Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Wednesday - Sewing, Mending . . . and maybe a little more



Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,
The days pass quickly when I am sewing.
~Author Unknown

It's very satisfying to mend and repair your own clothes.  In my quest for simplicity, I have found that it is something that I can do to not only save money, but, it's something that everyone should know how to do.  I don't have a lot of mending to do, a missing button needs to be replaced, my husbands work jeans need to have a worn spot patched and the frayed pockets repaired, a pair of pants or a skirt needs hemming, nothing earth shattering; but it's something I can do without spending anything and the clothes will be good to go for another round!  I know so many people who have no idea how to mend their clothing, when it gets a hole in it, or a seam comes undone, or something needs patched, they just throw out the clothes or give them to goodwill.  It's such a shame, such a waste of money.  Learn how to mend, go to the library and get a book that shows you how, or better yet, purchase a book so that you can refer to it if you need to.

I think it's a good idea for every homemaker to have a sewing kit.  It doesn't have to be anything big, just a few items that can be put in a cute container or basket:
A variety of needles 
Various colors of thread - white, blue, tan, black, red
Scissors
A jar of miscellaneous buttons  - you can purchase them at any fabric store
Pins
Safety pins of various sizes
A cloth measuring tape
Seam ripper

I  keep a small sewing kit in my travel trailer and a very small sewing kit in my purse - believe me I have used both, they have come in very handy!  

I'm not a seamstress, although I am trying to learn more - in fact I bought some really pretty pink floral flannel today to make myself a nightgown, I can't wait to get started on it.  

I thought that I would make homemade chocolate pudding as a special treat for after supper tonight, my husband loves it!  It's easy to make and I usually have all of the ingredients in my cupboard.




 Homemade Chocolate Pudding (and pie filling)
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder (your favorite brand)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium size saucepan combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, flour and salt and blend it around with a fork. Add the milk and egg yolks to the pan.
Whisk in the ingredients then from now on with a spoon. The spoon will allow you to get into the corners as the pudding cooks.

Cook over medium heat and STIR CONSTANTLY until the mixture boils. Allow the mixture to boil (still over medium heat) and stir for a minute. (note: I found that this cooking process took about 12-15 minutes). Remove from heat and blend in the butter and vanilla. Spoon into bowls or glass dish, you will want to cover with plastic wrap so that it does not form a skin on top.  It is so pretty layered with whipping cream!  To use as pie filling, after it has cooled, put in a baked pie shell and serve with whipping cream.




Blessings and happy sewing,





3 comments:

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Happy March 20th morning to you, Dear Barb!!!!!!!!

I'm surely happy!!! :-))))

And I'm sure, you are also.

^_^

The Halls said...

You are such a great example. That is so great the you do things yourself. That pudding looks so yummy. Have a great day, love, Laura

Vickie said...

Evenin' Barb - Just wanted to stop by to meet you and thank you for your comment about my farmhouse on Rhonda's blog. I've been reading on yours and I love your desire to live a simple, frugal life. I'm heading that way myself. And your little old-timey pictures are so cute! I love the little black girl. She is precious! I'll be checking back with Barb!

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