Endings and Beginnings

I do love fall, I love everything about fall. There is only one thing I don't love, and that is that winter comes right after! I wouldn't even mind winter too much, except for the fact that it is as long as the other seasons, but seems longer. Know what I mean? Well, it's fall, I LOVE it!
I've nearly finished my canning, yay! I actually got quite a lot done this year, and I was amazed thinking back, at how much of it actually didn't cost much at all. Now, I can look at jars on the shelf, and know that I won't need to go to the store for those things. I still have a little more salsa to do, and as the tomatoes keep ripening I'll can them or make sauce with them, but the biggest part is behind me. BTW, I got this Zesty Salsa recipe from Mennonite Girls Can Cook, and it is wonderful. It's a bit spicier than my usual salsa. Randy said it was way too hot, but I thought it was rather...WONDERFUL! I guess I'm going to have to lower myself to make some for him with a little less hot stuff, but it's awfully hard to do. Salsa should be spicy!
I have been having a lot of fun making plans with Kristin for our Vintage Winter Gathering at the Church. Even the guys have gotten involved-last week they poured new cement and replaced the steps and porch. They got the lights working right and a couple electrical outlets fixed. Krisitn and I have been communicating back and forth with a few ladies, getting advice, putting our ideas together, and I think it will be a lot of fun. Kristin has been working on flyers, etc. She's really good at that! We decided on Nov. 21st and 22nd. Nov. 21st is a Friday and it will be an evening opening. I can't wait to see that neat old building lit up with Christmas!
When Randy reads to me in the mornings, and other relaxing moments, like sitting and visiting with friends, I enjoy doing some kind of handwork. I'm learning (and wishing I had a teacher) rug hooking. I'm learning pretty much with books. I am loving it. I got the latest Create and Decorate Magazine, and there was a Jack-o-Lantern shaker that I thought was really cute. I did change the eyes to a little more folk look, and I had a great time making it. I was pretty much on my way out the door, grabbing a bunch of wool, scissors, etc, and didn't end up following the pattern exactly (does anyone ever do that?). I grabbed a plastic microscope slide box that I got from a lady on Etsy to use as a small container for the shaker inside of the Jack. My Grandson, Caleb found me the rocks we used in the box to make the rattle, and we got him stuffed and put together in no time. Thank you little grandson!! So, here's a picture of my little Jack. While I'm at it, I'll show you Kristin's neat little Corny Fire Starters. She made them with an iron corncake mold, wax of different fall colors, and sawdust. Really cute Kristin!
What else? I got to go to my friend Kelley's for a primitive "fix" yesterday. I love to go to her house and look at all the stuff she has. Maybe next time I'll see if I can photograph her place and share with you what I'm talking about. You know how some people have that knack for finding things in a big way? That's Kelley. She's working on her own little at-home shop that I will tell you more about when she gets it going and everything in place. She gave me a preview and I think she'll have a blast doing it. Especially since it's at home!
So, ok, summer's ended, fall's begun fully, and with it comes the preparation for winter things like our first ever Vintage Winter show. Let the planning and fun begin!

I've got to clean up my sewing room!

I've seen photos of other people's craft/sewing/studio rooms that you wonder how they find anything in there. Well.....lately, I'd say I could win an award for the messiest crafting room! I've still been able to find things, but, let's just say, I need to invest some time into it.
I've found a lot of neat treasures this summer, things I intend to list on Etsy or Ebay and just have not had time. I guess there's too much to do in the summer? Or maybe it's just the gathering season, and when fall comes, it's time to get onto the listing bandwagon. Whatever, I need to get that room cleaned out.
I've been working on some rug hooking projects, really wishing I had a teacher that had skin on so I could ask them tons of questions, but I've got some books, the internet, etc. I've got some neat inspiration at my friend's house. Her mother-in-law, I believe in the 40's, hooked some huge rugs that are so awesome it's unbelieveable. I've had the pleasure to visit her, and her rugs. I've been collecting wool at garage sales, goodwill, etc., felting it in the washer and drying it, getting it ready for the many tubs I seem to be growing, just so I can have an assortment of colors. Next, I'll want to learn to overdye the wool, I'm sure. Anyway, this wool is adding to my mess. But there is always a method to my madness, and it will get done!
I think I have disorganized genes! My mom is soooo picky about what is supposed to go where, I guess I must have OD'd on that particular habit. I try, but... it's hard. Especially in that room. Plus, I have a lot of interests, and they all take room.
Besides my sewing room, I've got things that I need to get ready for my next sale. I just need to push myself out to get it done. I've got painting to do, a new idea for our booth to work on, tags to get made, etc. I'm determined to not do my usual and wait till the last minute. Now, my bread business works good for the "last minute personality". The bread is as fresh as it can get!
I'm going to share some photos of some of the rugs my friend introduced me to. Her mother-in-law hooked these in the 40s. I'm sure you'll love them! Look at all the detail in these rugs. Some of these are over 9 ft. long!! What a lot of work!