How are you an expert?

[Mini Horses]

Last year that was the plan but the garden didn't turn out. I'm hoping if a garden gets planted this year it will do so much better and I'll be able to give canning/jarring a try.

Yep, I did no garden last year. This year isn't look a whole lot better but, I do plan to get a small on in for own use. our canned things look great. It is so pretty to go into a cellar and see rows and rows of veggies, pickles, jams....lovely color & great food for winter. How can that be more than comforting?
A lot of work, a garden & preserving!! Also, fulfilling!! My visits were over 60-65 years ago! Can still "smell" the moist cellars -- one was in a basement, dirt floor, and other was dug into a hillside, wooden door & shelves.

Now that I think back on life then it is just AMAZING that they had gardens to feed themselves summer and all winter. Both hunted and often had a feeder pig. So, deer, rabbit, squirrel, possum, coon, chickens from the flocks, all became prizes. It was a time when both had large families (6 & 7 kids each) & sometimes no jobs. Your garden HAD to be in & producing. You HAD to preserve the food. One grands had NO electric, running water -- water bath canning on a wood stove! Wash clothes with lye soap, washboard, tubs of water. Plow with horse or mule. No vehicle. This was true even just 40 yrs ago. So, we CAN survive with less than current amenities. Poor & rich at one time.

I just started a thread "My hobby-Plastic Canvas needlepoint" under random ramblings. I'm curious if there's anybody else who has the same kind of hobby as me.

I like to do needlepoint, I use cloth. Used to do a lot on flights from VA to FL which I took EACH month for 8 yrs! I have a lot of Xmas decorations, LOL. It is soothing but, tedious. I'll check your thread.

One grandmother used to crochet -- doilies everywhere! Both did quilting out of necessity. One did more patterns but, one just was happy to piece enough fabric for a quilt.

I don't crochet or knit but, I am a good seamstress! Made family clothes for years....lot of clothes, doll clothes, prom dresses, wedding dresses, etc. I'm good at that.

 

[NH Homesteader]

I got a sewing machine for Christmas but I haven't learned how to use it yet. My husband keeps bugging me to fix his clothes but I'm like ... Can I learn how to sew in a straight line first? Lol

I finally had some food worth preserving last year, but we had a drought and I couldn't water for most of the summer (my well actually ran dry at one point). I froze everything though. This year I have high hopes and need to learn how to can! I'm sick of the grocery store!

I'm not giving up my electricity though....

 

[sumi]

@lcertuche Grape jam is heavenly!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I can thread a sewing machine, lol. I can sew. Made a lot of simple stuff for my kids when they were little. Made my own custom curtains to match the dining room chairs that I re-upholstered. I almost forgot about that. In fact, I asked DH for a sewing machine a few years ago - so I have one. Have I ever taken it out of the box? Nope... But, do I plan on it....yep, someday when I have the time. It's nice knowing I have it.

I've done some fairly extensive needlepoint. And, I can crochet. But, my carpal tunnel flares up when I do so the most I can get away with is about 10 minutes at a time before the fingers go numb. I used to crochet two or three afghans every winter. Even made crocheted Christmas ornaments and those cute crocheted Christmas trees. I loved it...but that was pre-goats!

 

[lcertuche]

Are those homemade bread and butter pickles? If so, I'll be right over to get some seeing how they are my favorite. LOL

Yes. I made bread and butter and dill. My family went crazy over the bread and butter. My youngest son loves the dill but I think they are toooo lip puckering! Not pictured is relish that is going over well.

 

[lcertuche]

@lcertuche Grape jam is heavenly!

I going to make it this weekend. I've only made grape jelly before but I love jams, preserves and marmalades so even if they don't like it I know I will. Anyway with a house full of people someone will like it.

 

[Country homesteader]

I'll be right over to get some homemade bread and butter pickles.LOL
I might even grab a jar of the dill pickles for my cousin

 

[lcertuche]

Well pull up a chair!

 

[Country homesteader]

I need to seeing how my arms are very tired at this moment seeing how I just got down trimming my own hair.

 

[sumi]

I really, really need to trim mine.