The Slip Stitch

Now that we have a basic knowledge of what crochet is, and now that we know how to read those pesky labels, let's start crocheting!

For this first exercise, you will need a standard size H/8-5.00mm crochet hook.

You will also need medium weight acrylic yarn. I do not recommend using expensive yarn, for people who are just beginning. Get the cheap stuff and figure out how to make this work for you before you go buy expensive yarn. You will be less worried about mistakes using cheap, general, run of the mill, acrylic than you would be on yarns that are softer, fuzzier, finer, and over all more difficult to work with. You want yarn that is simple to pull knots out of and won't make you feel guilty if you end up cutting knots out.

The Chain Stitch:

Before we can make those classic afghans, or the cute little baby hats, or intricate lace, we need to start with the simplest, and most widely used stitch in all of crochet. This is generally the foundation for almost ALL projects. There are one or two other methods for starting projects, but those are slightly more complicated and not as important to learn for beginners. Now I say this stitch is simple because it is only intimidating before you get the hang of it. It's not complex in the way of other stitches, but it can be tricky to those who cannot see the way the yarn interlocks. If you struggle with this stitch, the only way to improve is to practice, stare at it, practice, stare at it some more, and practice until you can make a large chain by feel, with you eyes closed.

The first step is to set up your yarn. start with a slip knot. 

The next step is to set up your hands. put the slip knot on the crochet hook and pull tight. Hold the crochet hook like a pencil with the hook facing the ground

To start the chain stitch, wrap the yarn over the top of the hook (as shown above) and pull the wrap through the slip knot.

Repeat this until you have the desired number of chains for your project. This is a great exercise for beginners to practice. it gives you a good feel for the rest of the craft.

If you have never crocheted before, I hope this helps!

 Remember Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes improvement:)

How to Read Yarn Labels

Before you begin in your crocheting, knitting, or general yarn usage endeavors, it is helpful to understand how to read the symbols on yarn packaging.

Many people just find yarn they like and go for it. To their dismay, their projects end up ripped out, too small, knotted up, too large, disproportionate, they shrink in the wash, or they felt up and they hours of intricate detail work becomes matted and fuzzy.

Generally, crafters know that a big thick fuzzy yarn isn't going to be used in a tiny, intricately delicate doily, conversely, a thin light fingerling yarn wouldn't be used to make a big, bulky, fluffy stuffed animal.

However, there is a gray area in between the two extremes. Yarn companies understand that every skein is different and that the same general type of yarn has certain qualities which make it favorable for different projects and unsuitable for others.

Below are some links to help you understand the different symbols on the bands.

Skill level and yarn weight

Yarn care symbols

FAQ

I hope these links give you a better understanding of how to read your yarn label before we begin our projects together:)

God Bless you!

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."

  ~*~* Proverbs 31:13*~*~

The (not so) Lost Art of Crochet

Crochet: n. a fabric that is created with yarn and a hooked needle.

The origins of crochet are unknown. However, it became very popular in 19th century England. Since then, crochet has become one of the crucial elements of every picturesque ideal of mothers, grandmothers, and homemakers across the European and Western cultures. For many people, "crochet is that thing my grandma does in her rocking chair". This nostalgic image is instantly heartwarming. Although crochet is often associated with granny, homemade quilts, pies cooling on the counter, and a roaring fire in the fireplace, it has also become very popular with the trendy chic youth. Crochet styles have evolved from necessity, to the afghans and winter wear given as gifts from grandma to intricate dolls to elaborate forms of modern artists around the world.

This year I will be publishing a new series on this blog about the art of crochet. I will cover techniques, tips, ideas, easy projects, and much more. So find a nice H-8 afghan hook and some basic yarn and come back soon for fun tutorials on the not so lost art of crochet!

A New Year

Welcome to 2015! I can't believe it's here. It has been an incredible year. There is not much more to say than that. Incredible sums up the good, the bad, and the in-between. Through the dark evils of this world, God reminds us daily of His watchful eye and present hand. In the midst of challenge and turmoil, He sends messages of His Love. Just as there was much sadness, insurmountable blessings abounded in 2014. There are ever more to come this year if we keep the faith. May we all take this year and live it to its fullest. With the world of television, social media, and a constant theme of "me, me, me, get, get, get", let's find our purpose, live in the moment, and give glory to God. May you have a wonderful year. I can't wait for the adventures ahead!

God bless and keep you.

Chocolate Cupcake Gems

So on this blog, I try to share recipes made from scratch or close to scratch. However, box mix cakes are super easy and quick to use or doctor. With a little creativity, you can make a fabulous treat that doesn't taste like something out of a box.

One such recipe has quickly become a favorite.

Chocolate Cupcake Gems

From the Kitchen of Keira Leinbach

1 box Devil's Food Cake mix
1 box Yellow Butter Cake mix

Preheat oven to 350

Pour half of the contents of each cake mix into a large mixing bowl.
Follow the instructions on the back of the Butter cake mix  box (egg amount, butter instead of oil, etc.). Thoroughly mix the batter. Using a mini greased muffin tin, spoon a little bit of batter (size of a quarter) then place a Hershey Kiss in each cup. Fill the cup to desired height (generally 2/3 full, we like our cupcakes a little bigger).

Bake for about 10 min and check to see is fully cooked by using a toothpick. remember that there is chocolate in the middle so only check the top part or side of one cupcake.

Once they are fully baked, let them cool and frost them.

We used the prepackaged chocolate fudge frosting, but there are so many yummy and simple frostings out there to make, experimenting could be fun.

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy cupcake recipe!!!

God Bless!

Mini Peach Muffins

This morning after feeding the horses, I decided to make muffins. When I cracked open the egg, it had a double yoke! Yesterday, I finally went through the stock I had of store-bought eggs, from when our new laying hens were maturing. So today, the first egg (from our new layers) that I cracked open was this little beauty. I was already so excited to finally be able to use the ones from our layers, and low and behold a double yoke!

Anyways enough about the exciting egg. I'm sure you would all rather have the recipe for the bites size treats mentioned in the title!

Warning: they are slightly addicting so be sure to keep them out of arms reach once they are cooled.

 Mini Peach Muffins

For this recipe I had a general guide, but I'm one of those "well that looks like the right amount" sort of cooks/ bakers so again, I apologize for the rough estimate.

1 3/4 c flour
1/3 c sugar
2 1/2tsp baking powder
dash of salt (or so)

1 egg
2/3c melted butter
milk

3 canned peach halves broken up into incredibly tiny pieces (I personally like home canned because they are softer and sweeter than fresh or store bought but the others work just as well) 

Combine and mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Add the egg, butter, and enough milk to make a thick batter. I guesstimated about 1c probably. It mostly depends on the humidity. Finally gently stir in your peaches. Be sure that everything is coated while mixing the least amount possible. Your batter should be thin enough to spoon into the muffin pan, but should not be smooth like a cake batter (Remember that the more you stir muffin batter, the more dense they will be once they are cooked).

Spoon the batter into your lightly greased muffin tin.

I used mini muffin tins. So they were only in the oven for about 10 minutes (or so) at 400 F.

For regular sized muffins, I'd time for about 20 minutes, then check to see the progress.

These are light colored treats, so the edges will be browner than the tops. Don't fret when they aren't the perfect golden brown that is encouraged on the back of a box mix- they will still taste great!

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Understanding Proverbs Thirty-One: A Disection

Proverbs 31 (KJV): 

Verses 1-5 explain the state and condition that a man can fall into and is counsel against "that which destroyeth kings". These verses tell us how men must not let themselves fall prey to the vices in even great men -even kings- find  themselves in ruin and desolation.

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Verses 6-9 tell men of the ways they should live. A man's strength should be put towards those in need. He should comfort the sick and afflicted and be a voice of reason to those who seek guidance- a comfort to those in need. Note that these verses are not speaking of drunkenness, but that during this time strong drink and wine were signs of wealth. It is not the same as we have today. If we were to compare this to our standards it is essentially saying to give those who are at the limit a cause to be happy and to feel like there is life yet to live. Show the poor man that he is of value- the rich man that there is much he can offer. Give him who is burdened a place of comfort and him who is in need of guidance a place to find his course.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Verses 10-12
Here we read that the worth of a woman who's heart is set on God is far beyond any earthly value. It is very clear that a virtuous woman is honest, strong, good willed, protective, and is the support of any well respected man.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Verses 13-22
 Such a woman is hard working, knows how to be resourceful in caring for her family, can run a household responsibly, uses the most of the time given to her, and is sure to take care of those that rely on her. The work is hard, but she is willing and capable to doing what is needed. She is knowledgeable about not only her work, but also the work of men. She is therefore able to step in if it is needed for her to bring income as well. She knows quality when she sees it, and knows how to be prepared for whatever challenge comes before her. When it says that "...all her household are clothed in scarlet...her clothing is silk and purple...", the reference is that a godly woman knows how to provide raiment that is clean and well taken care of- not necessarily that her family is wealthy (as is implied by silk and purple), but that she knows how to make her family clean and exceptionally presentable.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Verse 23
Many people misunderstand the meaning of "her husband is known in the gates". This reference does not mean that the gate keeper of the city knows who her husband is. During the time this was written, "the gates" were not the gates we think of today. "The gates" was similar to the town council. So when we read it with that understanding, "Her husband is known in the town council, when he sitteth among the elders of the land" it makes a bit more sense- it conveys that he is a man of influence in the community, rather than a man who is known for coming and going through the city gate.
*** This also is applied when we think of "the gates of heaven" if we take the meaning of gates as that of a council, rather than thinking we are approaching big giant gates with an angel standing guard, we think of a council of angels waiting to welcome people home.***

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Verses 24-26
As we just learned that the husband of a virtuous woman is well respected and revered in their community, we continue to learn that not only is he well received, but that her strong morals and convictions cause her to be the one people come to for comfort, support and guidance. While he is working to build the community and uphold the laws of the land, she keeps a welcoming spirit for those in need of comfort, guidance, and a kind word.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Verses 27-28

This type of woman keeps an orderly house, she does not shirk the work onto others unnecessarily. Her children love and respect her, and her husband cherishes her for her good works.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Verses 29-31
 As this chapter is counsel from a mother to her son, she is telling him to look at all the good women in the world, but that a godly man sees the best of the godly women and that is what he should be striving for. She tells him that it doesn't matter how popular she is with the "in crowd" and that it doesn't matter how physically beautiful she is. What matters is that she loves the Lord and works to please Him. That if she can do that, then the work she does will only bring goodness and that she will be honored at the gates of heaven (remember sort of like Heaven's welcoming committee). She will see the good that she was able to do and give glory to the Lord, and in return she shall be blessed for it.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

And that is the woman that king Lemuel's mother wants him to find- a woman whose good works shine the Light of the Lord brighter than any star. Isn't that the wish that any godly mother wants for her godly son? That he find a woman with her heart centered on Christ, and a backbone strong enough to do the work the Lord has given her?

These women do exist. But they only exist in those who are willing to make the commitment. Every woman can be as this picture. No matter your past or your present, it is your future that you control. And the Lord knows that this standard is not possible alone. That is why He came and atoned for our sins and transgressions. He died, and lives, that we might find ourselves and do His works at any stage in our lives. The choice is before us, and everyone will fail in fully meeting the standard every single day. But that is why He is here- to help us where we fall short. He is there to give us strength so that others will have a light shining for them in the darkness of their struggles.

This chapter is often quoted, often recited, often referred to. But the counsel in this chapter is often set to the side, and the thought of "I can never be that" is replaced where the charge is meant to be held close. It is the ideal for the perfect woman, and that is where the doubt of worth sets in. The Lord does not set a standard so we can fail. He sets a standard so that we can excel. This chapter is not a list of everything a woman is not doing but should- it is an encouragement to get on your feet and do good in the world. It is the assurance that through faith and hard work, good things will come. It is not a checklist of things that must be done.

It is a challenge for women to become everything the Lord wants them to be. He is saying: Here is a list of what you can be, and what I want for you- Follow me and I will help you to become what it is you are meant to be; I will help you do what you are meant to do. It is encouragement to keep striving and learning and doing.

So when you read this chapter don't lose hope. Don't get down on yourself because of the seemingly insurmountable list of everything a good woman should be and everything she must do. Remember that you can be this person. With the Lord's help, you can become a this and more. Whether you are married or not- living a picturesque life or not, in a place of fair weather or in a tempest of horrid winds- relying on the Lord will bring your strength and comfort. He has a wonderful plan for each of His children. We just need to let Him do His work. If we can let Him do that, then there is no limit to the trials we can endure and the Light we can bring.