so they both look even.
3) Pay attention when cutting and sewing so that everything ends up straight. Because I used the sheets natural length and hems I didn't really have to pay attention...but if I had paid a little better attention the strip on one of the panels might be a little more straight. But hey, I'm not a perfect gal, so it works for me, and you'd have to KNOW it wasn't straight to notice...I think.

Next time you're at the Walmart (necessary evil for me), walk through the sheets and see what I see...possibilities...cheap fabric in a variety of colors. I'm actually going to buy two more and make a couple of quick quilts for the kids that coordinate with the curtains and pillows...my kids love to snuggle up on the couch, and with fall weather coming soon, it's the perfect time.

Excuse me, but those earrings are a LITTLE fishy

Seriously...they are totally fishy. Because they're fish!

I haven't done too much jewelry, but I'm still carrying around the wire and beads from when I did the crocheted jewelry a few years ago. I started up this project to clear my brain and try something different. It's a frustrating project because it's hard to keep the wire from bending (in the wrong places). And I had several small pieces of wire which made things a little hard to manage until it was complete.

I liked the initial look of the plain fish, but decided I wanted to try hammering it. So I grabbed a regular hammer and a piece of wood...that didn't work. All I did was smash my finger and make a fish impression on the wood.

So next I used a flat stone that we found on the beach. It worked ok, though I think I need to practice this skill a little more. After the hammering I decided it was still missing something, so I wired on a bead for the eye. I actually really loved the way it came out and wore the one earring by itself all day. (I didn't make it's partner till the next day...and honestly it was harder because I had to make it look like the previous one)

If you've never done any of this, it's worth a try. I bought all of the original materials at Hobby Lobby with a 50% off coupon, and it's lasted me through several projects (and only cost like $30; including the tools, 3 spools of wire and 3 packs of beads). Then I just sat down with the pliers, cutters and wire and started shaping a fish. That's how I learn a new skill, I just sit down and mess around until it either works, or I get too frustrated and give it up. It's not fancy...but it's my way.

Initials Pillow (and the last of the crib sheet)

RIP crib sheet, you have served me well. Who knew that one tiny, old, faded baby crib sheet could become: a skirt, a tooth pillow, another skirt and a couch pillow. (Not too shabby considering it wasn't serving any other purpose.) This was not the project I was trying to make. I was trying to frame this goldfish that Laurel made.

I wanted to mount it on burlap and frame it. But I didn't have enough burlap to cover the entire back, so I decided to sew on some small crib sheet scraps around the edges. But after putting strips around it, it still wasn't big enough...so I added another layer of strips. It looked so cool at this point that I added another layer. But without realizing I made it TOO big for the frame. (plus I really liked it)

So I thought I might make it into a wall hanging and then mount the paper fish on it, but I didn't think it did justice to itself (or the fish) that way. Finally I realized what a gorgeous pillow it would make. Rustic and simple, and very complementary to the pillow covers I made in January.

The pillow came together SUPER-quick. After I ended up with the trial-and-error front panel, I just freehand-cut my letters, pinned them in place and stitched around them. The longest part of the project was how long it took me to get to the store to buy stuffing (I live on an island so it doesn't take long to get ANYWHERE).

Every time I pass the couch and see this pillow it makes my heart smile. It will remind me of my husband and the nearly 10 years we've been together, and of my babies that used to sleep on that crib sheet. I love crafts with history, I want to fill my house with things that make my heart smile.

Now I have to figure out how to mount that fish...

Simple Sweeter Sweater

I actually finished this sweater months ago. Yep, months. It's been waiting for buttons all this time. I have been wanting to make my own homemade buttons from found driftwood. Likely it would take very little time to do it, but I just haven't had the chance to set up my miter saw since I moved. So finally, I gave up on waiting and bought these rustic looking buttons instead. Within 20 minutes I went from a project-in-waiting to an actual wearable piece. (I also found the striped boot cuffs I knit months ago that are just waiting for the fleece boot socks to be cut and sewn...another 20 minute project that is just waiting to be finished)

This wasn't a difficult sweater by any means, it's just a series of rectangles, five to be exact. I like asymmetry in a sweater, so that was the first detail I designed. Next I decided that I was going to use much bigger needles on the bottom and smaller on the top so that you get this ethereal fairy look to the piece. I echoed the shape of the sweater in the sleeves making romantic bell sleeves.

I used 100% cotton yarn for this, making it my first project completed in all cotton. I love the feel of a natural fiber; linen and cotton are my favorite. (I haven't tried bamboo yet, but I suspect it's similar) The only thing I would warn about is that cotton isn't as strong as other fibers, and tore relatively easy when I accidentally tripped on it. Though, I don't think it's normal to trip over your yarn, so I wouldn't take it too seriously.

A Kid Craft Weekend: Chickens and Pillows

projects made with love: by my kids, for my kids

You Are My Sunshine Skirt (aka Crib Sheet Skirt Number 2)

After 2 solid weeks of rain the sun has finally come out in Southeast Alaska. In the last two days we have played on the playground, the beach and the backyard. After a long day of playing, I was tired (though the kids were not), so while they played in the backyard I made this skirt.

I didn't realize there was such a large remnant of the crib sheet left from the last skirt. I found it on the ground, and when I picked it up I realized it was the perfect size for a second skirt. I didn't have to do anything, it was already the right width and length. So I sewed up the back seam and appliqued on a hand cut sun. The heart was a late addition...to cover a hole I accidentally cut while trimming thread. (it happens) I love projects like this, quick, unplanned and cute. (oh, and FREE!)

So now we have rain-or-shine skirts...that way our fashion sense can be as fickle as our weather.

And don't think that's the end of the crib sheet just yet...I have one more project that's almost done.

Bird Masks at Totem Bight

What better place to make a bird mask than the totem capital of Totem Bight Park? This is one of our favorite parks in Ketchikan, and usually our first tour stop when visitors come to town. In less than a mile you can see rainforest, ocean and totem poles. The view is gorgeous, the walk is easy, the totem poles are awesome...and if you're super lucky you might see a whale or two.

But today we weren't looking for whales...we were looking for birds. We're heading towards the end of the month-long Hummingbird Festival, and this was our last stop. The State Park was hosting a Breakfast with the Birds. This included a walking bird watching tour through the park, a pancake and sausage breakfast and a kids craft.

The kid craft came courtesy of Pinterest...shocker. I didn't know what to bring for an easy bird-themed craft...so I typed "bird craft" into the Pinterest search bar, and up popped Martha Stewart's paper mache bird masks. Now, I certainly wasn't about to do paper mache for this...but why not convert her more complicated project into one where I can use paper plates, construction paper and a glue stick?

The morning was gray and rainy---but don't feel too bad for us, that's just a normal day in Ketchikan---so despite the weather we had a good turn out. Everyone saw birds, got some good food and those that brought their kiddos made a mask. There were chickens, red robins, peacocks and so much more.

The project doesn't really need explanation, but just in case, I just cut the paper plates in half and cut out a slot for the nose. Then I used a hole punch to make the opening for the elastic band and also to make holes where the eyes would go (then I used scissors to open them up). Tie on the elastic, and then you're ready to decorate. There is no template to follow, the size of the beak depends on what you want, and the same goes with the feathers. The older your kids the more able they are to cut out their own pieces and decorate to their taste. But really, no matter how they decorate them they come out SO cute.

Upcycled Ruffled Skirt (from a crib sheet!)

Ok, I love this skirt. It made me smile every time I passed it by this afternoon. I've been playing around with the idea of this for a few days.

Generally my ideas start from random sketches, like this. I pick and choose what I like and modify it until I have a final project. (rarely does the original sketch look like the final product...each project takes it's own twists and turns)

I liked the idea of the cloud on the skirt, but I wanted a pretty blue fabric for the sky. I knew the exact shade, but I didn't have any fabric like that. So I began to go through old clothes for inspiration...suddenly I realized that the old blue crib sheet in the closet was the perfect color. Since I'm not having any more babies, and since it's faded after years of drooling and leaking diapers and washing, I didn't mind using it. Plus because of all the washings it's also a very soft, well worn fabric. Perfect. Upon first cut I figured I'd just use the fabric, till I realized that the elastic on mine wasn't in a casing, it was sewn directly to the fabric...I could use the elastic as-is and save myself some work and materials. (don't worry if yours IS in a casing, if you want to use it as-is you'll just need to stitch it in place before you cut so that it won't slip out)

First I took out the scissors and cut through the elastic at the corners, I also cut the seam at the corners so the fabric would lay more flat. Then I fitted the elastic around my daughter and cut the skirt width and length roughly to measure. (really roughly, this is a forgiving project) My daughter is a size 6, the elastic on the long side of the sheet fit perfectly with no additional trimming.

At the same time I cut the strips of fabric for the ruffle, since there is limited fabric on a crib sheet I cut the two strips out from below the skirt and pieced them together (like a quilt binding) to have enough fabric to ruffle around the whole skirt.

If you use the elastic on one whole side the sheet will have been folded in half, leaving only one seam to sew. So I sewed up the seam from top (elastic) to bottom first. Next I added the ruffle. Everyone has their own way they like to ruffle, I doubled the fabric over and used the folded edge for the ruffle bottom. Next I did a big zigzag stitch along the rough-edge side and ran a thread along the length of the whole strip. Then I pulled the string to ruffle it, pinned it on and sewed it in place.

Typically I would do the applique before I sew the piece together, but in this case I wanted to see the applique on the finished project to decide the placement. I freehand cut the cloud and raindrops and placed them on one at a time, zigzagging around each piece before putting the next one. With that done I hand embroidered the eyes and the word "hope." (If you've never done this part before, don't be afraid, just give it a try...it's super easy)

I have a few more sheets left, which is good because once you see the possibilities it's hard to resist...I've got a peasant top and harem pants lined up for the next two sheets.

Knitty Fish Hat

Another Pinspiration...made by me...but inspired (obviously) by Pinterest. I did not follow the free pattern, and chose instead to wing it. I also simplified it a bit, choosing not to do the shaping around the mouth. This hat is actually SUPER simple. If you can knit in the round, you can make this hat. The only strange thing I did was at the tail, and it was just because I didn't want to stop and look it up.

So here's my non-pattern...

Figure out the size of hat you need to make based on your yarn and needle size. Once you've done that cast on the lip color and knit until you get enough to roll up nicely (see how it looks like lips?) Then switch to the next yarn (keep them both attached) and alternate the colors any way you like.

Somewhere about halfway down the fish start reducing every once in a while. I knit-2-together every 8 stitches for a full round, then I just knit a few more rounds and decreased the same way again. It doesn't have to be exact, the point is to reduce slowly so that it looks even.

Once you've made it as long as you want, and decreased it enough, split the stitches evenly onto two smaller needles (or stitch holders); the front half of the hat on one needle, and the back half of the hat on the back needle. Then alternating one stitch from the front and one from the back place them on needle the same size as the circular. Once this is done you knit a couple of rounds and you'll see the increase for the tail (it sort of self increases since you "doubled" the number of stitches by going from circular to linear) Strange I know...I was just sort of winging it...but it worked.

After a few more rows you'll want to take half the stitches and put them on a holder. With half the stitches still on the working needle you can increase and decrease to your hearts content...every fish in the sea is different...so have some fun. But if it helps I increased 1 stitch on the right and the left on every knit row, 3 times, then I began to decrease 2 on the inner side of the fin while keeping the outer the same. Then towards the end I decreased 2 on the inside fin and 1 on the outside fin until I had just one stitch left, voila. Fin finis. (ha ha)

Tie on the yarn to the other half of the fin and repeat (or forget what you did and wing it like I did)...zoiks...what kind of knitter AM I?!?!

For the fins, this part was easy, I picked up 15 stitches for the top fin, then knit the front and back of every stitch so that the 2nd row has double the stitches. Then do a k1p1 rib until you like the length of the fin and bind it off. Easy Peasy. For the side fins I picked up 10 stitches, and the rest was the same. Now...once I did this I did not like the way the fin waved around, so I took the loose yarn ends and weaved the edges of the fin to the hat. Since there was an increase it naturally fans out to a rainbow shape, and holds it's shape better.



I liked the dead fish eyes from the original pattern, but Luke wanted a LIVE fish and requested button eyes (what can I say we LOVE Coraline). So button eyes it is. He loves this hat.

This pattern is super changeable so that your fish can be any color, length, size, etc etc. There is more than one fish in the sea you know! This is a fun knit, a quick knit and one that will delight the recipient (even if it's yourself). You can also use up your old scrappy yarn stash and make a rainbow fish. See how much fun this is...and you haven't even started yet!

Here is the original hat, click on the picture and it will take you to the original pattern.