If you’re lucky enough to have your hands on some angora fiber—whether from your own bunnies or a trusted fiber farm—you’re in for a real treat. This luxurious fiber, harvested from angora rabbits, is known for its extreme softness, warmth, and that unmistakable fuzzy halo effect. As someone who raises Giant angora rabbits on a…
When I first started gardening, I didn’t think much about poor drainage. I didn’t really pay attention to how waterlogged my soil was right after a hard rain. I assumed that as long as I watered my plants and added some compost, everything would grow just fine. But I learned the hard way that heavy…
My Obsession with Natural Dye Books I have a bit of an obsession with natural dye books. Whenever I see a new one, I can’t resist adding it to my collection. There’s something about flipping through the pages, seeing the photography of the dyes and plants, and discovering new uses for traditional dye plants that…
Made with simple ingredients, these no-bake peanut butter balls are the perfect treat for gifting, sharing, or sneaking from the fridge late at night. You don’t need to turn on the oven or break out any fancy tools—just a large bowl, a wooden spoon, a way to melt the chocolate, and a bit of patience….
Healthy Homemade Almond Joy Candy Bars (with Toasted Coconut & No Refined Sugar!) Store-bought chocolate bars often come with a side of corn syrup, refined sugar, and ingredients you can’t pronounce. So today, I’m sharing a delicious, better-for-you version of my favorite candy bars: healthy homemade almond joy candy bars—no weird additives, just simple ingredients….
Some recipes are more than just food—they’re memories. For me, creamed eggs on toast is one of those recipes. Rich, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients, this classic breakfast dish is the best way to use up leftover eggs after Easter—or any time you’ve got a lot of eggs on hand. I know with the…
One summer, my garden exploded with tomatoes. They ripened faster than I could pick them, and soon my kitchen counters were overflowing. I canned as many as I could, filling jar after jar with bright, tangy tomato goodness. But even with all that effort, there were still too many. So, I turned to my freezer….
Sew Your Own Tattered Quilt Bunny – A Sweet and Simple Handmade Toy There’s something extra special about handmade toys—especially when they’re made from gorgeous upcycled materials like a tattered old quilt or a beloved scrap of calico. If you’re a weaver, you could even use precious pieces of handwoven fabric. My free bunny pattern…
If you love the sweet flavor of fresh blueberries and want a simple way to enjoy them beyond muffins, this homemade blueberry pancake syrup recipe is a must-try. You can drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even vanilla ice cream for a delicious, fruity topping. Plus, you can use it in homemade lemonade…
This corned venison recipe is a fantastic way to transform a cut of venison into something that tastes just like corned beef—without using sodium nitrate. This recipe relies on a simple, natural brine solution to infuse wild venison with those classic corned beef flavors, making it a great way to prepare deer meat for St….
For thousands of years, humans have used fibers in incredible ways, inventing countless techniques to create clothing, functional objects, and decorative items that add warmth, comfort, and beauty to daily life. Across ancient civilizations, fiber crafts and textile arts like basket weaving, needle lace, and natural dyeing developed out of necessity but soon became a…
Sewing is one of those timeless skills that blends creativity and practicality in the most beautiful way. It’s a great hobby that is also incredibly useful. I know that sewing can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming at first. The good news is that everyone starts as a beginner, and every stitch you sew…
There’s something so comforting about a simple, tender muffin, especially when there’s a little surprise tucked inside. These jam-filled muffins are soft, tender, and just sweet enough — perfect for an easy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or eating on the go. These easy muffins are similar to jelly donuts or jam thumbprint cookies, but not quite…
There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing a pet bunny binky hopping and zooming around outside. Even if they live in a nice indoor rabbit cage or rabbit hutch, pet rabbits deserve a safe outdoor rabbit run to stretch their legs and get a change of scenery. To ensure a rabbit’s health, they should be given…
Choosing the right bedding for a rabbit cage is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free environment. Rabbits are naturally clean animals, but their waste can quickly build up and create an unpleasant smell if the right materials are not used to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Rabbit urine odor is pretty strong! The bedding…
This Cajun coleslaw recipe is the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and zesty, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re serving it alongside barbecue, fish po’ boys, or a classic Louisiana meal like red beans and rice, this Cajun slaw brings a bold kick of flavor to the table….
Patchwork clothing is a beautiful way to breathe new life into old clothes or fabric scraps, turning them into something fresh, functional, and uniquely yours. It reduce waste, and allows for endless creative expression as you mix colors, textures, and patterns to craft one of a kind garments. It’s a wonderful way to embrace slow…
Where to Donate Unwanted Yarn from Your Stash As fiber artists, we cherish the joy of creating something beautiful and functional with our own hands. But sometimes, our stashes grow beyond what we can realistically use. Instead of letting unused yarn sit untouched, we can embrace the values of slow living, mindful consumption, and sustainability…
King Cake is a traditional Louisiana dessert eaten with great relish during carnival season. Carnival season, or Mardi Gras season, begins on Twelfth Night and ends on Ash Wednesday. In New Orleans and nearby regions, this season is celebrated with parades, music, and King Cake. Now like I said, King Cake is a dessert. It’s…
Camellia Brand Beans are a Louisiana favorite, with a reputation that’s well-deserved. I rarely buy name-brand foods and used to think all dry beans were the same. But when I tried Camellia Red Beans in this recipe, I was an immediate convert. They are the creamiest, most flavorful beans I’ve ever tasted, and their consistent…
I’ve been a fan of upcycling clothing, bedsheets, and other textiles ever since I saw Fraulein Maria make clothes out of curtains in The Sound of Music when I was a very young girl. (Fun sidenote: there are a few other movies that depict this resourceful behavior, including Gone with the Wind, and Enchanted.) There…
I have been purchasing and sewing with Sew Liberated’s sewing patterns since I first checked out the book, Sew Liberated, from the library in 2011. I have followed designer Meg McElwee and her blog and business with delight for all these years. I’ve purchased many patterns from her pattern shop, and have sewed up several…
Looking for a festive twist on a classic fruit salad? My Easy Cranberry Pineapple Fluff Fruit Salad is just what you need! Inspired by nostalgic favorites like Watergate salad and ambrosia salad, this easy fruit salad recipe skips the Jell-o packets and Cool Whip for a fresher approach. With real whipped cream and tangy fresh cranberries, it’s…
The Grandmacore Trend Growing up, my grandma and mom taught me how to sew and quilt. Those moments with them gave me a lifelong love for creating with my hands. Today, I still find comfort in the rhythmic process of spinning yarn or weaving fabric, but my passions have expanded to include gardening, reading, and…
What is Satsuma Marmalade? Satsuma marmalade is a delicious orange marmalade made with Satsumas, a type of mandarin orange grown in Louisiana. Satsumas originate in Japan and have been grown in Louisiana since the 1840s or 1850s. They have a loose, easy to peel skin, and delicious, juicy flesh. They are very similar to the…
Homemade Eggnog from Scratch Homemade eggnog is easy to make! Some recipes include raw eggs and/or alcohol, but my recipe is non alcoholic, and the eggs are fully cooked. Eggnog is a delicious, creamy beverage made with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. The ingredients list is very simple, yet store bought eggnog…
Learn How to Make Tassels out of Handspun Yarn We hand spinners and fiber farmers have a very niche market, and it can be difficult to make a profit with our beautiful yarn, especially if we don’t live in an area where fiber art is popular. There are many ways to diversify your income and…
Recently we had overnight temps in the upper thirties. Our peppers, okra, tomatoes, and more, needed to be harvested before a potential frost. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, frost will occur, although even if the reported temperature is above that, small pockets of frost can occur, damaging tender summer vegetables and flowers. With that in mind,…
Sewing with handwoven wool fabric can be tricky. The fabric may have a tendency to stretch, distort, and unravel as it is handled. I’ve got a few tricks to share that will help prevent this. The rewards for sewing with handwoven fabric are many! I recently had the pleasure of making a flat cap for…
The history of angora rabbits is somewhat unknown. I couldn’t find any primary source documents to support some of the historical claims I read on the internet. I read about other researchers having the same issue. Angora Rabbits History: Speculation Romans? Some people claim that the angora rabbit was developed by the Romans in 100…
This rabbit boudin recipe is a delicious way for us homesteaders and rabbit breeders to use up rabbit meat. Transform your rabbit meat into something extra special! What is Boudin? Boudin is a Cajun sausage (it also has roots along the Gulf Coast and in the Caribbean) that includes meat, vegetables, rice, and spices in…
I’m so excited to welcome a show quality breeding pair of giant angora rabbits to my rabbitry! My hope is that they will help me grow a rabbitry full of rabbits that produce tons of lovely fiber, and are also amazing on the show table. Check out my video for all the details! Read more…
Remembering My Ancestors Tomorrow is Halloween, and November 1-2 is the Day of the Dead. In many traditions, this time of year is when we remember our ancestors. It’s specially marked as a time when the veil between our world and the spirit world is thin. Although my family has never formally celebrated this time…
Watch me blend some batts on my drum carder My next live fiber sale is in just a few days! I’ve been busy making all sorts of batts. Today I made a few Halloween themed batts, all naturally dyed of course. I’ve got these amazing Corriedale fleeces that I’ve been scouring and dyeing over the…
I’ve been using this homemade chicken broth recipe for many years. In the past, I either used it within a few days, or froze it for later. But just recently I got a Presto Precise Digital Pressure Canner for my birthday! Pressure canned chicken broth is shelf stable! I’m excited to dive into learning all…
These soft, cakelike, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies came into my life during college, when a very similar prepackaged cookie, whose brand name I forget, was regularly sold at a snack shop on campus. The huge, pillowy, perfectly spiced cookies were a favorite of mine. It wasn’t long before I decided to try and make my…
What is Muscadine Jam or Jelly? Muscadine Jam or Jelly is a fruit preserve made from muscadines. It’s a uniquely Southern treat that is hard to find at bigger grocery stores. Muscadines are a native grape that grows in the Southeastern United States. It grows wild, but has also been cultivated for centuries. It’s very…
Making a Vat with Homegrown Indigo Dye This week, I made an organic indigo vat with indigo powder I’d grown myself. I’ve been dyeing with indigo for nearly ten years. No matter which method you use, the process is utterly enchanting. Spellbinding. It really feels like magic. For many years I have made my vats…
I’m in the thick of creating products to sell for my next virtual live sale. I’m a vendor at WAFA (Wool and Fiber Arts.) If you’re looking for a community of fiber artists who are supportive and kind, and especially if you are interested in gorgeous fibers grown by small farms, you have to check…
Natural dyeing with acorns and walnuts produces lovely tans, browns, grays, and blacks. Join me as I take you through the process. My property is filled with oak trees, so acorns are not hard for me to find. They are one of the first natural dyes I learned to extract. Walnuts produce a very similar…
This week I enjoyed dyeing with weld! Weld, also known as Dyer’s Rocket, is an ancient dye used for millennia to dye fibers and cloth to vibrant yellow shades. It is known to have been used as early as Roman times, and was used extensively throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Since yellow is a…
Soft, yet crunchy chocolate chip cookies, with perfect crispy edges, uniquely flavored with a touch of cinnamon. This is a simple, basic, no-fuss recipe with incredible results. Seriously, I have been making these chocolate chip cookies at least monthly for the past TWENTY years! You will never go back to your old basic recipe! What…
I Grew Coreopsis Flowers and Turned Them into Beautiful Natural Dyes This summer I grew an abundance of Coreopsis flowers in my garden! Coreopsis flowers produce a perfect rusty pumpkin orange color on natural fibers. Dyeing with Coreopsis is easy, and I’ll walk you through each step. Growing Coreopsis Flowers Choosing the Right Variety There…
Yesterday, my family and I cleaned out the summer garden and planted the fall garden. We had a nice time working together outside as a family. It was very hot, but with all the hands helping out, we got a lot done in just a few hours. In my zone, we have mild winters, with…
What is Wet Felting? Wet felting with wool is a beginner-friendly fiber art project that yields exciting, functional results! Wet felting is the process of creating felt using wool, water, soap, and friction. Felt is one of the world’s oldest known textiles. It requires no tools to make, besides the hands. It’s such a simple…
Learn how to make a sewing kit! Below, I’ve listed and linked all the basic tools you will need to mend your clothes or do some basic hand sewing. This is intended to be a no-frills sewing kit that is as inexpensive as possible. All of these tools can be upgraded to higher quality, more…
The Magic of Indigo Have you ever wondered if your garden could double as your art studio? Are you endlessly inspired by the beautiful shapes, details, and colors found in nature? Let me show you the magic of using fresh indigo leaves for dye and printing. This is my second summer growing indigo (Persicaria tinctoria)…
Instant Pot Hummus Instant Pot Hummus is an easy and quick way to make a lot of hummus! It tastes delicious, and it’s also much cheaper than buying hummus from the store. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still save money by making hummus with canned chickpeas. Saving money is great, but…
Home Comforts: One of My Favorite Homemaking Books (This post contains Amazon Affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I may make a small commission at no cost to yourself.) I’ve read so many books about homemaking. Some notable ones are “The Hidden Art of Homemaking,”…
Crafting Luxurious Angora Wool Blends: The Making of My “Marshmallow Fluff” Batts When it comes to creating the perfect spinning experience, few materials rival the softness and luxury of an angora wool blend. In my studio, I’ve developed a process to craft these exquisite blends, bringing together my own angora and fine Cormo wool to…
Recently I finished making my first pair of stays, so I could dress like a hobbit while puttering around on my homestead, or vending at festivals. I used a pattern from Hag and Company. I’ve always wanted some stays, but was too intimidated to make them. I finally bit the bullet. Us modern folks tend…
Learn how to wash and set single ply yarn for stability and strength. Join me as I go through all my new skeins of yarn that I spun during Tour de Fleece 2024. I discuss each batt’s fiber content, the type of yarn I spun, and all the aftermath of Tour de Fleece: washing, winding,…
Angora rabbits are unique to other rabbit breeds because of their long, soft coats. Because of this, they need special food, housing, care, and supplies. Here are my best tips and supplies for raising angora rabbits. Disclaimer: Many of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, if you make a…
What is Pesto? Basil pesto is a delicious Italian spread/sauce made out of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, nuts, and parmesan cheese. This recipe is a great way to use up basil if you have an abundance in the garden like I do. I’m also going to share how I freeze pesto in small portions,…
Fermentation can be intimidating, but when it comes to making pickles, it doesn’t get any easier! These naturally fermented dill pickles are the easiest way to make pickles. Which sounds like more work: struggling with a giant canner full of boiling water and jars, a pot of boiling vinegar brine, hot pads, jar lifters, etc.,…
Keeping Angora Rabbits Cool: Ever wonder how to keep angora rabbits safe and cool in the summer heat without sacrificing their coats? My angora farm is in Louisiana, USA. It is hot and humid from May-October, with July and August being particularly unpleasant. During the hot summer months, it’s crucial to protect your Angora rabbits…
Learn how to make Lemon Basil Soda, a refreshing and naturally fermented beverage. Lemon Basil Soda is a delightful twist on classic lemonade, combining the bright tang of lemons with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. This soda is all-natural and non-alcoholic, making it a perfect drink for all ages. Much like my ginger beer…
Great things come in small packages. Read on to discover my top reasons why angora rabbits are the perfect choice for a small farm and beginner homesteaders. Shortly after I learned how to spin yarn, I started looking into raising my own fiber animals. I’ve always loved animals and have wanted a farm for as…
Learn how to make ginger beer (some call it ginger ale) with this easy recipe. Ginger beer is an all natural, non-alcoholic soda. It’s spicy and sweet, great for settling the stomach or just enjoying as a refreshing beverage. I particularly love pouring it over a glass of vanilla ice cream as a ginger beer…
Ever since I can remember, the sight of the rolling green hills dotted with cows, and golden fields of wheat alongside the highways of Kansas filled me with a sense of longing. I grew up with a fascination for farm life, a longing that only deepened as time passed. As a child, I loved to…
Learn how to cook tender rabbit meat! Rabbit meat is notoriously tough and stringy when cooked incorrectly. It needs to be cooked slowly, at a low temperature. It should never be boiled hard. The Instant Pot cooks it to perfection in this foolproof recipe. This rabbit and sausage gumbo is made from scratch, in the…
A few days ago I asked my customers and followers for questions that I could answer for today’s video. Hope you enjoy this informal chat about life as a Louisiana Fiber Farmer: natural dye, fiber art, angora rabbits, homesteading, and Louisiana. Have a great week! If you need some fiber, visit my shop!
Blackberry Plum Jam is a delicious way to use summer fruits that are commonly grown in my area of Louisiana. The plums cook down into a lovely spreadable texture, and when paired with the blackberries, blend into a delicious sweet tart flavor, my favorite jam flavor. Blackberry Plum Jam is sure to become your favorite!…
In this blog post and video, I am demonstrating how I extract indigo from the leaves of the indigo plants I grow in my dye garden. I want to emphasize that I am not an expert or master at this craft. This is an ancient craft that many cultures have honed, developed, and mastered over…
Basil lemonade! This special lemonade recipe is flavored with fresh basil. I was skeptical when I first tried it, but I was quickly converted. Basil is no longer destined only for pizza or spaghetti sauce in my house. To me, basil lemonade is the taste of summer. I make it several times every summer, and…
We have mills that manufacture yarn at lightning speed; why do so many people still spin yarn the old fashioned way? Read on to discover why spinning yarn might be your new favorite craft. Are you looking for a new hobby that’s not only creative but also incredibly satisfying? Step into the enchanting world of…
Summer is here, and so is berry season! Read on to learn how to make blackberry ice cream with freshly picked blackberries. Ice cream is a great way to use fresh, local ingredients, such as blackberries, milk, and eggs. Planting a few blackberry bushes on our homestead was one of the best things we ever…
So, you want to be like Tasha Tudor and hand spin some yarn. Maybe you don’t want to go too deep into this hobby just yet, because you’re on a limited budget, or aren’t sure if you’ll enjoy it. What is the bare minimum you need to purchase to get started spinning yarn? To jump…
Hearty, moist, and perfectly soft, these 100% whole wheat blueberry muffins make a great breakfast on the go. Made from scratch with 100% white whole wheat flour, fresh or frozen blueberries, and real, whole ingredients. Learn how to use a cast iron muffin pan for the perfect golden brown muffins that don’t stick in the…
Hand spinning cotton isn’t hard, but it requires a few adjustments to your tools and techniques if you’re used to spinning wool. Hand spinners around the world are totally in love with this useful, soft fiber, so don’t be afraid to build your skills and spin cotton! Is cotton hard to spin? Chances are, if…
When I first started gardening, I didn’t think much about poor drainage. I didn’t really pay attention to how waterlogged my soil was right after a hard rain. I assumed that as long as I watered my plants and added some compost, everything would grow just fine. But I learned the hard way that heavy…
My Obsession with Natural Dye Books I have a bit of an obsession with natural dye books. Whenever I see a new one, I can’t resist adding it to my collection. There’s something about flipping through the pages, seeing the photography of the dyes and plants, and discovering new uses for traditional dye plants that…
If you’re lucky enough to have your hands on some angora fiber—whether from your own bunnies or a trusted fiber farm—you’re in for a real treat. This luxurious fiber, harvested from angora rabbits, is known for its extreme softness, warmth, and that unmistakable fuzzy halo effect. As someone who raises Giant angora rabbits on a…
Made with simple ingredients, these no-bake peanut butter balls are the perfect treat for gifting, sharing, or sneaking from the fridge late at night. You don’t need to turn on the oven or break out any fancy tools—just a large bowl, a wooden spoon, a way to melt the chocolate, and a bit of patience….
Healthy Homemade Almond Joy Candy Bars (with Toasted Coconut & No Refined Sugar!) Store-bought chocolate bars often come with a side of corn syrup, refined sugar, and ingredients you can’t pronounce. So today, I’m sharing a delicious, better-for-you version of my favorite candy bars: healthy homemade almond joy candy bars—no weird additives, just simple ingredients….
Some recipes are more than just food—they’re memories. For me, creamed eggs on toast is one of those recipes. Rich, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients, this classic breakfast dish is the best way to use up leftover eggs after Easter—or any time you’ve got a lot of eggs on hand. I know with the…
One summer, my garden exploded with tomatoes. They ripened faster than I could pick them, and soon my kitchen counters were overflowing. I canned as many as I could, filling jar after jar with bright, tangy tomato goodness. But even with all that effort, there were still too many. So, I turned to my freezer….
Sew Your Own Tattered Quilt Bunny – A Sweet and Simple Handmade Toy There’s something extra special about handmade toys—especially when they’re made from gorgeous upcycled materials like a tattered old quilt or a beloved scrap of calico. If you’re a weaver, you could even use precious pieces of handwoven fabric. My free bunny pattern…
If you love the sweet flavor of fresh blueberries and want a simple way to enjoy them beyond muffins, this homemade blueberry pancake syrup recipe is a must-try. You can drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even vanilla ice cream for a delicious, fruity topping. Plus, you can use it in homemade lemonade…
This corned venison recipe is a fantastic way to transform a cut of venison into something that tastes just like corned beef—without using sodium nitrate. This recipe relies on a simple, natural brine solution to infuse wild venison with those classic corned beef flavors, making it a great way to prepare deer meat for St….
For thousands of years, humans have used fibers in incredible ways, inventing countless techniques to create clothing, functional objects, and decorative items that add warmth, comfort, and beauty to daily life. Across ancient civilizations, fiber crafts and textile arts like basket weaving, needle lace, and natural dyeing developed out of necessity but soon became a…
Sewing is one of those timeless skills that blends creativity and practicality in the most beautiful way. It’s a great hobby that is also incredibly useful. I know that sewing can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming at first. The good news is that everyone starts as a beginner, and every stitch you sew…
There’s something so comforting about a simple, tender muffin, especially when there’s a little surprise tucked inside. These jam-filled muffins are soft, tender, and just sweet enough — perfect for an easy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or eating on the go. These easy muffins are similar to jelly donuts or jam thumbprint cookies, but not quite…
There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing a pet bunny binky hopping and zooming around outside. Even if they live in a nice indoor rabbit cage or rabbit hutch, pet rabbits deserve a safe outdoor rabbit run to stretch their legs and get a change of scenery. To ensure a rabbit’s health, they should be given…
Choosing the right bedding for a rabbit cage is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free environment. Rabbits are naturally clean animals, but their waste can quickly build up and create an unpleasant smell if the right materials are not used to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Rabbit urine odor is pretty strong! The bedding…
This Cajun coleslaw recipe is the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and zesty, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re serving it alongside barbecue, fish po’ boys, or a classic Louisiana meal like red beans and rice, this Cajun slaw brings a bold kick of flavor to the table….
Patchwork clothing is a beautiful way to breathe new life into old clothes or fabric scraps, turning them into something fresh, functional, and uniquely yours. It reduce waste, and allows for endless creative expression as you mix colors, textures, and patterns to craft one of a kind garments. It’s a wonderful way to embrace slow…
Where to Donate Unwanted Yarn from Your Stash As fiber artists, we cherish the joy of creating something beautiful and functional with our own hands. But sometimes, our stashes grow beyond what we can realistically use. Instead of letting unused yarn sit untouched, we can embrace the values of slow living, mindful consumption, and sustainability…
King Cake is a traditional Louisiana dessert eaten with great relish during carnival season. Carnival season, or Mardi Gras season, begins on Twelfth Night and ends on Ash Wednesday. In New Orleans and nearby regions, this season is celebrated with parades, music, and King Cake. Now like I said, King Cake is a dessert. It’s…
Camellia Brand Beans are a Louisiana favorite, with a reputation that’s well-deserved. I rarely buy name-brand foods and used to think all dry beans were the same. But when I tried Camellia Red Beans in this recipe, I was an immediate convert. They are the creamiest, most flavorful beans I’ve ever tasted, and their consistent…
I’ve been a fan of upcycling clothing, bedsheets, and other textiles ever since I saw Fraulein Maria make clothes out of curtains in The Sound of Music when I was a very young girl. (Fun sidenote: there are a few other movies that depict this resourceful behavior, including Gone with the Wind, and Enchanted.) There…
I have been purchasing and sewing with Sew Liberated’s sewing patterns since I first checked out the book, Sew Liberated, from the library in 2011. I have followed designer Meg McElwee and her blog and business with delight for all these years. I’ve purchased many patterns from her pattern shop, and have sewed up several…
Looking for a festive twist on a classic fruit salad? My Easy Cranberry Pineapple Fluff Fruit Salad is just what you need! Inspired by nostalgic favorites like Watergate salad and ambrosia salad, this easy fruit salad recipe skips the Jell-o packets and Cool Whip for a fresher approach. With real whipped cream and tangy fresh cranberries, it’s…
The Grandmacore Trend Growing up, my grandma and mom taught me how to sew and quilt. Those moments with them gave me a lifelong love for creating with my hands. Today, I still find comfort in the rhythmic process of spinning yarn or weaving fabric, but my passions have expanded to include gardening, reading, and…
What is Satsuma Marmalade? Satsuma marmalade is a delicious orange marmalade made with Satsumas, a type of mandarin orange grown in Louisiana. Satsumas originate in Japan and have been grown in Louisiana since the 1840s or 1850s. They have a loose, easy to peel skin, and delicious, juicy flesh. They are very similar to the…
Homemade Eggnog from Scratch Homemade eggnog is easy to make! Some recipes include raw eggs and/or alcohol, but my recipe is non alcoholic, and the eggs are fully cooked. Eggnog is a delicious, creamy beverage made with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. The ingredients list is very simple, yet store bought eggnog…
Learn How to Make Tassels out of Handspun Yarn We hand spinners and fiber farmers have a very niche market, and it can be difficult to make a profit with our beautiful yarn, especially if we don’t live in an area where fiber art is popular. There are many ways to diversify your income and…
Recently we had overnight temps in the upper thirties. Our peppers, okra, tomatoes, and more, needed to be harvested before a potential frost. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, frost will occur, although even if the reported temperature is above that, small pockets of frost can occur, damaging tender summer vegetables and flowers. With that in mind,…
Sewing with handwoven wool fabric can be tricky. The fabric may have a tendency to stretch, distort, and unravel as it is handled. I’ve got a few tricks to share that will help prevent this. The rewards for sewing with handwoven fabric are many! I recently had the pleasure of making a flat cap for…
The history of angora rabbits is somewhat unknown. I couldn’t find any primary source documents to support some of the historical claims I read on the internet. I read about other researchers having the same issue. Angora Rabbits History: Speculation Romans? Some people claim that the angora rabbit was developed by the Romans in 100…
This rabbit boudin recipe is a delicious way for us homesteaders and rabbit breeders to use up rabbit meat. Transform your rabbit meat into something extra special! What is Boudin? Boudin is a Cajun sausage (it also has roots along the Gulf Coast and in the Caribbean) that includes meat, vegetables, rice, and spices in…
I’m so excited to welcome a show quality breeding pair of giant angora rabbits to my rabbitry! My hope is that they will help me grow a rabbitry full of rabbits that produce tons of lovely fiber, and are also amazing on the show table. Check out my video for all the details! Read more…
Remembering My Ancestors Tomorrow is Halloween, and November 1-2 is the Day of the Dead. In many traditions, this time of year is when we remember our ancestors. It’s specially marked as a time when the veil between our world and the spirit world is thin. Although my family has never formally celebrated this time…
Watch me blend some batts on my drum carder My next live fiber sale is in just a few days! I’ve been busy making all sorts of batts. Today I made a few Halloween themed batts, all naturally dyed of course. I’ve got these amazing Corriedale fleeces that I’ve been scouring and dyeing over the…
I’ve been using this homemade chicken broth recipe for many years. In the past, I either used it within a few days, or froze it for later. But just recently I got a Presto Precise Digital Pressure Canner for my birthday! Pressure canned chicken broth is shelf stable! I’m excited to dive into learning all…
These soft, cakelike, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies came into my life during college, when a very similar prepackaged cookie, whose brand name I forget, was regularly sold at a snack shop on campus. The huge, pillowy, perfectly spiced cookies were a favorite of mine. It wasn’t long before I decided to try and make my…
What is Muscadine Jam or Jelly? Muscadine Jam or Jelly is a fruit preserve made from muscadines. It’s a uniquely Southern treat that is hard to find at bigger grocery stores. Muscadines are a native grape that grows in the Southeastern United States. It grows wild, but has also been cultivated for centuries. It’s very…
Making a Vat with Homegrown Indigo Dye This week, I made an organic indigo vat with indigo powder I’d grown myself. I’ve been dyeing with indigo for nearly ten years. No matter which method you use, the process is utterly enchanting. Spellbinding. It really feels like magic. For many years I have made my vats…
I’m in the thick of creating products to sell for my next virtual live sale. I’m a vendor at WAFA (Wool and Fiber Arts.) If you’re looking for a community of fiber artists who are supportive and kind, and especially if you are interested in gorgeous fibers grown by small farms, you have to check…
Natural dyeing with acorns and walnuts produces lovely tans, browns, grays, and blacks. Join me as I take you through the process. My property is filled with oak trees, so acorns are not hard for me to find. They are one of the first natural dyes I learned to extract. Walnuts produce a very similar…
This week I enjoyed dyeing with weld! Weld, also known as Dyer’s Rocket, is an ancient dye used for millennia to dye fibers and cloth to vibrant yellow shades. It is known to have been used as early as Roman times, and was used extensively throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Since yellow is a…
Soft, yet crunchy chocolate chip cookies, with perfect crispy edges, uniquely flavored with a touch of cinnamon. This is a simple, basic, no-fuss recipe with incredible results. Seriously, I have been making these chocolate chip cookies at least monthly for the past TWENTY years! You will never go back to your old basic recipe! What…
I Grew Coreopsis Flowers and Turned Them into Beautiful Natural Dyes This summer I grew an abundance of Coreopsis flowers in my garden! Coreopsis flowers produce a perfect rusty pumpkin orange color on natural fibers. Dyeing with Coreopsis is easy, and I’ll walk you through each step. Growing Coreopsis Flowers Choosing the Right Variety There…
Yesterday, my family and I cleaned out the summer garden and planted the fall garden. We had a nice time working together outside as a family. It was very hot, but with all the hands helping out, we got a lot done in just a few hours. In my zone, we have mild winters, with…
What is Wet Felting? Wet felting with wool is a beginner-friendly fiber art project that yields exciting, functional results! Wet felting is the process of creating felt using wool, water, soap, and friction. Felt is one of the world’s oldest known textiles. It requires no tools to make, besides the hands. It’s such a simple…
Learn how to make a sewing kit! Below, I’ve listed and linked all the basic tools you will need to mend your clothes or do some basic hand sewing. This is intended to be a no-frills sewing kit that is as inexpensive as possible. All of these tools can be upgraded to higher quality, more…
The Magic of Indigo Have you ever wondered if your garden could double as your art studio? Are you endlessly inspired by the beautiful shapes, details, and colors found in nature? Let me show you the magic of using fresh indigo leaves for dye and printing. This is my second summer growing indigo (Persicaria tinctoria)…
Instant Pot Hummus Instant Pot Hummus is an easy and quick way to make a lot of hummus! It tastes delicious, and it’s also much cheaper than buying hummus from the store. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still save money by making hummus with canned chickpeas. Saving money is great, but…
Home Comforts: One of My Favorite Homemaking Books (This post contains Amazon Affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I may make a small commission at no cost to yourself.) I’ve read so many books about homemaking. Some notable ones are “The Hidden Art of Homemaking,”…
Crafting Luxurious Angora Wool Blends: The Making of My “Marshmallow Fluff” Batts When it comes to creating the perfect spinning experience, few materials rival the softness and luxury of an angora wool blend. In my studio, I’ve developed a process to craft these exquisite blends, bringing together my own angora and fine Cormo wool to…
Recently I finished making my first pair of stays, so I could dress like a hobbit while puttering around on my homestead, or vending at festivals. I used a pattern from Hag and Company. I’ve always wanted some stays, but was too intimidated to make them. I finally bit the bullet. Us modern folks tend…
Learn how to wash and set single ply yarn for stability and strength. Join me as I go through all my new skeins of yarn that I spun during Tour de Fleece 2024. I discuss each batt’s fiber content, the type of yarn I spun, and all the aftermath of Tour de Fleece: washing, winding,…
Angora rabbits are unique to other rabbit breeds because of their long, soft coats. Because of this, they need special food, housing, care, and supplies. Here are my best tips and supplies for raising angora rabbits. Disclaimer: Many of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, if you make a…
What is Pesto? Basil pesto is a delicious Italian spread/sauce made out of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, nuts, and parmesan cheese. This recipe is a great way to use up basil if you have an abundance in the garden like I do. I’m also going to share how I freeze pesto in small portions,…
Fermentation can be intimidating, but when it comes to making pickles, it doesn’t get any easier! These naturally fermented dill pickles are the easiest way to make pickles. Which sounds like more work: struggling with a giant canner full of boiling water and jars, a pot of boiling vinegar brine, hot pads, jar lifters, etc.,…
Keeping Angora Rabbits Cool: Ever wonder how to keep angora rabbits safe and cool in the summer heat without sacrificing their coats? My angora farm is in Louisiana, USA. It is hot and humid from May-October, with July and August being particularly unpleasant. During the hot summer months, it’s crucial to protect your Angora rabbits…
Learn how to make Lemon Basil Soda, a refreshing and naturally fermented beverage. Lemon Basil Soda is a delightful twist on classic lemonade, combining the bright tang of lemons with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. This soda is all-natural and non-alcoholic, making it a perfect drink for all ages. Much like my ginger beer…
Great things come in small packages. Read on to discover my top reasons why angora rabbits are the perfect choice for a small farm and beginner homesteaders. Shortly after I learned how to spin yarn, I started looking into raising my own fiber animals. I’ve always loved animals and have wanted a farm for as…
Learn how to make ginger beer (some call it ginger ale) with this easy recipe. Ginger beer is an all natural, non-alcoholic soda. It’s spicy and sweet, great for settling the stomach or just enjoying as a refreshing beverage. I particularly love pouring it over a glass of vanilla ice cream as a ginger beer…
Ever since I can remember, the sight of the rolling green hills dotted with cows, and golden fields of wheat alongside the highways of Kansas filled me with a sense of longing. I grew up with a fascination for farm life, a longing that only deepened as time passed. As a child, I loved to…
Learn how to cook tender rabbit meat! Rabbit meat is notoriously tough and stringy when cooked incorrectly. It needs to be cooked slowly, at a low temperature. It should never be boiled hard. The Instant Pot cooks it to perfection in this foolproof recipe. This rabbit and sausage gumbo is made from scratch, in the…
A few days ago I asked my customers and followers for questions that I could answer for today’s video. Hope you enjoy this informal chat about life as a Louisiana Fiber Farmer: natural dye, fiber art, angora rabbits, homesteading, and Louisiana. Have a great week! If you need some fiber, visit my shop!
Blackberry Plum Jam is a delicious way to use summer fruits that are commonly grown in my area of Louisiana. The plums cook down into a lovely spreadable texture, and when paired with the blackberries, blend into a delicious sweet tart flavor, my favorite jam flavor. Blackberry Plum Jam is sure to become your favorite!…
In this blog post and video, I am demonstrating how I extract indigo from the leaves of the indigo plants I grow in my dye garden. I want to emphasize that I am not an expert or master at this craft. This is an ancient craft that many cultures have honed, developed, and mastered over…
Basil lemonade! This special lemonade recipe is flavored with fresh basil. I was skeptical when I first tried it, but I was quickly converted. Basil is no longer destined only for pizza or spaghetti sauce in my house. To me, basil lemonade is the taste of summer. I make it several times every summer, and…
We have mills that manufacture yarn at lightning speed; why do so many people still spin yarn the old fashioned way? Read on to discover why spinning yarn might be your new favorite craft. Are you looking for a new hobby that’s not only creative but also incredibly satisfying? Step into the enchanting world of…
Summer is here, and so is berry season! Read on to learn how to make blackberry ice cream with freshly picked blackberries. Ice cream is a great way to use fresh, local ingredients, such as blackberries, milk, and eggs. Planting a few blackberry bushes on our homestead was one of the best things we ever…
So, you want to be like Tasha Tudor and hand spin some yarn. Maybe you don’t want to go too deep into this hobby just yet, because you’re on a limited budget, or aren’t sure if you’ll enjoy it. What is the bare minimum you need to purchase to get started spinning yarn? To jump…
Hearty, moist, and perfectly soft, these 100% whole wheat blueberry muffins make a great breakfast on the go. Made from scratch with 100% white whole wheat flour, fresh or frozen blueberries, and real, whole ingredients. Learn how to use a cast iron muffin pan for the perfect golden brown muffins that don’t stick in the…
Hand spinning cotton isn’t hard, but it requires a few adjustments to your tools and techniques if you’re used to spinning wool. Hand spinners around the world are totally in love with this useful, soft fiber, so don’t be afraid to build your skills and spin cotton! Is cotton hard to spin? Chances are, if…
