Getting back into knitting

I've had the wool that I used for these socks since my daughter was about seven years old. That's a decade ago, now, scary to think. I had intended to make it into 'elven' slippers for her, but I never got around to it.
Ever since I hit my head a lot of things have gotten harder for me, but oddly enough knitting has gotten easier. Before, I had this issue of my brain 're-setting' or 'flashing' and I would lose whatever I was doing for half a second. It made hand writing, knitting, anything that needed a constant stream of concentration... difficult. The one silver lining, and the one thing that has gotten easier is that. I don't have the constant 'flash' re-setting of my concentration. I have massive daily migraines that need medication to control, and I can't drive for more than half an hour because of the visual processing issues... But now I can knit. It's finally relaxing for the first time in my life. So. Here are some socks for my daughter. The yarn is sparkly and reminds me of a night sky with stars.

Seedballs/ Seedbombs- getting into some guerilla gardening for good

I bought a bag of clay from Curry's Art Supplies last year with the intention of making seed bombs, but life, and head trauma, got in the way. Then two weeks ago I was buying groceries, and saw this bag of mixed wildflower seeds in the vegetable section, of all places. It promised being able to cover a huge area with flowers for $20, so I bought it. I mixed a handful of the seed mixture with some composted manure and a light potting soil to spread the seeds out even more, and then made little pockets of clay and filled them with this mixture. Like dirt ravioli.

Easy homemade gifts

1. Homemade peppermint extract

Take clean, fresh mint leaves, fill a mason jar, crush with the handle of a wooden spoon to release the oils, fill to the top with a clear liquor of your choice, and put on the lid. Let it sit for a month or two (two is better). Strain into gift jars. Give to your favourite baker.

How to become a little bit more self-sufficient (even if you live in the city)

Being more self-sufficient also means saving a bit of money. This is what's called a 'win-win', I believe! If this is super new for you choose one item off this list, and start from there.

1. Have some herbs in pots in a sunny window.

My kitchen is too dark to keep plants in, so all of my herbs, and my lemon and bay trees have ended up in my daughter's 'study'. She likes being surrounded by plants while she works, and her window faces nearly directly south, so everybody is happy. Between this and my outdoor herb garden I haven't had to buy anything except annual herbs for years, and I have enough to give away as gifts, as well as make my food extra yummy for the whole year. I honestly believe this is why my roast chicken and soups are as good as it is. Fresh, or freshly dried, herbs really do make all the difference.

Different apple sauce recipes

If you've been storing apples it might be time to start using them up before they go bad. You can make up some of these recipes and freeze them, or can them... Or, like at my house, just eat so much apple sauce that you feel oogy.

More thrifty craft ideas- Denim jeans edition

1. What to do with old jean pockets?
2. Yoga mat tote
3. Couch armrest bag
4. Lunch bag
5. Purse with leather handles
6. Purse from children's jeans and fabric

Two thrifty gift ideas with minimal/no sewing

Here are some great craft ideas that involve minimal to no sewing. Making gifts at home is a thrifty way to reduce waste, help the environment, and don't take forever to make and a PhD in engineering.

1.

Alternatives for gift-giving

It's that season again for people who celebrate Christmas or participate in gift-giving traditions around the time of the solstice... I've been trying for the last seven or eight years to make sure that I support local artisans and stores, especially independent bookstores. Christmas markets and bazaars are one good place to look, but if you want to shop online, sometimes that can be hard to do. Etsy is one obvious place to go looking, but there are other avenues as well.

Just recently my friends and I have been soliciting our friends to post what they make or sell on our timelines. It's a bit of free advertising. I lucked out and got something nice for my daughter. She doesn't read this so I can safely say that she's going to LOVE the crocheted mermaid tail blanket. It's exactly the colours she loves. Score!

I've made a short list of places below for your information and for the sake of interest: