While searching for Earth friendly fabrics....

I have found Soybean fabric. Bamboo Fabric. Organic cotton & wools Plus Hemp fabric.  The Bamboo & Hemp are reportedly Inexpensive to grow in comparison to cotton & wool so WHY are they so expensive to buy?

That brought a little research on my end to understand a bit more of their backgrounds and now I have just another reason to be angered by greedy self interest government officials. I would LOVE to grow Hemp and make my own ropes, fabric,etc but NOOO. Instead all these foreign countries are reaping the benefits of our U.S government deciphering the 2 and claiming there is no market, so why waste tax dollars on legalizing the growing of Hemp? What I can not find is WHEN did it become illegal and why? {be sure to visit the Facts section below, to decipher the difference of the 2}.

During World War II, domestic hemp production became crucial when the Japanese cut off Asian supplies to the U.S. American farmers who grew hemp were even exempt from military duty. A 1942 U.S. Department of Agriculture film called "Hemp For Victory" extolled the agricultural might of hemp and called for hundreds of thousands of acres to be planted for the war effort.

US Department of Agriculture poster published in 1942 for the Hemp Production Board. That poster was part of the successful "Hemp for Victory" program in the all-out effort to win World War II. Throughout the war thousands of Hemp for Victory posters hung in Grange halls, post offices, and USDA Extension offices all across the Midwest.

{You can learn all about it and the history of hemp in America from "The Energy Caper" while cheering on the spunky characters as they search for love and meaning while trying to free the nation from the clutches of Big Oil.} OR this site which I found extremely interesting on their sharing of the history of Hemp's use going back into at least the 1600's

Here is a link to a movie from the Government during WWII supporting Hemp and it's uses:http://www.votehemp.com/history.html

Surely no member of the vegetable kingdom has ever been more misunderstood than hemp. For too many years, emotion-not reason-has guided our policy toward this crop. And nowhere have emotions run hotter than in the debate over the distinction between industrial hemp and marijuana.

The history of federal drug laws clearly shows that at one time the U.S. government understood and accepted the distinction between hemp and marijuana.

Vote Hemp: Take Action

FACTS:The THC levels in Industrial Hemp are so low that no one could get high from smoking it. Moreover, hemp contains a relatively high percentage of another cannabinoid, CBD, that actually blocks the marijuana high. Hemp, it turns out, is not only not marijuana; it could be called "anti-marijuana".

Industrial Hemp is grown quite differently from marijuana. Moreover, it is harvested at a different time than marijuana. Finally, cross-pollination between hemp plants and marijuana plants would significantly reduce the potency of the marijuana plant.

It is the current refusal of the DEA and ONDCP to distinguish between an agricultural crop and a drug crop that is sending the wrong message to children.

The market for Industrial Hemp products is growing rapidly. But even if it were not, when has a crop ever been outlawed simply because government agencies thought it would be unprofitable to grow?

How nice would it be if only our Government would recognize how much of Hemp products are IMPORTED to our country due to the great demand of it's Earth {& potentially wallet} friendly uses.

Instead we continue to import from other countries due to the greed/neglect/misunderstanding of our Government. HEMP IS NOT A DRUG and IS NOT the same use as MARIJUANA!

Anger moment over...for now.

Interesting read about how almost everything is getting people arrested {including a 13 yr old boy for passing gas in class}

Sweeter Dreams,

~Tammie

Winter dreams of Wicker baskets & bikes...

This has been the most enjoyable winter in 13 years since my move from Florida. The snow has laid it's white blanket upon the ground and branches beginning in late November. The fat flakes falling and swirling with perfection from the view of my window. The beautiful stone front of the cottage with long icicles clinging to a gutter in one corner of the Bay window. A graceful Pine enhancing the picture perfect backdrop. Moments such as these which fill my mind and heart with great happiness. The feeling of "Home" has never been sweeter.

I am so in love with our Stone cottage. From the wood mantel 1940 Fireplace to the curves of the entry ways  between rooms. The very large Kitchen with double porcelain sink beneath the wide window overlooking the back yard. The large stone front & round top door out front puts the cherry on my delight. I do not have a single dislike. There are little things that need done such as insulating/sealing the alcove closets and the addition of expansion foam behind exterior wall plug sockets, but I gladly take these little things which come with the charm of having our cottage on 3 acres.

 There seems to be something missing. Of course the front yard picket fence is in plans but does not seem to be in the near future. No... something else. Something I could not put my finger on until now.

As I sat cuddling with my lovely Frog, drifting off into a Spring dream. I pictured the picket fence finally in place around the garden. Green tips pushing from beneath the soil. I, in my long skirt and peasant blouse with the embroidered Apron I am working on, tied around my waist. Then the thought of wicker baskets floated in and then... a light blue Schwinn similar to what some would call "an old ladies bike". Complete with front Wicker basket where Ming the Peke would ride as we roamed the country roads surrounding our cottage.

I opened my eyes and smiled. That is what I am missing. A Bike! Fit for my unusual Farm Chick taste.

Quickly I grabbed the laptop to search online at how much Beach Cruisers are running these day's and if I could even find a basket fitting for my little white dog. Maybe even double baskets for the wheel back area so I can ride with our family to the park for a sunny day picnic.

Don't laugh! O.k. I know it may seem funny but I have secretly desired these since my first ride on one at the age of 12. Friends will laugh. My kids as they get older may be embarrassed. But I will be happy with my Old lady bike and the rides on our country roads with Ming the Peke riding shotgun.

So brought it up to The Captain. "Honey, I need a bike. But not just any bike. I want an Old lady style beach cruiser with high handles and  wicker baskets on front & back. The front one has to be fitting for Ming to ride in and the back for picnic supplies."  I could see the grin start and he replied so serious sounding " I assume you would like a little silver bell to go with this ensemble?". "yes. yes I would. "clink clink".

 I can sell my old bike and use the money towards the new one."

I was surprised he did not say Maybe or No. He laughed a little but totally agreed. The bike I have now is from when Panda was born. A mighty nice bike but a man's with handle bars that make me hunch. Leaving me with no desire to go for bike rides that end in an aching back.

So now a cotton candy pink or pale blue "old lady bike" complete with at least a front wicker basket is on the list for purchase before summer.

Yay me!

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

Happy Holidays & C'est la vie

The morning was filled with squeals of delight from our children. Things they have mentioned over the year that they would like were taken in mind and for most part delivered{minus what we deem ridiculous outside influenced requests like a cell phone, DSI XL, etc-you get the picture}. More mind engaging stimulating gifts are the style we go for and stray away from hand held device's or other mindless item gifts. {Panda went nuts over the professional Acrylic set up & Lil Man loved his Fushigi Ball optical illusion gift.He bores far easier then the girls where I see this item engaging him for hours as he tries to master the illusion of the ball levitating/rolling. Frog is still into dolls such as The American Girl's, so her favorite so far is the doll stroller & outfits which have not left her hands for hours}.

I awoke to an oven not working and began to stoke up a fire in the Fireplace while my wee ones tumbled one by one down the stairs...

 Yes, we have FIRE! After some guidance from our poor gimped up Chimney sweep, we are able to keep a fire going until Spring. When he will finally be out of the cast and safely able to get up on the roof top.

I received 2 Cast Iron Bread pans and 2 Cast Iron Pie pans, much to my delight.

  I spotted the Cast Iron Bread pans on CSN and they were sold out until recently. The Captain must have listened when I mentioned I wish I could find those pans somewhere else in case they no longer carry the item. He found them & the Pie pans. They have such cute handles and even sweeter, The Captain had one engraved with UUF {for Unusually Unusual Farmchick}. 

With no Oven working,preventing the bread baking I planned, our Straight from the farm baskets look so empty. But none the less, all items are truly straight from our Stone cottage farm land and kitchen. Here is a peek at the label I made from a sketch found online {a Black berry queen perfect for the blackberry Montrachet wine} and the Jar lid covers I discovered in a book. I need to rethink how to do my baskets with the baking items missing, so nothing is packaged up as of yet.

While searching online, I did find an article by Canadian Living about the project which inspired my embroidered Jar covers.I picked the book up as I stood waiting 1 hour to have 1 bolt of fabric cut. It truly passed the time quickly with dreamy French General sewing projects. Instead of sewing eyelets around the circle of fabric, I used purchase crochet trim to adorn the edges. A thin ribbon "sewn" just above the trimming for tying the cover onto the jar.

I did freehand embroidery, so the patterns you can use over here* http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/other_crafts/embroidery_project_pretty_jam_covers.php

will be different then my Blackberries, Pear & little red bird chick. They have a strawberry,an orange section,a bumblebee & either an apple or peach.

I have been spending my evenings sitting by the fire. Embroidering these little toppers and finding great joy in it. My hands are too shaky for drawing these days but with embroidery I found my colored floss thread will produces images I imagine. Just not as quick as it would be with drawing them.

I hope this Holiday season brings each and every one of you Great happiness, joy and health. With the New year of 2011 fast approaching, let us all take the time to make a better future for our families and selves. Start a new weekly tradition of family game night or story telling. Make a point to enjoy each others company and appreciate the little things. Homesteading is not just about the gardens and animals. It's about our families. Do not let the drive of Homesteading take away from why & who you do it for.

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie 

Sneek Peak at the Vintage 40's/50's hats & gloves

I received these just yesterday and am researching their preparation/cleaning and preserving for the upcoming Etsy shop. I am in love with the larger brim Black one that needs cleaned of some dust. Being they are not on a person, their appeal is not as justifiable in the pictures. These will all be prepared before listing and tidied up. I am contacting Our local University { Kent State Fashion department } for their help in many of the pieces. Their Professors will be a huge help in maintaining the integrity of the piece as well as it's rarity/ proper era.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unusualfarmchick/sets/72157625651721024/

I also have about 25 purses from the 50's/early 60's. One piece blows my mind in it's excellent condition and unique beauty.

I will begin the shop with the hats & gloves in preparation of the Spring season as well as the Vintage 50's & 60's coats. There will be a select few of the peignoir sets and evening dresses for the initial opening.

I am not selling these for high dollars. I have searched the net and see a wide gap of price ranges. If your a bigger name seller, it seems items sell very high in dollars and more low key sellers are rather roller coaster in their prices. I see the worth in many of the pieces but refuse to take advantage. I want prices agreeable & affordable to all.

My awake hours are spent on every individual piece that requires hand cleaning.

 Who knew it would be so much work?

I am hoping to see the seed catalogs arriving in the mail box soon. I am already dreaming of the garden. Desiring the more French Kitchen style & array. Seeing Kale on the blog of Sharon Lovejoy was a pure tease. Not that it was from her garden, she picked it up from the Market. But the memory of the unsuccesful cold frame I had growing great until the Nosey rabbits invaded the area. Not leaving a single piece, root or trace from the kale and winter density Romain I planted. I'm itching to get back out in the gardens!

We are rabbit free now and will hold off on getting more for a while. The Chicks will be ordered for delivery the last of January. Black Sex links and.... oh great. I already have forgotten. My mind has been so boggled for months now. Trying to keep things orderly which only cause extreme forgetfulness.

That's life for ya.

I have a knitting machine to set up for the kids. Received as their Solstice gift and non stop begging to get it set up.

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie

Wardrobe change contemplation

Seeing such flattering lines from the vintage clothing, I am contemplating some new additions to my daily wear. One designer in particular has held me for years now. From first glance at her wrap dress with pantaloons peeking beneath the hem. The simplicity and flattering lines along with not exposing too much {not an issue to me but I am a romantic at heart}. So when asked "what would you like for gifts this year?, I responded "some Malphi Clothing!!

 The first Malphi design I discovered those years ago, would be the Verity dress and Bloomers:

I have such a love affair with old granny boots and leather knee high {low heel} boots. Another staple I now can indulge in since moving to the north. They go perfectly with her designs.

Another piece from her line I am desiring, would be this beautiful yet simple Edwardian influence Flounce skirt: 

Her line is so dreamy. So flattering and excuse my lack of a better word, but... sexy. I wish I could find patterns for these pieces,at least as close as possible to their look. I would be whipping up that new wardrobe like an elf in it's workshop.

The Captain and I have been discussing many things and one of them is my desire for more country living participation from the family. I hope this summer will be the changing point and I for once will be able to enjoy more fruits of OUR labor then past years. It can be so disheartening when you are the major worker of 5 humans consumption.

I would like to revert more into our life. Wear the clothing I like despite what others think. I want to fulfill the picture I have held in my head for decades. Wearing clothes like the above. Picking herbs and flowers from the gardens and tending the food growing. Throwing scratch to hens that are let to free range as I weed or trim the plants. Milking the goats or cow with my head resting on her side as I hum contently. THAT has been the drive behind my homesteading. It is not religion or government or frugal ways. It is being closer to Mother Earth. Enjoying life as she has intended. Not living in a neighborhood with others so close gossip flies from porches. I would be content with occasional visits from neighbors and family. Not see a soul of anyone outside our family for a week or two at a time.

Until the dream is reached, I will be content with what I can reap now. Beginning with those clothes!

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie

blog appearance changes...

Please excuse the mess. We are in the process of redecorating the site for the New Year.
Thank you and as always..
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

I'm becoming a Vintage junkie...

I mentioned before how I came into the generosity of a friend who has been sharing some vintage clothing with me. All from the estate of a sweet Little lady nicknamed, since her early teens, "Tootsie". There is a great amount of late 50's all the way into the late 70's clothing which I have been cleaning in preparation for sale on a new Etsy site. Men's as well as women's.

As I picked up a pastel wool plaid skirt, I heard a slight jingle. Checking the pockets I found a dime & a penny in one side. Checking the other pocket I found 2 vintage heart charms from the Sarah Coventry line and this hand hammered tea kettle made from a penny. Since I am lacking better lighting, I am including the pictures from a local ebay seller who has listed the same kettle with 8 of the many diverse Penny charms from the WWll era. A victory bracelet, perhaps?

Looking at the bottom of the charms, you can see these were made from pennies:

The kettle I found is missing the copper wire handle but otherwise is in mint condition. I am contemplating it's repair. I have a trusted family jeweler whom I will bring it in to for cleaning and inquire if they can make/attach the handle for hanging on a charm bracelet or necklace.

It is such a beautiful piece! When showing to the captain I said "look what I found in the pocket of a skirt." to which he replied "a monopoly piece?". laughing I said "No silly. It's a tea kettle made from a penny!"

I am so struck by this little charm and found myself drifting off. Wondering if it was from a bracelet of Tootsie or a family members bracelet.

Researching online I found there are many diverse pieces that collectors enjoy. On one site, they show 17 pieces! I wish I could find more history on this rare find. I have so many questions. Was this a fad or was it from being resourceful during a time of materials being scarce? Are these from a young girls bracelet, collected as children now do cards? Bought from the dime store and traded amongst friends? Who made them and how?

I hope I can find more history on these as I wish to include accurate information to go with it's selling.

I have so many great clothing pieces and 50's lingerie peignoir sets all my time has been spent on. Hand washing of this amount has made my hands rather soft. Who knew woolite could that?

Today I start on the Mother daughter matching pink {large plaid} drape capes which have gold buttons and tags that say "specially handmade by" : Nancy on the larger / Mother on the child size.

Maybe I will actually begin some listings soon, but the weather prevents comfortable picture taking of the pieces. Perhaps this weekend will be better.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Your never too old...

Your never too old to play dress up! I rarely get away from mom mode and more rare to have a night spent with friends. Been receiving some fantastic Vintage/ retro clothes, shoes & accesories. Which will be Ebay items going up by the new year. So far we are in the 70's items and will have some all the way back into the 50's to add. Money earned from these sales will be added to my savings fund for that Nikon D90.

But before I clean them up for sale, I brought a few pieces out with me to White Willow & Dirk the Dude's place, for some snowed in fun.

Most adults play cards. Dominoes. Watch movies. Us? We connect to that inner girl Slumber party silliness.

Some Faux fur that had us striking poses like crazy.

From 70's Men pants that had us laughing so hard with that first glance of each other.

to the slinky Martini holding Holiday party, 70's ladies look.

By the way, trying to man up my look was hard. Mascara was secretly applied to give me facial hair & had White willow choking with laughter when she come down the stairs. I tried to hold my head and neck at an angle to hide feminine features and come out looking eerily like one of my brothers.

It is so refreshing to go away for a night. I believe everyone should have a scheduled quarterly trip away from home to spend with those friends you cherish and love ever so much. Those ones who giggle with you. Cry with you. And have husbands who will indulge with your silliness just because he knows how much fun you have with it.

The Fedora was a favorite and fit us perfectly.

So here's to those friends who never let the years age your fun and even more...let you take pictures that will hold those nights in lasting memories.

{ To look back upon fondly in your older years for those moments a good laugh is needed}.

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

Our newest Toy & Video supporter.

I am in love. Not the puppy love kind that fades with time. Oh no. This one is as fresh as it was with the first touch of it's cold red metal.

As you may have noticed, we have a new supporter of my Homesteading Adventure videos. One I have been seeking since the beginning of the video idea. A product that every homesteader should have and exceeds all others in it's class. I put a lot of time into researching and trying to find an essential Homesteading product to meet demands of what many seek. I have experienced rudeness, hang ups, poor (and I mean mind blowing poor!) customer service. Shameful business practice plus many companies that may tout a decent product but fail in almost all aspects of being a business about the consumer. That is unacceptable. Why would I endorse any company that would behave in any of these manners towards me? If I am treated this way, how will they treat all of you? Then....I found her. THE one. Surpassing all others in every aspect.

My first contact was while attending the Mother Earth news fair. Quickly,I found I was not alone being smitten for this new toy. I just can not hold it in any longer. My intention was to introduce the GrainGrinder in the Spring with our Growing grain on a small scale videos.

I found one that is owned & operated by a family in Montana. When I say Operated, I mean EVERY aspect of the company has the family hand print. From the engineering blueprints Randy made when his wife requested a grain grinder, the tool/work shop, the superior customer service, all the way to the office. Bonnie, Randy and their children, are the Down to Earth people behind this entire operation. Meeting Bonnie, truly an amazing & humble woman, at the Fair was a blessing. Their Grain grinder was everything I have searched for. Everything I have heard so many say they wanted in a grinder.A comment she said during our conversation has stuck with me. " We believe every family should have access to healthy grains". Not only have they produced an outstanding product, they have made it so every family can succeed in doing so. The jaw dropping bonus... THEY HAVE LAYAWAY!

First some facts. This is the ONLY grain grinder I have found to be 100% American made. Every single piece of it. Cleaning is so easy, Frog needed no help after grinding the flour.Very little effort is needed when hand cranking the wheat berries into a fine flour. Outputting averages 1 cup of flour PER minute! So easy that Frog is happy to take a turn, when she can wrestle it away from Lil Man..


Using the exclusive GrainBreaker auger, you can grind oily media such as coffee & flax seed.,It will grind peanuts or Sunflower seed into Sun butter/peanut butter. The options and the very little energy effort needed, impress the heck out me (and the crowds of people surrounding their small booth at the fair.). A lifetime warranty on an AMERICAN product, FAMILY owned & made Grinder. It is Formed, NOT cast, steel. The list could go on & on so it's best you just hop over to their grain mill grinder website and see for yourself why my love for GrainGrinder will be ever lasting.


Not to mention, with your Modest priced purchase of a GrainMaker grinder, a 5 pound bag of Prairie Gold White Spring wheat berries will be found inside the box. Thanks to the partnership of Wheat Montana. The price is an excellent deal and if 4 people or more chip in on the layaway payments, Mom would have a kickbutt gift that I bet returns many delicious breads and maybe even some Sunflower seed butter to go on it. (better then Peanut butter, hands down in this family).
What a difference it makes by grinding your own wheat into flour. We made the above loaves and all around statements of "mom this is better then the other bread you make" were unanimous.
Soft wheat sandwich bread that far outweighed any store bought loaves.

Stay tuned for another visit into our kitchen Homesteading adventures video, later this week. I will share the recipe and experience of our new Toy. Now go on. Get over to their website Grainmaker.com to see for yourself.
Our first snow of the season is here and while children are sledding and hot cocoa is waiting, I have a few more loaves to make for friends. Happy grinding!
Sweet Dreams,
~Tammie

More homemade gift ideas

When having young children or teens, it can be hard to come up with homemade gift ideas that are not..well. Blah. Better to use your time and money on something that will not end up in the closet unused or the goodwill bin. Do not give something just for the sake of giving. Put feeling behind it and be sure to cater each gift to the individual. THAT is how you make it special.

Encourage the lesson of what the Holidays SHOULD be all about. It can be hard with the push of media to buy. buy. buy. It seems so many children (and adults) are in a mind frame of materialistic give me's. By instituting the love of giving in a child as young as possible. Showing them the worth of personalizing gifts instead of the mainstream expected to give or receive outlook. It's not about the latest and greatest. It's not all about it's monetary worth. It's about loving your friends and family. Appreciation and togetherness.
How about making a few bookmarks or bracelets with beads, fabric and/or leather to go with a book gift or book store gift card. Add something more personalized to a gift that would other wise seem as though you have just placed money in a card with very little thought.
Make a few the velvet flowers. Then hand sew beads in groups of 3 to 4 beads a strip around the center where I put a folded over ribbon (long enough for an average book size marker to hang out) on one end. The beads are a clear shiny color which made perfect for dew drops. The Bee is actually a button I found in of course, the Button section of my local sewing store. A pack of 3 for $1.99 and that was during their buy one get one sale so it was more like $1 for that card. Use imagination. Browse the net for more ideas to spark your flower creations.


I found a fantastic tutorial for the flowers and decided " Why redo what is already perfect?".:http://ribbonflowers.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-make-5-petal-ribbon-flower.html
She gives a very nice illustrated and explicit tutorial on making the 5 point ribbon flowers. BUT I will add that you can make them with fabric like I have. I could not find velvet ribbon in a color I wanted so I used the velvet fabric instead, cut to the dimensions she shares.You will find she lists 2 ways to do them. Go past her first bit to midway down for the sewing how to.

Now for the leather bracelet my Lil Man made for Panda. I cut a suede leather strip long enough to fit around his wrist plus added 4to 5 inches to the length for tying. Be sure to use a wrist of comparable size to your recipient when measuring out your strip. The width will be up to you. Make a "cuff" style with 3 inches wide or make a bracelet style with 1 inch or smaller for the width, being sure it is sized right for any charm you add.

A simple Star charm found in the jewelry making section for the middle. Silver beads sewn on with thread as close in color to the suede as possible was used. These may appear simple or easy for some but for a 7 year old boy just learning to sew, this was a big deal.

The pride they receive from making such trendy and skilled gifts will make it all worth any frustrating "hovering" you may need to do. Like re threading a needle for the above bracelet 4 times. Push said needle back through the hole in the suede 7 times because thread is wrapped around the side and control all feelings of taking over and just do it yourself every minute of the half hour it took for him to make his idea a fruitful reality.

~Sweet dreams,

Tammie