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    DIY Fabric Easter Basket-Free Sewing Pattern

    Feb 21, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    a mustard yellow floral printed fabric basket is sitting onto of a pile of sewing supplies that was used to create it. a pair of scissors and thread is seen from the side

    Easter is just around the corner, so today I'm sharing how to make this simple DIY fabric Easter basket using this free sewing pattern.

    If you are looking for a different style of Easter bag, I have a post for a bucket style as well. This style can be made with a single or double handle.

    So grab your sewing supplies and let's make some easter baskets!

    a mustard yellow floral printed fabric basket is sitting onto of a pile of sewing supplies that was used to create it. a pair of scissors and thread is seen from the side

    Some of these links are affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure here.

    Disclaimer: You are welcome to sell your completed Easter baskets you've made using this pattern. The pattern piece however may NOT be sold.

    Jump To:
    1. How to make a fabric Easter Basket video
    2. Sewing difficulty
    3. Sewing project time
    4. Finished Easter basket measurements
    5. Print your fabric basket sewing pattern
    6. Cut out the sewing pattern
    7. Large Easter basket sewing pattern
    8. Fabric requirements for SMALL Easter basket
    9. Fabric requirements for LARGE basket
    10. Sewing supplies
    11. Fabric cutting instructions (small fabric basket)
    12. Fabric cutting Instructions (large basket)
    13. Interfacing the fabric pieces
    14. Seam allowance
    15. Exterior fabric basket assembly
    16. Boxed corners
    17. Trimming the corners
    18. Assembling the fabric basket
    19. Basting the basket together
    20. Return stitch length back to normal stitch setting
    21. Attaching the binding to the DIY Easter basket
    22. Fold the binding over the raw edges
    23. Stitch in the ditch
    24. Completed fabric basket tote
    25. Washing your DIY fabric Easter basket
    26. Fabric basket variations
    27. Quilting your DIY fabric Easter basket
    28. SHOP THIS POST

    How to make a fabric Easter Basket video

    If you would like to see a step by step video tutorial for this Easter sewing project, you can find that on my YouTube channel.

    Sewing difficulty

    This pattern is great for a beginner or more advanced sewer. Some skills you will need to complete this sewing project are:

    • cutting and pressing
    • making binding and attaching it to the basket edges
    • making a boxed corner
    • sewing straight lines and some arcs

    There are no specialty sewing techniques used to create this pattern.

    Sewing project time

    It will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete this project.

    If you plan to fussy cut your fabric or add machine quilting, time to complete will vary.

    Finished Easter basket measurements

    This fabric basket pattern can be made in two sizes. I have included the dimensions for both below.

    Measurements are from top of handle to the bottom, then side seam to side seam.

    SMALL TOTE MEASUREMENTS

    15 inches tall by 17 inches wide roughly.

    LARGE TOTE MEASUREMENTS

    15 inches tall by 24 inches wide.

    Print your fabric basket sewing pattern

    Click HERE to print your pattern

    Cut out the sewing pattern

    After you have printed out the sewing pattern (link above), it's time to cut it out.

    If you are making the larger fabric basket, proceed on to the next step to enlarge the pattern for cutting.

    If you are making the smaller version, skip that step.

    a pair of scissors getting ready to cut a paper sewing pattern. The bottom picture shows the pattern after it has been cut out. A bright green cutting mat is in the background.

    Large Easter basket sewing pattern

    If you are planning to make the large version of this fabric Easter basket, you'll need to add a piece of printer paper to the pattern piece you printed earlier.

    Here's how:

    • Tape an 8.5 inches by 11 inch piece of printer paper to the bottom of the pattern piece you just cut out.

    When it's taped together, your new pattern piece should measure 8.5 inches at the widest part by 22 inches long.

    A free Easter Basket paper sewing pattern that has been cut and enlarged using a sheet of white printer paper. a pair of black handled scissors sits nearby.
    This is what your altered paper pattern should look like when done.

    Fabric requirements for SMALL Easter basket

    • ⅝ yard of exterior fabric
    • ⅝ yard of interior fabric
    • fusible interfacing
    • (2) strips of fabric for binding (3" wide by 42" long each)

    Fabric requirements for LARGE basket

    • ¾ yard of fabric for the exterior
    • ¾ yard of fabric for the lining
    • Binding fabric 3 inches wide by 42 inches long (x2) one for each side of your basket opening.

    This is more than you will use. I added a bit extra in case you'd like to add a pocket or two.

    Sewing supplies

    • sewing machine
    • thread
    • basting spray
    • scissors
    • thread snips
    • iron and ironing board
    • rotary cutter and cutting mat (you can also just use scissors)
    • sewing pins or clips
    • fusible fleece or cotton batting
    • fabric for the interior, exterior and binding

    A complete list of where you can buy these supplies is listed at the bottom of this post.

    Be sure and check out all my favorite sewing supplies!

    Fabric cutting instructions (small fabric basket)

    Cut fabric pieces 18 inches wide by 20 inches long. You'll cut all four pieces of fabric this size. Two from the exterior fabric and two from the lining fabric.

    1. Fold fabric in half lengthwise and place your pattern piece on as indicated.
    2. Repeat for the two exterior pieces of fabric as well as both interior pieces of fabric.

    Be sure that the longest edge of your pattern is placed along the folded edge of your fabric for cutting.

    a white paper pattern placed on a piece of mustard yellow flower printed fabric.
    Notice the fabric extends slightly past the edge of the pattern. This is how it should look when placed correctly on your fabric for cutting. Repeat these steps for the remaining exterior piece and the two lining pieces of fabric.

    Fabric cutting Instructions (large basket)

    1. Begin by cutting (2) 25 inch wide by 26 inch long pieces of exterior fabric.
    2. Repeat for the two lining pieces.
    3. Fold fabric in half lengthwise and place pattern with bottom edge of pattern along the bottom edge of your fabric. Be sure that the patterns long edge is placed on the folded side of the fabric (as shown).

    You should now have (4) pieces of fabric cut. Two from the exterior fabric and two from the interior fabric.

    a tan colored fabric with bright pink and orange balls of knitting yarn printed on it. A paper pattern is onto of the fabric ready for cutting.

    Main Menu

    • Cut (2) 3 inch wide by 42 inches long strips for binding.

    You can use a coordinating print or contrasting print fabric.

    If you don't want to make your own binding, you're welcome to buy pre-made binding at the fabric store.

    Interfacing the fabric pieces

    You can use a fusible fleece interfacing or baste a cotton batting with a basting spray.

    Both methods of interfacing your fabric pieces will produce almost identical results.

    1. fuse interfacing of your choice to the WRONG side of your fabric. You can do just the two exterior pieces, or all four basket pieces. I chose to do all four pieces for a more heavy duty basket.
    2. DO NOT fuse the binding.
    3. Once you have fused the two exterior pieces or all four pieces of your basket to interfacing, cut the pieces out.
    two brightly colored fabric easter baskets cut out and ready to sew.

    Seam allowance

    Use ⅜ inch seam allowance for all sewing unless otherwise specified.

    If you choose to use a different seam allowance for this project, just be sure and use it for all parts of the basket.

    TIP: If you are a beginner sewer and prefer some help, try out a magnetic seam guide! The magnet on the guide sticks to the bed of your sewing machine and your fabric runs along the edge to help keep your seam allowance consistent.

    Exterior fabric basket assembly

    Now it's time to assemble the outside of our basket.

    1. Place the two pieces of your (2) EXTERIOR pieces right sides together (RST).
    2. Using a ⅜ inch seam allowance, sew across the top handle of your basket and down the two sides and the bottom.

    Be sure and backstitch at the start and stop.

    two pieces of a yellow fabric basket facing right sides together ready to sew.

    When you are finished sewing, the only open edges you should have are along the two sides of your handle.

    Repeat the previous steps for the lining of your fabric Easter basket too.

    When you are finished sewing, you should have the exterior and the interior pieced together.

    Boxed corners

    Now it's time to make the boxed corners of our fabric Easter baskets.

    Boxed corners make your baskets sit up nice and flat. It keeps them from falling over when being used. It only takes a few minutes to make them, and they really do make a difference-let me show you how.

    Let's begin with the fabric basket exterior. You'll repeat this step with the lining of your basket as well.

    1. Beginning with the exterior of your basket wrong sides out, press the side seam and bottom seam together. The seams should be onto of each other. Be sure there is no wrinkles in your basket.
    2. Lay a ruler or a tape measure on the corner with the 3 inch marking on your center seam. This will make a 6 inch boxed corner once completed.
    3. Once your ruler is in place, use a fabric marking pen and draw your line.
    4. Using sewing pins, pin in place to keep it from shifting while you mark your other corners.
    a clear acrylic ruler with black markings lays flat on a fabric basket corner. a black marking pen sitting near by.
    a boxed corner of a fabric Easter Basket. a clear ruler and marking pen sitting nearby

    Trimming the corners

    Carefully trim ½ inch from your seam on each corner.

    Be careful not to trim through the line of stitching.

    When you're done sewing, you should have four completed boxed corners-two on the exterior fabric basket and two on the interior basket lining.

    using a rotary cutter, carefully trimming the boxed corner of a yellow fabric basket. fabric basket is sitting on a green cutting mat while being cut

    Assembling the fabric basket

    Now it's time to put our fabric basket together.

    1. Starting with the exterior of the basket, turn it RSO (right sides out). This simply means the pretty side of your basket fabric will be visible on the outside.
    2. Leave the lining of your Easter Basket turned inside out and carefully nest the lining into the fabric basket exterior.
    3. Be sure and match up all the seams (top of the handle and side seams. make sure the basket isn't twisted at all when doing this.
    two separate pictures demonstrating how to insert the lining of a yellow fabric basket into the exterior of a fabric basket to be sewn together. some sewing tools sitting nearby on the cutting table.

    The fabric basket sides should rest nicely together.

    Once everything is in place, pin or clip the basket pieces together to keep them from shifting when basting.

    Pin or clip around both sides of the basket handle.

    If you are comfortable basting without pinning or clipping, that's fine too.

    Basting the basket together

    Now we're going to baste around the openings you just pinned. This will keep our pieces together while we attach our binding.

    • To baste, begin by lengthening your stitch to a 5.5 or 6. Sew as close as you can to the edges around the openings on both sides.
    • Repeat this step for both of the openings.
    white and black floral printed yellow fabric showing a basting stitch around the edge

    Return stitch length back to normal stitch setting

    Turn your stitch length back down!

    Don't forget to return the stitch length on your machine back to normal stitch setting.

    Attaching the binding to the DIY Easter basket

    Seam allowance for attaching the binding is also ⅜ inch.

    If this part seems confusing, watch the video. I'm going to include a timestamp so you can skip to this part if you need to.

    If you are familiar with attaching quilt binding to a quilt, use that method.

    1. Take one strip of the binding you made and press it wrong sides together. When pressed it should measure 1.5 inches wide by 42 inches long.
    2. With the raw edge laying on your basket to match the raw edge around your basket opening, pin in place. Be sure and leave a 4-5 inch tail when pinning. You'll see why in a minute.
    3. Be sure your fabric binding isn't twisted when pinning or clipping it on.
    4. Using the ⅜ inch seam allowance, sew around the one side of your basket handle. Carefully stitching the binding to your basket. STOP sewing 5 to 6 inches from where you began sewing. This will make the binding easier to turn and stitch.
    5. Open the binding strip to face RST (right sides together). Again, be sure there is no twisting in the binding strips.
    6. Slowly snug the binding up to your basket until it is taught. It shouldn't be so snug that the basket is going to ripple when it is stitched down completely.
    7. Pin the binding pieces right sides together to get a good fit.
    8. Sew a straight seam on the wrong sides of the binding strips.
    9. Carefully turn the strip with WST (wrong sides together) and see how the binding lays against the basket.
    10. Trim excess binding strip away and sew down.
    a handing holding a strip of yellow and white polka doted fabric binding pointing to the raw edge of the fabric
    two hands holding a strip of binding fabric close to the raw edge of a fabric basket checking fit before sewing the binding down.
    holding a yellow fabric floral basket with the binding neatly pinned in place to secure it.
    sewing a straight seam down a strip of binding fabric. the sewing machine is white and the fabric is white with yellow polka dots on it
    checking the fit of a quilt binding around the edge of a fabric basket to be sure it has been sewn correctly.
    trimming the excess binding fabric off the basket so it can be secured by sewing
    Trim roughly ½ inch from seam.
    two hands neatly hold a yellow fabric basket with blue headed pins securing the binding into place.
    Sew down last section of binding to the fabric basket.

    Fold the binding over the raw edges

    Gently fold the binding towards the inside of the basket. Clip or pin in place.

    using red sewing clips to fold a polkadot yellow and white binding strip over the raw edge of a fabric basket being pieced together.

    If you don't want to invest in clips, give these a try. Just as effective and a lot less expensive.

    a yellow fabric basket with red clips around the basket handle holding the binding onto the fabric to be sewn into place

    Stitch in the ditch

    Take your clipped basket over to your sewing machine and carefully *stitch in the ditch all the way around the basket and handle.

    *Stitch in the ditch means to carefully sew in the seam line between the exterior print of your fabric and the binding.

    This will catch the binding on the INTERIOR of the tote and keep it down. Repeat with the other side of your basket tote.

    a finger pointing to the area on a basket handle where stitching in the ditch is necessary to secure the binding without being visible
    Sew carefully in between the binding fabric and the exterior bag fabric. This is called stitching in the ditch.

    Completed fabric basket tote

    I hope you enjoyed making these adorable fabric easter baskets. Be sure and share over on Instagram so I can see all of your lovely baskets.

    #homadeonourhomessteadmakes

    a mustard yellow floral printed fabric basket is sitting onto of a pile of sewing supplies that was used to create it. a pair of scissors and thread is seen from the side

    Washing your DIY fabric Easter basket

    I wash my fabric baskets using a DIY laundry soap, on a gentle cycle and dry on medium heat.

    If you are making your fabric baskets out of material other than linen or cotton fabric, you'll need to check the care instructions for the material you are using.

    Fabric basket variations

    There are so many options when sewing a fabric basket like this. Consider making these reusable fabric bags for:

    • A makeup bag
    • Add pockets to the interior or exterior and use as a knitting or crochet project bag
    • Scrap storage
    • Use a Halloween themed fabric and use it as trick-or-treat bag
    • Fabric bread basket
    • Picnic lunch
    • Gift basket
    • Egg Basket

    You could also use the sewing pattern and cut out pieces of your interfacing first as a template and piece the basket together using a quilt as you go method.

    Quilting your DIY fabric Easter basket

    If you'd like to quilt your fabric Easter Basket, be sure and do this before you assemble the pieces together.

    You could free-motion quilt a design on the exterior bag or take a ruler and a chalk pencil and mark the lines you'd like to quilt.

    Quilting your fabric baskets can add nice dimensions to them.

    Just note that it will add sewing time to the project.

    SHOP THIS POST

    Sewing Machine

    Sewing pins

    Magnetic Pin Cushion 

    Sewing Clips

    Scissors

    Thread snips 

    Rotary Cutter

    Cutting Mat

    Iron

    Ruler 

    Seam ripperPressing Mat

    Magnetic seam guide

    FUSIBLE and NON-FUSIBLE INTERFACING:

    Fusible Fleece

    Cotton batting and basting spray

    Both of these interfacings will work great for this project but you do not need both. The fleece is fusible so you just iron it on to your fabric pieces.

    The cotton batting you can baste stitch on or use a basting spray.

    Either method will give you the same result.

    a mustard yellow floral printed fabric basket is sitting onto of a pile of sewing supplies that was used to create it. a pair of scissors and thread is seen from the side

    DIY Fabric Easter Basket

    Yield: 1 basket
    Prep Time: 45 minutes
    Active Time: 1 hour
    Additional Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
    Difficulty: Beginner
    Estimated Cost: varies

    Learn how to make these adorable DIY fabric Easter Baskets in 2 sizes with this FREE sewing pattern and step-by-step tutorial.

    Materials

    • SMALL FABRIC EASTER BASKET:
    • ⅝ yard exterior fabric
    • ⅝ yard for basket lining
    • (2) strips of fabric cut 3 inches wide by 42 inches long for binding
    • fusible interfacing
    • LARGE FABRIC EASTER BASKET:
    • ¾ yard exterior fabric
    • ¾ yard basket lining
    • (2) strips of binding fabric 3 inches wide by 42 inches long
    • fusible interfacing

    Tools

    • Sewing machine
    • Thread
    • Iron
    • Scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat
    • Ruler or tape measure
    • Sewing Pins or clips
    • Point turner
    • fabric marking pen or chalk

    Instructions

    1. Select the three fabrics you want to use for your basket.
    2. Print your FREE sewing pattern.
    3. Prepare all your fabrics (wash, dry and iron).
    4. Cut the fabrics you are going to be using based on the size basket you want to make.
    5. Place your pattern on the fabric and cut out each piece. When you are finished cutting your pieces, you should have 2 pieces from the exterior fabric and 2 pieces from the lining fabric.
    6. Using whichever method you prefer to baste with (fusible or spray), baste your fabric basket pieces. You can do both the exterior pieces and the lining or just the 2 exterior fabric basket pieces (to save time and money). Do NOT fuse the binding strips.
    7. After the pieces are basted, cut them out.
    8. Begin with the two bag exterior pieces and lay them RST (right sides together). Pin or clip into place.
    9. Sew using a ⅜" seam allowance along the top handle and three sides of the fabric basket. Do not sew the handle openeings.
    10. Repeat step 9 for the lining of your fabric basket.
    11. Box the corners of your fabric easter baskets (exterior and lining). You'll make a 6" boxed bottom for the small fabric easter basket or an 8" boxed bottom for the larger fabric basket.
    12. Trim the boxed corner to ½" from the seam. Do this for each boxed corner you created (2 on the lining and 2 on the outside basket).
    13. Turn the exterior basket RSO (right sides out) and use a tool to push the corners out.
    14. Carefully place the basket lining into the exterior fabric basket. Be sure and line up the side seams and the seam across the top of the handle. Pin to hold in place.
    15. Lengthen your stitch on your sewing machine to baste stitch. Carefully sew the lining to the exterior of the basket using a basting stitch and sewing as close to the edge as possible. No seam allowance for this step. Be sure NOT to backstitch at the start and stop.
    16. Matching up the raw edge of your binding strip and the raw edge of your fabric Easter basket, carefully attach the binding strip like you would bind a quilt.
    17. Repeat the binding step for the other side of your basket.
    18. Once your binding is sewn down, roll the binding over the top raw edge of the basket to hide it. Clip into place.
    19. Stitch in the ditch along the handle openeings on both sides. This will keep the stitching from being visible on the exterior of your basket.
    20. Your DIY fabric Easter basket is now complete!

    Notes

    Time to make these fabric baskets will vary based on sewing skill level as well as additional steps added to the project (quilting, embroidery). But of these are optional and not needed to complete the Easter basket sewing project.

    © Brie - Homemade on our Homestead
    Project Type: Sewing / Category: SEWING

    I hope you enjoyed this sewing pattern for these fabric easter baskets.

    Happy Easter!

    how to make a market tote basket sewing pattern

    How To Easily Convert Any Recipe To Sourdough

    Sep 26, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    Learn how to easily convert any recipe to sourdough. Use this simple step-by-step guide to convert all of your favorite recipes into a gut-healthy, easy-to-digest sourdough option.

    After reading this post, you'll be ready to try some amazing sourdough recipe conversions. Here's one for a really delicious Sourdough Pumpkin Banana Muffins.

    Once you have figured out how to convert all of your favorite treats and meals using sourdough, it's hard to go back. For me and my family, I will always choose the healthier option and my kids don't even know the difference.

    That's a Mom win in my book.

    a clear glass jar with a bubbling, active sourdough starter inside. Jar is sitting on a white tea towel on a table top.

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    Sourdough doesn't have to be difficult. I know it doesn't have the best reputation of being easy. From getting a starter going to all the scheduled feedings, it can seem burdonsome. But I promise you, it isn't nearly as difficult as some make it seem.

    For me, it's the opposite. Sourdough is super simple and makes meal preparation and planning less of a hassle. Plus there's the added benefit of knowing it's a healthier option.

    I always have an active, ready-to-use sourdough starter on the countertop.

    Converting a recipe to sourdough is actually pretty simple. At the end of this post, I will have a FREE printable conversion card that you can keep close by for reference.

    a beautiful loaf of fresh baked sourdough bread sliced into two pieces and placed on a table
    Convert A Recipe to Sourdough Contents
    1. What are the health benefits of sourdough?
    2. Factors to consider when converting a recipe to sourdough
    3. Why would you want convert a recipe to sourdough?
    4. Directions for converting any recipe to sourdough
    5. How long should I let my sourdough recipes rise for?
    6. Can you do longer rises with sourdough?
    7. Can you convert non-yeast recipes to sourdough?
    8. What are some considerations when converting a recipe to sourdough?
    9. Pin it for later:
    10. Print it for later
    11. Delicious recipes from our homestead kitchen

    What are the health benefits of sourdough?

    1. The number one benefit of using sourdough in your recipes is that it is easier on digestion. In fact, many people with gluten intolerance find that they can still eat sourdough since it has been fermented and therefore broken down. This isn't the case for everyone of course, so use caution or talk to your healthcare provider.
    2. Sourdough has a lower glycemic index then most other breads. This just means that it won't cause your blood sugar levels to spike after you have eaten it.
    3. Fermented breads and recipes are better for people that have a gluten sensativity. The longer prepartion time for sourdough means that much of the gluten protein is broken down into amino acids before you eat it.
    4. It provides a "healthy" bacteria. It is fermented in a way that enhances the beneficial bacteria in bread and thus in your body when you consume it.
    5. Sourdough bread made with whole wheat flour, wild yeast, and bacterial comes from a very natural and organic state. It is the oldest form of leavened bread.
    6. Sourdough contains far less preservatives. It has acetic acid which naturally prevents the growth of mold. It preserves itself naturally! How cool is that?! Simply put, it doesnt require the addition of toxic preservatives and chemicals to make it last.
    7. It is far more nutrious then store bought breads. Sourdough contains a large variety of vitamins and nutrients that are super beneficial for your day to day health. It contains manganese, iron, B1-B6, calcium, B-12, folate, zinc, potassium, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and vitamin E, to name a few.

    Factors to consider when converting a recipe to sourdough

    There are a few things to consider when converting a recipe to sourdough.

    1. Consider the type of recipe youd like to convert.
    2. How much liquid and flour does the recipe use?
    3. Is there another leavener that is added to the recipe? A leavening agent is a substance that causes the expansion of doughs and batters by the release of gases. This includes baking soda and baking powder.
    ingredients used to make a loaf of sourdough bread laid out on a table top.

    Why would you want convert a recipe to sourdough?

    1. Health is the number one reason you may want to convert a recipe to sourdough. Fermented grains reduce the amount of phytic acid present in the grain which allows the beneficial nutrients (listed above) to be more bio-available to the body during digestion. This just means that they are more easily absorbed.
    2. Sourdough adds a complex and delicious flavor to everything. Once you've mastered converting recipes to sourdough, regular bakes don't have the same pizazz they once did.

    Directions for converting any recipe to sourdough

    1. Swap one packet of conventional store bought yeast for 1 cup of sourdough starter.
    2. Reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1 cup.
    3. Likewise, rediuce the flour in the recipe by 1 cup.
    4. Rise time required for a recipe will likely double. Something to consider when planning ahead for meals.

    Adjustments to recipes are solely based on the hydration of your sourdough starter.

    The conversion description above is based on a sourdough starter that has been fed at 100% hydration. This just means that when you created and maintained your sourdough starter, that you used a ratio of 1:1 (1 cup of flour to 1 cup of filtered water).

    This does affect recipe outcome and needs for converting a recipe if you have maintained your starter differently.

    The amount of flour and water used is based on the amount of starter I have on hand currently. Regardless, the RATIO of flour to water never changes.

    For instance, if I only have a small amount of starter that needs to be fed for a recipe, I may feed my starter with ½ cup of flour and ½ cup of filtered water instead of a full cup of each.

    How long should I let my sourdough recipes rise for?

    a loaf of sourdough bread on the counter for the first bulk rise. set on a table covered with white flour.

    For most sourdough recipes, it will take almost double the amount of rising time. This of course is just a rough estimate and not an exact measurement. But I have found that double the time is fairly accurate.

    Natural yeasts and bacteria take more time to fully develop than store-bought yeast.

    While a yeast-based bread may take 1-2 hours to rise, a sourdough bread will likely take 4 hours (to be safe).

    If you are making bread, make sure that both rise times are doubled. The bulk rise (first rise) as well as the second rise (after shaping).

    Differences in rising time will change depending on the type of recipe if it contains other leavening agents (baking soda or baking powder) and the temperature of the environment for the rise.

    Can you do longer rises with sourdough?

    The short answer to this is YES.

    You can do longer rises overnight in the refrigerator to help develop the flavor without fermenting.

    For most bread recipes, you would do a bulk ferment after you start the dough, then do a second ferment in the refrigerator covered with cling wrap or a beeswax wrap for up to an additional 24 hours.

    Can you convert non-yeast recipes to sourdough?

    Yes. There are so many quick-bread recipes that work well for sourdough.

    Pancakes, waffles, dutch baby pancakes, muffins, and sweet bread recipes like banana bread, pumpkin bread, and lemon loaf are a few of my favorites.

    The basics for these types of recipes are the same as mentioned above.

    1. Add sourdough starter to recipe.
    2. Reduce the amount of flour indicated in the recipe by 1 cup.
    3. Reduce the amount of water or liquid by 1 cup.

    What are some considerations when converting a recipe to sourdough?

    It's also important to mention that the type of sourdough starter you have will make converting a recipe different as well.

    For instance, if you have an einkorn sourdough starter, or a gluten-free sourdough starter, the requirements and conversion will be drastically different. The flours used to create these starters are different than the traditional all-purpose flour or wheat flour that is typically used.

    A fresh baked loaf of sourdough bread sitting on a piece of parchment paper. Loaf is being wrapped in paper with a piece of jute twine.

    Pin it for later:

    Print it for later

    How To Easily Convert Any Recipe To Sourdough

    How To Easily Convert Any Recipe To Sourdough

    This is a basic conversion of a recipe to sourdough.

    This is for a 100% hydrated and fed sourdough starter using a 1:1 ratio of flour to filtered water.

    Ingredients

    • Ingredients will vary depending upon the recipe you are converting.

    Instructions

    THE BASICS OF CONVERTING A RECIPE TO SOURDOUGH:

    1. Use 1 cup of fed sourdough starter in place of 1 packet of a conventional yeast packet.

    2. Reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1 cup.

    3. Reduce the flour used in the recipe by 1 cup.

    4. Increase the rise time suggested for the recipe by DOUBLE. This will be for the bulk rise and the second rise.

    *if there is no rise time required for the recipe you are converting, continue the preparation and baking as ususal*

    Notes

    The type of conversion will vary depending on the type of sourdough starter you are maintaining.

    This conversion is for a 100% hydrated starter fed with regular flour and filtered water at a 1:1 ratio (1 cup flour to 1 cup filtered water).

    Conversion will need to be altered if using a gluten-free starter or einkorn flour starter.

    © Brie from Homemade on our Homestead
    Category: BAKING

    Delicious recipes from our homestead kitchen

    • Pumpkin Bread
    • Cheese Spread
    • Homemade Sour Cream

    I hope you enjoyed learning how you can convert your recipes into sourdough. Enjoy!

    script writing that says "Brie"

    How To Make A Perfect Log Cabin Quilt Block

    Jan 30, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    a blue and green log cabin quilt resting on a table. a white sewing tape measure laid over the top of it. Sitting next to the quilt is a sew of oil painted color charts that match the quilts color shades of greens and blues. A pair of silver scissors rests onto of the color charts

    Learn how to make a perfect log cabin quilt block with this simple sew-along tutorial.

    Making a quilt doesn't have to be difficult, but it should be fun.

    A log cabin quilt is a very traditional quilt made from a series of strip quilting blocks pieced together in a particular pattern.

    A simple twist of the blocks and the basic quilt pattern can come out looking completely different.

    It's a pretty neat concept. One block, so many quilt options.

    a blue and green log cabin quilt resting on a table. a white sewing tape measure laid over the top of it. Sitting next to the quilt is a sew of oil painted color charts that match the quilts color shades of greens and blues. A pair of silver scissors rests onto of the color charts

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    I love quilting. I love selecting the fabrics, figuring out where to place them on the block, and watching the pieces slowly come together to create something beautiful.

    But let's be honest, shall we? Making a quilt can seem very overwhelmingly intimidating. Especially as a beginner quilter/sewer.

    We all want a finished quilt we love and can be proud of, right?

    So let me walk you through how to make a log cabin quilt block so you have a quilt to love for years to come.

    How To Make a Perfect Log Cabin Quilt Block Post Contents
    1. Why make a log cabin quilt?
    2. What is a log cabin quilt?
    3. Is a log cabin quilt block good for a beginner?
    4. Are there different variations of a log cabin quilt block?
    5. How to construct the traditional quilt block step by step guide
    6. How to make a perfect log cabin quilt block video tutorial
    7. Where do I begin when making a perfect log cabin quilt block?
      • Lay out the perfect log cabin quilt block
    8. Quilting tools and supplies to make a quilt block
    9. Can you use flannel fabric to make a quilt block?
    10. Quilting tools every beginner needs
    11. How to make a perfect log cabin quilt block
      • Washing and ironing fabrics before quilting. Is this necessary?
    12. How to prepare and cut fabric for quilting
      • A great resource for making log cabin blocks
    13. How many strips of fabric do I need for a basic log cabin quilt block?
    14. How to assemble a log cabin block
    15. How to sew a perfect log cabin block
      • Quilt block construction
    16. Press
    17. Add the first strip of your FIRST DARK FABRIC
    18. Add the FIRST STRIP of your SECOND LIGHT fabric
    19. What are the finished log cabin quilt block measurements?
    20. What are the best tools for making quilt blocks?
    21. Have you tries making your own log cabin quilt block?
    22. Pin it
    23. More sewing tutorials from the homestead

    Why make a log cabin quilt?

    Well, in my opinion, the log cabin quilt is one of the easiest quilts you can make as a beginner quilter or sewer. Speaking of structured quilt patterns of course.

    Wonky block quilts, also called "quilt as you go quilts" are also easy and require no structure or pattern to complete-only your imagination.

    So while the wonky quilt is very easy, I would say that the log cabin quilt is just as easy as it only requires being able to sew straight seams-no arcs or curved pieces.

    What is a log cabin quilt?

    The log cabin quilt is one of the most loved and easily recognizable quilt pattern designs.

    Early log cabin blocks were pieced by hand using strips of fabric around a center square of fabric. The first log cabin quilts were most typically constructed with a red center square which symbolized the hearth of the home, while a yellow center square represented a welcoming light through a window.

    A traditional log cabin quilt is constructed with one half of the block being made of a lighter fabric, while the opposite half is made with a dark fabric.

    Log cabin quilts first made an appearance in the United States around 1860- during the time of the Civil War.

    Is a log cabin quilt block good for a beginner?

    Absolutely!

    You are really only limited by your willingness to try. Log cabin quilts involve sewing straight seams only. So If you are comfortable with that and have a desire to learn, you can do it.

    The log cabin quilt was the first quilt I ever made and I think it was a really good quilt to start with as a beginner.

    Are there different variations of a log cabin quilt block?

    The basics of block construction are the same.

    Once you know how to piece this basic quilt block, you will find there are so many options for log cabin quilt layouts to construct different patterns that will create different looks using the same basic log cabin block.

    How to construct the traditional quilt block step by step guide

    I created this cheat sheet to help you better visualize how the blocks are constructed. I have also included a few tips and tricks I've learned along the way to hopefully eliminate some anxiety about quilting and piecing blocks.

    HOW-TO-MAKE-THE-LOG-CABIN-QUILT-BLOCK-FREE-PRINTABLE-Download
    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.

    How to make a perfect log cabin quilt block video tutorial

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeXuOPDRgPI[/embedyt]

    Where do I begin when making a perfect log cabin quilt block?

    • Start by selecting your fabrics. You'll want to choose three lights colored fabrics and three dark fabrics. Your choice of fabrics is totally personal. Use fabrics that make you happy and spark joy.
    • If you've never made a quilt block before, try making a block in the traditional size (14" x 14") to start with. This will help you grasp the basics of log cabin block construction. Once you have the basics down, it's easy to start making more blocks in varying sizes.
    • Remember to keep your seam allowance consistent throughout your block. The seam allowance should be ¼". If you choose to use a larger seam allowance, your finished block will be smaller than 14" x 14".
    • Use a seam guide or a specialty ¼" piecing foot for your sewing machine.
    arranging your fabrics for your block

    Lay out the perfect log cabin quilt block

    • I don't recommend using a magnetic seam guide on a computerized machine. I have heard that doing this can result in the timing of your machine being messed up. If this happens, you'll need to take it to a repair shop to be fixed which could be expensive. This may be different from the information you have heard. I seem to get mixed information about this myself, so go with whatever works for you and what you're comfortable with. It's your machine.
    • Try pressing your block without steam. Steam can stretch your fabric which may distort the shape of your block.
    • Press your seams open after the addition of each new strip of fabric. This will ensure that everything stays consistent.
    • I prefer to use a rotary cutter and ruler instead of scissors and a tape measure. This will keep your strips even from top to bottom. But you can use whatever you are the most comfortable with.
    • Have fun! Sewing and quilting are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable. It's an opportunity to be creative by playing around with gorgeous fabric and textures. Think of these instructions more like a starting point.
    • Remember if you are new to block construction and quilting that progress over perfection is key.

    Quilting tools and supplies to make a quilt block

    To get started making a log cabin quilt block you'll need to start by selecting your fabrics.

    You'll need a fabric for the center block, three varying shades of light fabric, and three shades of darker fabric.

    Each finished block will measure 14" x 14" square. Most quilts are typically made up of 100% cotton fabrics. They wash and wear well with frequent use and they get softer with age.

    Quilting cotton comes in a beautiful array of prints from modern, traditional, civil war prints and colors (some of my personal favorites)- the possibilities are endless.

    Can you use flannel fabric to make a quilt block?

    Yes.

    Flannel fabric is also another great option for constructing quilt blocks. I have heard some people say that flannel can be more challenging to work with as a beginner sewer/quilter.

    If you know another sewer or quilter, ask them their opinion on the matter. I personally found sewing with quilting cotton easier, but if you're up for it and that's a preferred fabric choice for you then I'd say go for it.

    Another thing I will say about flannel fabric though is it does seem to have a little bit more grip to it. Simply put, when the fabrics are laying on top of each other, they tend to stick together far more easily than cotton fabrics do.

    This could work for you, or against you. But again, you'll never know unless you try it.

    Quilting tools every beginner needs

    • Sewing machine (this is the machine I use)
    • Sewing machine (perfect for beginner sewers)
    • Rotary cutter
    • Ruler
    • Rotating cutting mat
    • Large cutting mat (I used both for this tutorial)
    • Sewing pins (optional)
    • Magnetic pin bracelet or Magnetic pin cushion (optional)
    • Iron
    • Magnetic seam guide (this is optional but super helpful in keeping seams accurate and even)
    • Square-up ruler (this is something that is nice, but as a beginner, it isn't necessary unless you strive for perfection).
    • Strip ruler (if you really get into quilt making, this ruler is a game-changer and massive time saver) WARNING: it isn't the cheapest ruler though. But still awesome.
    • The BEST resource book for making log cabin quilts (optional)

    These are the specific items I used in the tutorial, but feel free to use whatever works best for you and your sewing ability.

    The resource book is an optional item but is really helpful when making your first log cabin quilt. If you don't want to purchase the book, see if you can check it out from your local library.

    How to make a perfect log cabin quilt block

    Washing and ironing fabrics before quilting. Is this necessary?

    • Start by washing and pressing your fabrics before you begin cutting. Washing is optional and you'll find that there are varying opinions on whether this is necessary. If you are comfortable not washing your fabrics, just do a quick press for more accurate cutting.
    • I personally always wash and iron all my fabrics before they land on my cutting or pressing table. Some (not all) fabrics will shrink after being washed. Therefore, I always prefer to have any potential shrinkage happen before I spend hours creating something. It's a shame to work so hard on a beautiful quilt, piece of clothing, or bag only to have it look distorted after it's been washed. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
    • Also, some fabric colors will tend to bleed. This is not true for all fabric brands and or colors but some. Never wash light fabrics like white or cream with heavily saturated colors like reds and blues. Wash these separately to ensure the colors don't run. This is just another reason that pre-washing is so important
    pressing your fabric is an important step in quilt construction

    How to prepare and cut fabric for quilting

    • Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut strips from each of your fabrics 2.5" wide. Below is a wonderful resource that has all the specific information you'll need including fabric requirements and how many strips you'll need for each fabric depending on the quilt size you're looking to make.
    homemade on our homestead

    A great resource for making log cabin blocks

    THE BEST RESOURCE BOOK FOR MAKING A LOG CABIN QUILT

    How many strips of fabric do I need for a basic log cabin quilt block?

    • For this particular video tutorial I did, I cut (1) strip of my CENTER fabric, (2) strips of my FIRST LIGHT, (2) of my FIRST DARK, (2) from my SECOND LIGHT and SECOND DARK, (3) strips from the THIRD LIGHT and THIRD DARK and (3) from the THIRD LIGHT and THIRD DARK. This is to get you started. I made (4) full-size log cabin blocks measuring 14" x 14."

    You can always cut more if you decide that you need an extra strip of a particular color.

    • Once you have all your strips cut, let's lay your fabrics out next to your machine in the order in which you'll use them in your log cabin block.

    How to assemble a log cabin block

    Again, if this gets confusing for you, print out the FREE resource guide I created for this particular quilt block. It will show you step by step which strip of fabric to add and when.

    Working from LEFT to RIGHT:

    1. Start with your center fabric.

    2. FIRST LIGHT then your FIRST DARK.

    3. SECOND LIGHT then SECOND DARK.

    4. THIRD LIGHT then THIRD DARK.

    Arrange your fabric strips in the order in which you'll add them to your block (from left to right) starting with your center block. See the order above.

    Place these in order (as listed above) from left to right. You'll add each different colored strip TWO TIMES in the specified order. When you look at the log cabin block, you'll notice that you have light-colored fabrics on one side and dark fabrics on the other.

    Your fabrics are now ready so it's time to start our block construction. If you have any difficulty putting your blocks together, refer to the cheat sheet pdf (above) or the video.

    How to sew a perfect log cabin block

    1. Thread your machine with either a contrasting or coordinating thread.

    This thread is used for piecing your blocks so it technically won't be seen. However, I still prefer to use a coordinating thread. But use whatever you are comfortable with and prefer will work just fine for piecing your quilt blocks.

    TIP: Turn your iron on high heat WITHOUT STEAM. This will make sure you aren't stretching your fabrics when pressing.

    Quilt block construction

    Start with a strip of your center fabric and a first light fabric RST (right sides together). This just means that the printed or "pretty" sides of your fabric are facing together. Using that ¼" seam allowance, stitch your two strips together.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.

    Here's what the start of your block should look like.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.

    Cut the two strips you previously stitched together into 2.5" pieces.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.

    Press

    Press the seam open (from the front or back). This is a really important step in assuring accuracy. You should now have your center square attached to a square of your FIRST LIGHT fabric.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.

    Grab the second strip of your FIRST LIGHT fabric and stitch the "block" (center fabric and the first piece of FIRST LIGHT fabric) together RST. The best way to do this is by placing the last color strip added is going to be RST and at the top of the next strip, you're adding.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    Now you'll add your second strip of FIRST LIGHT fabric to your block. Soon you'll see the pattern start to develop.

    Once you have this second strip of FIRST LIGHT fabric added, head back over to your cutting mat, trim, and press.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    Your second strip of FIRST LIGHT fabric. Time to trim and press.
    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    Trim and press after you add every new strip.
    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    Center block and FIRST LIGHT strip with the second strip of FIRST LIGHT. Remember you'll add each color to the log cabin block two times before you move on to your next color.

    Add the first strip of your FIRST DARK FABRIC

    Always sew your fabrics RST (right sides together). This will make it so your seam is in the back and isn't visible from the front of your quilt block.
    Again, trim and press.
    And this is what your block should look like after you have added the first strip of your FIRST DARK fabric.
    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    RST (right sides together) sew your second strip of SECOND DARK fabric to your block.
    Trim and press the second strip of your FIRST DARK.
    It looks like a mini quilt block!

    You'll start to notice as you construct your log cabin block that the dark fabrics will be on one side, and the light fabrics will be on the opposite side. This is how you can easily tell if you have put your blocks together correctly.

    Add the FIRST STRIP of your SECOND LIGHT fabric

    Now let's add the first strip of your SECOND LIGHT fabric to the log cabin block.

    If you have any trouble, remember to print out the FREE pdf resource I created. Just download and print! (link above)

    I'm guessing by now you have started to see a pattern with this block construction.

    • Sew a strip of fabric
    • Trim
    • Press
    • Repeat

    Log cabin blocks are one of the easiest blocks to tackle when beginning your quilt-making journey in my opinion.

    You will continue this process until you have used each one of the varying color strips 2 times in the block.

    What are the finished log cabin quilt block measurements?

    When your block is complete it should measure 14" x14" square.

    Typically when you are working on log cabin blocks, you'll use a square-up ruler to make sure your blocks are staying square and straight throughout the process to ensure accuracy. When just starting out, if you use a cutting mat and rotary cutter-I think it is sufficient.

    Ask a professional quilter and I'm sure they'll scream in utter horror at the thought of NOT using a square-up ruler.

    But I'm not a professional and I want to keep this fun and as simple as possible.

    completed log cabin quilt block measuring 14 inches by 14 inches square. The block is contracted of purples and mauve colors with a soft yellow center square with light purple flowers
    The finished block measures 14" x 14" square.

    What are the best tools for making quilt blocks?

    Quilt in a Day by Eleanor Burns is the BEST book for making the Log Cabin Quilt.

    This book is an amazing resource for anyone, but especially those just starting out.

    • Quilt in a Day book by Eleanor Burns
    This is by far my favorite (newish) rotary cutter. It's slightly weighted because of its all-metal construction. These edge rulers are great because they hook onto the edge of your cutting mat to help with accuracy when cutting.
    • Edge ruler
    • Rotary cutter
    • Quilt in a Day square-up ruler
    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    • My favorite magnetic pin cushion
    • The BEST sewing pins (if you accidentally iron over them they don't melt!)
    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    These bracelets come in a variety of colors (these pins are NOT included)
    • Magnetic pin bracelet

    These bracelets will fit most wrist sizes. These have snap bracelet-style wrist bands so they are super comfortable to wear as well.

    how to sew a simple log cabin block. how to make a log cabin block for beginners. log cabin quilt block tutorial. how to sew a log cabin quilt block. Simple log cabin block quilting tutorial. homemade on our homestead. simple sewing series.
    These are my favorite thread snips that I keep next to all my machines. Easy to use, lightweight and super sharp.
    • Havel thread snips. LOVE!

    Well, that's how simple it is to construct a log cabin quilt block. I hope you guys enjoyed this tutorial and will give these blocks a shot.

    Have you tries making your own log cabin quilt block?

    How did your first quilt block turn out?

    Did you make your own quilt blocks using this tutorial? How did it go? Did you find the process pretty easy? Let me know in the comments.

    Pin it

    pinterest image graphic for how to make a perfect log cabin quilt block

    Until next time my sewing friends,

    Brie with homemade on our homestead

    More sewing tutorials from the homestead

    • Fabric basket
    • Picture Coasters
    • Kitchen scarf

    Be sure and check out all my sewing and quilting-related tutorials over on my YouTube channel.

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLnoEoUIyTFp-DEyvbunLf2XRIID5fESX9&layout=gallery[/embedyt]

    The BEST sugar cookie recipe for any occasion

    Nov 26, 2018 · 7 Comments

    best sugar cookie recipe, easy sugar cookie recipe, food from scratch, rustic living, handmade home

    Tis the time of year again for all the cookie baking to begin amongst family and friends.

    So today I'm sharing a recipe for the best sugar cookies ever! I promise. These cookies are deliciously buttery, soft, not too sweet, and bake to perfection every time. So grab your ingredients and let the season for excessive baking (and eating) commence!

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    Tips and tricks for the best sugar cookie recipe:

    1. If you are planning to make these cookies, take out the butter you will need the night before so it will be softened when you begin baking.
    2. Measure and set out all other ingredients you will need (besides the egg(s).
    3. Make sure you are using baking SODA, not baking powder.
    4. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer if you have limited time.  A stand mixer will always be my go-to just for ease and speed.
    5. You can make the dough the night before. Then chill in fridge until ready to bake.
    6. Make cookie recipe ahead of time and freeze in cookie ball form (using the ice cream scoop). Remove from freezer and refrigerate the day before you intend on baking. This way, you always have cookies on hand-just bake!
    7. Use an ice cream scoop to make cookies even in size and shape. This is optimal for baking. The cookies will all bake evenly and to perfection.

    Ingredients

    **The ingredients listed below will yield approximately 18-20 cookies**

    • 2 ¼ cups of all purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) softened salted butter
    • Farm fresh egg (1)
    • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    ...

    Read More

    The Best Savory Cheese Spread Appetizer

    Feb 21, 2022 · 1 Comment

    quick and easy cheese spread appetizer! Perfect horderve for any party or event! #cheesespreadappetizer #quickandeasyappetizer #savorycheesespreadrecipe #foodfromscratch #appetizersfromscratch #homemadeonourhomestead

    Learn how to make this amazingly delicious savory cheese spread appetizer in minutes!

    This amazingly delicious savory cheese spread is a blend of sharp white cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, finely minced green onion, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick.

    This is not your ordinary cheese spread. Put it on crackers, hamburgers, bagel sandwiches and the list goes on. It's just that good.

    The best thing about this spread is it can be made days ahead of time and goes together in a pinch! I promise it's sure to be a crowd favorite.

    I promise that if you make a batch you won't be disappointed either.

    quick and easy cheese spread appetizer! Perfect horderve for any party or event! #cheesespreadappetizer #quickandeasyappetizer #savorycheesespreadrecipe #foodfromscratch #appetizersfromscratch #homemadeonourhomestead
    Cheese Spread Appetizer Table Of Contents
    1. Learn how to make this amazingly delicious savory cheese spread appetizer in minutes!
    2. Savory Cheese Spread Ingredients
    3. How to make a sharp cheddar spreadable cheese
    4. Ideas for serving spreadable cheeses
    5. Variations
    6. Allergy Considerations
    7. Sharp Cheese Spread
    8. What combinations of this cheese spread appetizer have you tried?
    9. SHOP THIS POST
    10. Print the recipe
    11. Pin it for later
    12. Try these other delicious recipes

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    The best part about this cheese spread is how totally customizable it is.

    Prefer more heat? Easy enough-just add more cayenne pepper. Prefer no heat? Omit it completely.

    Don't fancy pecans? Use a different nut altogether. 

    Literally the perfect snack for a Friday night at home on the couch binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix.

    Of course, you can always wow your guests at your next dinner party or holiday event.

    Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

    Savory Cheese Spread Ingredients

    • 2 cups grated extra sharp white cheddar (any brand of extra sharp white cheddar will do)
    • 1 bunch of green onions
    • ¾ cup pecans
    • 1 cup mayonnaise (not miracle whip)
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

    OPTIONAL: Top with jelly or jam (you determine the amount) or can be omitted if you prefer a savory spread.

    ...

    Read More

    Best Homemade Cast Iron Seasoning Paste

    Oct 25, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    a small silver metal tin filled with a pale yellow cast iron paste. The tin is sitting on a wooden cutting board with the lid sitting perched on the side of this tin

    Today I'm going to show you how to make the best homemade cast iron seasoning paste.

    Cast iron doesn't have to be intimidating or complicated. It's really neither of those things. Seasoning cast iron doesn't need to be either.

    This simple cast iron seasoning paste works well for a first time seasoning of a new pan as well as seasoning a frequently used one.

    a small silver metal tin filled with a pale yellow cast iron paste. The tin is sitting on a wooden cutting board with the lid sitting perched on the side of this tin

    Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.

    You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.

    Cast Iron Seasoning Paste Table Of Contents
    1. Purpose of seasoning cast iron
    2. How to clean your cast iron cookware
    3. How to make the best cast iron seasoning paste
    4. Tips for making the best cast iron seasoning paste
    5. Smoke point of cooking oils
    6. The best oil for seasoning cast iron
    7. Animal fats for seasoning cast iron
    8. Store bought oils
    9. Can you use any oil to season cast iron?
    10. Can you season cast iron with olive oil?
    11. Seasoning cast iron for the first time
    12. How to season your cast iron cookware
    13. Why is my cast iron sticky after seasoning?
    14. How often do I need when seasoning my cast iron?
    15. Seasoning a cast iron griddle
    16. The best cast iron for beginners and where to buy
    17. Best place to buy cast iron pans
    18. Shop This Post
    19. Print your FREE labels

    Purpose of seasoning cast iron

    The purpose of seasoning cast iron is to create a beautiful non-stick surface.

    How to clean your cast iron cookware

    Like anything, you will get conflicting information when it comes to cast iron and how to properly care for it. Is there such a thing? My theory is this-if it works for you, that's all that matters.

    Some people will tell you to never get cast iron wet. "Never wash it with soap and water!"

    Well folks, for me, when I buy a cast iron pan from a thrift store or a yard sale and its covered in debris and rust? You can certainly bet that I'll be giving it a good scrubbing with a hot soapy water and a steel scrubber.

    Washing it really well, at least the first time, will give you a nice clean base to start.

    It's true that you should never leave cast iron pans with water sitting in them. They will rust, they are made of iron. But if you are looking to just give them that initial cleaning. Use soap and water. Especially if there is rust already on the pan. You need to get that off BEFORE you season it.

    1. Wash pan with a hot soapy water and a steel scrubber.
    2. Allow pan to dry before using it or storing it. I prefer to place mine on my cooktop, turn the stove on and allow my pan to heat up to make sure its fully dry.
    3. Once your pan is clean and totally dry, you can start the seasoning application (see below for full instructions on this).

    How to make the best cast iron seasoning paste

    1. Take a shallow pot or pan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water. Bring water to a boil then remove from heat.
    2. Fill seasoning paste jar with ingredients and place jar into the previously boiled pot of water.
    3. Allow mixture to melt, stir occasionally with a popsicle stick to incorporate. Place back on heat if needed. Be careful! Beeswax is flammable so do not leave this unattended while the stove is on.
    4. Once mixture has melted, remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Mixture will solidify.
    5. Use as needed to season cast iron cookware.

    Don't forget to print your recipe card (below) so you have it for later.

    Tips for making the best cast iron seasoning paste

    Making your own seasoning paste is super simple. Try out a couple different recipes and see which one you prefer and works best for you cooking needs.

    After all, there are a ton of recipes out there and I'm not saying this one is the best. However, I have tried quite a few and this one has worked the best for me.

    • Never leave your simmering ingredients unattended. Beeswax is highly flammable.
    • Turn the heat off and allow your ingredients to fully cool before moving them around. This will prevent a potential mess and or serious burns from hot liquid.
    • Use an old pan or thrift store pot to boil water in. IF the mixture happened to spill out, it can make a mess that will take some time to clean up.
    • If using a microwave to melt ingredients, be sure and cover with a napkin or paper towel to prevent mixture from popping and making a mess.

    Smoke point of cooking oils

    The smoking point is when an oil begins to emit smoke. This indicates the release of fatty acids in the oil.

    As the temperature of the oil rises, it turns into a fatty acid. The smoke point of each of the oils I'm about to discuss, is based on the duration as well as intensity of heat applied.

    The best oil for seasoning cast iron

    When it comes to oil and cast iron, really any oil will work.

    Are there oils that will work better than others? Of course!

    The most important consideration when it comes to choosing an oil is the smoke point.

    Since seasoning cast iron requires high temperatures, consider using oils with higher smoke points.

    After food-grade oils are applied to your pans, they are baked to or beyond their smoke points.

    Let's take a look at a few different oils. Hopefully this will help.

    Animal fats for seasoning cast iron

    • Lard (rendered pigs fat)

    Lard has a smoke point of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It is easy to find, inexpensive and easy to store. You can also use lard for frying.

    • Beef Tallow (rendered beef fat)

    Tallow has a smoke point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit. It is extremely shelf stable and can be really affordable and easy to source.

    Tallow is also really easy to make yourself at home.

    • Beeswax

    Beeswax can be difficult to find and can be quite expensive (depending on the quality and source). It can be tricky to apply.

    I prefer to melt it in a double broiler, melt the wax on a low heat so it becomes a liquid, then apply it to my cast iron with a rag.

    I have have a bee hive here on our homestead so sourcing beeswax is easy for me.

    Store bought oils

    • Coconut oil

    Coconut oil is also easy to find. It is easy to apply to cast iron. But is almost double the cost of shortening and the canola oils. Coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • Shortening

    Shortening is relatively inexpensive and easily found at most stores.

    I have found, that shortening needs to be applied more frequently.

    This of course will depend on how often you are using your cast iron pans. Frequent use, will require more frequent application.

    • Vegetable and Canola Oils

    Vegetable and canola oils are inexpensive, easy to find at every grocery store, and easy to apply. These oils have a smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • Olive Oil

    The smoke point of olive oil is between 374-405 degrees. It can be expensive depending on the quality of oil you buy. Most grocery stores carry several brands ranging in price.

    • Grapeseed Oil

    Grapeseed oil has a smoke point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Because of the high smoke point, low saturated fat content, and durability, it definitely tops the list of ones to use.

    It has a neutral taste and order and creates a really nice durable coating on your cast iron cookware.

    • Flaxseed Oil

    Flaxseed oil can be very expensive.

    It has a super low smoke point (225 degrees Fahrenheit) but bonds really well to cast iron. Flaxseed oil is still considered to be one of the best drying oils.

    A drying oil simply means that it will dry out naturally and form a hard film on your pans surface.

    If you really want a long lasting, durable coating on your cast iron pans, flax seed oil should be on the top of your list. it can help create that perfect non-stick coating we are all looking for.

    If you decide to use flaxseed oil, be sure and use unfiltered, organic flax oil.

    A neatly stacked pile of cast iron skillets on an old barn wood tabletop. The cast iron pans are arranged in size from largest to smallest, the smallest being on the top.

    Can you use any oil to season cast iron?

    You can of course use any oil or blend of oils to season cast iron with great success.

    As I mentioned, some of the oils will require more frequent seasoning, while others will last significantly longer. It really comes down to personal preference and budget.

    Making a blend of several oils can give you a simple cast iron seasoning paste that will work beautifully on all your cast iron cookware.

    Can you season cast iron with olive oil?

    Many people use olive oil to season cast iron because it is so readily available.

    But here are a couple things to consider when using olive oil to season your cast iron pans.

    • Generally has a lower smoke point.
    • Surface of your cast iron can become sticky
    • Can affect the taste of your food

    You can definitely use olive oil to season your pans, but the problem will come when it's time to cook with it.

    If the seasoning doesn't stick to the surface of your pan, anytime you use it to cook with where it heats beyond the smoke point, the seasoning will begin to degrade and break down.

    That non-stick coating will wear off and your pan will become sticky.

    This will mean that you be reasoning your pans a lot more frequently then you should have too.

    It can also affect the taste of the food you are cooking.

    Seasoning cast iron for the first time

    Follow the same steps indicated below to season your cookware.

    If you are buying a brand new cast iron pan, most of them come "pre-seasoned." Therefore you won't need to scrub with a steel pad, but I still prefer to give them a light wash with some hot water. Soap optional but I usually don't find it necessary.

    How to season your cast iron cookware

    Pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

    1. Make sure your pans are clean. Scrub with a warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly. If your pan has rust on it, Scrub it really well with an abrasive material (stainless steel scrubber or steel wool) to remove all the rust.
    2. Apply your DIY cast iron seasoning paste all over your skillet or pan (including the bottom, sides and handle).
    3. Wipe off any excess seasoning paste with a paper towel or old cloth (preferred).
    4. Place your seasoned pan into the pre-heated oven, upside down, and bake for 60 minutes.
    5. After 60 minutes, turn oven off and leave cast iron in it until it has fully cooled off.
    6. Repeat steps if necessary until a nice non-stick coating has built up on your pans.
    7. Re-season as often as necessary to maintain non-stick surface.
    8. Enjoy!

    I prefer to rub a bit of seasoning oil on my pans at least once a week (post cooking) to keep my pans in a really good non-stick state. You can re-season yours as needed.

    As you use your cast iron, you will build up a really nice non-stick coating. Its relatively maintenance free cookware. Who doesn't love that?

    Why is my cast iron sticky after seasoning?

    If your cast iron is sticky after you have seasoned it, it's usually a sign that excess oil was left on the pan during the seasoning process.

    To fix this, simply place the pan back into the oven (upside down) on the middle rack and bake for an additional hour at 450 degrees.

    Allow to cool completely before removing from the oven.

    Repeat this step again if necessary.

    How often do I need when seasoning my cast iron?

    A good rule of thumb for seasoning cast iron is to season when your pans are no longer non-stick.

    I season mine about once a week. This is primarily because cast iron pans are the only ones I use for my daily cooking, so they require more frequent seasonings to keep them non-stick and easy to use.

    Seasoning a cast iron griddle

    To season a cast iron griddle you will use the same technique as you would use to season a cast iron skillet.

    1. Coat the griddle with cast iron seasoning paste (be sure and include all the sides).
    2. Wipe off any excess paste. The pan should be coated but shouldn't be coated with extra paste.
    3. Place in a preheated oven 450 degrees farenheit (upside down) for 1 hour.
    4. After 1 hour, turn oven off and allow griddle to cool in the oven.
    5. Use seasoned griddle as needed.

    I have a cast iron griddle top that I season about once a month since it doesn't get used as frequently as my pans do.

    The best cast iron for beginners and where to buy

    When it comes to buying cast iron pans and cookware, there's one factor that is always the most important to me. That the pans are MADE IN THE USA. This is a non-negotiable for me.

    Cast iron pans can be an investment for sure. But one that will last a lifetime if taken care of.

    If you don't want to buy cast iron brand new, consider shopping around on Facebook marketplace, offer-up, Craigslist and thrift stores. I have seen so many pans at my local thrift shops and I often think they end up there because people just don't know how to use them.

    If you see a little rust on the pan, don't worry. The pan is still usable and can be saved. its made of iron. Iron rusts if exposed to moisture and water.

    A good cleaning and a couple seasoning sessions, you'll have a pan that's good as new.

    I have also seen cast iron skillets and woks at my local HomeGoods store. If you are a frequent shopper of HomeGoods, you'll know that they don't always carry the same things. So finding cast iron may be hit or miss.

    Lodge Cast Iron pans are among some of my favorites. They are far less expensive then some other high end enameled brands like Le Creuset. They are made in the USA and have been around since 1896.

    Here a few of my favorite lodge cookware pieces:

    Lodge also makes enameled cast iron too if you prefer that. I have both and love them equally.

    Enameled cast iron doesn't need to be seasoned but is still non-stick because of the enamel coating on it. Just something to consider.

    • Dutch Oven (non-enameled)
    • Enameled Dutch Oven (lots of colors to choose from)
    • Cast Iron Skillet
    • Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
    • Cast Iron griddle (round)
    • Large rectangle griddle
    • Cast Iron bread pans

    Best place to buy cast iron pans

    USED CAST IRON COOKWARE:

    • Thrift stores
    • Facebook Marketplace
    • Offer-up
    • Craigslist
    • Ask friends or family members if they have any pan they are not using and would want to share. It doesn't hurt to try something before you buy it.

    NEW CAST IRON COOKWARE:

    • Amazon
    • HomeGoods
    • TJ Maxx
    a small silver metal tin filled with a pale yellow cast iron paste. The tin is sitting on a wooden cutting board with the lid sitting perched on the side of this tin

    Homemade Cast Iron Seasoning Paste

    Yield: 1 tin
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Active Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Difficulty: Easy

    Learn how to make the best cast iron seasoning paste for all your cast iron cookware. Perfect for cast iron griddles too!

    Materials

    • Flaxseed or grapeseed oil
    • Beeswax pellets

    Tools

    • 1. Pan to boil water in.
    • 2. Jars and lids (your choice) for your seasoning paste.
    • 3. Popsicle sticks (for stirring)
    • 4. Labels (if you want to sell or gift it)

    Instructions

    1. In a regular pan (any pan you have will work), place 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, turn it off.
    2. Add seasoning paste ingredients to your storage jar. 2 Tablespoons beeswax pellets and ⅓ cup of grapeseed OR flaxseed oils. You don't need both oils, just one.
    3. Place the jar of seasoning paste ingredients into the pan of boiling water.
    4. Using a popsicle stick, stir ingredients occasionally until fully melted.
    5. Once you have combined all your ingredients, allow to cool until hardened.
    6. Label your paste.
    7. Use as needed to season all your cast iron cookware.
    8. Enjoy!

    Notes

    One batch of seasoning paste will fill a 4 ounce jar ¾ of the way full.

    CAUTION!

    Be careful when handeling seasoning paste mixture in a liquid state. It will be extremely hot and cause serious burns.

    © Brie from Homemade on our Homestead
    Project Type: Cast Iron Seasoning / Category: CAST IRON SKILLET

    Shop This Post

    • Beeswax pellets
    • Flaxseed oil or Grapeseed oil

    Note you do NOT need both flaxseed and grapeseed oil. Both work great for this cast iron seasoning paste recipe. Use which ever you have on hand or can source easily from a grocery store.

    • Tins for cast iron seasoning oil
    • Mini Glass Jars with lids
    • Printable labels
    • Kitchen scale (helpful but not necessary)

    Other cast iron tools:

    • Stainless steel scrubber
    • Cast iron pan handle holders (I prefer these over the silicone ones)

    Print your FREE labels

    Buy the printable labels above, then download and print the free label template I created.

    PDF Downloadable Cast Iron Seasoning Paste Label-click here!

    I hope you guys enjoy this simple seasoning paste recipe.

    Brie

    How Many Eggs Will A Chicken Lay A Day

    Oct 21, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    a flock of eight chickens pecks the dirt ground out in from of their chicken coop.

    If you are thinking of adding chickens to your homestead, you may be wondering just how many eggs you can expect to get from your hens per day.

    This is a very reasonable question with a very not so straight forward answer. Because the truth is, it varies.

    a bucket of freshly collected chicken eggs sitting on an old plank deck. The bucket contains a variety of white and brown eggs.

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    Table Of Contents
    1. How often do chickens lay eggs?
    2. Can chickens lay eggs without a rooster?
    3. What time during the day do hens lay eggs?
    4. Can a chicken lay 2 eggs per day?
    5. How many eggs will 2 chickens lay per week?
    6. Are fresh laid eggs safe to eat?
    7. Recipe for fresh eggs
    8. Shop This Post

    How often do chickens lay eggs?

    Most hens will lay one egg per day.

    However, there are quite a few factors that play into that laying schedule.

    • Weather
    • Daylight hours
    • Nutrition
    • Predators
    • Time of year
    • Molting
    • Lighting in your coop
    • Breed of chickens you have
    • If they are free-range or not (chickens will often lay eggs you don't find if they are free-range)
    • Stress (can be lack of food, mites, predators)
    • Age of your hens

    The biggest factor when it comes to your hens laying eggs is daylight hours.

    When hens stop getting at least 12 hours of daylight a day, egg production will usually slow considerably or stop all together. This is normal.

    an early morning sunrise on the farm. A beautiful lush green field in front of a few trees and the sun fishing behind it. The sky is bright orange, red and pink.

    Can chickens lay eggs without a rooster?

    Healthy female chicken (hens), can lay eggs without a rooster.

    Eggs will be unfertilized which just means that the eggs will never develop into chicks.

    Most chickens will mature enough in 6 months to begin producing eggs, but it can vary by breed.

    What time during the day do hens lay eggs?

    • Hens will usually lay eggs within 5-6 hours after sunrise.

    There isn't really a set time of day they lay eggs. Again, environmental factors come into play here.

    But a good time to check for eggs would be within the first 6 hours after the sun has come up.

    Can a chicken lay 2 eggs per day?

    Yes. Hens can sometimes lay 2 eggs per day but this is very uncommon.

    How many eggs will 2 chickens lay per week?

    If you have two chickens, you can expect to get roughly 10 to 14 eggs per week combined.

    Can a chicken lay 10 eggs per day?

    No. In order to get 10 eggs per day you'll need 12-14 chickens. However, there are no guarantees. This is an estimate.

    a flock of eight chickens pecks the dirt ground out in from of their chicken coop.

    I know quite a few people who have 15-20 hens and manage to get 20-22 eggs per day. If this is you, great! Consider yourself lucky and know that it won't last long.

    The egg laying cycle will taper off and the hens will start producing less but it will even out after a year or so.

    Here's a bit of math you can use to estimate the number of eggs you can get from your hens (between 6 months and 2 years old).

    Using the number of hens you have or plan to purchase, and multiply that number by 0.75 and that number is roughly the amount of eggs you can expect in a day.

    For example:

    • 4 hens x 0.75 = 3 eggs
    • 6 hens x 0.75 = 4 - 5 eggs
    • 8 hens x 0.75 = 6 eggs
    • 10 hens x 0.75 = 7 - 8 eggs
    • 12 hens x 0.75 = 9 - 10 eggs

    Again, this is only an estimate. Use your best judgment when determining how many chickens you should have.

    Are fresh laid eggs safe to eat?

    Fresh eggs are safe to eat at room temperature as long as they are not washed.

    When an egg is laid is has a natural protective coating or "bloom" on the outside that protects and seals the egg from moisture loss and bacterial growth.

    When that protective coating is washed off, they should no longer be considered safe to store at room temperature.

    Once you have washed your eggs, place them in the refrigerator. I always have at least 3 dozen eggs on hand so I store my eggs in this when they get transferred.

    You may also just choose to gently wipe them off with a clean, dry rag and store in an egg rack or an egg basket on the counter top.

    Recipe for fresh eggs

    If you happen to have a bunch of fresh eggs and are looking for a great recipe to try, I have a really amazing Cheesy Southwest Style Breakfast Bake that is so easy and delicious.

    Or use your eggs in this amazing sugar cookie recipe.

    Both recipes have FREE printable recipe cards too!

    Shop This Post

    Counter Top Egg Storage Ideas

    Spiral Rack

    White Spiral rack

    Basket

    Refrigerator Egg Storage

    Tiered storage (32 eggs)

    I hope this answers some questions about chickens and their laying habits.

    Hens are a great resource to have on any homestead. But like anything, they require time, effort, commitment and money to make it work for you.

    Brie

    The Best Sourdough Pumpkin Banana Muffins

    Oct 17, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    an old plank of gray barn wood with three freshly baked sourdough pumpkin banana bread muffins resting neatly on top as they cool off

    Today I'm sharing my recipe for the best sourdough pumpkin banana muffins.

    I have been working on perfecting this recipe for the last year and a half and I'm finally ready to share it. So here goes nothing. I hope you all enjoy it.

    *Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here*

    Full disclosure that I'm not really a fan of all the things pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavored. I don't even like pumpkin pie. There, I said it.

    However, these muffins don't taste like the typical pumpkin-y stuff. Does that even make sense? They aren't overly sweet but are instead filled with the right amount of spices and rich flavor.

    The best part? They contain sourdough, so they are a healthier option than any store-bought baked goods. Bonus, you can also pronounce all the ingredients.

    Grab your ingredients and let's get baking!

    Table Of Contents:
    1. Ingredients for the sourdough pumpkin banana muffins
    2. What temperature should I bake my sourdough pumpkin muffins?
    3. How to make sourdough pumpkin muffins
    4. Add pumpkin mixture to prepared pans
    5. How long do I need to bake my sourdough pumpkin muffins?
    6. What's the best way to serve pumpkin sourdough bread?
    7. Can I make this recipe without the sourdough?
    8. How to store your pumpkin bread
    9. Freezing pumpkin bread
    10. Shop this post
    11. Variations of sourdough pumpkin banana muffins
    12. Bread spice
    13. Pin recipe for later
    14. More of our favorite homestead recipes

    Ingredients for the sourdough pumpkin banana muffins

    Don't forget to print the recipe below so you have it for later.

    1 cup of *fed* sourdough starter (if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can use sourdough discard, or just make this recipe without it. I have directions for both).

    1 overly ripe banana (the browner the banana, the sweeter it is)

    2 cups of all-purpose flour

    1 ½ sticks of softened butter (you can use salted or unsalted)

    2 large eggs

    (1) 15oz. can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

    2 cups of organic cane sugar (regular white sugar is fine as well)

    1 teaspoon BAKING SODA

    ½ teaspoon BAKING POWDER

    ½ teaspoon of salt (I prefer Himalayan sea salt)

    Ground clove 1 teaspoon

    Ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon

    Cinnamon 1 teaspoon

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract (you can omit if you don't like vanilla)

    What temperature should I bake my sourdough pumpkin muffins?

    325 degrees Fahrenheit on the middle rack of the oven.

    freshly baked sourdough pumpkin banana bread loaf. one piece is sliced off the end and slathered with butter. A vintage butter knife sits nearby with butter on it.

    How to make sourdough pumpkin muffins

    1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees farenheit and set the oven rack to the middle of your oven.
    2. Generously grease (2) 8 x 4 inch loaf pans with butter, then dust with flour. You want the entire pan to look white. (You can also use a baking spreay that has flour in it such as Bakers Joy or Pam with flour). Or

    You can also use a regular-sized muffin tray and line with paper cups. This is my preferred method with kids since it's easier to grab these on the go.

    These are my FAVORITE muffin cups since they are made of parchment and nothing sticks to them. We compost them when we are done.

    a slice of pumpkin banana bread sits on a white plate. A fork is holding onto a piece of the bread that has a nice drizzle of white frosting on top.

    3. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground clove, cinnamon, nutmeg). Set aside.

    4. Peel your overly ripe banana and place it in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the banana. Set aside.

    5. In a stand mixer bowl or a regular bowl, add all of your wet ingredients (banana, eggs, softened butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter). Mix until fully combined. The mixture will look lumpy-this is normal.

    6. Now it's time to slowly add your dry ingredients. Add about half the dry ingredient mixture and blend for 15 seconds or so. Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.

    Add pumpkin mixture to prepared pans

    7. Turn the finished batter into your prepared loaf pans, OR using a scoop (my favorite method), scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin cups until halfway filled. You need to leave room for the rise.

    8. Place your loaf pans or muffin tray willed with pumpkin batter into the oven. Again, the oven should be pre-heated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit with the rack in the middle of the oven.

    9. FOR MUFFINS: Set the timer for 18 minutes. Baking time will vary depending on the altitude and temperature of the surrounding area. The standard baking time for MUFFINS is 18-20 minutes.

    TIP: *Turn the oven light on to watch the progression of your baked goods. It also serves as a reminder so you don't forget you have something baking if you don't set an oven timer*

    10. FOR LOAVES: Set your timer for 60 minutes. Baking time for the loaves will vary depending on the factors mentioned above as well as what you are using to bake your loaves in (glass, cast iron, or nonstick pans). These baking vessels also vary slightly.

    11. Once the timer has gone off for the allotted time indicated, it's time to check your pumpkin bread/muffins. Using a WOODEN toothpick, insert into the center of either your bread loaf or one of the muffins. If the toothpick comes out clean (no batter stuck to it), then the muffin or loaves are done.

    TIP: Remember to insert the toothpick into the CENTER of the bread loaf or the center of one of your muffins. Things tend to bake faster along the edges but that doesn't mean they are fully-baked in the center. Check there!

    How long do I need to bake my sourdough pumpkin muffins?

    This will vary depending on the type of loaf pan you are using.

    So a few notes:

    • Cast iron loaf pans will always take longer to bake in since they take longer to heat up. Usually, 10 minutes or so, depending on the recipe you are baking.
    • I have found that glass is only a couple of minutes longer than the typical non-stick baking loaf pans.
    • All loaves will turn out the same, but baking time may vary.
    • If you are baking loaves allow 65-70 minute baking time. You can bake (2) loaves in the oven at one time.
    • Muffins will bake in 18-20 minutes for a regular-sized muffin pan.

    What's the best way to serve pumpkin sourdough bread?

    • Serve it plain with a pat of butter. Learn how to make your own butter here.
    • You can also serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the bread/muffins are warm.
    • Top it with a delicious cream cheese frosting. This makes it feel more like a cake.
    • Drizzle some raw honey on-top. This is my sons favorite way to have it. But then again, he wants to put honey on everything. Literally everything (sigh).

    Can I make this recipe without the sourdough?

    Yup. You sure can. Read more in the section called, "variations for sourdough pumpkin bread."

    Making these loaves of pumpkin banana bread or muffins require no real extra work to alter the recipe from sourdough to regular. It's all about personal preference.

    How to store your pumpkin bread

    If you have made pumpkin bread loaves, you can simply wait until they cool and wrap in cling wrap or a beeswax wrapper. You can also store in an airtight container. I prefer containers so that I'm not creating one time use waste by using cling wrap.

    Sourdough pumpkin muffins can be stored the same. Wrap individually for on the go or in an airtight container.

    They also make containers specifically for muffin storage which makes it really easy to keep them looking good and easy for travel.

    Muffin storage container

    Bread storage container

    Freezing pumpkin bread

    Can you freeze pumpkin bread? I get asked this question a lot. Absolutely you can.

    This recipe freezes and reheats really well. If you make larger batches for later, be sure and wrap the bread or pumpkin muffins in cling wrap. You can remove what you need from the freezer and leave out at room temp until it is defrosted.

    I personally prefer to wrap the extra muffins individually so I don't have to take an entire batch out a time if I don't need to.

    Serve as normal.

    Shop this post

    • Stand Mixer or a Hand Mixer or Bowl and Whisk
    • Baking Cups
    • Muffin Pan
    • Loaf Pans
    • Large cookie Scoop (perfect for dispensing mixture into muffin pan evenly)
    • Baking timer (you can also use your oven timer or your iPhone timer)

    Variations of sourdough pumpkin banana muffins

    • Well as I mentioned before you can omit the sourdough starter without having to change any other ingredients in the recipe.

    It's probably one of the only recipes that I've ever done where I didn't have to change things. So omit if you don't like sourdough or don't even have a starter. You can't honestly even tell it's in there, just makes the recipe a bit more flavorful and healthier.

    • You can make muffins instead of bread. That's an obvious one. I shared how to do that above in the "how to" section of this post.
    • Easily make this recipe a sourdough pumpkin bread recipe with just ommiting the banana. No other alterations needed. Just omit if you want.
    • Turn this recipe into a Pumpkin bread by ommitig the sourdough and banana. Again, no other alterantions needed.
    • Make this a "loaded" pumkin banana bread by adding ½ cup chopped pecans, ½ cup dried unsweetened coconut, and ½ cup mini choclate chips. So good. I make this version often too. This is more of our dessert muffin/bread recipe.
    • Top with a delicious homemade cream cheese frosting. Yum.

    Learn more about how to convert all your favorite recipes to sourdough HERE.

    The Best Sourdough Pumpkin Banana Muffins

    The Best Sourdough Pumpkin Banana Muffins

    Yield: 24 muffins OR (2) 8x4 inch loaves
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes 18 seconds
    Additional Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes 18 seconds

    Sourdough Pumpkin Banana Muffins bake for muffins is 18-20 miuntes.

    Sourdough Pumpkin Banana loaves require 60-65 minutes baking time.

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup of *fed* sourdough starter (if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can use sourdough discard, or just make this recipe without it.
    • 1 overly ripe banana (the browner the banana, the sweeter it is)
    • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ sticks of softened butter (you can use salted or unsalted)
    • 2 large eggs
    • (1) 15oz. can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
    • 2 cups of organic cane sugar (regular white sugar is fine as well)
    • 1 teaspoon BAKING SODA
    • ½ teaspoon BAKING POWDER
    • ½ teaspoon of salt (I prefer Himalayan sea salt)
    • Ground clove 1 teaspoon
    • Ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon
    • Cinnamon 1 teaspoon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (you can omit if you don't like vanilla)

    Instructions

      1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees farenheit and set the oven rack to the middle of your oven.
      2. Generously grease (2) 8 x 4 inch loaf pans with butter, then dust with flour. You want the entire pan to look white. (You can also use a baking spreay that has flour in it such as Bakers Joy or Pam with flour). OR
      3. You can also use a regular-sized muffin tray and line with paper cups. This is my preferred method with kids since it's easier to grab these on the go.
      4. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground clove, cinnamon, nutmeg). Set aside.
      5. In a stand mixer bowl or a regular bowl, add all of your wet ingredients (banana, eggs, softened butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter). Mix until fully combined. The mixture will look lumpy-this is normal.
      6. Now it's time to slowly add your dry ingredients. Add about half the dry ingredient mixture and blend for 15 seconds or so. Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
      7. Turn the finished batter into your prepared loaf pans, OR using a scoop (my favorite method), scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin cups until halfway filled. You need to leave room for the rise.
      8. Place your loaf pans or muffin tray willed with pumpkin batter into the oven. Again, the oven should be pre-heated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit with the rack in the middle of the oven.
      9. FOR MUFFINS: Set the timer for 18 minutes. Baking time will vary depending on the altitude and temperature of the surrounding area. The standard baking time for MUFFINS is 18-20 minutes.
      10. FOR LOAVES: Set your timer for 60 minutes. Baking time for the loaves will vary depending on the factors mentioned above as well as what you are using to bake your loaves in (glass, cast iron, or nonstick pans). These baking vessels also vary slightly.
      11. Once the timer has gone off for the allotted time indicated, it's time to check your pumpkin bread/muffins. Using a WOODEN toothpick, insert into the center of either your bread loaf or one of the muffins. If the toothpick comes out clean (no batter stuck to it), then the muffin or loaves are done.
      12. Transfer to cooling rack until fully cooled.
      13. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Remember to insert the toothpick into the CENTER of the bread loaf or the center of one of your muffins. Things tend to bake faster along the edges but that doesn't mean they are fully-baked in the center. Check there!

    © Brie - Homemade on our Homestead
    Category: BAKING

    Bread spice

    I have found a common theme when it comes to bread spice and fall baking. A ratio of equal parts is key.

    To make your own spice mixture simply combine

    • Cinnamon 1 teaspoon
    • Ground Clove 1 teaspoon
    • Nutmeg 1 teaspoon

    Obviously you can change the amounts you are combining to get a larger volume of the spice mixture. Just keep the parts equal and you can't go wrong.

    Pin recipe for later

    Happy fall ya'll. Hope you enjoy this delicious pumpkin recipe.

    -Brie

    More of our favorite homestead recipes

    Sugar Cookie Recipe

    Make-Ahead Breakfast Bake

    Easy Cheese Spread Appetizer

    Fall Zucchini Soup

    DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Soak

    Oct 17, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    a white countertop with a seafoam green sitting on top. The bowl is filled with DIY oatmeal bath soak bath bombs. A natural seafoam sponge is sitting in the background of the bowl.

    Learn how to make this really simple, soothing DIY colloidal oatmeal bath soak.

    If you stumbled onto my post about my sons molluscum contagiosum, you'll know that colloidal oatmeal baths have been a staple in keeping his secondary eczema in check.

    Oatmeal skin products have been used for centuries to soothe irritating skin conditions, and I can see why. They work!

    a white countertop with a seafoam green sitting on top. The bowl is filled with DIY oatmeal bath soak bath bombs. A natural seafoam sponge is sitting in the background of the bowl.

    Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.

    You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.

    Table Of Contents
    1. What is colloidal oatmeal?
    2. Why is oatmeal recommended for skin conditions?
    3. Skin conditions and oatmeal baths
    4. Who shouldn't use a colloidal oatmeal bath?
    5. What type of oats should I use for a colloidal oatmeal bath soak?
    6. Ingredients in DIY oat bath
    7. How to make DIY colloidal oatmeal bath soak
    8. How to use oatmeal bath soak
    9. Where to buy Oatmeal Bath Soak
    10. Pin it

    What is colloidal oatmeal?

    Colloidal oatmeal is just oats that have been processed into tiny particles (1/100th of a millimeter).

    Manufacturers of colloidal oatmeal and colloidal oatmeal products have used special grinders to process the grains into nano particles. The grains are cooked, dried, and then processed for sale as a colloidal oatmeal instead of regular rolled oats.

    a small glass jar filled almost to the top with colloidal oatmeal powder.

    Why is oatmeal recommended for skin conditions?

    Colloidal oatmeal has been proven beneficial for dry, damaged skin. Oats act as an emollient which provides a moisture barrier.

    Oatmeal baths have the ability to reduce inflammation.

    Oats contain phenols that can help absorb UV rays and reduce some damaging inflammation.

    • Colloidal oatmeal offers a soothing moisture moisture barrier for irritated skin.
    • Help control inflammation
    • Contains antioxidant properties

    Skin conditions and oatmeal baths

    There are so many skin conditions in which colloidal oatmeal can be beneficial. Here are a few of the conditions that they are most commonly used for:

    • Eczema or psoriasis (can be primary skin irritation or secondary from a skin condition such as molluscum contagiosum)
    • Hives
    • Sunburns
    • Acne (adults and babies)
    • Rashes from plants (poison ivy, stinging nettles)
    • Chickenpox or shingles
    • Bug bites (spiders, mosquitos)
    • Diaper rash

    When both of my kids were babies, a soothing oatmeal milk bath was the first step in treating diaper rash. Thankfully we didn't have this often as we primarily used cloth diapers. But when we needed it, it was so helpful.

    Who shouldn't use a colloidal oatmeal bath?

    People with Celiacs disease should not use oatmeal bath soaks unless they are using a certified gluten free oatmeal.

    What type of oats should I use for a colloidal oatmeal bath soak?

    If you are making your own DIY oatmeal bath soak, use an organic steel cut oat or rolled oats.

    Instant oats and oatmeal are not good options for this recipe. They are over processed and contain a lot of unhealthy chemicals and ingredients.

    Ingredients in DIY oat bath

    Recipe makes enough for 1 bath soak.

    I make usually make enough to have 3-4 batches ready at a time and store it in a jar like this near my tub.

    • 1 cup of organic rolled oats
    • ½ cup baking soda
    • 5-10 drops of skin soothing essential oil (lavender, frankincense)

    Essential oils are optional but I highly recommend.

    Essential oils contain some really wonderful healing properties and can be nourishing and soothing for the skin.

    However, if you don't have any on hand, you can make this recipe without them.

    If you grind the oats too fine, they can turn into a paste. So if you find that they are ground to fine, you can add the oats to a small cloth drawstring bag or cut the leg off a pair of tights. Making sort of a tea bag for your oat soak.

    a small muslin drawstring bag sitting on a white table top. The muslin bag has a small branch of dried eucalyptus sitting onto of it. The sun is beaming in through a window from the left side.

    How to make DIY colloidal oatmeal bath soak

    1. Add organic rolled oats to a coffee grinder, food processor or blender.
    2. Blend until it becomes a really fine powder.
    3. Transfer oat powder to a bowl and combine with baking soda and essential oils.
    4. Mix until incorporated.
    5. Transfer to a storage jar or dump the mixture straight into a warm bath for immediate soaking.

    Makes enough for 1 bath soak.

    a woman sitting in a colloidal oatmeal bath soak. Her hair is wet and dark brown. Her arms are crossed over her chest and her knees are pulled up tight next to her. The water is milking white in color from the oats.

    How to use oatmeal bath soak

    a white countertop with a seafoam green sitting on top. The bowl is filled with DIY oatmeal bath soak bath bombs. A natural seafoam sponge is sitting in the background of the bowl.

    DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Soak

    Yield: 1 batch oatmeal bath soak
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    A relaxing and benefical colloidal oatmeal bath to help treat dry, irritated skin conditions.

    Ingredients

    • Organic Rolled Oats
    • Baking Soda
    • Essential Oil (optional)
    • Mini muslin drawstring bag (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Add organic rolled oats to a food processor, blender or coffee grinder.
    2. Blend until oats become a very fine powder.
    3. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add baking soda and optional essential oils.
    4. Mix until fully incorporated.
    5. Transfer to a storage jar or dump oatmeal bath soak directily into warm bath for soaking. You can also add the mixture into a mini muslin pouch and add the pouch into your bath water. This will help make clean up a cinch.
    6. Enjoy your oatmeal bath water for 15-20 minutes. Soaking for extended time can have the opposite effect on the skin.

    Notes

    This recipe is not for consumption.

    Be sure your bath water is warm, not hot.

    Be sure and check with your doctor to make sure that colloidal oatmeal bath soaks are right for you.

    © Brie from Homemade on our Homestead

    Where to buy Oatmeal Bath Soak

    I know not everyone has the time or even desires to DIY everything. So I've included a few oat milk bath soaks you can purchase ready made.

    I have personally tried all three of these before I decided to make it myself.

    • Organic calming oat bath soak with lavender
    • Aveeno Baby
    • Shea Organics Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Soak

    Shop This Post

    Here you'll find a list of all the products that were mentioned in this post.

    Oats (regular and gluten-free)

    • Gluten-Free Oatmeal or Bobs Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats
    • Regular Organic Oats

    Baking Soda

    • Baking soda

    Essential Oils

    • Lavender
    • Frankincense

    Storage for Oatmeal Bath Soak

    • Storage Jar

    These are my favorite storage jars for almost all my DIY skincare and handmade products. Any storage jar with a sealing lid will work.

    • Mini drawstring bag

    I hope you found this information helpful. Colloidal oatmeal bath soaks can have a very soothing effect on dry, itchy, irritated skin if used appropriately.

    If you have any questions about whether or not colloidal oatmeal baths are right for you, ask you doctor.

    -Brie

    Pin it

    The Best Food Processor Salsa

    Oct 15, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    A fresh bowl of homemade salsa. A hand holding a tortilla chip that has salsa on it. All the ingredients are nicely placed on a beautiful teakwood cutting board. A salt and pepper pot is in the background.

    This quick and easy food processor salsa goes together in 5 minutes.

    Yup, you read that right-5 minutes!

    I love having simple, healthy recipes that I can pull together quickly. It makes snack and mealtime a cinch, rather than a chore.

    This simple Cuisinart salsa is packed full of fresh ingredients you can get at a local farmers market or the grocery store.

    A fresh bowl of homemade salsa. A hand holding a tortilla chip that has salsa on it. All the ingredients are nicely placed on a beautiful teakwood cutting board. A salt and pepper pot is in the background.

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    5 Minute Salsa Table Of Contents:
    1. Watch the video
    2. Is salsa healthy?
    3. Ingredients for Food Processor Salsa
    4. How much hot salsa will this recipe make
    5. What will I need to make this recipe
    6. How to make salsa in a food processor
    7. Can you make 5 minute salsa in a Vitamix blender instead?
    8. How do I make salsa in a blender?
    9. Is this a salsa recipe for canning?
    10. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for this salsa?
    11. Ideas for using your homemade salsa
    12. Shop This Salsa Post
    13. Pin it!
    14. Need a quick recipe to accompany that fresh, hot salsa?

    Watch the video

    Is salsa healthy?

    If you are using the best, organic ingredients you can find, then yes it's very healthy.

    It's full of fresh vegetables and greens, and if you are using a Himalayan salt then you are also getting extra key minerals as well.

    Ingredients for Food Processor Salsa

    With the ingredients provided, it yielded a ½ gallon batch of restaurant-style salsa.

    If you'd like to increase (or decrease) the amount, adjust accordingly. Just follow similar proportions of each ingredient to achieve the same taste and flavor.

    • 10 medium-sized tomatoes (I used heirloom, vine tomatoes, Roma, and cherry tomatoes). Any variety will work for this recipe as long as they are fresh.
    • 1-3 jalapenos. Amount needed will vary depending on how spicy you prefer your salsa.
    • 1 small bunch of cilantro
    • 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic
    • 1 medium yellow onion
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    How much hot salsa will this recipe make

    ½ gallon of fresh restaurant-style salsa.

    What will I need to make this recipe

    • Cutting board and knife
    • Food processor

    That's it! This recipe is so simple, and clean-up is a cinch.

    How to make salsa in a food processor

    1. Wash and prepare all your fresh ingredients.
    2. Prepare your food processor. Make sure you have the chopping blade on.
    3. Rough chop your cilantro, jalepeno, onion, and cloves of garlic and add them to your food processor.
    4. Place the lid on your processor and use the pulsing button to pulse up the ingredients.
    5. Using a knife, cut your tomatoes into quarters. Remove the stems. Add the tomatoes 1-2 at a time into your food processor bowl. Pulse until blended but not over processed. Continue adding the tomatoes until they have all been added.
    6. Start with ½ Tablespoon (TBS) IF you are making the same size batch I did. Otherwise, start with a small amount and add to taste. You can always add more, but can't take it out once it's been added. If you prefer a low to no sodium salsa, feel free to omit all together.
    7. Add pepper.
    8. Continue pulsing all ingredients together until its the consistency you like.
    9. Enjoy! Serve with tortilla chips, tacos or try it on this delicious southwest breakfast bake.

    Can you make 5 minute salsa in a Vitamix blender instead?

    Absolutely! If you don't have a food processor but have a blender, use it!

    Making salsa recipes in a blender is just as easy as the alternative.

    How do I make salsa in a blender?

    To make this recipe in a blender instead of a food processor, you'll follow the exact same steps listed above.

    1. Wash all your produce.
    2. Add the greens (cilantro, jalepeno), garlic and onion to the blender pitcher and pulse.
    3. Slowly add your tomatoes one by one and pulse after each one until its the consistency you prefer.
    4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

    Is this a salsa recipe for canning?

    If you are looking to preserve your garden harvest by making salsa, this is a great recipe for that.

    I make it quite frequently throughout the year, and at the end of the gardening season, I make a huge batch to preserve for us to enjoy all winter long.

    I know some people say that canning tomatoes are dangerous. But if you follow canning guidelines, it shouldn't be a problem.

    Here is one of my all-time favorite canning books.

    But if you aren't comfortable with that, then just make it fresh.

    Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for this salsa?

    If you aren't able to find some good organic tomatoes at the store and Farm stands aren't open in your area right now, you can for sure use canned tomatoes as a substitute. Here are a couple things I would recommend if you are going to do this:

    1. If you can, try and buy a fire roasted canned, tomatoes. I personally found the flavor to be better.
    2. DO NOT add any extra salt until after you have blended your ingredients and tasted it. Canned foods contain sodium and you'll end up with some really salty salsa.
    3. Because these tomatoes are already cooked, be sure and not over process them. Add them last. Especially if you are making this in a blender and not a Cuisinart food processor.

    Canned tomato salsa can be just as delicious if the right ingredients are used. It's also great if your in a pinch and need more tomatoes to complete the recipe but don't have time for another trip to the store

    Ideas for using your homemade salsa

    • Tacos
    • Nachos
    • Chips and salsa
    • Topping for black bean soup
    • Add to the Southwest Breakfast Bake
    • Enchiladas

    You can literally add salsa to so many different things. The fresh, spicy combo really livens any dish it's added to.

    Shop This Salsa Post

    • Canning and Preserving Book
    • Food Processor
    • Optional: The Best Canning Book
    A fresh bowl of homemade salsa. A hand holding a tortilla chip that has salsa on it. All the ingredients are nicely placed on a beautiful teakwood cutting board. A salt and pepper pot is in the background.

    The Best Food Processor Salsa

    Yield: ½ gallon
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Additional Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    This simple food processor salsa recipe is ready in minutes. You can use all fresh ingredients or make it a canned tomoto salsa recipe in a pinch.

    Don't have a food processor? No problem! You can also make this healthy salsa recipe in a Vitamix blender too!

    Perfect recipe for canning.

    Feel free to omit the salt if you need a no sodium option.

    Ingredients

    • 10 medium sized tomatoes
    • 1 medium white onion
    • 1 to 3 jalapeno peppers 
    • 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro
    • 6 to 8 cloves of fresh garlic
    • ½ Tablespoon salt (to taste) optional
    • 1 Tablespoon pepper 

    Instructions

    1. Add 1 bunch of cilantro, ½ a jalapeno, 1 onion (cut into quarters) and garlic cloves to your food processor and pulse until very roughly minced.
    2. Quarter your tomatoes and add them 2 at a time to the food processor pulsing after each addition.
    3. Continue adding your tomotoes until they are all fully incorporated into the food processor salsa.
    4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to omit the salt completly if you are on a sodium restriction.
    5. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Perfect addition to Taco Tuesdays!

    I recommend starting off with ½ jalapeno and adding more to taste. Depending on the pepper, some are alot hotter then others.

    Be sure and wash hands thouroughly after handling peppers.

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 cup
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 28Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
    © Brie from Homemade on our Homestead
    Cuisine: condiment

    Pin it!

    pinterest graphic for the best food processor salsa

    Need a quick recipe to accompany that fresh, hot salsa?

    The cheesy southwest breakfast bake is perfect topped with fresh salsa. It's also a really simple make-ahead recipe for busy mornings.

    • Easy Southwest Breakfast Bake
    • Homemade Sour Cream

    I hope this simple food processor salsa recipe spices up your Taco Tuesdays. Enjoy!

    script writing that says "Brie"

    How To Make A Bandana

    Oct 2, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    how to make a linen bandana | how to sew a linen neck wrap | Easy snap linen neck wrap | how to sew a linen scarf #howtosewalinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #summeraccesory #perfectlinenbandana #sew #sewing #beginnersewingproject #easybandana #linen #linenbandana #homemadeonourhomestead

    Learn how to make a bandana with this simple sewing tutorial.

    Making a bandana is a very beginner-friendly sewing project. So if you are newer to the world of sewing, you've picked a great project.

    Does anyone else love and adore (everything) linen as much as I do?

    I feel like linen is one of those fabrics that just go with everything. Literally everything!

    It's a gorgeous fabric that just drapes beautifully. You can dress it up, dress it down. Style it any way you like and it looks (and feels) amazing. 

    Girl smiling at the camera standing in the sunshine. She's wearing a tan well cable knit sweater and a tan linen bandana

    But there's a twist to this sewing project.

    Curious? I made this bandana to have a snap closure instead of the typical bandana that is tied. Brilliant (and easy).

    Jump To:
    1. Learn how to make a bandana with this simple sewing tutorial.
    2. Video
    3. Is sewing a bandana a beginner friendly sewing project?
    4. Where can I buy affordable fabric?
    5. Use caution when buying linen fabric online
    6. Supplies 
    7. Fabric cutting dimensions for your bandana
    8. Seam allowance
    9. Sewing a bandana
    10. Topstitching
    11. Trim your threads
    12. Adding snaps to your bandana
    13. Disclaimer
    14. Placing the snaps
    15. Adding the second snap
    16. Completed bandana
    17. Pin it for later

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    Video

    If you'd prefer to watch a video for making the linen bandana, you can find that on my YouTube channel.

    Is sewing a bandana a beginner friendly sewing project?

    Yes, it absolutely is.

    For this project, you'll need some very basic pressing and sewing skills. Sewing a straight seam and backstitching are involved.

    So if you are just learning how to sew and want to make your own clothes and accessories, this is a great beginner-friendly project.

    Where can I buy affordable fabric?

    When it comes to finding affordable fabric for sewing projects there are so many resources out there.

    • repurpose old clothing for small sewing projects
    • thrift store always have fabric remnants really cheap
    • repurpose old curtains, shower curtains and tablecloths

    For this project I used linen. So I've linked a really good couple resources below.

    Use caution when buying linen fabric online

    But now you at least know where you can get quality linen fabric at a great price. Be cautious when buying linen fabric online. The item you think maybe linen may only contain a percentage of linen. This fabric source is 100% linen. This is what I use to sew all my linen DIYs. 

    • Tan linen fabric 
    • White linen fabric 

    Supplies 

    • linen fabric (2) 15" x 15" pieces of linen
    • scissors or rotary cutter
    • ruler
    • cutting mat
    • turning tool (this is AWESOME and is actually 4 tools in 1!!)
    • iron and ironing board or wool pressing mat
    • sewing machine and coordinating thread
    • Kam snap tool and snaps
    • sewing pins or clips (optional)
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Fabric cutting dimensions for your bandana

    • REGULAR SIZE: cut (2) pieces of linen fabric 15 inches by 15 inches
    • MEDIUM/LARGE:  cut (2) 18 inches by 18 inches
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Seam allowance

    For this sewing project I used a ¼ inch seam allowance.

    Sewing a bandana

    Once you have your pieces cut to the dimensions you want, it's time to sew.

    When sewing most projects, I prefer to use a thread that blends in (coordinating). This is a personal preference so you could definitely use a thread that contrasts so you see it. It's up to you.

    • Thread your machine and bobbin with the thread color of your choice.
    • You can use pins or clover sewing clips to keep your pieces held in place, but since this is a small-scale project I just opted to sew it without pinning or clipping. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Using a ¼ inch sewing foot or just a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew around the entire edge of your bandana leaving a 3 to 4 inch opening to turn your bandana right sides out. This will hide the raw edges and make your bandana look nice and finished. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and the end of your lines of stitching.
    • Once you have sewn all the way around and left your 3 to 4 inch opening to turn, head back to the ironing board with your turning tool and a pair of scissors.#howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Before we turn the bandana RSO (right sides out), take a pair of scissors and carefully clip the corners of the bandana. Be sure NOT to clip through the lines of stitching. By trimming off the corners, your bandana will have much cleaner and sharper looking corners because you are removing the bulk from that area.
    • After clipping all (4) corners, it's time to turn.
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Using a turning tool of your choice, turn your bandana RSO and then use your tool (this is the one I use and prefer), to push the corners of your bandana out. Be careful not to push out too forcefully as it could push right through the woven linen material. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Press out your seams.

    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Around the entire edge of your bandana, take and gently move your seams out. this helps to push the seam out so it lays nice and flat to iron. Rolling out the seams and finger pressing will usually provide a nice crisp edge all on its own without the need to iron. I still iron because that's just how I've always done it. 
    • Once you have finger pressed all your seams out after you have rolled the seams out, gently give the edges a press. This will ensure things are laying nice and flat for topstitching.
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • When you get to the edge where you have left your opening that you turned your bandana through, make sure the edges are all folded towards the center and pressed towards the inside. This will ensure that you won't see any of the raw edges when you topstitch. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Topstitching

    • After you have ironed your bandana, it's time to topstitch. This part of the project I guess could be optional too, but if you washed your bandana, the seams are going to puff out and you'll need to iron them flat again. I personally love the look of topstitching. I feel like it really gives projects a finished look.
    • Using that edge of your bandana as a guide, sew ¼ inch topstitch around all the edges of your bandana. Be sure that when you are topstitching the area you left open for turning that the raw edges are completely sewn down. I usually start my topstitching on this side for that reason. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • After I completed topstitching around the edge one time, I decided to do one more topstitching line ¼ inch in from the first line. Again, this is necessary. I wear bandanas a lot in the summer and when I'm hiking and gardening so I just really wanted this to look nice. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Trim your threads

    • Once you have finished all the topstitching you want to do, trim all the loose threads. I use these thread trimmers and they are my favorite. The tips are turned up so it makes it easy to trim super close to your projects. Highly recommend. 
    https://amzn.to/2I5fNwP
    • Here's what your bandana should look like once you have it all topstitched. 

    Adding snaps to your bandana

    • Grab your KAM snaps tool and the plastic snaps. You can use any snap color of your choice. I just prefer neutral tones.
    • Most of the snap tools come with really great directions on how to use them. I always take a piece of scrap fabric and do a test BEFORE I punch holes into my project to install snaps. Especially if it's been a while since I last used it. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Disclaimer

    • You can usually find these snap tools at your local craft store too. These are commonly used to make cloth diapers as well as baby bibs of all sorts. I found that this one (pictured above), doesn't seem to secure the snaps as well as my KAM snap tool, but I'm still unpacking all my craft supplies in my new sewing/craft room and couldn't find my KAM tool (sad). So this is what I'm using today. However, I don't favor this brand at all. 

    Placing the snaps

    • Decide what (2) corners opposite of each other you'd like your snaps to be on. I like to include the corner that I left open for turning. This will make sure it's hidden since it will be snapped behind you. But it really doesn't matter. 
    • Lay your bandana down in a diamond shape on your cutting surface. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • After you have consulted the directions for use, grab the snaps you will need as well as your snap punch tool.
    • Carefully take the sewing awl included in your snap punch kit, and puncture the fabric where you would like your snap to go. I placed my snap ½ inch in from the corner (for reference).
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • After you have made the hole with your awl, carefully take the piece of the snap that has one smoothie/flat side and a side with a spike on it, and poke the spike side up through the hole. 
    • Now take the corresponding snap to that piece and place it over the top of the spike that's coming through your linen fabric.
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Now take your KAM tool and seat the flat side of the snap into the little black cap on the snap tool. Make sure it's all the way centered in the cup. THIS IS IMPORTANT because pressing down on the tool when the snap is in the wrong place can cause the snap to break in half when trying to install it. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Once you know your snaps are in the tool properly, go ahead and squeeze down HARD multiple times to be sure the snap is really secured. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Adding the second snap

    • To install the other snap, you'll want to make sure that the flat side of the snap is on the OPPOSITE SIDE of what you did to the previous side. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    • Make the hole with your awl the same distance from the corner as you did with the other snap. BEFORE you secure it down with the tool, bring the corners of your bandana together (how you would if you were going to wear it), and check to see that the snaps would lay flat when snapped together. Then you'll know if you have them installed correctly. 
    • Install this snap the same way you did the first one. 
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject
    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Completed bandana

    #howtomakealinenbandana #linen #bandana #howtomakealinenscarf #howtomakealinenbandana #linenbandana #howtomakeabandanaforburningman #howtosewabandana #howtosewalinenscarf #summerclothingstaple #summerwardrobe #easysewingtutorial #beginnersewingtutorial #youtube #sewing #sew #howtosew #sewersofinstagram #learntosewalinenbandana #DIYsewingproject

    Pin it for later

    a pinterest graphic that shows two pictures of a female with brunette hair wearing a tan linen bandana she just finished sewing

    Thanks so much for tagging along for another sewing tutorial. Hope you enjoyed making this simple bandana.

    See you all next week.

    script writing that says "Brie"

    How To Make Homemade Sour Cream Fast

    Sep 28, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    a homemade jar of white sour cream sitting on a kitchen table with a white and blue striped towel behind it. An antique spoon resting inside the jar that has been tied with a piece of jute twine

    Today I'm sharing how to make a delicious homemade sour cream using only 2 simple ingredients.

    a homemade jar of white sour cream sitting on a  kitchen table with a white and blue striped towel behind it. An antique spoon resting inside the jar that has been tied with a piece of jute twine

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    Sour cream is something we always have on hand at our house. We use it a lot. Taco Tuesdays, chili, and don't get me started on all the yummy fall soups we put it on.

    My kids love to slather homemade sour cream and my restaurant-style salsa all over the breakfast casserole I make as well. Gives sort of a southwest spin on it. So good.

    • Southwest Breakfast Bake
    How to make fermented cream table of contents
    1. What do I need to make homemade sour cream?
    2. How to make homemade sour cream fast
    3. Homemade sour cream recipe
    4. Is homemade sour cream safe to eat?
    5. How long does it take to make homemade sour cream?
    6. Do I need to buy a sour cream culture or yogurt everytime I make homemade sour cream?
    7. How long will homemade sour cream keep?
    8. Can I substitute milk and vinegar?
    9. Can you make plain yogurt taste like sour cream?
    10. How do I make homemade sour cream with yogurt?
    11. Where can I buy a sour cream culture?
    12. Pin it!
    13. Enjoy other favorite from scratch recipes from our homestead kitchen

    What do I need to make homemade sour cream?

    Like I said previously, this recipe requires only 2 ingredients. I will give alternatives to the second ingredient so you have some options depending on what's available to you locally.

    1. Heavy Cream (you can also use raw cream as well)
    2. ⅓ cup of Organic Probiotic Yougurt (plain whole milk yogurt).

    Plain Organic Whole Milk Yogurt

    If you don't have access to yogurt like this, you can also use:

    A Sour Cream Culture

    or

    *(1) cup of sour cream with live, active cultures*

    *if you are using the (1) cup of sour cream with live cultures, you will only need (3) cups of heavy cream, not (4)*

    I will have printable recipe cards for both options below.

    How to make homemade sour cream fast

    You can mix this together in a bowl and then transfer it to a mason jar or just place ingredients in a sealable jar from the start. Less mess is always best. At least that's my motto.

    I always prefer the method that creates less mess and is easy to cleanup. Therefore, the mason jar method it is. But feel free to do what works best for you.

    • Pour 4 cups of heavy cream into a quart sized mason jar or a bowl.
    • Add ⅓ cup of a probiotic plain whole milk yogurt into the jar (or bowl) with the heavy cream.
    • Give it a stir or place the air tight lid on the jar and shake vigourously until combined.
    • Once the cream and yogurt mixture are combined, wrap your mason jar (with lid on tight so it doesn't leak)into a towl so it's fully covered.
    • Place the towel into the oven with the oven light on. This will help keep the temperature consistent and warm but not cook the culture youre trying to ferment. DO NOT TURN THE OVEN ON. The light is enough.
    • Leave the sourcream starter in the oven with the light on 12-14 hours. If it's a bit longer, that's ok too.
    • After 12-14 hours has passed, remove the sourcream starter from the oven and carefully unwrap it from the towel.
    • Give it a quick stir, and then place it in the fridge to enjoy.

    Homemade sour cream recipe

    • If you are using RAW CREAM, you can just leave it on the counter at room temperature to sour. Check every 12 hours until the desired "sour-ness" is achieved, then place in the refirdigerator. You can NOT do this method with pasturized cream. All the beneficial bacteria is gone from the cream.
    • If you buy pasturized cream from the store, just try and avoid UHT cream if you can. UHT just stands for ultra-high temperature processing. This is a food processing technology that almost sterilizes liquid. Beneficial bacterial in your food is good.
    • If you are using raw milk to make your homemade sour cream, just know that the end result will be less thick then store bought sour cream. It will still taste just as deliecious and will offer more beneficial bacteria then most store bough brands though. Most store bought sour creams also contain artifical ingredients to help preserve them and contain thickening agents.

    Is homemade sour cream safe to eat?

    Yes. homemade sour cream is safe to eat and more beneficial than most store-bought sour creams that contain thickening agents and preservatives to make them last longer.

    Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing you made it yourself which is always better and usually healthier.

    How long does it take to make homemade sour cream?

    The first batch of anything from scratch takes the longest. Once you have your first batch of sour cream made, you can use that to make any further batches you need BEFORE you end up needing more.

    The initial batch will take anywhere from 12-16 hours, depending on how sour you like your sour cream.

    I recommend tasting it after 12 hours. If it tastes "sour" enough for you, then place the mason jar with the lid on in the fridge.

    If you'd prefer it more sour, then check it again after 14 or 16 hours. Refrigerate when the desired amount of tanginess is achieved.

    After you have made this once, you'll know for the next batch exactly how long you need to let it ferment.

    I recommend making notes on your printable recipe card for easy and quick reference.

    Do I need to buy a sour cream culture or yogurt everytime I make homemade sour cream?

    No. Once you have your first batch complete, you won't need to buy these with every batch you want to make.

    Like most things that are fermented, you only need a culture to get you started.

    If you stop making your sour cream for a while and then start up again at a later date, then you'll need to have a culture to get started again.

    How long will homemade sour cream keep?

    Homemade sour cream will keep in the refrigerator just as long as a store-bought sour cream-30 days (give or take a few).

    We never have a batch of sour cream last that long in our house, so I'm unable to verify this. However, this is what I have found with some research.

    Can I substitute milk and vinegar?

    Yes. There are quite a few other options and substitutions for sour cream as well as different ways to make it.

    Taking milk and adding vinegar to "sour" will produce something that tastes similar to sour cream, but will be far runnier in its consistency.

    Can you make plain yogurt taste like sour cream?

    Plain yogurt is by far the easiest substitute for homemade sour cream. It is similar in flavor and consistency. For the best results in a recipe, I recommend replacing homemade sour cream (or store-bought) with equal part Greek plain yogurt at a 1:1 ratio replacement.

    Example: If a recipe calls for (1) cup of sour cream, replace it with (1) cup of Greek yogurt instead.

    How do I make homemade sour cream with yogurt?

    If you are wanting to make homemade sour cream, use the recipe and method provided above.

    1. Add 4 cups of heavy cream to an air tight container or mason jar.
    2. Add ⅓ cup of a whole milk probiotic yogurt to the heavy cream.
    3. Mix (or shake) ingredients together.
    4. Wrap jar in towel.
    5. Place in the oven with the LIGHT ON for 12-16 hours.
    6. Once your sour cream is as sour as you'd like, place jar in fridge.
    7. Enjoy on all your favorite dishes.

    Where can I buy a sour cream culture?

    Sour Cream cultures can be purchased from serval different fermenting websites.

    Again, the culture isn't necessary if you are using the method provided above to get your homemade sour cream started. But if you would prefer to just use a starter, I'll link one below.

    Sour Cream Culture Starter

    a homemade jar of white sour cream sitting on a kitchen table with a white and blue striped towel behind it. An antique spoon resting inside the jar that has been tied with a piece of jute twine

    Homemade Sour Cream

    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Additional Time: 12 hours
    Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
    Difficulty: Easy

    Make homemade sour cream with just 2 simple ingredients. Healthy alternative to store bought and tastes even better!

    GAPS diet approved.

    Materials

    • Mason jar with airtight lid (you can use a canning lid and ring)
    • Spoon for stirring
    • Towel (bath towels work great)

    Tools

    • Oven

    Instructions

    1. Begin with a clean mason jar and airtight lid.
    2. Pour heavy cream (or raw milk) into the mason jar and fill ¾ full.
    3. Add 3 Tablespoons (roughly-no need to measure) of an antibiotic rick plain whole milk yogurt. This needs to have live active cultures in it.
    4. Stir to incorporate.
    5. Place lid on jar tight. Be sure it doesn't leak when it's laying on it's side.
    6. Wrap jar tightly in a towel.
    7. Place in the oven (with light on) for 12 hours. The light in the oven provides a slight amount of warmth for the cream to ferment.
    8. After 12 hours, remove the jar from the oven. Open carefully and taste to see how sour it is. If you prefer it slightly more sour tasting, place it back in to the oven for another 4-6 hours. Once the desired amount of sour is achieved, place it in the refidgerator.
    9. Serve on all your favorite dishes. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Be sure and use an organic, whole milk, probiotic rich yogurt. The less ingredients in the yogurt the better. It shouldn't contain thickening agents and other fillers.

    © Brie from Homemade on our Homestead
    Project Type: cooking / Category: CONDIMENTS

    Pin it!

    I hope you give this simple recipe a try.

    Sour cream makes a great topping for so many dishes. We really love it with fresh salsa on the Southwest Breakfast Bake topped with fresh chopped cilantro-so delicious and filling.

    Enjoy other favorite from scratch recipes from our homestead kitchen

    • Sourdough Pumpkin Bread
    • Cheese Spread Appetizer

    Be sure and check back soon for more delicious recipes.

    script writing that says "Brie"

    HOW TO MAKE A DESIGNER INSPIRED HOBO SLING BAG

    Jun 19, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    sew with me. me made. me made may. sew along with me. sew bias. Clare v. Clare v band. how I made a designer inspired boho bag. homemade on our homestead. me made wardrobe.

    Learn how to make a designer-inspired hobo sling bag with this FREE SEWING PATTERN and step-by-step sew-along tutorial.

    Have you ever seen a bag and instantly fell in love? Well, that's how I felt when I saw the Bando bag by Clare V. But guess what? At the time of this publishing this blog post, it has officially sold out-again! Cue the tears.

    So here we are. Attempting to re-recreate this designer inspired handbag with a bit of that DIY style.

    Love.

    Inspiration for making a designer inspired hobo sling bag

    So I think it's pretty obvious where my inspiration for this hobo sling bag sewing project came from, right? Clare V. has down it again with her gorgeous Bando bag. This bag is simple in style which means it will be a classic.

    Why the Clare V. Bando is so good

    Well let's break this bag down in terms of functionality and simplicity. These are qualities I look for in a bag I want to sew or buy.

    This bag is simple, which to me also means functional. With two kids in tow and always on the go, I need a bag I can throw stuff into with ease.

    This bag has one internal pocket big enough for keys or a phone.

    There is no metal hardware on the bag to weigh it down or that will also get hot in the sun.

    It's made of the most buttery soft and supple leather, which also means you won't have to "break it in."

    So for these simple reasons I chose the Clare V. Bando bag as my inspiration.

    After doing some searching online for a pattern that was similar to size and shape, this is what I found. No I didn't try and attempt to re-invent the wheel here. I tried to create the pattern myself but without much success.

    Turns out, the bottom of the bag is really challenging to do without a pattern.

    And I'm not going to lie. This pattern is tricky in that very spot. Lots of curves. So maybe consider having a glass of wine before tackling that step. No seriously. Wine. Trust me.

    Free designer-inspired hobo sling bag sewing pattern

    So if you are interested in sewing along with me, grab your supplies and let's get started!

    I have listed the dimensions for both bags as well as a list of supplies you'll need for this project below.

    LARGE sling bag sewing pattern

    Dimensions for the LARGE bag: 11" wide x 10" tall, 11" deep x 18 drop

    SMALL sling bag sewing pattern

    Dimensions for the SMALL bag: 9" wide x 8" tall x 9" deep x 17" drop

    How to make a designer-inspired hobo sling video tutorial

    Be sure and watch the full video tutorial for how I made the Hobo sling bag.

    Supplies to make a designer inspired hobo

    So here's a quick list of what you'll need to create your boho style bag.

    1. Sewing machine
    2. Thread
    3. Material (exterior fabric and interior fabric)
    4. Woven interfacing
    5. Scissors
    6. Pattern (print above)
    7. Iron
    8. Optional: magnetic seam guide to help keep your seam allowance accurate)
    9. Fabric marking pen or chalk pencil
    10. Ruler

    Making a hobo sling bag

    Step 1:

    Pre-wash and iron all your fabrics. This will ensure that any fabric shrinkage or movement happens before you go through all the work of making your beautiful bag. If you are comfortable using your fabric without pre-washing, that's fine too. This is something I always do before sewing any project. It's been a habit of mine for years and will likely always be something I do.

    What size hobo sling bag should I make?

    The sizes for both completed bags are listed above so use those dimensions as your guide. I will tell you from experience that the small size is really small. I made one of these bags for my 7 year old daughter and it was a great size for her. However, if you don't love larger bags, then the small size may just be right for you.

    Cut out the pieces for your summer festival sling bag

    Again, using the finished measurements as your guide, cut out the pattern pieces for the bag you'd like to make.

    Tape the pieces of your sling bag together

    Match up the corresponding letter from each piece of the hobo sling pattern and tape them together to form the full pattern pieces. I prefer to tape the front and the back of the pieces to help reinforce them. Taping them on the front as well as the back also keeps them neater when it comes to storing them for later use.

    Fabric cutting for your sling bag sewing pattern

    Once you have decided on a fabric for the exterior and interior of your bag, it's time to lay the paper pattern pieces out, pin them onto your fabric and cut them out.

    Follow the cutting guidelines in the pattern to make sure you have cut out the correct amount of pieces from each fabric

    DIY Lined Christmas Stocking With FREE Pattern

    Dec 3, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    A beautiful red and white checked Christmas stocking with a white band is set on a dining room table next to a pile of fabric scraps, a spool of red thread, sewing scissors and two burlap Christmas ornements

    Learn how to make a DIY lined Christmas stocking with this simple sewing tutorial.

    HOW TO SEW A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS STOCKING #howtosewachristmasstocking #freechristmasstockingsewingpattern #DIYchristmastutorial #howtomakeachristmasstocking #simplechristmasstockingsewingtutorial

    *Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here*

    FREE CHRISTMAS STOCKING SEWING PATTERNDownload

    Today I'm going to show you how to make a Christmas stocking. This is a beginner-friendly sewing project with lots of opportunities to personalize.

    Grab your supplies, and let's start sewing! Santa will be here before you know it!

    DIY Lined Christmas Stocking Tutorial
    1. Learn how to make a DIY lined Christmas stocking with this simple sewing tutorial.
    2. Why make your own Lined Christmas stockings?
    3. How to make a Christmas stocking sewing pattern
    4. DIY Lined Christmas Stocking Video Tutorial
    5. Supplies you need to make DIY Christmas stockings
    6. Ideas to personalize your DIY Christmas stockings
    7. How to make a DIY lined Christmas stocking
    8. Choose the fabrics for your Christmas stockings
    9. Cut out your exterior and lining fabrics
    10. Pin the Christmas stocking pieces together
    11. Seam allowance for the FREE Christmas stocking sewing pattern
    12. Sew the EXTERIOR of your DIY lined Christmas stocking
    13. Sew the LINING of your stocking
    14. Sew the top band of the stocking
    15. Assemble the Christmas stocking
    16. Attaching the band of your stocking
    17. Sew your DIY Christmas sock together
    18. Optional topstitching on the stocking band
    19. Pin it for later
    20. Check out the full Christmas tutorial playlist

    Why make your own Lined Christmas stockings?

    There are a lot of reasons why you might choose to make your own Christmas stockings so let's go ahead and list off a few here.

    For starters, there's really something so special about making something with your own hands. Creating a pattern from a few bits of paper, picking the perfect fabrics, then constructing something you'll use year after year during Christmas time.

    Unlike a lot of people, I don't buy a new store-bought stocking each year for every member of my family. I prefer to use the ones that I've made myself. Call me old-fashioned I guess but there's something special in the handmade decorations.

    Handmade Christmas stockings also make great gifts and are totally customizable. You can make from old pieces of well-loved clothing, choose a fabric that you know that person you are gifting to would love, and even embroider a name on the top band of the stocking.

    How to make a Christmas stocking sewing pattern

    Making your very own Christmas stocking pattern is very simple. Today I'll be showing you how to make a pattern from a stocking you may already have, or you can feel free to download the pattern I created for this tutorial.

    Both are very simple to do. If you don't happen to have a stocking to use for a pattern, you can also borrow one from a friend or family member to trace. You can also head to your local thrift store and grab one for a couple of dollars.

    DIY Lined Christmas Stocking Video Tutorial

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjOgSfTy7oo[/embedyt]

    Supplies you need to make DIY Christmas stockings

    Let's go over what you'll need to sew these simple stockings.

    1. You'll need an old stocking (for a pattern) or the pattern I provided above. Either will work for this tutorial.
    2. Fabric. You'll want some fabric for the exterior, coordinating fabric for the lining of your stocking.
    3. A piece of fabric for the band around the outside.
    4. Ribbon or a small scrap of fabric that you can make a loop to hang your stocking from.
    5. Sewing machine.
    6. Thread (contrasting or coordinating-it's up to you).
    7. Scissors.
    8. Iron.
    9. Pins or clips (optional-but I prefer to have them).
    10. Cutting Mat (optional if you have a safe cutting surface).

    Ideas to personalize your DIY Christmas stockings

    1. Use old pieces of clothing. Now I'm in no way suggesting cutting up perfectly good clothing. But repurposing clothing that no longer fits or suits your taste instead of sending it to the thrift store is a great way to get some fabric-especially on a budget. It also helps keep clothing from landfills.

    I really love repurposing old clothes for small sewing projects.

    2. Buy a themed fabric that you know the person you are making the stocking for or gifting to will love.

    3. Have a custom fabric made for your stockings. Websites like Spoonflower.com make some really fun fabrics and you can send them pictures to have fabric printed for you. Just note this can get pricey depending on the fabric base you select.

    How to make a DIY lined Christmas stocking

    Download the pattern or get a stocking you'd like to use as a pattern.

    If you are using an old stocking for your pattern, you can skip the downloading part.

    Begin by downloading your FREE pattern if that's what you're going to want to use. Cut out the pattern pieces (4 separate pieces of paper) and tape them together accordingly.

    NOTE: When printing your pieces, make sure you print to scale and NOT at 100%. Otherwise, the pieces really won't fit together.

    Match up the lines the best you can and tape. Once you have this done you are ready to cut out your fabrics.

    Choose the fabrics for your Christmas stockings

    You can pretty much use any fabrics you want to construct your stockings. I typically use 100% linen or quilting cotton but the flannel fabric is also really nice. You'll need a fabric for the exterior, fabric for the interior as well as for the band on the outside.

    I really enjoy picking fabrics for my projects-one of my favorite steps of the whole creative process is putting colors and prints together. SO have fun with it!

    Now is a great time to check your local big box craft stores for holiday printed fabrics and themed fabrics too. Most of them have these fabrics 50% off!!

    Don't forget to take your coupons for an extra discount (applicable at certain stores only).

    Cut out your exterior and lining fabrics

    1. For the exterior and lining fabric, fold or place your fabric pieces RST (right sides together).
    2. Place your Christmas stocking pattern onto the exterior fabric first. Pin in place.
    3. Once your pattern is pinned to your exterior fabric, cut out your pieces leaving ¼ to ½ inch seam allowance all the way around as you cut. If you don't leave a seam allowance and choose to cut right along side the pattern, that's fine too. Just know that your stocking will be slightly smaller then what mine was.
    4. Repeat the same steps for the lining fabric. Use the same seam allowance as you did for your exterior fabric.
    5. Once you have finished cutting the main stocking pieces you should have (2) from the exterior fabric and (2) pieces from the lining fabric.
    6. Decide on a fabric for the top band of your Christmas stocking. You can use a coordianting print, plain fabric or a contrasting print.
    7. Once you have selected a fabric for the band of your stocking. Cut a piece that is 11 inches high. The length of the pieces will be determined by the width of your stocking at the top. Take that measurement, double it, and then add another ¼ or ½ inch (for the sewing seam allowance. *Whatever seam allowance you left when you cut your pattern is what you'll want to use*
    8. Take a piece of ribbon that you want to use for a hanging loop and cut to 8 inches. Set aside.
    9. Now that all your pieces have been cut. Let's pin.

    Pin the Christmas stocking pieces together

    1. Leaving the exterior (2) pieces of your stocking RST (right sides together), pin or clip them togther so they don't shift during sewing.
    2. Repeat this step for the lining (2) pieces as well.
    3. Fold the band fabric piece RST and pin along the 11 inch side only.

    Seam allowance for the FREE Christmas stocking sewing pattern

    • ½ inch

    Use a ¼ inch or ½ inch seam allowance.

    I personally prefer using a ½ inch for this pattern but ¼ inch will work as well.

    *Just be consistent with the seam allowance you use. If you choose to use ½ inch, make sure you use the SAME seam allowance for the entire project.

    Sew the EXTERIOR of your DIY lined Christmas stocking

    1. Start with the (2) exterior pieces of your Christmas stocking pinned right sides together.
    2. Sew using ½ inch (or ¼ inch) seam allowance all the way around the sides of your stocking. Be sure and leave the top OPEN. Do NOT sew this shut.

    Sew the LINING of your stocking

    1. Repeating the same steps you did for the EXTERIOR of your stocking, leave the pieces of the lining pinned right sides together and sew along the sides using the SAME seam allowance you did for the exterior.
    2. Be sure and leave the top of the stocking liner OPEN as well. Do NOT stitch this closed.

    Sew the top band of the stocking

    1. With the 11 inch sides of the top band pinned right sides together, sew a seam using the same allowance you have been using to sew your stocking.
    2. Once this seam is sewn, gently press the seam open.
    3. Now fold your band wrong sides together and press.
    4. Set the band aside.

    Assemble the Christmas stocking

    1. Turn the EXTERIOR of your sewn stocking right sides out. When this stp is complete, you should be staring at printed side of your fabric.
    2. I recommend giving your stocking a press to make sure the seams are nice and flat. If you prefer not to iron, that's ok too. You'll really only need to do this step for the EXTERIOR.
    3. At this point you can trim down your seam allowances to eliminate some bulk on your seams but this step is optional and will not affect the appearnance of your finished stocking.
    4. Leaving the lining of your stocking as sewn, insert the lining into the exterior of your stocking.
    5. Be sure the seams from both pieces of your stocking (exterior and interior) are together as best as you can.
    6. Pin around the top band of your stocking. This will keep the lining and the exterior from shifting. You will have a raw edge at this point, but don't worry, you won't see it when your stocking is finsihed. I promise.
    7. *This step can be omitted if you are a confident sewer* Using a basting stitch, baste around the top edge of your stocking using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Remove the pins or clips as you come to them.
    8. You should now have the interior of your Christmas stocking sewn inside the exterior of your stocking.

    Attaching the band of your stocking

    1. Grab the band of your stocking that you stitched and pressed together previously. It's time to attach it to your stocking.
    2. Insert the band of your stocking INSIDE the stocking, matching up the raw edges of the band to the basted raw edge of your stocking body. Be sure to match up the sewn side seam of your band and the side seam of your stocking. If this step seems confusing, refer to this step in the video tutorial.
    3. Now grab your 8 inch piece of decorative ribbon and fold it in half. Again, matching up the raw edges of the ribbon.
    4. Carefully place the ribbon loop side down, on the side seam between the band of your stocking and the lining of your stocking. The raw edges of the ribbon should be sticking out and past the top edge of the stocking ¼ inch or sew. This is to ensure that you catch the ribbon when sewing the band on your stocking.
    5. Pin or clip around the entire top edge of the stocking, making sure the loop of ribbon doesn't shift (I pin this first).
    6. Once the band, hanging ribbon and stocking are all pinned together, it's time to sew.

    Sew your DIY Christmas sock together

    *Remember to return your sewing machine stitch length back to the normal stitch length setting after previously basting. If you haven't done so already*

    1. Using ½ seam allowance, sew completly around the top band of the stocking where you previously pinned. This is going to attach the band to your stocking.
    2. Once you have finished sewing, trim your threads and press (if needed).
    3. Pull the band from the center of your stocking and fold it out and over the outter body of the stocking. This step is going to hide that raw edge under the band.

    Optional topstitching on the stocking band

    1. If your sewing machine has a decorative stitch, you can definetly sew around the top edge of your stocking. You can also so this with a straight stich as well.
    2. Do you want to personalize your Christmas Stockings? Consider embroidering a name and year on the band or use and embroidery machine for this step.

    Your Christmas stocking is now complete.

    A beautiful red and white checked Christmas stocking with a white band is set on a dining room table next to a pile of fabric scraps, a spool of red thread, sewing scissors and two burlap Christmas ornements

    DIY Lined Christmas Stocking

    Yield: 1 DIY Lined Christmas Stocking
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Active Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Difficulty: Beginner

    Materials

    • (2) pieces of fabric for the exterior
    • (2) pieces of fabric for the lining
    • (1) piece of fabric for the top band
    • 8 inch piece of decorative ribbon (for hanging)

    Tools

    • FREE pdf Christmas Stocking Sewing Pattern (www.homemadeonourhomestead.com)
    • Scissors or rotary cutter
    • Sewing machine
    • Thread (coordinating or contrasting)
    • Iron

    Instructions

    1. Select fabric for the exterior of your stocking, the lining, the top band as well as the hanging loop.
    2. Download and print your copy of the FREE pdf sewing pattern (link provided). You can also use an existing stocking you have at home to draft your own sewing pattern as well.
    3. Cut out and piece your pattern together.
    4. Fold the exterior fabric for your stocking right sides together.
    5. Pin your stocking pattern to the fabric and cut it out. Be sure and leave ¼ inch to ½ inch seam allowance when cutting out around the pattern. You can also just cut the pattern out without leaving an added seam allowance. It's up to you.
    6. Repeat step number 5 for the lining fabric as well. Be sure and leave the same seam allowance you did above as well (if applicable).
    7. Cut out a piece of fabric for the stocking band. 11 wide (length will be based on how you cut out the body of your stocking plus ½ inch seam allowance).
    8. Pin the exterior of your stocking right sides together.
    9. Pin the interior (lining) of your stocking right sides together.
    10. Fold the band of your stocking in half (width-wise) and pin along the 11-inch side.
    11. Thread your sewing machine.
    12. Sew the exterior of your stocking together using ½ inch seam allowance. Be sure not to sew the top of your stocking closed.
    13. Trim down the seam allowance around the body of your stocking (optional).
    14. Turn the exterior body of your stocking right side out and press. Set aside.
    15. Sew the interior lining of your stocking right sides together using ½ inch seam allowance.
    16. Trim down the seam allowance of your stocking lining (optional).
    17. Insert the lining (as is) into the exterior shell of your constructed stocking body. Be sure and match up the seams at the top.
    18. Using a basting stitch, carefully baste the top edge of the stocking exterior and interior together using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Do NOT trim seam allowance for this step. Set aside.
    19. Sew ½ inch seam allowance down the 11 inch side of the top stocking band.
    20. Press seam open.
    21. Carefully fold down one long edge of your band to meet the other raw edge of the band. Matching up the seam. Press.
    22. Cut 8-inch piece of ribbon for your hanging loop. Set aside.
    23. Take the band of your stocking and carefully place it inside your stocking. Be sure to again match up the seams.
    24. Fold the ribbon in half matching raw edges.
    25. Carefully place your folded piece of ribbon, loop side down between your stocking body and the band on the side seam.
    26. Pin around the top edge of your stocking. All the way around. Be sure the ribbon doesn't shift when pinning. Pin that fist if possible.
    27. Sew using ½ inch seam allowance around the top raw edges of your DIY-lined Christmas Stocking. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end of your stitching.
    28. Trim threads.
    29. Now pull the top band of your stocking out and fold it over the exterior of your stocking. You should now see the loop sewn in between the two pieces. This is how you will hang your stocking by the fireplace with care.
    30. Give your stocking a quick press (if so you desire).
    31. Your DIY Christmas Stocking is now complete!

    OPTIONAL Personalization Options:

    1. Hand embroider a name and year on your stocking for a little extra personalization.

    2. Use an embroidery machine to embroider a fun design or message on your stocking.

    3. You can also take your stocking(s) to an embroidery shop to have this done as well.

    Notes

    This is a very beginner-friendly sewing project. Sew along video tutorial available at www.homemadeonourhomestead.com

    Happy Holidays everyone!

    © Brie @ homemade on our homestead
    Project Type: Holiday Sewing / Category: SEWING

    Pin it for later

    Check out the full Christmas tutorial playlist

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLnoEoUIyTFp_ai6fHkRDpx5Epe7WHdM6Y&v=6wGS-OmMuoA&layout=gallery[/embedyt]

    Need a quick gift idea for Christmas? How about this Kitchen Apron.

    Watch the tutorial and find the pattern and post HERE!

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXe-ayXf-1A[/embedyt]

    I hope you all have a very blessed holiday season with family and friends.

    Brie from homemade on our homestead

    How To Make A Simple Kitchen Scarf

    Nov 28, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    a kitchen scarf sewn from a chicken printed fabric with a white tea towel. A red and white piece of ribbon divides the two pieces of fabric. The kitchen boa is sitting on an antique table with a wooden spoon sitting near by

    This simple kitchen scarf sewing tutorial is a great project to sew up for all the bakers and homemakers in your life. Actually, for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Kitchen scarves are a quick sew and will easily become your favorite kitchen accessory.

    Have you ever heard of a kitchen scarf before? Let me tell you, up until last week I hadn't either.

    So let me show you how easy it is to make one! It would make a great gift for the holidays, a simple wedding gift or just for anyone who enjoys time in the kitchen.

    • #howtomakeakitchenscarf #DIYgiftidea #simplesewingproject #beginersewingproject #christmasgiftidea #perfectgiftforbakers #howtomakeakitchenboa #kitchenscarf #kitchenboa #howtosewakitchenscarf #easysewingtutorial

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    Kitchen Scarf Table Of Contents
    1. How to make a kitchen boa tutorial video
    2. Why make a cooking scarf?
    3. Supplies you need to make your kitchen scarf
    4. How to make the kitchen scarf
    5. Kitchen towel shawl
    6. Start sewing your cooking scarf together
    7. Towels for your kitchen scarf-how to fold them
    8. Topstitching your dish towel scarf
    9. More sewing tutorials from our homestead

    How to make a kitchen boa tutorial video

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXe-ayXf-1A[/embedyt]

    Why make a cooking scarf?

    I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Not just this time of year either. I do most of the cooking and baking for our family from scratch so I spend many hours each day in this area of our home.

    I don't always have a clean apron handy so this seemed like a really great opportunity to make something practical for myself, as well as whip up a couple for easy Christmas gifts too.

    Each Kitchen scarf took me about 20 minutes to sew up and would be a very manageable project for a beginner sewer.

    You can customize these adorable kitchen scarfs by embroidering a name or nickname on them as well. I'm fortunate enough that I received my grandmother's embroidery machine when she passed away and I'm sure it would bring her great joy to know that it gets used a lot.

    Supplies you need to make your kitchen scarf

    (1) 42" long x 10" wide piece of fabric for the main part of your kitchen scarf. For this project I used a 100% quilters cotton fabric. But this would also be beautiful from linen.

    (1-2) tea towels, flour sack towels or regular hand towels. If the towels you are using are small towels, you'll need (2). If you have one really large towel (like I did) you can get away with just having one and cutting it in half. Watch the video to see how I did this to eliminate having to sew extra seams.

    • Ruler or measuring tape.
    • Rotary cutter or scissors.
    • Cutting mat.
    • Iron.
    • Sewing machine and thread.
    • Pins or clips (optional).
    • Magnetic pin cushion bracelet.

    Any sewing machine should work just fine for this project. I always link the machine I used for each tutorial as it seems to be one of the most asked questions I get.

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    Completed kitchen scarf from chicken themed fabric. I'm going to embroider "Nana" on this one as a gift to my mom for Christmas.

    How to make the kitchen scarf

    Making a kitchen scarf really only involves simple cutting and a few sewing steps.

    how to make a simple kitchen scarf sewing tutorial #howtomakeakitchenscarf #DIYgiftidea #simplesewingproject #beginersewingproject #christmasgiftidea #perfectgiftforbakers #howtomakeakitchenboa #kitchenscarf #kitchenboa #howtosewakitchenscarf #easysewingtutorial

    Step 1: Cut your main fabric 42" long by 10" wide.

    NOTE: for reference, I'm 5'4" tall and the bottom of this scarf hit me right below the waist. You can adjust the size as needed or to whatever length you prefer.

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    Step 2: After you have cut the main piece of fabric for your scarf, be sure and trim off the selvage edge if your fabric has one.

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    Step 3: Iron your fabric. If you don't need to do this, then just skip they step.

    Kitchen towel shawl

    I have made quite a few of these kitchen scarfs to gift over the years. I have always found that tea towels work best for me.

    They are light weight and easy to sew through.

    Step 4: I folded my flour sack towel in half and cut along the fold. This kept the seamed edge intact. That cut edge that doesn't look very finished will be put inside your main fabric so you won't even see it, so try not to focus on that.

    Step 5: Cut flour sack towel in half (if needed). It's important to try and keep the seamed edge intact so you don't have to recreate it. If you are using regular terry cloth hand towels, you can also cut these in half so you can make one scarf from just (1) hand towel. This really is a project you can customize however you want.

    Step 6: Now take your long piece of fabric and fold up the 10" edge ½" and press. You'll want the WST (wrong sides together) when you do this.

    Repeat for the other 10" edge.

    Step 7: Now that both of your 10" edges are pressed in, let's fold our piece of fabric in half lengthwise and press.

    Step 8: Pin (or clip) along the long edge. This will just ensure the pieces stay aligned when. If you are comfortable just sewing, then that's fine as well. I literally pin everything.

    Start sewing your cooking scarf together

    NOTE: ¼" seam allowance is what I used for this project. You can also use ½" seam allowance if you are more comfortable with that. Just keep it the same on both sides of your scarf.

    Step 9: Sew using ¼" (or ½") seam allowance down the long (42") edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your row of stitching.

    Step 10: Turn your "tube" of fabric RSO (right side out).

    I was able to just use my hands for this. If your hand doesn't fit into the tube, try using one of these.

    Step 11: Once you have turned your "tube" of fabric so the right side is facing out, go ahead and give it a press. Again, this step is optional but just one of those extra steps I always do.

    Towels for your kitchen scarf-how to fold them

     how to sew a kitchen scarf #howtomakeakitchenscarf #DIYgiftidea #simplesewingproject #beginersewingproject #christmasgiftidea #perfectgiftforbakers #howtomakeakitchenboa #kitchenscarf #kitchenboa #howtosewakitchenscarf #easysewingtutorial

    Step 12: So depending on what types of towels you opted to use for this project, you'll want to fold them so the seams are all in the back. If you cut a towel down like I did, you want to also make sure the raw edges are all at the top

    Step 13: Time to baste. So for this step, you'll want to set your stitch length to 5.5 (or so). This will make sure your stitches are loose enough to be gathered together.

    Make sure when you baste, you DON'T backstitch. This is really important. You'll want to be able to easily pull the threads to "gather" your towel and this won't be easy if you backstitch.

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    Step 14: Once you have basted both pieces of your towel (or both your towels), and gathered them, you'll want to lay them on top of each other to make sure they are roughly the same width. Again, no need to be exact. Just close.

    HOW-TO-SEW-A-KITCHEN-SCARF. Homemade on our Homestead
    Both pieces of my flour sack towel are basted and roughly the same width.

    Topstitching your dish towel scarf

    HOW-TO-SEW-A-KITCHEN-SCARF. Homemade on our Homestead

    Step 15: Now open up one end of your fabric tube and insert your towel (raw edge) into it. I made sure mine was almost 1" into the tube to ensure that it wouldn't become weak and pulled out easily. Again, do what your comfortable with.

    Pin in place making sure the gathered parts of your towel look evenly spaced.

    Repeat with other towel on the other end of the scarf.

    NOTE: You'll want to be sure that the back of your towels are faced the same way on your kitchen scarf so that when you are wearing it, the folded area of the towels are facing your body, however, either way, will work.

    Again, using a ¼" seam allowance, sew as close as you can to this edge.

    Step 16: If you have a machine that can sew decorative stitches, this would be a great project to use it on. I'd say that it will likely be easier on your machine if you are using thinner towels.

    However, this will also depend on the make and model of your sewing machine and how it is capable of sewing layers. The machine I used for this tutorial is a straight stitch machine only. I ended up sewing (3) seams ¼" apart for some decorative flare to my kitchen scarf.

    Triple row of top stitching complete.

    Step 17: Repeat this step for the other side.

    Step 18: Your kitchen scarf sewing project is now complete!

    a kitchen scarf sewn from a chicken printed fabric with a white tea towel. A red and white piece of ribbon divides the two pieces of fabric. The kitchen boa is sitting on an antique table with a wooden spoon sitting near by

    How To Make A Simple Kitchen Scarf

    Yield: 1 kitchen scarf
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Active Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Difficulty: Beginner
    Estimated Cost: varies

    Learn how to sew this practical kitchen neck scarf. This simple sewing project is very beginner friendly and low cost. Kitchen scarves are the newest trend in a busy homestead kitchen.

    Materials

    • (1) new tea towel or kitchen hand towel of your choice
    • Printed cotton fabric piece measuring 42 inches long by 10 inches wide.
    • Ribbon for trim (optional)
    • Thread (color choice is up to you based on the fabric used).

    Tools

    • Sewing machine
    • Iron
    • pins 
    • Scissors or rotary cutter
    • Tape measure or acrylic ruler
    • Cutting mat (if you are using a rotary cutter)

    Instructions

    1. Wash and dry the fabric for your dish towel scarf (optional).
    2. Press your fabric and tea towel.
    3. Cut the cotton fabric for the top of your kitchen scarf 42 inches long by 10 inches wide.
    4. Fold the tea towel in half lengthwise (keeing the side seams intact).
    5. Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut up the folded edge of your towel. Set aside for later.
    6. Now take the cotton printed you selected and carefully fold the fabric on the 10 inch side ½ inch with wrong sides together and press.
    7. Repeat for the other 10 inch side.
    8. Once you have the short sides pressed, press lengthwise (42 inch side) with right sides together and pin.
    9. Using the seam allowance you've chosen (either ¼ inch or ½ inch), sew up the long side you have pinned. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your line of stitching.
    10. Turn your fabric tube right side out.
    11. Press and set aside.
    12. Fold your tea towels so the seams are in the back. Be sure and fold both towel pieces the same to ensure consistency.
    13. Once your tea towel pieces are folded, its time to baste them. This will be sure they stay as folded when they are placed into the end of the fabric tube. To baste, begin by lengthening the stitch length on your machine to 5.5. Be sure the gathers in the fabric look as symetrical as possible and baste. Backstitching for this step isn't necessary.
    14. Repeat for the other tea towel piece. When completed, you should have two identical pieces of towel to use for your kitchen neck scarf.
    15. Take the end of your tea towel previously basted and place it into the tube of printed, pressed fabric. Tea towel should be in the tube of fabric at least ½ to 1 inch. Pin it into place. Keep in mind this is going to get alot of use in the kitchen so it needs to be durable.
    16. Set your stitch length back to the normal setting for your machine. Yes, I included this as a step since I still forget to do this from time to time.
    17. Now stitch the towel into place. I prefer to use two seperate seams for this on each side sewn ¼ inch apart for extra support. But if one row of stitching is fine with you then that's ok too. Be sure and backstitch at the beginning and end of each line of stitching.
    18. Repeat for the other side.
    19. Optional: You may choose to add extra ribbon that is for decorative purposes only. It's up to you what your kitchen scarf looks like when it's done. you can also embroider a name on it if you are giving it as a gift. There are lots of ways to personalize it.
    20. You have now completed the kitchen neck scarf sewing project.
    21. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Seam Allowance:

    Use either ¼ inch or ½ inch seam allowance for this project.

    Just be sure that you use the same seam allowance throughout the entire project.

    Ribbon is optional and is strictly decorative.

    © Brie from Homemade on our Homestead
    Project Type: Sewing / Category: SEWING

    I hope you all enjoyed this sewing tutorial today. Thanks for stopping by our handmade home. Until my next tutorial, happy sewing everyone.

    Brie with homemade on our homestead

    More sewing tutorials from our homestead

    • Bucket bag
    • Fabric basket
    • Log cabin quilt
    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLnoEoUIyTFp-DEyvbunLf2XRIID5fESX9&v=2OW0bv1fu4Q[/embedyt]

    This playlist contains 14 sewing tutorials with FREE patterns, step by step instructions and more!

    HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE DIY RIBBON WREATH

    Nov 25, 2020 · 1 Comment

    christmas ribbon wreath tutorial ribbon wreath christmas wreath

    Learn how to make this simple DIY ribbon wreath. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.

    They look beautiful hanging on a front door or sitting as a centerpiece of a dining room table with candles in the center. There's many options for sizes as well as style and colors of ribbon. This DIY craft is fun for the whole family or a girlfriends get together. So grab your supplies and lets get crafting!

    Video for how to make a ribbon wreath

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKhMDuXnSFc[/embedyt]

    How to make a simple ribbon wreath

    how to make a ribbon wreath christmas wreath holiday wreath

    Supplies for making a ribbon wreath

    1. Wire wreath frame (pictured above).  Usually located in the floral department of any craft store or amazon, these come in an array of sizes (4"-24"). Decide where you'll be wanting to use/hang  this wreath and size accordingly. For example, if you have a large front door or entry, consider using a larger sized frame. If you'd prefer to make a couple for table centerpieces, maybe use a smaller frame. It really just depends. When you visit your local craft supply store, you'll be able to see the sizes and gauge more appropriately.
    2. Floral pics. These aren't necessary to complete this project. They just add another element of character and dimension.
    3. Ribbon. The style, color, and width of ribbon are up to you. I prefer ribbon that has a wired edge. This makes it easier to move, bend and guide the ribbon to where you want it to be. I have made this with a burlap ribbon that did not have a wired edge and it turned out fine. I did find that I used more ribbon than I normally would though. Typically, the larger the ribbon, the less you'll need. If you decide that you want the ribbon to have tighter curls and a lot more of them, the more ribbon you'll need. If you prefer the curls to be tighter and sit closer to the frame, the less you'll need. It really just depends on what look you're going for. Watch the tutorial video before heading to the store for supplies. (Tip-when buying ribbon, especially if your craft store doesn't have a lot left of a particular color and style you are going for, buy extra! It's better to have too much than not enough).
    4. Wreath hanger. If you are planning on hanging this on your front door, be sure you have a wreath hanger to hang it from. I'll put a link below to the one we have.
    ...

    Read More

    How To Make A Christmas Countdown Chain

    Nov 14, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CHAIN | REUSABLE ADVENT CHAIN | HOMEMADE ON OUR HOMESTEAD #howtomakeachristmascountdownchain #reusableadventchain #countdowncalendarforkids #Adventcalendaridea #christmaschain #reusablechristmaschain #fabricadventchain #reusableadventcountdownchain #freechristmassewingpattern #easyadvetnchainproject

    Learn how to make this Christmas countdown chain just in time for the holidays.

    A beautiful handmade fabric Advent chain full of bright Christmas printed fabrics in shades of red, green and ivory.
    Christmas Countdown Chain Table Of Contents
    1. Learn how to make this Christmas countdown chain just in time for the holidays.
    2. FREE Christmas Countdown Chain Sewing Pattern.
    3. How to make a Christmas Countdown Chain video:
    4. Other holiday posts you may enjoy
    5. What do you need to make a Christmas Countdown Chain?
    6. Pin it for later
    7. Select fabrics for your Christmas chain and iron.
    8. Cut the fabrics for your Advent chain into strips.
    9. Press all your fabric strips.
    10. It's time to make your Christmas Countdown Chain!
      • Note: ¼" seam allowance.
    11. Trim loose threads from your countdown chain.
    12. Attaching a closure to the countdown chain
    13. Connect the loops of the countdown chain together.

    I love being able to make decorations for my house for Christmas. My kids usually bring a lovely red and green paper chain home each year, but as we all know, things are a bit different this year #christmas2020. So that's how this idea was created.

    FREE Christmas Countdown Chain Sewing Pattern.

    CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CHAIN PATTERNDownload

    How to make a Christmas Countdown Chain video:

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wGS-OmMuoA[/embedyt]

    Some of these links are affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.

    Other holiday posts you may enjoy

    • Lined Christmas Stocking
    • Cheese Spread Appetizer

    What do you need to make a Christmas Countdown Chain?

    I always get specific with my lists of materials and supplies that I use in my tutorials. But feel free to use items that you have or whatever you can find at your local craft store. This is supposed to be a functional Christmas decoration that matches your style-have fun with it!

    Play around with different fabrics and colors. You can always use Christmas-colored fabrics, not just Christmas themed fabrics-although these are cute as well. If you have a particular color you use in your home to decorate, feel free to use it for these fabric rings too. Ok, now back to the materials and supplies list.

    HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CHAIN | REUSABLE ADVENT CHAIN | HOMEMADE ON OUR HOMESTEAD #howtomakeachristmascountdownchain #reusableadventchain #countdowncalendarforkids #Adventcalendaridea #christmaschain #reusablechristmaschain #fabricadventchain #reusableadventcountdownchain #freechristmassewingpattern #easyadvetnchainproject
    1. Fabric. I used (5) fat quarters of fabric that were Christmas colored but not Christmas themed. You'll need (25) pieces cut 4" wide by 11" long each. This is a great scrap-busting project.
    2. FREE sewing pattern. You can download this above. You don't need this paper pattern template if you are going to use a ruler and rotary cutter.
    3. RULER. I used this STRIP RULER to make the cutting a bit faster. But a REGULAR RULER will work just fine.
    4. SCISSORS or ROTARY CUTTER. I also use THESE, to trim my threads.
    5. CUTTING MAT or surface that's safe for cutting.
    6. SEWING MACHINE. This is the machine I was using, but any machine will work.
    7. IRON.
    8. Thread. You can use a coordinating thread (one that matches), or a contrasting thread if you prefer your stitching stands out. Again, get creative!
    9. SNAPS, velcro, or buttons. Just remember, if you are going to be using buttons, you'll need the specialty foot for your sewing machine. Most machines come with this so make sure you check your sewing machine manual for how to attach and use it. I used the snaps and snap tool and you can find those HERE.
    10. PINS or CLIPS. This is probably something you could honestly make do without. I also used MAGNETIC PIN BRACELET to hold my pins while I sew.

    Pin it for later

    HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CHAIN | REUSABLE ADVENT CHAIN | HOMEMADE ON OUR HOMESTEAD #howtomakeachristmascountdownchain #reusableadventchain #countdowncalendarforkids #Adventcalendaridea #christmaschain #reusablechristmaschain #fabricadventchain #reusableadventcountdownchain #freechristmassewingpattern #easyadvetnchainproject

    Select fabrics for your Christmas chain and iron.

    Pick the fabrics you want to use for your fabric chain. Remember, you need pieces that are 4" wide by 11" long so you can use scraps as long as they are large enough.

    After you have decided on your fabrics, give them all a quick press with your iron. This will make cutting them out a lot easier. I stacked all my fabric and used a strip ruler to cut all my pieces out at the same time but a regular ruler and scissors will also work.

    Cut the fabrics for your Advent chain into strips.

    You have many different options to get your fabric cut into the correct sized pieces. I neatly stacked all my fabric pieces and used a strip ruler to cut all my pieces out at the same time. This isn't necessary but it is a time saver.

    You'll need to cut the strip 4" wide by 11" long. If you don't have a quilting ruler, don't worry-just download the pattern I made for you and you can place that directly onto your fabric and cut your strips out that way too. You can find the pattern with the "download" button towards the top of this post. Print as many copies as you'd like.

    Press all your fabric strips.

    Again, this step is easier if you press (iron) all your pieces at the same time and then you can sit and batch sew them all at once. If you prefer to press one, then sew it, that's ok too! This is where watching the video will come in handy. You can see exactly how I pressed to enclose all the raw edges. But I will try and explain the best I can and hope it makes sense.

    A. Press each 4" side in ½" with wrong sides together.

    B. Next, press fabric piece lengthwise in half. Then open piece back flat.

    C. Then take of the 11" sides and fold to meet the center pressed seam you made with your iron and press.

    D. Repeat Step C. for the other 11" side. You piece should now roughly measure 2" wide x 10" long (again, you don't have to be exact).

    E. Now take your fabric strip and fold in half lengthwise again. Press (if you need too). Pin or Clip (optional). Your strip of fabric should now measure 1" wide x 10" long.

    I hope that all made sense. If you're still with me so far-BRAVO!!

    It's time to make your Christmas Countdown Chain!

    Note: ¼" seam allowance.

    Select the thread that you want to use for your rings. Again, you can use a contrasting thread that will stand out or a coordinating thread that you won't see as well. I typically go for a coordinating thread but chose a contrasting one for this tutorial so it would be easier to see on camera. But have fun with it.

    For these fabric rings I used a ¼" seam allowance and sewed around all (sides) so it looked symmetrical. However, you can just sew over the (2) short ends and the long open end to close things up.

    You can also do a larger seam allowance, or a smaller one. Whatever gives you the look that you like-go for it!

    Trim loose threads from your countdown chain.

    After you have sewn all (25) of your fabric strips, trim all your threads.

    Attaching a closure to the countdown chain

    So for these fabric strips, I chose to use THESE SNAPS. I found this step to go really quickly rather than having to sew hook and loop (velcro) to each one. Again, if you have velcro, I would just use it. Why buy something else right? But if you prefer the look of the little plastic snaps, then do that. You can always use the snap tool and snaps later for other projects-I know I do.

    You can also attach a buttonhole foot to your machine and sew a buttonhole and attach buttons. I think this would look so cute! I didn't have that many smaller buttons to use otherwise I would have likely done this instead. Refer to your sewing machines user manual for this step. Buttonholes are not something I do all the time so I myself still have to refer to my manual from time to time.

    Connect the loops of the countdown chain together.

    Congratulations! You have just completed this lovely (and yet simple) Christmas craft project. I hope you and your family are able to enjoy this countdown chain for years to come.

    HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CHAIN | REUSABLE ADVENT CHAIN | HOMEMADE ON OUR HOMESTEAD #howtomakeachristmascountdownchain #reusableadventchain #countdowncalendarforkids #Adventcalendaridea #christmaschain #reusablechristmaschain #fabricadventchain #reusableadventcountdownchain #freechristmassewingpattern #easyadvetnchainproject

    I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year.

    homemade hot cocoa mix

    How To Make A Thickened Elderberry Syrup

    Sep 2, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    a jar of freshly made thickened elderberry syrup. The clear jar of syrup sits on a table top surrounded by fresh picked elderberries . A silver spoon sits in the jar to stir.

    Learn how to make a simple thickened elderberry syrup on the stovetop or InstaPot.

    If you are looking to get started making your own elderberry syrup, you've come to the right place.

    I'm going to show you 2 simple methods for making your own natural immune boosting syrup at home.

    a jar of freshly made thickened elderberry syrup. The clear jar of syrup sits on a table top surrounded by fresh picked elderberries . A silver spoon sits in the jar to stir.

    Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.

    You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.

    Disclosure: Any information obtained from this post is from my own opinion and research. This information is not meant to treat or diagnose, prevent or cure illness. Please do your own research and talk to your doctor about whether or not elderberry syrup is right for you and your family.

    Table Of Contents
    1. Learn how to make a simple thickened elderberry syrup on the stovetop or InstaPot.
    2. Why DIY elderberry syrup?
    3. Health benefits of elderberries
    4. Can I eat raw elderberries?
    5. How to use elderberry syrup
    6. Is elderberry syrup safe for babies?
    7. How to thicken your homemade elderberry syrup
    8. Organic Elderberry Syrup Video Tutorial
    9. Ingredients
    10. Optional ingredients to add to your elderberry syrup
    11. How to make thick elderberry syrup
    12. Shop This Post
    13. Stovetop Recipe
    14. InstaPot Recipe

    Why DIY elderberry syrup?

    • Elderberry syrup is a great natural remedy for colds and flu.
    • Elderberries are super high in antioxidants as well as vitamins A, B, and C.
    • Taking elderberry syrup daily can help decrease the severity of colds and flu as well as help decrease stress, help with inflammation, diabetes, and more. These berries are packed with so many benefits it's no wonder people take it daily!

    If you've been to the store recently to buy elderberry syrup or elderberry gummies, you'll notice how incredibly expensive they are. Making your own can save you a ton of money and you'll know exactly whats in it-no hidden ingredients or things you can't pronounce.

    Health benefits of elderberries

    Elderberries are packed full of amazing things to help support your immune system, which can in turn help your body recover from sickness faster.

    Elderberries are also great for:

    • Helping reduce inflammation
    • Can help prevent cardiac issues
    • Helps your body eliminate excess cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
    • Can reduce the signs of aging
    • High in Vitamins A, B and C
    • Boosts the immune system
    • Can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms
    • Help decrease duration of colds and flu
    • Antibacterial
    • Decongestant
    • Anti-diabetic
    • Can assist with weight loss
    • Antitumor
    • Antiviral

    To read about all the health benefits of eldberries, click HERE.

    Can I eat raw elderberries?

    You should never eat raw elderberries. While eating a couple can't hurt you, the seeds have a cyanide inducing glycoside, which can cause a build up in your body and make you quite sick (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea).

    When elderberries are cooked thoroughly on the stovetop or in an InstaPot, it will ensure that the cyanide is cooked out.

    Elderberries in an uncooked state are quite sour and bitter.

    How to use elderberry syrup

    In our home we like to take elderberry syrup daily to help boost our immune systems and keep illness to a minimum if we can help it. If you don't want to take it everyday, you can also start taking it at the onset of symptoms.

    a glass jar filled with freshly made instapot elderberry syrup. A silver spoon is filled with the bright colored ruby red liquid and is being held up for the camera to see closely.

    If you don't love the taste, but still want the healthy benefits of daily elderberry, consider:

    • Adding it to a smoothie
    • Incorporating it into a fresh pressed juice
    • Make elderberry gummies
    • Add to a breakfast smoothie bowl
    • Make elderberry kombucha
    • Add elderberry syrup to a hot tea with lemon
    • Pour over ice with a refreshing sparkling water

    There are so many ways to add it to your diet without having to just take it by itself.

    There is a ton if information on the internet regarding elderberry syrup and dosing (age based). Read more about proper elderberry dosing HERE.

    To use:

    Take 1 Tablespoon of elderberry syrup every 2 hours at the onset of symptoms. Reduce the serving size to 1 teaspoon for children under the age of 12.

    Children under 2 can be given ½ teaspoon safely. But again, do your own research on this and determine what's safest for you.

    Is elderberry syrup safe for babies?

    Honey can act as a natural preservative and a sweetening agent. Using honey is my preferred choice when it comes to making my own herbal syrups, supplements and body products. We also have our own bees which makes it even easier for me.

    However, honey isn't considered safe for children under the age of 1.

    If you are making elderberry syrup as a gift for friends or loved ones with littles ones, consider using a substitute such as an organic maple syrup or even agave nectar.

    How to thicken your homemade elderberry syrup

    There are a few different ways you could thicken your homemade syrup recipes.

    I prefer to use arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch as a thickening agent. While cornstarch does make a perfectly usable thickener, I prefer the healthier option of arrowroot.

    a white bowl filled with white arrowroot powder.  A measuring cup is half filled with the powder getting ready to be used to thicken a batch of elderberry syrup being made on the stovetop nearby.

    Arrowroot powder to thicken elderberry syrup will produce the same results and is a much healthier alternative.

    A lot, although not all, corn based products on the market shelves these days contain genetically modified ingredients. I prefer to keep the use of these products in our home to a bare minimum. I'm always interested in finding a healthier alternative.

    You can buy an organic arrowroot powder for barely more than a container of cornstarch. Plus I like the it comes in a bag that is recyclable too.

    Arrowroot powder is high in iron, potassium, zinc and magnesium as well. So not only is it helpful as a thickening agent, you are also get some extra key nutrients and minerals into your diet.

    You only use 2 Tablespoons per batch of syrup so one bag of arrowroot powder lasts a long time.

    Organic Elderberry Syrup Video Tutorial

    Ingredients

    • 3 ½ cups of filtered water
    • Organic dried elderberries (1 cup)
    • 1 Tablespoon ginger (fresh grated or powder)
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon clove
    • 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder

    Optional ingredients to add to your elderberry syrup

    If you don't love the taste of ginger, I've included a few alternative that you can add to your syrup that are also beneficial.

    Ginger has a really strong flavor and can be overwhelming. So if you want to omit the ginger try adding:

    • Eccinacea root
    • Lemon (including the rind)
    • Orange slices (including the rind)
    • Cardamom
    • Vanilla bean

    You can also add these things to your elderberry syrup in place of the optional essential oils.

    Or just consider adding them along with all the other ingredients. All of them have amazing health and antioxidant properties.

    How to make thick elderberry syrup

    1. Add 3 ½ cups of filtered water to your pot.
    2. Then add your elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and clove to the pot as well.
    3. Turn the heat on and bring mixture to a boil.
    4. Once boiling, give mixture a stir to incorporate ingedients.
    5. Covered or uncovered (I use a lid with a vent) turn heat down to a simmer and allow mixture to sit for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until mixture has reduced to about half.
    6. Once mixture is reduced, remove from heat.
    7. Pour mixture into a strainer over a bowl.
    8. Use a spoon or spatula to press the berries and extract as much liquid from them as you can.
    9. Add 1 Tablespoon of arrowroot powder and stir until combined.
    10. Set syrup off to the side and allow to cool until its only slightly warmer then room temperature.
    11. Next add 1 cup of raw honey and stir until incorporated. If adding essential oils, you'll do that now as well.
    12. Pour your elderberry syrup into glass bottles or mason jars and store in fridge 2-3 months.
    13. Now enjoy the immune boosting benefits of your homemade elderberry syrup!
    14. Print the recipe cards below for later use. Stovetop and InstaPot versions available for print.

    Shop This Post

    Tools to make your homemade elderberry syrup

    • Water filter
    • Cast iron pot
    • Strainer
    • Spatula
    • Funnel
    • Small glass bottles (16 oz.)
    • Larger glass bottles (32 oz.)
    • InstaPot (only if preparing using this method)

    Pantry Items

    • Elderberries
    • RAW honey (1 cup) or Maple syrup or Agave nectar
    • Honey
    • Ginger
    • Cinnamon
    • Clove
    • Arrowroot powder

    Stovetop Recipe

    a jar of freshly made thickened elderberry syrup. The clear jar of syrup sits on a table top surrounded by fresh picked elderberries . A silver spoon sits in the jar to stir.

    Thickened Elderberry Syrup (stovetop)

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes

    Learn how to make a delicious immune boosting thickened elderberry syrup with this easy to follow recipe.

    Elderberries are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants and are helpful in lessening symptoms of colds and flu.

    Taken daily they can help strengthen the immue system.

    Ingredients

    • 3 ½ cups filtered water
    • 1 cup dried elderberries
    • honey
    • arrowroot powder
    • cinnamon
    • clove
    • ginger (fresh or powder)
    • OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:
    • ⅔ cup Apple Cider Vinegar (raw including the mother)
    • Orange slices (rind on)
    • Lemon slices (rind on)

    Instructions

    1. Add 3 ½ cups of filtered water to your pot.
    2. Then add your elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and clove to the pot as well.
    3. Turn the heat on and bring mixture to a boil.
    4. Once boiling, give mixture a stir to incorporate ingedients.
    5. Covered or uncovered (I use a lid with a vent) turn heat down to a simmer and allow mixture to sit for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until mixture has reduced to about half.
    6. Once mixture is reduced, remove from heat.
    7. Pour mixture into a strainer over a bowl.
    8. Use a spoon or spatula to press the berries and extract as much liquid from them as you can.
    9. Add 1 Tablespoon of arrowroot powder and stir until combined.
    10. Set syrup off to the side and allow to cool until its only slightly warmer then room temperature.
    11. Next add 1 cup of raw honey and stir until incorporated. If adding essential oils, you'll do that now as well.
    12. Pour your elderberry syrup into glass bottles or mason jars and store in fridge 2-3 months.
    13. Now enjoy the immune boosting benefits of your homemade elderberry syrup!
    14. Print the recipe cards below for later use. Stovetop and Instapot versions available for print.
    © Brie - Homemade on our Homestead

    InstaPot Recipe

    a jar of freshly made thickened elderberry syrup. The clear jar of syrup sits on a table top surrounded by fresh picked elderberries . A silver spoon sits in the jar to stir.

    Elderberry Syrup (InstaPot)

    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes

    Learn how to make immune boosting elderberry syrup in your InstaPot.

    Ingredients

    • 3 ½ cups filtered water
    • 1 cup organic dried elderberries
    • 1 cup RAW honey
    • 1 TBSP ginger
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • ½ tsp clove
    • ALTERNATIVE you can use Young Living Vitality Essential Oils:
    • 10 drops of THIEVES essential oil (use essential oils at your own discretion)
    • 10 drops of LEMON or ORANGE vitality essential oils.

    Instructions

    1. Add 1 cup of dried elderberries to the instapot.
    2. Add 3 ½ cups of filtered water.
    3. Add spices (if using EO's add them AFTER your mixture has cooked to maintain health benefits).
    4. Cook on HIGH pressure for 12 minutes.
    5. After the 12 minutes, let your InstaPot depressurize naturally. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN YOUR IP RIGHT AWAY-THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
    6. After your instapot has completely depressurized, open, and mash berries using a potato masher or spoon.
    7. Pour elderberry mixture through a strainer and press to exctract liquid fully from berries. You want to get the most from them.
    8. Once syrup has cooled, add in your RAW honey and essential oils (optional).
    9. Refrigerate mixture for 2-3 months.

    Get recommended dosing instructions from your doctor or healthcare provider.

    Notes

    Some thoughts on trying to help with costs associated with making your own elderberry syrup. Elderberries (especially organic), can be quite expensive, but there are some ways to save money, while still providing your family with the best immune support you can.

    1. Split the cost of ingredients with friends, family, or neighbors also interested in making their own elderberry syrup.
    2. Split the cost of a bulk bottle buy to reduce costs even more.
    3. Buy all the ingredients and bulk make batches of syrup to sell to family and friends if they aren't interested in making their own. This can be a great source of income during the cold and flu season and you'll be helping boost immune systems. It's a win-win!
    4. Buy your ingredients BEFORE October (if you can). I know it sounds silly but hear me out. Ingredients will get more difficult to source so buying early will actually save you money as I've seen the cost of elderberries nearly DOUBLE mid-October-and that's IF they are still available.
    5. Consider buying a couple of elderberry bushes and harvesting your own berries. We ordered some bushes from a local nursery and they won't arrive until November. These were also difficult for us to source so consider this BEFORE the season begins as well.

    © Brie @ homemade on our homestead

    When you aren't feeling well, you'll likely do whatever you can to make yourself and your family feel better quicker.

    Consider making a reusable heath pack infused with essential oils to help with aches and pains. You can find the tutorial for them HERE.

    Elderberry syrup has so many amazing health benefits. I hope you'll try making a batch for you and your family.

    Thanks so much for stopping by our homestead.

    HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP | homemade elderberry syrup | natural remedy for cold and flu #howtomakeelderberrysyrup #homemadeelderberrysyrup #naturalremedies #coldandfluremedy #immunesupportrecipe #immunesupport #toxicfreehome #naturalliving

    More delicious recipes from our homestead:

    Simple One Pot Paleo Zucchini Soup

    The Best All Natural And Affordable Drug Store Makeup

    Jul 13, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    a white barn board tabletop with several containers of blush and eyeshadows in varying shades of soft pink hues. makeup brushes surround the delicate containers of powdered products
    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    The makeup I own. I think I do have one more eye shadow color palette somewhere.

    Today I'm sharing the BEST all-natural and affordable drug store makeup I have found. It makes my over forty makeup routine minimal and quick. As a busy mom, I need that.

    Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.

    You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.

    Table Of Contents
    1. Can you find affordable all natural makeup at the drug store?
    2. Is all drug store makeup created equal?
    3. Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? Because it's an organ, shouldn't we take care of it?
    4. Whats the best all natural and affordable drug store makeup?
    5. What are the best drug store lip moisturizers?
    6. Whats the best all natural drug store concealer?
    7. These are the best non-toxic concealer makeup solutions I have found.
    8. The best srug store foundation and highlighter
    9. Do I need to wear a liquid foundation to get that flawless skin look?
    10. All natural highlighters
    11. The best drug store blush brands
    12. Non-toxic cream blushes
    13. All natural eyebrows
    14. The best drug store eyeshadows
    15. Non-toxic, drug store eyeliner pencils
    16. Eyelash curlers
    17. Affordable all-natural drug store mascaras
    18. Non-toxic lengthening mascara
    19. The best all natural drug store makeup for a flawless 5 minute face
    20. Pin it
    21. Shop By Category
    22. What are some of your favorite all-natural drug store products?

    Can you find affordable all natural makeup at the drug store?

    Yes, it is possible to find clean makeup at the drug store. It does take a bit more work to source out cosmetics that are non-toxic, but the long-term effects of using cleaner ingredients on your face are worth it.

    Trying to find makeup that is non-toxic as well as budget-friendly is no easy task. When it comes to my makeup, I've become more minimalist about my cosmetics over the years.

    Why? Well, to be honest, I just don't need that much makeup. I'm a stay-at-home mom with 2 kids and only work outside the home a few days a month.

    I do like to look nice, but I have figured out that I can do that with a clean, simple makeup routine and far fewer cosmetics. I have also noticed that when I keep my routine simple, I will actually do it. So putting makeup on every day no longer seems like a chore. It's quick and easy.

    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    I start my makeup routine by pulling my hair back with an elastic or a clip. With a clean, moisturized face, I'm ready for my quick and simple makeup routine.

    When I was in my early twenties, going out with friends was always on the agenda. Therefore having lots of makeup I thought was necessary. I never cared to look at the ingredients or to do any sort of research about the company I bought from. If I liked the color, I bought it. Something my 40-year-old self would like to have a discussion about with my twenty-something-year-old self.

    I thought because I was using high-end makeup from a department store, it must have been good for my skin. Sadly, I was wrong.

    Is all drug store makeup created equal?

    Not all makeup is created equal. It's not all toxic-free and free from animal testing. For me, these are all important qualities in choosing makeup. These are not the only things I look for when choosing makeup, but for sure ones that are high up on my list of importance.

    Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? Because it's an organ, shouldn't we take care of it?

    Most people wouldn't consider skin to be an organ, but it is. Just like the organs inside your body, it's capable of absorbing so many things. Because it's a barrier for your internal organs and the first thing exposed to the elements, it takes quite a beating.

    So why wouldn't we treat our skin the same way we would treat the rest of our bodies? Makes sense right?

    Whats the best all natural and affordable drug store makeup?

    If you are interested in the makeup I'm sharing with you today, I encourage you to do some price shopping for yourself.

    While most of this is available at your local drugstore, I have found that the prices can vary greatly. After checking three of my local pharmacies as well as online, I actually found the BEST prices are on Amazon.

    Now we all know that Amazon is amazing, but did you know that the prices can fluctuate? So you may be checking the prices one day, and find the next day they can be slightly higher or lower than the previous day. So with that being said, I'll share the links as well as the prices of the makeup for today, that way you have something to compare it to.

    What are the best drug store lip moisturizers?

    Before I put my makeup on, the first thing I do is moisturize my lips. I have two moisturizers that I love to use. As a bonus, they both taste great.

    Pacifica lip gloss $3.99 each.

    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead

    PACIFICA NATURAL COLOR QUENCH LIP TINT.

    Here's the color swatched on my hand. Really light with a very slight shimmer.
    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    My Treat beauty lip balm. These come in so many flavors! The best part about these lip balms is you don't just have to use it on your lips, you can use them as an under-eye moisturizer stick too. It's all-natural and organic!

    Treat beauty lip balms. These are not your average size lip balms. Treat balms are HUGE. These are $13.99 each but I've had this one for over a year and I'm still not to the bottom. I use it to moisture my lips as well as my under eyes. Make sure you check out all the flavors there's a lot of them and all delicious. Vanilla buttercream (shown) and confetti cake are a couple of my favorites.

    Whats the best all natural drug store concealer?

    I have two concealers that have seemed to work well for me over the last couple of years. I tend to have dry skin with an oily t-zone and concealers always seem to be drying or difficult to blend out.

    Here's a couple that I have found work really well, and won't break the bank. My previous brand concealer was $47 a tube. Yikes!

    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    Swatched: Burts Bees "fair" on the left and Pacifica "light" on the right. Both are the lightest shades but obviously the Burts bees brand is lighter.

    So out of these two concealers, I would say that the Burts Bees brand is my favorite. I feel like it blends easier on my skin. I'd say if you had more oily skin, either would be great.

    When I blend out my concealer I usually use a damp beauty blender. Both work, so I think this may just come down to personal preference. Burts Bees concealer is $9.99 and the Pacifica concealer is $12.99.

    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    I dot my concealer under my eyes as well as on my eyelids. Using a damp beauty sponge, I gently blend it out.

    These are the best non-toxic concealer makeup solutions I have found.

    The best srug store foundation and highlighter

    Powders. I've had a love-hate relationship with them. The reason why I've never loved powders until a few years ago is that I always felt like they dried out my skin even more and looked really "caked" on my skin.

    This is most likely due to the fact that I was wearing it over my liquid foundation and I just had the wrong formula and color for my skin.

    Now I'm far from a "beauty YouTuber." I'm not a professional makeup artist either. However, I have tried so many different brands of makeup over the years (as I'm sure most of us have) that I feel like I can give my opinion on the matter.

    Do I need to wear a liquid foundation to get that flawless skin look?

    I stopped wearing liquid foundation. I don't like it! There, I said it. It makes my face feel heavy and really uncomfortable. Let's face it, I'm not getting any younger. I just turned 40 last year and with each passing year I have a few more lines popping up. And you know what? I'm ok with it. I have learned how to apply my makeup so that it doesn't accentuate them.

    Now I totally understand that a lot of people wear a liquid foundation to hide blemishes and acne. I get it. I was one of them. It wasn't until I changed my diet and started developing a really good skincare routine with clean products that my face totally cleared up. So now I don't have to wear the liquid stuff anymore and I'm really happy about it.

    This is literally the BEST powder I have used on my face. It's really lightweight but does a really great job of keeping the shine down on my skin. I apply it in the morning and don't do a makeup touch up at all throughout the day. Did I mention I'm a stay at home mom? Yeah, I don't have time for touch ups lol.

    I don't have multiple powders to share. Just this one. That's it. I have no plans to swap out my powders anytime soon either. I really love this one.

    Retail $9.99.

    All natural highlighters

    Just like my powder, I only have one. When it comes to highlighters I'm more of the less is more kinda girl. Well, that's really all my makeup. But this one is my favorite.

    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    I love that they include these positive affirmations on the inside of their products.

    This is the Pacifica brand mineral highlighter in the color "ice baby." It has just enough shimmer without being "too much" shimmer-if that even makes sense. Slight iridescent in color and goes on really light. I use this on the tops of my cheeks, my cupids bow, and the arch of my brows.

    Retail $10.99.

    The best drug store blush brands

    When it comes to adding some color to your face, I have a few options here. One of them I wouldn't consider "makeup on a budget" but since I showed it in the video, I thought it was worth a mention here too. It is non-toxic though, so that's always a plus. So let's look at these 3 options.

    So this is the Burts Bees blush in Shy Pink. It looks dark but goes on really light and natural-looking. It's a beautiful color. This is the one I applied in the video. Retail $9.99.

    Non-toxic cream blushes

    If you prefer a cream blush, I've gotcha covered. Here's the cream version in the Burts Bees brand. Retail for the cream blush stick is $10.27.

    Just like the Burts Bees blush, this too goes on really light and beautiful. This is the Pacifica powder blush. Retail $9.99. Non-toxic, budget friendly makeup can be really simple.

    Here's a swatch of all 3 blushes I'm showing you in the video.

    best non-toxic makeup. my simple makeup routine over 40. #bestnontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutineover40 #easynauturalmakeuproutine #5 minute makeup #minimlastmakeuproutine #bestnaturalmakeup #cleanmakeup #homemadeonourhomestead
    Left: living libations maidenfern blushing balm. Center: Burts Bees blush in shy pink.
    Right: Pacifica powder blush in camelia. Three great non-toxic blush options and all have gorgeous colors.

    So like I mentioned previously, the blushing balm by Living Libations is NOT really what I would call an "on a budget" makeup. Retail for this mini pot of balm is $37.00. Now to be transparent, this was a purchase I made 2+ years ago. Still trying to put only good things on my skin, but not really as concerned with how much things cost. Do I still love it, yes. Recommend it? Yes. But I think for the money I'd stick with the Burts Bees cream blush stick for the price.

    This pot is really small. Like really small. It last forever since you don't need very much per application.

    All natural eyebrows

    You guessed it. Burts Bees and Pacifica to the rescue.

    I have never had my eyebrows done. By done, I mean micro bladed. I'm a nurse by trade and so I'm use to medical equipment like scalpels and needles. But microblading scares me. So for now, I just give my brows a bit of a fill in and call it good.

    So if you prefer to have a tinted brow gel, Pacifica is for you. They have this gel in brown as well as clear (what I personally use). Retail $7.99.

    the best non-toxic makeup. My simple makeup routine. #nontoxicmakeup #simplemakeup #makeupover40 #5minutemakeuproutine #nontoxicmakeuponabudget #keepitsimple #over40makeuptutorial
    Getting closer.

    Next up is the Burts Bees brow pencil with a brow brush on the opposite end. I love pencils like these. Dual-purpose. If I can't find my brow brush, no need to worry as there's one right on the other end of my brow pencil. Retail $9.84.

    The best drug store eyeshadows

    I think I have two eye shadow palettes. Both the same brand, both different color options. This is the one I'm showing you since I believe its the most versatile because of the colors. Both of my palettes by Pacifica each have 10 colors to choose from. So it's nice to have variety, especially for this price. Retail $11.99 each.

    non-toxic makeup on a budget. my simple makeup routine #nontoxicmakeup #simplemakeuproutine #cleanmakeup #easymakeuptutorial #simplebeautyroutine

    This palette is called "Pink Nudes." When I purchased this for the first time, the palette was SOLD OUT on Amazon. So I purchased at my local Bartell Drugs instead. I ended up paying $17.99. I love all these colors but I would obviously prefer to pay $11.99. After all, this is supposed to be "budget-friendly" right?

    Non-toxic, drug store eyeliner pencils

    When it comes to eyeliners I have two. Black and brown. I don't want to complicate things if I don't need to. I try to keep my morning routine as simple as possible and by narrowing down my options, I can do just that.

    Both of the eyeliners I have are Burts Bees brand. I use to have this one in brown, but I felt like it really pulled on my eye to get the color on the way I liked. So I swapped it out for the Burts Bees option and I like them much better.

    Eyelash curlers

    This eyelash curler is by Japonesque. I bought mine at Ulta and paid way more than I should have for an eyelash curler. Save yourself some money if you're in the market for one-buy from Amazon. Literally half (yes HALF) the price. It's an eyelash curler. Its personal preference on whether or not you choose to use them. I use one because without, I feel like my eyes look more tired. But the choice is up to you

    Affordable all-natural drug store mascaras

    I find that I prefer my black mascara for special occasions and when I go out on a date night with my husband. I use my brown one for everyday wear. This is totally one of those personal preference things.

    I feel like most people wear black mascara everyday, and thats totally ok too. Whatever you are the most comfortable in.

    I really like the brush that comes with this brand of mascara. I feel like my lashes never look "clumpy."

    Non-toxic lengthening mascara

    I know just the mascara for you. Another one that I've tried that works really great. My friend had just purchased this and she let me try it first. I loved it, but not exactly "budget-friendly." Does it work great? Yes! But I just can't spend that on a mascara.

    Simple morning routine. It typically takes me about 5 minutes to get ready in the morning.

    The best all natural drug store makeup for a flawless 5 minute face

    Have you tried any of these Pacifica or Burts Bees beauty products? What did you think?

    Do you have any other great non-toxic, budget-friendly products to share? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

    Pin it

    Shop By Category

    LIPS:

    Pacifica Lip Tint Balm

    Treat Beauty

    CONCEALERS:

    Burts Bees Concealer

    Pacifica Concealer

    Pacifica Under Eye Brightener

    ECOtools beauty blender

    POWDERS:

    Pacifica Neutralizing Mattifier Powder

    Pacifica Highlighter

    BROWS:

    Pacifica Brow Gel

    Burts Bees Brow pencil/brush combo

    EYES:

    Pacifica Eye shadow palette in shade pink nudes

    Pacifica eye shadow palette in shade tigers eye

    Essence eye shadow palette

    Burts Bees Eyeliner (black)

    Burts Bees Eyeliner (brown)

    Pacifica Eye liner (black)

    Pacifica Eye Liner (brown)

    Burts Bees Mascara (brown)

    Pacifica Mascara (black):

    CHEEKS:

    Pacifica Radiant Shimmer

    Burts Bees Blush

    Pacifica Blush

    Burts Bees (cream formula blush)

    Living Libations Cream Blush in Maiden (this is a little expensive but lasts forever)

    BRONZERS:

     Burts Bees Bronzer Stick

    Pacifica Powder Bronzer

    MAKEUP BRUSHES:

    Makeup Brushes

    What are some of your favorite all-natural drug store products?

    Interested in a non-toxic makeup remover you can make at home? I have post for that too.

    You can read all about how to make it HERE.

    The Best Sewing Essentials For Beginners

    Jun 22, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    10 sewing essentials you can't live without | Sewing tools you need | Essential sewing tools #homemadeonourhomestead #sewingessentialsyoucantlivewithout #sewing #sewingnotionsyouneed #sew #crafts #sewingroomessentials #sewingtools #quiltingessentials #quiltingtools

    Today I'm sharing all the best sewing essentials for every beginner sewer or quilter.

    It has taken me quite a few years (12 to be exact) to figure out what works the best for me when sewing a new article of clothing for my wardrobe, a bag or quilt. A good set of basics will make sewing a little easier and far more enjoyable, especially if you are just starting out on your sewing journey.

    So I thought since I shared all about this on my YouTube Channel, that I should write a detailed post about it too.

    I tried to include a sewing equipment list with pictures for the folks like me who prefer to see what it is rather than just a list.

    Basic beginner sewing essentials are the foundation of a good relationship with sewing, quilting and clothes making so let's jump right in!

    Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.

    You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.

    The Best Sewing Essentials For Beginners Video

    Click on the links in the table of contents to take you directly to a certain section of the post.

    Table Of Contents
    1. Today I'm sharing all the best sewing essentials for every beginner sewer or quilter.
    2. The Best Sewing Essentials For Beginners Video
    3. What Do I Need To Sew As a Beginner?
    4. What Are Sewing Accessories?
    5. Can You Teach Yourself To Sew?
    6. The Best Sewing Essentials For Beginners
    7. Beginner Sewing Machine
    8. The Best Sewing Machine For Beginners
    9. 4 in 1 sewing tool: Seam Ripper, Stiletto, Presser, Turning Tool
    10. The Alex Anderson 4 in 1 tool
    11. Cutting Mat
    12. Olfa Cutting Mat
    13. Iron
    14. Features of the Panasonic cordless iron
    15. Magnetic Pin Cushion with Pins
    16. Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
    17. Sewing Clips
    18. Pros and Cons of Clover Sewing Clips
    19. Thread Scissors
    20. Havel Mini Thread Scissors
    21. The Best Rotary Cutter
    22. Pros of the Quilters Select Rotary Cutter by Alex Anderson
    23. Quilters Select Rotary Cutter
    24. Acrylic Quilting Rulers
    25. O'Lipfa Ruler with Lip Edge
    26. Wool Pressing Mat
    27. Benefits of using a wool pressing mat
    28. Mini Pressing Iron
    29. Height Adjustable Sewing Table
    30. Ikea Skarsta Desk for a Sewing Table
    31. Shop This Post for the BEST BEGINNER SEWING ESSENTIALS
    32. What Are Some Of The Easiest Things To Sew As A Beginner?
    33. What Do I Need To Start Sewing My Own Clothes?
    34. Pin It!

    What Do I Need To Sew As a Beginner?

    Obviously as a beginner sewer or quilter you aren't going to need everything on this list that I'm reviewing/discussing today. But these are some things that should be on your list of future purchases if sewing becomes a more serious hobby.

    Like everything, having the right tools to complete your sewing tasks will make things so much easier and more efficient.

    What Are Sewing Accessories?

    Basic sewing accessories are the things that you need that will help you complete your sewing projects. Accessories can include things like scissors, pins, rulers and so on.

    Gadgets have the ability to make things so much easier. Am I right? If you are a sewer, quilter or crafter then obviously you know this is true. Notions are just one of those things that have the ability to simplify. When I find a new one I always think, "why didn't I think of that?!"

    Am I the only one that gets giddy when I find that new special tool at a craft or hobby show? Gosh I hope not. Let's get to my list of top ten sewing essentials that I personally think you can't live without. Let me know if you have any of these tools and how you like them.

    Can You Teach Yourself To Sew?

    Absolutely!

    There are so many resources available on the internet these days that get started sewing is easier than ever!

    If you don't know anyone that sews, and still want to learn, don't be intimidated. Start small. Get the basics you need to complete, small, simple projects and work your way to more complex sewing endeavors.

    Books are another great resource. Whatever sewing looks like to you whether it's sewing quilts, handbags or clothing, you can find wonderful resources for all of them.

    Don't forget about classes. If you are looking for a more comprehensive way to get started all in one place, check out platforms like Craftsy. You can preview courses you want to take for very specific things and it's a great way to learn at your own pace.

    The Best Sewing Essentials For Beginners

    Beginner Sewing Machine

    I guess it's pretty obvious to say that if you want to sew, you need a sewing machine.

    That being said, there are so many machines on the market these days that it may seem overwhelming to find one that is going to suite all your sewing needs, and last you a while.

    This is the machine I started with. It last me a couple years, before I finally decided I was ready to sell it and buy something a little more advanced.

    It's a great sewing machine for beginners. It has a zig zag stitch, can sew button holes, and I found it to sew through layers without an issues.

    If you aren't ready to invest in a sewing machine brand new, don't forget to check out your local FB marketplace, Offerup and Craigslist. You may be able to find somethings similar for a fraction of the price.

    The Best Sewing Machine For Beginners

    You can find this machine HERE.

    4 in 1 sewing tool: Seam Ripper, Stiletto, Presser, Turning Tool

    To get started with our sewing essentials list, I thought I'd show you this multipurpose sewing tool.

    The elusive Alex Anderson 4 in 1 tool. This is probably the number one notion I get asked about in my YouTube sewing videos. It seemed like an obvious choice to put it first.

    What is it you ask? Let me explain the jobs it can do.

    This tool is exactly as it says. 4 tools in 1! Thats a win for me. Alex Anderson did us all a great service by making something so compact that can do the job of four-and in one handy tool no less.

    Let's start by listing all the things this handy sewing gadget can do:

    • Seam ripper.
    • Stiletto.
    • Presser.
    • Turner.

    This 4 in 1 tool is made of smooth wood it's simple and beautiful.

    Don't you just love that it says, "essential" on the back? Coincidence? I think not. It's essential in my book
    Point turner. Great to help push those pesky corners that are hard to get out.
    Remove the cap of the turner to reveal a stiletto. Sharp enough to be an awl as well. Caps slide securely into place. They stay put and don't fall off.
    Smooth 45 degree angle of this presser.
    If you remove the cap from the presser, you'll reveal the seam ripper.

    The Alex Anderson 4 in 1 tool

    This tool has an ergonomic grip as well. The middle part of the handle is square cut, but the edges remain smooth so it doesn't hurt your hands to have to hold it for a prolonged period of time. Say ripping out?

    Final thoughts on this tool? Get one, and you can thank me later.

    Cutting Mat

    If you plan on using a rotary cutter to cut your fabric, then a cutting mat is essential.

    A cutting mat will protect the surface of your counter top or table so the blade of the rotary cutter doesn't slice right through it.

    Rotary cutters are extremely sharp and all caution should be taken when using them to protect fingers and furniture.

    I have used many cutting mats over the last 12 years, and I always go back to the Olfa self healing mats.

    The price will vary greatly depending on the size of the mat you purchase. I have 6 of them in different sizes. I would say that if you buy just one, I recommend the 24 inch by 36 inch size. It is the one I use the most.

    You can find it HERE.

    Olfa self heal cutting mats are this beautiful shade of turquoise green with bright yellow grid lines.

    These cutting mats are a really great addition to any sewing room. Heres a few of the reasons why may want to consider upgrading to one of these mats.

    Olfa Cutting Mat

    • Self healing mat. This just means that when you use your rotary cutter to cut your fabric, the mat isn't left with deep grooves that inevitably your rotary blade will find in the future with ease. These mats heal themselves so the groove lines aren't noticeable.
    • Longevity. These mats have lasted me much longer than any of my other cutting mats.
    • Size availability. These mats come in quite a variety of sizes.
      • Functionality. My 12 inch by 12 inch rotating cutting mat makes cutting small quilt squares far less painful. No more lifting the fabric to make another cut. Spin the cutting mat (like a lazy Susan), and make your next cut. You can find that cutting mat HERE.

    Iron

    Like everything when it comes to sewing, quilting and clothes making, you'll find certain things that you love and certain things that are a nuisance.

    For me, I do not enjoy having a cord from my iron that gets tangled up when I'm trying to get things pressed. I personally have really enjoy cordless iron.

    Features of the Panasonic cordless iron

    • Steam or dry iron options.
    • Low, medium and high heat setting.
    • Retractable cord for easy storage.
    • Lid with carry handle.
    • Removable water well (for easy filling).

    Retails for $55-$89.00. Price will vary depending on where you find it.

    I have had both of my cordless irons for 5 plus years and they are still going strong.

    Iron come in a hard cover carry case with a handle on the lid. Cover snaps onto the base for easy, clean storage.
    Back of the iron base indicates heat settings and what fabrics are appropriate for each.
    When iron is removed from base you have 1 minute of temperature setting before it begins to cool. Set iron back onto the charging base and it only requires 7 seconds to come back to temperature setting.
    Water chamber can be fully removed from iron to fill. So you can leave the iron on the charging station and fill at the same time without fear or steam burns. Line on the side of the water chamber indicates max fill line.
    Retractable cord for easy storage.

    Magnetic Pin Cushion with Pins

    Magnetic sewing pin cushions are so helpful in a room full of sharp pins. If you've ever dropped a regular pin cushion on the ground and later found a lost pin with your foot, this may be the thing for you.

    The magnetic grabs hold of those sewing pins and keeps them nicely in place. If you drops pins on the ground while sewing it's also much nicer to pick them up with this then with your hand.

    Retail $12-$14.00.

    These magnetic pin cushions come in a variety of colors so I think price depends on what color you select.

    Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion

    These pin cushions come in a variety of colors.

    Most brands magnetic pin cushions come with sewing pins. The ones pictured on my pin cushion are sold separately. Because these particular pins have a silicone top, they won't melt if you touch them with the iron.

    If you are interested in these "magic pins," you can find them HERE. However, the pins that come with these pin cushions work just fine too. So don't feel like you need to purchase separate ones.

    The pins won't ever just fall off.

    Place a couple ruler grips on the bottom like I did to keep your pin cushion from sliding around on your sewing table.

    Sewing Clips

    I didn't discover sewing clips until much later on in my sewing/quilting journey. Once I saw someone using them to bind a quilt I knew that I would never use pins again for binding.

    I bought some for myself and they are truly magical.

    Sewing clips can also be used in place of pins for most projects.

    Pros and Cons of Clover Sewing Clips

    • Clips are more expensive than pins.
    • I have had better luck with brand name clips than generic brands that didn't clip as tightly and seemed to break easily.
    • You will need quite a few to do a large quilt IF you want to clip it all at once instead of doing one side at a time.
    • The clipping mechanism is really strong and holds fabric tightly.
    Tiny but mighty. Don't underestimate the power of the wonder clip. They are wonderful.
    (The clips do not come in the bag pictured above. This was just an extra vinyl bag with a zip top I had laying around).

    Thread Scissors

    I have a pair of thread snips hanging from each one of my sewing machines. I adore these particular ones.

    You can also use a regular pair of scissors to clip threads. I just found that these little thread snips work better for my needs.

    Havel Mini Thread Scissors

    • Made of stainless steel.
    • Lightweight.
    • Spring like snipping action causes less hand fatigue with use.
    • Curved blade makes it easy to trim threads super close to your fabric without poking your fabric with the end of your scissors.
    • Affordable? I didn't think so at first, but they are so worth the money and glad I made the investment. I haven't bought snips in such a long time that I really don't have anything to compare the price to.
    • You can find the thread snips HERE.
    Curved blade for easy thread snipping.

    If you are needing to purchase some new thread snips, give these a try. I think you may be surprised at just how much you love them.

    The Best Rotary Cutter

    I have quite a collection of rotary cutters. This is the newest one to my collection and the only one I really use anymore.

    At first I was hesitant to spend the money, but I'm really glad I did. It is by far my favorite and the only one I find myself reaching for.

    I will be sharing two different rotary cutters with you, and you can choose the one that best suites your budget.

    Pros of the Quilters Select Rotary Cutter by Alex Anderson

    • This rotary cutter weighs more than the standard rotary cutter. It's all metal parts.
    • The handle is really nice to hold. Has silicone inserts for a comfortable grip that won't slip.
    • Easy to change the blades.
    • Press the button on the handle and "tap" the blade on your cutting surface to engage the blade to cut.

    Quilters Select Rotary Cutter

    • When you're finished cutting, just flip the rotary cutter over and give it a quick tap to disengage the blade back into safety mode.
    • The weight of the rotary cutter helps prevent fatigue when cutting. You don't have to press your weight down as hard to obtain an accurate cut. The weight of this helps with that. I think thats the number one reason I like this so much.
    • Pretty expensive for a rotary cutter? Yes. Yes indeed. But my dad has always taught me that if you buy quality up front, you won't have to replace it later. So I made the investment.
    • These rotary cutters have a hole on the end of the handle so you can hang them on a notions wall in your sewing or craft room. Love this feature. I don't personally hang my rotary cutters or scissors but most of my sewing fiends do. So I'd consider this a bonus.
    Olfa ergonomic grip rotary cutter. I heard these weren't being made anymore but I found them on Amazon.

    If you are looking for a more affordable, but ergonomic rotary cutter, try one of THESE (same brand as the cutting mats I shared). These are the only rotary cutters I used prior to purchasing the quilters select one.

    These are a fraction of the price, ergonomic and easy to use.

    Squeezing the handle engages the blade to cut, release the handle and the blade returns to safety mode. I honesty believe that these are a close favorite to the quilters select brand. If I hadn't have found the other one this year at the sewing expo, I'd still be using my Olfa cutter and that would be just fine.

    Acrylic Quilting Rulers

    Clear acrylic quilting rulers make cutting pieces and strips for quilts so simple.

    Like everything, there are many different versions of these rulers, but the lip edge rulers are my all time favorite.

    O'Lipfa Ruler with Lip Edge

    These rulers are going to help with accuracy and change the way you look at all your other rulers.

    These rulers are made of clear acrylic plastic. This makes them really easy to read and use. The lip edge on the end of the ruler hooks onto the edge of your cutting mat making it easy to keep your cutting lines super straight.

    Lip edge of the ruler secured to the edge of the cutting mat.
    I added this extra guide to help protect my fingers when using my rotary cutter.

    You can find the guide to attach your rotary cutter HERE. It's also made by O'Lipfa (pictured below).

    Wool Pressing Mat

    Wool pressing mats have only recently become really popular. I have had mine for only 6 years or so.

    The Pam Damour Wool Pressing Mat and Clover Mini Steam-less Iron.

    OK. First things first. The wool pressing mat. They are NOT all created equal. How do I know? I have purchased three other mats that were definitely lacking in quality before I settled on the Pam Damour version.

    Don't make the same mistake I did and try to purchase a slightly less expensive one. The other versions I got were not very dense and honestly didn't smell like wool. This led me to believe that they were not 100% felted wool.

    I also wasn't able to find anything on the packaging that said they were in fact wool. Oddly enough they were advertised as such, but when I received them I was really disappointed.

    Benefits of using a wool pressing mat

    • This mat contains dense wool fibers that trap heat. This allows you you to press both sides at the same time.
    • Because these are felted wool, they provide a firm surface for pressing quilt squares without stretching your fabric.

    Disclaimer: Because I want to be totally transparent, when using steam on these they do give off a smell like wet wool. I personally don't mind the smell. I'm a knitter and I love the smell.

    It's not strong enough to be offensive by any means, but it is wool. Wool is a natural fiber. So if you are sensitive to smells or allergic to wool, obviously I don't recommend these as safe to use for you.

    This mat measures 18" long by 12" wide.

    Mini Pressing Iron

    Next up is the Clover wedge iron. I just call it my mini iron.

    I currently own two different mini irons. This is the one I reach for most but both of them work great.

    You can find the other one I use HERE. The only one I'm covering today is the Clover brand because it's the one I use most.

    ½" thick and super dense.
    I love having this set up next to my sewing machine for quick pressing without having to get up from my sewing chair.
    Off, low, medium and high heat setting-no steam. Easy rotating dial.

    Height Adjustable Sewing Table

    The Ikea Skarsta sit to stand desk makes the perfect sewing table (in my own opinion).

    I love that it is height adjustable. This feature makes it easy to use as a cutting table or a sewing table in any height that is comfortable for me.

    Often times when I'm spending hours sewing, it's nice to be able to stand a sew for a bit.

    I own two of these tables and have never regretted the purchase.

    These tables are available with a white base or a dark (almost black) color. I opted for white with a solid wood top.

    You can also purchase this desk with a melamine top (in white). Check your local Ikea store for availability.

    If you are looking to buy one of these desks but it isn't in the budget? Check your local Facebook marketplace or craigslist for a slightly used one.

    Height adjusted in the highest position is 47.25" high. Lowest position is 27.5"
    Not electric so you never have to worry about the up/down mechanism breaking. IKEA does sell this same desk in electric if that's what you prefer. It is a quite bit more expensive retailing at $607.00.
    Handle stores tightly up to the underside of the table when not in use.
    • The smaller IKEA table retails for $249.00 for the smaller table (47.25 inches long by 27.5 inches deep).
    • Retails for $279.00 for the larger version (63 inches long by 31 inches deep).
    • Height adjustable.
    • Perfect height for a cutting station or to stand and sew.
    • The Skarsta desk is also available in an electric model. However, it's quite a bit more expensive. For this reason, I chose to purchase the crank model instead.

    Ikea Skarsta Desk for a Sewing Table

    • You are able to purchase the top and base of the desk separately. I opted to purchase the butcher block top from IKEA instead. I felt like having a desk top of solid wood would
    • It's really heavy. Won't tip over easily. Roughly 75 pounds for the larger version.
    • It has a large work surface. Can hold multiple sewing machines.
    • White color with white top or white base with faux wood top.
    • Another plus? It's available at IKEA so you can order online for home delivery (for a fee). Or order online for in-store pick-up (free).
    This is the GERTON top from IKEA that I purchased for my sewing tables. Retails for $100. I purchased the desk base without a top and then bought this for the top instead of a veneer top.
    100% wood-not veneer. I was worried about veneer with my iron so I opted for a solid wood top.

    Hope you all enjoyed seeing this list of my top 10 sewing essentials. I truly love each one of these items and have used most of them for years.

    Shop This Post for the BEST BEGINNER SEWING ESSENTIALS

    • Sewing Machine
    • Sewing Table

    Any firm surface will work for a sewing area. But if you are looking for a height adjustable option, be sure and check these two out!

    • Ikea Skarsta
    • Husky

    I own both, so I can say that they are both equal in value, price, and functionality.

    Here are a couple extra things that can help if you are a beginner sewer.

    • Wool Pressing Mat
    • Seam Gauge

    What Are Some Of The Easiest Things To Sew As A Beginner?

    I have done quite a few tutorials on my YouTube Channel as well as here on the blog that are great beginner sewing projects.

    • Tote Basket (free pattern included in 2 sizes)
    • Fabric Shawl
    • Bandana
    • Christmas Stocking
    • Coasters

    Under the "handmade" or "sewing" tab you'll find more projects that I've done.

    What Do I Need To Start Sewing My Own Clothes?

    Most of the items I have mentioned above you will need to begin sewing your own clothing.

    But let me share a quick list that may vary slightly if you are intending on sewing mostly clothes.

    • Sewing Machine
    • Sewing Machine Needles (size and brand may be specific to your make and model of sewing machine-check your users manual)
    • Thread (buy the color you need to coordinate with your sewing project)
    • Iron
    • Scissors (for cutting paper patterns)
    • Fabric Scissors (for cutting fabric only)

    *you can use the same pair of scissors to cut your patterns and fabric but I do NOT recommend this option long term. Using scissors to cut both pattern paper as well as fabric will result in dull scissors that will need to be sharpened frequently*

    • Rotary Cutter (optional but can speed up the process)
    • Cutting Mat (if you are intending on using a rotary cutter)
    • Pins
    • Clips (pins are fine if you aren't ready to invest in alternatives)
    • Seam Gauge (really helpful for beginners)
    • Seam Ripper

    OPTIONAL ITEMS FOR CLOTHING SEWING:

    • Pattern Weights

    TIP: You don't have to use sewing specific pattern weights. I like to use marble drink coasters instead. They were the same cost as pattern weights, just as heavy and I find they actually work better. Here is one of the sets I have.

    • Pattern Notcher
    • Seam Gauge
    • Fabric Marker
    • Pinking Sheers

    Pin It!

    As always I will only recommend products that I know, use and trust.

    Thanks so much for stopping by.

    script writing that says "Brie"

    How to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth

    May 21, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Learn how to make this DIY hanging chair from a drop cloth.

    I have always loved to give homemade gifts for all occasions, so when it came to my son's birthday, I thought this swing would be perfect.

    He's a born busy body and therefore this hanging chair was just what he needed. Oddly enough, his sister decided she needed it more than he did.

    Thankfully, they are pretty good at sharing-most of the time.

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    How to make a DIY hanging chair video

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59tzvS9UKA8[/embedyt]

    *some of these links are affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy HERE *

    Supplies to make the hanging chair

    • (1) drop cloth OR 2 yards of 10 oz. canvas material. The one I have linked here is the one I prefer for all my DIY projects. The one I used in the tutorial I picked up at the Home Depot (not my fave as its not 100% cotton).
    • (1) 36" length of 2" diameter wooden dowel rod. You can find this at your local hardware store and you usually purchase this by the foot. Alternatively, you can purchase a wooden curtain rod and put the end caps on for a more polished look.
    • (1) 15' piece of ⅜" nylon/poly blend rope. Again, you can usually find by the foot at your local hardware store. You can also use a more natural sisal rope as well.
    • OPTIONAL SUPPLIES: fabric paint or fabric pens to decorate your chair. If you purchase 100% cotton drop cloth, you can also dye your drop cloth using RIT brand fabric dye.
    • Sharpie for marking. You can also use a washi tape or painters tape too. Use whatever you have on hand.
    • **(1) ⅜" eye bolt. This bolt is what you'll put into your ceiling wherever you choose to hang your chair.
    • **(1) ⅜" link snap. This is so you can take your swing down to store it when not in use.

    **BE SURE AND CHECK THE WEIGHT LOAD OF YOUR EYEBOLT AND LINK SNAP. IT SHOULD STATE DIRECTLY ON THE PACKAGE.** SEE PICTURE BELOW.**

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Tools needed for this DIY chair project

    (1) drill with coordinating ⅜" drill bit. My husband recommended pre-drilling the holes with a smaller diameter drill bit first, but I honestly found after trial and error that it really didn't make much difference.

    OPTIONAL: you may use a lighter to melt the end of your rope for easy threading through your dowel rod and the drop cloth. You can also put a piece of tape on the end of your rope to keep from fraying as well.

    • Sewing machine
    • Serger sewing machine (optional)
    • Sewing pins (optional)
    • Iron
    • Scissors or rotary cutter
    • Ruler or tape measure 
    • Drill
    • ⅜" drill bit
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Making your DIY drop cloth hanging chair

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Start by washing and drying your drop cloth. I usually wash in really hot water with detergent and bleach. If you don't have bleach, add some vinegar to your wash load. This helps eliminate the smell that drop cloths can sometimes have.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    This is why I wash my drop cloths before I use them. This is the water from the wash cycle of a brand new drop cloth. YUCK!

    After you have washed your drop cloth material once (or twice), throw it into the dryer. Once it's dry, it's time to mark and cut.

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Mark and cut your drop cloth to size

    • To begin, fold your drop cloth in half LENGTHWISE.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Keeping the folded edge on your left hand side, measure up from the FOLDED edge 32" and make a mark using your sharpie marker.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • From that 32" mark, measure our to the right 16" and make another mark.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Now using the bottom edge of your drop cloth, measure from the folded edge over 24" and make another mark.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • You should now have (3) marks on your folded drop cloth material.
    • Now, let's connect the dots (marks) we made.
    • Starting at the side seam mark at 32", draw a straight line to connect it to the 16" dot that was to the right of the 32" mark.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • From the 16" mark, draw a line down to meet the 24" mark you made along the bottom edge.
    • This is what your pattern should look like before you begin cutting.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Now grab your scissors or rotary cutter and cut out the seat for your hanging chair.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing

    Before you begin sewing

    There should be 3 raw edges of the fabric, and the longest part of the swing has a pre-finished edge from the drop cloth.

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    How to sew your hanging chair

    *** OPTIONAL STEP (if you own a serger sewing machine). If not, skip this step in the tutorial ***

    • (Optional: serging the raw edges BEFORE you sew). I added this step as an option for those of you that sew and own a serger sewing machine. Serging the (3) raw edges of the chair can really give it a finished look. Don't worry, if you don't have a serger I will show you how you can get the same finished look without one.
    • If you do own a serger and want to do this step, serge the (3) raw edges of the drop cloth. You should have 2 long sides and the top to serge. #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Sew your hanging chair without a serger

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Begin at one of the sides of your swing. On your pressing surface or ironing board, fold up the raw edge ¼" and press the length of the side.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Once you have pressed up your raw edge ¼," go back and fold up that edge another 1.5" and press again. Now you have just enclosed that raw edge. When you stitch it down it will look nice and finished.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • You can pin this down or just press.

    How to finish the corners of your chair

    Now I'm going to show you how to finish the corners of the seat of the swing that you just folded.

    You may have noticed that there's some extra fabric, almost like a "tail" sticking out from the bottom after you've folded your edges over.

    So let's fix that now before we sew.

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Begin by folding up that corner at a 90 degree angle. You can press with an iron or just finger pressing works too.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair
    • Now take that piece that you previously pressed at 1.5" and fold that down and over the 90 degree corner you just tucked in. This is what it should look like after its folded in and hidden.
    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Folded and pinned

    #DIYhangingchair #Howtomakeahnagingchairfromadropcloth #Easysensoryswing #DIYcraftproject #easyDIY #beginnersewingproject #easyhangingchair

    Sewing your DIY swing chair

    • Once your sewing machine is threaded and ready to go, grab the drop cloth seat that you have pressed (or serger) and ready to be sewn. This step isn't technical, you just want to be sure that however you choose to sew this up, that you have enough room to pass that ⅜" rope through. So don't sew the seam too tight.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • I used the edge of my presser foot as my guide. I placed the edge of my presser foot so it lined up with the folded and pressed (or surged) edge. Sew a straight stitch down the entire side. Make sure you backstitch at the beginning and the end of each row of stitching.
    • I chose to re-enforce this line of stitching by completing a second row of stitching ¼" away from the first one. This is optional, I just tend to always over-do things. Heres what it will look like when you have done 2 lines of stitching down one of the sides.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Notice my edge is serged. If you don't have a serger, you'll have a nice folded seam instead. Both options look nice.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing

    Repeat this step for the opposite side

    When you are finished you should have the seat for your hanging chair completed. Fold it up and set it aside for when we put it all together.

    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing

    Prepping the dowel rod for your chair

    Now it's time to get that dowel rod prepped so we can put it all together.

    So for this next part, you'll need your drill, the ⅜" drill bit, your wooden dowel, a tape measure, and your sharpie marking pen.

    We'll start by marking the rod where we want to drill the holes.

    • With your dowel rod, your sharpie and a measuring tape, start on one end of your wooden dowel and place a mark 3" in from the end and 6" in from the end.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Repeat for the opposite side. When finished, you should have (4) marks visible on the top of your dowel.
    • Next, grab your drill and the ⅜" drill bit.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • As I said before, my husband recommended pre-drilling the holes with a smaller drill bit. I personally don't think it made much difference (I've done it both ways), so I'd say why add one extra step. Who needs more work right?
    • Make sure you have your dowel rod on a drill-able surface. Don't drill directly onto carpet. I'd normally be doing this inside my husbands work shop on a saw horse, but the lighting in there wasn't very good so I opted to do it in my house. Notice that I have a piece of board under the dowel rod for the drill to go into. NOT the carpet or my new tile floor. Yikes that could be bad.
    • Drill all (4) marks on your wooden dowel making sure the holes are drilled all the way through.
    • When finished, it should look like this.

    Time to sand your dowel rod

    Grab a sanding block or a piece of 220 grit sandpaper.

    Fold or cut your paper into a small square and sand the top and underside of the dowel rod.

    You want to be sure you have sanded off all the splintered pieces of wood. So it's smooth to the touch.

    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Nice and smooth. Good work.

    Staining the dowel rod*

    * This step is optional *

    At this stage, you could stain your wooden dowel rod with a wood stain of your choice.

    You could also paint the wooden dowel, it's up to you.

    Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

    Assembling your hanging chair

    Grab your hanging chair drop cloth seat, your rope, a sharpie, tape measure, dowel rod, and the link snap.

    • I personally would recommend watching the video for this step of the tutorial as this may be more confusing to explain. But I will try my best. You can find the video at the top of this post or visit the "video" tab on our website for all the videos I have uploaded to YouTube and watch it there.
    • FIND THE CENTER OF YOUR ROPE BY FOLDING YOUR ROPE IN HALF AND MARK THE CENTER WITH YOUR SHARPIE.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Start by feeding your rope up from the bottom to the top side of your dowel rod. 
    • Tie a double knot on the top side of the dowel with your rope. Leave the top just long enough to make a knot. You shouldn't have a massive amount of excess rope here.
    • From the knot you just made, measure down the rope 40" and place a mark with your sharpie. This is where we're going to tie our next knot (but not quite yet
    • how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Starting at the bottom of the swing seat (widest end), feed the rope up through the channel you made with your sewing machine. For this step I used this inexpensive tool called a BODKIN. If you don't have one of these, you can also use a large safety pin or just the rope itself. Push the rope all the way through this channel and out the top.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Once you've fed your rope all the way through, much the seat of your swing (the drop cloth) down until the mark you made at 40" is visible. Tie a knot at the 40" mark.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Now take the end of your rope and feed it up through the dowel rod from the bottom.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing

    DIY hanging chair almost complete

    • After you have fed the rope through, find the center mark on your rope and tie a knot leaving a 3" loop to hook the link snap through. Heres a picture, hopefully this helps.
    • Now it's time to feed that rope back through the dowel rod again. This time. you're going to be going back down through the INSIDE hole that you drilled (the one closest to the center).
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Once your rope is through the hole, lay your dowel rod on a flat surface and lay the rope flat on the ground as if you were going to hook it to the eye bolt. Make sure you have the same amount of rope and that things look even. This will ensure that the swing hangs nice and straight.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Now measure 40" from the end of the rope and make a mark.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Tie a single knot where you made that mark.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Feed the end of that rope from the TOP of your hanging chair seat to the BOTTOM.
    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing

    Securing the rope to the hanging rod

    • Take the end of your rope now and feed it up from the bottom of your wooden dowel to the top and secure with a double knot.

    You have now completed your simple DIY hanging chair.

    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing

    Ways to customize your hanging chair

    how to make a hanging chair from a drop cloth | DIY hanging chair | Easy sensory swing
    • Use fabric pens or fabric paint to really personalize your DIY hanging chair.

    Shop this post

    • drop cloth (this is the one I prefer most).
    • Sewing machine (my fave sewing machine)
    • Grid sewing mat (optional for sewing extension table)
    • Scissors or rotary cutter 
    • Iron
    • wool pressing mat (or ironing board)
    • Serger sewing machine (optional)
    • Ruler 
    • Sewing pins (optional)
    • Fabric paint pens (optional)
    • Fabric paint (optional)
    • Eye Bolt (1) ⅜"
    • Link snap (1) ⅜"
    • Nylon/Poly rope 15' of ⅜" diameter
    • Dowel rod 36" long x 2" diameter (purchase by the foot at your local hardware store)
    • Drill
    • ⅜" drill bit
    • Sharpie or pen for markingScissors
    • 220 grit sand paper or sanding block
    • Bodkin (to feed rope through the drop cloth-optional)

    I hope you guys enjoyed making this fun project as much as I did. Thanks so much for joining me for another tutorial.

    script writing that says "Brie"

    How do you or your kids like them? Did you have a special way to customize your chair that you'd like to share?

    Pin it

    how to make a hanging swing from a drop cloth | DIY hanging swing | Easy sensory swing # howtomakeahangingchairfromadropcloth #DIYhangingchair #easysensoryswing #dropclothcraft #DIYcraftproject #youtuber #craftersofinstagram #howtomakeahangingchair #easyhangingchair

    HOW TO MAKE NON-TOXIC CLOUD DOUGH

    May 14, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome #montessori #makeyourownclouddough #howtomakeplaydough

    Looking for an easy non-toxic cloud dough the kids will love?

    Today I'm going to share with you 2-versions of this simple cloud dough recipe that you can make using ingredients you likely already have in your home.

    This DIY cloud dough is really fun to play with and even easier to make. My kids have had fun with this stuff for hours this week. The best thing about these particular recipes, is that they utilize things you already have at home. This is a great sensory play activity, the fact that it uses all non-toxic ingredients makes it even better. So head to the kitchen and make a batch, and see who enjoys it more-you or your little ones.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    WATCH THE VIDEO

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg4dpOAYG_U[/embedyt]

    INGREDIENTS

    YIELDS ROUGHLY 2 CUPS OF CLOUD DOUGH

    If you'd like to print the recipe and instructions for later, scroll to the bottom of this post and you'll see a printable recipe card.

    1. (2) cups corn starch (brand doesn't matter).
    2. (1) cup lotion (any brand or scent will do).
    3. Food coloring (optional). Around 10-15 drops depending on how bright you want the color to be.

    SHOP THIS POST

    • Cornstarch
    • Unscented lotion
    • Natural food coloring (optional)
    • Conditioner (for version #2)

    HOW TO MAKE CLOUD DOUGH

    1. Measure out (2) cups of cornstarch and put into a mixing bowl.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    2. Next, measure out (1) cup of lotion and add that to the mixing bowl.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome
    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    3. Stir mixture together with a spatula, your hands or in a stand mixer. Mix until dough begins to form and resembles a crumbly pie dough.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    4. Begin mixing dough by hand to fully incorporate. You'll continue to mix together until the dough forms and no longer sticks to your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, add small amounts of cornstarch until dough no longer sticks. It's best to add 1-2 tablespoons at a time. If dough is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of lotion until consistency you desire is achieved. I have found the 2:1 ratio pretty accurate. However, some lotions just seem to mix differently than others.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    5. Continue to work your dough by hand until it no longer sticks to the palm of your hands when kneading it.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    6. Divide dough into smaller sections and add food coloring (optional). Add until desired color achieved. 10-15 drops depending on how dense you want the color to be.

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

    7. Once your food coloring is mixed in, your cloud dough is ready for play!

    DIY CLOUD DOUGH VERSION #2

    So to make this second version of could dough, all you need to do is substitute the lotion for hair conditioner. I actually prefer this cloud dough because it has more of a play dough like consistency. Both are fun to play with and its good to make it both ways to see what your little ones prefer.

    HAVE YOU EVER MADE YOUR OWN CLOUD DOUGH BEFORE?

    What version of this cloud dough did you prefer to use? Did your kids have a preference? Let me know in the comments down below.

    PIN IT

    DIY cloud dough recipe #howtomakeclouddough #DIYclouddoughrecipe #DIYclouddough #sensoryactivity #DIYcrafts #howtomakeplaydoughathome

     CLOUD DOUGH PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD

    DIY Cloud Dough | How to make cloud dough at home | 2 ingredient recipe

    Simple, non-toxic cloud dough recipe uses ingredients you already have at home. Hours of fun for your little ones. Great for sensory play.

    • Bowl, measuring cup, spatula and your hands.
    • Cornstarch, lotion OR conditioner, food coloring (optional).
    1. 1. Add (2) cups of cornstarch to mixing bowl.

      2. Add (1) cup of lotion to the bowl.

      3. Blend with spatula, stand mixer or your hands until it resembles a crumbly pie dough.

      4. Begin blending dough with your hands (if you werent doing so already). Keep kneading until dough forms a ball and no longer sticks to your hands.

      5. Divide dough into sections and add food coloring until desired color achieved for each piece. I found 10-15 drops gave me light, pastel colors.

      6. PLAYTIME. Enjoy!

    1. I did find that different lotions/conditioners combine differently. So you may need to play with proportions. I found that 2:1 ratio was pretty accurate for most lotion/conditioner brands.
    2. If your dough is to dry, add more lotion or conditioner to mixture 1 Tablespoon at a time.
    3. If your dough is too sticky, add more cornstarch 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired texture achieved. 
    DIY Crafts
    DIY Cloud Dough Recipe, DIY Crafts, How to make cloud dough, Montessori, Sensory Activity

    Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon friends. 

    Brie with homemade on our homestead

    LOOKING FOR MORE DIY'S?

    CHECK OUT THE PLAYLIST

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLnoEoUIyTFp93QCdivwuWQzz7EYuZ1-Z2[/embedyt]

    HOW TO MAKE A MASK WITHOUT A SEWING MACHINE

    May 6, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    #DIYNOSEWFACEMASK #DIYFACEMASKWITHFILTERPOCKET #UPCYCLEDTSHIRTFACEMASK #5MINUTEFACEMASK #NOSEWINGMACHINEFACEMASK #HOWTOMAKEAFACEMASKATHOME

    Learn how to make a mask without a sewing machine.

    Why a tee shirt face mask?

    Making a quick face mask without a sewing machine makes its super simple to get a homemade face mask in a pinch.

    Is a tee-shirt face mask washable?

    Absolutely! Because you are re-purposing an old tee shirt this mask is totally washable and reusable.

    Is this simple no-sew face mask comfortable?

    Because this face mask is seamless and made from a tee shirt, it is really comfortable, stretchy and breathable.

    Is there a filter in the mask made without a sewing machine?

    I designed this mask specifically to be able to add filter material if you'd like. Just remove the filter and discard before washing.

    Is there a nose wire in the no-sew face mask?

    You do have the option to add a simple pipe-cleaner wire to the nose area if you prefer a more fitted mask to this area. Honestly I felt like because of the material this mask is made from, it didn't really need a wire. But if you prefer a nose wire you could definitely add one in the filter pocket area.

    Are there kids' mask templates for this style of mask as well?

    Because this mask is made from a repurposed tee-shirt, it's super simple to make this mask work for a child as well. Before you place the loops over the ears, give it a simple twist first. This will make the mask a bit smaller so it can fit a small child/toddler's face more comfortably.

    #DIYNOSEWFACEMASK #DIYFACEMASKWITHFILTERPOCKET #UPCYCLEDTSHIRTFACEMASK #5MINUTEFACEMASK #NOSEWINGMACHINEFACEMASK #HOWTOMAKEAFACEMASKATHOME

    * some of these links are affiliate links. This simply means that if you clink in a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

    Shop this mask without a machine post:

    Filter material

    (optional) nose wires

    tee-shirts for mask (you can also re-purpose old teeshirts you may already have at home)

    non-toxic laundry soap

    Looking for more FREE fabric face mask sewing patterns?

    Check out the link below for more options of face masks. Not all of the masks below are no-sew face masks. However, most of the masks have filter pocket are are offered as FREE FACE MASK PATTERN PDF TEMPLATES.

    If you go to the "search" bar on the homepage of this website, you can use the search term "face masks" and you'll be able to see all the tutorials I have done here. Again, all of these are free and no email sign up is required.

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLnoEoUIyTFp9AF8tY9T0YvKP0JdcjhUXw&layout=gallery[/embedyt]

    FREE face mask pattern pdf's available on this website.

    Video of how to make a mask without a sewing machine

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A43g4KBAEa4[/embedyt]

    Pin it for later:

    how to make a mask without a sewing machine

    If you have any questions about this mask or any other FREE mask templates I offer, feel free to comment below.

    homemade on our homestead face mask tutorial

    How to make fabric picture coasters

    Apr 30, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    Learn how to make these simple fabric picture coasters with this easy-to-follow tutorial.

    These fabric picture coasters can be made any size with any fabric you choose.

    * Some of these links are affiliate links. Read my full disclosure HERE *

    SUPPLIES TO MAKE PICTURE COASTERS

    • Sewing Machine 
    • Fabric (quilting cotton works best)
    • Odiccoat Gel (this waterproofs your photos)
    • Printable Fabric Sheets
    • Scissors
    • Rotary Cutter
    • Small paint brush (to apply waterproofing gel)
    • Iron and pressing surface

    Instructions for howto cut your fabric

    *For larger coasters (what I did in the video)*

    1. Cut 6" x 6" squares of fabric (one from the fabric your picture will be attached to and one for the back of your coaster. I always opt for a coordinating print). You'll need (2) squares of fabric for each coaster you make.

    **** Print your photos 4 inches by 4 inches for this sized coaster ****

    2. Next cut 5" x 5" squares of fabric (one from the fabric your picture will be attached to and one for the back of your coaster. I always opt for a coordinating print). You'll need (2) squares of fabric for each coaster you make.

    *****Print your photos 3" x 3" for this sized coaster.

    Pin it

    How to sew an easy reusable face mask with filter pocket

    Apr 21, 2020 · 13 Comments

    Today I'm showing you how to sew an easy reusable face mask with filter pocket.

    Over the last couple of weeks I have had an overwhelming amount of people ask me for a printed copy of  "how to put on your reusable face mask."

    Many of you are learning how to sew easy reusable face masks with filter pockets to donate or sewing them for loved ones. So it only seemed right that I make a printable instruction sheet that you can print off to include with your masks.

    Hopefully this will help clear up how to properly put them on to ensure proper fit.

    Video

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUrGc_-UWkE[/embedyt]

    Download FREE pdf to give with your masks

    How to put on your reusable face mask written instructions *** CLICK ON ME for your printable instruction sheet***

    Please feel free to print as many copies as you'd like to include with your masks.

    As a registered nurse, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who are making masks to donate to local hospitals, long term care facilities and anyone who is working on the frontline to combat this terrible pandemic.

    Without the gift of your time and resources to make these masks, our safety would be at far greater risk. You ARE appreciated-more than you'll ever know.

    how to sew an easy reusable face mask with filter pocket

    If you are interested in learning how to sew these masks, you can watch the full video for that right here.

    Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.

    You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.

    The Q&A video was created after this first video, to help answer some of the common questions I was receiving.

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_NmpdgWWA[/embedyt]

    Tutorial for how to sew these easy reusable face masks with filter pockets can be found here.

    Click the link to be taken to the post, video and instructions for this simple face mask.

    TAKE ME TO THE ORIGINAL POST AND VIDEO-CLICK HERE

    Full mask playlist here:

    [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLnoEoUIyTFp-a2-WJY_OSd-G-EbWuNRA6&v=zm_NmpdgWWA&layout=gallery[/embedyt]

    If you have any questions about how to sew an easy reusable face mask with filter pocket, please feel free to leave them below.

    I try and respond to questions and comments quickly. You can also email me for immediate assistance.

    [email protected] attn: Brie

    This pattern was created and designed by me for FREE. Please feel free to use this simple reusable mask design to sell your handmade masks or gift to hospitals and or family and friends.

    My only ask is that you DO NOT SELL the paper pattern template I made. If you are interested in do so, please contact me so we can discuss.

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    Hey there Homemaker!

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    Hi! I'm Brie- wife, mama, homemaker, and aspiring homesteader.

    Brie is sitting behind a beautiful black vintage Singer treadle sewing machine. She is wearing a black shirt, her hair is neatly put into a bun and is wearing a bright red Chanel lipstick and smiling at the camera

    We live in a log cabin nestled on the bank of a river in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

    I love finding ways to swap out everything store-bought for something homemade.

    Join me as I share delicious from-scratch recipes and fermented foods, sewing, quilting, and other simple DIYs for you and your home. Read more about me here.

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