Plarn!

I love this idea! Take plastic grocery bags, cut them up, and make plarn (plastic yarn). It's easy and cool!

Even I can make plarn and knit or crochet a sturdier plastic grocery bag out of those flimsy ones they give you at the store. Here's the link to learn to make plarn:

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2010/how-tuesday-how-to-make-plarn-crochet-an-eco-friendly-tote-b/

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(¸.·*  Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Fun and Done Quilting

I learned a new technique at Quiltfest this weekend that I love. It's called "Fun and Done" Quilting, and uses a product called "Batting Buddy." Everyone who knows me is aware of how little time and money I have for quilting, so every little bit helps. This technique, when combined with what I already know using the Cotton Theory Quilting, makes the perfect quilting. By themselves they're both great techniques, but when added together, it's magic for me.

The Batting Buddy (see picture above) is a two-part template that means no measuring! Take the inner square and cut your batting to fit. If you're using a foundation fabric, this is also the tool to make it fit as well. (When using the Cotton Theory, see the next paragraph.

The frame is your template for the backing. Note that each backing piece could be a different fabric, so this is a great way to get rid of those 10" blocks or fat quarters.

It also can be your basic cutting size for the top block if you're using the Cotton Theory and want to embroider everything instead of machine stitch. You'll cut it down to match the batting after embroidery. (I know, wasteful! However, depending on your embroidery machine and your comfort zone, you may need the extra size.)

Mabon Recipe: Apple Pecan Crisp

Apple-Pecan Crisp

Looking for a fruit dessert using Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix? Then check out this great apple-pecan crisp recipe.

Prep Time

25

Minutes

Total Time

1:20

Hr:Mins

Makes

12

servings

2/3

cup maple-flavored syrup

1/4

cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1

teaspoon ground cinnamon

8

large baking apples (about 5 1/2 lb), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 12 cups)

1/2

cup cold butter or margarine, cut into pieces

1

pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix

3/4

cup chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. In large bowl, stir together syrup, flour and cinnamon until blended. Add apples; toss until evenly coated. Spread in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
3. In same bowl, with pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives in opposite directions), cut butter into cookie mix until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Crumble mixture over apples in baking dish.
4. Bake 30 minutes. Very loosely cover with foil; bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until apples are tender.

Makes 12 servings

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving (1 Serving)

• Calories 380
• (Calories from Fat 130),

• Total Fat 14g
• (Saturated Fat 5g,
• Trans Fat 0g),
• Cholesterol 20mg;
• Sodium 220mg;
• Total Carbohydrate 59g
• (Dietary Fiber 2g,
• Sugars 31g),
• Protein 4g;

Percent Daily Value*:

• Vitamin A 6.00%;
• Vitamin C 2.00%;
• Calcium 0.00%;
• Iron 6.00%;

Exchanges:

• 1 Starch;
• 1/2 Fruit;
• 2 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;
• 0 Skim Milk;
• 0 Low-Fat Milk;
• 0 Milk;
• 0 Vegetable;
• 0 Very Lean Meat;
• 0 Lean Meat;
• 0 High-Fat Meat;
• 2 1/2 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choices:

• 4;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

© 2011 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

  *´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·*  Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

The Next President's Speech Should Be:

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

'My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed.

Since Congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq . This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

THEN EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER It'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France ...

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China ..

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France , and Russia .. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors: Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not ticking us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. Its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple thousand extra tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska -which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America .

It is time to eliminate homelessness in America . To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America ...

Okay, Ellis, fire up your computer and be sure to send this to Judy Stephens Bloodworth.

Thank you and good night.' 

If you can read this in English, thank a soldier. 

January Traditions-- Yaaarn!

Knitting and crocheting are the most obvious forms of yarn work, and in the depths of winter they’re a handy craft to know! (No pun intended.) I’ve spent many a winter day snuggled under a crocheted or knitted project, and was almost sorry to give it away!


While both will always have their proponents, even those who are intimidated by the needles and hooks can do the plastic knitting looms currently available in many craft stores.

Do I expect you to knit a sweater or sock your first time? Heck no! The joy is in the learning, and sometimes even a simple knitted square is a triumph with a use. My dear friend makes the most wonderful hand-knitted and crocheted face cloths that beat plain old terry cloth face cloths hands down!

Even I can manage face cloths, and I freely admit yarn crafting isn’t my favorite fiber art. However, my lack of enthusiasm hasn’t stopped me from making the occasional stocking hat, beret, washcloth, or even a bag or two.

So, be a kid again. Pick up a simple loom and notice they’re circles and ovals. What could be more pagan than weaving a spun fiber like yarn into beautifully colored and useful items? Go ahead and give it a try. Share the loom with a friend.

January To-Do-- The Witches' Belt

The Witches’ Belt


Spun craft can take a very useful and fashionable turn if you make yourself a cingulum. Depending on your tradition, the cord worn by a witch can have many different uses and meanings.

1. Cingulums are 4-1/2 feet in length so they may be used as a compass to draw the nine-foot circle of some traditions. Some other traditions demand that the cord itself be nine feet in length and wrapped around the body a minimum of three times when worn as a belt.

2. Postulants are bound with a cord for their initiation. In some traditions, this cord becomes their first cingulum. In some traditions, this cord is white to signify the novice. This is not true in all traditions.

3. Practitioners of ceremonial magick may have several knots in their cingulum to measure inner and outer Circles.

4. Some traditions may weave and join cingulums as a witch achieves rank, so her novice’s belt may be twisted and woven with her new level’s belt as a reminder to never forget what she has learned in the course of time.

In most traditions I know of, the cord is of some natural fiber such as cotton, hemp, silk, or leather. An innovative lady I knew bought 100% cotton clothesline and dyed it to suit her needs! Another used 100% perle cotton embroidery silks and wove them using macramé.

In some traditions, the cingulum is a necessity for more practical reasons than measuring a circle or defining a magic circle. Some traditions demand all non-magical jewelry and other necessities (like a watch) may not be worn due to how they may inhibit magic flow. Not to mention the annoyance of having one of these modern devices go off during the circle! (Turn off your cell phone! Don’t be rude.)

Of course, this also may include the cell phone, money, or other modern needs. Where does one secure all one’s expensive and precious items? Why, in a belt pouch of course! Where does a belt pouch hang? From the cingulum. That way, your modern necessities may remain safely upon your person and yet not affect the flow of magic.

How you make your belt depends upon your tradition and your personal magick just as much as it depends upon your ability to twist, knot and weave. Many choose to hang not only a pouch, but also charms, pendants, stones, crystals, beads, and any other ornamentation their fancy and wallet can afford.

Give it a try!

Fw: Stitchin' the Blues - Now at Embroidery Library!

These are so gorgeous, I had to share. I wish you could see the pictures here, but you'll have to go to the site. It's worth the clicks.

	Hello Corlleen: We're knee-deep in January, and here in Minnesota, we've got the blues. The midwinter blues. Crafty that we are, we've cooked up crisp, cool new designs known as Delft Blue. Delft Blue pottery is nearly 500 years old, and those gorgeous shades of blue remain a timeless and classic design trend. Scenes depicted on plates, vases, platters, cups, and saucers, reflect peaceful and serene Dutch scenes of years gone by. New designs this week celebrate the beautiful art form known as Delft Blue. Fruit and flower arrangements are framed with graceful vines and lush blossoms. The result is designs that are sure to be a cozy addition to towels, table linens, quilts, cozies, and wall hangings. As a special introductory offer, these new Delft Blue designs are on sale now - only $1 each! Click here to find them, and order today - the designs will return to their regular prices on January 25th, 11:59 pm Central time. Click here and start shopping now!

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Midwinter Blues Sale - More $1 Designs!

After you've filled your basket to the brim with the new and beautiful Delft Blue designs, make your way to the Sale page and find a bevy of blue designs, on sale for you, only $1 each! You'll find:   **Blue Willow **Asian Bluework **Out-of-the-Blue Flowers **Backyard Bluework Birds **Radiant Blue Roses **Forget-Me-Nots **Bluebonnets All of these lovely blue-hued designs are on sale now for only $1 each! Click here to find these designs, and bring home the beautiful blues today!

A bevy of blue designs, on sale now for only $1 each!

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Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

A trio of snowflakes, each held together with a colorful button, is the newest Crafty Collectible design, and it's available now! Order this design in two different versions. One version has embroidered buttons; the other version lets you hand-stitch your own buttons in the centers of the snowflakes! Colorful and fun on sweatshirts, fleece, and seasonal towels, too. And, both versions are on sale now for only $1 each! Place your order by January 25th, 11:59 pm Central time, to take advantage of this excellent price.

Button up against the cold with this charming snowflake trio!

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Flower of the Month Carnations - Only $1 Each!

Thanks to all who wrote with comments and kudos about the new Flower of the Month program! I'm delighted to hear that you're as excited about these new flowers as I am. I'll take a moment to cover a couple of great questions that have been sent in. Every month in 2011 you'll find new flower designs on sale for $1 each. There are features, borders and corners in two styles - a realistic version, and a light-stitching vintage version. The sizes, shapes, and compositions will be similar for each new flower presented throughout the year. Click here to see the carnation that is the featured flower in the month of January. The carnations are priced at $1 through January 31st, so if you haven't yet ordered them, do so today! February's flower will be available on February 1st. And remember to send photos of the projects that you've made with the designs. We'd love to feature your work!

Pick a pretty bouquet of flowers every month in 2011!

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**Free Instructions for Easy-Breezy Organdy Curtains! Sheer, simple curtains of organdy are the perfect canvas for embroidery designs. Dress up a window in your home, bring a fresh new look to a room, with these new project instructions! **Like Facebook? Like Embroidery Library! If you're on Facebook, swing by the Embroidery Library's page and give us a thumbs up. Then our Facebook updates will show up in your news feed, and you'll get a stream of fantastic project photos, tips, and tutorials. **Beat the Blues Contest! Is the winter weather keeping you inside? Suffering from a big case of cabin fever? I beat the midwinter blues by curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Kenny likes shopping (he calls it "retail therapy") and movies. How do you beat the midwinter blues? Send in your favorite way, and we'll enter you into a drawing to win a gift certificate to Embroidery Library! Click here for more details -- and click here for Kenny's Top 10 list for beating the winter blues, embroidery-style. Questions, comments, ideas for new designs? We want to hear from you! Send an email to stitch@emblibrary.com. Deb Embroidery Library http://www.emblibrary.com/

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