Blending Threads in Cross Stitch
Blending threads in cross stitch, on first glance, seems like a bit of an over-the-top move. After all, DMC has 500-plus colors. Most other companies have nearly as many choices….
Cross Stitch on High Count Linen
There seems to be a skill-progression among cross stitchers that moves from aida to linen to high count linen. I’m here to share some tips and tricks for stitching beautifully…
Cross Stitch Fabric Storage
When you take up a hobby like cross stitching, it doesn’t take very long before you start accumulating supplies. And one of those supplies is fabric. There are so many…
Thread Polish
Why to use a thread conditioner – and where to find my recipe for a homemade version.
Making Fancy Thread Drops
Why “Fancy” thread drops? Why not? I mean, my entire DMC collection is on plain white drops, because that’s just faster and easier. But I’ve never been shy about being…
Wrapping Your Hoop
Wrapping your hoop makes your fabric more stable and your stitching smoother.
Making a Slow Living Commonplace Book
If you subscribe to my e-mail newsletter, you may have noticed that it’s entitled “A Brambleberry Commonplace Book.” Are you familiar with what a commonplace book is?A commonplace book is…
Strong Churches Part C
National Strategies for Revitalization And, again, the usual disclaimer – I have no credentials, no connections, and speak with no particular authority. And I realize that some of the suggestions…
The Strong Churches Playbook Part B
And, once more, a small disclaimer. These outlines came about because discussions on these topics often get a little heated, a little frustrating, and frequently end with “Well, how would…
The Strong Churches Playbook Part A
And a brief “disclaimer” of sorts: In recent years, many Christian Reformed congregations have faced decline—some closing their doors, others merging, and many struggling to retain younger generations. It’s a…
Scandinavian Spiced Milk Cake
Now that you’ve made your clabber, I thought I’d share a few recipes for things to make with it. Let’s start with Scandinavian Spiced Milk Cake. Milk cake, or mjölkkaka,…
Clabber – Make it and Bake it
Last week we talked about yeasts, and how to use them for leavening. Today, let’s talk about another culture – milk clabber. A staple of kitchens gone by, it’s still…