Simple Apron

This Christmas season I've made some bib style aprons from Lotta's book (which would also make a great gift for the sewer on your list!). They are reversible and have a nice modern cut to them. There's something about the neckline that I really like. And I just have to say that that fabric above is my all time favourite. It has the most beautiful flower shapes and the colours are unbelievable. It's Anna Maria Horner's design and if you haven't seen her fabric, needlework, blog, etc. you really should hop over there to be amazed and inspired! I'm getting a slow start to my Christmas making and am trying not to think of the to do list or I'll start to hyperventilate. I'm just trying to "do" the work and worry about the calendar later, like the night before the Lingonberry! November 25th I will be joining some talented arts and crafts folks at the Chocolate Claim for my first Lingonberry craft fair. Please come by and get first picks of aprons, bags, belts and new clutches! Previews coming soon I hope - GULP!

Rhubarb Jams

I think I've jammed about 12 pounds of rhubarb this week! It's jobs like this that I'm glad for a big kitchen, most of the time I'm thinking my counter top is too big and just collects junk as a result. On that topic however, I'm on a bit of a counter top kick - an effort to be able to see my counter tops all day - the second something lands on the counter it's quickly assessed and put where it's supposed to go. Back to the jam though! I've made some Ginger Rhubarb Jam and some Tangy Orange Rhubarb Jam. Making jam reminds me of my Grandma Ward and the first time I made peach jam in her kitchen. I don't think it turned out right though, I think I always get the length of boiling wrong. Similarly with this batch, I tried the jelly test but I'm never sure, is the dab of jam wrinkling on top as it cools on a frozen plate or not? I think I should invest in a candy thermometer to save me the worry! Alas, rhubarb seems to be very forgiving and these batches taste dee-lish - at least to me and my 3 year old - hubby doesn't like rhubarb, and that's another story!