Harvest Lane Cottage

Emily 13 

I've made it to the end of my pinky finger with the blue yarn.  I'm now ready to begin the decreases for the closure at the fingers.   I've made the thumb opening and am knitting around and around with the green.  After I finish these, I'll have another mitten of each color to make.  Why did I start two different pairs at once?  I had one ball of each color.  I wanted to work each section at least twice in a row to learn the technique.  That's just how I learn.  Do it over and over again.  So, I made two cuffs, then two gussets for the thumbs, and now, the two hand portions of stockinette stitch.  Soon I'll decrease both and close with a kitcher's stitch.  Click on the photo for the Knit Picks video tutorial that I'm following. May God bless you as you prepare your homes, your hearts, and your gifts for Christmas. Laura Knittin' for Kittens

I was having a rough day recently.  I was preparing dinner.  We love garlic.  Well, this little clove of garlic loved me right back!  I promise that this really happened.  It looked just like this when I peeled it! I just had to smile back! God does have a sense of humor, doesn't he?  I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself! Have a wonderful weekend! Laura Happy at Home Shared:   Wow Us Wednesday - Wonderful Wednesdays - - Fluster's Creative Muster -  Making a Home 

As you know, my three little kittens need some mittens.   I'm following the  Kelley's Mitten Class  at Knit Picks .  I knit my first four inch cuff today.  I made it long; so, it can fold over or tuck into coat sleeves.  I like to knit Fuzzy Feet socks section by section assembly line fashion; so, I'm going to do the same thing with these kitten mittens.  I only have one ball of each yarn; so, I'm going to go ahead and knit the cuff for the green mittens before I go on to the main body and thumbs.  That way I'll have more practice on one skill before I go onto the next skill.  I'm afraid that I'm going to be all thumbs after finish the cuffs.  ;~)  Here's the second color of Wool-Ease.  It's a lovely green.  I cannot say which kittens will get which mittens even though they've been warned not to read my blog until after Christmas! Well, I'm off to cast on the first mitten of the second ...

The deer won this round.

I'm going to make my first pair of mittens using this video from Knit Picks. I cannot say for whom I am making these.  This is my very time to make mittens. I found some lovely Blue Mist Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn in a worsted weight for my first pair. I just couldn't wait for an order!  I'll show photos as I go.  Tonight, I'll just watch the first video and roll my yarn into a ball.  Wish me well! Laura Knitting for Christmas Shared:   Mommy Moments     Amaze Me Monday  

Thank you for your encouraging words about my fussy sewing machine.  I've been out of town a couple days and haven't had a chance to try your suggestions.  I'm hoping tomorrow to start working overtime on sewing and knitting and baking! By the way, with Thanksgiving coming, you may be looking for a new recipe or two.  My Pineapple Cream Pie doesn't have any added sugar.  I make it for my mother-in-love who is diabetic.  Now, I'm not saying it's good for her.  It does have sour cream, pineapple, instant sugar free pudding and a graham cracker crust.  It is, however, better for her than my fully loaded coconut or chocolate meringue pies! The recipe for the Pineapple Cream Pie is here. Have a terrific weekend!

Well, the craft show and all the knitting and sewing that went along with it is finished now.  It's time to get back to Christmas gift making.  As you may know, it's going to be a homemade handmade heartmade Christmas at Harvest Lane Cottage this year.  I'm not planning on buying anything except perhaps a few stocking stuffers, if the Lord provides.  It's rather freeing to know that I don't have to shop on Black Friday.  I am running up against one problem.  My sewing machine isn't working properly.  I spoke with the repairman.  It is skipping stitches and isn't picking up the bobbin thread correctly.  He thinks it's that the timing is off.  A $60 repair.  I bought a new package of needles for $4 instead.  I'm going to try the new needles to see if they help.  If not, well, plans will have to be changed.  The $60 isn't in the budget right now.  I know how to hand sew; and, I enjoy it.  It's just a lit...

 “Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor… Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” ~Mother Theresa God bless! Laura Happy at Home

I was a litte distracted the morning of the craft show.  My cinnamon roll dough escaped!

We had a great time at the craft show and made some new friends.  Everyone sold something, even little Amy.  She was quite the little sales lady.  The afternoon ended with my children going around and bartering things they'd made (plus a couple of hats I made) for Christmas gifts for family members.  Everyone was pleased to barter with them.  I wonder why we don't do that more often?  It only makes sense these days. We didn't make a lot of money; but, we made a wonderful memory.  Our family, Dad, Momma, and all three little kiddles worked together to make this event happen.  All used their talents; and all worked hard. Now, a day of rest. Blessings! Laura

Cinnamon rolls, homemade from scratch cocoa, knitted and crocheted hats, tea wallets, corn sacks, bracelets, scarves, American Girl / Vision Forum doll accessories, cards, bookmarks, and walking sticks.  Just a few of many items for sale at the Holiday Craft Show Today from 9-12 . 4865 S Garrison Ave Carthage, MO 64836 71 hwy to Cedar Rd Exit Turn West to Garrison. (Outer road on West side) Go North 3 driveways to 4865 S Garrison. Watch for signs.

I spent this afternoon stitching away on my machine making corn sacks for Saturday's sale.  About three o'clock, I ran out of thread.   A perfect excuse to take a quick trip to the quilt shop.  I invited Emily to go along; and, soon we were on our way.  Now, I couldn't just go right in and buy my thread, could I?  We browsed through the beautiful and some not so beautiful fabrics.  I oohed and awed over the browns and navies, burgundies, and tans.  Emily sighed over the bright purples, pinks, and peacock blues.  After fifteen minutes of pure pleasure, I paid for the rather unexciting off-white thread; and, we came home.  As a side note, we saw the most beautiful cloud formation with the sun's rays just bursting out behind it just like the glory of God.  I picture it to be something like that when Christ comes back only immeasurably better. Well, when I got home, my sewing machine wouldn't work.  I spent over an hour tryi...

Welcome to The Gathering Place at Harvest Lane. We wanted to create a wonderful place that folks could come to for their special occassions. Weddings, receptions, parties, banquets, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. We have lots of room; and, uniquely, the house is empty. Each event is custom planned to meet your requirements; you don't have to plan around our furniture. The Holiday Craft Show is the first event that we, ourselves, are hosting. What to expect? We recently went to the Mount Vernon Apple Butter Makin' Days and the Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage. We went to these events looking for unique handcrafted item vendors. We found several and have been able to contact several more from the area. We are very excited to bring some of the best that the Ozarks has to offer to you. The fall decorations are up, but we can't forget to put up the Christmas tree. It is supposed to be a nice fall day with a cool morning and a high in the 50's; so, we ...

I bought my one and only bag of candy corn at the after H......... sale.  I opened it, ate three or four pieces, filled my candy bowl, turned around (or so it seemed), and it was empty!  I saved the rest of the bag for Thanksgiving.  I thought.  I decided to snitch a couple last night.  They're gone!  I should have charged for it! No more candy corn until next year. :(  Oh well, I do enjoy my children....and my husband! Happy Month of Thanks Living! Thank someone today! Laura Candy Corn Deprived

I couldn't find it anywhere.  I couldn't replace it.  I couldn't even remember it well enough to recreate it.  It was so scary.  I'd lost a treasure...a handed down two generations family treasure...my Grandma Bern's Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe.  Grandma gave it to Mom and Mom gave it to me.  Grandma and Mom are in Heaven waiting for me.  So, I called Dad.  Nope.  He didn't have it.  I prayed and looked one more time through my recipe drawer.  The card had to be there somewhere.  My little girl, Amy, found it...in the recipe box...where I'd already looked.  I have no idea why I didn't see it.  I just thank God that she found it.  I sent the recipe to my dad and my brother.  Now, I'm going to put it here, also...just in case. Grandma Bern's Raisin Bread Pudding Put into 1 1/2 qt baking dish: 4 slices buttered toast, torn in pieces. Sprinkle over toast 1/3 cup raisins. Pour over mixture: 2 slight...

I'm super busy making hats right now.  I'm going to sell them at our Craft Show next Saturday.  I'm excited.  I have many things to make and do before the big day not the least of which is make lots of cinnamon rolls each Friday morning.  We sell them from our doorstep or deliver if it's a large order.  Just give me a call by Thursday at 5:00 if you want to order.  That way I can get up extra early if necessary.  Of course, 4:00 a.m. still feels extra early to me!  If you don't make it by 5:00, go ahead and give me a call, even if it's Friday.  I often have extras.  God bless! Laura

Holiday Craft Show Vendor Information THE GATHERING PLACE AT HARVEST LANE HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW NOVEMBER 13, 2010 9AM-5PM While planning this holiday craft show we have had the pleasure of meeting several vendors and seeing some beautiful items. I can't wait to get them all under one roof. Booths are $20.00 except the foyer, it is $40.00. Remember that we reserve the spots on a first come, first serve basis. If you have a spot you really want you need to indicate it when you bring your check by, or mail it. Please list your top 3 choices for booth spaces. We already have several taken, and a list of folks who want in, so for best choice you need to respond quickly. Several vendors have wanted to set up on Friday night. That is fine and I will have the building open from 6pm to 10pm for setting up. Call Friday morning to see if you can come earlier. You will also be able to set up Saturday morning from 6am-8am. I would like all booths set up and ready by 8am. PROMOTIONS: ...