From Farm to Fridge - Pickle Recipe

We've been busy picking lots of veggies at our local CSA.

And also been busy making pickles. My kids love to help and love eating all kinds of pickled veggies.

I'm sure there are lots of recipes out there....here's what you need to do it our way.

2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons of salt
about 3 cloves of sliced garlic (more or less to your taste)
fresh dill, chopped
fresh chives, chopped

various jars
your veggies to be pickled, chopped as you like.

We do cucumber spears and slices. We've also enjoyed pickling pea pods and carrots. I've added some pepper flakes and other herbs in the past. It's fun to play around with different combinations. I really want to try cooked beets with a little sugar and mint....stay tuned for that.


Add your salt to the water vinegar mixture and mix until the salt dissolves.



Add your herbs and garlic.

Put your veggies in jars and pour the brine/herb mix on top.

Refrigerate for at least 24 hours and enjoy.

Another Beach Robe and a Tip

I have to confess, I'm a little addicted to making these beach robes! I made another for a gift for a friend....

My daughter's robe has been through the wash a few times and I noticed the last time she put it on that the bias tape was coming loose in places. Most likely due to my less than stellar sewing skills. So, when I made this most recent one, I decided to use a wide zig zag stitch for the bias tape.

I think it will be a little more secure, and I think it looks really nice as well.

Especially on the tie, where I like to add some fabric, so a little extra bulk.

Give it a try. Tell me what you think!

When you're too busy to sew....might as well shop!

Every year it seems like summer comes and though I think I'm going to have more free time, I end up with less. We've been doing a lot of fun stuff, but I've definitely felt too busy to do much sewing.

One fun thing we do every year is make a trip up to Portsmouth NH to visit a good friend for the 4th of July. He thinks the only reason we come is so I can visit this place.....


I stumbled on Portsmouth Fabric Company a few years ago just wandering around downtown. It's on a side street with little else and was such a wonderful surprise.

So on our recent trip up, I stocked up on some beautiful designer fabric that I can only really get online.

Can't go wrong with Amy Butler polka-dots.

I think I was channeling fall on this particular trip.

Gotta love owls.

Something for the boy. The airplane fabric on the left was 70% off!


I was on the fence about this one, but it was also 70% off making it something like $2.50 a yard, so I just went with it.

Portsmouth Fabric only carries woven fabrics and these days, my passion has really been for knits. So, despite all my shopping, I wasn't 100% satisfied until I found these beautiful and unique knits.

Now I just need a little time to sit down and sew! At least my little assistant can enjoy my new fabric in the mean time.

Hope you're having a fun summer!