Friday, September 13, 2013

Thanksgiving ideas

Sometimes we all get invited to a special dinner, like a Thanksgiving dinner, and the hostess tells us we don't need to bring any dish. But I believe it is always good to bring her at least a little homemade gift. So today I'm posting an idea for a gift +  gift tags + a crochet pattern for you.
Homemade Apple Sauce
My suggestion is that you make something the whole family will enjoy, like a delicious apple butter. Below you will find a recipe for a delicious apple butter.
Then you can make the lid cover (pattern below) and the gift tags. 
Tag 1
Tag 2
Tag 3
 Supplies used for the tags
Paper:  Maroon and vanilla (Tag 1), Olive green, brown and vanilla (Tag 2), Rusty orange, brown, vanilla and olive green (Tag 3)- (The Paper Studios)
Tools: 1/8" circle punch, eyelets, eyelet settler, Mini maple leaf puncher (Recollections), medium maple leaf puncher (The Paper Studio), wave border puncher (Fiskar), 1/8 inch double rectangle puncher, and yarn.
Stamp: "to, from"
Ink: Espresso
Embellishments: dark green 1/8" ribbon and acorn sticker (Tag 1), brown border and maple leaves (Tag 2), mini maple leaves, green paper strips and squirrel sticker (Tag 3)

Crochet Lid Cover Pattern
Abbreviations used:
mc= magic circle
ch= chain
sc= single crochet
st= stitch
dc= double crochet
sl st= slip stitch
sk st= skip stitch

Rnd 1:  sc 6 into mc
Rnd 2: sc twice into each st (12 sts), ch 1 and turn
Rnd 3: sc 1 in the first st, sc 2 in the next st, repeat around, ch 1 and turn
Rnd 4: sc 1 in each first two sts, sc 2 in the next st, repeat around, ch 1 and turn
Rnd 5: Working in back loops only - sc in each first three sts, sc 2 in the next st, repeat around. Ch 1 and turn
Rnd 6: sc in sc around, ch 1 and turn
Rnd 7: sc 1, ch1, sk st, sc 1, ch1, sk st - repeat around. This is where you will pass the chain or ribbon through. Ch 4 and turn - this will be your first dc
Rnd 8: ("skirt) dc 1, ch3, sl st into first ch, dc 2 in the same sc, *dc 2, ch 3, sl st into first ch, dc 2 in the next sc, repeat from * in each sc
Fasten off and weave in end.
Ch 65 in a different color from the lid cover, fasten off, leave a 'tail' and pass through the cover (rnd 7). Use the 'tail' to hold the gift tag.


CROCK POT APPLE BUTTER
6 lbs. mixed variety apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 3/4 cups apple cider

2  cups sugar

2 1/2  cups brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1  tablespoon cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Place all ingredients in the crock pot and mix well.  Cook on the high setting for 2 hours, stirring periodically. Turn the crock to low and cook 7-8 more hours.  Puree if you like a more smooth consistency.

I hope you have a wonderful fall, and celebrate Thanksgiving with your hearts full of gratitude for friends and family.
Thank you so much for stopping by. God bless you and yours.
Vanias Reed