Taking The Wayback Machine To 1927...

Two days ago, I was sorting through my still-boxed cookbooks in search of an old favorite that contains a favorite "no bake" recipe for dinners. It's called "No Time To Cook" and I think it was a Better Homes and Gardens publication (or something like that). I did ultimately locate it, and used one of the recipes for dinner that evening. Thanks to a regular breeze here, it was actually quite comfortable after the sun went down, but I still didn't have any plans to light up the oven.

As I was searching for that cookbook, I came across more "antique" cookbooks that belonged to various ancestors. This one belonged to my dear mother-in-law, Evelyn. I decided to bring it upstairs and look through it. She even wrote a recipe of her own on the last page, and I'm definitely going to make that one. 

As you can see from the front page, this is a compilation of recipes from the Royal Baking Powder Company™, and the copyright is 1927! I love old cookbooks, and couldn't wait to dig into it. I'm not quite sure why I hadn't done it before in all these years.

This is the Index of all the recipes in this 100 page book. You may want to pull this image onto your desktop or into your images files so you can read it better or print it out. I'm suggesting that for a reason I'll explain by the end of this post. Don't forget you can also click on the image here to enlarge it.

Just look at all those recipes! I've already chosen the first on my list to make, which is the recipe for Luncheon Rolls that can be made from start to finish in about an hour! Those homemakers didn't have all day to waste in the kitchen. They had to clean house, get the kids to school, prepare a hot meal for the family, and they had to do it dressed up and wearing makeup! (Right?)

So, check out these recipes and I'll tell you why soon.

As I was telling my sister, Di about this discovery, she did an Amazon search for Royal Baking Powder.™ Can you believe they still make it?! Yes. It's made by the same company that makes the Clabber Girl™ brand. I use Clabber Girl™, but placed an order for the Royal brand which will be here tomorrow. I'm curious to see if there's a difference.

I love the photographs with step-by-step technique instructions, and there's even a page on how to cut the shapes into the ends of piping bags to make all the different decorating shapes with icing. Homemakers didn't keep a drawer-full of metal decorating tips in their kitchens. Haven't we become spoiled?

The book is also filled with many other pages of helpful hints, but mostly there are some wonderfully intriguing recipes. That's when the idea hit me. Have you heard of the movie where a young woman decided to make every one of Julie Child's recipes? Why can't this more mature bird attempt the same? Perhaps not every recipe, but I could take a good run at more than a few, and then share those recipes with you!

You'll be able to print out the recipes, and perhaps put them into your own binder to keep and share. So, what do you think? Do you like this idea? My first attempt will be those Luncheon Rolls. It says they're perfect for sandwiches, and who knows? They may become our go-to for sub sandwiches for family gatherings?

I'm already putting sticky notes all over this cookbook and trying to decide which recipes I'll make (maybe once every two weeks), and I'm going to give you a chance to have input on the choices. That's why I want you to enlarge, print out, or save the Index above. Let me know which recipe(s) you'd like to see me make and share. I may even do videos  to go with them, or live episodes from time to time. I'll keep track of all your suggestions, and will keep doing this at least until your suggestions run out. I may even have little prize drawings along the way!

So, that's what I'm going to do. Beginning Monday, August 1st, I'm going to make and post the first of many recipes from this cookbook. I'll share photographs of my creations, tell you how they worked up, how they tasted (I'm sure Handsome will help with that part), and then share the actual recipe with you. Then, you can try the recipes in your kitchen if you like. I'll make a new tab in the menu bar so you'll be able to find all the recipe posts in one place, too!

I'm looking forward to some awesome feedback, so please don't let me down. I'm excited about this project, and hope you will be, too.

Pieces of Home...

Brynwood Needleworks- Heron Lamp, Leaf Plate and Gecko Bowl

When you move your household from one house to another, you carefully pack up the items that make your house a home. You know, those treasures that bring back so many sweet memories of time spent with loved ones.

When I see this lamp, I remember the evening Handsome gave it to me. One of our sons was here with us at the time. This lamp reminds me of the heron that ate his fill of fish from the pond behind our home; and equally of the herons that used to live in the marsh below our Wisconsin home.

The large leaf behind the lamp is actually a large platter. I've mostly used it as decor, although it would be just as perfect serving hors d'oeuvres to friends and family. It was a Christmas gift from that same son and his family. Another treasure.

The bowl with the little gecko peeking over the rim was a memento from a trip to Myakka State Park. We lived very close to the park when we first moved to Florida. Some of the largest alligators in the state live within the boundaries of the park. I find them fascinating and terrifying at the same time. I'd rather think about the sweet, little lizards who live in and around our home and almost everywhere else in this part of the state. This bowl does that.

Brynwood Needleworks- Collected Sharks' Teeth, Seashells and Beach Sign

I handpicked every single shark tooth out of the shell driveway in our yard (before we paved over it after I dumped my bike on it). A short walk to the mailbox always took me twenty minutes because I'd spend the walk stooped over the drive in search of the teeth. My searches were always more fruitful after a rain that would expose more of them.

While you might think I harvested the seashells from the local beaches, I actually scored those at a local Michaels. The treasures are actually the containers that hold them. The larger one held wedding flowers at each table setting when our eldest nephew married. The arrangement was given to us after the reception. The smaller one was a gift from a different occasion, and is special, too.

Brynwood Needleworks- Antique Kimono Embroidery

Hanging in the hall outside my studio is this stunning piece of needlework. This belonged to my mother-in-law, Evelyn. I've written about her many times before, but I shared her photograph HERE.

Handsome tells me that this was part of a larger piece...a kimono. It was cut into pieces and sold by the owner to raise money for his family. My sweet mother-in-law purchased this panel and had it framed.

Brynwood Needleworks- Antique Kimono Embroidery - Butterfly Detail

Silk threads were carefully stitched onto a silk ground fabric, and each stitch is impossibly tiny and precise.

Brynwood Needleworks- Antique Kimono Embroidery - Flower Detail

 

I know that this piece, too, will have a special place at the farm. It has hung here in a location where I see it every single day. It will be no different when we move.

 

I guess I'd better quit doing this, or it's going to take me forever to pack! I just couldn't resist sharing these while they're still in place here. There are a few rooms that I want to keep relatively intact until closer to our move out date. It helps maintain a little quiet place amid the chaos of stacked boxes and change on the horizon.

 

Meanwhile, the rest of our treasures are slowly being tenderly packed for the move. I'd better keep after it, too. The time will be here in nearly the blink of an eye. While we'll be donating and tossing items that won't be moving with us, I'll make sure that all the pieces of home safely make the trip to the farmhouse.

Memory Lane Mondays - My Sewing Basket...

 Welcome to another Memory Lane Monday. 

Do you have a sewing basket? If so, have you had it for a long, long time?

Was it always yours, or did it belong to someone else first?

 I got mine about thirty five years ago, when I purchased it for myself.

I use it to store some of my most precious sewing tools, many

of which belonged to someone else before they were passed to me.

Would you like to take a peek inside?

 It looks a little chaotic at first blush, but I assure you, 

it's very organized and I know exactly what I have stored inside.

My sewing box has a plastic top tray with a lot of open storage beneath.

 The "old", and "really old" items are stored there.

Now for a closer look...

 I don't really collect thimbles, but it seems that I do have an assortment.

The sterling silver one in front is the one I use all the time. 

I purchased it from a vendor at our last guild quilt show and I love it.

It's sized especially for my finger so it's a perfect fit.

I have a matching British thimble and needlecase set from my days owning Stitches,

a Royal Doulton thimble featuring a character from Peter Rabbit (Mrs. Apple),

one with a sweet Dutch landscape on a silver base, a china one that 

commemorates Handsome's and my first trip to Williamsburg together,

a few odd ones I acquired over the years, and one with a cloisonne' Christmas design.

I have a really old embroidery scissors from Mom (Grace)

that has a sweet little scissor doll hanging from it. 

It's a treasured memento from times we spent stitching together.

 Handsome's mother, aunt and grandmother were all needleworkers.

 I love the sweet magnifier that's meant to hang from a chatelaine or neck chain.

It belonged to the needleworkers on Handsome's side of the family. 

It's so dainty with the little flowers designed into the handle, too.

I have more of their bone crochet hooks, but I keep them in a special

case with older stainless steel hooks in the tiniest sizes for lace work.

 Three of these strawberry emeries are old, but the large one is from 

Fons & Porter and you can purchase them in any shop that carries their items.

(I like to keep them together so I don't lose them, so old and new are in the same place.)

 These are both vintage tracing wheels. One belonged to my mother-in-law

and the other (in back) was mine from junior high school. sigh

Hard to believe that it's old enough to be declared "vintage", but yeah.

 These were also Evelyn's (my mother-in-law).

What are they for? 

The Deluxe needle is for rug hooking.

I found a few for sale on eBay right now (in case you're 

interested), but I'd never sell this one from Evelyn.

The E-Z Weave was used to re-weave damaged fabric.

I don't really see anyone doing that these days, do you?

 These are so cool!

They were in with Evelyn's sewing things.

They're pinking shears!

They're heavy and a little dull, but they definitely still work.

Unlike regular scissors, they want to spring back to the open position.

(Hmmm. Why do we speak of one pair of scissors as a plural?

Just one of the things I wonder about from time to time...)

 What sewing basket would be complete without sock darners?
I have three different kinds, and the one on the right has its original ring.

Perhaps one of these days, I'll use them again. (Not likely.)

 I have to show you this bona fide antique.

I purchased it from a friend who still owns a business dealing

in needlework antiques, but I got this about twenty five years ago.

In case you're wondering, no I didn't purchase it this way.

I used to keep it out on top of my sewing table, 

never dreaming it wouldn't be safe. I was wrong.

It seems that our Golden Retriever, Duff (MacDuff) found it most intriguing. 

I came into the room one day to find him carrying it around.

I guess he thought it was his own personal, wool-filled toy.

He was most apologetic when I scolded him and he sulked for the rest 

of the day. I couldn't bring myself to throw it away.

Maybe someday I'll repair it. 

Until then, it's safely tucked in my sewing basket.

I think of that gorgeous Golden boy every time I see it...and I smile.

That alone is the best reason for keeping it.

The last thing I want to share is a magnetic, oak needlecase. 

Twenty years ago, I designed a counted thread pattern for it

for classes I taught at the Rockome Gardens needlework 

event held in Arcola, IL.

I looked online to try to find more of these cases to share with you,

but I guess they're discontinued now and no longer available.

(Sorry. I really like this case!)

If you're interested in a copy of the pattern, let me

know and I'll be happy to email it in pdf form to you!

 Inside are two magnetic pieces so that my needles stay safe and

easily accessible (when they're not in one of my pincushions!).

You'll also find a little ring (upper left) that slips on my finger 

and has a little cutter on that hook. Airline approved!

The little heart shaped tool on the right is a needle threader.

Isn't it cute?

Well, I'd better stop. I know this post was picture-heavy, but I

hope you enjoyed taking a peek inside my sewing basket.

If you have a memory or story to share, please write it on your blog

and then link back here before the end of the week. 

The link will stay open until then.

Thanks for visiting for another Memory Lane Monday.

I'm going to continue Memory Lane Mondays until the end of 2012.

My last Memory Lane Monday post will be the one for December. 

After that, I'll be sharing something new with you.

A Little Girl, An Acorn And Two Mice...

I love getting mail. I mean, I really, really love getting mail! Yesterday was a perfect example. I opened the mailbox to find a package inside, addressed to me. This surprise package came from Nancy of Nancy Matters blog. I scurried back to the house and straight into the studio. Moments later, these were the treasures I'd unearthed.
Nancy had created a precious artist trading card for me! Look at the pretty colors! It features Beatrix Potter's sewing mice with a "You're sew nice" caption, plus she placed a button and snippet of crocheted lace on the edge. She has quite the eye for detail.

There was also a beautifully embellished oval box that had the words, "She spends hours in the sewing room" on the side, with more lace and an image of a little sewing girl on the lid.
I've had this image in my files, and adore the little girl sewing intently. I changed the colors in my image, but I love Nancy's version. I can't remember whether or not I'd shared this with you before. (As usual, you can click on any of my images to enlarge them.)
I was already overwhelmed with Nancy's generosity, but then I opened the little box to find another gift inside. Can you tell what it is?
A beautiful, satiny acorn was nestled inside the box! I was speechless! I had sent one of my 400th Follower artist trading cards to her in the initial mailing. I never expected to receive anything in return. I guess that's why I was so excited. Miss Nancy really gets me!

The back of the card is perfect, with no smudges.
I obscured her edress for her privacy.

I love how thoughtful Nancy was to put this atc and gift together just for me. This is the back of the card...just as beautiful as the front...and, did I say, "just for me"? Please stop by and say hello to Nancy at her blog called "Nancy Matters". Click here to visit her.

Thank you, Nancy, for the unexpected gift. I love it and it will have a special place with the artist trading cards in the studio.
Thanks a million for all of your kind comments on yesterday's post. Handsome and I were very touched. He reminded me that on August 14th, 2010, his mom would have been 100 years old.
Wouldn't that have been cool? (We miss you, Mom!)
Oh, and I just found out I won Jennifer's cool Rub n' Buff™ giveaway at Sanctuary Art. I love this cool stuff. It's a cream that's great for adding a little antique or shimmer finish to just about anything! It comes in copper, silver, gold, and black, and she's giving me three tubes! Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! Thank you, Jen!

In Her Hands...

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. - Proverbs 31:13

If you've followed my blog for a while, you've read that my mother-in-law, Evelyn, was an accomplished needlewoman. These are some of her sock darners - now mine. Reminders of a time and place when part of a woman's homekeeping skills included repairing her family's socks.

Handsome told me that Evelyn used to knit argyle socks. Knowing that, I'm sure that she took special care to keep them in wearable condition. In those days, you didn't throw away a damaged sock. It was, instead, repaired.

I love to make socks, and know how much goes into creating a pair, so I have a great respect for Evelyn's ability to make them using the detailed argyle pattern. How I would have loved to sit knitting with her, but we never had the chance.

One of my favorite family photographs.
Evelyn, with Handsome on the right and his brother on the left.

When I hold these tools, I imagine them in the hands of my elegant mother-in-law. I can picture her sitting in her favorite chair with a basketful of socks awaiting repair. I can see the bits of yarn she would use to weave a new heel across the well-worn wood of the darners. I can hear Handsome and his brother teasing her, and her good-natured responses. I can imagine the socks being restored to their former glory in her hands.

She was a woman who loved her family deeply, and cared for them, above all else, her whole life. These tools are precious to me because they represent that devotion. They also remind me of a more genteel, innocent time. I like that.

A Ribbonwork Garden...

While visiting family this past weekend, I asked Daughter-in-Law #1 if I could photograph one of my past works to share with you. (I'm trying to keep this a "mostly-crafty" blog, you know!) This is a ribbonwork piece I made as a Christmas gift for her about ten years ago.

I used a large Shaker box, available from Sudberry House (like this one). Then I selected one of my mother-in-law's hand embroidered hankies and carefully cut out the embroidered area. I sewed that to a moire' silk ground fabric, hooped it and proceeded to embroider away. I added a sterling fairy, and glass buttons that also used to belong to my mother-in-law.
When I was finished, I mounted it to the backing that came with the box, and then finished it with a satin corded edge. All those years ago, I had filled it with sewing supplies with everything you'd need to a quick button fix or other sewing emergency. Now, I'd like to purchase another box and do one for myself with another of Evelyn's vintage hankies. I think I need a ribbonwork garden of my own.

Remember: You can always click on my photos to take a closer look!

I Love Silver Sundays...

Happy Silver Sunday, mon amis. Today will be a study in silver spoons and serving utensils. No, I was not born with one of these in my mouth, but I certainly love the beauty of each and every one. Many of these were family pieces I inherited, but there are a few of my own with short stories I can share with you.
Do you remember when you were a teenager and Oneida offered a sample spoon for a mere one dollar? Well, this is one of the spoons that appealed to me and went into my hope chest. I've had it all these long years, and it's a treasured addition to my collection.

This spoon was part of the silver assortment I received when my
mother-in-law, Evelyn died. It has a monogram, but is
otherwise - like Evelyn - simply elegant.

These assorted pieces are lovely serving implements, also inherited.
Some patterns match and some don't, but I think they're all beautiful.

Here are two sets of sugar spoons.
They're much smaller and more petite than a teaspoon.
There are three at the bottom that match,
and the rest are all the same design.
I love these little spoons.
Now, even though it's probably cold where you are,
close your eyes and imagine a sultry, hot summer day spent
sitting on your veranda with a tall, cool, iced tea in your hand.
These are sipper spoons that also belonged to my mother-in-law.
I love their heart-shaped bowls.

And, look at this great feature...
There is a "straw" built into the long handle of each sipper.
You can stir your sweetener and lemon, and then sip the afternoon
away through your spoon!

This is a newer set. I purchased this set on eBay a couple of years ago.
Are you surprised that they're leaves? I didn't think so.

My final entry in my Silver Sunday post is this lovely, single spoon with a
rose-trimmed handle. I really love this sweet, little spoon. So pretty.

Have a great day and enjoy visiting with all the other
Silver Sunday participants, courtesy of our hostess, Beth.
Just click here to visit her blog and the other participants!