Cinnamon jelly

This is the best jelly ever. It is really easy to make and looks fabulous when it's done. It's a great gift for anyone.

The ingredients



The process begins (the white is the cheesecloth filled with spices)


This is the finished jelly.
Isn't it pretty.




Here's the recipe

Christmas Berry Jelly

2 cups apple juice
1/4 c lemon juice
1/2 c cinnamon imperials (red hots)
3/4 c water
1 tsp red food coloring
1/4 tsp Mace
1 box powered pectin
8 whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon
4 cups sugar

Combine apple juice,lemon juice,red hots,water,food coloring,mace and pectin. Tie cloves and cinnamon stick in a spice bag. Add spice bag to juice mixture. Bring to a rolling boil,stirring constantly. Add sugar,stirring to dissolve. Bring to a rolling boil. Boil hard for 2 min. Remove from heat and skim foam, if necessary. Carefully ladle hot jelly into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch head space. Wipe jar rims clean. Cap and process jelly for 5 min in a boiling water bath.

It makes up really quickly and doesn't make a ton so it's perfect for a quick gift. I got 5 jelly jars from this recipe.

Enjoy,
Rhonda

Rhonda

Project updates

I am moving ahead on my rug hooking. It's a slow go for me. I looked at the pictures of my progress and I'm going back and change a few things.
I got the outline done all around what will be the actual rug.


I finished another star.


But the two blues in the stars aren't working for me. So that will get pulled out and redone. It's amazing what a camrea shot shows. I use it in quilting as well to see what I want something to look like.

I finished my short term baby quilt. Well, finished the top anyways. Will quilt it later.




Finished a table runner made from antique blocks. I love the prints from the late
1800's. I added the reproduction borders. I felt like it deserved hand quilting. I think it looks great,


Happy Monday

Rhonda

Liquid Gold.

Well I spent my day off trying a new recipe. A recipe for liquid laundry soap that is. My SIL gave it to me last week and I couldn't wait to try it. It only takes 4 ingredients including the water.

Fels Naptha Soap,Mule team Borax, and Arm and Hammer Washing soda. I found all 3 ingredients at Trader Horn. Not sure who else carries them but I'm told they are pretty easy to find.


As you can see you will need a grater,measuring cups,a pot to mix in and a container to store the finished gel in. I used an old kitty litter bucket to store it in because it fits perfectly under the sink in the laundry room and has a lid.

I wanted to show you the pan I got at the Thrift Store because I think it emulates the frugality I am starting to notice more and more.



Do you see it?? Notice the handles on the pot. Yep one is not like the other. One is wooden and brown. The other it the original and black. Now add the lid. Not the correct lid either but it does fit. Wonder who fixed the handle and how long did they use it after that.

I just love this picture of the grated Fels Naptha.
It has so much texture and color. Not really a yellow fan but I'll call it gold and it'll work.
Liquid gold it is. Made a 2 gallon batch for guess...........
Ready $1.88 Can you believe it. Now that's not including water but you could figure that in if you'd like.


I write all the figures all over the box so I can keep track of the cost.
Can you tell how excited I was to discover this economical way for making laundry soap??
My SIL said she's used it for awhile and it cleans well. I did some research on the Internet and anyone who I found that uses it loves it. For a fraction of the cost I'll try it. I should get 64 loads(at a half cup per load) out of the 2 gallons so that makes it ummmmmmm
about 3 cents a load.
If you want more information Google Laundry Soap Recipe and you'll be amazed at what comes up. (there is a powder version also).

My next adventure..and I use the word lightly.. is bar soap. Can't wait to try it but that must be done on a kid free distraction free day.

Blessings,
Rhonda

Happy washing.
Rhonda

Updating projects

Still working on the millennium quilt.

I found an owner when it is finished.

I have one niece born in 2000. So it's hers.

I did work on it last evening for awhile.

I am adding the sashing between the rows.

It's a tedious process. You have to mark where the previous columns lie on the strip so the next strip matches up.

Somewhat of a boring process but a necessity.

I'll be glad when this part is done then I can do a creative step before adding borders.

I'll share more as I go.
This is 4 of the 8 rows so at half way I gave myself a little break.

I worked on finishing some block for a baby quilt my youngest started and never finished.

It was some quick piecing.

It helps to clean up a spot in the UFO pile.

Of course it's not done yet but at least it's a start.

I'm trying to finish at least one project before I start another.

We'll see how that works out.
It needs some sashing as well..... GROAN.

I love to take pictures of my quilts while laying them out. I can see how I might want to change them.

This one will need some help before its all said and done.

Back to work.
Rhonda

Snowman Swap

Wow I have the pleasure of sharing my swap goodies with you.

I did a Snowman Swap with Julie from Country Girl at Heart.

And what a heart she has.

The saying on the wall hanging is

"Happiness is making friends"

is that not approiate since this is our first (hopefully not last) swap.

She sent me a gratitude journal as well. I have heard about these and wanted to start one so this is the perfect chance now that my special blogger friend did all the work for me.

She did a spectacular job.

The picture doesn't do it justice.

In the package was a little snowman pillow that was too cute for words.

I put him on my window sill and every time I see him he makes me smile.
And I can always use notecards.

There's nothing like receiving a hand written note in the mail.

Thank you Julie for all your beautiful work.

Yours is on its way.

Thanks for being understanding.

Rhonda

Millennium Blocks

On the shelf in my sewing studio the lived a stack of Millineium fabric. It had grown accustomed to living there for the last 11 years. Fortunately I found a star pattern I thought would be perfect for the fabric. Seems there was enough for a whole quilt. Even the backing.

I am lovin it coming together.

The star points are made using half square triangles. I trimmed down the squares to use creatively somewhere else in the quilt.
The scraps will be used to fill small pillows or something. This is the about 1/3 of them. Some were used already.

Time for a break.
Rhonda

A new Header and More

I just love the colors in this post card. Don't you just love the ducks.
That's what it feels like around here in SW PA. The rain seems like it's never ending.

I know I'm the minority but I want some snow. I really love the snow.

Or is it I romance the idea of fires and cuddling under a handmade quilt and working on one of many hand projects.

Speaking of hand projects I want to post the progress of a rug I'm hooking from a kit I purchased from Hungry Hook Primitives.

My hope is that if I post my progress here I might get it finished.

I think it's coming along nicely considering I started working on it a few days ago.

I saw a 10 min hooker button on a blog and thought I might try that. At least it's worth a shot.

I also finished an embroidery project I began before Christmas. So technically I'm early for Christmas 2012.

This pattern is from Jenny Hoffman at Country Rustic Primitives I have several of her patterns and love them all.

I also participated in a snow man swap with Julie from Country Girl at Heart blog. I have followed her blog for awhile.She's a sweet gal. here's a sneak peak at the project. The finished one goes out today. After she receives her package I'll post the finished piece.

Sneak peak.

And last but certainly not least but MIL passed away today. She unfortunately left us some years ago but physically left to be with The Lord today. Keep my hubby and his family in your prayers.

Blessings for all,
Rhonda