Well, maybe not anything. But close. This time–I put up homemade grape juice!
We’ve lived in the same house since the beginning of 2000. When we bought the house, one of the descriptions (and certainly not the one that sold us on it) said, “Lots of Fruit Trees.” What they meant–an apple tree, a pear tree, a plum tree, strawberry plants, a grape vine, and a black walnut tree.
Over the years, we’ve only gotten an apple or two a year because the squirrels beat us to them. Until last year, a neighbor harvested the pears. Last year, I claimed them and put up 11 quarts of pears. The strawberry plants and plum tree didn’t make it. The black walnut tree continues to bring forth nuts in abundances. And the grapevine–well, herein lies my story.
The first few years, the grapevine produced plenty of lovely, tart, Concord grapes. But, I had no desire to make jelly, so I just let the birds and squirrels enjoy them. Last year, I noticed that the grapevine didn’t look so hot. This year, when I looked at the little structure where the vines should I been, I didn’t see a grapevine. (Okay, it’s important to know that the grapevine is on the other side of our half-acre lot and I don’t actually walk over there often.) Thus, I concluded that the grapevine died.
Imagine my surprise when the hubby walked in the house with a bucket full of grapes Sunday night! Here’s the conversation:
Him: “I thought you might want to do something with these.”
Me: “What are those?”
Him: “Grapes.” (like I should have known)
Me: “From where?????”
Him: “Out front.” (again, like I should have known)
Me: “That grapevine is dead. Where’d those come from?”
Him: “That grapevine isn’t dead. There are tons of bunches of grapes out there.” (Obviously, I should have known this.)
Me: “Where????”
So, he leads me outside and tells me to look up. Look up? Yes, the grapevine has snaked itself from the ground, up the fence into the mimosa tree above. And, you really can’t see the vine from the driveway. And, yes, there were tons of grapes hanging above my head. My reply to him, “Well, are you going to pick the rest of them?”
So, I pulled out my trusty canning book (which I recommend to anyone thinking of canning) and got to work. Here’s the short and sweet.
Of course, it took a little longer than all this. In fact, it took at lot longer. About 4 hours! And the pay-off. 4 quarts of juice. Let’s see that comes to 2 quarts in 2 hours, which at $5.85 an hour comes to $23.40 a gallon. And I thought gas was expensive!!!!
PR’s next Mini-Wardrobe Contest starts August 1! I’ve been thinking about my entry for a while, but I thought it started in October. I’m not ready!!!!!
That said, here are the rules:
Ugh! That’s exactly what I did in May–and others did not! (Yes, I’m whining. Now I’m done.)
Anyway, now it’s almost August and I need to get in gear. I had been thinking about using this contest as a way to expand the hubby’s closet. I’m leaning toward:
I think that adds up to:
I just need to confirm that the different shirts will count as different types of garments and choose some patterns and fabrics.
Some Chapter Headings:
Types of Applique
Stitch Maneuvers
Applique Designs
Fancy Closures-Not Just Buttons
I liked:
My dislikes:
Conclusion:
First, this book is a bargain, when you consider all that it contains. Just purchasing a girls
jumper and a boys’ suit pattern could run you upwards of $20. Plus, you get all the applique designs and how-tos.
Second, if you can sew, you can applique and this book is detailed enough to show you how. Even if you don’t love these designs, you can take this information and make your own designs.
Would I buy it for myself? I already did–several years ago, when I wanted to reproduce similar designs to those I’d seen at a local upscale children’s boutique. While I don’t refer to the book often anymore, it was invaluable while I was learning to applique.
Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? This book would better serve an advanced beginner.
Here’s my take on Simplicity 2971. I had originally planned to make view B, but after seeing Erica B.’s, I couldn’t resist View F.
I made two significant changes: I made the straps a bit wider in hopes of covering bra straps and I used narrow elastic to create the bubble hem line.
Unfortunately, I’m not comfortable with my shoulders that exposed. (Even my swim suits cover more up top!) So, I’ll be wearing this one under a jacket.
And, as the personality quiz in this magazine pointed out, I’m allergic to bling. I’m thinking the rhinestones are bit too much…
It’s amazing what a 6-year-old can do with fabric glue!