Winter 2014 Issue of Modern Handmade Child

Winter 2014

handmade gif ts for every budget

88 ideas for enjoying the days before Christmas

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contents

winter 2014

WELCOME 7 ... letter from the editor

14

WEAR - fashion trends 8... handmade momma 9 .... pretty plaids 10.... layer up!

14.... adorable accessories

44 42

MEET - interviews 17.... chrissy - dainty cheeks 68.... kristen - dress a girl SHOP - buy handmade 25.... holiday gift guide DECORATE - home dĂŠcor 36.... welcoming your little one home 42.... cozy cabin cheer CREATE - crafty tutorials 44.... jingle bell sticks 59.... loopy felt christmas tree decoration SHARE - by moms for moms 46.... holiday traditions 50.... traditions old and new 64.... experiences advent calendar

58

TASTE - cooking fun 54.... festive fruit salad 55.... gluten free slow cooker meatballs 58.... fun french toast CARE - growing up green 77.... wool felt dryer balls

Editors Shannon Hanley and Taci Zahl

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Layout and Design Shannon Hanley/The Clever Kitty Advertising Coordinator Michelle Vackar Treasurer Ahmelie Skistad Contributors WEAR..........Taci Zahl CREATE........Shannon Hanley TASTE.........Bonnie Thomas Drea Carbone Shannon Hanley DECORATE...Ashley Murcia Taci Zahl MEET...........Taci Zahl SHOP...........Shannon Hanley CARE...........Michelle Vackar SHARE.........Michelle Vackar CopyrightŠ modern handmade child 2014.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in parts without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Knitted Baby Poncho by Zarina, Aunt Zarina’s Shop, based on a design by DROPS DESIGN. Photography by Sarah Nelson Photography by Sarah Jean

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letter from the editor

We’re Back! After an unplanned two-year break, the MHC team has reconvened to bring you an all new Winter 2014 issue, jampacked with handmade goodness for the upcoming winter and holiday season. From tips on how to bundle your kiddos up in style to ideas on how to create meaningful family traditions to inspiring interviews, we’ve got it all! Looking to shop for the best handmade gifts? We’ve got you covered with our Holiday Gift Guide. Want to get crafty? Try making Jingle Bell Sticks with your kids, or a loopy felt Christmas Tree. Need some ideas for creating a unique advent calendar?

We’ve come up with a list of 88 ideas for experiences to replace the traditional trinkets and treats.

We hope that this issue of MHC will provide you with a wealth of inspiration and ideas to make this holiday season a wonderfully creative and meaningful one!

winter 2014 Before I sign off, I would like to take a moment to personally thank each member of our team: Taci, for her unwavering support and encouragement; Michelle for her steadfast commitment to getting us up an running again; Ahmelie, for taking on the social media and financial concerns―two things she has a far better grasp on than I; Ashley, for joining us with great enthusiasm; and Bonnie and Drea, for their willingness to jump right back in despite having a million other things going on. Thanks, ladies!! This issue would not have been possible if it weren't for each and every one of you. And finally, I want to express my gratitude to you, our readers, who make all of our efforts worth the effort. Happy Holidays!

Shannon Hanley We love to hear from you!

Send your comments and letters to editor@mhcmag.com.

Shannon Hanley lives on the coast of southern Maine with her husband and two daughters. A dreamer and a maker, she’s always coming up with new ideas and is not afraid to do the unexpected, like the time she painted her van with chalkboard paint. She is currently taking a break from her two Etsy shops, but occasionally updates her blog at fromhousetohomemaine.blogspot.com.

Winter 2012 · MHC · 15

by Taci Zahl of Pish&Posh Style Guild

Sweet, soft pastels and creamy whites with flecks of gold are a gorgeous look for Winter. Balance the soft

tones with a darker shade or pair it

with blacks, cocoa or charcoal. This look

illustrates

how

basics

from

mainstream shops are made oh-somuch-better

with

accessories!

handmade

Mom

cozy and unique.

looks

top to bottom: crochet slouch hat by tender moments crochet, ruffled jersey infinity scarf by janny’s girl, no sweatin’ it sharkbite top from athleta, knit leggings from forever 21, lace boot cuffs by r lee couture, moose embroidered felt boots by my felt boots 8 · MHC · Winter 2014

by Taci Zahl of Pish&Posh Style Guild

Plaids came to the US from Europe in the 19th century.

Just looking at them makes us warmer not to mention wearing them in the colder temps. Here are some fresh takes on a very classic cloth that still keeps us toasty today!

this page: red and grey plaid bowtie by lavender & lace, newsboy cap by whimsy lane boutique, upcycled rustic plaid dress by kateblossom previous page: plaid red flannel peasant dress by plain jane & company

by Taci Zahl of Pish&Posh Style Guild

The kids I know seem to prefer winter items with layers instead of thick, irritating, puffy clothing.

With that in mind, enjoy the following collection of cuteness sure to incite cooperation when it's time to head out the door! Boot socks and leg warmers are nice for over a pair of tights or leggings; a hoodie under a vest can be a better solution for little ones who don't like to wear coats. And a child + a cardigan is just always going to = 100% cute!

this page, clockwise from bottom le woodland hoodie by birdee’s closet hooded vest by big little, personaliz monogram puffer vest by the pink dachshund, gray polka dot cardiga colby ave, boys cotton hoodie by yellOkids, baby leggings by oma + j boot socks by merry’s merry handm previous page: girls tunic hoodie b yellOkids

eft: t, pixie zed

an by

jo, lace mades by

c

s

Handmade accessories are an adorable way to add the look of homespun love to any warm winter ensemble.

z

j

x

clockwise from top right: hooded cowl by crafting adventures, elf hat with braided tail by ira rott, cotton soft soled baby shoes by scooter booties, upcycled wool baby mitts by oma + jo, upcycled wool sweater mittens by damacar, toddler bow mittens by the homespun market

12 路 MHC 路 Winter 2012

c

by Taci Zahl of Pish&Posh Style Guild

j

s

j

Taci (rhymes with Bossy) Zahl lives in Minnesota and has 3 little minions at home.

An Etsy enthusiast and handmade crusader, you can find her at Pish&Posh Style Guild where she helps photography clients with what to wear for portraits. She has recently opened a Pish&Posh Style Guild Etsy shop to offer online styling and props.

z c

Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 15

Do you love Pinterest? We sure do! We’ve been having a great time pinning all kinds of handmade goodness and crafty fun to our boards. Come check follow us on them out and join us at pinterest.com/mhcmag!

16 · MHC · Winter 2014

interview by Taci Zahl of Pish&Posh Style Guild

With Grace and Gumption, Chrissy is giving old sweaters back their dignity as she up-cycles them into beautiful dresses and fancy stuffed friends. Read on to find out what she thinks about copycats and what her favorite holiday tradition from her childhood is, all while enjoying her darling photographs!

Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 17

Taci: Hi, Chrissy! We are so thrilled you've agreed to share your shop with us! Tell us all about yourself.

Chrissy: I’m a native New Yorker currently living in Ohio. I graduated from FIT with a degree in Fashion Design, and worked for a knitwear company in NYC before relocating here. I have a 5 year old who also just happens to be the inspiration behind Dainty Cheeks. I also have a slight obsession with sweaters and thrifting for vintage “gems”.

18 · MHC · Winter 2014

Taci: Tell us about the wonderful things we can find in your shop.

Chrissy: My Etsy shop consists of children’s dresses, accessories, and plush dolls. Most are one of a kind and made from recycled and vintage fabrics. Anything that isn’t upcycled is made with cotton―either natural undyed or printed. There is also some original screen printing (the newest venture). I adore the idea that beautiful, loved, stylish, unique and useful things can

be made out of overlooked fibers, fabric and materials. I mean sure, pretty fabric can make pretty things but what I’m so much more in love with is making pretty things out of materials that may not seem to have as much potential to just anyone at first glance.

Taci: I smile every time I read your tagline: Handmade kids stuff! personality. gumption. grace. Can you explain to us how it came about and how you chose it?

Chrissy: My tagline sort of evolved before Dainty Cheeks Boutique began.

I was at a point in my journey where a lot of change was happening in my world. Gumption meaning “with determination or guts, with boldness or spunk”. And Grace being my daughter.

Those were the two things I would need to actually do this. Gumption to make it all happen, and Grace was who it was for. (Both to be a role model, showing her what hard work and making a dream into real life would look like, and also to provide for her.)

Taci: How long have you been sewing, and how did you get started?

Chrissy: I took my first sewing class in high school and immediately knew it was something I wanted to

keep doing. The thing with sewing is that you can keep getting better. The more you do it, the better you get. Technique can be perfected and the process is amazing to me.

I learned the most in college, though, both in the classroom and pulling all nighters in the work room by trial and error.

“I adore the idea that beautiful, loved, stylish, unique and useful things can be made out of overlooked fibers, fabric and materials.”

Winter 2014 · MHC · 19

mascot. When I decided I wanted to make a stop motion about the evolution of the upcycled sweater dress, it sort of just made sense to have the fox tell it. I collaborated with my amazingly talented brother who I also refer to as my “digital ninja” and the rest is history.

Taci: Tell us about some of your favorite things.

Chrissy: My favorite thing in the world (besides my loved ones of course) is coffee. I credit it for many of my accomplishments!

Kitchen dancing (I think I do that more than cooking, er…well, I know I do.) Fort night with my daughter, painting, designing, Pinterest and Mexican food.

Taci: I encourage everyone to take a moment to check out the YouTube video that plays on your website―how totally unique and awesome. Can you discuss that inspiration?

Chrissy: At the time of the video, the fox plush had been one of the top sellers in the Etsy shop, so it sort of became my little 22 · MHC · Winter 2014

Taci: I don't remember many other sellers repurposing items like you have in your shop when I first discovered you in March of 2011 (I bought headscarves for my oldest that my youngest now wears!) Copy-cats are a big problem on a site as big as Etsy. Something tells me you have some great insight on how to handle that. Please share!

Chrissy: Growing up, my mom would always tell me that “Imitation is the highest form of flattery”. I really believe that. I think in a creative environment like Etsy it is bound to happen, however it’s hard to understand what accomplishment a maker would feel from copying. To me the greatest feeling ever is completing the first of any new product and reflecting on the process…from beginning sketches, to pattern, to construction. Diane Von Furstenberg said it best: “The success of every single woman is

the inspiration for another.” I have confidence in my designs and my techniques, and I think that people (customers and consumers) recognize quality and originality.

Chrissy: My favorite product in my shop is the “wonder-filled” Unicorn plush. I have made a ton, and each one is unique in its own way. I love the stories behind where they are going and who they are gifts for. My me the greatest feeling ever daughter named hers completing the first of any “Luna” and she goes everywhere with us.

“To is new product and reflecting on the process…from beginning sketches, to pattern, to construction.”

I think it’s important to focus on what you do best rather than focus on what others are doing.

Taci: What is your current favorite product in your shop?

Taci: What are some other items or shops you adore on Etsy?

Chrissy: I love The Little Illustrator. I have a few of her prints in my daughter’s bedroom. Also Stationary Bakery has beautiful stuff. There are so many Etsy shops that I just adore. It’s unbelievable just how many self-motivated, creative

Winter 2014 · MHC · 23

thinking makers there are. I am literally in awe of hundreds of fellow shop owners.

Taci: Can you share a holiday tradition that you enjoy with us?

Chrissy: Growing up we had a lot of traditions. One that I love, which seems so simple is that on Christmas day, we stay in our PJ’s all day. Since I can remember, that’s how it’s been. My parents and siblings now come over early (in their pj’s), and we rock them and hang out all day. Laughter, reminiscing, and pj’s.

24 · MHC · Winter 2014

Exclusive discount for MHC readers!

Enter the coupon code“MHC10" for 10% off any purchase from Chrissy’s Etsy shop: Dainty Cheeks Coupon expires Dec 1, 2014

From stocking stuffers to luxury heirloom gifts, our Holiday Gift Guide features quality handmade gifts to match every budget. Turn the page to start shopping!

clockwise from top right: rainbow hand kites by beneath the rowan tree, itsy bitsy spider finger puppet set by cheryl smith, crayon holder by creative quilts and etc, miniature fairy princess doll by casey’s creative corner, custom name crayons by kages crayons, wizarding wands by nanum creek

clockwise from top right: rainbow sweater ball by as we grow, felt pig mask by ann’s craft house, personalized wooden car toy by keepsake toys, custom diner menu by cup of tea design, bean bag set by artdexi, personalized spaceship puzzle by tickled peach studio, felt turkey dinner play set by the homespun market

clockwise from top right: custom quiet book by it’s the small things, wood campfire play set made by bring your own imagination from a design by the bubble box, personalized bowling set by hill country woodcraft, birthday tutu by tutu doll, wiener dog stuffed animal by friends of socktopus

clockwise from bottom left: w crochet fruits and veggies set costume by posh little tutus, s the old button, hanging doorw gifts

wooden castle by funny farm toy barn, t by mini mom’s, garden fairy dress up safari zoo play on the go play scene by way puppet theater by little miss pea

clockwise from top right: woo maze by alaratess alexbres, w

oden shapes train by ozark rustic wood, playhouse tablecloth by striped coast, wooden marble pyramid tower wooden rocking motorcycle by the wooden horse, four seasons apple tree by little fruits

by Ashley Murcia of re-nest studio

A

little over a year ago, our second child was on his way. When my husband and I shared our news, the first question from many was, “How are you going to decorate the nursery?” (They know me so well!) And my response was pretty standard – it was going to depend on the gender. But, we did know going in what kind of feel we wanted – modern, comfortable and somewhere that would grow with the baby.

When it’s time to figure out the nursery, it’s important to think about your design and décor tastes, the style of your house, and to consider the nursery beyond the first year. Are you going to want to paint the room again when it’s time for big boy/ girl room transitions? Do you want a crib that converts to a toddler bed? How much storage will you need?

To kick it off, I turned to Etsy, which is a fabulous location to curate ideas. I simply typed in “navy, white and green nursery” to start the process. Tons of ideas for bedding, décor, accents, and artwork were all at my fingertips. This can be overwhelming, so I wanted to share my favorite tips and tricks for how to approach the art of decorating a nursery.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 37

Tip #2 Tip #1: Start with furniture. And, don’t forget to measure before you go to the store because it’s going to help to know what will and won’t fit. Next, I highly recommend checking out furniture options online before going to the store (because walking into a furniture store can be really overwhelming!) That will help guide you with the style and design you like most.

Follow up with bedding. There are lots of opinions out there – about what to have and what not to have in the crib – and every parent needs to choose what you feel comfortable with. But, I do believe that as far as setting a theme or color palette, the bedding really drives this. There are a multitude of options out there – from complete, matching sets to buying separate pieces and putting them together. For me, I turned to Etsy to help me plan and finalize the bedding for our son’s room.

r

Image and design courtesy of modified tot. Designs and gallery available to view at www.modifiedtot.com 38 · MHC · Winter 2014

Tip #3: Think about accent pieces – area rugs, ottomans, wall art, pillows, throw blankets.

Accent pieces are a great way to continue to build on a theme or pattern and color combination you have set with furniture and bedding. For example, we had a blend of navy and white patterns in his bedding – chevron, stripes, and chain link patterns – and we added a small area rug in a larger navy and white chevron to make the pattern stand out a bit more in the room.

Another great resource for pulling together tone and feel ideas for the nursery is polyvore.com!

A simple rocker with handmade ottoman and throw pillow can help pull together a nursery corner.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 39

It’s easy to personalize! Simple wood wall letters (from Pottery Barn Kids) unique and individualized look to your nu

Tip #4: Remember to personalize. I am a huge fan of adding personal elements in a nursery, whether it be something meaningful to your family such as a small figurine or stuffed animal, or adding elements that commemorate the day your child is born.

40 · MHC · Winter 2014

We added several personalized items including his name in wooden letters from Pottery Barn Kids, and making a custom canvas with his name, birth date, time of birth, weight and height. Family pictures are also a fabulous addition to a nursery!

Tip #5: Stay open to letting the nursery evolve as your little one grows. Our son is almost 1-1/2 years old, and I feel like we’re just now at a place where his room is set. Welcoming a baby is a big adjustment, so allowing yourself what I call “creative allowance” to bring your baby home, and be and live in the nursery, will enable more inspiration to come.

Most importantly, enjoy this time!

Bringing a new little one into your family is one of life’s great joys, and whether you love home décor or aren’t totally confident with it, remember babies need snuggles, love and attention – the nursery details can come in time. Enjoy!

and varying pieces of wall art can give a ursery.

Previous page: throw pillow from Modernality, ottoman based on this pattern from home ec flunkee.

This page: wall art by me, Ashley Murcia of re-nest studio.

Mama/wife/marketer by day/handmade obsessed at all times. When not making organic mac-ncheese, or obsessing over the latest Lego set, Ashley Murcia can be found in her home studio designing the latest personalized home décor or party décor for her Etsy store, re-nest studio. You can find more about Ashley's latest projects (or just about life) on her blog at alittlecreativeeveryday.blogspot.com, and more of her work on her Etsy store at www.reneststudio.com.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 41

Cozy fires, huddly and cuddly with your favorites.

Here are some of this season's best inspirations for a Cozy Cabin look for the Holidays.

opposite page: snowflake holiday banner by vivicreative, candy cane pillow by mrs. v’s prims, rustic woodland christmas stocking by classic by nature this page: burlap and plaid wreath by grapevine and burlap, get cozy printable art by paper canoe printables, holly and plaid christmas table runner by her white wicker chair, burlap and homespun plaid christmas tree skirt by painted canyon studio

by Shannon Hanley

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh, what fun it is to make a Jingle Bell Stick today!

Kids love making noise, and rhythm instruments are a great way for them to do so.

These Jingle Bells Sticks are a fun project you can make with your kids that will be enjoyed well past the holiday season.

Materials and Tools:       

1/2” dowel rod jingle bells pipe cleaners saw drill with 1/16” bit sandpaper scissors or wire cutters

optional:  paint  decorative tape  ribbons

Directions: 1. Cut the dowel rod into sections. We made ours about 8” long, but it doesn’t have to be precise.

2. Using a 1/16” drill bit, drill holes through one end of each section of dowel rod. You can either do them in a straight line so that the bells will be lined up on each side of the dowel, or you can turn the dowel rod after each hole so that the bells go all around it. We did four holes, but you could do more or less depending on how jingly you want them to be.

3. Sand the cut edges of the dowel rods and any rough spots.

4. Decorate your sticks, making sure to not cover the holes (optional). We left our sticks natural this time, but in the past we have decorated them with paint or decorative tape. You could also attach some ribbon streamers to the end to make them even more festive!

5. To attach the bells, take a pipe cleaner and thread one end through the loop on one of the bells. Pull through just enough to fold back up and twist around to secure the bell in place. Thread the other end of the pipe cleaner through one of the holes in the dowel rod, then cut the excess off, leaving about 1” remaining. Thread a second jingle bell on and twist the pipe cleaner to secure it in place. Repeat the process for the rest of the holes, then make some jingly fun noise!

Winter 2014 · MHC · 45

by Bonnie Thomas

T

raditions are important to families across the globe because they create connection and identity between the people who participate.

I grew up in a family that had simple Christmas traditions—we enjoyed Christmas cookies baked and delivered by the infamous Mrs. Townsend (well, she was infamous on the island where I grew up), we baked holiday treats of our own, we hung stockings for Santa to fill, and we opened gifts on Christmas morning. But when I became an adult and had a family of my own, it took us a while to establish our own traditions. In today’s fast paced world I had a typical “to-do” list like many parents during the holiday season, i.e. attending holiday parties, holiday decorating, attending my child’s school concerts and other holiday performances, preparing for gift exchanges with families and friends, baking for cookie swaps, volunteering, wrapping gifts, etc. etc…. I felt overwhelmed just thinking about it. Our family is rather introverted and quiet—we knew we wanted to cut back at the holidays because that is what worked best for us.

The question was, how do we create and/or maintain holiday traditions that fit into our family’s needs without adding to the “to-do” 46 · MHC · Winter 2014

list in a way that feels even more overwhelming? For us, it meant cutting back on the activities that felt more like obligations (the ones we felt exhausted thinking about) and retaining the activities that felt more like fun holiday traditions (the ones we looked forward to most and made us more connected as a family).

If your family does not have its own traditions, or if you are feeling like your family could use some new ideas for yearly holiday traditions, read on.

tradition: Reading a chapter book out loud at night is a relaxing way to connect with your children, a faster way to settle them down at bedtime, and soothing for you as well.

Low key traditions

3. Hang a pair of mittens on your child’s bed on Christmas Eve. Tell your child you will put a couple of small toys and snacks in the mittens for them to enjoy before it’s time to wake the parent/s. Why I love this tradition: Waking up at a reasonable hour on Christmas morning just got easier.

(for those of you who are already beyond busy): 1. Create a Pajama Day one weekend day in the month of December (i.e. the third Saturday of December).

On this day everyone at home stays in their pajamas and watches holiday movies. It’s a day when (if you so choose) the kids are allowed to eat premade and/or boxed healthy foods for meals and snacks so that the kids are more self-efficient. You can decide if this day is of rest—as in, you join in the fun and laziness of it all. Or, you go to your own space to get the wrapping or other holiday chore done in relative peace. Why I love this tradition: Either way YOU decide to celebrate it, you have a day where the pressure is off and you can either unwind and/or accomplish something.

2. Choose a chapter book to read to your children during the month of December that incorporates your beliefs, values, or sense of humor as a family. The book can be a catalyst for family discussion and an opportunity to connect with your children.

Many children enjoy being read to because it is comforting, soothing, and a nice way to wind down before bed. Why I love this

“Everything old is new again” traditions (simple but memorable traditions that are worth the time and effort) 1. Choose one traditional or family recipe to make each year, and stick to it. You can always make more recipes if time allows, but choosing one recipe is a way to create a time honored family tradition that can easily be followed. Why I love this tradition: It’s one recipe. I can do that. And kids thrive on continuity.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 47

2. Stick to the basic core rituals of the holiday. If you are Jewish, light your candles on the Menorah. If you celebrate Christmas, hang stockings or decorate a Christmas tree.

Whatever the bare bones of your holiday is, stick to these if nothing else. Why I love this: It’s easy to get caught up in all the holiday fanfare, but really, simplicity speaks volumes too.

3. Have a night after the holidays where the family celebrates Gratitude Night—make or buy a super special dessert. After dinner, and before the family has dessert together, all of the kids (and adults) finish writing or drawing their thank you cards for friends and family who took the time and money to make their holiday a special one. When all of the cards are completed (it can be one card per person that each family member writes in) and stamped, addressed and ready to be mailed, then everyone gets dessert. Why I love this tradition: Gratitude is such a gift―for those who feel it, those who receive it, and those who can express it. And I LOVE the idea of celebrating it as a family. This also makes writing thank you notes fun.

“And now for something new” traditions (unique ideas for starting new family traditions) 1. Karla Helbert, author of Finding your Own Way to Grieve: A Creative Activity Workbook 48 · MHC · Winter 2014

for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum, has a special stocking for her son Theo who passed away at 9 months old. During the month of December Karla asks her friends and family to do an act of kindness in Theo’s memory and to send her family an email or note about what they did. Karla tucks each of these into Theo’s stocking. On Christmas the family reads through the stories together. Why I love this tradition: What a beautiful way to include a loved one who has passed before us and commemorate their presence as part of the family at the holidays.

2. Celebrate the Winter Solstice by decorating a tree with homemade treats for the birds. The tree could be in your yard or a local park. Why I love this tradition: It gets the kids outdoors, it helps connect the kids to their natural environment, and it’s fun to watch the birds come and eat the treats!

3. Or celebrate the solstice with a Winter Solstice B r e a k f a s t — my friend Shannon Hanley tried this last year with her family and they loved it. They chose breakfast foods based on a wintery theme, i.e. “snow covered donuts” (powder sugar donuts) and fruit salad topped with slices of star fruit. Why I

decorate them in white and blue icing and sugars. You could also design new forms of gingerbread architecture—ditch the houses and make a famous landmark or a free form design. Children can express their creativity around the theme you choose. Why I love this tradition: Creative playtime and interactive activities with family are wonderful ways to connect and create long lasting memories.

5. Send a holiday stocking or gift box to someone who is not expecting it, such as a family member far away, a soldier overseas, a child in need, a homeless person, or an elderly neighbor. Whether you shop for the gifts, or make or bake the gifts, do so as a family. Why I love this tradition: Acts of kindness are a wonderful tradition to teach children—it builds character and compassion and children love to give!

love this tradition: It’s a fun and creative way to have a traditional meal together based on a theme.

What a fun way to start any day!

4. Make gingerbread creations, but make them as part of a new theme each year. Gingerbread dinosaurs, fairies, hedgehogs, or horses are all fair game. You can add elf or Santa hats to them if you want to make it feel more holiday-ish. Or Winter 2014 · MHC · 49

I

love tradition. I thrive off it, year round!

In my family we gather several times throughout the holiday season...we decorate cookies at Aunt Joan's, we make homemade tortellini at Uncle Dan's, and homemade sausages and ravioli at my grandparents' house. We have shopping excursions together, plan gifts for grandparents and parents together, and we sign up for shifts ringing Salvation Army bells together. I don't live near the bulk of my family, so I often miss out, but I have started a few traditions of my own in my new home, with my new friends and the kids in my life.

by Drea Carbone of Bunny Beads opening gifts after. The best part of that event was sharing my own traditions with others, and enjoying them in a new way.

If you're looking for a way to bring a little bit of your old home to your new one, here are a few ideas: 1. Cook! Like Bonnie mentioned, make that one dish. For me, it's ravioli. It just isn't Christmas without it. Bring your friends over

I'm not a parent, but I am a nanny; I've taken the kids I watch to help me pick out a Christmas tree, and then help decorate it with me. We'll put on a Christmas movie and have fun! We have also decorated cookies and cupcakes on other days leading up to Christmas, and made handmade gifts for their friends and family. It is a nice way to incorporate that fun childhood innocence into a holiday season that for me doesn't otherwise have many kids involved.

Last year I also started a new little Christmas tradition: I had friends join me for a feast. I made my family's from-scratch ravioli recipe and had sauce simmering for most of the day. Everyone brought a dish or a dessert, and we all enjoyed eating together and Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 51

to help, teach them how to use that funnylooking ravioli rolling pin, and show them how to properly peel a fresh tomato to make

52 路 MHC 路 Winter 2014

sauce...or, you know, make your own recipe.

It doesn't have to be ravs...but I strongly suggest it.

2. Hang the stockings! My parents came to visit me for New Year's one year, and I bought cheap Christmas stockings and stuffed them full of all the little things I would always get in my own stocking. Every year it's pretty much the same stuff, so it was fun and funny to watch my folks pull out toothbrushes, thank you notes, funny magnets and key chains, favorite candies, etc.

3. Decorate! I have a few decorations from childhood that I still hang on my tree, and I have a beautiful wooden plaque that my grandfather decorated with woodburning and paint. Hanging those is a little piece of home away from home.

4. Relax. I know I've just babbled on about how great it is to go home and be with my family...but it is also nice to be able to just sit back and enjoy a cozy winter day without having any obligations.

Drea Carbone is a nanny Make sure you leave in the Washington, DC area. She loves to create yourself some down time!

5. Enjoy. Make wrapping presents less of a chore by having a friend come over to help, and invite her to bring her gifts to wrap, too. Put on the Christmas tunes, try to keep the dog out of the way, and get through the task in a fun way.

Bonnie Thomas is an author, artist and a full time child and family counselor. She has written with anything and three books, and also everything, from fun writes an online blog for with foods to handmade Drea & Bonnie Yankee Magazine called jewelry, arts and crafts "The Crafty Yankee". Bonnie enjoys with her charges and more. She land art, haikus, hearing people's has two shops on Etsy: stories, finding heart shaped clouds, BunnyBeads, featuring her discovering ways to make her pug handmade jewelry, and tilt his head, watching her child BunnyBaubles. featuring her navigate the teen years, and going handmade hair accessories. on road trips to explore hidden Drea lives in Virginia with her places. dog, Jack.

Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 53

by Shannon Hanley

Choosing fruits in a red and green color scheme makes salad

season. fruit

this

for

a

the

Slices

add

festive

holiday

of

to

star the

presentation, giving it a cheerful holiday flair.

Ingredients:

Directions: 1. Wash and cut all fruit.

2. Mix together the strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and kiwi in a serving bowl.

3. Line the rim of the bowl with the slices of star fruit, serve, and enjoy!

Makes 6-8 servings.

54 · MHC · Winter 2014



1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered



1 pint raspberries



1 pound green grapes, halved



4 kiwis, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces



1 star fruit, sliced

by Shannon Hanley

I

t’s no secret that I love my slow cooker. It makes dinner a breeze on busy weeknights, and there’s nothing better on cold winter days than coming home to the delicious aroma of a warm meal all ready for you. In my house, spaghetti and meatballs is always a crowd-pleaser, and this gluten-free version

tastes just as good, if not better than, it’s wheat-based counterpart. A combination of beef and turkey makes for a great flavor and texture, and browning the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker helps them stay together and enhances the flavor.

Makes about 30 meatballs.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 55

Ingredients:            

1 lb. ground beef 1 lb. ground turkey 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp salt ½ c parmesan cheese ½ c gluten-free bread crumbs 1 jar pasta sauce (24 oz.)

1 can of tomato paste (6 oz.) gluten-free spaghetti

Directions: 1. Mix together the eggs, onion, garlic, spices, cheese, and bread crumbs. Add the beef and turkey and mix well―I find it easiest to just push my sleeves up and do it with my hands, but you can use whatever method works best for you.

2. Form the mixture into balls approximately the size of golf balls. Pile them on a plate in a pretty pyramid (optional).

3. Heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat―my personal preference is to use rendered bacon fat for this, as it seems to work best for keeping the delicate meatballs from sticking to my pan, and it also enhances the flavor, but you can use any oil you like.

56 · MHC · Winter 2014

When the oil is hot, place some meatballs in the pan to brown them, gently turning them at frequent intervals. They don’t need to be cooked through, just browned.

4. After you have browned the meatballs, place them in your slow cooker. Use your Tetris skills to stack them in two perfectly even layers―or not. It doesn’t really matter.

5. Mix the pasta sauce with the tomato paste, and pour over the meatballs, making sure to completely cover them. If you have a great slow cooker sauce recipe of your own, feel free to substitute that in here―I just haven’t tackled that one yet.

6. Cook on low 8-10 hours, or high 4-5 hours. Enjoy your day while your dinner finishes cooking itself.

7. Serve over your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and relish in the fact that this is one meal your entire family of picky eaters will happily eat!

Winter 2014 · MHC · 57

by Bonnie Thomas

This is a basic recipe for French Toast with an added twist—the French Toast is in fun shapes that can be embellished with edible decorations!

Directions: 1. Prior to making the recipe, use cookie cutters to cut out shapes in the bread. I used large gingerbread people cookie cutters.

2. In a flat bowl or pan whisk together your eggs, milk, cinnamon and extract. I prefer almond extract because it adds a unique holiday flavor. If you are not a fan of almond extract, or if someone in your family has nut allergies, then use vanilla extract.

Ingredients for 6 servings:        

12 bread slices 3 fresh eggs ½ tsp. almond extract OR 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. nutmeg ⅔ cup of milk or milk substitute spray oil Various edible decorations such as sliced fruits, small berries or dried fruit, coconut chips or shredded coconut, nuts, and mini chocolate chips

58 · MHC · Winter 2014

3. Heat a griddle or pan on medium low heat. Spray the pan or griddle with spray oil.

4. Dip a piece of your shaped bread into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides get covered.

5. Allow extra egg mixture to drip off of the bread—you want the bread moist but not drenched.

6. Cook the toast on both sides making sure not to under or over cook the toast.

7. Serve the toast alongside small plates and bowls filled with edible decorations so each person can embellish their breakfast.

F

by Shannon Hanley elt has long been one

of my favorite materials for

crafting.

It

is

versatile, inexpensive, and

easy to work with. This little

Loopy

Christmas

Tree is a fun and simple craft you can make with

felt and just a few other basic supplies. Make one

tree to add a touch of Christmas

cheer

to

a

small space, or make a

few in different sizes to group

together

for

happy Christmas display!

a

Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 59

Supplies:     

Directions: Covering the cone: You will want to cover your Styrofoam cone with green felt so that no white shows through.

1. Cut a square of green felt a little larger than your cone is tall. I cut my square about 12” for my 10” cone.

2. Apply glue along one edge of the square and glue this edge to the cone, making sure that it is centered straight down the cone.

3. Wrap the felt around the cone and trim the excess off, leaving about a 1/2” overlap. Glue the overlap down and trim the rest of felt to be flush with the bottom of the cone.

60 · MHC · Winter 2014

Styrofoam cone (mine was 10”) green felt green thread scissors hot glue gun

Making your felt loops: 1. Cut a long strip of felt 4” wide.

The length of the strip of loops you will need depends on how tall your cone is, and how much you overlap them when you are wrapping them around your cone. I started with a strip that was approximately 2 yards, and that ended up being just about perfect for my 10” cone. If you don’t have a piece of felt that long, you can also just do a few shorter strips and piece them together as you are wrapping around the cone.

2. Loosely fold your strip of felt in half lengthwise, and sew the long edges together. You want to keep your loops round, so don’t crease the felt―just line up the cut edges to sew them together. You will now have a long tube of felt.

3. To make this tube into a strip of loops, you are going to make cuts from the folded edge up to the line of stitching. I made my cuts about 1/2” apart, but you can make them a little wider or narrower to your liking. You will want to use sharp scissors that are able to easily cut through the two layers of felt for this. Continue making cuts down the length of the tube until it is all loops.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 61

Wrapping your cone with the loops: 1. Starting at one end of your strip of loops, apply glue along the stitched edge. I found it easiest to do this in small sections, only gluing about 6� at a time before attaching it to the cone. You will want to start at the bottom of your cone and work your way up to the top. The first row will be straight around the bottom of the cone.

2. Once you have your first round of loops attached, you will start wrapping at an upwards angle so that the loops gradually spiral up the cone. Continue gluing and wrapping until you reach the top.

3. To finish off the top, I folded the top edge of the felt to the inside along the line of stitching. Then I applied glue to the inside of the folded edge and wrapped it tightly around the top, pressing it together.

This step was a little finicky―you may have to fuss with it a bit until it looks good. If you have more loops than you need to finish off the top, simply trim them off.

4. Decorate your tree, if desired. You could add things like beads, small buttons, or other baubles to your tree, or you can keep it simple and just add a star to the top.

Display your tree wherever you like窶品t easily fits on an end table, the corner of your desk, or a night stand. Or make a few in different sizes and group them together along the mantle!

You could also try making them in different shades of green, or even in other less traditional colors. Be creative, and have a happy, happy Christmas!

You can

change the

look of your

tree by either smoothing the loops down, or

alternately, tipping it

upside down and fluffing

the loops up.

E

by Michelle Vackar of Hi Mamma

ver since our daughters were little, we’ve enjoyed having an advent calendar for the Christmas holidays. We have had a variety of themed calendars, with treats or activities behind each door, such as a different Christmas story to read each night, or treats, like peppermint candies or little chocolates to savor. We’ve also had calendars featuring holiday ornaments, a craft-a-day, and a Christmas Around the World study, but our favorite by far has been the “Experiences” advent calendar, where each day featured a special little trip to see Christmas lights, or go out for hot chocolate and so on. The challenge is continually thinking up new ideas that are fun, yet low cost, and different for variety from year-to-year.

So, this year, I decided to be proactive and think ahead of different ideas for this year’s advent calendar. I asked friends, family and editors here at MHC and we came up with a list of 88 ideas that we thought you might enjoy as well.

64 · MHC · Winter 2014

1. Act out your favorite Christmas story 2. Attend a Christmas concert 3. Bake and take cookies to a local senior/ nursing home for the residents to enjoy 4. Build a snowman 5. Buy books for a family in need 6. Check out library books or do some research on how other countries celebrate Christmas 7. Create a paper chain to hang on your tree or in your room 8. Cut out paper snowflakes and hang in the window 9. Decorate the Christmas tree 10. Decorate the house 11. Decorate your bedroom door for Christmas 12. Deliver toys to a children's hospital 13. Dip pretzel sticks into melted chocolate 14. Do a Christmas word search 15. Do some Christmas baking 16. Donate food to a local shelter 17. Donate toys to a toy drive 18. Eat breakfast for dinner 19. Eat dessert first 20. Enjoy a candy cane 21. Enjoy some eggnog 22. Get a Christmas tree 23. Go caroling with a group of friends 24. Go for a drive to see Christmas lights 25. Go ice skating 26. Go sledding 27. Go to a tree lighting ceremony 28. Hang Christmas stockings

29. Hang mistletoe 30. Have a Christmas scavenger hunt 31. Have a fondue night 32. Have a hot cocoa bar night 33. Have a picnic in front of the Christmas tree 34. Help your parents write/sign holiday cards 35. Invite friends over and have a cookie exchange 36. Invite friends over and have a handmade ornament exchange 37. Listen to Christmas music by candlelight 38. Make a card for a loved one and send it in the mail Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 65

49. Make a treat for the birds by placing peanut butter on pine cones and dipping them in bird seed 50. Make and take gifts to your teachers at school 51. Make and take gifts to your teachers in your extra curricular activities 52. Make Christmas cards 53. Make Christmas care packages for the military 54. Make Christmas cookies 55. Make Christmas ornaments 56. Make gift tags 57. Make handmade Christmas gifts 58. Make homemade ice cream 59. Make homemade marshmallows

39. Make a Christmas centerpiece for the dining room table 40. Make a Christmas centerpiece for the kitchen table 41. Make a Christmas dish from another country 42. Make a front door wreath 43. Make a gingerbread house 44. Make a holiday themed pancakes 45. Make a mason jar snow dome 46. Make a small stocking and drop it off at someone's door as a surprise 47. Make a special breakfast (see page 58 for a fun French toast recipe!)

48. Make a special holiday basket for a neighbor/friend, etc.

66 路 MHC 路 Winter 2014

60. Make hot apple cider 61. Make jingle bell sticks and sing Jingle Bells (see page 44 for a tutorial!)

62. Make paper garland 63. Make popcorn balls 64. Make salt dough ornaments 65. Make s'mores in your fireplace 66. Make thank you notes before they are needed 67. Make wrapping paper 68. Melt chocolate and form into Christmas molds 69. Play board games in front of the Christmas tree 70. Read a Christmas book 71. Recycle some toys to share with others 72. Sing Christmas songs 73. Stay in your PJs all day 74. String popcorn for decorations 75. Take a nature walk and enjoy all of the winter scenes 76. Take family Christmas card photographs 77. Take silly Christmas photographs 78. Walk around the neighborhood looking at holiday lights.

79. Watch a Christmas movie and enjoy a dessert that is is peppermint or gingerbread flavored 80. Watch the Nutcracker ballet on stage or on a DVD 81. Watch your favorite Christmas TV special 82. Wear Santa hats all day

83. Wrap and deliver Secret Santa Gifts 84. Wrap presents 85. Write 10 things that you are thankful for this year 86. Write a Christmas story together each person adds two lines each time.

87. Write a letter to Santa 88. Write and illustrate your own Christmas story

An Indiana native, Michelle Vackar has two daughters who are 10 and 7 years old.

Michelle loves to garden, cook, sew and craft with her daughters. Michelle and her husband are active in their daughters' school where the spearhead the local 4H Club.

Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 67

interview by Taci Zahl of Pish&Posh Style Guild

Most of us probably consider comfort, trends and climate when it comes to dressing our daughters. But, in many countries of the world, how a young girl is dressed comes with totally different considerations. Read on to find out how a charity that sews pillowcase dresses for little girls is keeping them safe and giving them hope. state, so staying busy is staying sane to us.

We attend a wonderful church, our boys play sports, we enjoy being outdoors, I love a good book―we really are just your typical family.

Taci: Hi Kristen, thanks for joining me! Can you tell us about yourself and the organization?

Kristen: Hi Taci, Thank you for your interest in the organization, and for doing a piece on it. I am a stay at home mom of two active boys: Noah (8), Isaiah (5), and wife to my loving husband (of almost 10 years) Jacek.

We live on the coast of South Carolina and most definitely enjoy the beach that comes with it. It was sort of a selling point. Our lives stay busy for the most part.

Anyway we can wrap ourselves into the community has been a big part of us the last couple of years. All of our family is out of

There are other members of the chapter that I have to tell you about: MICHAEL ANNE Michael Anne is a mom of two beautiful children 8 and 6, and a wife to her wonderful husband for 14 years. She has lived in Hilton Head and Bluffton, South Carolina for 28 years. The lowcountry is home, and she and her family enjoy taking advantage of the beautiful, fun things it has to offer.

HOLLY Holly is self-employed and currently resides in Okatie, South Carolina with her spouse Thomas and her son Dillon. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, crafting, sewing, gardening, going to the beach, and DIY projects!

AMY Amy grew up on a sheep farm in New Jersey, where her parents own and operate a folk art school, so she’s pretty much been making things her whole life. She loves to bake, make jam, sew, needle felt, and photograph her family. Amy has been married to the love of her life for almost 12 years, and they have 2 sons, Jesse(8) and Micah (4).

70 · MHC · Winter 2014

The organization, as a whole, is an international organization, and our group, The Lowcountry Chapter, is just a small part of it. Dress a Girl Around the World is a campaign under Hope 4 Women International (a 501(c)(3) organization) bringing dignity to women around the world since 2006. Hope 4 Women International is a nondenominational independent Christian organization. There are groups all across the country who get together and participate in this organization―it’s huge! Holly, Amy, Michael Anne and I began a local chapter, to host events for our area, earlier this year―Dress a Girl Around the World, The Lowcountry Chapter.

Taci: How did you first get involved?

Kristen: A few years ago, I met some wonderful moms through our local Cub Scout pack, and everything from there was history. We all had so much in common, sewing being the static hobby. What started as "craft nights" eventually formed into these amazing friendships. We had no idea it would bring us to something this large! It was Superbowl Sunday, the girls wanted to craft, and the men wanted to watch the game. Holly had us over to her house, and our project that night was a pillow case dress, the same style dress that is delivered to the girls. The idea was mentioned that maybe we can put our talents to use, and that was when Holly mentioned Dress A Girl.

We all met as a group again, the four of us,

and we researched the organization a little, found out about the organization’s “state ambassador”. South Carolina didn't have one, so we contacted a bunch of the organization’s people, and then we got started. Our level of skill ranged widely from beginner to advanced. Amy had been sewing since she was little, Holly as well―she had her own line of children's boutique clothing, Michael Anne and I had taught ourselves to sew in the last year or so. It’s been fun to grow as a group.

Taci: How many dresses has your chapter sent?

Kristen: Our little group has made 52 dresses. We are still small and hoping to grow soon!

“Making dresses is such a small act, but it can make a huge impact in the lives of little girls who may not feel very valuable in this world.”

Taci: Where do the dresses go?

Kristen: They have been sent all over the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 71

can make a big difference in someone’s life. To think of the children that we are able to help and clothe is a blessing to me. The wonderful friendships I have made while sewing is another reason. I enjoy the lives that are changed and blessed through Dress a Girl, mine being one of them.

Taci: I know you’re a busy mom of two adorable little boys―why do you personally feel it's important to volunteer with DAGATW?

Holly: Since I first learned of DAG in late 2009, I felt a strong connection with the organization and knew I had to be part of it.

I used my love of sewing, crafting, and God to be part of a rewarding and fulfilling organization. At the time, I was blessed to be able to stay home with my son while working from home making children's clothing that was sold in local boutiques.

“The missionaries

Kristen: I feel, as a Christian, a person, I am called to love everyone. Getting involved with this organization to make dresses for a child is a good way to use a skill I who deliver the dresses are have. Using a talent that can intertwine with delivering God's not just giving clothes, they're word is AMAZING. The missionaries giving hope to these children, who deliver the dresses are not just giving clothes, they're giving hope hope and love they might to these children, hope and love they not have felt before.” R e a d i n g might not have felt before. the stories of Michael-Anne: I love being able to volunteer these young girls having absolutely nothing for Dress a Girl because of my love for crafts, motivated me to start sewing dresses for the and I have enjoyed learning how to sew. I cause as well. Years later, after moving many enjoy the fact that something I have made states away from my home town, I met these 72 · MHC · Winter 2014

three amazing and like-minded women; our shared love of sewing, crafting, and God brought us together to form DAG Low Country.

seeing the smiles and joy it brings to others when they receive a handmade gift and hope to travel on a mission myself one day to deliver the dresses in person.

It is amazing to see the support, time, and donations we receive from all over the country. With each dress I create, I like to say a prayer for the little girl who will be wearing it, that it will bring her dignity and self esteem, that it will protect her, and that she will feel special and loved that a stranger took time to make this dress for her. I love

Amy: I love DAG because I get to use my crafty talents to help other people. Making dresses is such a small act, but it can make a huge impact in the lives of little girls who may not feel very valuable in this world. We get the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the recipients of these dresses, and let them know they are loved and cared about.

Winter 2012 路 MHC 路 47

Plus, the far-reaching implications astound me! I shared this project with a friend of mine, who in turn shared it with a missionary friend of hers. Now, the people in her village are teaching the women there to sew as a way to improve their economy, and reaching women who normally wouldn't come for a Bible study or church service. I love how God can take such a small act and multiply it for His kingdom!

everything these girls own. EVERYTHING, the most valuable possessions each child owns, fits into ONE or TWO t-shirt size pockets.

Ouch. These children may only get one dress in their lifetime, and the dresses the girls outgrow, are used as shirts.

Many children have iPads on this year’s Christmas list, and I am grateful to live in a country that can provide my children with luxuries, but “The dresses and labels it’s sobering to think Taci: Tell us about the about how thankful a tell a story: the girls are Dress a Girl labels. little girl can be for a cared for, they belong dress. It is a wakeup Kristen: The dresses are call to me, and I am so to someone.” tagged with Dress a Girl glad to give back what I can. labels to ward off predators. There is more information about this on our website.

Taci: What can our readers do if they feel The dresses and labels tell a story: the girls compelled to help? are cared for, they belong to someone. The dresses also have 1-2 pockets sewn onto the Kristen: Go online, look up your DAG state front. The pockets serve as a carry-all for ambassador, ask around town, find out if 74 · MHC · Winter 2014

anyone is participating with this organization. If you don't sew, there are more ways to help―cutting fabric, measuring, ironing, you name it. There are many ways to give. Everything is self-funded, so most anything is a huge help. We have received anonymous donations, Etsy and Ebay sellers have donated.

We all have received packages from family and friends full of supplies. Everything counts. If you aren't able to find a local chapter, start it yourself. Contact the organization and they'll help you get started!

Taci: Where can our readers find more information?

Kristen: www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com. Find the ambassador for your state, get plugged in, it’s EASY. Social media is a good way too, and a great tool to get more people involved.

Do you like to draw? We are starting a yearlong art journaling project at MHC. Each Monday, we will share five ideas/thought starters to do with your children at home. Art journaling is a great way for kids to express themselves, share what is on their mind and learn new art skills and techniques in a collective place.

The MHC art journaling is a time that we hope your family will enjoy drawing, sharing and continuing to make memories together.

Artwork can be collected in various forms, a few ideas include:  A bound journal  Handmade journals  Blank spiral notebook  8 ½ X 11 sheets of paper and placed in a 3 ring binder  Large index cards an hole punched and placed on a ring If you have other collective ideas of how to place your drawing, please comment on the Art Journaling post on our blog.

To kick off our first week…here is our first week’s list:  Sunshine  Birds  Draw something that you are thankful for.  Meet the _____ (place you last name)  Leaves Attempt to expand your children’s art mediums from, say, sketching with pencils, to water colors, acrylics, or chalk. One idea might be to create an impression of the same idea, for instance, sunshine, and use a different medium for it every day, and then compare it in the journal.

If you would like to share your family’s artwork, you can post on Instagram using #mhcartjournalproject 76 · MHC · Winter 2014

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by Michelle Vackar of Hi Mamma

W

hen it comes to laundry, I must admit our family is picky. For the past 12 years, we have had strong aversions to many of the laundry detergents that are on the market. We are firm believers in using eco-friendly and fragrance-free detergents, and no dryer sheets or fabric softeners, just due to the chemicals that are released.

Through trial and error, I discovered that the fragrances used in the detergents were at times triggering headaches, as well as migraines, for my daughters and I. The commercial fabric softeners and dryer sheets are filled with harmful chemicals and perfumes that coat your clothing, eventually ending up on your skin. These chemicals can be harsh on your skin, causing irritation and ultimately making you uncomfortable and itchy.

Winter 2014 路 MHC 路 77

Wool dryer balls have several different properties which make them a great alternative to dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener. Wool dryer balls:   

 



are eco-friendly and help to soften clothes naturally help eliminate chemicals from your laundry decrease drying time for your laundry, which helps in save money on your utility bills can be re-used for years won’t affect the absorbency of your towels, whereas commercial softeners will increase fluffiness of your towels and clothing

Wool dryer balls can easily be made in one evening and are well worth the investments in time and money. To get the best results, we recommended using 100% wool yarn. It is not recommended to use a mixed combination of yarn that includes some wool; you want 100% wool such as Patons Classic Wool Yarn. It comes in a variety of colors for you to choose from, though we have not used bright colors of yarn due to the color potentially bleeding onto the clothing.

We have used very neutral colors such as beige or a light gray and the light twill colors.

78 · MHC · Winter 2014

How do they work?

The felted wool balls bounce around in the dryer separating clothing, allowing hot air to move through all the garments. As they tumble, the wool balls fluff your laundry and help reduce wrinkles.

They do more than a dryer sheet by pulling moisture out of your clothes so you don’t have to run the dryer as long. The more dryer balls you have in a load, the shorter the drying time will be.

Forming the balls The first step is making the center of the ball, which makes the finished ball firmer in the end. Begin by winding yarn around your index and middle finger 10 times.

Next, take it off your fingers and let it close, then wrap the yarn around the center of the bundle 10 times. This will be the beginning of your ball. Continue wrapping the yarn around and forming a little ball until it is the size you want―wool felt balls typically estimate between 3 and 5 inches across. When you are finished wrapping, cut the yarn and tuck the end under using a crochet hook or a sewing needle. This will keep it from coming loose as it is being felted in the wash basin.

Preparing the wool balls Place your finished wool balls into a leg of an old pair of pantyhose or socks, one at a time. I like to use the cheap knee-highs. But if you have any pantyhose that have runs in them, this is a good way of recycling them and not throwing them away just yet.

After placing your first wool ball into the pantyhose, close off the opening by tying a piece of string or non-wool yarn around the hose with a secure knot.

Add your next ball and repeat. It will kind of look like a “caterpillar” in the end once you have tied the hoses/balls together. Do not skip this step! This will keep the balls separated during felting, and if you do not tie or place the balls in the pantyhose, there is a strong chance that they will fall apart in the laundry and not form into firm balls.

Felting the wool balls Toss the wool ball pantyhose caterpillar into your washer. I washed the first set of wool balls that I used by themselves in hot, soapy water, which allows the wool to felt quicker. You can use cold water but it will take a much longer time for them to be felted.

After this first time felting, I placed them in my next load of laundry. When my

laundry was done, I moved the wool balls (in the caterpillar) to the dryer and dried everything as normal.

When your dryer load is complete, you just start the routine over again and place your dryer balls into the washer. I kept the wool dryer balls in the pantyhose caterpillar for at least 6 cycles to help the balls keep their shape. Once they are fully felted and shaped, you can remove the pantyhose and begin using them loose in your dryer.

Winter 2014 · MHC · 79