Rhea Lace Stole

I've been spending alot of time with other crafty goodies lately and still managed to finish the Rhea Lace Stole from the book, One-Skein Wonders from the hand-dyed silk yarn I found in Silver City, NM. As for the book, I highly recommend it for small projects and lace pattern ideas.

DIY: Travel Pillow

If you're wondering what to make for Christmas gifts this year (and you like to sew) I've got the perfect idea for you. I purchased a kit to make this 12x16" Tidy Travel Pillow Case as a gift for a coworker who sews and then used the pattern to make a pillow of my own to match my cowgirl luggage. It's just the perfect size, affordable and so easy to make up. The lining is attached to the outer cover so you won't have to worry about the pillow slipping out of the case. Wonderful for kids and grown-ups!

Branson Craft Ideas

Travel inspires me to do all kinds of things - mostly crafts. My kind of souvenirs are the things I can bring back home and make myself. While in Branson last weekend, I found the inspiration to make a total of seven things to remind me of my trip. So many hobbies - too little time!

1) Needlepunch Kit
2) Embroidery Dish Towels
3) Sweatshirt Jacket
4) Jalepeno Lime Cornbread
5) Lined Burlap Sack/Tote Bag
6) Stone Necklaces
7) Ceramic Vase Pin Cushion

Destination: Branson, MO

Mom and I have been going at full speed for three days now trying to get in everything that we can with the short time we have here in Branson. We started the day with a tour of the Titanic Musuem and shopping along the Branson Hwy 76 strip. Before we knew it, it was time for our dinner show at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. The show was incredible with an aerial act, lights, music, horses, longhorns, pigs, and doves. I can now say I've ate a whole four-course meal with my hands since they purposely don't provide silverware just to add to the experience.




We've had a wonderful trip and I'm so lucky to have a fun mom like you. I love you very much.

Destination: War Eagle, AR

Mom and I woke early to make our way from Branson, MO to the 55th annual War Eagle Craft Fair. There were hundreds of vendors set up in the meadows along the War Eagle River selling their own creations of pottery, wood carving, weaving, quilts and other arts and crafts. I treated myself to a custom leather belt, a handknit wool jacket, apricot carved wood coffee scoop and wood carved wine stopper.











It was a walk back in time to tour the water-powered War Eagle Mill. Many different flours and meals to name a few are for sale in nostalgic cloth and burlap sacks. I settled for a bag of cornmeal and a great recipe for muffins as follows:

JALAPENO-LIME CORN MUFFINS

2 cups (War Eagle) cornbread mix
2 Tbs sugar
1-2 jalapenos, seeded, finely chopped
2 tsp grated lime rind
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 Tbs butter, melted
2 Tbs lime juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Stir together dry ingredients except cheese. In small bowl, mix together liquid ingredients; stir into dry. Fold in 1 cup cheese. Spoon into muffin tins coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of batter. Bake 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

Compliments from the War Eagle Mill

Destination: Springfield, MO

Mom and I took off for a long weekend trip to Branson. It's an easy 4 hour trip but we made it longer by driving some scenic back roads to Springfield. About 16 miles east of Springfield in Rogersville, we pulled up to the most exciting yarn shop I've been to in quite a while - One City Market. It's a small farmhouse with a very inviting front porch and when you enter you'll be greeted by the uber friendly owner, Lisa, and her huge clothesline of Tit-Bits (knitted breast prosthesis). From there I was literally overwhelmed with the many unique items I found in each room from homemade sock blockers to hemp yarn from Nepal to a punchneedle embroidery kit (like I need to start a new hobby-but I just couldn't resist). This is one yarn destination worth a return trip - road trip anyone??

Mexican Coffee

While in Taos for the festival, we stayed a couple nights in the historic, Taos Inn. It was a happening place with a restaurant, bar and cozy places to sit, knit and listen to live music. A cold rain passed through and a hot drink sounded appropriate so I ordered a Mexican Coffee. (Just a little splash of Don Julio goes a long way). Now I can enjoy a taste of Taos right here at home.

2008 Taos Wool Festival

We spent all day Saturday taking in the fibers, animals and knitted garments (made by vendors and spectators) at the Taos Wool Festival. I purchased yarn from one of the best vendors there, Brooks Farm, to make an Ewe Vest. It is a simple garter stitch pattern knit in one piece that was sampled in their exhibit. When in Taos, you must go to Lalana Wools and visit with the lovely, Lynne. She will make you want to knit up everything in the shop. In fact, this is where I purchased the pattern and yarn for my sought after felted cowboy hat. People, it is priceless and I wouldn't part with it for the world -- so go make your own!

Buffalo Thunder Resort - Santa Fe, NM

Laurie and I hit the road to celebrate our birthdays together with a quick weekend of golf and yarn in Santa Fe. After a full day of driving, we were treated to some very nice accomodations at the new Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort and woke for an early tee time at the adjoining Towa Golf Course. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and we hit some amazing shots.

We could have easily golfed all day but after 9 holes we were off to some shopping in downtown Santa Fe and we weren't disappointed. I added a pendant to my Rocki Gorman collection and we had some great BBQ at my favorite stop, Cowgirl Cafe. After this long day, we headed to Taos for the next half of our trip.