Money Secrets of the Amish :: Book Reveiw

I spent some time in this one.  Even had it stolen a couple times by my husband.  Living on a tight budget is something I'm honestly not good at.  In hopes to find helpful tips, I went straight to the people group I so admire in many ways.    

Amish are great savers, and they are the best at re-use!  You'll find out just how to do so in this book.  

I so recommend this book because it really challenged my habits and darn it, my beliefs.  I say one thing, but totally do another when it comes to money.  Money has owned me, and I like to own it.  Now I believe even on a low income, it is possible to live within our means and yes, even save!

Manage the money you have wisely, and don't spend the money you don't have.

You can purchase this book on Amazon by clicking here.

Enjoy,

Lindsay

Spring Break

A couple weeks ago for Spring Break we ventured down to Baja California for 4 days.  It was epic weather, relaxing, and family bonding.  Here are a few pictures of just that.

Outdoor fun in Papa's boat. 

Picnic in the dunes, round about where we got engaged 11 years ago. 

Natural artist like his parents, painting clam shells from the beach.  

Have fun, but please return to me safely!

This last photo is me soaking in the sunset over the water from the living room while enjoying some cross-stitch, wine and a drift wood fire.  Ahh, if only I was there now.

Lindsay

Lately

It may seam pretty quiet around here, but I assure you it hasn't been.

I managed to finish some table linens.  My dear friend and neighbor shared this fun ikea fabric with me she didn't end up using and it was perfect for this project.  

I've been a quilting away on the never ending swoon quilt.  Although I am enjoying the peaceful act of hand stitching, I'm getting a little 'over it.'  Still I will persevere.  I love thinking of how the Amish women have ultimate patience when it comes to quilting, but I do envy the whole group quilting effort.  Community like that isn't easy to find around here.

I ordered myself a couple Amish related books recently and am really enjoying the first which is called Money Secrets of the Amish - by Lorilee Craker.  Its a study on some of the Amish money habits that keep them out of debt, living simply, and being content.  Its pretty meaty and is helping challenge me in my spending habits.  I caught my husband reading it the other night, and he even loved it.  I've found that nothing says "I love and respect you, dear husband"; than truly appreciating his hard earned money by managing it wisely.  

The second book, which I'm looking forward to next is Amish Values for Your Family - by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  Another thing I admire about the Amish is their tight family relations and strong values.  

Back to conquering the 2014 List.

Lindsay

Road 2 California Quilt Show

This was my 3rd year attending the Road to Cali quilt show, but it the first where I had an agenda.  Usually I'm just going to for the quick fix of quilt fabric and inspiration.  But this year I wanted to try out a new machine.  Rachel at Stitched in Color has talked me into my next machine, so I guess I needed to go and try it out.  Its the Juki TL2010Q.  And I lucked out because it was the second booth, on the first asle and no one was sitting at it.  It was a dream to use.   So when I'm ready, I'll be getting it and working on my free-motion techniques.

The other high light that made me super happy was this collection of quilts from the recently release book Amish Quilts - The Adventure Continues: Featuring 21 Projects from Traditional to Modern by Lynn Koolish 

 

My Mama & Me

It truly was a fabulous day!

Vintage Butterflies :: Two Finished Quilts

Today I finished binding my second Vintage Butterflies Quilt. Isn't she lovely?

I just love Christine Adolph's use of pastels with bright blues and pinks in her Vintage Butterflies line! This collection is truly dreamy.

I've listed this one in my Etsy Shop. You can see the listing here. Which reminds me, I forgot to share and add the first one to my shop. Ooops!

The first Vintage Butterflies Quilt I made using the fabulous Granny Square tutorial from Blue Elephant Stitches. Its such a cute pattern and so easy for using up stripes of fabric, which in this case I had pleanty of. I had already cut out my charm squares for the quilt at the top, but let the stack just sit because I was anxious to make the Granny Square quilt first. Funny how inspiration suddenly thwarts all current tasks.

I really enjoyed pieceing the Granny Square quilt. It has that traditioinal patchwork vibe, but on point. I added texture to this one using a pearl cotton to hand quilt around the outer boarder of each block. I love how it turned out.

My Vintage Butterflies Granny Square Quilt is also listed in my Etsy Shop, and you can find the listing here.

The Granny Square quilt pattern by any means isn't a new pattern. Actually its been around a while. I saw this one in A Treasury of Amish Quilts by Rachel & Kenneth Pellman. It's dated circa 1895 from Lancaster County, Penn. and titled as 'Multiple Patch in Bars'.

And this one from The Amish Quilt by Eve Wheatcroft Granick. Its dated circa 1920-30 also from Lancaster County Penn. and is titled in the book as 'Album Patch'.

I just love looking back at history and seeing how trends get reinvented and brought back to life, don't you?

Thanks for stopping by!

>>----Lindsay---->

 

Posted with Blogsy

Soup Kind of Weather

Yes, fall is upon us, even here in sunny SoCal. Today was not so sunny, but warm. Its that time of year there is a crispness in the air in the evenings. Crispness always makes me want soup and bread rolls, and anything pumpkin. So tonight I thought I'd bust out one of my go-to recipes. Its a little time consuming, but I've figured out a few short cuts that still make a satisfying soup.

My Dish w/Parmesan Rosemary Rolls

On a tangent: I received this soup 4 1/2 years ago when my friend Kellie delivered it to us after the birth of my son. I immediately called her the next day for the recipe. I must say, my friend can cook!

On another note: The Amish also have a traditional Beef & Barley Soup recipes, which are very very similar to mine like, this one at Mr.Food.com. Anyway...I'm going to share my version of the recipe. After all, I have to put my twist on things.

Beef Mushroom Barley Soup
Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 lb. beef stew meet diced into 1/2" pieces (trust me, smaller is way better!!!)
• Salt & Pepper to your liking
• 1 onion diced
• 8 oz of crimini mushrooms chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup Barley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 6 cups of Beef Broth

Directions:

• First off, I like to start the barley cookin, so in a large pot add the broth, tomatoes and barley. Heat up to a boil, then turn down to low.
• While thats simmering, dice your other ingredients starting with your beef. In a skillet heat 2 tsp of oil, add beef with salt/pepper and brown all sides. Remove beef with a straining spoon into the pot of simmering stock.
• Back to the skillet (don't bother to drain if you like the beef flavor), heat another 2 tsp of oil add onion, mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes then add carrots. Cook another 5 minutes.
• Remove all ingredients from skillet in to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes on low. Since everything is diced small, it cooks faster. Now ENJOY!

Let me know if you try this recipe. Love to hear how it goes!

>>-- Lindsay -->

P.S. I can't wait to make and share my fav pumpkin chocolate chip recipe with you!

Posted with Blogsy

A Bit of Churn Dash Info

So last week I posted about the Churn Dash Quilt I recently finished (above). I intended to share a bit about the Amish block. It has several names really. I've read a bit of history about it in Amish Abstractions by Joe Cunningham and Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration by Denyse Schmidt, if you care to read.

The version above is an Amish Shoo Fly its a 1940s original and is believed to have been made in Lancaster County using corduroy. It recently sold, but more info on it is available here.

Another Amish name for the quilt block is 'Hole in the Barn Door'.

Above is a Hole in the Barn Door kit sold here. Through many google image searches I've noticed most 'Hole in the Barn Door' blocks are on-point. I don't presume this is always so, but just something I've observed.

The third name I've seen for this traditional block pattern is the 'Monkey Wrench'. A while back I came across some info when searching 'monkey wrench block history'. It mentioned something about the Underground Railroad using the quilt to signal that it was almost time to leave, "gather your tools for the journey".

If you'd like to see some modern versions, here is one with many blocks in different sizes by Rachel at StitchedInColor. And my favorite minimalist version of this quilt I found on Pinterest, but I traced the source to here.

Thats fun finding variations of the same block. I encourage you to look into traditional block history, its quite fun sometimes.

>>----> Lindsay <-----<<

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

What About the Amish?

I do realize I haven't talked much about the Amish here.  However, if you spent time with me daily, you'd be annoyed by my constant chatter.  Okay at least if you were in my head.  You may even go as far to say, 'Obsess Much?'  Yes, yes I do obsess.  Truth is, my fascination is growing.

Okay, so since I live no where near an Amish community, I do depend on the internet and books from my local library to fan the flame of this new found fetish.  I'm pinning on Pinterest and hearting on Etsy Amish everything.  Just to clarify, I don't want to be Amish.  I'm drawn to their simple ways that reflect a strong foundation, security, a richness in life and faith.  

I do a lot of Amish stalking.  I, like most women who get caught up in the G-rated Amish novels, who want to know more about the people and why they do the things they do?  I've read a few short novels of mystery, murder, shunning and faith building.  I loved them all!  But... this wasn't fulfilling my desire to glean from them.   How do I apply some of their simple life-style in my life? 

Honestly I struggled with this for a while.  Please, someone help me!  I want to apply my desire to be Eco-friendly, loving and caring for God's creation while spending time in it with the Creator.  I want to slow down, spend quality time with my family, resist temptaion to be hip and trendy all the time, and keep up with my wifely and motherly responsibilities?  I want to spend time making quilts for loved ones, jams, baked goods, and grow things with my own hands.  I want to have a peace that I know only comes from spending time with God.  But how?  How do I do it?  How do I slow down, and still function where I'm at?

Today I found my self caught in a pit of temptation.  I'm constantly busy outside my home or online or in a store. The more I'm out the more susceptible I am to advertisements for things I don't need.  I remember when my husband and I got married we decided not to have Cable TV.  This was mostly because we thought it wise to avoid commercials, negative news, and wasting time.  We wanted to spend time with God, each other, and create or build things.  It worked great for a few years, but then we both got our own laptops for 'research'.  Originally they had specific purpose, work.  But now its odd.  Although we are selective online it has replaced Cable TV by sneaking in advertisements and is a huge time waster!

So how to solve Lindsay's world problem?  Haha... no seriously though.  I really want to change my bad habits and move in my convictions.  I know what I want to do, but how do I start?  Where do I begin?  Well, I've found a stepping stone in my path...

Recently I was blessed to stumbled across this book called Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life, by Nancy Sleeth.  

Intrigued?  I was.

I loved the title and was instantly drawn to read it.  Wow!!!  Its like she read my mail!  This is exactly what my husband and I have been talking about for years.  But here is a woman of Christian faith that I can actually relate to and who practically implements the same Amish values I so admire into her modern life as an American God Fearing Woman.  Its a must read. 

When I finish this book I'll have a practical plan of my own.  I may not go as far as Nancy Sleeth, but I'll be working towards some of my own goals and spending more time Practicing the Presence of God.  Another great read, by Brother Laurence which has hugely impacted my walk with God. 

I hope to have a good mix of Amish and quilting and cooking here in the future, but I can't make any promises what that will look like or how often I'll share.  Thanks for hanging around to read this far. 

Love,

Lindsay

Garden + New Stuff

Oh I'm so excited to share a few fun things with you.  Today Mr. Postman brought me some things that have been on my 'want' list for a while.  This Fiesta pitcher for one:

Got it on eBay for like $30 and I love it.  Its not quite the aqua vintage color, but I can't find one under $60.  So Turquoise it is.  Isn't it pretty?

I've been looking for some craft to put on my sewing corner walls.  Not really knowing what to look for, I stumbled across this cross stitch pattern called Home of a Quilter by Told in the Garden.  And...its Amish!  Bonus, I know!  

I just got home from the craft store and got all the DMC threads and cloth.  Now I just have to learn to cross stitch.  Any tips out there? 

Next I scored on Jeni's Destash shop on Etsy and found this fabric:

I was just thinking someone should reproduce the Amish Pyrex bowl print on fabric.  Thank you Henry Alexander!  Its called Harvest Town.  I have no idea when it came out, but I'm so happy to own one whole yard of it!  The colors are super fun too!

Okay, bare with me.  I've got a few more photos to share.  

This lovely stack of fabric was graciously given to me by my very good designer friend.  It's called Vintage Butterflies by Christine Adolph. 

Aren't these pastels and brights pretty?  There are two panel prints too.  This will make a precious little girl a pretty quilt.  I think I love the butterflies and script prints the most.

Okay time for a garden update.  Today we had a small harvest:

 Red Beets

 Tomatoes are ripening

 Cauliflower doesn't seem to love my late planting, but there is one little head forming.

Corn!  Jack is especially excited about the corn.  What kid doesn't like corn?

Sadly, I caught a opossum eating 2 of the 4 apricots on my tree.  Little rascal!  He better not come back...or else!  

We thats all for this week.  I do have a quilt top finished, by haven't taken the time to snap any shots of it.  Have a great weekend my friends!

Linds

Week Away :: Completed

I've just returned from a wonderful trip to Baja California.  It was very relaxing as I read a few Amish romance short stories. I know silly, but I haven't read anything good since Hunger Games.  The Amish romance novels are actually quite good.  I've been enjoying the Jacob's Daughter series by Samantha Jillian Bayarr on Amazon.  The kinde edition is only $1.99 each.  Can't wait till the next one is released.  Anyway, I also took a few hand sewing projects with me on my trip.  

I received a crochet edged flannel blanket when I had Jack and have thought about it for three years.  Then I stumbled across a pin on Pintrest for a cute pillowcase crochet edge tutorial by You Go Girl.  Needless to say I ran to Joann's bought the flannel and the yarn from Michael's.  I am so not impressed with the flannel selection at Joann's but I didn't have time to order any.  This was truly the only print I liked.  Then when I went to pick out the Crochet yarn they only had white and off white in size 3.  Weird.  So I went to Michael's Craft store and they had several colors to choose from.  Thankfully, I had a baby in mind who was actually born yesterday.  It's already on its way to wrap around her.  

Also got a few more Hexagons done.  19 to be exact.  Finally get to update that little Hexagon counter in my side bar.  Paper piecing truly is a good traveling sewing project.  When I can't take the machine with me that is.

  

Now I have 69 hexagons completed and a few flowers are being arranged.  Aren't they fun?

Ooo, and I could hardly wait to get home and open this Vintage Amish Children embroidery transfer pattern.  I bought it on Ebay just before we left for Baja and now I can't wait to try out the hand embroidery stitches. I was practicing on my vacation as well.  Sorry too boring of a picture to show you my practice stitches.  But I do promise to share as I work on these in the future.  I didn't know about Aunt Martha's patterns until recently and I think I'm gonna love doing them.  Any of you ever tried these patterns?  I looked on Flickr and didn't find a group, so I've started one.  Join in if you'd like.  Patterns are under $2 at JoAnns.

We Have Growth!

I have HAPPY inside.  

I'm so excited!  Coming up here is spinach. 

And here we have cauliflower and red beets.  The corn also sprouted, but I didn't get a good shot of them yet.  No sign of the carrots though.  Or at least, I'm not sure if what I see is carrots or weeds.  I was able to weed the rest of the box, but the carrot section I left alone.  I couldn't decipher where my rows are.  It could all be weeds as I may have planted the seeds too deep. I'll wait and see.

I've been reading The Pocket Guide to Amish Life by Mindy Starns Clark on Kindle.  Last week I read that  "The average Amish farm in Lancaster County has about 70 acres, and the crops commonly include corn, tobacco, alfalfa, and various grains.  Unfortunately, rising land costs and decreased availability are prohibiting many younger Amish from continuing the farming tradition.  Nowadays, the Amish work not only on farms but also in other trades, factories, restaurants, retail establishments, and so on...  

Glenn Rifkin gives this report in the New York Times: The business, which favor such Amish skills as furniture-making, quilting, construction work and cooking, have been remarkably successful.  Despite a lack of even a high school education...hundreds of Amish entrepreneurs have built profitable businesses based on the Amish values of high quality, integrity and hard work. 

...With the shift into entrepreneurship, of course, comes all sorts of challenges to the Amish way of life-new technologies, less time spent at home with family, and even mothers working outside of the home."

I sometimes wonder if the world that surrounds the Amish culture will inevitably infiltrate their way of life as technology competes with skill.  Still they have managed to remain authentic even when they make new exceptions into their culture.  Got to love the commitment & perseverance!

Speaking of growth.  I found this awesome growth chart for my little man on Etsy.  

Abbie's House

Isn't it cute?  It looks like a giant ruler!  I got the decal kit from Abbie's House on Etsy for only $12.  Gonna head to Lowes to get my supplies today. 

Catch ya later,

Lindsay

Modern Amish?

Okay I realize I need to explain where the name 'Modern Amish' came from. 

 

Last summer we vacationed in Montana, as we do every summer, and visited an Amish community there.  We've had it on our to do list for a few years, but finally made the drive from Kalispell up to just below the border of Canada in the middle of no where to dine with the Amish.  I have to admit it was not what I was hoping for.  We paid a $10/person fee to eat at their diner/gift shop/market open on Fridays, which was actually very pleasant, but seemed very modern.  They used central lighting and had lot of amenities like refrigerators, freezers, a bathroom, processed foods and a cash register!  Lets just say they were prepared for tourists like us.  I'm pretty sure they set it up this way so we city folk can get a taste of their lifestyle w/out getting uncomfortable.  I heard beforehand that Amish people host these dinners as a way to educate others and bring in new people to their community, but we had little interaction with them.  Yes the did serve us food, but were much like any other waitress.

After we ate, I explored the gift shop with my girlfriend (also a sewist), and thats when I fell in love with quilts (again).  They probably weren't the typical Amish quilts, but I still loved them and wished I had photographed them.  They were made with all sorts of colors and fabrics.  No colors any Amish pupil would ever wear, which is probably why they became a quilt.  There was lots of handmade items in their shop from soap to jams and cards to cookbooks.  Hmmm and the Huckleberry Jam!  I wish I still had some.

After the shop we went for a walk.  Above, is a picture of me and my family in front of the school house.  The school house reminded me of Little House on the Prairie show with a teeter-totter, and merry-go-round.  The school also had outhouses; one for boys and one for girls, unlike the shop where tourist need proper sanitary restrooms.  Next we headed to their furniture warehouse.  The business' receptionist (not Amish), gave us the tour.  This my husband was very excited about (he has a masters in furniture design).  How did the Amish do it?  I'll tell you...very modern.  Yep thats right, they used machines!  Big machines.  Factory machines.   Although we only saw one or two Amish men working I'm sure they had more staff, possibly not Amish.  I was shocked...although they used machines, they did a lot of wood working by hand.  Beautiful pine cabin style furniture which was sold and shipped to various stores in the States.  Again, no convos with the Amish here. 

As we were leaving a family pulled up on a horse drawn wagon.  I stopped and stared.  I caught myself in embarrassment, but kept on checking them out like a girl does at a High School prom.  The wagon had huge rubber tires, not wooden or metal as one would expect.  The ladies were lovely, in their traditional solid grey, navy, and brown dresses with their delicate white bonnets.  The little girl caught my eye.  She was staring at me as well.  First I wondered what she thought of us.  Then I wondered, what does the world look like from her perspective?  How do they deal with life?  What are her biggest dilemmas?  What are her dreams?  We exchanged smiles.  Again, they didn't seam interested in introductions.  We headed to our big black truck and drove away.  I kept thinking that was odd.  I wish we had a chance to talk.  Now of course I have to visit again someday.

About a month later, Joe and I were on a date, parked watching the sunset over the ocean.  I told him I was thinking of starting a small business and I had visions of bonnets, quilts, aprons, simple garments... and I really liked the name... Modern Amish.  

So there you have it.  Sorry, I'm a wordy one.  Hope you don't mind and come back to visit.

XO,

Linds